Grant: Operating Grant

Approximately 5-10% of patients with chronic kidney disease have a type of inherited kidney disease that is one of a number of diseases that are collectively referred to as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Studies in some models of PKD have demonstrated that dietary interventions such as soy protein and oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g fish and flax oils) significantly retard the development of disease. Dietary effects are not always the same in different models, however, reflecting the fact that different types of PKD respond differently to dietary interventions. In addition, studies in models have been limited to those that do not have the same mutation as human forms of PKD. One of the ways in which these dietary changes may affect PKD is via their effects on kidney molecules, called cAMP and eicosanoids, which regulate various functions and disease progression in the kidney. The development of models which have the same genetic mutations as the human forms of PKD now provides the opportunity to test nutritional strategies in specific PKD disorders. We hypothesize that dietary soy protein and oils containing omega-3 fatty acids will slow the development of disease and affect kidney signaling molecules in three of these true PKD models. These models represent more than 99% of human PKD disorders. They will be given diets containing either casein or soy protein as the protein source and either soy oil, fish oil or flax oil as the fat source. The effect on kidney damage, function and on signaling molecules will be determined. The results of these studies will provide novel information that will enhance our understanding of diet effects on disease and on signaling molecules in specific PKD disorders. This information is an important step before engaging in human clinical trials of dietary interventions in PKD. This information is needed to provide accurate information to patients so that they can take an active role in their own health care.