Chronic kidney disease, also called CKD, is a serious and growing health problem around the world. It affects millions of people and slowly damages the kidneys over time.
When kidneys don’t work properly, it becomes harder for the body to remove waste and keep things like salt and fluids in balance.
Even though CKD is very common, scientists have not fully understood why the damage to kidneys continues to get worse. But new research from Boston University has discovered something that could change how we treat this disease.
Researchers studied a gene called TMIGD1. This gene seems to help protect the kidneys and keep them working well. Dr. Vipul Chitalia, who led the study, said that understanding what happens when this gene doesn’t work properly is the key to figuring out how CKD gets worse.
The research team used lab tests and experiments on cells to study the gene. They found that when the TMIGD1 gene was not active, the kidneys were more likely to get hurt.
They also found that harmful toxins, which are common in people with kidney problems, can make the gene work even less. This creates a harmful cycle: damaged kidneys can’t remove toxins properly, and the toxins then cause even more damage.
This discovery is important because it opens the door to new ways of treating CKD. Dr. Wenqing Yin, another researcher on the team, explained that this gene could be a new target for future medicines. If scientists can find a way to protect this gene or help it work better, they may be able to slow down or even stop the kidney damage.
It could also lead to better ways of finding kidney problems early. Right now, CKD often goes unnoticed until it’s more serious. But if doctors can test how well the TMIGD1 gene is working, they might be able to catch the disease sooner and start treatment earlier.
CKD is very dangerous if it’s not treated. It can get to the point where a person needs dialysis or even a kidney transplant to stay alive. That’s why this new research is so hopeful—it might help prevent people from reaching that point.
The study also shows how important it is to understand what toxins do to the kidneys. If we can lower the amount of harmful substances in the body, it may help protect the kidneys and support treatments aimed at the TMIGD1 gene.
While this discovery is exciting, more work is needed before new treatments are ready. Scientists still need to test how medicines that support this gene would work in real patients and whether they can be safely used.
Still, this research gives hope to people living with kidney disease. By learning more about the TMIGD1 gene, scientists have taken a big step toward better ways to prevent, find, and treat kidney problems.
For anyone worried about kidney health, staying informed about research and avoiding things that can harm the kidneys, like some medications or toxins, can make a real difference.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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