Pulsed ultrasound to reduce inflammation and protect kidneys from sudden injury
Proof of concept and feasibility in humans for pulsed ultrasound treatment to reduce inflammation and risk of AKI
This project uses short pulses of ultrasound on the spleen to lower inflammation in adults at risk for acute kidney injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187115 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive brief, focused pulses of ultrasound intended to turn on the body's anti-inflammatory nerve reflex through the spleen. The team will enroll adults (21+) who are at risk for or have early signs of acute kidney injury and will measure blood markers of inflammation and kidney function before and after treatment. This approach follows animal studies that showed protection from kidney damage, and the current work aims to show the method is safe and feasible in people. Treatments and follow-up visits will take place at the University of Virginia site.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for or experiencing early acute kidney injury and who meet the study's medical eligibility criteria would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People on long-term dialysis, children under 21, or those with conditions that prevent safe splenic ultrasound would likely not benefit or be ineligible for this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce harmful inflammation and lower the chance or severity of acute kidney injury without using new drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies showed that similar pulsed ultrasound protected mice from kidney injury, but testing this specific approach in humans is novel and limited.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Okusa, Mark Douglas — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Okusa, Mark Douglas
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.