Recent research has shed new light on the origin of chronic kidney disease (CKD), offering potential breakthroughs in treatment strategies. Scientists conducting studies on mice have pinpointed a protein called Indian Hedgehog (IHH) as a significant contributor to scarring in both the kidneys and hearts. This protein is produced by specific cells in kidneys that have been subjected to aging or damage. As this protein’s role becomes clearer, it may serve as a promising target for therapies designed to combat CKD, a condition that affects approximately 10 percent of the global population.
CKD is an umbrella term encompassing various kidney diseases that persist for an extended period, typically exceeding a few months. While CKD can affect individuals of any age, it tends to be more prevalent in older people. The condition not only damages the kidneys but also constitutes a major risk factor for accelerated cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.
A critical common feature in all forms of CKD is progressive fibrosis, which refers to the scarring of kidney tissues. Yet, the exact mechanism behind this connection has remained partially elusive. A team from the University of Edinburgh has identified a specific subset of epithelial cells, which are responsible for forming body tissue, that produce IHH. These cells are found exclusively in aged or injured mouse kidneys.
The researchers demonstrated that these cells release IHH when stimulated by the protein TNF, a well-known driver of inflammation. When the actions of TNF or IHH were blocked in mouse models with kidney scarring, the production of scars in the kidneys diminished, and kidney function showed better preservation. Additionally, elevated levels of heart scarring returned to normal.
In humans, the research team observed significantly increased levels of circulating IHH in patients with CKD, as well as higher levels in those suffering from cardiovascular disease compared to individuals without heart-related problems.
These findings raise hope that by targeting the TNF/IHH signaling pathway, both kidney and heart fibrosis issues – the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in CKD patients – could be improved.
Dr. David Ferenbach, MRC Senior Clinical Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and the senior author of the study, expressed his excitement about the potential of this work. The new insights into the role of IHH as a major driver of multi-organ fibrosis may pave the way for better treatments for patients.
The study received funding from Kidney Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, and the Medical Research Council UK.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about chronic kidney disease treatment
What does the research reveal about chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
The research reveals that a protein called Indian Hedgehog (IHH) plays a significant role in driving scarring in both the kidneys and hearts, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This protein is produced by specific cells in kidneys that are aged or damaged.
How can the IHH protein be targeted for potential treatments?
The study on mice models showed that by blocking the IHH protein or its activating protein TNF, fibrosis in the kidney and heart tissues was reduced. This offers potential new treatment pathways for CKD.
What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease is an umbrella term for kidney diseases that persist for more than a few months. It can affect people of any age but is more common in older individuals. CKD not only causes damage to the kidneys but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.
What is progressive fibrosis, and why is it significant in CKD?
Progressive fibrosis refers to the scarring of kidney tissues, and it is a common feature in all forms of chronic kidney disease. The exact mechanism connecting fibrosis and CKD is not fully understood, but the study indicates a potential link through the IHH protein.
What are the potential implications of the research for human patients?
The findings suggest that targeting the TNF/IHH signaling pathway may hold promise for improving both kidney and heart fibrosis, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in CKD patients. Further research is needed to explore IHH as a potential target for therapeutic interventions in human patients.
How prevalent is chronic kidney disease globally?
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10 percent of the world’s population. It is a widespread health issue that requires further research and improved treatment options.
How was the research conducted, and what were the key findings?
The research was conducted using mouse models. The scientists identified a subset of epithelial cells in the kidneys that produce IHH in response to activation by the protein TNF. Blocking the actions of TNF or IHH reduced scar production in the kidneys and improved kidney function. Patients with CKD showed significantly raised levels of circulating IHH.
Who funded the research?
The research was funded by Kidney Research UK, the Wellcome Trust, and the Medical Research Council UK. These organizations supported the investigation into understanding the role of IHH and its potential implications for CKD treatment.
More about chronic kidney disease treatment
- “Indian Hedgehog release from TNF-activated renal epithelia drives local and remote organ fibrosis” – Science Translational Medicine (DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn0736)
- University of Edinburgh – Official Website (https://www.ed.ac.uk/)
- Kidney Research UK – Official Website (https://kidneyresearchuk.org/)
- Wellcome Trust – Official Website (https://wellcome.org/)
- Medical Research Council UK – Official Website (https://mrc.ukri.org/)
5 comments
This study has huge implications for medical research. Understanding the role of IHH in CKD and heart disease could lead to revolutionary treatments. Funding from organizations like Kidney Research UK, Wellcome Trust, and Medical Research Council UK is vital for such groundbreaking research. Kudos to the scientists at the University of Edinburgh!
kidny disese is a serius matter, afectin so many ppl in the world. the findins frm the Uni of Edinbrgh are impressve, showin the role of IHH. i wondr how long itll take for new treatmnts to come out, cuz ppl with CKD nd it bad!
oh wow, this reseach is so amazin! i never knew bout this Indan Hedgehog protein and how it could be causin such problems in kidney and heart! this could be a big deal for ppl with CKD and might help them get bettr treatmnts. hope they find mor info soon!
cool study on mices! IHH protein causin scarring in kidny nd heart tissues, thats big news! hope they can use this new knowledge to find bettr ways to treat chronic kidney disese. go team Edinburgh!
as som1 livin with CKD, this is realy intresting. the way they found the link between IHH nd fibrosis, wow! now i got hope for new treatmnts nd maybe, just maybe, itll help ppl like me. fingers crossd!