Study finds mefenamic acid reduces toxic buildup in kidney disease patients
A widely used pain reliever may offer an unexpected benefit for kidney disease patients by reducing harmful toxin levels in the body, new research suggests.
Mefenamic acid, an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for pain relief—including menstrual cramps and arthritis—has been found to significantly lower p-cresol sulphate, a toxic compound that accumulates in people with kidney disease. A study led by Tony Kiang, an associate professor in the faculty of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Alberta, found that even a small dose of the drug effectively reduced toxin levels.
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The body naturally produces p-cresol when breaking down proteins and amino acids from food. The liver converts it into p-cresol sulphate, a form that is easier for the kidneys to filter out through urine. For healthy individuals, this process happens smoothly, preventing any toxin buildup. But for the 10 per cent of the population with chronic kidney disease, the kidneys do not function properly, allowing p-cresol sulphate to accumulate in the bloodstream—similar to how waste builds up in a clogged drain.
High levels of this toxin have been linked to heart disease, declining kidney function, cognitive impairment (brain fog), bone loss, central nervous system disorders and an increased risk of cancer. Even dialysis, a common treatment for kidney failure, is not very effective at removing p-cresol sulphate. The toxin binds to proteins in the blood, making it harder to filter out, which is why patients often experience long-term complications despite regular dialysis.
Mefenamic acid may offer a faster, more targeted solution compared to the slow process of reducing toxin levels through strict dietary restrictions. The drug works by blocking the liver’s metabolic pathway, preventing the production of p-cresol sulphate while leaving beneficial compounds untouched.
Another advantage is that only small doses are needed, reducing the risk of side effects. Since the drug is also naturally eliminated from the body, it is unlikely to cause additional problems for kidney disease patients.
Because mefenamic acid is already widely available as a generic medication, it is affordable and accessible. Kiang believes it could be quickly repurposed for kidney disease patients, avoiding the long development timeline of new drugs. To identify this potential treatment, he systematically screened multiple existing medications and found mefenamic acid to be the most effective. Using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, he measured p-cresol sulphate levels before and after treatment, confirming the drug’s impact.
The next steps involve preclinical trials to study how different doses affect animals, followed by human clinical trials. Kiang called the drug a “very effective tool” and said he expects few, if any, major obstacles in bringing it into clinical use. If successful, it could provide a low-cost, fast-acting solution for kidney disease patients who currently have limited treatment options for toxin buildup.
| Health Desk
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