Genetic Testing in Chronic Kidney Disease: Identifying the Cause and Improving Treatment

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and serious health problem worldwide. While factors like diabetes and high blood pressure are commonly linked to CKD, genetic factors play a significant role as well. Genetic testing is becoming an essential tool for identifying the cause of CKD, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Genetics in CKD

While lifestyle factors are commonly linked to CKD, researchers have identified over 1,000 genetic variants that influence the risk of CKD. Certain genetic variants, such as mutations in the COL4A1 gene, directly link to CKD. Understanding the potential genetic underpinnings of CKD can significantly change an individual’s treatment.

The Benefits of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is becoming an important tool for identifying the cause of CKD, which can help clinicians diagnose and treat the disease earlier. This can lead to earlier treatment with drugs that can slow the progression of the disease. Genetic testing can also provide answers when there is no other apparent cause or risk factor for kidney disease.

Genetic testing is being used to screen people with suspected kidney disease or even the general population, allowing physicians to intervene earlier in the course of the disease and delay or even avoid the worst outcomes. Genetic testing can also provide reproductive genetic counseling and identify those at risk for kidney disease before they show symptoms. Genetic testing can alert clinicians to other possible effects of that variant, such as hearing loss and eye problems.

Developing Drugs for Genetic Kidney Diseases

Researchers are also interested in developing drugs to target the pathophysiological mechanisms of certain genetic kidney diseases. For instance, the gene APOL1 is associated with a higher frequency among people from sub-Saharan Africa. Carriers of the mutation are resistant to an infectious disease found in the region called trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness. APOL1 inhibitors could help treat this form of the disease, and these potential drugs are already showing promise in clinical trials.

The Future of Genetic Testing in CKD

While there is still much to learn about genetics and CKD, researchers see a future in which genomic testing will be a standard part of everyday care. Understanding the genetics of CKD can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can help prevent complications like kidney failure.

Conclusion

Genetic testing is becoming an essential tool for identifying the cause of CKD. It allows clinicians to diagnose and treat the disease earlier, provide reproductive genetic counseling, and screen those at risk before they show symptoms. While there is still much to learn about genetics and CKD, researchers see a bright future for genomic testing in improving the diagnosis and treatment of CKD.

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What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

References‍

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.