The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, has gained international recognition following a groundbreaking discovery in kidney disease research led by Prof. Ifeoma Ulasi, a prominent nephrologist at the institution.
The research, conducted in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and various national and international collaborators, including Ghanaian researchers, has identified a genetic link that could enable targeted treatment and early intervention for kidney disease patients.
The study found that nearly one-third of individuals of West African ancestry carry a genetic variant, known as APOL 1, which increases their risk of developing kidney disease.
This gene variant has also been observed among people from Europe, Asia, Central, and South America.
According to the research team, early identification of the APOL 1 gene in at-risk individuals could allow for timely intervention to slow or prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease.
“For us here in UNTH and Nigeria, these findings imply that it will henceforth be possible to halt the progression of chronic kidney disease in identified individuals,” the Chief Medical Director of UNTH, Uchelue Boniface E. said in a statement.
“Secondly, it will also be possible to identify other individuals in the family who may have the APOL 1 gene and are therefore at the risk of chronic kidney disease, for early prevention.”
UNTH officials praised the discovery, highlighting the institution’s contributions to global medical research.
“This achievement underscores UNTH’s commitment to advancing healthcare through scientific research,” added the statement.
Boniface credited the hospital’s management for creating an environment conducive to research, which led to this significant advancement in kidney disease treatment.
“Congratulations to UNTH Management for creating the enabling ground for this research!” he stated.
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