CKDu, mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Mesoamerican nephropathy is an epidemic of kidney failure affecting farm workers (predominantly male) in Central America. Similar disease [aka, chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu)] affects agricultural communities world-wide. Dr. Sheikh-Hamad's team surveyed migrant workers with kidney failure at a Harris Health-based dialysis unit and discovered a link between exposure to agrochemicals (especially paraquat) and kidney failure. Weekly injections of sub-toxic doses of paraquat to mice for 15 weeks resulted in kidney failure - similar to Mesoamerican nephropathy. The study also examines kidney transporters for paraquat (OCT2 and MATE1), and finds a similar pattern in kidney biopsies of patients with Mesoamerican nephropathy.

THIS IS A HYBRID SEMINAR: LIVE IN-PERSON & VIA ZOOM:
-IN-PERSON: Field Auditorium (room 1112), Grainger Hall (9 Circuit Dr, Durham). Masks are required.
-ZOOM: Must register for link: https://duke.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAuceqtpz8qHd2ymSuqpTjyQ9iwZvySLN3M
-Both attendance options are free and open to all.