Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
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
A recent study led by Kyushu University reveals that chronic kidney disease induces heart inflammation through dysfunctional white blood cells. The researchers found that elevated levels of vitamin A disrupt the circadian clock in these cells, leading to increased expression of a protein called GPR68.
A study of 4,763 individuals found that those with frequent depressive symptoms were more likely to experience rapid kidney function decline over a median follow-up period of 4 years. The study suggests that high depressive symptoms may be an important modifiable risk factor for chronic kidney disease.
Researchers map kidney stone formation from tiny to troublesome, revealing microspherules merge to form larger crystals, and stones undergo multiple cycles of partial dissolution and growth. The new classification scheme and GeoBioCell device aim to accelerate research, diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment targets.
A novel AI tool predicts the grade of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in kidney biopsies, a known structural correlate of progressive and chronic kidney disease. This technology has the potential to increase efficiency in clinical practices.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are working on a synthetic version of the HLA-G molecule to protect transplanted kidneys from rejection. They hope this therapy will enable dose reduction of standard immunosuppressive drugs, reducing the risk of infections and other medical problems.
Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered how lipid droplets in kidney cells help prevent damage from excess dietary fats. The study found that lipid droplets act as a safe haven for storing excess fats, and boosting the ATGL enzyme can repair damage caused by a high-fat diet.
Eliminating race-based adjustments in equations to estimate kidney function may lead to significant changes in medication prescribing practices for Black adults, according to a new study. The findings suggest that this change could result in lower eGFR values and potentially impact treatment outcomes for diabetic patients.
A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that low-protein intake during pregnancy can lead to a significant decrease in the number of nephrons in offspring, resulting in hypertensive effects and kidney damage. The researchers discovered this effect by analyzing microRNA expression in rat embryos fed with a low-protein diet during ges...
Researchers found that people with reduced kidney function have an increased risk of developing dementia, with those with moderate chronic kidney disease having a 71% higher risk. The study highlights the importance of identifying and treating cases of kidney disease to reduce the risk of dementia.
A large observational study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found a clear link between poor kidney function and increased risk of dementia. The study of over 325,000 individuals suggested that an eGFR score of 30-59ml/min was associated with a 71% increased risk of dementia.
Researchers studied age-related changes in kidney function, combining protein analysis with gene transcription. They found that aging kidneys have increased immune cells, inflammation, and decreased mitochondrial energy production. This suggests that therapies promoting protein building or slowing breakdown may help treat age-related k...
A team led by Iain Drummond, Ph.D. has identified the signaling mechanisms underlying podocyte formation, a crucial process in kidney function. The discovery could lead to new therapies to stimulate regeneration of these cells, vital for ridding the body of toxins and treating conditions like chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at UniSA identified an enzyme, NEDD4-2, that regulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys. Low levels of the protein are linked to chronic kidney disease progression, even without high blood pressure.
A simple device improved care after kidney transplantation by reducing swelling, hospital stays, and surgical site infections. Patients experienced a 31% reduction in swelling and a 60% decrease in wound infection rates.
A pharmacist-led smartphone app has been shown to significantly improve medication safety and reduce hospitalizations in kidney transplant recipients. The study found that participants who used the app were 61% less likely to experience medication errors and 45% less likely to experience serious side effects.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.
Researchers have found a link between certain blood types and increased risk of diseases such as kidney stones, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and bleeding conditions. A study scanning health data on over five million people revealed new connections and confirmed previously reported associations.
A new study finds that prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity increases the risk of acute kidney injury. The risk was found to be highest when environmental conditions outpaced the body's ability to cool itself without access to cooling and hydration measures.
Researchers have discovered a compound found in some vegetables that may help reverse kidney problems associated with diabetes. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been shown to target multiple pathways involved in diabetic nephropathy, including inflammation and oxidative status.
A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified thick tubular basement membrane duplication as a diagnostic criterion for adult-onset NPH. The research also found that older patients are unlikely to have pathogenic mutations, providing a novel diagnostic pointer.
A recent study found that etelcalcetide slowed FGF23 levels and left ventricular mass growth by 6-8% in dialysis patients. The treatment could potentially reduce sudden cardiac death risk in this population with high cardiovascular risk.
A pilot trial found that the 'Sit Less, Interact, Move More' intervention decreased sedentary time, increased stepping time, and boosted step counts in patients with moderate-to-advanced CKD. However, these benefits were not sustained over 20 weeks. The study suggests that additional interventions may be needed to sustain long-term eff...
Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that metformin prolongs survival of mice with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease by reducing kidney function and inflammation. The study suggests that a combination of metformin and losartan may be beneficial for patients with ND-CKD.
A Mayo Clinic study found that pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a first-time symptomatic kidney stone. The risk peaks close to delivery and improves by one year after delivery.
Researchers developed a two-pronged approach targeting cancer progression and cell destruction, leveraging cathepsin S and p21 BAX proteins to treat kidney cancer. The novel peptide CS-PEP1 inhibits these proteins, encouraging cancer cell death and overcoming molecular resistance found in conventional chemotherapy treatment.
Researchers found that a chemical modification of RNA, influenced by diet, plays a key role in polycystic kidney disease. Limiting methionine in the diet may partially control cyst formation, and identifying chemicals that stem Mettl3 activity may lead to new drug treatments.
The ASN and NKF publish an interim report assessing alternative methods to diagnosing kidney diseases, highlighting the need for a standardized approach. The task force recommends replacing existing equations with a new method that is accurate, representative, and unbiased.
Patients with kidney failure who cycled during dialysis showed improved heart health, including reduced scarring and stiffness of major blood vessels. The study found significant savings in healthcare costs, potentially benefiting the NHS.
The study reveals that COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked between March 22 and April 25, with rates 40 times higher than in the general population. Patients undergoing dialysis had a 17% increase in death rates compared to 2017-2019 rates.
A new study from USC reveals the importance of β-catenin in striking a balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into kidney cells. High levels of β-catenin trigger a switch that directs progenitor cells to differentiate into specialized kidney cells.
Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.
A study found that nearly 20% of patients with antibiotic-loaded spacers and IV antibiotics developed acute kidney injury, with those with preexisting chronic kidney disease at highest risk. The study identified several risk factors for AKI, including high doses of antibiotics and certain heart rhythm disorders.
The Acute Kidney Injury Project aims to develop improved predictive and detection tools for kidney injury, addressing a global public health concern. The project will focus on developing prognostic tools to identify drug-induced kidney injury, with the goal of improving patient safety during clinical trials and advancing drug development.
A team of researchers led by Professor Alexander Meyer has created an early warning system for intensive care units (ICUs) using big data and artificial intelligence. The system predicts postoperative bleeding and acute kidney injury with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions to save lives.
Only 3% of patients with high blood pressure who are at risk for primary aldosteronism receive screening, a condition that can lead to heart and kidney complications. Researchers emphasize the importance of initiatives to encourage screening to prevent cardiovascular and kidney disease.
Renal fibrosis, a leading cause of kidney failure, has been linked to telomere shortening. Researchers found that short telomeres exacerbate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoting pathological scarring of kidney tissue. They propose treating renal fibrosis by lengthening telomeres and restoring normal gene expression.
Researchers investigate using a cell-signaling chemokine from cats to treat human kidney fibrosis and slow disease progression. The study suggests that intra-renal injection of CXCL12 may be a potential therapy for early kidney disease, offering new hope for millions with the condition.
Patients recovering from COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury require long-term monitoring of kidney function post-discharge. The study highlights the importance of tracking kidney function to prevent future complications and ensure optimal recovery.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel urine test to diagnose human kidney transplant rejection. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, demonstrates that exosomes isolated from urine samples can serve as a viable biomarker for kidney transplant rejection.
A study published in Environment International found that overweight children exposed to lead in utero and during their first weeks of life are at risk for poorer kidney function in adulthood. The research measured blood levels of lead during pregnancy and eGFR levels in children between 8-12 years old.
Clinical algorithms that adjust for race can cause harm to patients by delaying access to additional tests and treatments, according to a new article. The authors argue that the medical community must step up to achieve consensus on paths forward to address racial inequities in health care.
Measures of kidney function, such as the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate, may improve estimates of future cardiovascular disease risk. The addition of these non-traditional risk factors could refine stratification and predict cardiovascular disease more accurately.
Researchers analyzed nationwide data to find a strong correlation between kidney stones and osteoporosis or bone fracture diagnoses. The study suggests that bone density screening may be necessary for individuals with kidney stones, particularly middle-aged and older men at risk of osteoporosis or fracture.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that proteins in urine can be used as biomarkers to predict the likelihood of progression to chronic kidney disease and death after acute kidney injury. The three protein biomarkers, MCP-1, UMOD, and YKL-40, showed promise in predicting patient outcomes.
Researchers tested CER-001 on a human patient with familial LCAT deficiency, showing improved kidney function and stable vision for up to 11 months. The treatment was well-tolerated, but further studies are warranted to prevent kidney progression.
The article highlights the importance of pediatric nephrologists' involvement in caring for children with cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Key findings include the increasing need for onco-nephrology expertise due to rising childhood cancer rates and advances in therapy protocols.
A study found associations between urinary miRNAs and cardiorenal outcomes, including blood pressure and eGFR levels, in Mexican children. The researchers identified several miRNAs associated with kidney function, blood pressure, and electrolyte biomarkers.
Researchers identified a biomarker that predicts kidney transplant rejection risk by analyzing immune molecule ratios. Monitoring this ratio may help clinicians identify high-risk patients and intervene with new treatments to prevent long-term organ rejection.
Researchers discovered a blood biomarker that predicts kidney transplant rejection with a lead time of about eight months. The biomarker suggests using an existing medication to right the course of long-term recovery and prevent permanent damage.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who received corticosteroids after kidney transplantation had similar survival rates compared to those who did not receive them. Corticosteroid use was associated with increased risk of side effects, including acne and bone disease.
A recent study found that enrolling Black patients on the waitlist with slightly better kidney function could reduce racial disparities in transplant access. This approach aims to bridge the gap between Black and white patients' wait times before kidney failure, ultimately promoting greater equality in transplantation.
Scientists developed a rodent model to understand and identify young pregnant women who have previously suffered kidney injuries, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and low birthweight. The model suggests that even years after the injury, some women may still experience renal insufficiency during pregnancy.
A study found that veterans receiving all post-kidney transplant care within the VA have a lower risk of death compared to those receiving care through Medicare. The study suggests that high-quality care within the VA may contribute to better outcomes.
Researchers from Indiana University have identified key genetic changes in the interstitial kidney tissue of people with diabetes, which could lead to a revolutionary new genetic approach to treating kidney disease. The study found that important genes change when a scar forms on the interstitium, a previously undercharacterized part o...
Despite policies and interventions aimed at improving access to kidney transplantation, a new study found no overall improvement in rates of wait list placement and transplantation over two decades. The researchers also identified striking disparities in access to transplantation, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to ...
Research using magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that SGLT2 inhibitors trigger a balance between glucose loss and new production in the liver, affecting metabolism in several organs. The study provides insight into the acute impact of these drugs on lipid and energy metabolism.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects millions worldwide, causing cysts and benign tumors to form in the kidney, leading to kidney failure. Researchers led by Dr. Manoocher Soleimani found that changes in cells lining the collecting ducts are responsible for cyst formation, offering new avenues for potential treatments.