Kidney disease - Genetically engineered animals help in scientific research that may benefit children

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 22 Sep 2005 - 11:00 PDT

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The recent use of genetically modified mice and rats in combination with an animal model of obstructive nephropathy, a type of renal disease, has given researchers new insight in the development of kidney disease. This research is published in the September issue of Kidney International.

"Chronic kidney disease is difficult to study since it takes a fair amount of time to install," states Joost P. Schanstra, Ph.D. of the Instituit Louis Bugnard inFrance. "This animal model has the advantage of mimicking in a short time the different stages of chronic kidney disease. The combination of genetically engineered animals and this animal model has helped us to decide which molecules to study, or which might be interesting targets for drug development in human chronic kidney disease."

Obstructive nephropathy or obstructive uropathy, the kidney disease on which this animal model is based, is frequently found in children and is the first cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). According to the article, ESRD represents 16.1% of all pediatric transplantations in North America.

Researchers Joost P. Schanstra and Jean-Loup Bascands currently head the Renal Fibrosis Laboratory, which is part of the national institute of health and medical research (Inserm) in Toulouse, France. The RF-lab is fully able to design and carry out clinical research focused on newborn and childhood nephropathies and is currently developing research including prevention, mechanism and reversal of tubulointerstitial fibrosis

About Kidney International

Kidney International, published on behalf of the International Society of Nephrology, is one of the most cited journals in nephrology. Kidney International delivers current laboratory and clinical research on renal medicine. This peer-reviewed, leading international journal is the most authoritative forum for renal science and medicine. Kidney International continues to be a vital source of information for researchers around the world. For additional information on the journal, please visit blackwellpublishing.com/kid

About the International Society of Nephrology

The International Society of Nephrology (ISN), a not-for-profit association founded in 1960, is committed to the worldwide advancement of education, science and patient care in nephrology. This goal is achieved by means of the Society's journals, the organization of international congresses and symposia, and various outreach programs around the world. The ISN acts as an international forum on nephrology for leading nephrologists as well as young investigators, from both developed and emerging countries. Further information is available at http://www.isn-online.org.

About Blackwell Publishing

Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 600 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals annually and, to date has published close to 6,000 text and reference books, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.

Sharon Agsalda
medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
781-388-8507
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
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