Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have identified a link between the G alpha i-2 sub-unit protein pathway in the brain and renal excretion of sodium. They found that changes in salt intake affected changes in G alpha i-2 sub-unit protein levels and were able to prove that the protein pathway plays an important … Continue reading Researchers Find Brain Pathway That Regulates Renal Excretion of Sodium
Renal Denervation Lowers Blood Pressure for Patients with Moderate to Severe CKD
A team of researchers from Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Australia have shown that renal denervation, a new investigational technique to curb hard-to-treat blood pressure is safe in the short term for hypertensive patients with stage 3 to 4 CKD. Renal denervation uses radio frequency waves to deaden certain overactive sympathetic nerves in … Continue reading Renal Denervation Lowers Blood Pressure for Patients with Moderate to Severe CKD
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
The Salt Reduction Controversy & the UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases
The UN summit on non-communicable diseases taking place 17 days from now in New York may not be on every American’s radar, but it should be. The ambitious meeting aims to tackle the alarming rise of chronic diseases affecting the world’s population, particularly in developing nations – cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Everyone … Continue reading The Salt Reduction Controversy & the UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases
Rac1 Gene Implicated in Salt-Induced High Blood Pressure
Researchers at University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine have uncovered a new mechanism behind salt-sensitive hypertension. They found that a high-salt diet fed to salt-sensitive rats activates a gene called Rac1 in the kidneys; this leads to increased activity of the MR (Mineralocorticoid Receptor) protein and causes elevated blood pressure and kidney damage. Their … Continue reading Rac1 Gene Implicated in Salt-Induced High Blood Pressure
Older Living Kidney Donors in the News
Recent stories about older living kidney donors, including some with medical issues, are truly inspiring and encouraging given the organ shortage. In an interesting article, Stephen Textor, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, describes his experience with donors with moderate essential hypertension, who would normally be excluded from donating. – Medical Abnormalities Need Not … Continue reading Older Living Kidney Donors in the News