Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
Researchers identified inflammatory pathways that drive kidney damage in diabetic kidney disease, suggesting a potential new approach for protecting the kidneys. Drug treatments targeting dysregulated inflammatory pathways protected kidney organoids from damage, even when exposed to high sugar levels.
Researchers found that rituximab treatment increases mitochondrial energy production and reduces cell stress in T cells, leading to improved response rates in patients with nephrotic syndrome. This discovery could help predict patient response to treatment and identify suitable candidates for early remission.
A multicenter study found that early rasburicase treatment can significantly reduce the risk of dialysis and death in adults with tumor lysis syndrome. The study analyzed data from 1,276 patients and showed that early rasburicase treatment was associated with lower 90-day mortality and faster return to cancer therapy.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open finds a strong association between gestational diabetes and an increased risk of postpartum cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disorders. The research highlights the importance of monitoring and managing gestational diabetes to prevent long-term health consequences for mothers.
A recent study by researchers at Nagoya University found that low-frequency noise below 100 Hz can cause blood vessel damage to kidneys in mice. The study suggests that the frequency of noise matters more than its loudness, with high-frequency noise having no effect on kidney function.
Researchers found that severe periodontitis was associated with reduced kidney function and increased albuminuria, even at early stages of chronic kidney disease. Systemic inflammation partially explained this relationship, but additional biological mechanisms are also likely involved.
Researchers led by Dr. Nima Nassiri have successfully transplanted a human bladder for the first time, with patient Oscar Larrainzar thriving a year after the operation. The breakthrough procedure has paved the way for a new field of surgery and offers hope to patients with end-stage bladder disease.
Researchers at UCLA may have discovered a new way to heal damaged kidneys by blocking the protein ENPP1. Blocking this protein speeds up repair after kidney injury in mice, according to a recent study published in Cell Stem Cell.
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized way the kidneys regulate water balance, which could lead to improved treatments for polycystic kidney disease. The discovery reveals an alternative mechanism that operates independently of the hormone vasopressin.
Researchers propose using low-dose lithium orotate to slow dementia progression in mild cognitive impairment, leveraging established neuroprotective mechanisms. The approach aims to mitigate kidney and thyroid risks associated with higher-dose formulations, offering a potentially accessible and inexpensive treatment option.
In an exploratory analysis, finerenone was found to slow kidney function decline, reduce albuminuria, and lower the risk of kidney failure or substantial loss of kidney function in patients with glomerular diseases. These findings suggest a crucial role for finerenone in preserving kidney function in this population.
Adults with lower measured glomerular filtration rates had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, kidney failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events. Lower GFR values were also associated with increased hospitalization for heart failure and acute kidney injury.
The Phase III FIND-CKD trial found that finerenone significantly slowed kidney function decline and reduced the risk of cardiovascular-kidney outcomes in adults with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Finerenone also demonstrated a consistent effect across prespecified subgroups, supporting its broad applicability in these patients.
In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease at high cardiovascular risk, low-dose rivaroxaban did not reduce the composite risk of a cardiovascular outcome. Major bleeding rates were significantly higher in the low-dose rivaroxaban group compared to the placebo group.
A new study found that dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers (DCCBs) may be associated with poorer kidney outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes, even among those receiving modern kidney-protective treatments. DCCBs were linked to a higher risk of major adverse kidney events.
A pioneering clinical trial demonstrates CAR T cells can safely desensitize highly sensitized patients, making kidney transplantation possible. Two patients with end-stage kidney disease successfully received kidney transplants after years of waiting.
The FLOW trial shows that semaglutide significantly improved health-related quality of life in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Health utility scores and self-rated general health scores improved with semaglutide, but declined with placebo.
Briana Dery, a 33-year-old woman from Michigan, underwent the rare procedure at Henry Ford Hospital in January 2026. The surgery involved removing her failed intestines and implanting a new one, followed by connecting it to a new kidney, making her the first person in Michigan to receive both transplants in a single operation.
Researchers discovered a molecular link between multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) and kidney disease, highlighting pathogenic MAFB accumulation and PI3K/AKT signaling. Treatment with imatinib suppressed AKT phosphorylation and attenuated glomerular injury in mice.
A cluster randomized trial found comparable improvements in 6-month outcomes between intervention and control groups, indicating no independent effect of the clinical decision support system. The study suggests that other factors may be responsible for the observed benefits.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle energy and improve cognitive function, particularly in populations with lower baseline creatine levels. Emerging evidence also explores its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like Parkinson's disease and menopause-related muscle loss.
A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution found that optimal birth weight for minimal kidney damage during extreme endurance events is around eight pounds. Individuals with lower or higher birth weights may face a greater risk of kidney stress or damage.
A Mayo Clinic study provides preclinical evidence for a targeted approach to managing immune-related kidney inflammation triggered by immunotherapy. The findings suggest that TNF-alpha blockade may improve markers of kidney injury and could be explored as a preventive measure.
A new blood test identifies African Americans carrying high-risk APOL1 variants at risk of developing kidney failure years before clinical symptoms appear. The test uses circulating protein markers linked to kidney injury and fibrosis, outperforming existing clinical prediction tools.
This study reveals that HDAC3 epigenetically represses RASAL1, a key antifibrotic regulator, leading to enhanced fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition in renal fibrosis. Restoring RASAL1 expression or inhibiting HDAC3 activity attenuates renal fibrosis.
Researchers developed an interpretable machine learning algorithm, scOMM, to classify cell types consistently across different single-cell methods. The integration strategies and scOMM establish a robust approach for cell atlas generation in complex tissues, leading to the discovery of previously undetected rare cell types.
A post hoc analysis found that tirzepatide was associated with a lower incidence of a broad composite cardiovascular and kidney endpoint. The study compared tirzepatide with dulaglutide in patients with diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that treating severe fetal megacystis with a vesicoamniotic shunt in the first trimester can improve survival rates and kidney function. In the study, 75% of children were born alive and 68% survived their first year of life, with most showing normal or only slightly impaired kidney function.
A new study suggests that using virtual reality (VR) to explain medical procedures can help patients better understand their treatment and reduce anxiety. The research tested VR as part of the consent process for a procedure to treat kidney stones, with patients reporting improved understanding and reduced anxiety after the experience.
A nationwide intervention has led to increased kidney transplants among Black patients, with a 5.3 transplant increase per 1,000 listings. The study found that wait time modifications, required by a national policy, resulted in a 1.7-year gain in priority status for Black candidates.
Researchers identified a drug-and-supplement combination therapy that reduces senescent cells, inflammation, and injury in diabetic kidney disease. The treatment approach involves senolytics, which selectively target senescent cells.
Cancer cell-derived small extracellular vesicles can be excreted into urine, according to researchers who tracked their journey in mouse models. The study reveals that glomerular cells actively transport sEVs across the filtration barrier, supporting their use in emerging urine-based cancer diagnostics.
A study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure in US adults. The research used machine learning models to analyze data from over three million patients, revealing a 2.3-times higher risk of acute kidney injury compared to influenza.
The study found that increased community disadvantage leads to fewer options for receiving hemodialysis and more likelihood of living without nearby dialysis facilities. Patients with end-stage kidney disease in these areas have limited access to essential care services.
A cohort study of 3,230 kidney transplant recipients found that transplantation reverses declining employment income, enabling meaningful economic recovery. The findings highlight the socioeconomic value of transplantation and inform policies to support patients during pretransplant vulnerability.
A cohort study of patients with chronic kidney disease found that more advanced stages of the condition are associated with a higher incidence of cognitive impairment. The study underscores CKD severity as a key risk factor for cognitive decline across the entire spectrum of CKD.
The Rice lab will produce bioprinted, vascularized kidney tissue that augments renal function in patients with kidney disease. The implantable kidney tissue will be made from a patient's own cells combined with a bioink that supports the long-term viability of the implanted cells.
Researchers discover GPX3 plays a central role in limiting inflammation, oxidative damage, and renal dysfunction following ischemic insult. Restoring GPX3 expression improves renal functional indices, reduces histopathological injury, and alleviates tubular epithelial cell death.
A new study offers hope that kidney transplant patients may one day have a more effective treatment regimen. The Phase 2 pilot study showed improved kidney functioning in all patients who completed the study, with no patients experiencing rejection due to antibodies produced by the immune system.
A UCLA-led team has discovered a novel mechanism of kidney stone formation involving bacteria, challenging the long-held assumption that stones develop solely through chemical and physical processes.
A recent study by King's College London found that diagnosis rates for depression, asthma, and osteoporosis remained lower than expected after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed data from over 29 million people in England and found that diagnosis rates recovered differently across ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
A comparative effectiveness study found that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment may be an effective strategy for preventing kidney disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo developed 'tubuloids' to capture the slow progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), replicating key features such as DNA damage, cellular senescence, inflammation, and fibrosis. This realistic platform provides a new way to develop and test treatments for millions globally.
A targeted treatment approach significantly reduces moderate and severe acute kidney injury after major surgery in high-risk patients identified by biomarkers. The study shows that a closely monitored set of clinical measures provides effective protection in the first hours after surgery.
A new study found that chronic kidney disease accelerates cognitive decline through interconnected damage to the heart and brain, with men experiencing greater impairment than women. The research also highlights the need for tailored strategies to prevent progression to neurological disorders.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with impaired kidney function have higher levels of Alzheimer's biomarkers in their blood. However, the study did not find an increased risk of developing dementia among those with poor kidney health.
Researchers review current evidence on extracellular vesicles' interaction with renal tubular epithelial cells, showing protective effects against damaged tubular cells. However, challenges remain to overcome, such as biodistribution and targeting issues.
Researchers tracked 120 older veterans taking gabapentinoids and loop diuretics, finding that only 4 doctors correctly identified the gabapentinoids as the cause of leg swelling. The study highlights the dangers of 'prescribing cascades' and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and alternative treatment options.
A study comparing GLP-1 RAs found that all three drugs are relatively safe options for patients with type 2 diabetes, with minimal differences in kidney and cardiovascular risks. Liraglutide had a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to dulaglutide.
A new electronic medical records-based tool predicts which patients are most at risk of losing a transplanted kidney graft, allowing for timely interventions. The study achieved high predictive accuracy and can be implemented to streamline care of recipients.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have found that AKI is triggered by ceramides, which cause serious injury by damaging kidney mitochondria. Using a backup drug candidate, the team was able to preserve mitochondrial integrity and prevent kidney injury in mice.
A population-based cohort study found that the cumulative incidence of scrotal surgery among male living kidney donors was 1 in 8 after 20 years, compared to 1 in 143 for non-donors. Most males who donate a kidney won't develop this complication, but it's essential to inform past and future donors about the risk and potential symptoms.
This study developed and validated a risk prediction model for CRRT initiation in VV-ECMO patients, incorporating five key predictors. The final model demonstrated strong discrimination with an area under the curve of 0.88 (derivation) and 0.75 (external validation).
The study found CKD affects nearly 800 million worldwide, with diabetes and high blood pressure driving the greatest loss of healthy years. Access to kidney replacement therapies remains limited, highlighting the need for preventive measures and equitable care.
A conservative dialysis approach resulted in faster and more complete kidney function recovery in patients with acute kidney injury. The study's findings suggest that this strategy could be a viable option for treating dialysis-requiring AKI, warranting further investigation.
The study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors can benefit patients with varying levels of kidney function and albuminuria. Routine use of these medications may lead to improved kidney outcomes across different patient groups.
A study published in JAMA finds that using different methods to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) can lead to significant discrepancies, particularly for those with chronic kidney disease. The findings suggest that cystatin C-based eGFR may be more accurate in predicting clinical outcomes.
The navigate-kidney study finds that community health workers enhance holistic, patient-centered care through improved patient engagement and emotional wellbeing. This integration into dialysis care teams may lead to better outcomes for patients with kidney failure.
The study found clear absolute benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors on kidney, hospitalization, and mortality outcomes regardless of diabetes status and level of urine albumin to creatinine ratio. This benefit suggests a potential therapeutic approach for patients with kidney disease.
Researchers developed a scalable method to produce human kidney organoids, combining them with pig kidneys outside the body for transplantation. The transplanted organs functioned normally and showed no signs of damage or toxicity.