African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, and other Asian groups are disproportionately affected by kidney disease. Our group was the first to describe that the increased risk in Hispanics and African Americans can be detected very early in the life course, and before CKD is established. We have led the field in understanding how to use novel biomarkers of kidney disease in diverse populations. Our portfolio encompasses understanding of genetics, biological and social/environmental factors that contribute to kidney disease and hypertension risk in African Americans and Hispanics. This knowledge opens the door to prevention strategies that can reduce race disparities in kidney disease.
OUR PROJECTS
Effects of Age and Race on GFR Estimation in a Population-based Cohort
Principal Investigator: Michael G. Shlipak and Andrew Levey
Funding Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (5R01DK087961)
Project Summary: Chronic kidney disease is a public health problem that disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities in the US. The normal levels of kidney function and the accuracy of equations to estimate kidney function are not known in racial and ethnic minorities, which represent barriers to effective clinical practice, research and public health efforts for CKD in these groups. The goals of the proposed project are to characterize the usual levels of kidney function in racial and ethnic minorities; to develop more accurate ways to estimate kidney function in racial and ethnic groups.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Kidney Function Decline: Genes or Environment?
Principal Investigator: Carmen Peralta
Funding Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K23DK082793)
Project Summary: To develop translational, multi-disciplinary approaches to understanding mechanisms that explain racial/ethnic disparities in kidney disease. Understanding the rates and determinants of early kidney function decline and incident CKD across racial/ethnic groups is a critical first step to slow the accelerating epidemics of CKD and ESRD. Our hope is to identify modifiable risk factors that will lead to important prevention strategies.