Inflammasome in haemodialysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Inflammasome Function in People Receiving Haemodialysis
IRAS ID
325490
Contact name
Raheela N Khan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Haemodialysis, a treatment to remove waste from the blood when kidney function is impaired, is associated with increased levels of inflammation. This happens because the immune system is responding to molecules in our bodies that signal danger and are referred to as ‘danger-associated molecular patterns’ or DAMPs. These molecules/DAMPs are often found in larger amounts and last longer in the blood of people receiving haemodialysis compared to those who don’t. DAMPs are able to activate cells to produce inflammatory factors (through a structure known as the inflammasome) that we can detect and measure in blood samples and cells from patients having haemodialysis. The purpose of this study is to measure levels of inflammatory agents, DAMPs and certain nutrients (including fats, minerals, vitamins) in blood samples taken before and after haemodialysis in people with and without kidney disease. Participants will provide two blood samples, each taken before and after a single session of haemodialysis. In our labs, we will test the inflammatory pathways involved and test whether we can reduce the effects of DAMPs using blockers and other compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. The study which will run for six months will also allow us to investigate in more detail, the link between clinical observations and experimental data in people receiving haemodialysis and a control group receiving no haemodialysis. The study will help identify new ways and potentially new therapeutics to use in managing inflammation associated with chronic kidney disease.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
23/WA/0165
Date of REC Opinion
30 May 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion