Genetic to Diabetic Kidney Complications

Genetic to Diabetic Kidney Complications

INVESTIGATORS RESEARCH GENETIC

LINK TO DIABETIC KIDNEY COMPLICATIONS

Scientists at the Joslin Diabetes Center in

Boston are searching for genetic components that may make some people with type 1 diabetes

more susceptible to kidney complications. Dr. Andrzej Krolewski and his team of

investigators have over a decade of experience researching diabetic kidney disease

(nephropathy), and in this time have found strong evidence that genetics plays a role in

who will develop nephropathy and who will not.

Diabetic nephropathy affects about one-third of

people with diabetes, and is caused by a combination of clinical factors (such as blood

sugar control and high blood pressure) and inherited factors. Nephropathy often first

manifests as protein spilled into the urine, and may progress to End-Stage Renal Disease,

which must be treated by dialysis or kidney transplant. By identifying a genetic link,

doctors hope to be able to more effectively treat and prevent nephropathy. Dr.

Krolewski’s research project, titled the "Joslin Kidney Study," aims to

locate such a link.

Dr. Krolewski’s group has made great

progress in narrowing down regions of DNA where a gene or genes causing greater

susceptibility to kidney complications might be found. This is due in part to the many

advances in molecular technology over the past few years. However, Dr. Krolewski is quick

to emphasize that the most important component of this project is the cooperation of

patients with diabetes and their families, without whom the research could not continue.

"Each additional family who participates in

the ‘Joslin Kidney Study’ increases the chances of finding genes responsible for

diabetic nephropathy," states Dr. Krolewski. Working together with Dr. Mark Williams,

a kidney specialist at the Joslin Clinic, Dr. Krolewski and his team are currently

recruiting participants for the "Joslin Kidney Study."

"Joslin Kidney Study" recruiters are

looking for people who were diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes diagnosed before age

31, who have a clinical diagnosis of kidney disease--including proteinuria, dialysis, or

kidney transplant--and who have at least one other diabetic sibling with no kidney

complications.

Distance is no object in the "Joslin Kidney

Study," as people from all over the world may participate. The study protocol

consists of one-time participation and involves a short interview regarding family history

and health, blood pressure measurements, and a blood sample collection. In return,

participants receive compensation for their time, and assurance that the confidentiality

of all information will be protected.

For more information about the "Joslin

Kidney Study," or to see if your family qualifies, please call Project Manager Kellie

Anderson, toll-free, at (877) 264-2739 or via e-mail at [email protected]