Kidney’s ‘Poison’ Link to Heart Failure Uncovered, Offering New Hope for Millions
A groundbreaking discovery reveals that diseased kidneys produce substances that directly harm the heart, finally explaining why cardiovascular problems are the leading cause of death for those with chronic kidney disease. Researchers at UVA Health and Mount Sinai believe this finding will pave the way for earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments for heart failure in this vulnerable patient population.
More than 35 million Americans – roughly 1 in 7 – are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to the National Institutes of Health. The condition often develops silently, with both kidney and heart damage occurring before symptoms appear. This new research offers a critical step toward identifying at-risk individuals sooner and improving outcomes.
The Long-Sought Connection Between Kidneys and the Heart
For years, scientists have recognized a strong correlation between CKD and cardiovascular disease, but pinpointing the why remained elusive. Shared risk factors like obesity and hypertension complicated the picture, making it difficult to establish a direct causal link. Now, researchers have identified a kidney-specific factor: circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs).
These EVs, produced by nearly all cells in the body, typically act as messengers, transporting proteins and other materials between cells. However, EVs originating from kidneys affected by CKD carry a harmful cargo – small, non-coding RNA called miRNA – that proves toxic to the heart.
“Doctors always wondered how organs such as the kidney and heart communicate with each other,” explained a lead researcher. “We show that EVs from the kidney can travel to the heart and be toxic. We are just at the beginning to understand this communication.”
Blocking the Harmful Vesicles Reverses Heart Failure in Lab Tests
In laboratory experiments with mice, blocking the circulation of these harmful EVs led to significant improvements in heart function and a reversal of heart failure symptoms. Further analysis of blood plasma samples from both CKD patients and healthy individuals confirmed the presence of these damaging EVs in those with kidney disease.
The implications of this discovery are far-reaching. Scientists envision a future where a simple blood test can identify CKD patients at high risk of developing serious heart problems. Moreover, the ability to target and neutralize these circulating EVs could offer a novel therapeutic approach to prevent or treat heart failure in this population.
Precision Medicine on the Horizon
“Our hope is to develop novel biomarkers and treatment options for our kidney patients at risk for heart disease,” a researcher stated. “Potentially our work will improve precision medicine for CKD and heart failure patients, so that each patient gets the exact treatment they need.”
To accelerate this research, the University of Virginia is hosting a hands-on workshop beginning February 7th, dedicated to advancing the study of extracellular vesicles. This initiative is part of the broader mission of UVA’s new Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, which aims to rapidly translate lab discoveries into life-saving treatments.
The findings have been published in the journal Circulation, and are freely accessible to the public. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. This breakthrough represents a significant leap forward in understanding the complex interplay between kidney disease and heart health, offering renewed hope for millions affected by these debilitating conditions.
