Using ketosis to treat polycystic kidney disease
Ketosis as a therapy for polycystic kidney disease
This study is looking at how a special diet that puts your body in a state called ketosis, or a supplement called β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), might help slow down or even reverse polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in people who have it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10807011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a metabolic state called ketosis can inhibit or even reverse the progression of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). By utilizing dietary interventions that promote ketosis or administering a ketone supplement known as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these effects. The research is based on findings from animal models, which suggest that PKD cells struggle to utilize fatty acids and ketones, making them susceptible to dietary changes that induce ketosis. The ultimate goal is to gather enough evidence to support clinical trials for these dietary strategies and BHB supplementation in patients with autosomal dominant PKD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
Not a fit: Patients with other types of kidney diseases or those who do not have polycystic kidney disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new dietary therapy or supplement to slow or reverse kidney disease progression in patients with polycystic kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in animal models using similar dietary interventions and ketone supplementation, indicating a potential pathway for clinical success.
Where this research is happening
Santa Barbara, United States
- University of California Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weimbs, Thomas — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Weimbs, Thomas
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.