- Researchers have found a new biomarker in urine—other than albumin—that could aid with diagnosing kidney failure 5–10 years early.
- A drug that blocked the biomarker from being produced in mice protected against kidney damage.
- The researchers hope their findings will lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for kidney failure.
The kidneys filter all the blood in the body for wastes, toxins, and excess fluids every
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when the kidneys are damaged and no longer filter blood as well as they used to. This means that waste and excess fluid can accumulate in the body, where they may contribute to conditions including heart disease and stroke.
Around
Currently, albumin—a protein made by the liver—is considered an important diagnostic marker for kidney disease. However, up to 50% of patients with diabetes with a
New biomarkers for kidney failure could help clinicians diagnose and treat CKD before it progresses to later stages.
Recently, researchers investigated whether urine levels of adenine, a metabolite produced by the kidney, could predict kidney disease in people with diabetes. They found that higher adenine levels were linked to higher rates of kidney failure.
Dr. Donald A. Molony, distinguished teaching professor of the University of Texas System at McGovern Medical School University of Texas, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today:
“The most important implication of this study is that we now have a powerful biomarker that might allow us to identify individuals with early CKD at risk for disease…
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