Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
The SUMMIT trial shows tirzepatide reduces the risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure in patients with obesity, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure, while improving kidney function. Researchers found significant improvements in both patient groups with and without chronic kidney disease.
Researchers have identified six promising biomarkers that can detect drug-induced kidney injury earlier than traditional markers, enabling more timely monitoring during drug development. These biomarkers could lead to the development of safer medications and improve patient outcomes.
A study by Medical University of Vienna reveals high blood pressure can cause abnormalities in podocytes, specialized cells in the renal filter, before other conditions like diabetes. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent kidney damage.
Chronic kidney disease rates increased by 24% globally from 1990 to 2021, linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk. Collaborative care and screening for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome can reduce mortality and improve patient lives.
A new 'concierge' approach called the Kidney Transplant Fast Track enables more people to receive transplants and erases racial disparities. This streamlined process coordinates testing onsite and often performed by the transplant center, increasing patient suitability and reducing wait times.
A new study suggests that paricalcitol may help manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs by reducing renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and proteinuria. The treatment showed promise in stabilizing proteinuria, but raised questions about potential long-term effects on CKD progression.
A new study suggests that a low creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio may be associated with lower muscle volumes and poorer gait speeds in midlife women. Researchers found that this biomarker was linked to an increased risk of developing sarcopenia, which can lead to immobility and related health problems.
A study published by HKUMed has found that C-reactive protein (CRP) can worsen inflammation in diabetic kidney disease through the Smad3-NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent mechanism. The research suggests that targeting CRP or the Smad3-NLRP3 pathway may provide new treatment options for patients with DKD.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are using a new $2 million grant to study the mechanisms of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a family of genetic disorders causing clusters of cysts on the kidney. By identifying genes and proteins responsible for PKD, they aim to develop novel therapies.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as crucial regulators of kidney injury and repair, influencing inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. LncRNA signatures in exosomes show promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for early detection, paving the way for precision medicine applications.
Researchers identified GPR107 as a key regulator of COL4 levels in the kidney, finding that reduced GPR107 contributes to harmful COL4 accumulation and kidney damage. Strategies aimed at restoring or enhancing GPR107 function could represent a novel approach to preventing diabetic nephropathy progression.
Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.
Research found that community-dwelling older adults with advanced age, frailty, or multiple prescription medications had greater net benefits from intensive blood pressure lowering. However, this approach can increase treatment-related harms in these groups.
A new method combines traditional histopathology with spatial transcriptomics data to improve understanding of chronic kidney disease lesions at the cellular and molecular levels. This approach has the potential to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for patients.
The American Heart Association has chosen five US regions to implement a new preventive health initiative aimed at improving care for people with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. The initiative will increase awareness and screening for CKM syndrome and facilitate collaboration among healthcare professionals.
A study found that DNA methylation clocks used in forensic science and epigenetics are less reliable when applied to non-blood tissues, such as lungs, colon, and kidneys. The researchers suggest that organ-specific epigenetic clocks may be needed to improve biological age prediction.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has created a comprehensive genetic map of over 1,000 genes influencing kidney function, providing new insights into the causes of kidney disease. The researchers discovered that proximal tubule cells are a key
A young woman experienced swollen kidneys and blocked urine flow after using a menstrual cup. Doctors urge proper positioning to prevent complications. Women should be better informed about the correct use of menstrual cups and potential risks.
A new study found that yo-yo dieting significantly increases the risk of kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes. Participants who experienced greater weight fluctuations had a 40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and were more likely to exhibit increased albuminuria.
Aging cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have lower levels of key kidney transporter genes, leading to impaired waste removal. Monitoring these transporters and toxin buildup may help detect CKD early and improve treatment options.
ProCure On-Demand's 500th organ transplant marks significant progress in addressing the US organ donation system's inefficiencies. The company's unique Recovery Team Network and flexible model have saved millions for customers by professionalizing organ recovery.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed over 2 million veterans taking GLP-1RA medications, finding benefits to cognitive and behavioral health while revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions. The study also showed decreased risks of seizures, addiction, suicidal ideation, and neurocognitive disorders.
Researchers found that time in safe blood-sugar range can predict diabetes complications as accurately as hemoglobin A1c levels. The study used advanced machine learning techniques to analyze landmark diabetes data from the DCCT trial.
University of Birmingham researchers have been awarded a grant to study the mechanisms driving early cardiac dysfunction in CKD. The study aims to identify interventions that can reverse or prevent heart disease in its earliest stages.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center have identified six new biomarkers that could detect kidney injury faster and with more sensitivity. These biomarkers can be measured in the urine and may offer a more sensitive approach than existing standards for monitoring kidney health.
Researchers analyzed data from over 700 patients with kidney injury and found that glucarpidase treatment improved kidney recovery rates. Glucarpidase rapidly clears methotrexate from the blood, reducing the risk of kidney toxicity.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Sherpa participants had more rapid and larger magnitude blood acid-base acclimatization than lowlanders during incremental ascent to 4,300 metres. This suggests a key role for the kidneys in acclimatization to high altitude.
A cohort study found COVID-19 accelerates kidney function decline, particularly in hospitalized patients. Early monitoring and optimized management of chronic kidney disease can help prevent complications.
The RELIEF ureteral stent has achieved FDA clearance as the first and only stent to prevent vesicoureteral reflux. It features a unique suture design that allows natural opening and closing of the ureteral orifice, preventing reflux and discomfort.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple chronic conditions are at a higher risk of declining kidney function. The study followed 3,094 older individuals for 15 years and found an independent dose-response relationship between the number of chronic conditions and kidn...
Researchers have identified a link between bacteria and kidney stone formation, finding that low levels of E. coli and Lactobacillus promote or prevent kidney stone development. The study suggests that the urinary tract is not sterile and that antibiotic misuse can skew the microbiome towards stone-promoting bacteria.
Researchers have identified new potential therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of kidney failure. The study reveals common and cell-type-specific changes caused by insulin-resistance, representing new targets for pharmacological or targeted gene therapy approaches.
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that BKPyV's large tumor antigen is expressed after the first round of cellular DNA replication, suggesting new drug targets to prevent kidney transplant failure. The study offers a possible solution by targeting host proteins required for re-replication, reducing the likelihood of virus resistance.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that energy imbalances in podocytes contribute to kidney damage and proteinuria after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The researchers found that interventions targeting mitochondrial dynamics held promise in alleviating foot process effacement and improving podocyte outcomes.
Researchers have identified a simpler and more accessible alternative to diagnosing kidney fibrosis in transplant patients: measuring vitronectin levels in urine. The study found that vitronectin levels were significantly higher in patients with fibrosis, and combining this measurement with traditional urine tests improved accuracy.
The Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model aims to improve access to life-saving kidney transplants for patients with end-stage kidney disease while maintaining or improving the quality of care. The new rule will test performance-based upside or downside risk payments among selected kidney transplant hospitals.
A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.
Long-term use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors can destroy the kidney's filtering ability, causing scarring and other changes that lead to vascular disease. The discovery offers a new understanding of the effects on the kidney and sets the stage for identifying ways to protect it.
A study reveals disproportionate burden of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome among certain populations, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. The research highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular health.
Patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy experience frequent decline in kidney function, associated with higher mortality risk. eGFR decline is an independent marker of disease progression guiding treatment optimization.
Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a common cause of acute kidney injury, often linked to medication use. Johns Hopkins researchers developed an electronic diagnostic model using machine learning to predict AIN in patients, showing improved accuracy in diagnosis and potential benefits for treatment decisions.
The new biosensor detects symmetric dimethylarginine in urine, providing a more accurate indicator of kidney health than creatinine. It can identify mild kidney impairment and offers a reliable alternative to blood tests, enabling timely interventions and potential long-term outcomes.
Researchers found that female sex hormones may increase susceptibility to kidney injury during puberty, contradicting the protective effects seen in adulthood. The study suggests that developmental changes driven by the hormonal surge in puberty may override the benefits of female sex hormones later in life.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered a link between hepatitis E and kidney damage, finding that viral envelope-antibody complexes can accumulate in kidney filters and cause glomerulonephritis. The study uses tissue samples from patients to understand the disease mechanism.
Researchers found a specialized low-salt, fasting-mimicking diet (LS-FMD) slows deterioration of kidney structures and function in rodents with chronic kidney disease. In humans, the diet reduced proteinuria and improved endothelial function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found that SGLT-2 inhibitors may simultaneously tackle kidney stones and gout flare-ups in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests these medications can increase urinary volume and lower uric acid levels, reducing the concentration of stone-forming crystals.
A study found that nearly one-third of individuals from Ghana and Nigeria carry APOL1 variants that significantly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers also discovered that having a single copy of the APOL1 gene increases the risk by 18%, while two copies increase it by 25%.
Researchers identified new signs of kidney transplant rejection, including microvascular inflammation, which predict increased risk of transplant failure. The study found that patients with these conditions are at higher risk of developing severe rejection or chronic kidney damage over time.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy called PS-002, which targets podocytes and blocks complement activation to treat IgA nephropathy. In mouse models, treatment with PS-002 reduced signs of kidney dysfunction and lowered complement deposition, while in pigs, it resulted in elevated gene expression without safety issues.
A Phase 3 trial of clazakizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-6, failed to demonstrate efficacy in treating chronic active antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection. The study, which recruited 350 patients, showed no significant improvement in kidney function at week 52.
New phase 3 clinical trials show potential for improving kidney health outcomes with targeted therapies, such as pegcetacoplan and semaglutide. These studies have the potential to revolutionize kidney care and treatment.
A phase 2 clinical trial found imlifidase to be more effective than plasmapheresis in reducing donor-specific antibodies by 97% compared to 42%. The investigational drug achieved maximum DSA depletion in 15 hours, outperforming the standard treatment.
Recent phase 3 clinical trials have generated promising results for improving kidney health, including finerenone and semaglutide's effects on kidney parameters. These findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024.
A recent analysis of clinical trial data reveals that SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduces major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death, and chronic kidney disease progression in older adults. The effects on safety outcomes are not modified by age.
A study conducted by Hiddo L. Heerspink at the University Medical Center Groningen found that Ozempic reduced protein in urine by 52% and decreased kidney inflammation by 30%, as well as lowering blood pressure and reducing a key measure of heart failure
A study published in JAMA found that personalized recommendations for hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury did not improve outcomes. Despite higher implementation rates in the intervention group, worsening acute kidney injury stage, dialysis, or mortality remained unchanged.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence and mortality rates have increased significantly among women worldwide, with a 2.10% annual percentage change in prevalence and a 3.39% increase in mortality. The study highlights the need for policy interventions and public awareness campaigns to curb the rise of CKD.
A recent study found that GLP-1RA medications are not associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving anti-cancer therapies. Researchers analyzed medical records of 14,783 patients and discovered a lower incidence of AKI among those taking GLP-1RA compared to those without exposure.