New research looks into the causes of kidney disease and in particular has identified 20 genes which could help future treatment.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8611312.stm

The international team of researchers, including some from the University of Edinburgh, studied the genes which control some of the functions of the kidney including filtering waste from the blood.

They found 13 new genes that influenced renal function and another seven which were involved in the production and secretion of creatinine – a chemical waste molecule generated from muscle metabolism and which is filtered through the kidneys.

The researchers describe the findings as a ‘great breakthrough’ in terms of the potential help for future treatments of chronic kidney disease which affects one in 10 adults and often leaves the patient needing dialysis or even an organ transplant.

With so many affected by kidney disease, this breakthrough undoubtedly offers genuine hope for the future. Views welcome, especially from anybody working in this field.