Researchers from
the Mayo Clinic have found that the existence of troponin T (cTnT) – a protein – in the blood could be an early predictor of kidney disease. This is the first time that a specific protein has been discovered that can be sought out to uncover heart damage. Furthermore, this protein can also indicate kidney disease in individuals with hypertension.
Lead author of the study, LaTonya Hickson, M.D., pointed out that increased levels of troponin T in the blood could be an early indicator of disease and can allow for early intervention. She also suggests that although African Americans generally have higher rates of kidney failure, these finding reveal that it doesn’t matter what kidney function was at the baseline. As long as there are elevated troponin T proteins in the blood anyone can be warned of early kidney failure and possible death.
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Dr. Hickson said, “Early intervention and treatment can be key to stopping kidney disease progression and, potentially, preventable death events. This study demonstrates for physicians everywhere that we are getting closer to accurately predicting future disease and death by examining this one marker. This is important, because, as with many diseases, accurate, early detection means we can more quickly recognize and efficiently treat the disease before it fully manifests – potentially improving a patient’s quality and quantity of life.”
Hypertension is currently a large problem within America, and it is estimated that by 2030 nearly 40 percent of the population with have some form of hypertension. End-stage kidney failure is associated with hypertension, which affects roughly 600,000 people. Screening for kidney disease is not recommended; however, it could greatly benefit patients who also have other medical conditions.
Dr. Hickson concluded, “Among the overall cohort, we found that, at 10 years, those with an abnormal cTnT had a high cumulative incidence of death totaling 47 percent, compared to those with a normal cTnT (7.3 percent). In addition, 10 years after the initial testing, the cumulative incidence of end-stage kidney failure was 27 percent among those with an abnormal cTnT, compared to the substantially lower rate found in those with normal cTnT (1.3 percent).”
Further research is required in order to understand more about cTnT and its role in predicting kidney failure.
The findings were published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
