Time Restricted Feeding in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Mounting evidence suggests that a metabolic defect exists in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which likely contributes to cystic epithelial proliferation and subsequent cyst growth. There are notable overlapping features and pathways among metabolism, obesity, and/or ADPKD. The investigators recently reported that in the Halt Progression of Polycystic Kidney Disease (HALT-PKD) Study A that overweight and obesity are strong independent predictors of more rapid kidney growth. Moving beyond body mass index, the investigators have novel preliminary data using magnetic resonance images (MRIs) from a small number of participants from HALT-PKD Study A that abdominal adiposity is an independent predictor of kidney growth and kidney function decline. Adipocytes do not simply act as a fat reservoir but are active endocrine organs that promote release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and produce adipokines. Numerous signaling pathways promoted by adipocytes are also implicated in cystogenesis. Periods of fasting may counter adiposity-mediated signaling pathways and slow ADPKD progression. Mild-to-moderate food restriction profoundly slows cyst growth and maintains renal function in rodent models of ADPKD, which are characterized by metabolic reprogramming favoring enhanced aerobic glycolysis. Notably, fasting promotes a shift from carbohydrate to fat metabolism, which could suppress cyst growth. The investigators are currently conducting an ongoing behavioral weight loss pilot trial (based on either daily caloric restriction or intermittent fasting) in adults with ADPKD who are overweight/obese. As an alternative to these approaches, time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a novel fasting regimen that restricts eating to a feeding window (typically 8-12 hrs/day). As isocaloric TRF reduces disease progression in a rodent model of ADPKD, including kidney: body weight and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, it may be an alternative and easier to adhere to dietary strategy to slow ADPKD progression. Specific Aim: Determine the feasibility of TRF without energy intake restriction in adults with ADPKD and overweight/obesity. The study will determine adherence to TRF by assessing the percent of participants achieving the goal of eating within an 8-hour TRF window, measured objectively with a photographic food record and verified with continuous glucose monitoring data. The study will also further assess the safety, acceptability, and tolerability of TRF by evaluation of safety labs, adverse events, and quality of life measures, as well as changes in abdominal adiposity and total kidney volume (TKV) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and markers of biological pathways (AMP-activated protein kinase [AMPK], mTOR, insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF1]).

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18-65 years
• ADPKD diagnosis based on the modified Pei-Ravine criteria
• BMI 25-45 kg/m^2
• Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m^2
• Access to the internet with video chat capabilities and smartphone
• Typical eating duration >12 hrs/day
• Not currently participating in another interventional study or weight loss program
• Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Diabetes mellitus (diagnosis or fasting glucose >126 mg/dL or Hemoglobin A1C >6.5%)
• Current nicotine use or history of use in the past 12 months
• Alcohol or substance abuse (self-report or undergoing treatment)
• History of hospitalization or major surgery within the last 3 months
• Untreated dyslipidemia (low density lipoprotein cholesterol > 190 mg/dL or triglycerides >400 mg/dL)
• Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 160 or diastolic blood pressure >100 mm Hg)
• Pregnancy, lactation, or unwillingness to use adequate birth control
• Cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, significant pulmonary or gastrointestinal disease (described below), cancer (within the last 5 years, except skin cancer or other cancers considered cured with excellent prognosis)
• Significant gastrointestinal disorders including: chronic malabsorptive conditions, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, or active gallbladder disease
• Regular use of prescription or over-the-counter medications that may affect weight, appetite, food intake, or energy metabolism (e.g. appetite suppressants, lithium, stimulants, anti-psychotics, tricyclic antidepressants; study physician will be consulted as needed; antibiotics started during the intervention period are not an exclusion); regular use of obesity pharmacotherapeutic agents within the last 6 month
• History of clinically diagnosed eating disorder including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder. Score >20 on the Eating Attitudes Test (EATS)-2653 will require further assessment by the Study MD to determine if it is appropriate for the subject to participate in the study.
• Weight loss >5% in past 3 months for any reason except post-partum weight loss; weight gain >5% in past 3 months requires assessment by PI to determine reason for weight gain and if it is appropriate for the subject to participate in the study.
• Untreated hyper- or hyperthyroidism (TSH outside of normal range for laboratory or history of uncontrolled thyroid disorder). History of thyroid disorder or current thyroid disease treated with stable medication regimen for at least 6 months in acceptable.
• Current severe depression or history of severe depression within the previous year, based on DSM-IV-TR criteria for Major Depressive Episode. Score > 18 on the Beck Depression Inventory will require further assessment by the Study MD to determine if it is appropriate for the subject to participate in the study.
• History of other significant psychiatric illness (e.g. psychosis, schizophrenia, mania, bipolar disorder) which in the opinion of the Study MD would interfere with ability to adhere to dietary interventions.
• Inability to cooperate with/clinical contraindication for MRI including severe claustrophobia, implants, devices, or non-removable body piercings