Kidney Health Australia has a long tradition of supporting kidney research in Australia. Since 1968 we have distributed more than $30 million towards kidney research in Australia, supporting the vital work of researchers and practitioners in the kidney field.
A/Prof Greg Tesch (Monash University)
When kidneys experience physical stresses (e.g. increased blood pressure, reduced blood supply) or biochemical stresses (e.g. diabetes), some kidney cells undergo premature ageing, which prevents them functioning normally and reduces their ability to regenerate or be repaired. Accumulation of these prematurely aged cells makes kidneys more susceptible to injury, promotes ongoing injury and prevents kidneys repairing themselves, which can allow kidney injuries to develop into progressive chronic kidney disease. Our project will examine whether combining two therapies, one to remove existing prematurely aged cells and another to inhibit new ones from developing, can prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Dr Helen MacLaughlin (Queensland University of Technology)
In Australia, obesity affects 1-in-3 people. Extra weight causes kidney damage and makes existing damage worse, faster. Together with people with kidney disease, we’ve designed a weight-loss program using meal replacements plus expert support for maintaining weight-loss. This study tests the acceptability of the program in 50 people with kidney disease and obesity. Half the group follow the weight-loss program, and half continue with usual kidney care. Allocation to groups is by chance. Willingness to join, adherence, weight-loss and participants’ experience are measured. Our findings will deliver a program for use in future studies of weight loss on slowing kidney damage.
A/Prof Xin-Ming Chen (The University of Sydney)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused by diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and ageing. Current clinical treatments for CKD are largely ineffective in preventing the progression of CKD. At the end stage kidney disease, Kidney transplantation and dialysis are the only options in clinic, which results in a significant burden on the health system. Our pilot studies have shown that stem cells produced small particles called exosomes prevented the progress of kidney damage caused by a large dose of folic acid in mice. This project aims to systemically investigate if these exosomes prevent kidney damage in other animal models of CKD. A part of the results raised from this project has significantly contributed to a great successful $2m NHMRC Investigator Grant led by Professor Carol Pollock. This successful NHMRC grant ($2m) has secured this project's research in CKD for next 5 years through supporting staff employment and supplies of consumables.
Kidney Health Australia awarded three grants, totaling $150,000 to the following recipients:
Prof Jonathan Gleadle, Flinders University
This trial aims to identify how a donor’s single kidney increases in size after donating the other. Studies, conducted using new genetic tools, have so far shown that after removing one kidney in a mouse, genetic information in the remaining kidney increases within 24 hours. The trial is now exploring if these changes also occur in humans.
A/Prof Rachael Morton, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney
The Symptom monitoring WI th Feedback Trial (SWIFT) measures symptoms and quality of life, then feeds information back to a dialysis nurse and kidney doctor. It has improved communication between patients and clinical teams and won an award at the ACTA International Clinical Trials Conference in October 2019. This research has received additional funding through an NHMRC grant.
Prof David Castle, St. Vincent’s Hospital
Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in individuals with chronic kidney disease, and rates increase with the decline of kidney function. This program provides psychosocial support to help patients manage their illness and build skills to navigate the healthcare system. Outcomes have shown improvements, and the program has since received additional funding through MRFF. It will expand to incorporate a larger number of participants, including patients in both rural and metropolitan areas.
Prof Angela Webster, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
This research is aimed at helping people on dialysis understand the choices they have about their health through the use of a tablet and phone app. The intention is for dialysis patients to feel informed and empowered about changes that will improve their health and quality of life. Benefits include a reduced need for unscheduled or emergency health care visits. To support multicultural communities, the app has been translated into Arabic and Mandarin.
