ABSTRACT
The human kidney performs a multitude of functions that includes: excretion of metabolic wastes; water and electrolyte balances and body fluid osmomolality; arterial pressure regulation; acid– base balance; hormonal secretion and balance; and gluconeogenesis. Along with effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), a parameter used to quantify the kidney's performance is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Two types of renal failures occur in humans: acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The three main reasons for acute kidney injury (AKI) are: prerenal, postrenal and renal. The precursor to toxin buildup in the human body is kidney malfunction, and this clinical syndrome is referred to as uremia resembling systemic poisoning. The challenge in kidney failure and its related treatment lies in mimicking the continuous performance of the intelligent, natural organ with a discrete treatment using an artificial substitute. It is important to understand the types of uremic toxins causing specific side effects.
