Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
Researchers have identified the genetic defect causing infantile cystinosis, a rare disease that shortens lifespan, and developed a protocol to differentiate stem cells into healthy kidney cells. The study suggests using CRISPR genome editing to repair the defective gene and potentially cure the disease.
The American College of Physicians has published a new clinical practice guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hepatitis C virus in chronic kidney disease. The guideline includes recommendations for expanding treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens to patients with CKD glomerular filtration rate categor...
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic interact with the RAGE receptor to control kidney damage in diabetes. This finding opens up new therapeutic drug targets for preventing kidney disease in people with diabetes.
Research suggests visfatin stimulates membrane raft clustering, leading to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and podocyte injury. The study highlights the role of membrane raft redox signaling in visfatin-induced inflammation and kidney damage.
Researchers used 3D eye scans to detect changes in the retina and monitor kidney health, finding that thinner retinas correlated with declining kidney function. The technology has potential to support early diagnosis and aid lifestyle changes to reduce health complications.
According to a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, most adults who qualify for statin use for primary prevention are not receiving them. The study found that despite increased overall statin use over time, only 35% of eligible adults were taking statins between 2013 and 2018. The researchers suggest that innovative effo...
Researchers have developed a new mixture, organ agar, that enables them to screen bacteria more efficiently than traditional methods. This innovation allows for the testing of over 1,700 mutants of the UTI-causing bacteria Proteus mirabilis using only a quarter of the mice typically required.
A new Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that thiazide diuretics were associated with a 15% lower risk of kidney stones. Higher serum calcium levels also linked to thiazides, supporting the notion that they affect kidney stone risk by modulating calcium excretion.
A randomized trial found that unfiltered traffic-related air pollution caused a rapid and significant increase in blood pressure, which persisted for more than 24 hours. The study suggests that effective cabin air filtration may reduce the negative effects of air pollution on blood pressure.
Patients with heart failure treated with dapagliflozin experienced frequent initial estimated glomerular filtration rate declines, but without increased cardiovascular or kidney event risks. The study suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors can be safely continued in patients experiencing eGFR decline.
Treatment with obinutuzumab has been shown to preserve kidney function and prevent flares in patients with lupus nephritis. The addition of obinutuzumab to standard treatment reduced the risk of composite outcomes, such as death or treatment failure, by 60%.
A clinical study found that a ketogenic diet can improve kidney function in patients with hereditary polycystic kidney disease. After three months, positive changes were seen in key parameters, with no unexpected side effects.
Men who are overweight or obese at age 18 have a higher risk of developing 17 different cancers later in life. Higher BMI is also associated with an increased risk of mortality after cancer diagnosis for certain types of cancer.
A real-world analysis of 3,450 kidney transplant patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors found significant reductions in kidney transplant rejection (59% less likely), kidney transplant failure (33% less likely), major adverse cardiac events (40% less likely), and mortality risk (44% less likely) over a 3-year period.
Researchers discovered that patients with FSGS who received sparsentan treatment experienced improved kidney function and reduced proteinuria, a key indicator of kidney damage. The study suggests sparsentan may be a potential new treatment option for the disorder, offering hope for patients affected by FSGS.
A new analysis found that county-level structural racism is a significant determinant of death among individuals with kidney failure. Black patients experienced survival advantages at lower levels of structural racism but disadvantages at higher levels.
Researchers have created a comprehensive atlas of human fetal kidney development, revealing transitions between different cell states. The study identifies key genes associated with rare genetic diseases and offers insights into the heritability of adult kidney traits.
Researchers analyzed 43 clinical trials and found that trial participants were less diverse than actual transplant recipients in the US. The study suggests that efforts are needed to improve participant diversity in clinical trials to better reflect real-world patients.
A novel multicomponent intervention aimed at improving patient access to kidney transplants did not significantly increase the rate of completed steps in a randomized clinical trial involving 20,375 patients. The study highlights the need for sustained efforts to address barriers to transplantation globally.
Sotagliflozin, a dual SGLT1 and 2 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce the risk of sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate and cardiorenal composites by 38% and 23%, respectively. The findings support previously reported benefits of sotagliflozin in reducing cardiovascular events.
Results from high-impact clinical trials will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2023, offering potential improvements in kidney-related medical care. The trials bring together leading experts and professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss the latest advances.
Researchers found a positive association between elevated urinary albumin and sub-clinical coronary artery pathology, including microcalcifications, in individuals with type 2 diabetes without symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Microcalcification activity was higher in those with albuminuria, indicating potential kidney damage.
A study found that exposure to wildfire smoke and fine particulate matter increased the risk of hospitalization and death among hemodialysis patients by 3% and 5%, respectively. Wildfires pose a significant health risk for vulnerable populations, including those with kidney failure.
Researchers have implemented an automated health maintenance tool to prompt primary care physicians to screen for chronic kidney disease in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The tool has shown higher rates of testing for kidney function screening tests after implementation.
A new study investigated the safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with diabetes who also have cancer. The research revealed a higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and fracture, but lower risks of acute kidney injury and urinary tract infection compared to another diabetes medication called GLP-1 RA.
Researchers found that vancomycin treatment reduced inflammation in the kidney and increased beneficial bacteria, while polymyxin B showed no significant effect. The study suggests modifying gut microbiota through antibiotic administration may help alleviate hypertensive organ damage.
Researchers identified high levels of silica nanoparticles in kidney tissue of patients with chronic kidney disease. Exposure to sugarcane ash and rice paddies' burning is linked to the disease, suggesting a toxicant released by agricultural activities.
A potential treatment for Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) has been discovered by an international team of scientists. The breakthrough found that inhibiting the complement pathway early on can successfully treat STEC-HUS, a devastating disease that can lead to life-long dialysis and death in children.
New research reveals that disrupted energy production in the kidneys contributes to progressive kidney disease in diabetes. Monitoring urinary lactate levels may help predict prognosis and guide management for diabetic kidney disease.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found live vaccinations safe and effective for children who have received liver or kidney transplants, offering protection against life-threatening conditions. The study showed high antibody levels and minimal adverse events following vaccination.
A randomized clinical trial found that cefepime increased neurological dysfunction in adults hospitalized with acute infection, while piperacillin-tazobactam did not. The study involved 2,511 participants and suggested that cefepime may be associated with adverse outcomes.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic clock that accurately measures biological aging in healthy and unhealthy tissue, outperforming current clocks. The Glasgow-Karolinska Clock showed promise in assessing the impact of chronic kidney disease on aging, even after dialysis treatment.
TTUHSC researchers received funding for pilot studies on photothermal tumor therapy, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer screening in underserved areas. The grants support the purchase of a cell sorter and address regional health disparities.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that coronavirus vaccines build immune memory in various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. This local immune response is more effective than circulating antibodies in protecting against infection.
A Duke University study found glyphosate, active in Roundup, in high levels of wells supplying drinking water to Sri Lankan communities plagued by chronic kidney disease (CKDu). Elevated fluoride and vanadium also linked to CKDu were discovered. Glyphosate's persistence in hard water poses concerns for exposure.
A new American Heart Association advisory introduces the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which affects nearly every major organ. The approach highlights the importance of screening for CKM-related conditions and addressing social factors to prevent progression.
African Americans at increased risk of kidney disease due to genetic mutation now have a protective genetic mutation that eliminates the risk. The study found that medicines blocking the hole in kidney cells are likely to be effective treatment options.
A multi-center study found that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SABR) can achieve 100% local control and cancer-specific survival for longer than three years among patients with inoperable kidney cancer. The treatment was effective in preserving kidney function, with only one patient requiring dialysis.
A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that patients with acute kidney injury on outpatient dialysis may not need lifelong treatment if they have the potential to recover. The study tracked data from over 1,700 patients and showed that approximately three-quarters of those who recovered kidney function discontinued dialysis with...
A new study from Aarhus University found that acute kidney injury causes significant cell death in kidneys, which then spreads to healthy tissue over several days. This finding may increase the risk of patients developing chronic kidney damage and highlights the need for timely intervention measures.
Over 75% of hospitalized AKI patients lack proper follow-up kidney health testing after discharge. Less than 25% have kidney function monitored with blood and urine tests within 90 days of discharge.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that lower uromodulin levels are associated with a higher risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. Participants who experienced steeper declines in uromodulin also showed an increased risk of kidney failure.
A study of over 15,000 individuals with chronic kidney disease found that young age, Black race, and low education and income were linked to lower flu vaccine uptake. The study suggests that targeted vaccination efforts could improve uptake among those with kidney disease.
A new study found that islet transplantation significantly reduces the risk of kidney transplant failure and mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes. The study compared the long-term outcomes of patients who received an islet transplantation with those who underwent kidney transplantation and managed their diabetes with insulin alone.
Researchers at UW–Madison and Stanford University developed a new approach to increase donor and recipient biocompatibility, inducing tolerance in transplanted kidneys. Two monkeys with just one match among key protein strings maintained chimeric immune systems for over four years without rejection or graft-versus-host disease.
A recent study found elevated TonEBP expression in patients with lupus nephritis, correlating with inflammatory cytokines and kidney damage. Suppressing TonEBP was shown to halt lupus progression and mitigate kidney damage in animal models.
Scientists have created chimeric embryos containing a combination of human and pig cells, which developed into structurally normal kidneys with 50-60% human cells. The researchers successfully grew humanized organs inside pigs, offering new possibilities for studying human development and developmental diseases.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a novel protective gene, TMIGD1, that may unravel the mechanism of how kidney damage continues to happen once triggered. The study found that when toxins inactivated the TMIGD1 gene, models were more susceptible to kidney injury.
In a cohort study of 2,055 patients with glomerular diseases, COVID-19 vaccination did not worsen kidney damage or affect proteinuria. The data support vaccination for COVID-19 in patients with glomerular disease.
A USC Stem Cell-led mouse study reveals that lowering testosterone can improve the resilience of male kidneys by reducing their vulnerability to disease. The researchers also found that three months of calorie restriction has a similar effect, suggesting new potential treatments for kidney diseases.
A novel study from the University of South Australia identified 84 features that could signal increased cancer risk in a dataset of 459,169 UK Biobank participants. The study found several biomarkers linked to cancer risk, including urinary microalbumin and high levels of cystatin C.
Researchers investigated the role of tertiary lymphoid tissues in aging kidney disease, identifying proinflammatory interactions between renal cells and immune cells that promote inflammation and injury. The study suggests targeting proinflammatory cytokines for potential therapeutic strategies.
Scientists at UCSF have developed an artificial kidney that can mimic key functions of a real kidney. The bioreactor keeps kidney cells alive for up to seven days and has shown promising results in animal trials. If successful, the device could improve treatment for kidney disease, making it more effective, tolerable, and comfortable.
Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.
A new immune-infiltrated human kidney organoid-on-chip model enables the assessment of on-target, off-tumor effects of immunotherapeutic T cell bispecific antibody drugs. The study's findings provide important insights into which cells are targeted by a given TCB and what, if any, off-target damage arises.
Researchers identified cuproptosis-related genes that inhibit kidney renal clear cell carcinoma progression by suppressing proliferation and regulating immune cell infiltration. The study found that MTF1 acts as a tumor suppressor and may be involved in the progression of KIRC.
A new matching system enabled by Boston College economists facilitates the world's first four-way liver exchange and a cascade of additional matches. The system increases the number of transplants that can be matched among a larger group of participants, expanding capacity beyond traditional two-way exchanges.
A new study found that a simple blood test can predict the risk of progressive heart and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The test measures levels of four biomarkers, which fell after treatment with canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes medicine.
Imaging mass cytometry showcases odd numbers of proteins in kidneys of lupus patients, identifying novel markers for disease. The study found decreased and increased disease markers pointing to renal disease, with potential enlargement of glomeruli in some patients.
A case series shows that pig-to-human xenotransplant can provide normal graft function in a deceased human with chronic kidney disease. Future studies are needed to determine long-term xenograft kidney function and its potential as a bridge or destination therapy for end-stage kidney disease.