A new treatment strategy for incurable kidney disease

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located below the chest, arranged on either side of the body. The main function of the kidney is to filter out the waste from the blood and excrete it from the urine. In addition, the kidneys can help maintain healthy blood pressure, maintain a balance between salt and water, and produce the hormones needed for blood and bone formation. These functions of the kidney ensure the stability of the internal environment and allow the metabolism to proceed normally. In short, the kidney is a very important organ for humans.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a slow-moving hereditary disease that usually leads to end-stage renal disease. One in every 500 to 1,000 people in the United States has ADPKD. The disease is found in all races and genders. ADPKD is caused by hereditary defects that destroy the normal development of certain cells in the kidney and cause cysts to grow. These liquid-filled cysts develop and expand in both kidneys, eventually resulting in kidney failure.

ADPKD is currently incurable, but various treatments can be used to control the problems caused by the condition. ADPKD is the fourth most common cause of end-stage renal disease. More than 50 percent of patients with ADPKD finally develop end-stage renal disease-renal failure, and dialysis or kidney transplantation is the only option.

A recent study led by Yale researchers has revealed an underlying treatment strategy that could potentially develop new drugs for patients with end-stage renal disease. The discovery was published on Science Signaling.

The research team of senior author Barbara Ehrlich used mouse models and human tissue samples to study one of two mutant genes that cause autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The researchers focused on measuring the energy production of kidney cells affected by the disease. They found that when a protein gene called Polycystin 2 (PKD2) is turned off or deleted, cell energy rises, causing the formation of cysts that damage the kidneys.

Based on this understanding, researchers have identified a promising treatment to treat the disease by targeting abnormal increases in energy and growth of kidney cells. They believed that this new drug target opens the door to the development of new treatments that will benefit patients.

ADPKD causes a variety of physical pains and discomforts to the patient, which gives the healthy person an alarm: protect your kidneys.

In order to protect the health of the kidneys, be sure to drink more water, because of water diuretics. There are many waste toxins in the kidneys, drinking more water can promote the discharge of these toxins. In addition, we should eat less salt, because the kidney regulates the balance of electrolytes. A moderate amount of sodium ions will help the kidneys, but too much salt will cause the kidneys to be overburdened and damage the kidneys. We can also eat foods that are good for the kidneys such as black sesame seeds, chestnuts, leeks, yam, lemons, black rice, etc. These foods are very helpful to the kidneys, so eat them often. Finally, exercise, which is not only good for the kidney, but also for your overall health.