Research on kidney function and disease. Covers kidney-failure prevention, gestational diabetes links, environmental risks, and gum-kidney connections.
Researchers have identified a biomarker called CXCL-9 that can be used to diagnose acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (AIN), a condition causing inflammation of the kidneys. The biomarker can be detected via a simple urine test, potentially reducing the need for kidney biopsies.
A new metal-free MRI dye provides accurate spatial data and quantitative glomerular filtration rate measurements for both kidneys, surpassing current clinical methods. This breakthrough enables personalized diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with kidney disease, representing a significant advancement in personalized urology.
Researchers identified a new drug treatment option for peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis, showing that a low dosage of ceftazidime and avibactam is sufficient to treat the infection. The study's findings could help gain control over peritonitis in patients with difficult-to-treat germs.
A new study finds that long-term disinvestment in health and wealth resources in historically redlined neighborhoods contributes to a disproportionate rate of kidney failure among Black adults. Redlining, the discriminatory federal housing policy from the 1930s, has been associated with current racial inequities in poor health outcomes.
A study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that lower oxygen delivery thresholds are associated with reduced risk of kidney injury. Researchers recommend reevaluating current guidelines for oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass to minimize unnecessary blood transfusions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified specific cellular signatures for kidney transplant rejection, which could lead to the development of more effective anti-rejection therapies. The study's findings suggest that treatments often do not thoroughly eliminate T cells responsible for rejection, and new drug targets may be able to address this issue.
A study of over 8 million Ontario adults found that even a modest loss of kidney function (20-30% below normal) is associated with increased risk of death, cardiovascular events, and kidney failure in young adults. Early conversations about prevention and monitoring are recommended.
A new study has identified 16 new locations in the genome linked to immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, a common kidney disease. The research confirms an earlier hypothesis that the immune system plays a key role in driving the disease and provides potential drug targets for treatment.
A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.
The USC Stem Cell team is developing artificial kidney organoids using human stem cells and synthetic biology. They aim to create a functional kidney that resembles the real thing in function but not in form.
A study found that most kidneys offered to transplant centers were given to lower-priority candidates, citing concerns about organ quality. This practice, known as 'list diving,' harms some patients and contributes to disparities in organ transplantation.
Patients with advanced kidney cancer who receive second-line treatment with a combination of atezolizumab and cabozantinib do not experience improved progression-free survival or overall survival compared to those treated with cabozantinib alone. The study also finds higher toxicity levels in patients receiving the combination therapy.
Research identifies Indian Hedgehog protein as a key driver of chronic kidney disease and heart damage, offering new hope for treatments. The findings suggest that blocking the protein's actions could improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that a mutated PDE3A gene prevents kidney damage despite severe hypertension. The study suggests that this mutation could be used therapeutically to prevent chronic kidney disease.
Researchers investigate whether pregnant mothers' exposure to toxic metals affects kidney development in their babies, which may set the stage for chronic kidney disease. The team aims to identify key combinations of metal mixtures that could have detrimental effects on developing kidneys.
Researchers propose using blood and urine biomarkers to classify subpopulations of acute kidney injury (AKI) patients, identifying therapies specific to individual patient populations. The study found two molecularly distinct AKI subgroups associated with differing risk profiles and long-term outcomes.
Researchers have found a compound that can prevent cisplatin-induced renal toxicity and improve the outcomes of cancer treatment. The aromatic ketone 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone (THA) inhibits the CCBL1-mediated metabolism of cisplatin, reducing its toxic effects without affecting its potency.
A neglected 80-year-old antibiotic, nourseothricin, has been found to be effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The improvement in purification of the streptothricins has overcome original toxicity concerns, making it a promising agent for treating difficult-to-treat infections.
Researchers developed a computational approach to predict diabetic kidney disease using DNA methylation markers from a blood sample. The model can use this information to assess current and future kidney function, enabling early detection and prevention of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
A new study suggests that increased exposure to air pollution may be associated with first hospital admissions for acute kidney injury. The research found a link between PM2.5, NO2, and O3 exposure and an increased risk of AKI, even at low annual exposures.
Researchers analyzed outcomes for 144 Colorado patients who had lymph node sampling at the time of surgery for kidney tumors between 2005 and 2019. They found no statistically significant difference in clinically significant complications between patients who underwent more extensive lymph node sampling than those who didn’t.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers have identified a disruption in early kidney progenitor cell development linked to the formation of Wilms tumor. The study found that these cells can reproduce the original tumor and are aggressive, drug-resistant, and metastasize like cancer cells.
Scientists have identified Norn cells as the primary source of erythropoietin (Epo) in humans, a crucial hormone for red blood cell production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for anemia and other conditions related to impaired Epo production.
Two recent studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that renal hyperfiltration (RHF) is associated with an increased risk of mortality, independent of diabetes mellitus. A lower kidney filtration rate threshold may serve as a more precise measure for defining RHF.
A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...
Researchers found a genetic variant of TNFAIP3, which regulates inflammation, can paradoxically protect the kidneys from damage in the short term. The study could lead to simple genetic tests for predicting kidney disease risk and personalized treatment approaches.
The study, led by Professor Takashi Miura of Kyushu University, has discovered that interdigitated cell boundaries have a mathematically scaling pattern with self-similarity. The team used the Edwards-Wilkinson model to simulate and understand the molecular mechanism responsible for these dynamics.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have discovered a type of immune cell that drives chronic organ transplant failure and uncovered pathways to improve patient outcomes. Blocking IL-15 signaling has been shown to prolong graft survival in mouse kidney recipients, offering a promising therapeutic target.
A global study published in Cochrane Reviews found that consuming cranberry products reduces the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women by more than a quarter. The review also showed benefits for children and people susceptible to UTIs following medical interventions, with minimal side effects reported.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers streamlined kidney transplant evaluations to increase access for African Americans. They used telehealth and partnerships with local providers to help patients complete the evaluation process, resulting in higher numbers of African Americans beginning and completing the evaluation.
A study of over 43,000 adults found that parathyroidectomy has no estimated effect on long-term kidney function in older adults. However, early treatment may preserve kidney function in patients younger than 60 years old.
Researchers have identified a biomarker signature that can predict which patients with kidney cancer will respond well to immunotherapy. The signature is based on the number of immune cells in and around tumors, the amount of dead cancer tissue, and mutations to a tumor suppressor gene called PBRM1.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that certain biomarkers in urine and blood can predict the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Higher levels of KIM-1, MCP-1, and TNFRI were associated with a increased risk of CKD progression.
A research team from Pohang University of Science & Technology has engineered an artificial kidney to detect adverse drug reactions and provide personalized treatment. The team successfully fabricated a glomerular microvessel-on-a-chip that recapitulates the kidney's filtering function and evaluates its response to various toxins.
High blood pressure in children is a significant health concern, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems in adulthood. The American Heart Association recommends monitoring blood pressure levels and implementing lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
The funding will support preclinical research using genetically modified pigs, aiming to improve compatibility and reduce immune rejection in xenotransplantation. The goal is to enable human clinical trials and address the organ shortage crisis.
A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.
A new study suggests that age, not weight, should be used to screen for diabetes, capturing the greatest number of people in all racial and ethnic groups. The approach identifies the greatest proportion of adults with prediabetes and diabetes and maximizes equity across racial and ethnic groups.
A study published in Cell Death & Disease reveals that a protein cross-linking enzyme called TG2 exacerbates kidney fibrosis by polarizing M2 macrophages. The researchers hope to develop treatments for diseases caused by inflammation imbalance, such as fibrosis, cancer, and atherosclerosis.
Scientists have found that antibodies targeting βII-spectrin on mesangial cells are the trigger for IgA nephropathy. This discovery enables blood-based diagnosis and may lead to improved treatments.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that maintaining nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels may protect against kidney disease. NAD supplements were shown to be effective in reversing NAD loss and suppressing inflammation in mouse kidneys, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease prevention and treatment.
A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University reveals that chronic kidney disease promotes vascular calcification by altering signaling molecules in blood vessel walls. The researchers identified four microRNAs that target a key pathway driving calcification, providing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for both diseases.
Researchers at Brigham and Boston Medical Center found associations between kidney damage and increased risk of heart disease and death. The study analyzed kidney tissue from 597 adults with chronic kidney disease, linking specific lesions to cardiovascular events.
A new algorithm predicts female patients are at higher risk for kidney damage after aneurysm repair, with those having reduced glomerular filtration rate facing a 4.7 times increased risk. The algorithm could help identify patients at risk and optimize them before surgery.
The HALP score, a novel immune-nutritional marker, has been linked to prognostic ability in different cancer types. It integrates indicators of immune status and nutritional status, showing promise as a cost-effective biomarker.
Researchers identified a type of immune cell called age-associated B cells as key drivers of lupus disease. Targeting these cells in a mouse model reduced disease progression, suggesting a potential new therapy for lupus patients.
A new study links genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on mutation presence. This research may lead to more effective prediction of recurrence risk and personalized treatment for thousands of patients annually.
A decade-long international study has linked genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on specific genes. The findings suggest that tumour DNA sequencing may provide a more effective way to predict patient risk of kidney cancer recurrence.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...
Researchers identified a higher rate of premature arteriovenous graft failure among African American patients undergoing dialysis access interventions. The study, published in Radiology, found that these patients were more vulnerable to experiencing early dialysis access dysfunction and failure.
A study found that cystatin C-based eGFR was strongly correlated with creatinine-based eGFR and that 27% of patients would be classified as having a more severe chronic kidney stage based on cystatin C test results. The use of cystatin C can lead to changes in CKD staging, which can impact clinical management.
Researchers estimate that up to 2% of adults in these regions have heart failure, with significant health risks and costs. The study analyzed digital health records from 11 countries and found that preventive treatment should focus on stopping further worsening of heart failure and kidney function.
A new study by the University of Bristol has found that spironolactone can help preserve the glycocalyx layer on blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing damage from diabetes. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for diabetic kidney disease without adverse side effects.
Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from over 7.1 million children to identify risk factors associated with a faster decline in kidney function, including disease origin, proteinuria, hypertension, and younger age. The study found that certain attributes are linked to a more rapid decline in kidney function, providing va...
A University of Houston engineer has made a groundbreaking discovery that could improve pharmaceuticals by controlling the growth of ammonium urate crystals. By manipulating tautomers, researchers found that a small fraction can control crystal growth, potentially preventing crystallization and related health issues.
A recent study from the University of Bergen found that elevated plasma methylmalonic acid is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction and mortality in patients with suspected or verified coronary heart disease. Higher plasma MMA levels were linked to reduced renal function and low vitamin B12 status, but also p...
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School and NHCS have discovered that blocking an immune-regulating protein called interleukin-11 enables damaged kidney cells to regenerate, restoring impaired kidney function. This breakthrough suggests a new approach for treating chronic kidney disease.
A University of Houston research team has developed a new method for early diagnosis and monitoring of lupus nephritis using a smartphone-based test. The test assesses the levels of ALCAM protein in urine, showing high diagnostic accuracy for renal pathology activity in active lupus nephritis.
A study found that standardizing evaluation processes and expanding telehealth use can significantly improve access to kidney transplants for African Americans. The interventions also led to increased organ acceptance rates, but post-transplant survival outcomes were not statistically significant.
Researchers have solved an 80-year-old medical mystery that causes kidney damage in children and can be fatal in babies. They discovered a gene mutation is the primary cause, but found that around 10% of patients without the mutation still experience symptoms.