New Version of the Drug Rapamycin May Be Future PKD Treatment


UC Santa Barbara researchers, in collaboration with the biotech firm, Endocyte, have put a new twist on a common drug, which could successfully treat PKD in the future. In earlier research, UCSB scientist Thomas Weimbs had identified the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin as a good candidate for PKD treatment. While rapamycin effectively stopped PKD progression in … Continue reading New Version of the Drug Rapamycin May Be Future PKD Treatment

Race and Insurance Big Factors in Assessment for Kidney Transplant


UC San Francisco and Emory University researchers analyzing data from 2005 to 2009, have found that race and insurance are major factors in assessment for kidney transplantation. They discovered that young black patients (less than 35 years of age) and patients without private health insurance were less likely to be assessed as candidates for kidney … Continue reading Race and Insurance Big Factors in Assessment for Kidney Transplant

Gut Hormone Protects Kidneys, But Not When Diabetes Is Present


Joslin Diabetes Center researchers have discovered how the gut hormone GLP-1 protects the kidneys and how it’s rendered ineffective in diabetes. Produced upon eating, GLP-1 increases insulin, inhibits glucagon release, and helps to lower blood sugar. GLP-1 has been shown to improve kidney cell function, preventing kidney damage in an animal model of diabetes. The … Continue reading Gut Hormone Protects Kidneys, But Not When Diabetes Is Present

Diary of a Kidney Lover: Did Mozart Die of Kidney Disease?


This kidney lover enjoys a good mystery, especially a medical mystery. When I heard that my favorite classical composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, may have died of kidney disease, I knew I had to find out more. His strange illness and death at the age of 35 has intrigued fans and physicians alike for more than … Continue reading Diary of a Kidney Lover: Did Mozart Die of Kidney Disease?