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GENETICS & KIDNEY DISEASE
GENETICS & KIDNEY DISEASE
Scientists have checked the DNA of over 90,000 people, comparing the presence of specific DNA variants to kidney function and found that 13 variants are associated with altered kidney function.
The research was carried out by Dr Anna Kottgen and colleagues from John Hopkins University, as well as a consortium of researchers from academic and medical institutions around the world. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Nature Genetics. This could be a step towards greater understanding of the biology behind chronic kidney disease (CKD).
This research drew together data from several genetic studies to identify new DNA variants associated with kidney function and CKD. However, the findings suggest that other genetic variants and environmental factors may affect the risk of this disease. This well-conducted research furthers our understanding of the complex genetic basis of healthy kidney functioning, but more research is needed before the findings can be applied to treatment or diagnosis of kidney disease.
Written by Dr Martin Harris, Doctor and Mohel for Jewish Circumcision Clinic in London Bris Mila Brit Milah.
www.circumcisionlondon.co.uk
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