Researchers developing a way to test for kidney disease in Lupus patients

Last week we discussed how kidney disease often develops in those suffering from lupus.  Specifically, we addressed how the kidney disease develops and how the inflammation of lupus may play a role.  Now, a new study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center focuses on a urine test that may be able to detect kidney disease in its early stages.  The researchers believe that the current findings could pinpoint kidney disease more accurately than the current tests being used and allow for faster treatment options.

The object behind the study was to find something in the urine of lupus patients that would appear only in someone with kidney disease.  This type of testing would allow medical professionals to detect and diagnose the disease in a noninvasive manner, as well as monitor how a patient responds to treatment.  Furthermore, the researchers noted that kidney disease was the leading cause of death among lupus patients, and earlier detection and treatment often led to a better quality and quantity of life.  The study was conducted on mice that had a form of lupus similar to what is found in humans.  The research team then screened for proteins in the urine before and after the mice exhibited symptoms of kidney disease.  They found that four proteins were always present in high amounts after certain kidney disease symptoms appeared.  Although this study was conducted on mice, the particular proteins found are also present in the human body or they have an equivalent human protein.  The research team is now conducting a study to determine whether the same relationship between these protein levels and the onset of kidney disease is present in human lupus patients.

This type of study can be quite beneficial to those living with the disease as it could reveal a lot about how lupus works.  The researchers note that each of the proteins has an impact on a different biomedical process and the stage at which kidney disease develops could prove to be very important.  Additionally, being able to test for kidney disease in this manner would also help to understand and monitor kidney disease that develops due to other conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.  But, perhaps the most beneficial part of this study is that discovering kidney disease through urine sample is so noninvasive.  The only current way to detect kidney disease is to conduct a biopsy, which can be painful and stressful.  With this option, a patient can not only find out if he has kidney disease, but can easily monitor the reaction to treatment plans without “going under the knife.”