In 2013, kidney disease was recognized as a major public health issue, with chronic kidney disease affecting over 10% of the population, and up to 50% in high-risk groups. The disease is characterized by reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased urinary albumin excretion, which are strongly associated with clinical outcomes. Acute reductions in glomerular filtration rate also increase the risk of adverse outcomes and progression of chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease is not only a target organ for many diseases but also contributes to systemic pathophysiological processes. Genetic factors play a significant role in kidney disease, and new insights into renal structure and function have been gained from identified genes. Collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential to address the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Kidney disease has evolved from a subspecialty to a global health concern. Initially, nephrology focused on severe kidney failure, but the importance of chronic kidney disease, which affects more people, was long overlooked. In 2002, a uniform definition and staging system for chronic kidney disease was established, based on kidney function and independent of the cause. This led to a better understanding of the disease's prevalence and its association with cardiovascular risk. Acute kidney injury was also defined and staged, with a focus on changes in kidney function. These developments have expanded the focus of kidney disease beyond nephrology, influencing research, patient care, and public policy. The kidney plays a central role in body homeostasis, regulating water, electrolytes, blood pressure, and other vital functions. It is involved in immune function, with renal cells contributing to innate and adaptive immunity. Kidney disease can be caused by primary or secondary factors, and its prevalence is linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Genetic predisposition to kidney disease is well established, with monogenic and complex diseases contributing to the burden of the disease. The role of the kidney in systemic diseases is significant, and its dysfunction can lead to complications in other organs, including the cardiovascular system. The management of kidney disease requires a stage-based approach, with a focus on early detection and intervention. The burden of kidney disease is substantial, with significant implications for public health. Future challenges include understanding the mechanisms of kidney disease, developing targeted therapies, and improving outcomes through personalized medicine. The integration of genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic data offers new opportunities to understand the underlying mechanisms of kidney disease. Despite these advances, the challenge of preventing and managing kidney disease remains significant, requiring continued research and collaboration across healthcare disciplines.In 2013, kidney disease was recognized as a major public health issue, with chronic kidney disease affecting over 10% of the population, and up to 50% in high-risk groups. The disease is characterized by reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased urinary albumin excretion, which are strongly associated with clinical outcomes. Acute reductions in glomerular filtration rate also increase the risk of adverse outcomes and progression of chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease is not only a target organ for many diseases but also contributes to systemic pathophysiological processes. Genetic factors play a significant role in kidney disease, and new insights into renal structure and function have been gained from identified genes. Collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential to address the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Kidney disease has evolved from a subspecialty to a global health concern. Initially, nephrology focused on severe kidney failure, but the importance of chronic kidney disease, which affects more people, was long overlooked. In 2002, a uniform definition and staging system for chronic kidney disease was established, based on kidney function and independent of the cause. This led to a better understanding of the disease's prevalence and its association with cardiovascular risk. Acute kidney injury was also defined and staged, with a focus on changes in kidney function. These developments have expanded the focus of kidney disease beyond nephrology, influencing research, patient care, and public policy. The kidney plays a central role in body homeostasis, regulating water, electrolytes, blood pressure, and other vital functions. It is involved in immune function, with renal cells contributing to innate and adaptive immunity. Kidney disease can be caused by primary or secondary factors, and its prevalence is linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Genetic predisposition to kidney disease is well established, with monogenic and complex diseases contributing to the burden of the disease. The role of the kidney in systemic diseases is significant, and its dysfunction can lead to complications in other organs, including the cardiovascular system. The management of kidney disease requires a stage-based approach, with a focus on early detection and intervention. The burden of kidney disease is substantial, with significant implications for public health. Future challenges include understanding the mechanisms of kidney disease, developing targeted therapies, and improving outcomes through personalized medicine. The integration of genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic data offers new opportunities to understand the underlying mechanisms of kidney disease. Despite these advances, the challenge of preventing and managing kidney disease remains significant, requiring continued research and collaboration across healthcare disciplines.