Health
Novel strategy proposed for polycystic kidney disease
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 21, 2008
A drug that inhibits a protein involved in fluid accumulation in the kidneys may be a good way to slow the progression of polycystic kidney disease, according to a study released online April 2 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. It is due to be published in print in July.
Researchers analyzed the effect of 30 different small molecules that interfere with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein on various tissue samples and mice genetically engineered to mimic the effects of the disease. These substances slowed its progression, and the authors suggest that this strategy may work in humans.
"Clinical trials will be needed to determine the efficacy of these compounds in human PKD," said Alan S. Verkman, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and physiology at the University of California, San Francisco.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/04/21/hlbf0421.htm.
