Clinical Research Directory

Mechanisms of Diabetic Kidney Disease in American Indians

Background: \- An ongoing study is looking at American Indians who have kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes. Kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes is a major problem in American Indians. We previously found that early treatment of kidney disease with losartan was probably beneficial for reducing progression of the disease. Researchers now want to see if these benefits continue to be seen several years after the end of the treatment study. Objectives: \- To study long-term benefit of losartan treatment for diabetic kidney disease in American Indians with type 2 diabetes. Eligibility: \- Participants in the American Indian diabetic kidney disease study (OH95-DK-N037). Design: * Participants will have a physical exam and medical history before starting the study. Blood and urine samples will be collected. * Participants will have a set of tests as part of this study. Those who have severe kidney problems, such as kidney failure, will only have a basic kidney exam with scans. The remaining participants will have a full urine collection and analysis. They will also provide a kidney biopsy. * Treatment will not be provided as part of this study.

Renal Hemodynamics, Energetics and Insulin Resistance: A Follow-up Study

The current protocol plans to enroll participants with youth-onset Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) as well as obese and lean controls from the Renal-HEIR - Renal Hemodynamics, Energetics and Insulin Resistance in Youth Onset Type 2 Diabetes Study (n=100) \[COMIRB #16-1752\] in a prospective investigation that seeks to 1) define the changes in kidney function by gold standard techniques and energetics by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in adolescents with and without T2D as they transition to young adulthood; 2) quantify kidney oxidative metabolism by 11C-acetate Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in a subset of participants who are ≥18 years of age with youth-onset T2D and/or obesity; 3) determine peripheral arterial stiffness by SphygmoCor. Mechanistic insight will be provided by transcriptomic analyses of repeat biopsies 3-years after their initial biopsy for eligible participants with youth-onset T2D, as well as molecular analysis of tissue obtained from J-wire endovascular biopsies. This study will also leverage this well-characterized cohort of youths to define youth-onset T2D-related changes in brain morphology and function by structural MRI and resting-state functional MRI and through the assessment of cognitive function (fluid and crystallized intelligence) using the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIHTB-CB), as an exploratory objective. All enrollees in Renal-HEIR have consented to be contacted for future research opportunities.

Role of Finerenone in African American Veterans With Diabetic Kidney Disease

Primary Objectives: To study podocyte specific injury markers (podocyte specific proteins, PSP) nephrin, podocalyxin and Wilms'Tumor (WT-1) protein in exosomes urine from African American Veterans with albuminuric stage 2 and 3 chronic diabetic kidney disease (DKD), using Empagliflozin or Finerenone or combination therapy. Secondary Objectives: (1). Correlate changes in exosome-based PSP with standardized biomarkers of kidney injury including urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated GFR. (2) with systemic inflammatory markers (focusing on vascular and endothelial function) that are already established such as interleukins (IL1, IL6, IL-12), hs-CRP and (3) arterial stiffness measures and with (4) APOL1 mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood derived mononuclear cells (MNC).

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Platelet Parameters in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a frequent microvascular complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a major cause of chronic kidney failure worldwide. Chronic low-grade inflammation and platelet activation contribute significantly to renal microvascular damage. The purpose of this observational study is to evaluate whether routine blood test markers, specifically the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet indices (such as mean platelet volume \[MPV\] and platelet distribution width \[PDW\]), can serve as simple, accessible, and cost-effective biomarkers for identifying the presence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. Participants will include adult patients with type 2 diabetes categorized according to their urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria) as well as healthy control subjects. Complete blood counts, derived inflammatory indices, and renal parameters will be measured to assess their diagnostic accuracy for DKD.

Decision Impact Trial of KidneyIntelX

The current trial is designed to evaluate how the results of KidneyIntelX test impacts on the clinical management of type 2 diabetes patients identified as increased risk for rapid kidney function decline within 5-years.

Prospective Decision Impact Clinical Utility Trial of KidneyIntelX

The clinical utility trial is designed to evaluate how the results of KidneyIntelX test / platform impacts on the clinical management of type 2 diabetes patients identified as increased risk for rapid kidney function decline within 5-years.

Prospective Decision Impact Trial of KidneyIntelX

The current trial is designed to evaluate how the results of KidneyIntelX test / platform impacts on the clinical management of type 2 diabetes patients identified as increased risk for rapid kidney function decline within 5-years.

Real World Evidence Clinical Utility Study of KidneyIntelX

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the KidneyIntelX assay utilized as part of the current standard of care on the management of patients seen in the primary care physician's office at Mount Sinai.

Uric Acid Lowering Trial in Youth Onset T2D

Adolescents and young adults with youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) are disproportionally impacted by hyperuricemia compared to non-diabetic peers and youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In fact, 50% of males with youth-onset T2D have serum uric acid (SUA) greater than 6.8 mg/dl. The investigators also recently demonstrated that higher SUA conferred greater odds of developing hypertension and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in youth with T2D over 7 years follow-up. Elevated SUA is thought to lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and DKD by inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and deleterious effects on nephron mass. While there are studies demonstrating beneficial effects of uric acid (UA) lowering on vascular health in the general population, there are no studies in youth-onset T2D. Youth-onset T2D carries a greater risk of DKD and CVD compared to adult-onset T2D and T1D. Accordingly, a clinical trial evaluating UA lowering therapies is needed in youth-onset T2D. Krystexxa (pegloticase), a uricase, effectively lowers SUA and therefore holds promise as a novel therapy to impede the development of CVD and DKD in youth-onset T2D. This proposal describes a pilot and feasibility trial evaluating the effect of UA lowering by pegloticase on markers of CVD and DKD in ten (n=10) youth aged 18-25 with youth-onset T2D (diagnosed \<21 years of age) over 7 days. The overarching hypothesis is that pegloticase improves marker of cardiorenal health by lowering UA.

Dosimetry of Tc-99m-Tilmanocept

This proposal will use kidney SPECT/CT of Tc-99m-tilmanocept to evaluate the mesangial changes seen in diabetics across the spectrum of kidney disease as well as persons with hypertensive kidney disease, the next most common cause of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. We aim to demonstrate that these different disease types and stages can be differentiated with Tc-99m-tilmanocept SPECT/CT and can thus be used for future trials evaluating early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (F.I.N.D.)

The Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND) is a multicenter study designed to identify genetic determinants of diabetic kidney disease. FIND will be conducted in eleven centers and in many ethnic groups throughout the United States. Two different strategies will be used to localize genes predisposing to kidney disease: a family-based genetic linkage study and a case-control study that utilizes admixture linkage disequilibrium. The center based at the Phoenix office of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK-Phoenix) will conduct family-based linkage studies among American Indian populations in the southwestern United States. Participants (index cases) with diabetes and kidney disease will initially be recruited, and their parents and siblings will also be invited to participate. Genetic material from these participants will be used to genotype markers throughout the genome. Linkage analysis will be conducted to identify particular chromosomal regions containing genes that influence susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease. Linkage analyses will also be used to identify genes influencing traits related to diabetic kidney disease, such as serum creatinine, urinary protein excretion, plasma glucose levels, blood pressure and blood lipid levels. Regions that show evidence for linkage will then be examined in more detail, with both genetic linkage and association studies, to attempt to identify the specific genes that influence diabetic kidney disease, or related traits. The identification of genes that influence susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease will lead to a better understanding of how kidney disease develops. In the long run, this may lead to improved treatment and prevention of diabetic kidney disease.

Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Model for Differentiating Diabetic Kidney Disease and Non-Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

This multicenter retrospective observational study aims to develop and validate an interpretable machine learning model for differentiating diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical, laboratory, and pathological data from biopsy-confirmed patients were collected from 14 medical centers in China. Multiple machine learning algorithms were evaluated and externally validated. The final model was implemented as a web-based clinical decision support tool.

The Evaluation of the Drug R3R01 for the Excretion of Protein in the Urine in Patients With Diabetic Kidney Disease.

The goal of this clinical trial is to to investigate whether the drug R3R01 has a beneficial effect on the amount of protein excreted in the urine in adult patients (above 18 years of age) with type 2 diabetes and resulting kidney disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does 3 months of treatment with 200mg of the drug R3R01 morning and evening have a beneficial effect on the amount of protein excreted in the urine in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease? 2. Does R3R01 have an effect on kidney function and daily blood pressure? Researchers will compare the results of 40 people who take R3R01 to 20 people who receive an inactive substance (placebo). Participants will receive R3R01 or the placebo as an oral tablet and undergo a selection of medical examinations - such as: * blood samples * urine tests * kidney tests involving a radiolabelled marker which is injected into the bloodstream and monitored via blood samples * 24 hour blood pressure monitoring via a wearable device * urine pregnancy test (if applicable)

Evaluation of MTX-439 in Healthy Adults and Adults With Diabetic Kidney Disease

This is a phase 1 randomized, double-blind, single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) study to assess the safety, tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics (PK) of single and multiple ascending doses of MTX-439 administered in healthy adults and adults with diabetic kidney disease (DKD)

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Renal Function in Diabetic Kidney Disease

This study is a randomized controlled pilot trial designed to evaluate the effects and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine formula (DKD-1) as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care combined with DKD-1 for 12 weeks. Kidney function, glycemic control, proteinuria, quality of life, and traditional Chinese medicine tongue features will be assessed before and after the intervention. The study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether DKD-1 can improve renal function, glycemic control, and quality of life in this patient population.

Effect of Urinary Alkalinization on Urine Uric Acid Precipitation and Crystallization in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

The purpose of this study is to determine whether alkalinization of urine uric acid by 2 doses of sodium bicarbonate (1950mg) over 24-hours reduces precipitation and crystallization of urine uric acid over in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibition in the Kidney

The goal of this open-label, non-randomized clinical trial is to determine what effects, if any, an FDA-approved drug class known as SGLT2 inhibitors (Canagliflozin or INVOKANA) has any protective effects on kidney function in Type 2 diabetes. We are looking for participants 18-80 years of age, who have had a clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes for ≥ 3 years. Participants will be asked to sign a consent and complete a screening visit prior to study entry including the following procedures for this study: Consent and Screening: * Laboratory tests to determine baseline health * Ultrasound to measure kidney size and ensure presence of 2 functioning kidneys Month 0: * Study entry kidney MRI (day 0) * Study entry kidney biopsy (within 30 days of MRI) * Study entry visit for dispensing 100 mg/daily Canagliflozin medication 3 month supply Month 3: * Study visit to dispense remaining 3 months of 100 mg/daily Canagliflozin medication * Review of systems Month 6: * Follow-up kidney MRI * Follow-up kidney biopsy Study participants will also be requested to provide blood and urine samples for biobanking purposes. They will also be provided the opportunity to provide a stool sample at two time points, as well as the option to participate in a related study collecting samples to create induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). Participants will be compensated for their time and loss of work time, additionally, a nominal additional compensation for optional stool and iPSC samples.

Renal Mechanism of SGLT2 Inhibition

Canagliflozin is an oral drug which is currently approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Canagliflozin acts by increasing salt and sugar loss in the urine, and has shown to protect heart, kidney, and blood vessel function in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown how canagliflozin protects the kidneys from disease. Therefore, this study plans to learn more about how canagliflozin works to protect against diabetic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. This study will use state-of-the-art kidney imaging, kidney biopsies and detailed testing of kidney function to determine the mechanisms of protection afforded by canagliflozin.

Trial of Semaglutide for Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 1 Diabetes

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effects of semaglutide on change in albuminuria from baseline to 26 weeks in type 1 diabetes. The secondary objective is to determine the effects of semaglutide on change in kidney parameters (including kidney oxygenation and function) measured by MRI from baseline to 26 weeks in type 1 diabetes. Other objectives are to determine the glycemic effects and safety of semaglutide in type 1 diabetes.

Atrasentan in Patients With Proteinuric Glomerular Diseases

The AFFINITY Study is a phase 2, open-label, basket study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of atrasentan in patients with proteinuric glomerular disease who are at risk of progressive loss of renal function.

Pathogenesis of Kidney Disease in Type 1 Diabetes: a Modern Kidney Biopsy Cohort (The PANDA Study)

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) occurs in up to 40% of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), often leading to kidney failure and markedly magnifying risks of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Landmark T1D kidney biopsy studies identified the classic pathological lesions of DKD, which have been attributed largely to hyperglycemia. Recent advances in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery have facilitated improved glycemic control, but the residual risk of DKD continues to be high. In addition, obesity and insulin resistance (IR) have accompanied intensive glycemic therapy and may promote mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Deciphering the molecular underpinnings of DKD in modern-day T1D and identifying modifiable risk factors could lead to more effective and targeted therapies to prevent DKD.

Spironolactone Alternate Dosing vs Finerenone in Elevated Potassium - K Safety Study

This study evaluates the safety of finerenone compared with alternate-day spironolactone in patients with heart failure and diabetic kidney disease at increased risk of hyperkalemia. Patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure often benefit from mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, but their use is frequently limited by elevated potassium levels. Finerenone has been associated with a lower risk of hyperkalemia in clinical trials, but direct comparisons with spironolactone in high-risk patients are limited. In this randomized study, eligible participants will be assigned to receive either finerenone once daily or spironolactone on alternate days, in addition to standard therapy. Patients will be closely monitored during hospitalization and followed for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is clinically relevant hyperkalemia, defined by elevated potassium levels or the need to adjust or discontinue treatment due to hyperkalemia. Secondary outcomes include changes in potassium levels, kidney function, and clinical events. This study aims to provide practical evidence to guide the safe use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients at high risk for hyperkalemia.

DiEtary Sodium Intake Effects on Ertugliflozin-induced Changes in GFR, reNal Oxygenation and Systemic Hemodynamics: the DESIGN Study

SGLT2 inhibitors such as ertugliflozin improve blood pressure and kidney outcomes in people living with diabetes through incompletely understood mechanisms, however, not all patients treated with SGLT2 inhibition have improved outcomes. Changes in kidney sodium handling is among the mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibition may reduce blood pressure and drive beneficial kidney outcomes. This process is heavily dependent on daily sodium intake by patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitor treatment. In this study, the effect of daily sodium intake on SGLT2-inhibitor induced physiological effect is studied, including blood pressure regulation and kidney physiology.

Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of Diabetic Kidney Disease

The goal of this study is to investigate the value of noninvasive evaluation of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We aim to explore the feasibility of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging in the staging diagnosis of DKD, and establish a non-invasive method for evaluating the progression of DKD disease by combining imaging and biochemical indicators. Multimodal magnetic resonance examinations will be performed on diabetic patients with different stages as well as regular follow-up during treatment, in order to investigate the relationship between imaging findings and pathophysiological changes of the kidneys.