A study by IRBLleida identifies a new therapeutic target for protecting the kidneys in cases of obesity

Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly common health problem worldwide, and obesity is one of its main risk factors. For this reason, it is important to understand the mechanisms linking excess body fat to kidney disease. A research team from IRBLleida has published a study in the scientific journal Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation identifying a new therapeutic target to protect the kidneys in cases of obesity.

In this study, the research team has identified the role of a receptor, known as NMDAR, as a key mediator between lipid overload (lipotoxicity) and kidney damage. The results show that activation of this receptor in conditions of excess fat promotes inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidney. Conversely, blocking it with drugs reduces inflammation, improves cellular redox balance and protects kidney tissue.

These effects were observed in cellular and animal models, as well as in patient samples, which reinforces the clinical relevance of the findings.

'These results help us better understand how obesity damages the kidney and suggest that blocking this receptor could become a new therapeutic strategy for kidney diseases associated with metabolic disorders,' explained Milica Bozic, principal investigator at IRBLleida and senior author of the study.

The study was led by the IRBLleida Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, in collaboration with the Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital in Lleida and Leiden University Medical Center (Netherlands).

This work stands out for its translational approach, as it combines studies in experimental models with patient data, bringing these findings closer to potential future clinical application. The project was funded by the Carlos III Health Institute with co-funding from the European Regional Development Fund 'A way to make Europe', the Provincial Council of Lleida, the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR) and the Dutch Kidney Foundation.

Article: Eritja À, Pérez-Olives C, Falcón DAR, Caus M, García-Carrasco A, Martinez A, Escalante EJ, Martin M, van Zonneveld AJ, Bijkerk R, Bozic M. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor inhibition protects against obesity-induced kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 11 February 2026:gfag027. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfag027. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41671168.