Articles tagged with Kidney
Researchers found that infusing a small amount of IL-17A can prevent or reverse diabetic nephropathy in animal models. The therapy also reduced high levels of fat in the blood and aided survival and regeneration of key kidney cells, including podocytes and epithelial cells.
Patients undergoing major vascular surgery experienced high rates of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, increasing long-term cardiovascular-specific death. Preoperative risk stratification through estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria can help prevent or mitigate further decline in kidney function.
Researchers have found that screening male kidney transplant candidates for prostate cancer does not prolong their survival and may even delay receiving a transplant. Elevated PSA levels detected through screening were associated with a reduced likelihood of receiving a transplant regardless of the patient's age or PSA level.
A study of 30 patients found that surgery effectively controlled hypercalcemia, normalized parathyroid hormone levels, and improved bone density. In contrast, medication only controlled excess calcium in 67% of cases, with no effect on PTH or slowing the decline in bone density.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified the stem cells that develop into the blood vessels within the kidney, a critical step toward growing replacement kidneys. By understanding how these vessels form and function, scientists may be able to create functional organs for patients in need.
Researchers have found a class of drugs, histone deacetylase inhibitors, can eliminate kidney toxicity caused by cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy agent. The combination therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and cell death in the kidneys.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to guide human pluripotent stem cells into becoming a lab model for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a common inherited disorder. The system produced stable, biologically accurate human models with cyst-like structures in kidney tubules.
Researchers found that paying attention to results of a simple blood test can help predict the likelihood of patients experiencing kidney failure or death. The studies emphasize the importance of monitoring measures of kidney function over time to inform treatment decisions.
Researchers have identified a simple, non-invasive test to identify patients at risk of chronic kidney disease progression by measuring epidermal growth factor levels in urine. Decreased epidermal growth factor protein is an early sign of diminishing kidney function and pinpoints the at-risk patient population.
A new study reveals that Native Americans have decreased access to kidney transplants, leading to higher mortality rates on the waiting list. The study found that while short-term outcomes were similar, Native Americans experienced worse long-term survival outcomes compared to whites.
A consensus report by Mayo Clinic researchers provides a standardized approach to diagnosing glomerulonephritis based on the underlying cause of the disease. This new method aims to improve personalized diagnosis and targeted treatment for patients with kidney disease.
The BK polyomavirus often causes complications after kidney transplantation due to immunosuppressive drugs like Tacrolimus. Researchers have found that Tacrolimus directly activates virus replication, while Sirolimus inhibits it, providing a rationale for clinical trials.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have successfully connected iPS-derived kidney cells to a capillary network, enabling the formation of a functional filtration membrane. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and organ transplantation, particularly for patients with renal failure.
A study found that after 6 months of hydroxyurea treatment, sickle cell disease patients' kidney function improved significantly. The urinary albumin/creatine ratio decreased, indicating a potential renal benefit of HU in sickle cell disease.
Researchers successfully transplanted human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney tissues into mouse kidneys, where the animal's blood vessels connected to the human tissue. The advance allows for the creation of urine-producing kidneys through regenerative medicine.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that Viagra improves insulin sensitivity in individuals with prediabetes. The medication also reduces a biological marker that signals heightened risk of kidney and heart disease.
Elevated serum phosphorus levels in African Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with faster progression to kidney failure, known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study found that African Americans are more than 3 times as likely to progress to kidney failure as Caucasians.
Higher levels of urinary potassium excretion were linked with slower declines in kidney function and lower cardiovascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in potassium may help protect heart and kidney health, according to the study.
A study found that kidney failure patients on dialysis were at high risk of kidney and thyroid cancers, while those post-transplant were at higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and melanoma. The findings highlight the importance of cancer screening and prevention in these patients.
Elderly individuals living in UK care homes are at high risk of dehydration due to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research finds dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes, including disability and death.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in nanopore technology that could pave the way for a surgically implantable artificial kidney. The new device is designed to remove toxins and waste from the blood without a pump or electrical power, offering a promising alternative to dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Researchers have created a new 'progenitor cell' capable of unlimited expansion and differentiation into mature kidney cells without the risk of forming tumors. This breakthrough presents several advantages over using undifferentiated human stem cells, including reduced tumor growth potential and easier manipulation for therapeutic use.
Recent studies focus on hypertension in overweight and obese adolescents, revealing under-diagnosis despite risk factors. Lead exposure in pregnancy is linked to higher blood pressure in young children. Microparticles released from cells cause fetal death, preeclampsia, and embryonic growth restriction in mice.
A study finds that advanced stages of chronic kidney disease significantly increase the risk of falling into poverty. Black ethnicity, low educational attainment, single adult households, and low income are also linked to a higher likelihood of financial hardship.
A study found that African American and Native American dialysis patients were 43-44% less likely to use hospice before dying compared to white patients. The research highlights the need for high-quality research into the benefits of dialysis therapy in older and sicker segments of society.
A new study reveals that deceased donor kidneys are more likely to be discarded on weekends than weekdays. Organs procured during the weekend were also more likely to be discarded and of higher quality than those procured on other days.
New equations predict lifetime risk of kidney failure in living kidney donors, with those developing diabetes or hypertension facing higher risks. The findings highlight the need for revised kidney transplant policies and emphasize the importance of monitoring donor health.
Recent high-impact clinical trials have explored various treatments for kidney-related medical care. Researchers found that statins may increase risk of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease, while methylprednisolone did not alter the risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Additionally...
A study found that adults who received kidneys from deceased pediatric donors aged 0 to 5 years experienced no surgical complications, organ failure, or rejection. The results showed excellent outcomes with no adverse effects from younger donor age or low weight.
A new study reveals racial disparities in living kidney donation rates and complications after donation. African Americans have the lowest rates of living donation, while also experiencing higher risks of complications, including gastrointestinal issues, bleeding, and respiratory problems. The findings suggest that socioeconomic factor...
Researchers warn that thiazide diuretics may cause low blood pressure in congestive heart failure patients, leading to dizziness and reduced blood flow to the brain and kidneys. The study suggests that these patients should exercise caution when taking thiazides or consider alternative medications.
A study found that three commonly used kidney function equations yield discordant results for transplant waitlist qualification, potentially leading to significant differences in qualification time and disadvantage patients. The Cockroft-Gault equation most often disadvantaged patients compared to the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations.
A new study comparing kidney transplantation and home hemodialysis found that transplant recipients outlived their hemodialysis counterparts by 4 times over 5 years. Elderly patients on hemodialysis had nearly a 5 times higher risk of dying compared to those with transplants, highlighting racial disparities in mortality rates.
A study evaluating patients who purchased organs internationally found higher rates of hepatitis C, B, and cytomegalovirus, as well as increased risk of acute and recurrent rejections. Survival rates were also lower compared to living related donor transplants.
A new treatment using vascular endothelial growth factor fused to a bioengineered carrier promotes the recovery of kidney function in pigs with chronic renovascular disease. The study shows that this treatment can improve kidney function, potentially leading to substantial implications for the management of renovascular disease.
A new study suggests that shorter sleep duration is significantly linked with a more rapid decline in kidney function. Women who slept less than 5 hours per night had a 65% increased likelihood of experiencing a rapid decline in kidney function compared to those sleeping 7-8 hours.
A University of Cincinnati researcher found that acute kidney injury doubles the rate of renal function loss in diabetic patients. The study suggests that AKI increases the risk of chronic kidney disease and accelerates the progression to end-stage renal disease.
A study in New England Journal of Medicine found that suPAR, a circulating protein, can reliably predict chronic kidney disease up to five years before symptoms appear. High suPAR levels are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease, which affects over 15% of people in the US.
A recent study presented at ASN Kidney Week 2015 found that hormone replacement therapy was associated with lower levels of microalbuminuria and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate in postmenopausal women. This suggests that hormone replacement therapy may help protect kidney health in these women.
Researchers aim to conduct clinical trials on implantable, engineered organs in this decade. The device mimics human kidney functions and has shown encouraging early studies.
Researchers aim to create a permanent solution for organ transplantation scarcity using bio-hybrid devices combining silicon filters with living human kidney cells. The device, if successful, could run on the body's normal blood pressure without power source, eliminating organ rejection issues.
Two new studies show that increased use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may contribute to the CKD epidemic. PPI users were between 20% and 50% more likely to develop CKD than non-PPI users, even after accounting for baseline differences.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has released a report outlining current and future challenges to the specialty of nephrology. Key findings include the increasing fragmentation of kidney care, uneven distribution of nephrologists across the US, and declining interest among residents choosing nephrology fellowships.
Researchers have grown mini-kidney organoids in a laboratory by combining stem cell biology with leading-edge gene-editing techniques. These engineered mini-kidneys contain tubules, filtering cells and blood vessel cells, and can mimic both healthy and diseased kidneys.
Three new studies led by The Ottawa Hospital researchers show that ramipril, levofloxacin, and sirolimus are not nearly as effective as previously thought, with potential serious side effects.
A recent study found that each 80 minutes/day increase in sedentary duration was linked with a 20% increased likelihood of having chronic kidney disease. The association was independent of moderate/vigorous physical activity and other factors.
A consultant nephrologist criticizes Wales' upcoming opt-out organ donation system, citing concerns over a lack of commitment among potential donors. He believes that more radical solutions are needed to increase organ donation and argues that the current system may not be effective in addressing these issues.
Researchers found that patients taking calcium supplements had lower urine calcium and oxalate levels but faster kidney stone growth rates. Vitamin D supplementation decreased urinary calcium excretion and stone growth rates, potentially preventing stone formation.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a method to create kidney structures from adult stem cells, which could be used to study diseases such as chronic kidney disease and test new therapies. These kidney structures can model the development of kidney abnormalities and susceptibility to drug toxicity.
Researchers discovered that statins can help prevent acute kidney injury by suppressing inflammation and regulating blood vessel thickness, thanks to the presence of KLF4 protein in endothelial cells. The study found that treating mice with statins protects against AKI, and loss of KLF4 exacerbates the condition.
A new project at the University of Michigan aims to educate patients and healthcare professionals on how to make dialysis sessions safer, reducing instability and its associated risks. The study will use a combination of peer mentoring and provider education to support behavior change.
Researchers have discovered a gene called Sox9 that enables kidney cells to switch on and repair damaged tissue after acute injury, offering new hope for treating this serious condition. The study found that the Sox9 gene promotes timely repair of the nephron's cellular lining and repairs the kidney after AKI.
A study discovered six metabolites in the blood that strongly correlate with kidney function. Two of these metabolites, pseudouridine and C-mannosyltryptophan, are equally effective measures of kidney function as creatinine, offering potential improvements in diagnosing chronic kidney disease.
A new study suggests that chronic dehydration caused by global climate change may be responsible for the Mesoamerican Nephropathy epidemic, which has killed over 20,000 people. The disease is most prevalent among manual laborers on sugar cane plantations in Central America.
Albert D. Kim, a postdoctoral fellow at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has received the first Hearst Fellowship for his work on turning stem cells into nephrons, the functional units of the kidney. He aims to isolate and generate kidney progenitor cells to repair damaged adult kidneys.
A recent study identified a significant association between childhood kidney stones and thickened arteries, a precursor to cardiovascular diseases. The research found that children with kidney stones showed increased thickness of key arteries, potentially leading to future cardiovascular complications.
A new study published in Diabetologia shows that high protein diets from both animal and plant sources improve blood sugar control and reduce liver fat in patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity improved only in the animal protein group, while the plant protein group showed significant reductions in kidney function parameters.
Among 51 military service members who experienced severe acute kidney injury, 88% were due to blasts or projectiles, and 22% died within 60 days. Most survivors regained normal kidney function, but some developed chronic kidney disease or proteinuria, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.
A Rutgers study found that people tend to allocate scarce transplant organs across groups instead of prioritizing individuals with the best chance of a successful transplant. When presented with individual-level information, participants were more likely to make efficient decisions, but when grouped, they allocated resources based on p...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a new protein, TMIGD1, that protects kidney epithelial cells from injury. Increasing expression of this protein can reduce cell death and potentially prevent kidney failure. The findings could lead to the development of therapeutic agents that target these cells.