A University of Waterloo researcher has spearheaded the development of the first computational model of the human kidney.
The new model will allow scientists to gain better insights into how new drugs that target the kidney, such as diabetes medication, may work. It will also enable researchers to better learn about the functions of the kidney, including the how the organ regulates the body's salt, potassium, acid content without having to employ invasive procedure on a patient.
The new development replaces previous models that were based on rodent kidneys.
“While the computational model is not an actual person, it is very inexpensive to run, and presents less of a risk to patients,” said Anita Layton, lead author of the study and professor of Applied Mathematics, Pharmacy and Biology at Waterloo. “Certain drugs are developed to target the kidney while others have unintended effects on the kidney and computer modelling allows us to make long-term projections of potential impacts, which could increase patient safety."
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Image Credit: University of Waterloo