Preclinical studies aiming to assess kidney function traditionally include readouts such as serum creatinine and/or blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, the use of readouts that are more clinically relevant such as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is highly encouraged, as this can help increase confidence in your test compound’s efficacy profile by improving the translational value of your experimental studies performed in preclinical researh models such as in InnoSer’s ADPKD mouse model. 

The recommendations recently published in the Kidney International Guideline on Preclinical Nephrology Studies suggest that kidney function needs to be assessed using both serum creatinine levels, as well as other measurements appropriate to the species and the preclinical model of the disease (Nangaku et al. 2023).  A novel and less-invasive method is recommended to determine GFR via the skin by using a small device to avoid repeated blood sampling as required by standard procedures (Scarfe et al. 2018). To ensure you gain relevant and translational data, InnoSer offers multiple readouts to assess your compound’s efficacy, including transdermal GFR determination in your preclinical model of interest.  

As shown in the figure below, the GFR of the healthy control mice remains constant over the observed period, confirming the use of this readout in assessing kidney function (Figure 1). In contrast, the GFR of the PKD group progressively decreased throughout the study, which is indicative of renal function loss (Figure 1), confirming the use of this readout in this preclinical ADPKD mouse model. 

FIGURE 1. ADPKD mice show a progressive decrease in kidney function marked by a decrease in GFR. Over time, we observe a significant decrease in the GFR of the ADPKD group in comparison to the healthy control group, confirming the loss of renal function in PKD mice and the suitability of this method in efficacy studies in this preclinical mouse model of ADPKD.    

Interested in performing efficacy studies using InnoSer’s ADPKD mouse model? Consulting with our nephrology study experts will allow you to carry out tailored studies while collecting the most study-appropriate data. We also advise you on the most optimal model selection and study design set-up, considering your budget and study timelines to enable you with the most cost-effective solution without sacrificing any important research insights. To learn more about our ADPKD mouse model and how it supports research, visit our ADPKD mouse model page.