Articles tagged with Kidney
Scientists have developed a method to create functional kidney units from patient cells, allowing for the study of human kidney diseases and potential therapeutic agents. The research enables in vitro studies of kidney pathophysiology and nephrotoxicity, with the ultimate goal of developing bioengineered kidneys for regenerative medicine.
Research links kidney damage to impaired cognitive function, including memory and attention, as well as structural brain changes. Higher albumin in urine, indicative of poor kidney function, was associated with worse cognitive performance.
Boston University researchers discovered a novel molecular pathway needed to regulate kidney podocytes, critical in maintaining normal kidney function. This finding may help identify a new drug target for chronic kidney diseases associated with podocyte loss.
A new program, Live Donor Champion, has been shown to increase knowledge of live donation and comfort approaching others about live donation. The program boosted live donor referrals, with a 5.5-fold increase in having at least one donor referral compared to matched controls on the waiting list.
A study found that cigarette smoking blocked the benefits of medications taken by patients with early chronic kidney disease. Nonsmokers and quitters had slower worsening of kidney function compared to those who continued to smoke, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking for kidney health.
A telemedicine program in partnership with a national dialysis provider and a rural hospital in Kentucky has successfully treated over a dozen patients with more than 20 dialysis treatments, achieving 67% success rate. The program also provides 24/7 nephrology care for patients with kidney and electrolyte disorders.
A new study found that reducing sodium intake significantly reduced albuminuria and blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease. The combination of paricalcitol and a low sodium diet resulted in the lowest albuminuria levels in patients, indicating a strong reduction in kidney function decline and heart benefits.
A retrospective cohort study found that chronic kidney disease patients who achieve target urate levels show improvement in kidney function. The study suggests that urate-lowering therapy may help stabilize or improve kidney function in patients with significantly elevated serum uric acid and moderate kidney failure.
Research found no association between allopurinol use and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 3 or higher in gout patients with normal kidney function. Allopurinol may be beneficial for preventing renal decline, suggesting its safe use in managing gout symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a link between constipation and poor kidney health, suggesting that diagnosis and management of constipation may help prevent or treat kidney disease. Individuals with constipation had a 13% higher likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease and a 9% higher likelihood of developing kidney failure compare...
New research suggests a novel mechanism by which HIV-1 may infect kidney epithelial cells lacking the major CD4 receptor. Transmembrane TNF-alpha is identified as a key player in this process, potentially facilitating the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to fetus.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found a persistent decline in kidney function after an individual's first case of kidney stones. This decline was linked to higher levels of cystatin C and urine protein, both associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
A clinical trial found that patients with large kidney stones passed them more often when treated with the prostate drug Tamsulosin, offering potential relief from painful conditions. The treatment may also allow patients to be treated closer to home, improving care and reducing costs.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered that cutting nerves to the kidneys dramatically improves liver sensitivity to insulin, effectively curing insulin resistance in laboratory animals. The study reveals a previously unknown communication pathway between the kidneys and liver to regulate blood sugar levels.
The US FDA has awarded Critical Path Institute three grants to develop data standards for HIV treatment, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, and improved animal efficacy studies. C-Path will collaborate with CDISC to create therapeutic area data standards to accelerate clinical research and medical product development.
A study found that most pediatric ICU physicians do not use current guidelines to diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children. The prevalence of AKI among patients in pediatric intensive care units is rising, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found no association between sex and risk of kidney damage when analyzing studies that took patient characteristics into account. Women are more likely to develop kidney damage following cardiovascular surgery, but this link is disputed when adjusting for comorbidities.
An educational and outreach program increased rates of referral for kidney transplant evaluation, especially among African American patients. The program reduced racial disparities in referral, with a significant increase in African Americans referred for transplant from 10% to 16%.
Researchers discovered factors secreted by gut bacteria, Oxalobacter formigenes, can stimulate oxalate transport and reduce urinary excretion in mice by 32.5%, potentially aiding in preventing or treating kidney stones.
A new polymer designed to detect acute kidney injury can identify the condition in its initial stages, allowing for simple treatment and good prognosis. The polymer selectively captures lipocalin-2, a protein biomarker for acute kidney injury.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have successfully bioprinted a functional 3D renal architecture that recapitulates key functions of the kidney, including nutrient reabsorption. The printed tissue is composed of living human epithelial cells and has been sustained for over two months in vitro.
Researchers at MUSC discovered novel biomarkers that significantly improve the prediction of therapeutic efficacy in lupus nephritis. A targeted panel of urinary biomarkers, combined with machine learning modeling, provides an early decision-support tool for predicting outcomes.
A new 6-part series on core curriculum for kidney specialists has been released by the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, covering treatments for kidney failure and management of related complications. The series aims to enhance education and practice among nephrologists, students, and educators.
Research on NKT cells reveals a crucial balance between type I and II subtypes in regulating inflammation. NKT cell activation can induce anergy in type I NKT cells, maintaining physiological inflammatory response. Regulation of NKT cells through membrane receptors and drugs like rapamycin may alleviate acute kidney injury
A newly developed compound inhibits high blood sugar's deleterious effects on kidney cells and slows kidney disease progression in diabetic mice. It protects kidneys in early and advanced phases of diabetes, improves function, and reduces inflammation.
A unique health survey of Finnish cats has identified common health issues such as mouth, skin, and kidney problems, as well as nearly 60 breed-specific illnesses. The study provides valuable information for preventing disease and developing breeding programs, highlighting the importance of genetic research and improving cat welfare.
A new study found that some living kidney donors are not given prompt access to transplantation when they need a transplant. The study examined data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and found that only 40-50 prior living donors are added to the kidney waiting list each year.
Dr. Hirofumi Kai's research focuses on inhibiting Alport syndrome progression, a progressive genetic kidney disease with high risk for kidney failure. The Alport Syndrome Foundation awarded $50,000 per year for two years to support his project on modeling AS in mice and humans.
Salk Institute scientists have discovered a method to create unlimited numbers of precursor kidney cells using a three-dimensional culture and new supporting molecules. These early-stage kidney cells could be used to grow replacement kidney tissue for studying and treating diseases.
After major trauma, debris from damaged cell powerhouses triggers an immune response in the kidneys, leading to permanent damage or destruction. Researchers aim to prevent this by understanding how formyl peptide receptors activate the immune system.
A recent study found that canagliflozin slows the progression of kidney function decline to a greater extent than glimepiride, while having similar blood sugar-lowering effects. The findings suggest that potential kidney protective effects of canagliflozin may be unrelated to glycemic control.
A new study from Ohio State University found that patients who experience anxiety after a kidney transplant are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days. The research suggests that standardized post-transplant care and training caregivers to convey empathy can reduce anxiety and prevent readmissions.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease has remained relatively stable over 30 years, but its clinical manifestations have changed significantly. Albuminuria rates decreased, while reduced glomerular filtration rate increased.
A study of US adults with diabetes found that overall diabetic kidney disease prevalence remained stable from 1988 to 2014, while albuminuria declined and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased. The prevalence of reduced eGFR was higher among younger and non-Hispanic white populations.
Researchers found a natural fruit extract, hydroxycitrate (HCA), dissolves calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of human kidney stones. The study suggests HCA is an effective inhibitor and may be preferred over existing treatments.
Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) has shown excellent patient outcomes compared to traditional open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for endophytic kidney tumors. The study found shorter hospital stays, lower blood loss, and fewer blood transfusions in RPN patients.
A new study found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) have higher levels of certain proteins in their urine compared to healthy infants. This could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for AKI in newborns, which is a common complication in premature infants and can predict poor clinical outcomes.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury have distinct protein profiles in their urine compared to those with healthy kidneys. This discovery could help physicians diagnose kidney health in newborns and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a panel of genes that can help predict whether a transplanted kidney will develop fibrosis, leading to organ failure. The study's findings have the potential to change how doctors monitor and manage renal transplant patients.
Researchers have discovered a link between cellular stress and multiple types of birth defects, including heart defects. A study led by Professor Sally Dunwoodie found that reduced oxygen levels triggered a stress response in embryonic cells, leading to heart development problems.
Researchers have detected high levels of KIM-1, a biomarker for kidney injury, as well as arsenic and chromium in children's urine in a region of Mexico with high incidence of chronic kidney disease. The findings suggest that early exposure to environmental toxins may lead to irreversible harm if not addressed.
A new study found a strong association between red meat intake and increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with soy and legumes appearing slightly protective. Substituting one serving of red meat with other protein sources can significantly reduce the risk of ESRD by up to 62%.
A study found that regions in China with high levels of fine particulate air pollution have elevated rates of membranous nephropathy, an immune disorder of the kidneys. The likelihood of developing membranous nephropathy increased by 13% annually over 11 years.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a genetic link between an immune system gene and an increased risk of kidney disease, specifically IgA nephropathy. The study found that variations in the number of copies of the alpha-defensin genes were strongly correlated with the condition.
The study reveals that errors in cell adhesion and inhibition cause two types of kidney cyst formation, which can lead to a significant increase in kidney size. The researchers used advanced computer simulations to identify the potential new drug target and confirmed its accuracy using real human cells.
A new study published in CardioRenal Medicine suggests that patients with more inflammation prior to kidney transplantation are at higher risk of developing diabetes after surgery. The researchers also found that a patient's fat stores play a role in this process, and that reducing inflammation before transplant may help prevent diabetes.
A study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that protein S supplementation can inhibit beta-cell death and improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and kidney damage in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The findings offer a potential new approach to treating the disease.
Researchers aim to develop strategies to protect the kidneys from permanent damage caused by cisplatin, a common chemotherapy agent used to treat various cancers. They investigate two pathways: p53 and PKCδ, which contribute to kidney cell death during treatment.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic approach to prevent renal damage in cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS2), a condition that causes chronic kidney disease secondary to heart failure. By inhibiting G protein-coupled receptors, the study found that renal function can be protected.
Researchers found that faster intestinal calcium absorption and increased urinary excretion of calcium may predispose hypercalciuric patients to developing kidney stones. Measuring these factors could help identify individuals at risk, allowing for early prevention and treatment.
A mathematical model of open-heart surgery simulates oxygen levels in rat kidneys, revealing vulnerability to hypoxia during surgery. The study sheds light on the causes of kidney injury and suggests potential strategies for prevention.
Researchers have developed a culture method that significantly increases kidney progenitor cell proliferation while maintaining their ability to form glomeruli and tubules. This breakthrough finding has major implications for regenerative medicine, potentially aiding in the search for causes of kidney disease and new drug development.
A genetic variant in the HO-1 gene is highly associated with development of AKI following cardiac surgery, leading to decreased expression and iron toxicity. Testing for this variant may help identify patients at risk, enabling therapeutic strategies to mitigate kidney damage.
Researchers are examining DNA samples from 20,000 people with diabetes to identify genetic factors in diabetic kidney disease. The study aims to develop new tests and treatments to prevent kidney complications and improve patient outcomes.
A wearable artificial kidney has been shown to effectively clear waste products from the blood while maintaining electrolyte balance. The device, still requiring redesign for technical issues, offers an alternative to conventional hemodialysis, providing greater patient satisfaction and mobility.
Researchers found that kidney-specific deletion of the D2 dopamine receptor increased inflammation and hypertension, while restoration of DRD2 expression decreased these effects. The study suggests that targeting DRD2 may be a useful approach for treating renal injury.
A 55-year-old man underwent a combined VCA and double-organ transplant procedure, combining a scalp and skull flap with a kidney and pancreas transplant from the same donor. The patient experienced excellent outcomes, including good cosmetic appearance of the transplanted scalp.
Research found that smoking increases kidney function decline by 83% in current smokers compared to non-smokers. Smoking also worsens inflammation levels, suggesting a possible mechanism between smoking and kidney function decline.
A simple public health intervention helped prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Pakistan by training community health workers and general practitioners on healthy lifestyle advice. After 7 years, individuals with the combined intervention had preserved kidney function, while those who received usual care experienced a ...
A targeted screening program in Canada identified a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for chronic kidney disease and many with unrecognized CKD. The See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) program successfully promoted good kidney health and provided early detection of CKD, emphasizing the importance of targeted screening.