Innovative Nephrologist Discusses Potential Therapies for Polycystic Kidney Disease
The most common inherited kidney disease worldwide is autosomal dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, which affects about 1 in 500 people. Now, animal and human studies are increasing our understanding of PKD pathology and yielding possible treatments.
Online, November 12, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Therapies for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) have eluded the scientific community and PKD patients for many years. However, recent scientific studies have begun to show promise.
Can drinking more water slow the growth of renal cysts? Is Tolvaptan safe? These are among the questions PKD patients are asking themselves and it's a good point in time to re-examine the current treatments and find out about the potential for more from innovative Canadian kidney researcher, Dr. Moumita Barua.
Dr. Barua completed her training in internal medicine and nephrology at the University of Toronto in 2009. From October 2009 to July 2013, she did a postdoctoral research fellowship at Harvard Medical School under the supervision of Dr. Martin Pollak (an expert in genetic studies of familial glomerular diseases). She now works with nephrologist Dr. York Pei at the Toronto General Hospital.
"Dr. Barua is expanding her clinical expertise in hereditary kidney disease (HKD) with the goal of applying her research methodologies more broadly. To support this endeavor, The PKD Foundation of Canada and Tuberous Sclerosis Canada Sclйrose awarded Dr. Barua with the 2013-2014 Translational Research Fellowship in HKD," noted Shiona Mackenzie-Morrison, Hamilton Chapter Coordinator of the PKD Foundation of Canada.
Because diverse genes cause renal cysts and as there often is multi-organ involvement with PKD, more than one therapeutic approach may be required to treat it.
"Anyone interested is welcome to join us at St. Joe's on November 17 for Dr. Barua's overview of autosomal dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, with a specific focus on current and future therapies," Mackenzie-Morrison added.
The public presentation is part of an ongoing series of free 2-hour informational support meetings hosted by the Hamilton Chapter of the PKD Foundation of Canada six times a year. Registration is not required. On-site parking (payment required) and street parking (free) is available. More information is available online www.endpkd.ca .
PKD is a genetic disorder in which clusters of cysts, noncancerous sacs containing water-like fluid, primarily develop within the kidneys. The disease also can cause cysts to develop in the liver and other organs. High blood pressure and kidney failure are common problems for people with PKD.
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Tags: kidney, nephrologist, renal cysts
