Title:
Evaluation of untargeted urinary metabolomic profiling, microRNA (miRNA), and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Investigators:
Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVN (Internal Medicine, Interventional Radiology, and Nutrition faculty)
Chad Schmiedt, DVM, MS, DACVS (Soft Tissue Surgery faculty and Alison Bradbury Chair in Feline Health)
Janet Grimes, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA (Soft Tissue Surgery faculty)
Bianca Lourenço, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Internal Medicine faculty)
Allison Arne, DVM-PhD student
If interested, please contact or have your primary veterinarian contact our Clinical Trials coordinator Lisa Reno at 706-296-7818 or [email protected].
Study description:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases of older cats. Current testing does not detect CKD in cats until over 2/3 of kidney function is lost. Furthermore, testing does not predict rate of progression or response to treatment. Metabolomics is the study of the products of metabolic pathways and has been used to identify diagnostic and treatment targets in diseases in people including CKD. Advanced glycation products (AGEs) are produced from the interaction of sugar with protein within the body and in food. Consumption of high levels of AGEs is associated with various diseases in people including CKD. MicroRNA refer to small pieces of genetic material that have been shown to play a role in progression of CKD by increasing scarring of the kidneys and inflammation within the kidneys. Our objectives are to characterize metabolomic profiles, AGE concentrations, and microRNAs in cats with various stages of kidney disease and in healthy cats, which may result in identification of new biomarkers of CKD and treatment targets for cats with CKD.
Cats with chronic kidney disease (IRIS stages 1-4) may be eligible for participation. Healthy cats with age, sex and neuter status that match those with kidney disease will also be enrolled. In addition, the following exclusions apply:
Exclusion criteria:
- Cats with congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism*, diabetes mellitus, cancer
- *Cats treated with I-131 greater than 30 days prior to enrollment and euthyroid can be enrolled
- Cats treated with glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, diuretics, probiotics or antibiotics in the 30 days
prior to enrollment - Cats that are dehydrated**
- **Cats receiving intravenous or subcutaneous fluids should have samples collected prior to next fluid administration
The study pays for:
- Appointment
- Blood pressure measurement
- CBC, biochemistry panel, SDMA, and T4 measurement
- Urinalysis and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio
Clients are responsible for any costs not directly related to study procedures.
Duration of study:
Enrollment is ongoing.
Potential benefits to veterinary medicine:
Gaining a better understanding of chronic kidney disease in cats will allow veterinarians to recognize CKD earlier, and provide and recommend the best possible care for cats with this disease.
