Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
A new patient decision aid developed by Duke-NUS Medical School's experts empowers patients with ESKD to choose care strategies consistent with their values and goals. The tool provides a balanced overview of dialysis, kidney supportive care, and other treatment options.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that lithium chloride can reduce peritoneal thickening, fibrosis markers, and αB-crystalline expression in mesothelial cells. This innovative solution aims to preserve the peritoneum for longer, allowing patients to live a normal life or wait for a transplant.
Research provides insights on immune responses of kidney transplant recipients following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that production of IgG antibodies against the virus was delayed in these individuals, but their IgM and IgA responses were similar to those observed in non-transplant individuals.
The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 damages the kidneys by interacting with ACE2, leading to an imbalance in blood pressure regulation and inflammation. This can result in impaired kidney function, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and increased risk of acute renal injury.
A recent analysis found a large increase in deaths among susceptible individuals, including minorities, due to COVID-19. The study highlights the vulnerability of kidney transplant recipients and those with kidney failure to severe illness from the virus.
A team of researchers has developed a low-cost and low-waste device that uses Tootsie Roll candy as an electrode to monitor ovulation status or kidney health. The sensor works by detecting changes in salt levels in saliva, with preliminary tests showing promising results.
A new ex vivo drug delivery system has been shown to keep MSCs viable longer and reprogram the peripheral immune response toward organ repair. The study's results suggest that SBI-101 can impact a peripheral immune response that can be transmitted to local tissue damage in vital organs, including the kidney.
A national task force endorses a new diagnostic equation for measuring kidney function, which removes racial data to increase access to transplantation for Black patients. The recommendation is supported by Penn Medicine research and aims to reduce disparities in healthcare.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that higher-rated dialysis centers have a 47% higher likelihood of patients being listed for kidney transplantation. The integration of waitlisting rates into quality metrics aims to incentivize greater referral rates and improve facility quality.
A BfR study confirms that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) does not accumulate excessively in human lung and kidney tissue. Only one sample contained a measurable PFBA value, supporting the conclusion that PFBA is unlikely to cause health problems.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente identified a blood cystatin C test as an alternative to estimate kidney function, eliminating the need for racial considerations. The study showed that this approach produces similarly accurate results and may promote equity for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Researchers propose reinstating waiting time for recipients experiencing early post-transplant allograft failure within an expanded timeframe to boost transplant numbers. This policy change could potentially reduce the perceived patient-level risk of transplanting marginal organs and improve organ utilization.
A serum biomarker, polyubiquitinated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), was associated with a four-fold higher risk of kidney function decline. This modified form of PTEN was linked to severity of lesions in kidney structure, indicating early manifestations of diabetic kidney disease.
Sandrine V. Pierre, a Marshall University researcher, has received a $1.36 million NIH grant to study the regulatory mechanism of salt handling by the kidney and its impact on cardiovascular function.
Research reveals a significant decline in kidney function among COVID-19 long-haulers and even those with mild infections. The study highlights the critical need for paying attention to kidney function and disease in caring for patients who have had COVID-19, as kidney problems can be silent and untreated until it's too late.
A new global study found a significant decline in solid organ transplants performed during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, with over 48,000 years of patient life lost. Kidney transplantation showed the largest reduction across nearly all countries.
A study of 20,304 kidney transplants found that black recipients and patients receiving kidneys from Asian donors had a higher risk of graft failure within seven years. The study suggests that improved access to organ donation among ethnic minority groups can improve long-term outcomes for all recipients.
A new approach called an immunobiological algorithm provides a comprehensive assessment of how a patient's immune system will react to tissue from each potential living donor. This method outperforms current HLA testing in identifying the best potential living donor, which could lead to improved organ transplant outcomes.
Referral guidelines for nephrology care are shifting towards identifying patients at higher risk of kidney failure. A study using Veterans Health Administration data found that referring patients with a two-year risk of kidney failure above 1% would identify those at highest median risk.
A recent study found that introducing new airline routes leads to a 7.3% increase in kidneys sent to transplant centers across the US, while also reducing the discard rate of kidneys. This improved transportation infrastructure facilitates broader organ sharing and can help match supply and demand.
A USC-led study has mapped the developmental blueprint of human kidneys, shedding light on how cells interact to form filtering units. The research provides a foundation for creating synthetic mini kidneys and could lead to new treatments for kidney diseases.
A large study found that people with hypertension or diabetes often lack a simple urine test for protein in the urine, despite being at high risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers suggest widening albuminuria testing to detect early chronic kidney diseases and emphasize the importance of treatment.
Ongoing acute kidney injury in deceased donor kidneys is linked to lower long-term graft survival. Notably, abnormal serum creatinine values during procurement also negatively impact graft outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified 182 genes likely responsible for kidney function and 88 genes for hypertension. The study provides a clearer picture of the genetic underpinnings of chronic kidney disease, paving the way for potential treatments.
Research finds that immunocompromised dialysis patients who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine have higher levels of neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta. A third dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended to protect this vulnerable group.
A pooled analysis of three clinical trials found that roxadustat boosts hemoglobin levels and reduces the need for red blood cell transfusions. The treatment also showed no increased risks of mortality, heart attacks, or strokes.
A recent clinical trial found that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effects on kidney outcomes in adults with pre-diabetes. However, among those not taking any vitamin D, the supplement was associated with a lower amount of urine protein over time, suggesting potential benefits for kidney health.
A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...
Researchers compared various race-free equations and found that removing race adjustments increases eGFR values for Black patients, leading to more chronic kidney disease stage reclassifications. Blending or direct removal of race coefficients resulted in decreased eGFR estimates.
A study of 924 kidney transplantations reveals that natural killer cells play a major role in organ rejection, leading to improved risk assessment and potential new treatments for kidney transplant rejection. The findings suggest genotyping donors and recipients for MHC and KIR proteins can help predict rejection.
Researchers found five aspects underlie feelings of repugnance: moral outrage, regulation desire, monetary value translation, exploitation concern, and seller risk exposure. Transactions triggering strong repugnance often require policy interventions to protect vulnerable individuals or address unknown risks.
The new allocation system could result in reduced access to kidney transplants and longer wait times for patients in South Carolina. Researchers argue that the current system unintentionally worsens inequities and recommend improving access to transplant care.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that COVID-19 can induce a strong immune response in patients, contributing to kidney injury. Mitochondrial dysfunction is also commonly found in kidney injury related to COVID-19, suggesting it may be a potential target for therapies.
A scoping review found that 80% of studies on acute kidney injury did not define recovery of kidney function, highlighting the need for clear application of standard definitions. Researchers recommend transparent reporting of how the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition is applied.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed an oral prodrug that delivers carbon monoxide via artificial sweeteners, showing promise in treating acute kidney injury. The study demonstrates the protective effects of CO against organ damage and suggests potential applications for transplantation and other conditions.
The DAPA-CKD trial found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced kidney function decline, cardiovascular events, and mortality rates in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The study also showed similar safety profiles for dapagliflozin and placebo in this patient population.
The US physician-scientist workforce doing kidney research is shifting towards more women and international medical graduates. However, this trend is accompanied by an increasing age of the workforce, a decline in relative numbers, and a shift away from basic science research.
Researchers found that new direct airline routes can significantly increase the number of kidneys shared between regions, with a potential increase of over 7%. The study also showed that this increase in kidney sharing does not come with a decrease in kidney quality.
A recent study published in CJASN found that patients with kidney failure did not report better experiences with care from more frequent face-to-face visits with kidney specialists. In fact, more frequent visits were linked to slightly lower patient-reported experiences with kidney-related care.
Researchers discovered 47 lipids significantly different between rapid and slow kidney function decliners, providing a platform for risk stratification. The study's findings also suggest the underlying mechanism of progressive kidney disease, which could be a future target for therapeutic intervention.
A new study found that intensive blood pressure-lowering therapy may harm patients with decreased kidney function after a stroke, whereas those with normal kidney function showed similar outcomes. The study suggests considering renal function when deciding optimal blood pressure ranges for each patient.
A longitudinal study of 358 diabetics found that proteins ANGPT1, TNFSF12, and FGF20 are associated with slower kidney decline. These proteins may help identify individuals at higher risk of diabetic kidney disease, enabling earlier interventions and treatment.
Researchers identified three proteins - FGF20, ANGPT1, and TNFSF12 - that offer protection against progressive kidney decline in diabetes patients. Elevated levels of these proteins were found to reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in treating and preventing kidney infections by utilizing the kidneys' own internal infection-fighting capabilities. The study found that intercalated cells can consume bacteria and secrete acid, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers examined family voucher-based kidney donations and found that timely kidney transplants are possible through voucher redemption. The study aims to provide a new option for individuals waiting for a transplant, improving outcomes for those in need.
Research led by University of Bristol scientists has shed light on the camel's kidneys, revealing a key role in helping it cope with dehydration and rapid rehydration stresses. The study suggests that cholesterol levels play a crucial role in water conservation, allowing camels to produce highly concentrated urine and minimize water loss.
Researchers found that damaged proximal tubule cells can promote disease progression by showing activity in genes that support survival and programmed cell death. These cells may contribute to the transition from acute to chronic kidney disease, affecting 9.1% of the world's population.
A new study highlights the high risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome, particularly those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Adults with this condition are 19.63 times more likely to develop kidney failure over a median follow-up period of 4.5 years.
Patients waiting for a kidney transplant who experienced various symptoms had a higher risk of dying while on the waitlist. However, those who underwent transplantation saw an improvement in symptoms, with overall 10% reduction and significant declines in fatigue and itchy skin.
A new study reveals that many patients with high-priority kidney transplants are not being placed on the transplant waiting list, despite having long expected post-transplant survival. African Americans, uninsured individuals, and those living in lower-income communities face significant barriers to expedited waitlist placement.
A study published in Hypertension reveals that vasopressin receptor stimulation leads to the short-term secretion of uromodulin into the urine in mice. Higher levels of uromodulin are associated with lower rates of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
Scientists at USC have created rudimentary kidney structures, known as organoids, that resemble the collecting duct system. These organoids can be used to study kidney disease and test potential therapeutic drugs.
Researchers discovered that zinc slows down calcium oxalate crystal growth while also altering surfaces, creating defects for new crystals to form. The study offers a resolution to conflicting theories on zinc's role in kidney stone formation.
A study by National University of Ireland Galway found that nearly half of adults with diabetes attending a dedicated clinic have signs of established chronic kidney disease. The research suggests that careful medical management is not enough to prevent the development of kidney disease in people with diabetes.
Researchers found that COVID-19 virus can enter and replicate in human kidney cells, but does not typically cause cell death. However, infected cells with pre-existing injury are more susceptible to additional damage.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 vaccination leads to strong T cell responses against the virus in all patients on dialysis, and nearly 58% of kidney transplant recipients. However, low antibody responses were observed in kidney transplant recipients, raising concerns about their protection from COVID-19.
Researchers found COVID-19 causes a wide range of organs, including the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI) with significant mortality rates. Studies showed viruses were directly detected in kidneys of deceased patients, correlating with age and comorbidities.
Studies have shown that COVID-19-associated nephritis can predict disease severity and mortality, while early signs of kidney involvement are associated with worse outcomes. Chronic kidney disease is a risk for some patients, particularly those who experience acute kidney injury (AKI), which may not recover fully.
Researchers found dapagliflozin reduced the risk of progressive kidney disease by half in FSGS patients over a 2.4-year period, with good tolerability and safety. The medication stabilizes renal function and improves clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and concomitant kidney damage.
SGLT2 inhibitors like gliflozins reduce the risk of progressing to end-stage kidney disease in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The kidneys produce less erythropoietin as a result, which reduces anemia, resulting in reduced renal endpoint, cardiovascular events, and mortality