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Inflammation is usually thought of as a problem, but it is a normal process \u2013 a product of the immune system doing its job.<\/strong> The immune system is always playing a delicate balancing act. If its response is too weak, viruses and bacteria can take hold; too strong, and it can damage our own cells, tissue, and organs.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]As we age, the cells in our body can acquire genetic mutations that worsen their function. We tend to think of acquired genetic mutations causing cancer, but that is not always the case. Sometimes they don\u2019t cause cancer, but they can worsen inflammation.<\/p>\n When mutations occur within cells that produce blood cells (hematopoietic stem cells), the resulting white blood cells carrying these mutations can cause hyperinflammation. This process is called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential<\/em>, commonly referred to as \u201cCHIP.\u201d<\/p>\n Scientists have found that CHIP becomes more common with age. In fact, it is found in about 15 percent of people over the age of 65. CHIP increases the risk of heart attacks and early death. Research on CHIP is growing as scientists have begun to understand its importance in overall health.<\/p>\n Dr. Matthew Lanktree is a scientist in the Kidney pillar at The Research Institute of St. Joe\u2019s and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University. His Nephrogenetics Lab<\/a> studies genetic contributions to kidney disease and aims to translate research into improved care for patients with kidney disease.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1560″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” full_height=”yes” parallax=”true” parallax_image=”1600″][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”750″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”slideInRight” css=”.vc_custom_1695241101158{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]<\/p>\n Dr. Lanktree and his colleagues are working to improve our understanding of \u00a0genetic aspects of chronic kidney disease.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nDr. Matthew Lanktree<\/h6>\n