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Protein excreted in urine may be help in diagnosing kidney disease caused by HIV

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a protein called NGAL that can help diagnose kidney disease caused by HIV. High levels of the protein in urine may indicate the presence of HIV-associated nephropathy, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially preventing kidney failure.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 23, 2009

New lab test helps predict kidney damage

A new laboratory test called urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been found to help predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care patients. NGAL levels are also higher in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy, a complication of HIV affecting African Americans and black Africans.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 23, 2009

Microproteinuria: Indicator to monitor CNI-related nephrotoxicity in liver transplant recipients?

This study investigated microproteinuria as an indicator for CNI-related nephrotoxicity in liver transplant recipients. Microproteinuria, including β2-microglobulin and α1-microglobulin, was found to be a sensitive marker for detecting CNI-related nephrotoxicity, with correlations between urinary levels and renal function reductions.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 27, 2009

A urine test for appendicitis?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a protein detectable in urine as a potential biomarker for appendicitis. The leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) marker showed near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and was strongly elevated in diseased appendices.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 23, 2009

BPA, chemical used to make plastics, found to leach from polycarbonate drinking bottles into humans

A new Harvard study found that drinking from polycarbonate bottles increased urinary BPA levels by 69%, suggesting that these containers release the chemical into liquid consumed in sufficient amounts. The study suggests that heating liquids in polycarbonate bottles may further increase BPA leaching.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 21, 2009

Blood and urine protein predicts CKD progression

A study found that measuring NGAL in blood and urine can predict which patients with non-advanced chronic kidney disease will progress to a more serious form of the disease. High NGAL levels are associated with worsening kidney function, and both urinary and blood NGAL measurements predicted CKD progression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 28, 2009

Cutting salt isn't the only way to reduce blood pressure

A new study found that increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium consumption can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed 24-hour urine samples from over 2,900 participants and discovered a strong correlation between the ratio of sodium-to-potassium in urine and cardiovascular disease.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2009

New study examines the validity of epo testing

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology examines the validity of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) testing. The research found that the detection power of the test is poor, with high rates of false negative results. This has significant implications for anti-doping efforts and fair competition.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJun 26, 2008

The genetic basis of inbreeding avoidance in house mice

A new study reveals that wild house mice rely on specialized protein signals in their urine to recognize and avoid close relatives. The researchers found that these proteins serve as a genetic barcode, allowing animals to identify and reject potential mates based on their unique scent profiles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2007

Researchers' discovery may lead to hypertension treatment

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a hormone in human urine that can safely reduce sodium levels and treat hypertension. The discovery was made possible by a new technique developed by Frank Schroeder, which allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of small molecules.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2007

Metabolic syndrome heightens risk for development of uric-acid kidney stones

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with metabolic syndrome have highly acidic urine, which increases the risk of developing uric-acid kidney stones. This association was independent of age and renal function, suggesting a link between metabolic syndrome components and increased acidity in urine.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 13, 2007

Drug prescribed for migraines and seizures increases risk of kidney stones

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that long-term use of topiramate can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stones due to metabolic acidosis and changes in urine pH and citrate levels. The study suggests a need for further research on optimal measures to prevent kidney-stone formation with topiramate use.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 31, 2006

Orange juice is better than lemonade at keeping kidney stones away

A daily glass of orange juice can boost citrate levels in the urine and reduce crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate, two common ingredients in kidney stones. In contrast, lemonade did not increase citrate levels, suggesting that its constituents counteract the beneficial effects of high citrate content.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 31, 2006

Scientists solve 30-year-old mystery of mutant mouse's kidney woes

Researchers discovered a single base pair change in the aquaporin-2 protein gene, leading to improper distribution and resulting in up to 30 times more urine being produced. This study provides new insights into congenital progressive hydronephrosis, a condition that can lead to kidney failure and death if left untreated.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2006