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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

Top News on Kidney Transplant Chains and Shortening the Wait for Organs

This has been a big week for stories about innovative approaches to organ donation. Last Sunday, the New York Times featured an amazing story about 60 people linked by a transplant chain that changed the lives of 30 patients with kidney disease. It all began with one man inspired by an acquaintance who had recently … Continue reading Top News on Kidney Transplant Chains and Shortening the Wait for Organs

Blood Pressure within Glomerulus Influences Podocyte Survival and ESRD

Scientists studying the mechanisms behind cell adhesion have made some significant discoveries about the factors that influence podocyte survival. The kidney filter barrier is made up of podocyte cells with long foot-like projections that wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus. The slits between these projections allow smaller molecules like salts, water and sugar to … Continue reading Blood Pressure within Glomerulus Influences Podocyte Survival and ESRD

Regeneration of Podocyte Cells Offers Hope for Kidney Patients

Researchers at Stanford School of Medicine have discovered that the podocyte cells that make up the kidney filter membrane may be able to regenerate during normal kidney function. Scientists have long believed that these cells, which suffer damage in more than 90 percent of chronic kidney diseases, such as FSGS and diabetic nephropathy, could not … Continue reading Regeneration of Podocyte Cells Offers Hope for Kidney Patients

Scientists Discover Key to Podocyte Injury and Progressive Kidney Disease

Researchers at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School have discovered an important molecular mechanism behind worsening kidney disease. In a disease such as FSGS, for example, the kidney filter membrane (also known as the slit diaphragm) is damaged, allowing proteins to leak into the urine. The initial damage causes further … Continue reading Scientists Discover Key to Podocyte Injury and Progressive Kidney Disease

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