AMPIRIC Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Altered Metabolic Pathways and Immune Response to Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease
IRAS ID
335271
Contact name
Lorraine Harper
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
We know that patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have a weakened immune system and are more likely to get severe infections. The reasons why this happens are poorly understood and still under investigation. One possible reason is the way the body handles energy and nutrients is altered in CKD. We know there is a build-up of over 140 toxins which are not being removed from the body in the urine; some of these toxins are not removed by dialysis either.
In this study, we want to investigate how the changes in the way the body handles nutrients, energy and toxins in CKD affect the immune system. If we can better understand how the immune system is disrupted in CKD, then we can develop treatments to prevent infections and save lives.
In order to answer the questions above, we need to collect blood samples from patients at different stages of CKD. We also need samples from healthy people so we can compare the samples. The blood will be used to perform baseline investigations including measuring kidney function, a full blood count and the presence of CMV infection (because we know CMV significantly alters the immune system). We will then use the blood to measure the immune system’s ability to control a range of infective agents including Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), and Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS). We will also use the blood to identify genes that are altered by CKD. We will use this information to add different substances to the blood and see if this improves or worsens their ability to control infections. Tests will also be performed to measure how the blood cells are using nutrients and energy. Please note, this study does not involve any form of genetic modification.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0038
Date of REC Opinion
21 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion