Articles tagged with Kidney
Researchers identified a new gene, inversin, associated with nephronophthisis type 2, a deadly kidney disease in children. The discovery may lead to treatments and connections between the childhood disease and adult polycystic kidney disease.
A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that B cells play a significant role in acute kidney rejection, and targeting them may lead to more effective treatment. The study identified three distinct subgroups of acute rejection based on gene-expression profiles, which could help physicians tailor their treatment approaches.
A new nanotech strategy creates a precise architectural framework for liver or kidney cells to sustain viability for at least one week. Experiments show 96% of kidney cells and 95% of liver cells survived with the device, paving the way for whole, functional organs
A new study reveals that bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) can reverse chronic kidney injury by reducing scar tissue and repairing damaged areas. This breakthrough could lead to a cost-effective treatment alternative for patients currently undergoing dialysis, significantly improving their quality of life.
New data from the Roche Organ Transplantation Research Fund challenge the idea that potent immunosuppressants increase cancer risk. People receiving CellCept are less likely to develop lymphoma or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, with a lower risk of malignant lymphoma compared to conventional immunosuppressive treatment.
A major study of over 7,000 living donor kidney transplant patients found that Neoral significantly improves three-year graft survival rates and prolongs the estimated graft half-life compared to tacrolimus. This suggests a clear advantage for Neoral in reducing the risk of transplant failure.
African-American kidney dialysis patients know about live donor transplants but may not discuss their wishes with healthcare providers, a Johns Hopkins study shows. Machine-preserving cadaveric kidneys improves early function after transplant and increases survival rates.
A study published in Science suggests that proteins normally pass into the kidneys and that kidney disease may result from an inability to draw them back out. Researchers identified at least two patients with kidney disease who lack one copy of CD2AP, a protein critical for kidney function.
A recent study found that linezolid significantly improves the survival rate of patients with hospital-acquired MRSA pneumonia compared to vancomycin. The analysis of two earlier studies showed that patients who received linezolid were more than twice as likely to survive.
Multidetector CT (MDCT) accurately identified 66 out of 71 total cancers found after additional tests and surgery, including small cancers under 5mm in diameter. MDCT offers a more comfortable and time-efficient alternative to excretory urography for detecting urinary tract abnormalities.
Researchers report successful treatment of 50 out of 51 renal tumors using radiofrequency ablation. The therapy is particularly effective for tumors on the outer surface of the kidney due to surrounding fat insulation.
Researchers investigate how income, race, and Medicaid regulations affect kidney transplant outcomes for low-income individuals. The study aims to provide guidance for policymakers on immunosuppression coverage duration.
Scientists in Japan and UCSD have discovered a novel regulatory role for pseudogenes, which stabilizes a protein-coding gene on another chromosome. The study found that disabling the pseudogene led to abnormal kidneys and bones in laboratory mice, while re-introducing it resulted in normal development.
A recent study has found a direct link between cilia assembly proteins and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a condition affecting one in every 500 people. The research suggests that stopping cilia formation can cause PKD, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms.
A high-meat protein diet may accelerate loss of kidney function in women with mild chronic kidney disease, according to data from the Nurses Health Study. Meanwhile, implantable cardioverter defibrillators have been shown to significantly reduce sudden cardiac death and deaths from all causes in many patients.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have localized the original mineral deposit site for most common stone formers and determined the composition of calcium phosphate crystals. This discovery refutes current theories on kidney stone formation, shedding new light on the disease's complex physiology.
A man with kidney disease experienced severe abdominal pain after using a whirlpool in a Jacuzzi, highlighting potential health risks. The case study suggests that whirlpooling may cause mechanical injury to the kidneys, particularly under conditions like hypertension or anticoagulation.
Researchers successfully treated 42 individual kidney tumors using minimally invasive RFA, with all surface tumors completely destroyed. Patients with limited kidney function maintained good kidney function and had no local recurrence of the treated tumor.
A new study by UF researchers has shown that mycophenolate mofetil significantly decreases the risk of late acute rejection and increases kidney survival after transplantation. The drug also appears to prevent the severe scarring of the kidney, a common cause of organ malfunction or failure.
Researchers estimate 8 million people in the US have less than half of normal kidney function, a treatable condition. Chronic kidney disease is strongly associated with older age and non-Hispanic whites, raising concerns about minority populations' higher risk of kidney failure
Scientists have successfully transplanted human and porcine 'kidney precursor cells' into mice, resulting in functional kidneys that produce urine. The optimal time for transplantation is between 7-8 weeks (human) and 4 weeks (porcine), reducing the risk of immune rejection.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that higher doses of hemodialysis and more permeable artificial kidneys did not improve survival rates for all patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, selected subgroups, such as women and those treated with a more permeable membrane, showed significant impr...
Researchers at Ohio State University successfully tested micro-sized gelatin particles that may deliver therapeutic genes to the glomerulus in the kidneys. The biodegradable particles dissolved quickly enough to pass through the glomerulus within 10 hours, suggesting they could be useful in transferring genes to tissues.
Researchers at Wake Forest have identified a gene responsible for two rare kidney diseases, familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy and medullary cystic kidney disease Type 2. The discovery may lead to early detection and improved treatment options for affected individuals.
A study published in JAMA found that ICU patients treated with diuretics have a 68% increase in mortality and 77% non-recovery of kidney function. The researchers suggest reassessing diuretic use, particularly for those not responding to treatment, as delays can lead to adverse outcomes.
UF researchers found that patients who wait longer for a kidney transplant are more likely to experience poorer outcomes. The study showed that even those who receive kidneys from living donors may not reap the full benefits if they have been on dialysis for too long.
A new non-calcium phosphate binder, lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol), has shown a reduction in mortality and cardiac death among kidney patients on hemodialysis compared to conventional phosphate binders. The study involved 647 patients who received Fosrenol therapy for two years.
Researchers suggest using rapamycin to improve renal function and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in marginal kidney transplants. The study found that kidneys treated with cyclosporine fared worse than those treated with rapamycin, leading to restricted blood flow and poorer filtration.
A study in southern India found that selling a kidney led to a decline in economic and health status for the seller, with only 14% experiencing no negative effects. The findings contradict arguments in favor of financial incentives, suggesting they may deter organ donations instead.
Researchers from CU-Boulder will conduct cell biology experiments in microgravity, mimicking normal functioning kidney cells and studying molecular responses to infections. Plant growth experiments will also explore the role of gravity on plant development, with potential applications in timber and pharmaceutical industries.
Drs. Gerald DiBona and John Hall have overturned the medical community's long-held understanding of kidney function, revealing that increased nerve activity leads to high blood pressure. Their research shows that abnormal kidney function causes salt and water excretion to decrease, resulting in hypertension.
Researchers found that knocking out enzymes adds fucose to proteins, protecting the kidney from damage and inflammation. Developing drugs targeting these enzymes could lead to new therapies for conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
A new study shows that CellCept substitution of cyclosporine reverses renal toxicity, improving the life span of transplanted kidneys. 58% of patients on CellCept therapy had a reversal or stabilisation of their kidney function compared to 32% on cyclosporine.
Pittsburgh researchers report a new clinical approach that radically reduces and eventually weans patients off all immunosuppression after small intestine transplants. Results show many patients can take minimal doses of a single anti-rejection drug, with some remaining drug-free for up to 38 years.
A clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital has shown that combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation can induce long-lasting tolerance in patients with multiple myeloma. The treatment, called non-myeloablative bone marrow transplantation, reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new technique using plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive medication to prevent antibody production against donor organs. The treatment resulted in an average of 13-month-long protection against organ rejection, significantly reducing long-term complications.
Researchers at Magee-Womens Research Institute found that the pregnancy hormone relaxin increases nitric oxide production in blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow. This discovery may lead to new treatments for high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
A new study finds that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may increase the risk of developing kidney stones and raising bone loss. Researchers observed a significant decrease in urinary citrate levels and an increase in acid excretion in subjects following these diets.
Researchers at the University of Louisville found a link between sleep apnea and high blood pressure through protein changes in laboratory rats. The study suggests that the connection plays a significant role in developing high blood pressure during bouts of sleep apnea.
Researchers have found a key vasodilator degraded in hypertension, leading to potential new treatments that prevent organ damage. A new pathway targeting the kidneys' response to hypertension may help control blood pressure and improve kidney function.
A new two-part therapy combining acyclovir with gradual reductions in immunosuppressive drugs has shown significant success in treating post-transplant lymphoma, with all patients achieving complete response and 82% maintaining it. The treatment stimulates the immune system to destroy EBV-infected cancer cells.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that nearly one in four metformin prescriptions were given to patients with contraindications. The study suggests that providers may not be adequately documenting the risks of lactic acidosis and should consider counseling patients on metformin use.
The Johns Hopkins team has successfully transplanted kidneys from incompatible donors using a filtering technique, achieving a 93% success rate. The patients underwent plasmapheresis treatments and medication to prevent antibody re-emergence, allowing them to receive organs from donors of any blood type.
A new study found that patients receiving the drug Thymoglobulin had two and half times fewer episodes of acute kidney rejection than those receiving Simulect. The study's findings are significant as they show a potential benefit for up to half of kidney transplants from cadavers.
A recent study found that CellCept therapy can effectively reverse kidney damage and improve graft survival in patients with chronic kidney function decline. The results showed a significant increase in kidney function reversal or stabilization in patients treated with CellCept compared to those on cyclosporine.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has successfully reduced barriers to kidney transplantation for African-Americans, cutting the median waiting time from 1,335 days to 681 days. The comprehensive program includes patient education and living donation efforts, leading to better graft survival rates.
A groundbreaking study by Stanford University Medical Center has discovered a way to transplant kidneys without lifelong use of immune-suppressing drugs, improving patient quality of life. The innovative approach uses radiation and stem cells to create a hybrid immune system that recognizes the donor organ as 'friend' rather than foe.
Researchers found that high protein diets led to decreased hydration levels and abnormal kidney function tests. The study suggests that athletes and non-athletes alike should increase fluid intake when consuming high protein diets.
A study using mice found that mutations in the Lmx1b gene cause a reduction in two proteins necessary for mature podocytes to function properly. This disruption leads to immature podocytes and impaired kidney filtering, increasing the risk of kidney problems associated with nail-patella syndrome.
A multi-site study led by UCSF investigators shows comparable survival rates and graft function for HIV-infected patients receiving kidney and liver transplants. The study found that nearly 90% of kidney grafts and 84% of liver grafts were functioning within a year post-transplant.
Researchers identified a novel pathway controlling branching morphogenesis, a critical process in development and tissue formation. This finding has implications for understanding diseases involving abnormal branching patterns.
Researchers have identified ciliary proteins as key contributors to polycystic kidney disease progression. Mutations in these proteins can disrupt normal kidney function and lead to cyst formation.
Researchers found that increased concentrations of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) are a strong predictor of death and cardiovascular disease in haemodialysis patients. Middle-aged men with normal kidney function also showed a higher risk of acute coronary events with high ADMA levels.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a critical role for RAGE protein in glomerular fibrosis, a major driver of chronic kidney disease. The research sheds light on potential therapeutic targets to mitigate this devastating condition.
Researchers found that CD4 cells help mediate damage during ischemia, and two specific molecules, CD28 and IFN-gamma, were identified as participating in the injury process. This challenges current ideas of T cell function and may lead to new treatments for conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers discovered that Foxo1 is involved in regulating glucose metabolism and promoting insulin resistance in cultured kidney cells. Increased Foxo1 activity was linked to decreased insulin sensitivity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for treating related disorders.
Researchers found a link between higher levels of antibodies neutralizing toxins and better kidney function in patients after heart surgery. The study suggests potential interventions to protect kidneys from endotoxins released by bacteria during surgery.
Researchers found that store-bought tofu, soy cheese, and soy drinks contain significant levels of oxalate, which can bind with calcium in the kidneys to form kidney stones. The American Dietetic Association recommends limiting oxalate intake to 10 milligrams per serving for patients with a history of kidney stones.
Researchers have identified a rare human disorder linked to aquaporin-1 protein deficiency, which affects the ability to concentrate urine and maintain healthy water levels. The finding may help doctors develop new treatments for diseases like diabetes insipidus, which causes frequent urination and emaciation.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals that chronic kidney rejection is caused by the recipient's own cells' normal reaction to a wound, specifically mesenchymal cells colonizing the transplant site. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing methods to block scar-causing cells and mitigate or prevent kidney rejection.