Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found a peptide (a unique link of amino acids) that helps preserve and improve kidney function during heart failure, without affecting blood pressure.  The findings appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.  According to lead researcher and cardiologist Robert Simari, MD, "Heart failure itself and some of the approaches used to treat it can have detrimental effects on the kidneys.  Our hope is that this compound will help protect kidney function while you're being treated, and possibly shorten your hospital stay and keep you out of the hospital."  This new peptide has been tested in the laboratory and in animal models and is expected to move into clinical trials next year.

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