Articles tagged with Kidney
A study at Mayo Clinic found that patients treated with shock wave therapy for kidney stones were at higher risk of developing diabetes and hypertension, with risks nearly four times and one-and-a-half times respectively. The researchers believe the association may be due to damage inflicted on the pancreas or scarring in the kidneys.
Scientists used RNA interference to block a mineralocorticoid receptor, which signals the body to absorb sodium and water into the bloodstream. The treatment kept blood pressure from worsening but did not eliminate it, and significantly reduced kidney damage in rats.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a heightened risk of developing uric-acid stones, likely due to their highly acidic urine. The study suggests that factors associated with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance account for the increased acidity.
A Wake Forest physician has successfully grown functional bladder organs in patients with congenital defects, showing improved bladder function and reduced kidney damage over time. The lab-grown bladders eliminated the need for surgical repair with intestine tissue, offering a potential solution to organ shortages.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered that rapamycin, a widely available immunosuppressant, can strongly reduce cyst growth in kidneys affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The treatment was found to shrink cysts and retain kidney function in mice with PKD.
A study by Yale researchers found that a specific transporter gene, SLC26A6, helps prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones. The gene's normal functioning reduces dietary oxalate absorption and increases excretion, thus reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
A new study suggests that double transplants using organs from children's kidneys or older adults' kidneys can achieve excellent patient survival and kidney function. The study used kidneys from donors aged 22 months and 65 years, with similar short-term outcomes to single transplants.
Researchers found a 12% reduction in hip fractures among women taking supplements, but only those who adhered to the full dosage saw benefits. Women over 50 should prioritize dietary sources of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health.
Researchers discovered that elastin fragments in mice lungs trigger emphysema. Additionally, a study found that pericyte dysfunction allows tumors to spread by forming leaky blood vessels. Another study identified female mice lacking IBP protein, which makes their T cells resistant to death and contributes to lupus-like disease.
A majority of patients with small kidney tumors have their entire kidney removed, despite the availability of organ-sparing surgery. Studies show that partial nephrectomy is just as effective in controlling cancer while preserving long-term kidney function. However, its infrequent use may be due to surgeon expertise and hospital policies.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a genetic pathway that could lead to new treatments for ADPKD. The polycystin-1 protein plays a key role in the disease, and its inhibition may have beneficial effects. This finding opens up new avenues for drug development.
A study of 298 simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplant recipients found metabolic syndrome to be a risk factor for long-term kidney dysfunction. Patients with metabolic syndrome were 10 times more likely to experience reduced kidney function three years post-transplant compared to those without it.
Researchers at UVA Health System are investigating a novel approach to combat chronic kidney disease by targeting inflammation with adenosine drugs. Preliminary results show promising decreases in inflammation, urinary protein loss, and kidney scarring.
A nationwide randomized clinical trial found that mycophenolate mofetil produced fewer complications than the standard medication Cytoxan in patients with lupus nephritis. The study showed that oral mycophenolate mofetil worked faster in relieving inflamed kidneys and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers identify thrombospondin (TSP-1) as a potential target for preventing acute kidney failure. Studies in mice show that the protein causes irreversible kidney damage when blood flow is disrupted, but genetically engineered mice lacking TSP-1 are protected from damage.
Researchers have found that valproic acid reduces skin disease and kidney disease in mice with lupus, a condition affecting over 1 million Americans. The drug has been shown to slow the progression of kidney problems, inflammation, and other symptoms.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased in Canada and worldwide since 1980, with 25,000 Canadians receiving life-sustaining treatment. Despite its benefits, there is a marked regional disparity in transplant rates, highlighting the need for tailored guidelines on eligibility across various criteria.
US kidney failure rates have stabilized over the past two decades, with diabetes and high blood pressure remaining leading causes. Despite progress, racial disparities persist, particularly among African Americans, who continue to experience higher rates of new cases.
Researchers at UTMB use thermodynamic calculations to predict the ability of various osmolytes to protect proteins in cells under stress. This technique has significant implications for understanding protein folding and unfolding processes in disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that kidney paired donation (KPD) transplants can be performed with outcomes similar to compatible living donor kidney transplants, offering a cost savings and decrease in waiting time. A national KPD transplant scheme could enable many more transplants for patients with incompatible donors.
A Hopkins study successfully performed 21 out of 22 KPD transplants, showing the technique can offer transplants to many more patients who cannot receive a kidney from a loved one. The results could pave the way for a national matching registry and help hundreds of patients find compatible matches.
Renal transplant recipients are 3.6 times more likely to develop melanoma than the general population, with a mortality rate up to 6 percent in some regions. Men who have had a kidney transplant face the greatest risk, and risk increases rapidly with age.
A study examines how prenatal exposure to synthetic steroids affects the development of kidneys and regulation of blood pressure in adolescents. The research aims to identify potential causes of high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain in prematurely born children.
Researchers developed an animal model to study obstructive nephropathy, a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. This model has helped identify potential targets for drug development, offering hope for improved treatment options for affected children.
Researchers show that CD32 isoforms have differential contributions to dendritic cell activation, with ligation of CD32a inducing maturation and ligation of CD32b inhibiting it. Intravenous immune globulin selectively shifts Fc-gamma receptor expression to a CD32b-dominated profile, explaining its anti-inflammatory properties.
The SIRIUS II clinical trial demonstrated dose-dependent favorable hemodynamic effects and improvements in cardiac output and dyspnea score in patients with acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADHF). Ularitide was well-tolerated, preserving kidney function during treatment.
A novel artificial kidney utilizing nanotechnology may eliminate dialysis needs for millions worldwide. The HNF system features a wearable design with double the filtration rate of conventional hemodialysis.
The Phase II clinical trial of belatacept found that it preserved kidney function and reduced the incidence of acute rejection in transplant patients. Belatacept selectively blocks T-cell activation while allowing the body to fight off infections.
Belatacept demonstrates improved kidney function and reduced toxicity in patients undergoing kidney transplantation. The treatment reduces the need for immunosuppressive medications and minimizes chronic allograft nephropathy.
A large international study found that 6% of critically ill patients develop kidney failure, with 60% dying while hospitalized. Researchers also discovered that 86% of surviving patients do not require dialysis after discharge, providing a clue for treating acute renal failure.
A new study by Christof Westenfelder's team found that stem cells improve kidney function and reduce tissue injury in acute renal failure. The benefits are primarily mediated by paracrine mechanisms, not differentiation, and are induced by the release of growth factors and cytokines.
Researchers found improved patient outcomes in open nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) over time, attributed to increased surgeon experience and perioperative care. Open NSS showed benefits compared to laparoscopic NSS, particularly in complex tumor cases.
The study found that hemodialysis was more beneficial for patients with cardiovascular disease, while peritoneal dialysis was better suited for healthier patients. The findings suggest that choosing the right dialysis treatment can impact mortality rates.
Researchers discovered that calcium fills a small structure in cells, forcing muscles to relax when full. This understanding can help doctors treat patients more accurately with the body's natural mechanisms.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that WNK1 activates SGK1, leading to sodium ion channel activation and increased blood pressure. The study suggests that genetic factors may play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension., Genetic factors may contribute to hypertension in certain population groups.
Researchers discovered that induction of the HIF-1 pathway can act as a 'super-antibiotic', increasing bacterial killing in low-oxygen environments. Additionally, studies on skeletal muscle and kidney regeneration found that these organs' natural repair mechanisms play a crucial role in maintaining function and tissue health.
Researchers found that Viagra can stimulate water permeability in kidney cells by increasing cyclic-GMP levels, potentially alleviating symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Long-term studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of this approach.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found a significant association between benign prostate obstruction and chronic kidney disease in older men. BPH can cause bladder outlet obstruction, leading to increased risk of death, hospitalization, and cardiovascular events.
Researchers used genetic engineering techniques to develop mice with overexpressed PKC-beta 2, demonstrating its role in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. The study found that albumin levels were tenfold higher and oxidative stress three times higher in these mice compared to normal mice.
Researchers have discovered that specific proteins in the fruit fly eye play a crucial role in organ development, including kidney formation. These proteins, Roughest and Hibris, are also found in human kidneys and are essential for proper filtration and filtering of unwanted molecules.
Researchers found that patient and organ survival rates in transplants involving organs from 'extreme' donors were similar to success rates with conventional donors. The studies suggest that pancreas donor criteria can be liberalized without adverse outcomes, potentially increasing the number of available organs for transplant.
A recent study at Mayo Clinic found that transplanting kidneys with small stones does not significantly affect the kidney's function. The study followed 44 donor kidneys, of which 86% had stones smaller than 2mm, and reported a 97% graft survival rate after 26 months, comparable to national averages for living kidney donation.
CellCept shows benefits for liver transplant patients, similar to those seen in kidney transplant recipients, with reduced risk of acute rejection and improved kidney function. The treatment also promotes safe steroid-free regimens and reduces liver fibrosis.
A new study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of personalized immunosuppression using CellCept, a leading immunosuppressant in kidney transplantation. The study found that tailored dosing strategies can minimize toxicity while maximizing efficacy, offering improved patient care.
A nationwide collaboration of transplant specialists is reviewing kidney allocation guidelines, soliciting public input, and exploring changes to improve patient access and outcomes. The review process aims to balance justice, utility, and efficiency in the allocation system.
A new kidney function test, cystatin-C, is more effective than the standard test creatinine in predicting death and cardiovascular outcomes in elderly participants. The study found that 60% of participants with high cystatin-C levels had abnormal kidney function, putting them at medium or high risk for cardiovascular complications.
A new kidney test using protein cystatin is more accurate than the standard test for serum creatinine in predicting risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease, especially among elderly people. The test measures kidney function independently of muscle mass, age, gender, and race.
A recent study of over 8,500 patients discovered that cardiovascular risk factors, particularly albuminuria, can affect renal function even in those without end-stage renal disease. The International Society of Nephrology advocates proactive albuminuria screening to detect renal impairment and cardiovascular risk.
Researchers identify TRPC6 gene as novel mechanism for FSGS, a leading cause of kidney damage. The discovery raises hope for new treatments targeting ion channels, which are amenable to drug therapy.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between a mutation and vitamin B6 responsiveness, enabling a genetic test for guiding treatment. The disease causes kidney stones or failure if left untreated, but early diagnosis with this test can maximize successful treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a biological pathway for a potent molecule, IL-10, that can delay rejection of transplanted organs by preventing blood-vessel deterioration. The study used rat models and found that a single muscular injection of IL-10 could provide long-term therapeutic effects.
The new guidelines provide a framework for identifying patients at risk of kidney disease, evaluating their kidney function, and implementing management strategies. Nearly one-third of HIV-infected patients have abnormal protein in the urine, a warning sign of potential kidney trouble.
A national matching program for kidney donors and recipients can significantly increase the number of transplants, improve match quality and survival rates, while reducing travel costs.
A new algorithm could significantly improve transplant matches for patients with end-stage kidney disease, with a national program resulting in 47.7% more transplants and better graft survival rates compared to regional programs. The study also found that highly sensitized patients would benefit six-fold from the optimized algorithm.
Researchers at Yale University identified a novel human kidney protein called renalase that regulates both heart contraction and blood pressure. The protein is a strong candidate for easily administered treatment of advanced kidney and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identified a new protein called renalase, which regulates heart rate and blood pressure. Reduced levels of renalase have been linked to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Researchers identify renalase as a novel protein regulating cardiac function and blood pressure. WNK1/4 interaction is also crucial for controlling human blood pressure and familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt) risk.
A University of Maryland study found that more than 86% of dialysis patients with severe heart failure experienced improved cardiac function after a kidney transplant. The study, which followed 103 patients between 1998 and 2002, suggests that a timely transplant can significantly improve heart health for these patients.
Researchers investigated the effects of temperature-dependent cadmium exposure on oysters, exploring a potential deadly threat from global warming. They also discovered a therapy for cystic fibrosis by rescuing mutant CFTR protein through chaperone competition.
Researchers found no causative MEF2A mutations in patients with premature coronary heart disease, contradicting previous findings. The study suggests that another gene may be responsible for the heart disease, casting doubt on the role of MEF2A in CAD.