9 Lives and More to Come

By Diana Cardozo

 

It is impossible to escape the influence of cats. From cute pictures and crazy videos to funny photos with senseless captions, no one can escape them. It is estimated that  in the US alone, more than 46.5 million household own a cat. This makes them the second most popular pet. And yet, in spite of all their fame, they are still widely misunderstood.

Beyond people mistaking their playfulness for violence or their independence for coldness, there is a lot we still don’t understand about our furry companions. One in particular that is of high concern is why are cats are so susceptible to kidney disease. Some estimates claim that for cats over 15 years old, 81% are affected by chronic kidney disease. Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death for cats, and yet, we don’t know why it’s so common.

It is suspected that the root of the problem stems from a faulty protein all cats have. AIM, or apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage, is an important protein in the health of kidneys. AIM associates with immunoglobulin M (IgM), and in cases of renal disease, it dissociates, signaling for repair activity in the area. In cats this disassociation is rare, meaning acute kidney injury is not correctly signaled and waste cleanup is not successful. This makes cats vulnerable and allows for waste to build up in the kidneys throughout their lives.

Dr Toru Miyazaki, from the University of Tokyo, believes that by supplying cats with a more functional AIM protein, he can double cat’s lifespan. By developing an injection, a “wonder drug” (as Dr Miyazaki’s call’s it) that could even reverse kidney damage or cure it completely. A miracle for all cat lovers and a bright path for future treatments of kidney disease in humans. Injecting an AIM protein with a lower affinity to IgM, like those produced by mice, the cat’s own supply is replenished. This would essentially allow the cat to have a functioning AIM protein to protect it from kidney disease.

Although as of now we do not know how well this drug actually works, it does seem very promising. Especially after hearing Dr Miyazaki’s statements, ambitious as they are, it is impossible to not feel hope as well. Hope not only for this medicine to work but hope to see where it will take us. To see science at play, as we invent and create new things for the betterment of the world.