Articles tagged with Kidney
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor can prevent rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, a rare and debilitating kidney disease. The study also showed that certain drugs inhibiting EGF receptors may reverse the harmful effects of the disease.
Kidney damage allows detrimental enzymes to wreak havoc on fluid balance, causing protein in the urine, high cholesterol, and swelling. New insights reveal that plasminogen plays a role in activating the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), leading to excessive sodium absorption and water retention.
A new study found that transplant patients can safely minimize calcineurin inhibitors, reducing toxicity while preventing organ rejection in the short-to-medium period after transplantation. The strategy improves kidney function without causing rejection, offering a safer alternative for some patients.
A new study suggests that equations estimating kidney function can work as well as direct measurements, allowing patients with chronic kidney disease to avoid painful and invasive procedures. The study found that kidney function estimates linked as tightly to complications as direct measurements, refuting the conventional view that dir...
Researchers found that low concentrations of carbon nanoparticles can cause leakage in the cellular lining of the renal nephron, leading to potential harm. The study highlights the need for further research into the effects of CNPs on human health and the environment.
A study published in Neurology has shown that spinal digital subtraction angiography is safe and effective, ruling out misdiagnosis of inflammation and transverse myelitis. The procedure, considered the gold standard for vascular disorders near the spine, was found to have no reported cases of stroke or kidney damage in 302 patients.
Substitution of brand name immunosuppressive drug with a generic drug appears to be safe for transplant recipients. The study reveals that this change can lead to significant cost savings through long-term use of the generic product.
Researchers have identified the protein BVES as a suppressor of colorectal cancer progression and suggest it could be a therapeutic or preventative target. Modulating BVES expression was found to decrease cancer cell characteristics in human colon cancer cells, providing rational for targeting BVES in individuals with colorectal cancer.
High levels of fibroblast growth factor-23, a hormone regulating phosphorous levels, can predict premature death in kidney patients. The discovery allows for earlier interventions with drugs to lower phosphorous and reduce hormone levels.
Researchers identify key protein ABCCC1 in clearing Alzheimer's beta-amyloid from the brain. A mutation in PSMB8 gene causes Japanese autoinflammatory syndrome with lipodystrophy. Signaling via TACI is crucial for long-lived antibody-secreting cells in a mouse model of flu infection.
Chronic kidney disease patients with high blood phosphate levels may be at risk of progressing to kidney failure faster. Lowering phosphate levels could help optimize the effectiveness of important kidney medications like ramipril.
Two studies found that three protein measurements can identify high-risk patients for kidney injury after heart surgery. These biomarkers may transform the diagnosis of kidney disease, enabling early interventions and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers studied flatworms to understand how they regenerate their excretory systems from scratch, providing clues about the evolutionary origin of mammalian kidneys. They found that flatworm protonephridia, a complex epithelial organ, shares structural similarities with mammalian nephrons.
A new Johns Hopkins research published in JAMA finds that younger black patients on kidney dialysis face a higher risk of death compared to equally sick white counterparts. The study highlights a long-standing racial disparity in outcomes for African-American patients with end-stage kidney disease.
A study published in JAMA found that younger black patients undergoing dialysis have significantly higher mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. The disparity is attributed to differential access to transplantation and inadequate dialysis care. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these di...
Hospital Clínic of Barcelona applies the first minimally invasive technique in living donors, reducing scarring and improving donor quality of life. The technique uses natural orifices to extract a kidney without major scars.
A new national transplant policy has sliced in half the racial disparities that have long characterized the allocation of lifesaving organs. The researchers attribute the drop to a 2003 decision by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to change the relative priority given to tissue matching.
A new study found that a combination of two immunosuppressive drugs, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, led to less organ rejection and better kidney function in patients after kidney transplant. The results suggest that this regimen is the safest and most effective option for long-term success.
A new treatment protocol has been shown to dramatically increase the survival rate of patients with incompatible kidneys, doubling their chances of eight-year survival. The treatment involves removing problematic antibodies from a patient's blood prior to transplant and aims to replace them with low-dose IVIg, resulting in an 80.6% sur...
Researchers have discovered a breakthrough therapy for patients with kidney disease by reprogramming their own kidney cells. The process involves collecting cells from urine and coaxed them into becoming progenitor cells that can form healthy kidney tissue.
The elimination of the national kidney allocation policy has improved minority access to transplants, with minorities now transplanted in proportion to their representation on the waiting list. The overall number of deceased donor transplants rose 23%, with a larger increase for minorities.
Vanderbilt University researchers found that dopamine in the kidneys plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure and life span. The study suggests that targeting the kidney dopamine system may be effective in treating hypertension and progressive kidney diseases.
A retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between HLA-DR mismatching and rejection in pediatric kidney transplant patients. The study found that patients with 1- or 2-HLA-DRB1 mismatches had a 70% increased risk of allograft rejection, while those with a history of rejection had a 7.7 times greater odds of graft failure.
The waiting list for organ transplantation is often artificially inflated, with inactive patients representing a significant proportion of those listed. This can lead to a mismatch between the needs of patients and the availability of organs, ultimately affecting patient outcomes and resource allocation.
A landmark study from Monash University found that preterm babies have fewer nephrons and underdeveloped kidneys, increasing their risk of renal disease. The research aims to develop strategies to minimize the consequences of preterm birth and improve kidney development in these babies.
Researchers have successfully implanted lab-grown blood vessels from donor skin cells into patients, a breakthrough that could improve treatment for kidney dialysis and coronary bypass surgery. The vessels withstood high pressure and frequent needle punctures without rejecting the immune system, paving the way for widespread use.
A new anti-inflammatory drug has been shown to improve kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The study found significant increases in estimated glomerular filtration rates at weeks 24 and 52, with continued benefits after discontinuation.
Researchers discovered that ghrelin is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference for high-fat food in mice. A ketogenic diet also suppresses seizures by reducing adenosine levels, while HDL from patients with coronary artery disease has different effects on blood vessel lining cells compared to healthy individuals.
Researchers found that PKD1 gene activity is key to cyst formation in various forms of polycystic kidney and liver disease. Modulating PKD1 dosage may slow disease progression, providing a promising therapeutic target.
Patients with elevated FGF-23 levels had a higher risk of end-stage renal disease and death, even at early stages of chronic kidney disease. The association was found across different estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFR) categories.
Researchers found that Aurora A was up-regulated and activated in epithelial cells lining PKD patient kidneys, binding to and phosphorylating polycystin-2. Inhibition of Aurora A boosted intracellular calcium levels, suggesting it may be a viable therapeutic target for boosting polycystin-2 activity in certain patients.
Researchers have discovered that protein kinase C inhibitors can block kidney damage caused by the cancer drug cisplatin. This finding suggests using these inhibitors as an adjunct therapy to reduce toxicity and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Georgia Health Sciences University have identified PKC-delta as a critical regulator of cisplatin-mediated kidney toxicity. Inhibiting this protein not only protected the kidneys but also enhanced the antitumor effects of cisplatin in mouse tumor models.
A Canadian study found Aboriginal children with kidney failure were less likely to receive a kidney transplant compared to white children. The study revealed that Aboriginal children had more immune-mediated kidney diseases and shorter waiting times on dialysis before transplantation, leading to lower rates of successful transplants.
Researchers replicated inflammatory gene changes of human kidney progression from mild to severe diabetic nephropathy using a mouse model. The study could lead to new understanding and potential treatments for diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney failure.
Researchers at Monash University have successfully reprogrammed healthy adult kidney cells into embryonic-like stem cells, offering a new approach to modeling genetic kidney disorders and developing personalized medicine. The breakthrough enables the creation of limitless patient-specific stem cell lines for drug testing and disease mo...
A new study examines the trend of radical nephrectomy rates in patients with clinically localized renal masses and finds that despite guidelines recommending kidney preservation, laparoscopic procedures have become more prevalent than expected. This shift may lead to increased morbidity and mortality due to chronic renal insufficiency.
Patients with small kidney tumors are more likely to be offered partial nephrectomy based on surgeon's case volume and type of practice. Fellowship-trained surgeons in academic centers were 70-80% more likely to follow guidelines, while those in private practice saw fewer patients offered radical nephrectomy.
Researchers found that kidneys from donors with specific coding changes in the apolipoprotein L1 gene had shorter survival rates after transplant. The study suggests that genetic risk variants in kidney donors can predict graft loss and may lead to improved outcomes for both recipients and donors.
The US medical workforce is facing a kidney brain drain as fewer students adopt nephrology as a career. Despite the growing health problem of kidney disease, many students believe nephrologists are overworked and underpaid. However, experts propose strategies to improve interest in nephrology, including providing stimulating experience...
A study found that 16% of dialysis patients have limited health literacy, with those having lower educational levels and certain racial/ethnic groups more affected. This limitation can impact patient adherence to treatment and overall kidney health outcomes.
A study implemented strict protocols for administering gadolinium-based contrast agents, eliminating new cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The protocol has been effective in preventing the condition in patients with decreased kidney function.
TZDs act on PPARγ, enhancing sodium transport and water reabsorption, but also have direct effects on kidney channels, explains a recent Cell Metabolism study. The findings may lead to combination therapy and selective PPARγ modulators to prevent massive fluid retention.
A new study reveals that women are 60% more likely than men to experience radiocontrast-induced nephropathy, a type of kidney damage, after undergoing coronary angiograms. Researchers theorize that a woman's smaller size may be a contributing factor, suggesting potential adjustments to contrast dye dosages.
Researchers found that an appropriate dose of pirfenidone halted decline and improved kidney function in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The study suggests that the drug may be useful in treating other types of fibrotic diseases, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
Chronic kidney disease is common among the elderly and linked to cardiovascular disease. The study found that different formulas for estimating kidney function yield varying prevalence rates, emphasizing the need for a gold standard.
A new biomarker called NGAL in urine or blood detects early subclinical AKI and its adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, allowing for earlier conventional medical interventions. The study's findings justify redefining what defines AKI and recommend using NGAL-based testing to improve prognosis.
A population-based retrospective study found that taking statins before major elective surgery reduces potentially serious kidney complications and premature death. Statin use was associated with lower incidence of acute kidney injury, dialysis need, and mortality.
A new study published in American Journal of Transplantation found that progressive damage to kidney transplants is less common and less severe than previously reported. The study, involving 797 patients, showed that 87% of patients had mild or no signs of progressive scar damage at one year after transplant.
An intensivist-led approach to caring for brain dead donors can lead to a greater likelihood of recovering organs for transplant. This team-based care involves monitoring and managing donor bodies to optimize organ function and increase the pool of available organs.
A study of Joslin Medalists reveals that some individuals with diabetes for decades exhibit remarkably few complications, pointing to the presence of protective molecular mechanisms. The researchers identified a link between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and both disease progression and protection.
Research reveals significant increases in ESRD incidence among patients with lupus nephritis, particularly in younger populations and African Americans. Despite advances in treatment, outcomes have not improved over a decade, highlighting the need for further research to identify modifiable risk factors and interventions.
The current US kidney allocation system prioritizes wait time over post-transplant survival, leading to higher repeat transplantation rates. Researchers propose ranking kidneys by potential post-transplant survival and matching them with candidates who have the longest expected survival.
The 20th anniversary of the first laparoscopic nephrectomy celebrates a groundbreaking achievement in surgical technique. Dr. Ralph Clayman's pioneering work paved the way for modern endourology and minimally invasive procedures, revolutionizing urologic surgery.
A four-year study aims to develop drugs that inhibit the degradation of protective metabolites in the kidneys, which are damaged by diabetes. Researchers hope these inhibitors could halt the progression of diabetic nephropathy and slow the rise of end-stage renal disease.
A study found that depression is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease and rapid decline in kidney function. Depression was also linked to increased hospitalizations due to acute kidney injury, even after adjusting for other medical factors.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that kidney transplant recipients who engage in little physical activity face increased risks of dying prematurely. The research suggests that patients need to exercise to fend off an early death and maintain heart health, which is crucial for these indi...
A study found racial disparities in kidney transplantation rates, with non-Hispanic whites and Asians receiving transplants at higher rates. Barriers to transplantation vary among racial and ethnic groups, including socioeconomic factors and regional organ availability.
Robotic surgery shows comparable or superior results to traditional laparoscopic procedures for treating kidney disease, benefiting more patients due to reduced learning curve. More surgeons may master the technique, expanding access to minimally invasive treatment.
Despite significant advances in kidney care, type 1 diabetes patients with kidney dysfunction continue to face increased risks of kidney failure and heart-related death. New therapies are needed to retard progression to end-stage renal disease.