Nephrology & Urology
AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS
Artificial Kidney
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the world’s population. One in four men and one in five women are affected after age 65. Yet, CKD has not attracted the attention of researchers, governments, media and the commoner. Wearable artificial kidneys have been under development for the past two decades with limited success. A bioartificial kidney of ‘the size of a coffee cup’ was recently announced by UCSF. The researchers at the Department will coordinate with engineers and scientists to build a cost-effective artificial bio kidney.
Membrane Development for Ultrafiltration
Our kidneys receive over a litre of blood per minute and produce 1.5 litres of urine. Kidney has an efficient system of filtration called glomerular filtration. The glomerular filtration barrier effectively retains plasma protein which ejects filtrates as urine. Can we develop indigenously a membrane that is closer to the native kidney?
Hypertension, Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Hypertension and diabetes have acquired epidemic proportions. One- third of the Indian adult population is hypertensive, and one-fourth are under medication. One in eleven is affected by diabetes. Sustained research is needed for a causal link between these diseases. The research may involve genetic connections and molecular and cellular level investigations.