Articles tagged with Kidney
Research reveals kidneys and other systemic tissues have distinct roles in controlling blood pressure, challenging the dominant view that kidneys play a central role. The findings suggest that maximal efficacy of hypertension drugs requires complete blockade of receptors in both kidney and outside of kidney.
Researchers found a link between high phosphorous levels and vascular calcification, leading to increased risk of cardiac problems. Treatment with an experimental medication alleviated skeletal weakening and decreased signs of vascular calcification in mice.
Researchers discovered a new protein, KCP, that enhances signals from bone morphogenetic proteins, vital for kidney development and function. In models of mice with renal injuries, KCP activity slowed the progression of kidney disease, suggesting it could be a potential therapeutic agent.
A recent study published at the Central Surgical Association meeting found that success rates for kidney transplants are comparable regardless of donor and recipient age. The research suggests that using newer methods to match kidneys with recipients can increase organ availability for older patients.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that mutations in NPHP5 produce defects in cilia, leading to kidney failure and retinitis pigmentosa. The study reveals a common molecular mechanism causing both diseases.
Researchers identified specific genetic variants that increase the risk of kidney damage after heart surgery. Patients with these polymorphisms have a higher likelihood of renal dysfunction due to amplified inflammatory responses and vascular constriction.
A novel self-replicating microorganism, nanobacteria, has been linked to kidney stone formation in astronauts and may pose an infectious risk. The discovery provides additional clues to understanding the link between nanobacteria and pathologic calcification-related diseases.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding diabetic nephropathy by identifying CD36 as the probable trigger of kidney disease in diabetics. High glucose levels cause a change on the surface of cells, triggering the production of CD36, which leads to kidney cell death.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a protein called CD36 that may play a key role in the development of diabetic kidney disease. The study found that CD36 is present in specific cells and can trigger self-directed cell death or apoptosis, leading to progressive kidney failure.
A retrospective study of over 500 patients found that obese kidney donors experienced similar short-term outcomes to non-obese donors, despite prior cardiovascular disease risks. The study highlights the need for longer follow-up periods to assess potential long-term differences in obese donors.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered a protein called Ngal that can protect mice from renal failure after injection, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic tool. The study also found Ngal to be an effective marker for early diagnosis of kidney failure.
Researchers at MCG Medical Center are studying a bioartificial kidney that can mimic the functions of natural kidneys, reducing mortality rates in ICU patients. The device, developed by Dr. H. David Humes, uses billions of donor kidney cells to filter waste and regulate various bodily processes.
A large-scale study found that excess body size significantly increases the risk of developing kidney stones, with men weighing over 220 pounds facing a 44% higher risk. Weight gain since age 21 also contributes to this increased risk, particularly in older and younger women.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute has identified key risk factors for kidney infections in women under 50. The research found that frequent sexual intercourse, recent urinary tract infections, new sex partners, family history of UTIs, and spermicide use are associated with a higher risk of kidney infection.
Researchers found that urinary calcium levels play a significant role in the formation of both calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones. The studies suggest that patients with elevated intestinal calcium absorption and urinary calcium levels may need to limit their calcium intake to prevent kidney stone formation.
Chronic kidney disease affects over 7.4 million Americans with less than half the kidney function of a healthy adult, while an additional 11.3 million have at least half normal function but persistent protein in their urine. Raising awareness and controlling diabetes and hypertension are critical to reducing progression and complications.
A study found that only 9% of adults with moderately decreased kidney function reported being told they had weakened or failing kidneys, highlighting a need for increased awareness and diagnosis. The researchers suggest that control of diabetes and hypertension are critical in reducing the rate of progression and complications of chron...
Researchers present a molecular portrait of aging in the human kidney using DNA microarray technology, identifying 985 age-related genes. The study suggests a common aging mechanism operates across different kidney structures and tissues.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology challenged the view that RET-independent GFRá1 signaling plays a significant physiological role in either development or regeneration. Studies on mice lacking RET-independent GFRá1 revealed no developmental defects, suggesting that this receptor complex is not essential.
A phase I/II study demonstrates the bioartificial kidney's safety and effectiveness in treating acute renal failure, with six patients surviving over 30 days after treatment. The device uses human adult progenitor/stem cells to filter blood and regulate immune system molecules.
A new global approach aims to combat the growing threat of kidney disease by promoting early detection and proper care. This strategy has been shown to be effective in treating kidney disease, particularly when combined with evidence-based guidelines and actual clinical practice.
African-American communities benefit from education programs that lower blood pressure readings. Researchers also found that changing sleeping positions can alter blood pressure, with stomach-lying positions leading to a significant drop in systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, impaired kidney function significantly increases the risk ...
Two studies strengthen the connection between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease, showing that reduced kidney function increases the risk of death, heart disease, and hospitalization. Early detection and treatment are crucial to slow CKD progression and prevent these complications.
The majority of kidney transplant candidates waiting for kidneys have blood type O and are forced to wait even longer for a deceased donor kidney when list-paired exchanges are permitted. Researchers propose limiting these exchanges to pairs with compatible blood types to make them a moral option.
The Indiana University research team aims to reduce tissue damage from shock wave lithotripsy, a common treatment for kidney stones. They're developing protocols and mathematical models to make the procedure safer and more effective.
A new study suggests that iron therapy given to patients with kidney disease may have negative side effects, including exacerbating progressive renal damage. The study found that the level of toxicity depends on the type of iron formula used, highlighting a need for safer alternatives in treatment.
Scientists have grown functional kidneys in rats using embryonic tissue transplants, demonstrating their ability to filter blood and excrete waste. The research marks a critical step towards developing animal-to-human transplants to address chronic organ donation shortages.
Researchers investigate the role of mutated a-actinin-4 in FSGS, a leading cause of progressive kidney failure. The study reveals two possible mechanisms: aggregation and rapid degradation, which can injure kidney cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Studies of over 61,000 transplant patients demonstrate CellCept's unique survival benefits for solid organ transplant recipients. Additionally, CellCept reduces acute rejection rates and improves graft function, while also providing a lower risk of infectious death.
A new study found that a single daily dose of Valcyte is equally effective as three times daily Cytovene in preventing CMV in kidney transplant patients. This simplified regimen may improve care and quality of life for transplant recipients by reducing medication complexity.
A Phase II study found LEA29Y effective in preventing acute rejection, but showed significant improvements in kidney function, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels compared to cyclosporine therapy.
The phase II clinical trial found that LEA29Y was as effective as cyclosporine in preventing acute kidney rejection, but had better kidney function and lower cholesterol levels. Patients treated with LEA29Y also showed improved cardiovascular risk profiles.
A new matching system allows use of kidneys from older, high-risk donors increasing the number of patients who can benefit from transplantation. Success rates are similar between younger and older recipients, paving the way for more elderly adults to receive kidney transplants.
The study found that 4-MDCT results correlated accurately with surgical findings in 88 of the cases (93%), and specifically with renal vein anatomy in 91 of the 94 cases (96%). This technique offers several advantages over conventional imaging methods, including speed, non-invasiveness, comfort for patients, and greater volume coverage.
Researchers found that patients with kidney transplants from donors aged 55-79 had comparable allograft survival rates as those from younger donors. The study also revealed that older recipient patients may benefit from receiving kidneys from older deceased or living donors, particularly those facing prolonged waiting times on dialysis.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a direct link between excess body weight and the formation of uric acid kidney stones. The study, which tracked nearly 5,000 patients, suggests that weight loss may be an effective therapy for preventing stone formation.
Researchers found a link between the two diseases, with mutations in HNF-1a protein interfering with PKHD1 gene transcription. This discovery may lead to similar therapeutic approaches for both MODY5 and polycystic kidney disease.
A $3.3 million NIH grant-funded study will compare six-times-per-week overnight home hemodialysis to standard three-times-a-week hemodialysis at dialysis centers. The research aims to determine if the higher dose of dialysis improves patient outcomes, including hospitalization rates and quality of life.
Researchers have developed a novel technique that allows them to visualize three genes at once in embryos, body tissues, or even single cells. This improved FISH method combines existing technologies to illuminate gene activity, enabling scientists to study embryonic development and birth defects in greater detail.
A study found that both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis improved general functioning and well-being, but with different outcomes. Peritoneal dialysis patients showed improvements in finances, while hemodialysis patients had better sleep.
Patients who develop diabetes after kidney transplant experience poorer outcomes, including higher rates of infection and recurrent infections. Tight control of glucose levels is crucial for these patients to remain healthy.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that patients on peritoneal dialysis rate their care as excellent, citing independence, access to staff, and quality of treatment. In contrast, hemodialysis patients report lower satisfaction rates, with many citing inadequate information and economic factors as barriers.
Scientists give mice with damaged kidneys injections of BMP-7 to prevent adynamic bone disorder, a condition causing weakening and distortion of bones. The treatment is shown to be effective in normalizing bone cell counts and structures.
Screening for proteinuria is not recommended for the general population due to high costs and false positive/negative test results. However, targeted screening for hypertensive patients aged 30+ and adults 60+, or less frequent screenings every 10 years, can be cost-effective.
Researchers found no survival benefit from solitary pancreas transplantation for patients with diabetes, but may justify procedure for quality of life benefits. The study suggests weighing potential benefits against increased mortality risk, particularly in the early posttransplant period.
A new CT scan technique called multi-detector CT urography (MDCTU) has been shown to detect various urinary system problems, including bladder cancer, kidney stones, and cysts. The technique is more accurate than traditional methods and may be beneficial for high-risk patients.
The demand for kidney transplants is soaring due to type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but the number of available donors is low. Experts at the American Society of Nephrology conference discuss the pros and cons of paid donations, weighing the need to increase the transplant pool against ethical concerns.
Non-directed kidney donations have the potential to save thousands of lives, but raise important ethical considerations. Transplant centers are developing policies to evaluate and allocate these kidneys, addressing issues like allocation and donor expenses.
Research finds that heavy use of analgesics for at least nine years prior to irreversible kidney failure is associated with anatomic changes of SICK. Over 7% of dialysis patients had SICK, with 33% having overused analgesics preceding dialysis start.
Scientists discover that linking sugars to aquaporin-2 is essential for water channel transport in the kidneys. This process enables the body to conserve water and prevent dehydration. The study also identifies a new protein, AQP2-BP, that plays a crucial role in aquaporin-2 production.
Researchers found that adolescents with impaired stress-induced pressure natriuresis showed increased urinary creatine levels and higher blood pressure after stress, indicating excessive kidney workload. This response pattern may lead to early development of renal disease.
Researchers found increased COX-2 protein expression and changes in TXA2 and PGE2 levels in the Obese Zucker rat, which led to kidney damage. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be beneficial for preventing renal damage in obesity-related type II diabetes.
Researchers have identified a novel treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) by targeting a specific receptor responsible for cyst development. The treatment, OPC31260, shows promise as a potential therapy for conditions like heart and liver failure.
The Notch molecule is found to be crucial for kidney development, particularly in the formation of podocytes. The study reveals that Notch signaling tells some cells to become podocytes from non-specialized epithelial cells. After a certain amount of time without Notch signaling, cells can recover and form podocytes again.
Scientists have discovered that cells can adapt to survive without oxygen, a key finding that could lead to new treatments for cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Researchers are tracing the signaling pathways for cell injury and death, with hopes of identifying therapeutic tools to switch cellular behavior.
A study found that organ-transplant patients are particularly vulnerable to measles due to their compromised immune systems. Low MMR vaccine uptake in southeast London poses a significant threat to these individuals, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance.
A new study found that 16.5% of non-kidney transplant recipients develop chronic kidney failure, with older age, being a woman, and pre-transplant hepatitis C infection increasing the risk. The risk is higher for those whose kidneys fail after transplant, highlighting the need for better treatment regimens.
Researchers found that moderate blood dilution can cause measurable kidney damage in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The risk increases with patient body weight, and transfusions may also contribute to kidney injury.
The Mayo Clinic team has successfully transplanted kidneys into 29 high-risk patients, achieving an 80% success rate. By filtering out antibodies from the patient's blood, they can create a less hostile environment for the donor kidney to adapt. This approach may change the fate of thousands of patients waiting for a transplant.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a key finding about how donor kidneys adapt to new bodies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, the study found that donor kidneys can develop protective processes that shield them from the recipient's immune system, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving transplant outcomes.