Researchers Isolate Human Kidney Progenitor Cells


Scientists from the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have made an exciting discovery, isolating human kidney progenitor cells without genetic manipulation using a novel in vivo technique. These nephrogenic progenitor cells (NPs) give rise to mature nephrons, the key filtering units in the kidney. Although scientists have studied NPs in mice, this breakthrough in … Continue reading Researchers Isolate Human Kidney Progenitor Cells

Gli1 Stem Cells Could Stop Major Killer of Kidney Patients


A team of researchers led by investigators from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified the stem cells responsible for calcium buildup in the arteries, a major problem for kidney disease patients. Found in the outer layers of the arteries, Gli1 positive stem cells have the ability to change cell type depending on … Continue reading Gli1 Stem Cells Could Stop Major Killer of Kidney Patients

New Research Findings on Diabetic Kidney Disease


A new study from the University of Washington reveals that though diabetic kidney disease rates have remained fairly stable in the U.S., the disease has changed course. While researchers found a lower prevalence of albuminuria, they were perplexed to find an increase in reduced kidney function.  – U.S. Diabetic Kidney Disease Rate Unchanged A recent study has shown … Continue reading New Research Findings on Diabetic Kidney Disease

New Kidney Stone Treatment Breakthrough


Research from a team of investigators, including University of Houston scientists, could lead to a new treatment to prevent calcium oxalate kidney stones. HCA (hydroxycitrate), a natural fruit extract available as a supplement, could represent the first breakthrough in decades, with the potential to not only stop the growth of calcium oxalate crystals, but dissolve them.  The researchers compared … Continue reading New Kidney Stone Treatment Breakthrough

DASH Diet for Blood Pressure Protects Kidneys, Too


New research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows that the DASH diet, originally designed to lower blood pressure, also reduces the risk of kidney disease. The DASH diet (short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is known to help with weight loss, heart health and chronic disease prevention, consists of high quantities of … Continue reading DASH Diet for Blood Pressure Protects Kidneys, Too

D-Amino Acids May Give Clues to Kidney Disease Progression


Japanese researchers from Osaka and Kyushu Universities have uncovered biomarkers that could identify chronic kidney disease patients at risk of progressing to kidney failure. Earlier studies have found a correlation between kidney function and D-amino acids. These somewhat elusive mirror images of L-amino acids have been found in trace amounts in the blood, but they are difficult … Continue reading D-Amino Acids May Give Clues to Kidney Disease Progression