TNF Proteins May Warn of Diabetic Kidney Disease Risk


Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors found in the blood of patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may predict incidence of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure years later. TNF proteins can trigger inflammation, which has been linked to … Continue reading TNF Proteins May Warn of Diabetic Kidney Disease Risk

Hydrogen Sulfide Reduces Glucose-Induced Injury in Kidney Cells


Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio may have discovered an important medical use for hydrogen sulfide, the toxic, colorless gas that smells of rotten eggs. Their experiment focused on kidney cells exposed to high glucose levels. In diabetes patients, prolonged, uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to scarring of the … Continue reading Hydrogen Sulfide Reduces Glucose-Induced Injury in Kidney Cells

UKRO Announces 2011-2012 Grant Extension for Janos Peti-Peterdi


UKRO is pleased to announce a 2011-2012 extension of Dr. Janos Peti-Peterdi’s previous special project research grant. Dr. Peti-Peterdi, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics and Medicine at the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute at the USC Keck School of Medicine, has been awarded $60,000 to continue translational studies on urinary succinate as a novel mechanism and biomarker … Continue reading UKRO Announces 2011-2012 Grant Extension for Janos Peti-Peterdi

The Salt Reduction Controversy & the UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases


The UN summit on non-communicable diseases taking place 17 days from now in New York may not be on every American’s radar, but it should be. The ambitious meeting aims to tackle the alarming rise of chronic diseases affecting the world’s population, particularly in developing nations – cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Everyone … Continue reading The Salt Reduction Controversy & the UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases

Top News on Metabolic Syndrome for the Week of 8/15/11


Metabolic syndrome describes a set of symptoms that increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Those risk factors are: high blood pressure obesity, particularly extra weight around the waist insulin resistance low good cholesterol higher levels of triglycerides Patients are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome when they have 3 or more of … Continue reading Top News on Metabolic Syndrome for the Week of 8/15/11

Older Living Kidney Donors in the News


Recent stories about older living kidney donors, including some with medical issues, are truly inspiring and encouraging given the organ shortage. In an interesting article, Stephen Textor, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, describes his experience with donors with moderate essential hypertension, who would normally be excluded from donating. – Medical Abnormalities Need Not … Continue reading Older Living Kidney Donors in the News