A team of scientists from Singapore and Germany has discovered a mechanism that may allow kidneys to repair themselves from within. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, focuses on blocking a protein called interleukin-11 (IL-11).
This protein is believed to be responsible for causing scarring and inflammation, preventing the organ from naturally recovering after damage caused by diseases such as diabetes.
After testing a special antibody in mice, researchers noticed that healthy cells began to grow back. According to the authors, this therapy “could treat kidney failure and restore organ function” by promoting regeneration. It is almost as if the kidney regains its natural ability to heal itself once an invisible barrier is removed.
Although the laboratory results are promising, the researchers stress that there is still a long way to go before the treatment can be tested in humans. It is not an instant miracle cure, but it does open a real door of hope for people suffering from chronic kidney failure.
You can watch the official video explaining the discovery here: