Kidney Scientist Reveals What is Damaging Most People’s Kidneys

Dr. Jacob Torus, a researcher at UC Santa Barbara, discusses the complexity of metabolism, highlighting that it's more than just energy production; it involves various organs and interactions among them. Instead of just focusing on organs like the liver, which plays a major role due to its regulation of fats and glucose, he emphasizes the importance of considering all organs due to metabolism's comprehensive role in maintaining homeostasis.

Metabolism acts as a homeostatic regulator, balancing signals among different cells. The communication between systems isn't binary; it involves a sensitization to Baseline levels which triggers cellular responses. While glucose is often highlighted as a key player in metabolic responses, other molecules like fats also contribute significantly. Even fasting acts as an important regulatory lever by affecting the homeostatic balance.

Addressing less-discussed organs like the kidneys, Dr. Torus points out that they consume a lot of energy due to their role in sodium and potassium regulation, thereby involving significant fat metabolism. They also regulate blood fatty acid levels by absorbing and releasing fatty acids as needed, which seems particularly critical in fasting states. Discussion also touches on whether fat or keto adaptation affects kidney function.

Dr. Torus suggests the possibility of 'fatty kidneys,' akin to fatty liver, which remain under-researched. He notes that while fatty droplets in organs are often viewed negatively due to associations with metabolic issues, they play crucial roles in energy regulation. Furthermore, mitochondria in kidneys are pivotal as they manage considerable fatty oxidation, using alternative cellular pathways for energy, especially under stress.

The kidneys' energy-demanding role using fatty acids raises questions about their function in low-carb states. Torus hypothesizes potential effects on fluid regulation and muscle cramps. Low potassium levels, common in keto diets, alongside sodium glucose transporters in the kidneys, may influence these physiological aspects. He suggests that glucose might play a vital role in regulating homeostasis in low-carb scenarios.

Exploring ketones' impact, it's noted that kidneys are significant in ketone production even without dietary ketosis, second only to the liver. These ketones, produced mainly in fasting states, support kidney energy needs. The mechanisms include converting fatty acids to beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which the kidneys use for energy and systemic functions like increasing the glomerular filtration rate, thus improving kidney functions inherently.

Discussion on therapeutic aspects of ketones highlights their anti-inflammatory roles, particularly through the inhibition of the nlrp3 inflammasome and the modulation of macrophage activity. Such properties are beneficial in chronic conditions like polycystic kidney disease (PKD), where they impact mitochondrial function and inflammatory pathways, potentially slowing disease progression or preventing cyst formation post-injury.

The talk reflects on Dr. Torus' research leading to the development of KetoCitra, a product combining BHB and citrate, showing potential in managing PKD by leveraging ketones' dual role in providing energy and reducing inflammation while preventing micro-crystal formation in kidneys, thus indicating broader applications even for general kidney health.