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At risk for kidney disease? Check your genes

Researchers have identified multiple chromosomal regions associated with genes influencing variation in proteinuria, particularly in the setting of diabetes or hypertension. The study's findings suggest that genetic variation likely accounts for part of the increased risk of kidney disease in American Indians.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 15, 2009

Enzyme therapy slows kidney function decline

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase alfa slows kidney function decline in men with Fabry disease. The therapy showed promise when initiated early, particularly for those with higher initial kidney function.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 8, 2009

Factors associated with decline in child kidney function identified

A study found that proteinuria levels are higher in children with low glomerular filtration rates and non-Caucasian race, suggesting genetic or environmental factors. The study also found that patients taking renin-angiotensin system antagonizing drugs had lower levels of proteinuria compared to those not on these medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 18, 2009

Kidney disease increases the risk of stroke in patients

A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that chronic kidney disease independently increases the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Kidney function may provide an additional clue about how to best assess stroke risk and decide upon the best prevention strategy for patients with AF.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalCirculation·DateMar 4, 2009

Can't judge food by its label

Researchers discovered that many processed and fast foods contain phosphorus additives, which can be just as dangerous for patients with advanced kidney disease as naturally high-phosphorus foods. Studies found that avoiding these additives significantly lowers phosphorus levels among patients.

High phosphorus linked to coronary calcification in chronic kidney disease

A study published in JASN found that even mild increases in serum phosphorus levels are associated with cardiovascular events in people with moderate chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification, detected by CT scans, was more common in patients with higher phosphorus levels, increasing the risk of coronary artery calcification.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 10, 2008

Kidney disease patients with poor health literacy are less likely to receive kidney transplants

A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that patients with poor health literacy are less likely to receive kidney transplants. Roughly one-third of dialysis patients had inadequate health literacy, which hindered their ability to navigate healthcare systems and follow transplant instructions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 3, 2008

NIH awards Rutgers Cell and DNA Repository $57.8M

The Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository has received two major NIH awards to support investigations into the genetics of mental disorders, metabolic diseases, and digestive health. The funds will enable researchers to study the genetic causes of complex diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, and diabetes.

Fat-cell hormone linked to kidney disease

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that low levels of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells, are linked to elevated albumin protein in the urine and increased inflammation in the kidney. The study suggests that supplementing with adiponectin or other therapies may help protect kidney function in obese patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 22, 2008

Muscle mass may not fully explain higher creatinine in blacks with kidney disease

Researchers found that higher creatinine levels in black patients with kidney disease cannot be explained by differences in muscle mass. The study suggests new theories are needed to account for the racial difference, which could help explain why blacks are more affected by progressive chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 16, 2008

Chronic kidney disease should not prevent women from taking the osteoporosis drug raloxifene

A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that raloxifene increases bone mineral density and reduces vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. The medication is safe and effective for this patient population, reversing bone loss and fracture risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2008

Race, insurance status affect access to transplantation and kidney disease treatment

Two studies suggest that universal access to healthcare can reduce racial and ethnic barriers to treatment for kidney disease. Minority patients and those on Medicare or with less education had longer dialysis times before being wait-listed, highlighting the need for improved insurance coverage.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 27, 2008