This study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), explored how inflammation contributes to cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Using mouse models with different genetic causes of PKD, researchers found that immune cells called macrophages build up in the kidneys as cysts enlarge.

However, this inflammation was not what started the cysts—it developed alongside them and helped them grow larger over time. The buildup of macrophages and related inflammatory signals appears to make cyst progression worse, even though it doesn’t trigger cyst formation in the first place.

Why is this important?

The study shows that inflammation plays a key role in worsening PKD by promoting cyst expansion. This suggests that treatments aimed at reducing kidney inflammation or blocking macrophage activity could help slow down disease progression and protect kidney function.

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