Articles tagged with Kidney
A study by Gemma Scholes and colleagues found that newborn babies with congenital heart disease tend to have significantly enlarged kidneys. This contradicts previous assumptions about organ development in these infants. The type of congenital abnormality also influences kidney size, with some having larger or smaller than normal kidneys.
Using fMRI scans, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people who donated a kidney to an anonymous recipient were more sensitive to a stranger's fear and pain, with activation in the anterior insula brain region. This study provides the first clear link between real-world altruism and empathy for the pain of strangers.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients with acute critical illness without pre-existing kidney disease are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The study also shows that these patients have a higher risk of death.
A new study has introduced a 'failure-aware' algorithmic matching approach to improve the success rate of kidney transplants. The method takes pre-transplant compatibility failures into account probabilistically and can roughly double the number of successful transplants, depending on the setting.
The NIH grant will aid research in understanding how to prevent kidney damage and failure caused by type 2 diabetes. Tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in kidney function and require high amounts of lipids and fatty acids to work correctly, but people with type 2 diabetes have lipid metabolism derailments.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that polluted air may be a threat to your kidneys, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease. Air pollution contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can cause serious health effects when inhaled regularly.
Researchers found high levels of toxic metals in drinking water, including nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead, leading to increased morbidity rates. The study also revealed a significant link between the accumulation of these metals in kidneys and livers, increasing the risk of malignant neoplasms.
Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that kidney transplantation can be safely performed using organs testing positive for hepatitis C virus antibody but negative for active viral infection. The study expanded the number of kidneys available for those in need, addressing a shortage in organ donations.
Researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that can target kidney cells and deliver medication directly to the site of the disease, potentially reducing side effects. This innovation may prove critical in addressing chronic kidney disease, which affects one in three Americans.
A $5.67 million federal grant will extend and expand research into acute kidney injury, affecting 1.2 million hospitalized patients yearly, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment strategies.
A multidisciplinary research team found a form of vitamin B3 has the potential to prevent acute kidney injury by boosting NAD+ levels in high-risk patients. The study suggests a non-invasive test and therapy for patients at risk for acute kidney injury.
Researchers found that higher oxidative stress in males reduces the production of nitric oxide, a powerful blood vessel dilator. An antioxidant treatment restored similar production levels of protective nitric oxide between males and females.
Researchers found that autophagy efficiency declines with age, leading to accumulation of damaged biological structures in the kidneys. They discovered that nutrition restrictions and pharmacological drugs like rapamycin may help tackle this issue.
Researchers identified specific gene activity in each cell, revealing that Wilms' tumour cells have the same characteristics as normal developing kidney cells. Adult renal carcinoma cells were found to be a version of rare healthy adult kidney cells called PT1.
A UBC study found that prioritizing kidney transplant chains over exchanges can increase the total number of transplants and save more lives. This is particularly beneficial for hard-to-match patients with end-stage renal disease. The research could lead to longer kidney transplant chains through improved matching algorithms.
A new study found that rates of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) among Irish patients have more than doubled in the past decade. The study highlights the importance of targeting 'minor' AKI events to prevent severe forms and reduce risk of kidney failure.
A clinical trial at Penn Medicine has successfully cured 20 patients of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) after receiving kidney transplants from infected donors who were treated with an antiviral therapy. The results show that the quality and function of the transplanted kidneys are similar to those from non-HCV infected donors.
Researchers found that transplantation followed by antiviral therapy cured hepatitis C in all 20 patients who received kidneys from infected donors. The treatment resulted in excellent renal function and stable to improved quality of life.
Gene expression analysis of blood samples from 15 kidney transplant recipients revealed that the most robust gene expression changes occurred in the first day following transplantation. A comparison between living donors and deceased donor groups identified 11 genes that may play a key role in kidney repair and regeneration.
Researchers have developed a new treatment that delivers an inflammation inhibitor directly to the kidneys, reversing the course of destructive nephritis. The treatment restores mitochondrial function and reduces cell death, offering hope for patients with chronic kidney disease.
A recent study by KU Leuven researchers reveals that the lifespan of transplanted kidneys has stagnated despite improvements in the past. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 recipients across Europe and found that the average lifespan of a transplanted kidney is now around 15-20 years.
A study found that tolvaptan treatment slowed the rate of kidney function decline in individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) for up to 11 years. The therapy also showed a lower risk of a 33% reduction in eGFR from baseline.
A new procedure harnessing ultrasound technology to reposition kidney stones is being tested in emergency patients at UW Medicine's Harborview Medical Center and University Center. The approach could benefit astronauts as well as Earth-side patients, providing quick relief and avoiding unnecessary pain medications.
Researchers have developed a new protocol to produce mature human podocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells, offering a robust source for scientific studies and potential cell therapies for kidney diseases. The method has been confirmed to exhibit transcriptomic and protein expression profiles matching those of mature podocytes.
Scientists led by George C. Tsokos discover that inhibiting CaMK4 can prevent podocyte damage in lupus-prone mice, reversing classical dogma on inflammation causing kidney damage. The finding opens doors to potential new therapies for autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases impacting the kidneys.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria screening in pregnancy may reduce kidney infections and low birth weight, but evidence is low-quality. Women's values and preferences play a significant role in screening decisions.
A computer analysis predicts that transplanting HCV-infected dialysis patients with organs from HCV-positive donors and treating the infection after transplantation is more effective and less costly. This strategy shortens wait times for donated organs, saves $41,591 per patient, and increases quality-adjusted life years.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that cross-sex hormone therapy may increase the risk for certain vascular events among transgender women. The researchers compared the incidence rates of acute cardiovascular events in a large cohort of transgender persons with those observed in age-, race-, site-, and m...
Researchers have successfully used viral vectors to deliver genetic material to kidney cells, paving the way for new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The discovery could lead to gene therapies that slow or reverse the growth of cells contributing to CKD.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy method to target damaged kidney cells, which could lead to improved treatment for chronic kidney disease. The approach uses adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver genetic material to targeted cells, showing promise in slowing or reversing cell damage.
The endolymphatic sac acts as a pressure-relief valve for the inner ear, regulating fluid pressure and composition. The discovery may inform the study and treatment of disorders like Meniere's disease.
A randomized, controlled trial found that administration of nitric oxide gas during and for 24 hours following heart surgery decreased the risk of acute and chronic kidney problems. Nitric oxide reduced the risk of acute kidney injury by 50% and chronic kidney disease by 21%.
Medicaid expansion has helped place many low-income individuals with chronic kidney disease on the kidney transplant waiting list before starting dialysis. The findings show larger gains in pre-emptive listing for minorities with Medicaid coverage than for whites.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased the number of chronic kidney disease patients with Medicaid coverage who were placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. States that expanded Medicaid saw a significant boost in Medicaid-covered preemptive listings, especially among racial and ethnic minority patients.
A new study aims to clarify the role of the APOL1 gene in predicting kidney-transplant failure. By genotyping deceased and living African-American donors and recipients, researchers hope to determine if high-risk variants can replace race as a risk factor for discarded kidneys.
A recent study published in Clinical Transplantation found that carefully-selected older adults over 60 years old pose minimal risks for living kidney donation. The research suggests that accepting more older donors can expand the donor pool, making a previously perceived high-risk group accessible.
Researchers have discovered a glycoside called arbutin, extracted from the bearberry plant, that can break up kidney stones. The molecule has shown remarkable ability to dissolve kidney stones in pre-clinical studies, offering a potential new treatment option for patients.
A recent clinical trial has shown that tamsulosin is not effective in promoting the passage of ureteral stones, contradicting previous small studies. The study's findings suggest that the medication may be beneficial for specific subgroups of patients with larger or distal stones.
A recent study suggests that metformin is safe for most adults with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The research, conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, found no association between metformin use and acidosis in patients with mild to moderate CKD. However, the risk of acidosis increased significantly among patients with severe...
USC researchers have discovered that the precise arrival of progenitor cells determines their form and function in the kidney. The study advances understanding of how to assemble building blocks to fashion kidney tissue, which can lead to breakthroughs in drug development and organ transplantation.
A study found that living kidney donors consider post-donation concerns such as kidney health and surgical impacts more important than hypothetical long-term risks. The research highlights the need to understand donors' priorities for informed decision-making and care.
A clinical trial found that comparable diabetes care eliminates racial disparities in kidney function decline and chronic kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that delivering standardized care can reduce racial disparities in diabetes-related complications.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that a protein called hamartin plays a central role in shutting down the nephron formation process in preterm infants. By reducing hamartin levels, researchers found that preterm babies could develop 25% more nephrons than control groups.
Research suggests that women who have had gestational diabetes may benefit from periodic checkups to detect early-stage kidney damage. The study found a link between high glomerular filtration rates and pre-diabetes, indicating a potential risk for chronic kidney disease.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury have a 44% higher relative risk of heart failure within one year of discharge compared to those without acute kidney injury. This increased risk highlights the importance of monitoring for signs of heart failure in these patients.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine developed a robotic system to rapidly produce human mini-organs derived from stem cells, expanding basic research and drug discovery capabilities. The new technology enables mass production of organoids, which resemble rudimentary organs and behave similarly.
A new study reveals that acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart failure, in patients even after discharge from the hospital. Researchers found that AKI was linked to an 18% increased risk of composite outcomes including heart failure and atherosclerotic events.
Researchers discovered that elevated stress response protein levels are associated with reduced kidney damage after heart surgery. High MIF levels before surgery may help identify patients at risk for acute kidney injury.
Researchers found that poor functional status is associated with a higher incidence of initiating hemodialysis and increased risk of central venous catheter use. Elderly patients with poor functional status have an increased one-year mortality by 48 percent.
A new study reveals that oral antibiotics are associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones, particularly among children. The risk remains elevated several years after antibiotic use, highlighting the importance of reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure.
Researchers found a significant association between oral antibiotic use and an increased risk of developing kidney stones in children and adults. The study suggests that disruptions in the intestinal and urinary microbiome may contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.
A new clinical trial found that coaching patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to drink more water did not slow down the decline of their kidney function. However, increased water intake did suppress antidiuretic hormone release and may be beneficial for those who are low-intake drinkers.
The HOPE in Action Multicenter Kidney Study evaluates the safety and efficacy of kidney transplants between people with HIV, following the passage of the HOPE Act of 2013. Researchers track outcomes of 160 kidney transplants, comparing recipients who received organs from HIV-positive donors to those from uninfected donors.
A University of Houston researcher has activated a kidney cell that could prevent damage from inflammation caused by obesity. The targeted cells express the angiotensin type 2 receptor, which shows anti-inflammatory and reno-protective actions.
Researchers have identified kidney stem cells of human origin in amniotic fluid, a promising source for cell replacement therapies. The study shows an increase in these cells with gestational time, making amniotic fluid a valuable source of fetal stem cells with regenerative potential.
A study by Loyola Medicine researchers found a diverse mix of bacteria in the urine of kidney disease patients, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. This diversity is higher in patients experiencing urinary urgency and may lead to new approaches for treating lower urinary tract problems.
Scientists have created a detailed image of BKV, a virus affecting kidney and bone marrow transplant patients, which may aid in developing antiviral therapies. The new structures allow researchers to visualize potential targets for blocking the virus's entry into cells or preventing its assembly.
New research from two large international trials confirms that intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy is safe and does not increase the risk of ureteral stricture in cervical cancer patients. The treatment is associated with better survival rates and fewer adverse side effects compared to other radiation therapies.
A substudy of the PRECISION trial found that adding aspirin to celecoxib reduced its cardiovascular safety advantage, while maintaining fewer GI problems and kidney issues compared to ibuprofen. Celecoxib remained associated with better overall outcomes in patients taking aspirin.
A new staging system for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) predicts the length of time until a child will need a transplant or dialysis. The system takes into account three factors: glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and disease etiology.