How COVID-19 affects scarring and diabetic damage in the kidneys
Covid-19 induced worsening of glomerular diseases
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11249172
This project looks at whether the inflammation caused by COVID-19 makes scarring (FSGS) and diabetic kidney disease worse and whether blocking specific immune signals can protect people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project recreates the COVID-19 'cytokine storm' seen in people and uses those same inflammatory mixes in lab models of kidney scarring (FSGS) and diabetic kidney disease to see if kidney damage gets worse. Researchers will base the inflammatory mixes on human patient data and give them to rodents that model these kidney conditions to study changes in kidney injury. They will also test blocking certain immune receptors and removing specific cytokines to see if those steps prevent or lessen kidney damage. Results could point to treatments that protect kidney function during COVID-19 and help guide future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) or diabetic nephropathy, especially those who have had or are at risk of COVID-19, would be the groups most likely to benefit or be candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without underlying glomerular disease or with kidney problems from unrelated causes may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify therapies to prevent COVID-19–related worsening of FSGS and diabetic nephropathy and help preserve kidney function during infection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior observational and laboratory work shows that cytokine storms can worsen kidney injury, but combining receptor blockade and targeted cytokine depletion as a protective strategy is relatively new and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MACE, CAMILLE EMILIE ADELINE — RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: MACE, CAMILLE EMILIE ADELINE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.