Investigating causes of chronic kidney disease in agricultural workers in Central America
Official title: Exploring risk factors and predictors of endemic CKDu in agricultural regions of four Central America countries
Funded at Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica · NIH-10884933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what might cause kidney problems in young farm workers in Central America, focusing on things like hard work, living conditions, and exposure to harmful substances, while also checking for genetic factors, to help us understand how the disease develops and affects their health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Heredia, Costa Rica) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $450,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK130046-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adult males working in agriculture, particularly in sugarcane production, in the endemic regions of Central America.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in agricultural work or those living outside the targeted Central American regions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the risk factors and predictors of chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) among young agricultural workers in Central America. The study will assess various factors such as strenuous labor, social determinants, exposure to toxins, and health conditions that may contribute to kidney decline. Researchers will collect biological samples to explore genetic risks and identify novel biomarkers related to kidney injury. The project aims to follow individuals over time to better understand the disease's progression and its impact on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatments for chronic kidney disease in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between agricultural work and chronic kidney disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
Heredia, Costa Rica Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crowe, Jennifer — Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
- Study coordinator: Crowe, Jennifer
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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.