Science: Existing drugs offer potential treatments for common kidney disease

A new study suggests that a serious condition that can cause the kidneys to suddenly stop working can be treated
with existing medications.

In a study in mice, scientists found that drugs commonly used to treat angina and high blood pressure largely prevented long-term damage
to the kidneys and cardiovascular system caused by acute kidney injury (AKI).

Experts hope the discovery will pave the way
for improved treatment of AKI.
AKI is a common condition that occurs
in around 20% of emergency hospital admissions in the UK.

This condition is usually caused by other diseases that reduce blood flow to the kidneys, or due to toxicity
produced by certain medications.

Acute kidney injury must be treated quickly to prevent death
.
Even if the kidneys recover, AKI can cause long-term damage
to the kidneys and cardiovascular system.

Of those who survive an episode of AKI, 30% are left with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The remaining 70 percent of people who fully regain kidney function have an almost 30-fold
increased risk of developing CKD.

A team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh found elevated levels of endothelin in the blood of people with acute kidney injury
.
Endothelin is a protein
that activates inflammation and causes blood vessels to constrict.
Endothelin levels remain high
long after kidney function recovers.

After the same increase in endothelin was found in AKI mice, the experts treated the animals with drugs that blocked the
endothelin system.
These drugs, which are commonly used to treat angina and high blood pressure, work
by blocking endothelin production or shutting down endothelin receptors within cells.

Mice were monitored
for four weeks after AKI.
Those treated with endothelin-blocking drugs had lower blood pressure, less inflammation, and fewer
kidney scarring.

Compared to untreated mice, their blood vessels were more relaxed and their kidney function improved
.

The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine
.
The study was funded
by the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation.

Dr Bean Dhaun, a senior clinical lecturer and honorary consultant nephrologist at the Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: "AKI is a harmful disease, especially for older people, and even after recovery, it can have long-term effects
on a person's health.
" Our study shows that blocking the endothelin system can prevent long-term damage
to AKI in mice.
Since these drugs are already available in humans, I hope we can move quickly to see if we can see the same beneficial effects
in our patients.
”

Professor James Rayper, associate director of medicine at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Impaired kidney function from acute kidney injury also increases a person's chances of developing heart and circulatory disease and dying from the disease, so finding ways to reduce this risk is crucial
.
"

"This promising study suggests that widely used drugs can help address the effects of acute kidney injury before causing damage and further complications
.
" While further research is needed to prove whether this treatment is safe and effective for patients, this early study is an encouraging first step
.
”