In a study comparing equations that assess glomerular filtration rate and the risk of mortality and ESRD, a team of researchers have found that a newer equation, CKD-EPI, may prove more beneficial than the current standard, MDRD. Data from 1.1 million adults from 40 countries showed that CKD-EPI more accurately predicted risk of death and … Continue reading New Equation to Predict Risk of Death & ESRD for Patients with Impaired Kidney Function
ACE2 Molecule May Protect Against Diabetic Complications Including Kidney Damage
A team of researchers from University of Alberta and University of Florida have shown that angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 or ACE2 can protect against diabetic complications, specifically heart damage, in diabetic mice. Their previous research demonstrated that ACE2 protects the kidneys as well. ACE2 protects by breaking down Angiotensin II, a hormone which contributes to high blood … Continue reading ACE2 Molecule May Protect Against Diabetic Complications Including Kidney Damage
Genetic Mutations Linked to Childhood Kidney Cancer, Wilms Tumor
A team of international researchers led by the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK have found two regions of the human genome linked to increased risk for the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, Wilms tumor. Scientists have suspected a genetic role in the rare disease because it can occur in siblings and … Continue reading Genetic Mutations Linked to Childhood Kidney Cancer, Wilms Tumor
Researchers Use Normothermic Perfusion to Increase Success of Kidney Transplants
Scientists from Kidney Research UK have discovered a way to increase the success of kidney transplants from deceased donors by reviving the kidneys prior to transplantation using normothermic perfusion. Blood flow is reintroduced to the kidney via a special machine, effectively reversing the damage caused by storing the kidney on ice. The scientists believe kidneys … Continue reading Researchers Use Normothermic Perfusion to Increase Success of Kidney Transplants
Stem Cell Treatment May Eliminate Need for Rejection Drugs in Transplantation
In an ongoing study, Northwestern Medicine and University of Louisville researchers have shown that it may be possible to eliminate the need for rejection drugs in kidney transplantation. The scientists paired living kidney donors with unrelated recipients with compatible blood type and a negative crossmatch. The kidney patients underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments to prepare their … Continue reading Stem Cell Treatment May Eliminate Need for Rejection Drugs in Transplantation
Stem Cells Could Boost Kidney Transplant Success
A team of researchers from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Xiamen University in China have shown that a combination of mesenchymal stem cell therapy and immune suppressing calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) produces better short-term transplant outcomes than standard anti-rejection drugs and CNIs. Patients who received a transplant from a living relative were treated … Continue reading Stem Cells Could Boost Kidney Transplant Success