Detailed structural and functional 'maps' of the human kidney made using advanced scanning technology are to be developed by scientists at The University of Nottingham.
The research, funded with -107,623 from the Dr Hadwen Trust, a non-animal biomedical research charity, aims to further our understanding of how the kidneys function, ultimately leading to better monitoring and treatment for chronic kidney disease.
It will be the first of its kind to use magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the role which oxygen plays in keeping the human kidney healthy.
The study is being led by Dr Sue Francis in the University's Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre in collaboration with Professor Chris McIntyre in the University's School of Medicine.
Dr Francis said: "Current tests for chronic kidney disease can be very invasive and patients may need to return to the hospital on a number of occasions.
"The aim of this project is to produce a set of non-invasive measurements that we can produce in a single, one-hour scanning session that can assess the blood flow and oxygenation of the kidney and which could eventually be rolled out in a clinical setting to benefit patients."
The kidneys play a vital role in the human body, filtering waste products from the blood before converting them to urine. They also help to maintain blood pressure, regulate chemical levels in the body, keep bones healthy by producing a type of vitamin D and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
However, health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect how effectively the kidneys can work and can lead to chronic kidney disease, causing tiredness, water retention and weight loss and a loss of appetite.
The disease is currently diagnosed by a blood test which measures the GFR - glomerular filtration rate - which is the volume of blood which is filtered through the kidneys. In more serious kidney conditions, a renal biopsy may need to be performed, which involves removing a small sample of tissue from the kidney.
