Ciliary proteins and polycystic kidneys
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.
Kidney
Articles tagged with Kidney
Asymmetrical dimethylarginine - a new way of assessing cardiovascular risk?
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.
Glomerular fibrosis now all the RAGE
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.
T cell molecules may play a role in ischemia
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.
Foxo1 and the insulin resistance of cultured kidney cells
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.
Duke researchers uncover clue to kidney damage after heart surgery
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.
Too much soy could lead to kidney stones
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.
Exploding eggs and rare human disorder help explain water regulation
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.
Scarring process plays major role in kidney rejection following transplant, researchers report
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.
Landmark dialysis study findings could greatly simplify treatment of kidney disease with peritoneal dialysis
The ADEMEX study found that increasing small solute clearances through modified dosing doesn't impact patient survival, contrary to current practice. This enables tailored prescriptions for individual patients without sacrificing survival benefits.
Less radical surgery for kidney cancer is equally effective to radical alternativve and less likely to cause failure to other kidney
A Mayo Clinic study finds that less radical surgery for kidney cancer is equally effective to radical alternative and less likely to cause failure in the second kidney. Long-term survival rates between the two procedures were identical, but patients undergoing less radical surgery had a lower risk of developing renal failure.
Gene believed linked to serious kidney disease
A Yale researcher has found a gene believed to be linked to autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a condition affecting one in 10,000 children. The study suggests that primary cilia, hair-like projections lining the kidneys' ducts and tubules, play a crucial role in the development of ARPKD.
Bladder gene is linked to a common birth defect
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a link between a bladder gene and vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that causes urine to flow backward into the kidneys. The study suggests earlier detection and treatment of the condition could prevent kidney failure.
Annals of Internal Medicine, Tip Sheet, October 17, 2000
A study by researchers compared colonoscopy to fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer. The findings show that colonoscopy is the most cost-effective option, reducing death rates at relatively low costs by removing precancerous polyps and detecting cancer at early stages.
Genetic paradox: Gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease appears to protect kidneys of heart surgery patients
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers has found a possible genetic link determining which heart patients are more likely to suffer kidney damage after surgery. The research team found that the E-4 variant of the apolipoprotein APO gene, already implicated in Alzheimer's disease, appears to offer protection to the kidneys.
Kidney transplant proposal reduces wait from 24 to 14 months, improves equity for blacks & women
A proposed kidney transplant system assigns priorities based on efficiency and equity points, reducing median waiting time from 24 to 14 months. The new policy increases the overall likelihood of transplantation from 45% to 61% and improves quality-adjusted life expectancy for African-Americans and women.
Cadmium toxicity threatening wildlife in Rocky Mountains
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that 46% of adult white-tailed ptarmigan in a 10,000-square kilometer area of south-central Colorado have cadmium accumulations in their kidneys above the toxic threshold. Cadmium toxicity causes kidney and liver dysfunction, brittle bones, and affects reproduction and survival.
Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, July 4, 2000
A randomized controlled trial found that a new anti-inflammatory drug decreased kidney function at the same rate as an older medication. Prompt treatment with three powerful antiretroviral drugs after HIV exposure prevented infection in a young girl, according to researchers.
Genes may help protect kidneys from diabetes damage
A recent study found three genes that may play a role in protecting the kidneys from diabetic damage. The genes were identified by examining the genetic structure of healthy and sick mice, and their discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for kidney disease. By understanding how these genes work, scientists hope to develop d...
Making kidney transplants last longer: Large UM study finds newer drug is better
A large UM study found that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduces the risk of losing a transplanted kidney due to chronic failure better than azathioprine (AZA). MMF protects against kidney loss even when acute rejection prevention effects are eliminated, with nearly 86% of MMF-treated kidneys surviving four years.
Chance of kidney transplant more than doubles with less-invasive kidney removal technique
A new, less invasive approach to removing a kidney from living donors has more than doubled the chance of patients receiving a transplant from a friend or loved one. The technique, combined with an educational program, has increased living donor transplants by half, with 40% of recent transplants coming from living donors.
New clues to genes tied to polycystic kidney disease
Researchers at Yale have discovered new insights into the development of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting millions. The study reveals crucial information about the PKD2 gene's role in normal development and its impact when mutated.
Hypothesis challenged: patient preferences do not explain racial differences in kidney transplant access
A Harvard study finds that racial differences in kidney transplant access cannot be explained by patient preferences, with black patients being less likely to be referred for evaluation or receive a transplant. The disparity remains even after controlling for coexisting illnesses and socioeconomic factors.
Recipients of well-matched kidneys received locally require less long-term care
A new study of 27,050 kidney transplants found that patients with locally matched kidneys require less long-term care and incur lower costs. The average cost to Medicare was $60,436 for identical HLA markers, increasing by 34% as mismatches rose from one to six.
Wake Forest scientists clone gene for inherited kidney stone disease
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have cloned the gene responsible for primary hyperoxaluria type II, a rare inherited form of kidney stone disease. The discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease, which can cause severe kidney failure and early death if left untreated.
Immune system protein may be critical in kidney disorders and other diseases
A recent study suggests that the immune system protein CD2AP may play a critical role in kidney function. Researchers found that mice lacking CD2AP developed defective glomeruli and died of renal failure, highlighting the protein's importance in maintaining kidney health. The discovery also sheds light on other diseases, such as congen...
Report in PNAS on role of nephrin, the kidney filter protein
Researchers identify nephrin's role in the kidney's filtration barrier, finding a 'zipper-like' structure that allows blood to pass but not plasma proteins. Increasing nephrin production or restoring its function is thought to improve kidney function and restore proteinuria.
Kidney Transplants From Living Donors Reduce Long-Term Costs Of Care
A study of over 50,000 transplant recipients found that kidney transplants from living donors are more cost-effective than dialysis treatments. The total cost of care within five years is roughly $47,000 less for living donor transplants compared to dialysis.
The 'Break Even' Cost Of Kidney Transplants Is Shrinking
A recent study by University of Maryland researchers found that kidney transplants are more cost-effective than dialysis, even for the sickest patients. The break-even point for kidney transplants was 2.7 years compared to dialysis, saving $27,000 per year for each patient.
New Procedure Makes A Successful Transplant Possible
A new procedure called High PRA Rescue cleanses blood of harmful rejection antibodies, enabling six patients to receive successful kidney transplants from living donors. The innovative technique, combined with three new anti-rejection medications, has shown promising results in a two-week period.
Kidney Transplant Recipients Require Less Long-Term Care If They Receive Well-Matched Donor Organs
A new study of 27,050 kidney transplants reveals that the need for care within three years increases significantly as the number of mismatched surface markers increases. The cost of care rises by up to 34% with more mismatches, making well-matched organs a more cost-effective option.
New Strategy May Succeed At Extending The Life Of Transplanted Kidneys
Researchers found that improving kidney function in majority of patients can be achieved by reducing cyclosporine dosage and adding mycophenolate mofetil, potentially slowing kidney deterioration. The study showed an improvement in kidney function in 37 patients over two years.
A Versatile Signal In Vertebrate Embryogenesis: Wnt-4 Regulates Kidney Development, Sex Organ Differentiation, Neuronal Survival And Axonal Guidance
Researchers discovered Wnt-4's role in regulating kidney development through inducing tubulogenesis in isolated mesenchyme. Additionally, Wnt-4 suppresses male cell fates in female embryos, affecting sex organ differentiation. It also mediates tissue interactions involved in neuronal growth and axonal guidance.
Maternal Tissue Typing Could Improve Selection Of Kidney Transplant Donors
Researchers found that maternal HLA typing can provide clues about which sibling is the optimal organ donor. This discovery could improve kidney transplant selection by identifying suitable donors beyond HLA-identical siblings.
Cells From Mother Can Boost Success Of Sibling-To-Sibling Kidney Transplants
Researchers found that maternal tissue types can improve survival rates of slightly mismatched kidney transplants. The study suggests adding maternal HLA typing to the routine family workup could expand the pool of optimal donors.
University Of Texas Southwestern Researchers Develop New Test For Kidney Function
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new test to accurately measure kidney function, enabling patients to spend less time in the clinic. The new procedure involves injecting a small amount of radioactive isotope solution and estimating how quickly it disappears from the blood and appears in the urine.
Lack Of Intestinal Bacterium Linked To Kidney Stones In Cystic Fibrosis Patients, University Of Florida Researchers Report
A study by University of Florida researchers found that cystic fibrosis patients who lack the beneficial intestinal bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes are at a greatly increased risk of developing kidney stones. The absence of this organism can lead to high levels of oxalate, which can crystallize and form painful stones in the kidneys.
Little Known Protein Prevents Formation Of Kidney Stones In Trace Amounts
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new protein, calgranulin, that can prevent the formation of kidney stones in minute amounts. Calgranulin is present in the kidney and human urine and can stop the growth of calcium oxalate crystals, the major component of kidney stones.
Researchers Discover Way To Grow New Kidneys In Rats
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have successfully grown new kidneys in rats by placing developing rat kidneys inside adult rat abdominal cavities. The resulting organs function and thrive, suggesting a possible alternative to traditional kidney transplantation.
Synthetic Detergent Found To Fight Multi-Drug Resistance
A synthetic detergent, nonylphenolethoxylate (NPE), commonly used in household cleansers, has been discovered to block a drug pump in cancer cells, reducing the need for chemotherapy drugs. The researchers found NPE present in human urine and suggest it could be a useful adjunct to standard treatments.
Organ Rejection Drug Also Shows Promise For The Treatment Of Kidney Disease
Researchers found that an immunosuppressive drug commonly used to prevent kidney transplant rejection also improved patients with severe symptoms of kidney disease. The treatment reduced protein leaks and alleviated fluid retention, correcting high cholesterol levels without the negative side effects of steroids.
Claragen Explores How Uteroglobin Can Prevent Neonatal Lung Disease
Researchers have discovered a novel physiological role for UG in mice, suggesting its essentiality in preventing kidney fibrosis and neonatal BPD. UG deficiency leads to inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissue, resulting in respiratory inhibition.
Inherited Kidney Disorder Traced To Arrested Development Of Membranes
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in people with Alport syndrome prevents normal transformation process in collagen proteins, leading to gradual loss of membrane integrity. The mutation affects production of alpha-5 collagen, resulting in breakdown of critical glomerular basement membrane.
Great Results Reported For Less Painful Kidney Removal
A new laparoscopic technique for kidney removal has been shown to reduce pain, hospital stays, and recovery time compared to traditional methods. The study found that kidneys removed with this technique function as well as those taken out with a large incision.
Survival Better For Kidney Recipients Taken Off Steroids
A study of kidney patients found that those taken off steroids had significantly better one- and three-year survival rates compared to those still on the medication. One-year patient survival was 99% in the group no longer taking steroids, while one- and three-year graft survival rates were also higher.
New Laparoscopic Technique Makes Kidney Donation Easier
A new laparoscopic technique has made kidney donation easier, with reduced recovery time and complications. The procedure involves a small incision and minimizes blood loss, allowing donors to recover in one-third less time compared to traditional surgery.
Tacrolimus Stops Rejection Of Kidney Transplants
A multi-center trial involving 73 patients found that tacrolimus rescue therapy effectively reverses refractory kidney rejection, maintains long-term kidney function, and reduces repeat rejection. The study's results suggest a significant advance in reducing organ loss from persistent kidney rejection.