By Rick Howlett
Louisville, KY – The scientists are led by Dr. Paul Epstein, acting director of the Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute. He says about one-third of diabetics suffer kidney failure to the point that they have to undergo dialysis or need a transplant. Epstein says researchers have identified in laboratory mice a genetic change that also takes place in the kidneys of human diabetics. It's hoped that, armed with the information, scientists can develop tests on people that may lead to drugs to slow or stop kidney failure.
"That's without question the ultimate intent. But before you can go to humans you have to have a lot of good evidence in animal models."
The researchers' findings are the focus of an article this month in the medical journal Experimental Nephrology.