CH25H and 25‑hydroxycholesterol as potential protectors of diabetic kidneys

Protective role of CH25h/25-HC in diabetic kidney disease.

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JAMES J PETERS VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11247597

This work looks at whether a cholesterol-processing enzyme (CH25H) and its product 25‑HC protect the tiny blood vessels in kidneys damaged by diabetes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJAMES J PETERS VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11247597 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers compared gene activity in kidney blood-vessel cells from animal models and human kidney samples and found CH25H strongly changed in early diabetic kidney disease. They used diabetic mice to test what happens when CH25H is removed and found its loss increased blood-vessel cell death, and giving 25‑HC to diabetic mice reduced kidney damage. The team combines animal experiments, cell-level studies, and molecular assays to understand how CH25H/25‑HC controls inflammation and survival of endothelial cells in diabetic kidneys. Their work is intended to identify pathways that could be targeted to protect kidney blood vessels and slow disease progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with diabetes who have early signs of kidney damage (such as albumin in the urine) would be the most relevant group for eventual participation or benefit.

Not a fit: People without diabetes or those with very advanced, end-stage kidney disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the near term.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatments that protect kidney blood vessels and slow or prevent diabetic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked CH25H and 25‑HC to inflammation and vascular function but findings are mixed, so applying this pathway specifically to diabetic kidney disease is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BRONX, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.