Articles tagged with Kidney
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A study found that most donors and recipients support sharing health information, but not social details. The transplant team should be involved in the discussion, according to both parties.
Janos Peti-Peterdi, a USC kidney researcher, has made significant advances in visualizing the function of the living kidney's filter and studying kidney stem cells. He aims to find new treatments and therapies for patients with chronic kidney disease.
A study found that only about one in four patients with end-stage renal disease in Georgia were referred for kidney transplant evaluation within a year of starting dialysis. The study suggests that standardized guidelines are needed to improve access to kidney transplantation.
Research reveals a strong link between kidney impairment and decreased blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke and dementia. Poor kidney function was strongly related to decreased blood flow to the brain, with the strongest association seen in participants with decreased blood flow.
Scientists at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified EMT as a potential therapeutic target for reversing kidney disease and fibrosis. The study showed that inhibiting EMT in tubular epithelial cells can restore their health and function.
A licensed technology measures anti-HLA antibody secretion from memory B cells, improving kidney transplant efficiency and preventing rejection. Researchers found high-risk patients using this technique, which complements existing antibody measurement methods.
Researchers found that TMAO levels increase with advancing severity of kidney disease and are linked to atherosclerosis and premature death. Targeting TMAO generation by intestinal bacteria may be a novel strategy for safeguarding heart health in patients with CKD.
Researchers found that mild hypothermia in deceased organ donors significantly reduces delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients by nearly 40%. This intervention could lead to an increase in the availability of kidneys for transplant and improve patient outcomes.
Proteins in the Wnt signaling pathway play a critical role in driving kidney scarring, which can lead to chronic kidney disease. Boosting expression of Wnt proteins in healthy kidneys may be an effective strategy for treating chronic kidney disease.
Researchers used iPSC-derived renal progenitors to treat acute kidney injury in mice, showing improved recovery with reduced fibrosis and necrosis. The study's findings suggest that paracrine actions of the cells, rather than integration, led to therapeutic effects.
A new clinical trial found that tamsulosin improves the passage of larger kidney stones, with 83.3% of patients treated with the medication passing their stones compared to 61% on placebo. However, for small kidney stones, time remains the best cure, according to lead author Jeremy Furyk.
A new study by Houston Methodist researchers finds that artificially added phosphates in dairy and cereal products cause bigger spikes in blood phosphorus levels than natural phosphates. This can lead to increased kidney function problems and heart damage, especially for people with healthy kidneys.
Researchers found that postmenopausal women with kidney or bladder stones were not at increased risk for osteoporosis, contrary to previous findings in men. Women with a urinary tract stone were more likely to develop a second stone, however.
Researchers identified a cellular signal causing kidney cells to die, leading to increased risk of acute kidney injuries. The study found that lack of alpha(E)-catenin protein contributes to this process.
Researchers developed targeted therapy using immunoglobulin-A antibodies to neutralize specific receptors in polycystic kidneys. The strategy enables repurposing of existing monoclonal antibodies for PKD therapy, opening up new class of therapeutics.
A new US study reveals that end-stage kidney disease patients who receive specialized care have significantly improved survival rates and access to life-saving treatment. The research highlights the importance of timely referrals to nephrologists in reducing mortality risks, particularly in low-performing regions.
Inflamed kidney cells produce an enzyme that consumes tryptophan, activating a stress response and inducing autophagy to clear damaged protein. The IDO-GCN2 pathway provides natural protection against inflammation-induced kidney damage, offering new potential treatment targets.
Researchers found that mortality rates vary significantly according to kidney disease subtype, suggesting that treatment plans should be tailored towards disease-specific risks. The study analyzed data from 84,301 patients and showed significant differences in survival rates among those with different subtypes of glomerulonephritis.
A new study found that people allocate medical resources equally across groups, but make more efficient decisions when presented with individual patient information. This bias towards equality can lead to suboptimal allocation decisions, but may also have positive outcomes in certain contexts.
Children with lower vitamin D levels had higher blood markers related to kidney dysfunction and greater kidney function loss over time. Maintaining normal vitamin D levels helps preserve kidney function in children with CKD.
A Phase II clinical trial presented promising results for baricitinib in people with diabetic kidney disease, reducing a key sign of kidney damage and inflammation. The trial's success demonstrates the potential of precision medicine in treating this common yet devastating condition affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment approach targeting tiny blood and lymphatic vessels inside the kidneys, which improves renal function and slows disease progression in mice. This innovative therapy may offer hope for patients with polycystic kidney disease, particularly those with rare forms of the condition.
New research reveals zinc may be the core of stone formation in kidneys, with changes in oxalate levels tracking dietary zinc intake. The findings suggest that understanding zinc's role in preventing kidney stones could lead to new preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have made progress in recycling human kidneys for transplantation. The team successfully preserved the micro-vessels and growth factors within discarded kidneys, paving the way for tailor-made replacement kidneys.
Simple measures of kidney function and damage may be better than traditional tests in predicting heart failure, death from heart attack, and stroke. Researchers found that indicators of kidney function and damage outperformed cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed a new, non-invasive method to diagnose kidney disease using an optical probe and Raman spectroscopy. The technique allows for the detection of subtle molecular changes in kidney tissue, enabling accurate differentiation between healthy and diseased kidneys.
Researchers have discovered a key driver of kidney growth in response to losing a single organ, highlighting the importance of protein synthesis and mTORC1 activation. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop new strategies for preserving kidney function in patients with a single functioning kidney.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) are the most effective treatments for preventing end-stage kidney disease in adults with diabetes. These medications, used alone or in combination, have been shown to protect kidney function in the long term.
Duke University researchers identified physiological changes affecting patients with acute kidney injury during sepsis treatment, potentially improving patient survival rates after kidney failure. The study showed that kidney function is a critical determinant of how patients respond to treatment.
A new study reveals that severe kidney injury during pregnancy is rare, but affects otherwise healthy women who acquire a major complication. Babies born to mothers with severe kidney injury are at increased risk of low birth weight or premature birth.
A study explores the quality of organs from HIV-positive donors for potential transplant use in the US, finding that donor kidneys may be of reduced quality. The study suggests nearly 400 potential organ donors might be available annually, but long-term viability and hepatitis C virus infection could impact organ health.
A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that there are nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors in the US who could provide life-saving organs for HIV-positive patients. The study estimates that these donors could reduce the waiting time for transplants, but the quality of their organs is a concern.
Researchers analyzed over 1.3 million patient records to find that mildly abnormal results on kidney function tests are the strongest risk factor for acute kidney injury. Physicians can identify high-risk patients by paying close attention to common blood and urine tests for kidney function, potentially preventing the devastating injury.
A recent study found that dexamethasone can reduce the risk of severe acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery by 2.5 times compared to a placebo. Patients with pre-existing advanced chronic kidney disease showed the greatest benefits from the drug.
Research suggests that nitrofurantoin is less effective at treating bladder infections in older women with low kidney function compared to other antibiotics. The study found that patients taking nitrofurantoin were more likely to experience treatment failure and require a second antibiotic prescription or hospital visit.
A study in Australia found that the public generally favors eliminating disincentives for living kidney donors, but is opposed to providing financial incentives. Many participants believed reimbursement and justifiable recompensation were acceptable ways to support living donors.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to an early test for kidney disease. They found significant differences in protein composition and structure between mice with different genetic backgrounds and sexes, which may contribute to susceptibility to kidney disease.
A study at Columbia University Medical Center found significant DNA anomalies in 31% of children with CKD, linked to neurocognitive disorders. Routine genetic screening could lead to personalized care and earlier detection of complications like diabetes and seizures.
A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.
Researchers found that transplant outcomes using kidneys from deceased donors with AKI were no different between the AKI and non-AKI groups at both 1 and 3 years post-transplant. The study results suggest that acutely injured kidneys can be considered for transplantation, potentially alleviating the US kidney shortage.
A recent study published in Kidney International found that HIV-positive kidney transplant patients have superior outcomes compared to those with Hepatitis C. The three-year survival rates for HIV patients were similar to those of uninfected patients (90%), while Hepatitis C patients had a lower rate (84%).
A new study reveals that kidneys from older donors provide a lifetime of kidney function for older patients with shorter life expectancy, while younger patients do not benefit. Rapid transplantation from older donors is superior to delayed transplantation, increasing access to these organs.
A new study found that kidneys from deceased African-American donors with two APOL1 gene renal risk variants failed more rapidly after transplantation. The study suggests that rapid genotyping of these donors at the time of organ recovery may improve transplant outcomes.
Researchers found that a blood test immediately after heart surgery can predict postoperative stroke risk, with elevated BUN levels being the most powerful predictor. This study aims to better assess stroke risk and reduce incidents, disabilities, and expenses.
At least 30 dogs in England have died from a mysterious kidney disease, with evidence found in 15 breeds including English springer spaniel, Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel. The disease is believed to be Alabama rot, which causes skin lesions and kidney failure.