Genetic researchers at a Michigan-based university recently discovered a new gene that could explain why some people may be more susceptible to chronic kidney disease (CKD) than others.

"In developed countries, the frequency of chronic kidney disease is continually increasing for unknown reasons," said Friedhelm Hildebrandt, the senior author of the report. "The disease is a major health burden."

According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about 26 percent of the 60-and-older adult population suffer from CKD, which makes it difficult and sometimes painful for patients to urinate. Nurses are often responsible for treating CKD patients with dialysis apparatuses both in the hospital and in private homes.

Along with finding a genetic susceptibility to the disease, scientists also uncovered a number of environmental toxins that target the gene linked to CKD.

Until now, scientists had not discovered a genetic mutation directly linked to CKD, and their findings could not only lead to additional research, but may also pave the way for more specific treatments for the disease.