Defective Energy Production in Kidney Cells Key to Fibrosis and CKD


A team of researchers led by scientists from Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania has found that defective fatty acid metabolism in kidney tubular epithelial cells plays a key role in the development of fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. Genetic analysis of healthy and fibrotic human kidney tissue led to their discovery of … Continue reading Defective Energy Production in Kidney Cells Key to Fibrosis and CKD

Researchers Tame the Inflammatory Response in Kidney Dialysis


Researchers from Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennyslvania have found a way to temporarily suppress the damaging inflammatory response brought on by dialysis. In earlier studies, the research team showed that polymer-based dialysis filters activate the body’s complement system, a part of the immune system made up of circulating proteins that help antibodies … Continue reading Researchers Tame the Inflammatory Response in Kidney Dialysis

Air Pollution Associated with Higher Rates of Chronic Kidney Disease


A new study from University of Michigan reveals an association between air pollution and higher rates of chronic kidney disease. Using 2010 Medicare data from 1.1 million people, the researchers examined CKD prevalence by county and found greater incidence of the disease even with relatively low pollution levels in the range of 8.4 micrograms per … Continue reading Air Pollution Associated with Higher Rates of Chronic Kidney Disease

Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis


A team of researchers from Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has uncovered a rare stem cell population that contributes to fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue which causes inflammation, organ damage, and often organ failure. Found outside the blood vessels and within organ tissue, these stem cells expand and become myofibroblasts … Continue reading Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis

Dr. Alicia McDonough Presentation on Salt Transporters During Hypertension


Dr. Alicia McDonough, Professor of Cell and Neurobiology at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, recently delivered an invited lecture at the ISN Nexus Symposium in Brisbane, Australia. For an interesting look at the kidney and hypertension, watch her presentation, “Salt transporters in the kidney during hypertension: matching Na output to intake.”

Neo-Kidney Augment Phase 1 Trials Under Way


Phase 1 trials of the Neo-Kidney Augment, a novel, personalized treatment designed to enhance or replace kidney function in patients nearing renal failure, are under way in Sweden and the United States. Developed by regenerative medicine company Tengion, the Neo-Kidney Augment uses tubular epithelial cells taken from a biopsy of a patient’s diseased kidney. Over … Continue reading Neo-Kidney Augment Phase 1 Trials Under Way