From the Research
Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage (AIM) is currently an experimental treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, not yet approved or widely available for clinical use. Research suggests AIM may help by reducing kidney damage and improving renal function by preventing cell death in the kidneys, but it remains in the investigational stage 1. There are no established dosing protocols or commercially available formulations for veterinary use at this time. Cat owners with CKD-affected pets should instead focus on proven treatments including phosphate binders, ACE inhibitors, appropriate renal diets, subcutaneous fluids, and potassium supplementation as recommended by their veterinarian. The interest in AIM stems from its potential to address the underlying mechanisms of kidney damage rather than just managing symptoms, as it may help clear cellular debris and reduce inflammation in damaged kidney tissue 2. However, until clinical trials are completed and regulatory approval is obtained, traditional CKD management remains the standard of care. Some studies have shown that AIM can modulate renal phagocytosis, expedite the elimination of renal tubular cell fragments, and mitigate tissue injury, but it can also exacerbate the development of renal fibrosis and kidney disease by prolonging inflammation 1. Additionally, AIM expression in the kidney has been associated with urinary protein and decline in kidney function, and co-expression with IgM may exacerbate AIM's deleterious effects on kidney function 3. Recent studies have also investigated the role of AIM in predicting prognosis after hemodialysis initiation, and found that the serum proportion of IgM-free AIM (fAIM%) could function as a prognostic marker 4. Overall, while AIM shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for CKD, further research is needed to fully understand its effects and to develop effective treatments. Key points to consider include:
- AIM is an experimental treatment for CKD in cats, not yet approved or widely available for clinical use
- Proven treatments for CKD in cats include phosphate binders, ACE inhibitors, appropriate renal diets, subcutaneous fluids, and potassium supplementation
- AIM may help address underlying mechanisms of kidney damage, but its effects are not yet fully understood and it remains in the investigational stage
- Further research is needed to develop effective treatments and to fully understand the role of AIM in CKD.