Articles tagged with Kidney
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Glasgow discovered fruit flies can develop kidney stones, which may hold the key to treating humans. They identified a gene that encodes a protein transporting oxalate into fly kidneys, reducing stone formation.
A recent study by John Gill and colleagues found that the age of a live donor between 18 to 64 years has minimal effect on the survival of transplanted kidneys. This finding suggests that patients over 39 years old may benefit from participating in living donor paired exchange programs or kidney swaps.
Using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells instead of antibody induction therapy reduces acute rejection, opportunistic infections, and improves estimated kidney function at 1 year. Autologous MSC infusion is a promising alternative to traditional immunosuppressive protocols.
A Michigan State University anthropologist has exposed the horrific experiences of poor people who were victims of organ trafficking. Moniruzzaman's study found that kidney sellers are often plagued with health problems and receive inadequate compensation.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified HIPK2 as a crucial regulator protein in kidney fibrosis, leading to improved conditions when eliminated or inhibited. The study provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of kidney failure, affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers present new information on neural diseases and kidney stones using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster model. Studies reveal links between cellular changes and behaviors in flies with human counterparts such as ataxia-telangiectasia and Rett Syndrome.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that 10% of patients with chronic kidney disease did not experience progressive kidney dysfunction, and 3% demonstrated improved kidney function. The study suggests that some cases of CKD may be reversible, providing hope for patients with this condition.
A new study suggests that organ transplant recipients may no longer need anti-rejection medication thanks to the power of stem cells. Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using donor stem cell infusions to 'trick' the recipient's immune system, gradually eliminating or reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key molecular player that can reverse kidney damage in mouse models of diabetes and other kidney injuries. The targeted experimental drug has shown to suppress inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis formation, allowing normal tissue to regenerate.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that weight-loss surgery is safe for chronic kidney disease patients who are obese, with complication rates below 10%. Maintaining weight loss remains challenging for CKD patients due to limited exercise abilities and eligibility restrictions for kidney transplants.
Researchers identified biomarkers in blood and urine that predict which patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) following heart surgery will experience worsening kidney function. Testing for these markers soon after surgery may help protect patients' kidneys.
A 10-year study of living kidney donors in Ontario found no increased risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Despite reduced kidney function, donors had a lower risk of death and heart disease than non-donors.
The American Heart Association has launched an online-only open-access journal, packed with free peer-reviewed research on heart disease and stroke. The new journal aims to accelerate the translation of science into practice through rapid and widespread accessibility.
A new study found that patient education classes can improve access to kidney transplant evaluations for blacks and patients living in poor neighborhoods. After implementing a required educational session, 80.4% of patients completed an evaluation within one year, compared to 44.7% before the program.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that adding information on how to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to kidney test results did not improve care. The study included 22,092 patients with CKD and found no difference in the use of recommended medications between those who receive...
A new study found racial disparities exist in access to kidney transplantation, with black patients facing a 59% lower rate of transplant. Socioeconomic factors explain about 30% of the disparity, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discover that ROCK1 protein activates mitochondrial fission, leading to diabetic kidney disease. The study reveals a key metabolic pathway involved in the progression of kidney disease in diabetes.
Researchers found that systolic blood pressure above 140/90 is associated with increased risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study's findings challenge current guidelines, which recommend a systolic pressure of 130/80 or lower.
A new antibody, OPN-305, has been discovered that blocks inflammation leading to transplant rejection in mice, suggesting its potential to improve survival outcomes for kidney and other organ transplants. The compound works by binding to toll-like receptors on transplant tissue and turning off signals that provoke inflammation.
Scientists develop ultrasound technology that uses 'Twinkling Artifact' to detect and treat kidney stones. The technology can push stones toward the exit of the kidney, avoiding surgery, and has potential for other medical applications.
A new study found that patients who quickly stop taking immunosuppressive prednisone after receiving a kidney transplant avoid experiencing serious prednisone-related side effects. The study also showed that rapid discontinuation of prednisone does not jeopardize the long-term survival of patients and their new organs.
A team of researchers found that brown fat in adult men burns energy to generate body heat when exposed to cold temperatures, but not at warm temperatures. This discovery has significant implications for the human obesity epidemic, suggesting that increasing brown fat is unlikely to lead to weight loss and instead highlights the need f...
Researchers discovered a common mechanism regulating blood pressure in humans through a sweeping genetic analysis of a rare disease. The study identified two genes interacting to control salt and potassium balance in the kidney.
A rare kidney disease study reveals how sodium and potassium levels are moderated in the body, shedding light on hypertension and familial high blood pressure disease. Researchers identified novel mutations linked to increased sodium activity and decreased potassium activity, providing a better understanding of this inherited condition.
High levels of TNF receptors in the blood increase diabetes patients' risk of developing kidney problems by three- to five-fold. Measuring blood levels of TNF receptors may help predict which patients' kidneys are in jeopardy, and targeting TNF receptors may help protect them.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center identified two novel markers that can predict renal failure in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, ten years in advance. High concentrations of TNFR1 and TNFR2 accurately predict the risk of renal function loss.
A new study assessing over 400 articles found that lithium treatment causes thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities in about 25% of patients, compared to 3% and 1% in the general population. Additionally, weight gain is a common side effect of lithium therapy.
Researchers identified two biomarkers, NGAL and Kim1, that predict poor outcomes in hospitalization and require dialysis treatment. Early detection of acute kidney injury is crucial to devise an adequate treatment strategy for patients.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that thousands of senior citizens with kidney disease are good candidates for transplants, but are often overlooked. The study estimates that between 9,000 and 40,000 adults over 65 would have been eligible for a transplant, but none were given the chance.
Researchers have identified a urinary biomarker called uNGAL that can diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI) in emergency patients within 30 minutes, reducing the risk of in-hospital death. The study found that combining uNGAL with creatinine levels significantly improves the identification of patients at risk of death or dialysis.
Researchers found that hydrogen sulfide decreases the production of scarring proteins in kidney cells exposed to high glucose levels. The study paves the way for future research in animal models of diabetic kidney disease.
A study found that treating anemia in kidney transplant recipients slows the progression of kidney failure and improves survival of transplanted kidneys. Completely correcting anemia resulted in fewer patients developing kidney failure and more functional transplanted kidneys.
Researchers at MU found that tiny increases in creatinine levels in pets' blood can indicate acute kidney damage. A new staging system helps veterinarians assess the severity of kidney injury and predict outcomes.
Researchers analyzed data from a large study to find that certain protein markers in the blood, such as cystatin C and beta trace protein, are better predictors of an individual's prognosis than creatinine. These markers may indicate not only kidney health but also other aspects of well-being.
A new study reveals that mutations in BBS genes not only control incoming communication via cilia but also outgoing communication via hormone release, leading to restored normal body size, feeding, and metabolism in a small roundworm. This discovery opens up therapeutic avenues for the genetic disorder.
A study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among military personnel with burns and wounds sustained during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among patients with AKI, with death rates ranging from 0.2% to 65.1%. By preventing or modifying kidney injury, research...
Patients with persistent kidney injuries often remain at increased risk of developing kidney disease in the future. Despite this, most patients do not receive specialized care from a kidney specialist within a year after their injury.
The vasodilator hormone relaxin improved kidney function and blood flow in lab rats with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder. Relaxin also reduced the size of fluid-filled cysts and lowered collagen scores, indicating slowed scar formation.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a pathway that reveals how podocytes, specialized epithelial cells in the kidney, can regenerate and renew themselves during normal kidney function. This finding could lead to the development of therapies to treat people with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found that intensive diabetes therapy can preserve kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes, preventing impaired kidney function and kidney failure. The study's results demonstrate the importance of maintaining good glucose control early in the course of type 1 diabetes to prevent long-term kidney complications.
A long-term study found that early, intensive glucose-lowering therapy in type 1 diabetes patients prevented impaired glomerular filtration rates and reduced the risk of end-stage kidney disease. Participants who received intensive therapy showed a 50% lower risk of developing impaired GFR over a median follow-up period of 22 years.
A new study by the American Society of Nephrology found that sitagliptin is safer and just as effective as glipizide in managing type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Patients taking sitagliptin also tend to lose weight, while those on glipizide often gain weight.
A mid-pregnancy test can predict preeclampsia, a late-pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine. Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy are at increased risk of experiencing high blood pressure, kidney problems, and stroke later in life.
Two studies found that pomegranate juice can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the need for blood pressure medications in kidney disease patients. Meanwhile, over 15% of kidney disease patients take potentially harmful herbs or dietary supplements.
Children of minority races are less likely to get kidney transplants before they need dialysis, and blacks with no health insurance face a higher risk of death while waiting for a transplant. Certain racial groups have lower rates of preemptive transplantation and are more likely to die than others
A study co-authored by University of Leicester expert identifies key genetic mechanisms controlling blood pressure, including two microRNAs that regulate renin hormone production. This breakthrough could lead to innovative new treatments for high blood pressure.
A new study found that more than 80% of lupus patients with end-stage renal disease opt for hemodialysis, while those without insurance or employed are less likely to choose peritoneal dialysis. The study highlights the impact of socioeconomic factors on kidney replacement therapy choices among lupus patients.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that hospitalized diabetic patients who experience acute kidney injury are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The research followed 4,082 patients with diabetes over 10 years, revealing that multiple episodes of acute kidney injury inc...
A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that individuals over 70 years old can safely donate a kidney without compromising their health. The organs from these elderly donors last as long as those from younger deceased donors, but not as long as those from younger living donors.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a potential treatment for autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), an inherited kidney disease affecting millions worldwide. The drug Leflunomide inhibits the STAT6 signaling pathway, which is activated in kidney cysts and leads to excessive cell growth.
A promising new drug to protect the kidneys has failed to benefit diabetes patients with kidney disease. The study, which enrolled 1,248 patients, found that sulodexide did not prevent kidney failure or reduce urinary protein excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
The current classification system for lupus nephritis is too detailed and may make it harder for clinicians to treat kidney problems in patients with lupus. A new study analyzing data from 86 patients found no significant difference in health outcomes between segmental and global forms of class IV lupus nephritis.
Researchers identified additional gene mutations that worsen polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and contribute to early and severe symptoms in affected children. Genetic testing may help identify children at risk for this condition, enabling early intervention and therapy development.
A Mayo Clinic study of over 5,200 patients found no significant correlation between shockwave lithotripsy for kidney stones and the development of diabetes. Researchers controlled for age, gender, and obesity to rule out any potential link.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation reveals that women who undergo a kidney transplant can successfully carry a pregnancy with a live birth rate of 73.5%. However, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery are common, especially among those pregnant within two years of the transplant.
African-American donors were more likely to be related to the transplant recipient and to donate to their parents compared to Caucasian donors. The study also found that most African-American kidney donors are men and younger than white donors, which may explain why African-American children are more often able to donate to their parents.
New research reveals that APOL1 gene variants are a major risk factor for two forms of kidney disease, with African Americans having a significantly higher risk due to genetic predisposition. Early screening and treatment could potentially safeguard against kidney failure and early death for millions of individuals.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel protocol that allows kidney-transplant recipients to avoid immune-suppressing drugs without compromising the health of their new kidney. The treatment involves combining targeted radiation with stem cells from the donor's blood, resulting in a successful outcome for eight patien...
A systematic review published in The Cochrane Library found that regular exercise can improve physical fitness, walking capacity, and heart rate among people with CKD. Exercise programs can also increase muscular strength, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall quality of life.
The University of California San Diego is awarded a $5.9 million grant to study kidney complications related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The researchers aim to challenge current dogma by examining the link between mitochondrial function, metabolic alterations, and kidney disease.