Dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that helps to control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, is often studied in connection with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Now researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that dopamine produced within the kidneys, rather than the brain, is critical to maintaining normal blood pressure and salt and water … Continue reading Dopamine Produced in Kidneys Critical to Maintaining Normal Blood Pressure
Top News on Diabetes Research for the Week of 6/20/11
Last week was an exciting one for diabetes news. In addition to our recent post about a new drug that can improve kidney function in Type 2 diabetics, there have been many other interesting discoveries. Newcastle University researchers in England have found that a very extreme diet can reverse Type 2 diabetes in newly diagnosed … Continue reading Top News on Diabetes Research for the Week of 6/20/11
Bardoxolone Methyl Improves Kidney Function in Type 2 Diabetics
Results of a year-long drug trial conducted by researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center show that the experimental drug bardoxolone methyl improves estimated glomerular filtration rates in Type 2 diabetic patients with moderate to severe CKD. Lab tests for those patients revealed decreased blood urea nitrogen, serum phosphorus, uric acid, and magnesium. The new phase … Continue reading Bardoxolone Methyl Improves Kidney Function in Type 2 Diabetics
Pirfenidone Improves Kidney Function in Diabetic Patients
Researchers from UC San Diego, the National Institutes of Health, and the Mayo Clinic have shown that an experimental drug called pirfenidone can stop damage and improve kidney function in diabetic patients. Study participants treated with a small amount of the drug for one year showed improved glomerular filtration rates. Pirfenidone, an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic … Continue reading Pirfenidone Improves Kidney Function in Diabetic Patients
UKRO to Sponsor Rider on 2012 Donate Life Rose Parade Float
We’re excited to announce that UKRO will be sponsoring a rider on the 2012 Donate Life Rose Parade float. Next year’s parade theme, “Just Imagine…” pairs perfectly with the Donate Life float theme of “…One More Day,” envisioning a dream day when past moments are recaptured and new memories are made – “when donor families … Continue reading UKRO to Sponsor Rider on 2012 Donate Life Rose Parade Float
Cells That Help Protect Blood Vessels Work Better in Patients on Home Dialysis
Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto have discovered that special cells found in bone marrow and blood do a better job of promoting blood vessel growth in nocturnal home hemodialysis patients than in patients undergoing dialysis in a hospital setting. Longer and more frequent nightly dialysis sessions greatly reduce the amount of toxins in … Continue reading Cells That Help Protect Blood Vessels Work Better in Patients on Home Dialysis