4.3. Induction of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

To induce CKD, we utilized an established adenine diet model [20,23,24,25]. Following acclimation to the vivarium, mice were all provided a casein-based chow for seven days, followed by random assignment to either the adenine-supplemented diet (0.2%) or casein control diet for the next seven days. After one week on 0.2% adenine, the CKD group was switched to a 0.15% adenine diet for 24 weeks. CKD mice were then placed back on the casein control diet for two weeks prior to euthanasia and tissue harvest, allowing for a washout period of adenine-based chow. Control mice received the casein diet for the duration of the study.