Prabir Roy-Chaudhury, MD, PhD, FASN, to Become Next President of the American Society of Nephrology

Dr. Roy-Chaudhury will head up an organization—with nearly 21,000 health professionals representing 140 countries—dedicated to leading the fight against kidney diseases.

Preclinical Studies Test Novel Gene Therapy for Treating IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is an autoimmune kidney disease, and complement, a component of the innate immune system, plays a role in the condition’s pathogenesis. Investigators have developed and tested a novel gene therapy that enters kidney cells and enables them to block complement activation. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

Trial Assesses Antibody Therapy for Chronic Active Antibody-Mediated Kidney Transplant Rejection

Chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (caAMR) is a common cause of allograft loss after transplantation, with no approved therapies. Clazakizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), stabilized kidney transplant recipients’ kidney function in a phase 2 trial. Investigators now have data from a phase 3 trial with clazakizumab. The findings from the Phase 3 IMAGINE trial, the largest placebo-controlled study in kidney transplant recipients with caAMR, will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

Researchers Test Imlifidase Enzyme Versus Plasma Exchange in Removing Donor-Specific Antibodies in Kidney Transplant Rejection Trial

For kidney transplant recipients experiencing antibody-mediated rejection, the current standard of care involves removing donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) through plasmapheresis (PLEX)—a procedure that removes antibodies from the plasma portion of the blood. Results from a recent clinical trial reveal that an investigational drug called imlifidase, which cleaves and inactivates the type of antibodies that include DSAs, is more effective than PLEX. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23–27.

High-Impact Clinical Trials Generate Promising Results for Improving Kidney Health: Part 2

The results of numerous high-impact phase 3 clinical trials that could affect kidney-related medical care will be presented in-person at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23–27.

How the Novel Antibody Felzartamab Impacts IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an autoimmune kidney disease driven by immune cells that express a protein called CD38 on their surface. A recent Phase 2 trial revealed that felzartamab, an investigational anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, helps to reduce proteinuria and maintain patients’ kidney function. Investigators evaluated the molecular mechanisms underlying felzartamab’s potential efficacy in IgAN. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

Heart and Kidney Outcomes After Canagliflozin Treatment in Older Adults

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but it is unclear whether their effects differ based on patients’ age. A recent analysis of clinical trial data reveals that the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin benefited patients across all age categories. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23 – 27.

Researchers Integrate Multiple Protein Markers to Predict Health Outcomes in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease

Prior efforts to identify novel kidney biomarkers as risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression have typically evaluated proteins individually, which limits their prognostic power. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases’ (NIDDK’s) CKD Biomarkers Consortium of investigators recently developed and tested novel dimensions of kidney health by combining a set of 17 urine and plasma biomarkers that had been individually associated with CKD progression. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

Do Certain Diabetes Drugs Increase the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Taking Anti-Cancer Therapies?

Glucagon-like peptide-1-receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are medications that are increasingly prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure. Reports of GLP-1RA–associated acute kidney injury (AKI) have emerged, but the risk of GLP-1RA–associated AKI among patients on anti-cancer drugs is unclear. Surprisingly, new research suggests that taking GLP-1RA is not associated with an increased risk of AKI in patients receiving anti-cancer therapies. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

Global, National, and Regional Trends in the Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease among Women

A recent analysis reveals that the number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in women around the globe nearly tripled in the past three decades. Also, type 2 diabetes and hypertension were the leading causes of CKD-related deaths in women. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

The Clinical Significance of Microvascular Inflammation after Kidney Transplantation

Investigators recently uncovered key insights into newly defined rejection entities in kidney transplantation that may offer improved patient risk categorization post-transplant. The research will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2024 October 23– 27.

American Society of Nephrology Releases Kidney Health Guidance on the Management of Obesity in Persons with Kidney Diseases

To promote high-quality, person-directed care across the spectrum of kidney health and diseases the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is releasing its inaugural Kidney Health Guidance (KHG) on the Management of Obesity in Persons Living with Kidney Diseases in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) on September 18, 2024.

Researchers Identify How Kidneys Protect Themselves from Too Much Phosphate

Article title: Endogenous activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in proximal tubule cells in counteracting phosphate toxicity Authors: Yusuke Katsuma, Isao Matsui, Ayumi Matsumoto, Hiroki Okushima, Atsuhiro Imai, Yusuke Sakaguchi, Takeshi Yamamoto, Masayuki Mizui, Shohei Uchinomiya, Hisakazu Kato, Akio Ojida,…

Chulalongkorn Unveils “Microalbuminuria Rapid Test”: Easy, Accurate, Ready for Commercial Use

Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, attended the launching of the innovative Microalbuminuria Rapid Test developed by a team of experts and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. The test, which is convenient and easy to use and offers high accuracy, allows users to self-screen for kidney damage, giving it commercial potential in order to enhance Thailand’s healthcare system. It is expected for distribution in mid-2024.

Resistant Starch Could Help Combat Leading Cause of End-stage Kidney Failure

Combining a low dose of blood pressure medication with a higher intake of dietary-resistant starch might help stave off diabetic kidney disease, according to results from a new animal study. Researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiology Summit.

UT Southwestern study shows glucagon is key for kidney health

Glucagon, a hormone best known for promoting blood sugar production in the liver, also appears to play a key role in maintaining kidney health. When UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers removed receptors for this hormone from mouse kidneys, the animals developed symptoms akin to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Enzyme in T Cells Worsens Salt-sensitive Hypertension and Related Kidney Damage

Article title: Functional NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) in T cells amplifies salt-sensitive hypertension and associated renal damage Authors: Samuel D. Walton, John Henry Dasinger, Emily C. Burns, Mary Cherian-Shaw, Justine M. Abais-Battad, David L. Mattson From the authors: “The results…

AACC and National Kidney Foundation Release Guidance to Combat Racial and Gender Inequalities in Chronic Kidney Disease Care

Today, AACC—in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)—released guidance to reduce racial and gender disparities in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The document gives members of the healthcare team actionable, evidence-based tools to improve equity in kidney health, including recommendations for using an updated algorithm that does not disproportionately affect any one group of individuals.

American Society of Nephrology Statement on Health Resources and Services Administration Initiative to Modernize Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) welcomes the significant changes to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)—a sweeping “OPTN Modernization Initiative”—announced today by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson.

Researchers ID Kidney Pathway Involved with Autoimmune-related Hypertension in Female Mice

Article title: Renal TLR-7/ TNF-α pathway as a potential female-specific mechanism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune-induced hypertension Authors: Sarika Chaudhari, Bradley M. D’Souza, Jessica Y. Morales, Cassandra M. Young-Stubbs, Caroline G. Shimoura, Rong Ma, Keisa W. Mathis From the authors:…

Kidneycure Grant Applications Now Open to Support Investigators Committed to Advancing Kidney Health

KidneyCure, the grants program supported by the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Foundation, today announced that applications for its 2023 grants programs are now open. KidneyCure grants support clinical and basic research and kidney health investigators at key professional development milestones. The submission deadline is Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Grant applications and guidelines can be found at https://www.kidneycure.org/

Flozin Drugs Lower Salt-Induced Hypertension, Maintain Circadian Rhythm in Rats

Article title: SGLT2 inhibition effect on salt-induced hypertension, RAAS and Na+ transport in Dahl SS rats Authors: Olha Kravtsova, Ruslan Bohovyk, Vladislav Levchenko, Oleg Palygin, Christine A. Klemens, Timo Rieg, Alexander Staruschenko From the authors: “The main findings of the…

Intermittent Fasting Protects Kidneys of Obese Mice

New research in mice finds that time-restricted feeding improves markers of kidney and vascular health. The research will be presented this week at the American Physiological Society and American Society for Nephrology Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease conference.

Past Kidney Disease May Increase Preeclampsia Risk, Impair Blood Vessel Health during Pregnancy

A history of kidney problems may put people at a higher risk for impaired blood vessel function, which could lead to high blood pressure, preterm labor and other adverse outcomes, according to the results of a study in rats. The researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiological Society (APS) and American Society for Nephrology Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease conference in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Vitamin D Supplements May Offset Bone Loss Caused by Diabetes Drug

Vitamin D supplementation may help offset damaging bone loss that occurs in some people who take canagliflozin, a commonly prescribed diabetes drug. Researchers will present their work this week at the American Physiological Society (APS) and American Society for Nephrology Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease conference in Charlottesville, Virginia.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY AND 19 KIDNEY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS CALL ON CONGRESS TO PROTECT LIVING DONORS, FUND RESEARCH AND INNOVATION, AND REMOVE BARRIERS TO TELEHEALTH

Today, advocates of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) and 19 other kidney health professional and patient organizations are meeting with their congressional delegations, calling on them to enact policies to improve kidney health

Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Rats Causes Long-term Increases in Offspring’s Blood Pressure, Impairs Renal Artery Vascular Tone

Article title: Vascular tone regulation in renal interlobar arteries of male rats is dysfunctional after intrauterine growth restriction Authors: Jenny Voggel, Lubomir Lubomirov, Felix Lechner, Gregor Fink, Eva Nüsken, Maria Wohlfarth, Gabriele Pfitzer, Kija Shah-Hosseini, Martin Hellmich, Miguel A. Alejandre…

Nicotine Damages Kidney Filters in Smokers with Diabetes

Article title: Nicotine, smoking, podocytes and diabetic nephropathy Authors: Edgar A. Jaimes, Ming-Sheng Zhou, Mohammed Siddiqui, Gabriel Rezonzew, Runxia Tian, Surya V. Seshan, Alecia N Muwonge, Nicholas J. Wong, Evren U. Azeloglu, Alessia Fornoni, Sandra Merscher, Leopoldo Raij From the authors:…

Genetics May Determine Who Benefits from Broccoli’s Effects on Kidney Health

• Deletion of the gene that codes for an enzyme called GSTM1 increased kidney injury in mice with hypertension and kidney disease, but supplementing the diet with broccoli powder lessened kidney injury in the genetically altered mice.
• In humans, high consumption of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables was linked with a lower risk of kidney failure, primarily in individuals lacking GSTM1.

Exploring How a Key Blood Pressure Hormone Works in Males and Females

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone important to the regulation of salt, fluid and potassium in the body. Researchers at the “Metabolic and sex differences in aldosterone responses” symposium will explore the growing body of research that finds sex is a major determinant of how aldosterone acts on the body.

American Physiological Society (APS)

Common Clinical Estimates of Kidney Function May Not Accurately Assess Indian Patients

Pilot study finds that considering body composition rather than weight could improve patient management Charlottesville, Va. (June 25, 2019)—A common metric for monitoring kidney health may not accurately represent the kidney function of Indian patients. However, tweaks to an older…

Baking Soda Boosts Immunity, Impairs Insulin Response in Type 2 Diabetes

Researchers learn insulin response connected to alkaline load, not inflammation Charlottesville, Va. (June 24, 2019)—Early research suggests that the common pantry staple baking soda affects inflammation and insulin handling in type 2 diabetes. The findings will be presented today at…

Blood Metabolite Levels May Help Identify Diabetic Kidney Disease

Noninvasive measurement may provide alternative to diagnostic kidney biopsy Charlottesville, Va. (June 24, 2019)—Metabolomics, the study of small molecules the body produces during metabolism (metabolites) may be a future key to identifying diabetes-related kidney disease. The finding will be presented…

American Physiological Society (APS)

Donald Kohan Details Recent Advances and New Frontiers in Kidney Research in Keynote Address

Charlottesville, Va. (June 23, 2019)—New treatments, exciting research and future trends in kidney health are the focus of discussion at the American Physiological Society (APS)/American Society of Nephrology (ASN) conference, Control of Renal Function in Health and Disease, in Charlottesville,…