Scientists at the Saban Research Institute at The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles have shown that stem cells from amniotic fluid can slow kidney disease progression in mice with Alport syndrome. Treating the mice with stem cells prior to the onset of proteinuria improved survival rates, delayed the progression of kidney scarring and lessened the decline … Continue reading Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Slow Kidney Disease Progression
TNF Proteins May Warn of Diabetic Kidney Disease Risk
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors found in the blood of patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may predict incidence of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure years later. TNF proteins can trigger inflammation, which has been linked to … Continue reading TNF Proteins May Warn of Diabetic Kidney Disease Risk
New Kidney Disease Susceptibility Genes Discovered in Asian Genomic Study
Scientists from Singapore and China studying people of Han Chinese descent have identified genes and regions in the human genome that increase susceptibility to IgA nephropathy. The researchers believe the genes could also play a role in the development of clinical symptoms and their severity. Lead scientist, Dr. Yu Xueqing said, “These findings offer us opportunities … Continue reading New Kidney Disease Susceptibility Genes Discovered in Asian Genomic Study
Hydrogen Sulfide Reduces Glucose-Induced Injury in Kidney Cells
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio may have discovered an important medical use for hydrogen sulfide, the toxic, colorless gas that smells of rotten eggs. Their experiment focused on kidney cells exposed to high glucose levels. In diabetes patients, prolonged, uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to scarring of the … Continue reading Hydrogen Sulfide Reduces Glucose-Induced Injury in Kidney Cells
Blood Pressure within Glomerulus Influences Podocyte Survival and ESRD
Scientists studying the mechanisms behind cell adhesion have made some significant discoveries about the factors that influence podocyte survival. The kidney filter barrier is made up of podocyte cells with long foot-like projections that wrap around the capillaries of the glomerulus. The slits between these projections allow smaller molecules like salts, water and sugar to … Continue reading Blood Pressure within Glomerulus Influences Podocyte Survival and ESRD
Regeneration of Podocyte Cells Offers Hope for Kidney Patients
Researchers at Stanford School of Medicine have discovered that the podocyte cells that make up the kidney filter membrane may be able to regenerate during normal kidney function. Scientists have long believed that these cells, which suffer damage in more than 90 percent of chronic kidney diseases, such as FSGS and diabetic nephropathy, could not … Continue reading Regeneration of Podocyte Cells Offers Hope for Kidney Patients