Researchers from Kyoto University have succeeded in growing human kidney tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells in the lab. The resulting embryological tissue, known as intermediate mesoderm tissue, has the potential to develop into cells of the adrenal and reproductive glands and the kidney. During their experiments, the scientists also grew part of a urinary … Continue reading Japanese Researchers Grow Kidney Tissue from Stem Cells
Acute Kidney Injury on the Rise in the U.S.
A new retrospective study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco highlights the alarming rise of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the United States. AKI is a sudden loss of kidney function caused by serious infections such as sepsis; complications after surgery, particularly cardiac surgery; a traumatic accident or exposure to harmful … Continue reading Acute Kidney Injury on the Rise in the U.S.
Researchers Uncover Proteins Likely Linked to Kidney Cancer Spread
Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada have discovered 29 proteins that are likely linked to the spread of kidney cancer. When kidney cancer spreads to other organs, it is very hard to treat and the survival rate five years after cancer metastasis is less than 10%. The findings should enable doctors to better … Continue reading Researchers Uncover Proteins Likely Linked to Kidney Cancer Spread
Blood Test for LDH Levels Could Guide Treatment of Kidney Cancer
Scientists at Duke Cancer Institute have found that a blood test for LDH levels could help doctors prescribe the best treatment for patients with advanced kidney cancer. The common enzyme, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), helps the body convert food to energy and is released when cells die or suffer injury. High LDH levels have been linked … Continue reading Blood Test for LDH Levels Could Guide Treatment of Kidney Cancer
Tolvaptan Slows Kidney Growth in PKD
An international team of researchers including scientists from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Zurich have shown that tolvaptan, a drug already used to treat low blood sodium levels in patients with heart failure and liver problems, may be a promising new treatment for PKD. The findings are the culmination of 15 years of … Continue reading Tolvaptan Slows Kidney Growth in PKD
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