Furthermore, despite undetectable serum (1,3)-ß-D-glucan levels, the CKD + Bßglucans group showed better renal function compared to the CKD group (lower serum creatinine, BUN, proteinuria and higher renal klotho) (Table 2), as well as reduced inflammatory markers (lower renal inflammatory cell infiltration (Table 2), ADAM17 protein and mRNA (Fig. 2a,b) and nSMase2 mRNA) (Fig. 2c). The gene discussed is ADAM17; the disease is chronic kidney disease.