Dr. Thomas Weimbs Chats with Dr. Shigeo Horie, Director of the PKD Association in Japan

Breaking Down the Conversation: Dr. Thomas Weimbs Chats with Dr. Shigeo Horie on PKD

In an enlightening exchange between two prominent figures in the PKD community, Dr. Thomas Weimbs sits down with Dr. Shigeo Horie, a leading name in the fight against Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Dr. Horie, who serves as both a Professor of Urological Surgery at the Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine and the director of the Polycystic Kidney Association in Japan, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table.

Central to the conversation is Dr. Horie's philosophy on medical progress. He eloquently articulates the need to alleviate the burdens borne by patients, emphasizing the importance of freedom from the constraints of illness. Achieving this noble goal requires a collaborative effort between doctors and patients, highlighting the critical role of patient involvement in medical research and treatment development.

The research discussed by Dr. Thomas Weimbs and Dr. Shigeo Horie delve into the promising connection between dietary interventions, specifically the ketogenic diet, and its effects on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Dr. Weimbs' work at the University of California Santa Barbara has led to groundbreaking findings showing that ketosis, induced by a ketogenic diet, may slow down or even reverse the growth of polycystic kidneys in animal models. This research suggests a potential pathway to managing PKD progression in humans, offering a ray of hope for those affected by this genetic disease​​​​.

The collaborative efforts of researchers and clinicians, as exemplified by Dr. Weimbs and Dr. Horie, are crucial in advancing our understanding of PKD and developing effective treatments that can improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

Click HERE to watch full interview!

From a recent press release on a newly announced clinical research study:

Juntendo University Partners With Santa Barbara Nutrients and Kidney Nutrition Institute to Investigate First Medical Food for Polycystic Kidney Disease 

Clinical study will test SBN’s medical food KetoCitra® and ketogenic metabolic therapy on ADPKD

"For this clinical research, investigators at Juntendo University will evaluate the safety, tolerability, feasibility, metabolic, and renal outcomes of the KMT (Ren.Nu + KetoCitra®) in patients with ADPKD. The study will follow up to 200 ADPKD patients who will either undergo the dietary intervention or follow their usual diet for one year. 

In preparation for the clinical research, Juntendo University hosted renal dietitians from the Kidney Nutrition Institute. Physicians, patients, and dietitians worked together to translate and adapt the Ren.Nu Program educational materials and meal plans to be culturally suitable for the Japanese population.

The engagement of the entire ADPKD community team in Japan has been impressive. I believe patients will be very successful because they have everyone working hard with them and for them and cheering them on.  We are very grateful for this clinical study opportunity.” said Jessianna Saville MS, RD, founder and president of the Kidney Nutrition Institute."