How acid stress and cell metabolism provide new insights into the treatment of chronic kidney disease

Dr. Imenez Silva research (24OK1077) focus on how kidneys react to acid stress. Normally healthy parts of the kidneys can compensate for damaged parts, but in chronic kidney disease this ability is exhausted. “Healthy parts of the kidneys compensate for the parts that are currently deteriorating,” explained Imenez Silva. “In the early stages, the acid balance is often stable, making it difficult to ‘ detect deterioration in time. And when the deterioration appears, it is already too late to prevent damage. “With this research it is therefore to identify subtle signs of acid stress at an early stage.

A variety of research methods
The project combines laboratory research, animal testing and clinical data analysis. In vitro experiments help researchers understand how cells respond to changes in acidity (pH). In addition, animal models are used in which acid stress is reduced by manipulating the diet. The animals are given sodium bicarbonate, a substance often used in the treatment of acidosis, to study how this affects the acid balance. Imenez Silva: “We can cause diseases that cause acid stress, then we treat the animals and see how this affects acid stress.

Finding metabolites
In the final phase, clinical data from kidney patients will be analyzed. By analyzing urine and blood samples, the researchers hope to identify specific metabolites that are early indicators of acid stress. These markers could eventually be used to identify risks of deterioration in patients at an early stage.

Cooperation with international laboratories
Imenez Silva collaborates with laboratories in Germany, Switzerland and Denmark to use the necessary knowledge and technology. In Switzerland, for example, two-photon microscopy is used, a method that allows researchers to monitor the metabolic activities of the kidneys of live animals in real time. “By working with partners in different countries, we can better map the complex interactions we want to study in this research,” said Imenez Silva.

Diagnostic test development
An important goal of Imenez Silva’s research is to develop a diagnostic test that detects acid stress in kidney patients. This test can help doctors determine which patients will benefit from treatments such as alkalinization therapy. “The ultimate goal is to create a list of metabolites that can be used directly in the clinic,” enthuses Imenez Silva: “We can then treat kidney patients faster and more effectively.”

Role of nutrition
In addition to clinical applications, the research also provides insights for nutritional advice. The western diet, which is rich in acidic foods such as red meat, often puts a heavy burden on the kidneys. Changing dietary choices may reduce the burden on the kidneys, which will slow the progression of kidney damage.

Reopening a promising research area
Imenez Silva would like to conduct clinical trials in the future to test personalized treatments for chronic kidney disease. “We hope to reopen an area in physiology that once received a lot of attention but was abandoned for various reasons,” he said, referring to research from the last century on the relationship between acid- base and cell metabolism. With a new diagnostic tool and biomarkers, it is possible to find out if a specific treatment is possible, such as a modified nutrition or new medicines that directly affect kidney cell metabolism. This research is not a -only treatment of diseases improve kidney, but also provide new perspectives for other organs and conditions.