Study shows that Wnt secretion preventing drugs may reduce renal fibrosis

For media queries, please contact: Ms Dharshini Subbiah                                                                  Duke-NUS Medical School Email: dharshini.subbiah@duke-nus.edu.sg Mobile: (65) 9616-7532 Renal fibrosis or the scarring of kidneys, following an injury, reduces their function and can cause kidney disease to progressively worsen. In a recent study, published in Kidney International, researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) in Singapore and Duke University have shown that drugs that target Wnt secretion by inhibiting Porcupine, a protein usually targeted for cancer treatment, may reduce renal fibrosis and protect the kidneys. In a patient with chronic kidney disease, the extent of their renal fibrosis usually predicts progression to end-stage kidney disease. Despite an intense focus of research in this area, no specific therapies are currently available to treat or reverse fibrosis in human chronic kidney disease. These diseases are debilitating and involve extremely high costs to the patients, who may need to undergo dialysis, and to the health care system, for recurring hospital admissions due to additional complications. An effective drug would allow patients to lead more productive and independent lives. It would also have a positive impact on the healthcare system. As such, finding alternative treatments for renal fibrosis before it reaches this advanced stage, is necessary. A team led by Assistant Professor Ba...
Source: DukeHealth.org: Duke Health Features - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Duke Medicine Source Type: news