A report in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) found the anti-diabetes medication, rosiglitazone, may be able to protect kidney function in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Preliminary studies of the drug shows it has a positive effect on the kidneys and there have been no cardiovascular complications associated with rosiglitazone. 
 
FSGS is a condition that effects kidney function by attacking the glomeruli units in the kidneys that filter blood. FSGS patients have limited treatment options and many develop scarred or hardened blood vessels within the kidneys. This makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter wastes from the blood.
 
To examine the full potential of rosiglitazone for FSGS patients, further investigations need to be accomplished.

This article originally appeared in the January 2009 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.