Epigenetic Determinants of Peritoneal Fibrosis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a type of kidney replacement therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease where the peritoneal membrane is used to filter the blood. Exposure to PD fluid results in scarring of the peritoneal membrane and increased blood vessel growth. This condition can progress even when peritoneal dialysis is stopped. Therefore, the investigators hypothesize glucose in the dialysis fluid may result in DNA modifications called epigenetic changes. These changes modify how genes are expressed and how cells function. The investigators want to study these epigenetic changes and the effect on peritoneal membrane scarring, blood vessel growth and peritoneal membrane function.