Treating blood-vessel damage in lupus-related kidney disease
Targeting Pathogenic Endothelial Dysfunction in Lupus Nephritis
Researchers are trying sepiapterin, a compound that may improve blood-vessel cell health and reduce kidney inflammation for people with lupus nephritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models of lupus nephritis and cultured kidney (glomerular) endothelial cells to see whether sepiapterin restores healthy endothelial nitric oxide function and lowers harmful reactive oxygen species. The team will measure clinical and tissue (histologic) kidney outcomes, large-vessel function, and molecular markers along the PI3K/Akt pathway. They will also check for off-target effects in immune cells and podocytes to understand safety and broader impacts. Findings in animals and cells would guide whether this approach could move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with systemic lupus erythematosus who have active lupus nephritis or signs of vascular inflammation would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without lupus or without kidney involvement, or whose disease is driven by different mechanisms, are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that protect blood vessels and reduce kidney inflammation in lupus, potentially preserving kidney function.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies link eNOS coupling to reduced inflammation, but using sepiapterin for lupus nephritis is a relatively new approach that has not yet been proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oates, James C — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Oates, James C
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.