Modulation of GSK‐3β as Therapeutic Target in Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights From Downstream Molecular Signaling Pathways and Therapeutic Potential of Plant‐Derived Phytocompounds

Renal failure emerges as a more often cause and concern of chronic kidney disease (CKD), throughout the world. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is the most important regulatory protein in CKD. It is a regulator of the main signaling pathways of fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. These are the common pathways for CKD progression. Therefore, GSK-3β is a potential therapeutic target. This review explores and examines the important role of GSK-3β in CKD. It highlights the influence of numerous phytocompounds, usually possessed by medicinal plants as secondary metabolites, on CKD. The main aim primarily lies on pathways associated with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic actions, specifically exploring how they are interconnected with GSK-3β. Furthermore, it explores numerous downstream signaling molecules of GSK-3β, which play a substantial role in the aforementioned pathways. In conclusion, the GSK-3β pathway displayed its potential role in nephrotoxicity and CKD progression. Phytocompounds inhibiting the GSK-3β pathway downstream could offer the nephroprotection.