Articles tagged with Kidney
A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.
Researchers at The University of Toledo found that low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys by blocking GSK3-beta, an enzyme associated with cellular aging. Studies showed improved kidney function and reduced albuminuria in mice and psychiatric patients treated with lithium.
Patients with mild to moderate kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of cancer. They also faced a higher risk of dying from cancer, particularly from cancers such as bladder, kidney, and multiple myeloma, compared to those with normal kidney function.
Researchers found that metal concentrations were particularly elevated in CWSs serving semi-urban, Hispanic communities, highlighting environmental justice concerns. Arsenic, barium, chromium, selenium, and uranium concentrations were also disproportionately elevated.
A recent analysis found that hospital admissions for children with lupus showed a decrease in severe kidney problems over time. However, racial disparities persist, with Black and Asian children at higher risk of developing new kidney problems.
Researchers have discovered a significant association between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia in patients hospitalized with AKI. Early detection and monitoring may lead to improved outcomes for this high-risk population.
A new study used a virtual population to simulate a clinical trial examining kidney damage in Black Americans. The model predicted kidney damage and showed that adding drug therapy and reducing salt intake could stop the damage, improving heart sizes as well.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
A new instrument, KART 2.0, measures Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and transplant-related knowledge to identify patients who could benefit from additional education and counselling. The tool was validated in a diverse group of patients with moderate to severe CKD.
A post-hoc subgroup analysis of the AFIRE trial found that reduced kidney function significantly influences bleeding events during antithrombotic therapy. Patients with healthy kidney function have a decreased risk of bleeding over time, while those with reduced kidney function remain at high risk.
Researchers have successfully used a new sound wave technique called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) to break up kidney stones in humans, achieving a median of 90% stone volume fragmentation within 10 minutes. The procedure shows potential for an office-based treatment approach with minimal tissue injury and no anesthesia required.
Researchers at University of Cologne discovered that specific diets can safeguard against acute kidney injury in mouse models. The six tested diets showed overlapping changes in cysteine catabolism as a potential mechanism for organ protection.
A new commentary reveals the underappreciated costs of switching to peritoneal dialysis, which may limit its use in the US. The study identifies policies that could be implemented to address cost-related barriers and increase uptake of peritoneal dialysis.
A new study suggests including the 'Deciding Not to Decide' treatment option can improve care for older adults with chronic kidney disease, giving them more time to make informed decisions about their treatment. Researchers argue that this approach strengthens patient-centered care and increases patient autonomy.
Researchers identified peripheral tissues as source of blood amyloid beta, which regulates blood glucose levels and suppresses insulin secretion. The study suggests a possible mechanism linking type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer's disease development.
Researchers found that impaired kidney function is preferentially associated with cardioembolic stroke in a large cohort of patients. Low filtration rates and high urine protein levels predicted increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, disability, and mortality.
Dialysis facilities referred more incident patients, transplant centers evaluated more, but fewer were placed on the waitlist following KAS implementation. This led to a decline in overall waitlisting nationwide.
A study at Duke-NUS Medical School found that inhibiting IL-11 can reduce kidney damage, inflammation, and scarring in Alport syndrome mice. Combining this therapy with ACEi treatment increased lifespan by over 400%.
Researchers from Osaka University discovered that MondoA protein delays cellular senescence by activating autophagy, promoting longevity. Activation of MondoA also maintains mitochondrial stability, preventing senescence in tissues like the kidney.
Researchers found that a community-based approach to reporting APOL1 genetic test results resulted in lower blood pressure readings among hypertensive patients. This trial suggests that involving communities in genetic testing could be beneficial for reducing the risks of chronic kidney disease.
A new dialysis system can produce sterile, medical grade water in the home, providing an affordable option for patients with kidney failure. The Ellen Medical Devices Point-of-Care system has been tested and found suitable for use in peritoneal dialysis fluid production.
Researchers discovered that a specific osmolyte causes kidney cells to undergo an EMT transformation, leading to renal failure. The team found a way to prevent this change by arresting focal adhesion rearrangement, suggesting a new approach to enhance therapeutic value of common osmolytes.
A Brazilian study of 2,777 patients hospitalized between January 5 and September 12, 2021 found that vaccination was the sole predictor of mortality in those over 60 with kidney failure. Vaccination also reduced hospitalization risk among non-vaccinated patients with comorbidities.
A new study found that palliative care for hospitalized patients with both COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) was often called later than expected, despite the high risk of death. Palliative care supports primary doctors in managing emotional and physical symptoms while assisting in advance care planning.
Young adults are disproportionately excluded from kidney transplantation, with only 1.8% of Black and 4.4% of Hispanic patients receiving the treatment compared to 10.9% of White patients within this age group. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that age-related chronic inflammation is caused by disruption of chromatin architecture. This leads to misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands, resulting in inflammation and loss of cellular function. The findings provide a unifying theory for the age-related degenerative diseases.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obesity may increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease in women with type 2 diabetes. Managing blood pressure and sugar levels is not enough to slow progression, emphasizing the need for weight management.
A recent study led by Dr Simon Fraser from the University of Southampton found that painkiller prescriptions decreased during the pandemic, but high-risk individuals continued to receive them. The research highlights the need for greater caution when prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent kidney damage.
A population-based study found that reducing ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration led to significant improvements in laboratory test results for kidney function, including increased glomerular filtration rate and decreased blood urea nitrogen and uric acid levels.
Researchers created two new prediction tools for patients with CKD, incorporating factors such as long-term blood sugar, inflammation, and kidney/heart injury. The models improve risk classification for stroke and heart attack within 10 years compared to standard models.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has found that gene variants increased the risk of acute kidney injury and death in African American veterans hospitalized with COVID-19. The study, which analyzed data from over 850,000 diverse veterans, identified APOL1 variants as a key contributor to this increased risk.
A study by Henry Ford Health System found that one in four patients who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) die within a year, emphasizing the urgent need for improved treatments. The study analyzed data from over 1.6 million U.S. Veterans hospitalized between 2008 and 2017, providing valuable insights into AKI-associated mortality.
Researchers found that current screening protocols for compassionate dialysis are putting too much strain on emergency rooms, leading to longer wait times. The protocols can be adjusted to relieve congestion, but only if implemented effectively.
Researchers found that 30% of fetuses who later developed ASD had heart, kidney, and head anomalies detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds. These anomalies were more common in girls and linked to the severity of ASD. The study suggests that doctors can use these signs to evaluate the probability of a child being born with ASD.
A large-scale study found that simulation-based surgical training increased surgeons' skills for complex surgeries, with fewer total complications and ureteric injuries. Simulation training led to higher overall proficiency scores and fewer procedures required to achieve proficiency in complex surgeries.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cancer affecting up to 1 in 1 million women worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets using extracellular vesicles, with the goal of developing new therapies for LAM patients.
A recent study found that patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) face both short- and long-term risks, with over 1 in 4 dying within a year of hospitalization. The study analyzed data from the Veterans Health Administration and identified significant mortality trends associated with AKI.
Researchers studied 23 adults with chronic kidney disease and their caregivers, finding that challenges include burden, responsibility, and power dynamics. The study aimed to develop a practical framework for investigators to involve more patients and caregivers in research.
A team of researchers at Kumamoto University successfully created complex 3D kidney tissue in the lab using mouse embryonic stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to advances in kidney research and potentially even transplantable organs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully transplanted a kidney from a COVID-19 donor, demonstrating that healthy kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. The recipient has shown no signs or symptoms of the virus and has excellent kidney function since the transplant.
A new study aims to improve antibody responses in kidney and liver transplant recipients to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses, exploring the impact of reduced immunosuppressive medication. The CPAT-ISR trial will enroll up to 400 adults with a history of organ transplants and evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy.
Men and women with advanced kidney disease show differing health-related quality of life trajectories, with women experiencing lower scores initially but a more gradual decline over time. Factors such as kidney function decline, phosphate levels, and hemoglobin also influence physical and mental health scores in both men and women.
Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.
UAB surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient, testing safety and feasibility in a novel human preclinical model. The experiment showed that the xenograft perfused normally and maintained vascular integrity, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands with organ failu...
A high protein diet may harm polar bears, with captive bears showing signs of kidney disease and shorter lifespans. Researchers propose adopting a diet with a fat-protein ratio similar to that found in the wild to improve bear health and longevity.
Contraceptive use is low among women with kidney transplants in the US, with an overall rate of 9.5%. Younger age and certain racial/ethnic groups are associated with higher likelihoods of contraceptive use, while socioeconomic status and donor type do not impact rates.
A recent study published in Transplantation Direct highlights the increased risk of death from cancer and infection for kidney transplant patients. Focusing on lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and diabetes management can improve long-term outcomes for these patients.
A recent study found that the number of stage 3 AKI kidneys transplanted in the US has increased significantly over the last decade, yet 44% are still discarded. This highlights the need for further efforts to optimize the use of these organs and reduce waste.
Research from the University of Virginia Health System found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to hardened kidney vessels. The drugs, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, were associated with damage in both lab mice and humans.
A new targeted therapy inhibits specific immune cells associated with lupus nephritis, improving kidney inflammation in animal models. Elevated levels of ALCAM molecules suggest a potential new path toward personalized medicine.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stone cases, even with mitigation efforts. Researchers predict a cost of $57-99 million to the US healthcare system over seven decades, with a steeper impact if no action is taken.
Researchers at MUSC identified a potent antifibrotic peptide that reverses scarring in human and mouse tissues by activating an antifibrotic pathway. The E4 peptide has the potential to treat various diseases, including heart disease, lung fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease.
A case series found that a fourth dose of an mRNA-based vaccine increases antispike IgG titers in kidney transplant recipients with weak serologic response after three doses. The researchers noted no safety concerns with the additional dose and suggested its use for such patients.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive immuno-CRISPR assay to detect acute kidney rejection in urine, potentially allowing for early diagnosis without invasive biopsy. The test uses CRISPR/Cas12a gene editing technology to identify biomarkers of rejection, such as CXCL9, with improved sensitivity compared to existing methods.
Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.
The THINKER-NEXT trial will transplant 200 kidneys from HCV-positive donors into new patients to assess long-term outcomes and risks. The study aims to increase adoption of this practice nationwide and provide hope for those waiting on the kidney transplant list.
A new study reveals that in many countries, there are significant gaps in care related to the importance of nutrition for maintaining kidney health. Nutritional interventions can slow kidney function decline and reduce symptoms.
A recent study published in CJASN found that patients who undergo retransplantation after a failed first kidney transplant have a longer average survival time compared to those on dialysis. The study analyzed data from 2,346 adults and showed that retransplantation resulted in an additional 5.8 months of life expectancy.
Researchers found scarring in COVID-19 patients' kidneys, which may lead to long-term kidney outcomes. The virus directly causes cell damage, independent of the immune system, according to a new study published in Cell Stem Cell.
A clinical trial will harness synthetic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to deplete immune B cells and plasma cells producing donor-specific antibodies, aiming to achieve a compatible kidney match for patients with pre-existing antibodies. The NIH-funded study, led by Penn Medicine, intends to begin enrolling patients in 2022.