- New research conducted in a laboratory setting may potentially have significant effects on the management of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a condition impacting more than
500,000 individuals in the United States. - Organoids are similar in appearance to tiny kidneys, as they are comprised of filtering cells linked to tubes, and are capable of reacting to infections and treatments in a manner that mimics the response of human kidneys.
- Now, a new study suggests that sugar may contribute to the development of fluid-filled cysts that are characteristic of PKD. These cysts grow large enough in humans to obstruct kidney function and ultimately result in organ failure, necessitating dialysis or even a transplant.
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The research team cultivated organoids that are similar in appearance to tiny kidneys to generate cysts associated with PKD.
However, the precise mechanisms behind the development of these cysts still remain unclear.
The focus of this study was on the influence of fluid movement within the kidney on PKD.
The researchers developed a novel method of studying these effects by integrating a kidney organoid with a microfluidic chip.
This enabled the flow of a solution containing water, sugar, amino acids, and other essential nutrients over genetically-engineered organoids that simulated PKD.
The scientists anticipated that the PKD cysts in the organoids would deteriorate further when subjected to the fluid flow, as the condition is linked to flow rates.
However, they discovered that the cyst-swelling process involved the absorption of fluid, with the intake occurring inwardly through the cells from outside the cyst. This was contrary to the belief that cysts form as fluid is pushed outward through the cells.
The researchers said this novel approach offered a fresh…
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