UC San Francisco and Emory University researchers analyzing data from 2005 to 2009, have found that race and insurance are major factors in assessment for kidney transplantation. They discovered that young black patients (less than 35 years of age) and patients without private health insurance were less likely to be assessed as candidates for kidney … Continue reading Race and Insurance Big Factors in Assessment for Kidney Transplant
Gut Hormone Protects Kidneys, But Not When Diabetes Is Present
Joslin Diabetes Center researchers have discovered how the gut hormone GLP-1 protects the kidneys and how it’s rendered ineffective in diabetes. Produced upon eating, GLP-1 increases insulin, inhibits glucagon release, and helps to lower blood sugar. GLP-1 has been shown to improve kidney cell function, preventing kidney damage in an animal model of diabetes. The … Continue reading Gut Hormone Protects Kidneys, But Not When Diabetes Is Present
Low Oxygen Could Protect Ailing Kidneys
Vanderbilt University researchers are coming to some surprising conclusions about abnormally low levels of oxygen in organs or tissues (hypoxia) and the effect on kidney disease. Hypoxia has been linked to inflammation in a number of ailments, including kidney disease, where it is also believed to cause kidney scarring or fibrosis. When hypoxia occurs, the body … Continue reading Low Oxygen Could Protect Ailing Kidneys
Researchers Discover New Genetic Cause of CKD
In discovering the cause of a rare kidney disease, University of Michigan researchers have uncovered a new genetic mechanism behind renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. The scientists identified mutations of the damage repair gene FAN1 as a cause of karyomegalic interstitial nephritis or KIN. KIN causes kidney fibrosis or scarring, as well as nuclear changes … Continue reading Researchers Discover New Genetic Cause of CKD
Bariatric Surgery May Improve Kidney Damage in Type 2 Diabetics
A new study from Cleveland Clinic Bariatric and Metabolic Institute suggests that weight loss surgery may improve kidney damage in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers followed 52 patients with an average age of 51 years who had lived with diabetes for an average of almost nine years; more than a third of … Continue reading Bariatric Surgery May Improve Kidney Damage in Type 2 Diabetics
Chronic Kidney Disease Brings Heart Attack Risk
Researchers from the University of Alberta have found that patients with chronic kidney disease face the same risk for a coronary event as previous heart attack sufferers. The study followed 1.3 million Canadians with risk factors for coronary events, including patients who had already had a heart attack, those with CKD, diabetes or a combination … Continue reading Chronic Kidney Disease Brings Heart Attack Risk