A research team led by scientists from Monash University in Australia may have found the right combination to heal injured kidneys—adult stem cells and an anti-fibrotic protein called serelaxin. Neither therapy works as well when administered independently. Serelaxin appears to pave the way for healing by reducing scarring, creating conditions that allow the stem cells … Continue reading Stem Cells and Anti-Scarring Protein May Help Heal Kidneys
Defective Energy Production in Kidney Cells Key to Fibrosis and CKD
A team of researchers led by scientists from Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania has found that defective fatty acid metabolism in kidney tubular epithelial cells plays a key role in the development of fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. Genetic analysis of healthy and fibrotic human kidney tissue led to their discovery of … Continue reading Defective Energy Production in Kidney Cells Key to Fibrosis and CKD
Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis
A team of researchers from Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has uncovered a rare stem cell population that contributes to fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue which causes inflammation, organ damage, and often organ failure. Found outside the blood vessels and within organ tissue, these stem cells expand and become myofibroblasts … Continue reading Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis
Urine Test Effective in Diagnosing Kidney Transplant Fibrosis
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed a urine test to diagnose and monitor fibrosis or scarring in kidney transplant patients experiencing organ rejection. The simple test could eliminate the need for the many invasive and potentially harmful needle biopsies now used in this situation. Best of all, it would enable doctors to identify and … Continue reading Urine Test Effective in Diagnosing Kidney Transplant Fibrosis
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