“Our research shows microRNA holds promise for protecting against both acute kidney injury and its complications. We hope to test it soon in clinical trials,” - Dr. Kevin BurnsAs a result of serious illness, up to 20 per cent of hospitalized patients will suddenly lose their kidney function. Called acute kidney injury, this urgent and untreatable condition also raises their risk of chronic kidney disease. 

Dr. Kevin Burns and his team previously discovered a promising new treatment, a tiny molecule called micro-RNA-486-5p that can prevent acute kidney injury in mice. However, its long-term effects on kidney and blood vessel health needed further investigation. 

In a study published in Clinical Science, the team found giving rats a single dose of microRNA immediately after kidney injury could prevent signs of chronic kidney disease and narrowing of the arteries, effects that were seen in the untreated rats. They also found the treatment is time-sensitive, as rats given the microRNA four days or three weeks after injury saw no benefit. 

“Our research shows microRNA holds promise for protecting against both acute kidney injury and its complications. We hope to test it soon in clinical trials,” said Dr. Burns, nephrologist and senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa.

Authors: Adrianna Douvris, Jose L. Viñas, Alexey Gutsol, Joseph Zimpelmann, Dylan Burger, Kevin D. Burns

Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

The Ottawa Hospital is a leading academic health, research and learning hospital proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.