Cause Of Chronic Kidney Disease Research Articles

SGLT2 inhibitors and NLRP3 inflammasome: potential target in diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. The pathogenesis of DKD is influenced by functional, histopathological, and immune mechanisms, including NLRP3 inflammasome activity and oxidative stress. The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown metabolic benefits and the ability to slow the progression of DKD in several clinical studies over the years. Recent studies suggest that the antidiabetic activity also extends to inhibition of the inflammatory response, including modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduction of pro-inflammatory markers and reduction of oxidative stress. Here we review the efficacy of SGLT2i in the treatment of CKD and discuss the role of the inflammatory response in the development of DKD, including its relationship to the NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress.

Multidisciplinary Treatment on a 69 years-old Male with Kidney Stone and Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction Obstruction by kidney stones is one of the causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Out of all CKD cases, 10.3% are associated with obstruction due to kidney stones. Treatment of kidney stones can restore kidney function, but requires holistic and intense collaboration between urologists to treat the stones, nephrologist to monitor kidney function, and nutritionists to provide proper diet to prevent kidney stone reccurence Case Presentation A 69-year old male presented to the emergency departement with flank pain since 1 week ago. The patient complained of frequent flank pain since the last year. BOF radiological examination found staghorn stones in the right kidney, and ultrasonography revealed severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney. An impaired kidney function and decreased eGFR related to CKD were also found. The urologist performed bivalve nephrolithotomy on the right kidney. Afterwards, a histopathological examination was done to determine the stone material for further collaborative management with internist and nutritionist. After consultation with nutritionists regarding nutritional needs, monitoring from internist was done to monitor comorbidities and progression of CKD. Kidney function was evaluated after collaborative management and we found improvement on kidney function. Discussion In patients with CKD caused by obstruction due to kidney stones, it is necessary to treat the kidney stones first to relieve obstruction and restore kidney function. In this case the role of the internist is to control and recover kidney function after urologists have relieved the patient from urinary obstruction. Kidney stones that have been successfully removed are subjected to histopathological examination to determine its composition. After the composition were identified, consultation with a nutritionist is carried out to determine the right diet for the patient. With the right diet, prevention of stone reoccurrence is expected. Conclusion A history of kidney stones is associated with an increased risk of CKD. Multidisciplinary collaboration between urologists, nephrologist, and nutritionists helps lower the risk of stone recurrence and minimize the need for additional operative procedures through a focus on dietary and medical approaches and improved kidney function.

Association of urinary EGF, FABP3, and VCAM1 levels with the progression of early diabetic kidney disease.

Introduction Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease with around 25-40% of patients with diabetes being affected. The course of DKD is variable and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria, the currently used clinical markers, are not able to accurately predict the individual disease trajectory, in particular in early stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the association of urine levels of selected protein biomarkers with the progression of DKD at an early stage of disease. Methods We measured 22 protein biomarkers using the Mesoscale Discovery platform in 461 urine samples of the PROVALID cohort, an observational study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus followed at the primary health care level for a minimum of four years. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated for the effect of marker values above median on fast progression using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. RNA expression at the single cell level in kidney biopsy samples obtained from a cohort of young persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus was in addition determined for markers showing significant associations with disease progression. Results Increased urinary levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were linked to lower odds of fast progression (defined as annual eGFR decline greater than 2.58 ml/min per 1.73 m2) with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.60 (95% CI 0.46, 0.78). The association with outcome was even stronger when adjusting for a set of 14 baseline clinical parameters including age, biological sex, eGFR, body mass index, albuminuria, and HbA1c. Elevated urinary levels of fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) were each significantly associated with fast progression with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI 1.11, 1.87) and an OR of 1.41 (95% CI 1.08, 1.83), respectively. Enriched expression of EGF and FABP3 was observed in distal convoluted tubular cells and VCAM1 in parietal epithelial cells at single cell level from biopsies of patients with early DKD. Conclusion In summary we show that lower urinary levels of EGF and higher urinary levels of FABP3 and VCAM1 are significantly associated with DKD progression in early-stage disease.

Inherited kidney disease and CAKUT are common causes of kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy: an ERA Registry study.

Inherited kidney diseases (IKD) and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are causes of kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) that major renal registries usually amalgamate into the primary renal disease (PRD) category 'miscellaneous' or in the glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis categories. This makes IKDs invisible (except for polycystic kidney disease) and may negatively influence the use of genetic testing, which may identify a cause for IKDs and some CAKUT. We have re-examined the etiology of KRT by composing a separate IKD and CAKUT PRD group using data from the European Renal Association (ERA) Registry. In 2019, IKD-CAKUT was the fourth most common cause of kidney failure among incident KRT patients, accounting for 8.9% of cases (IKD 7.4% [including 5.0% ADPKD], CAKUT 1.5%), behind diabetes (23.0%), hypertension (14.4%) and glomerulonephritis (10.6%). IKD-CAKUT was the most common cause of kidney failure among patients younger than 20 years (41.0% of cases), but their incidence rate was highest among those aged 45-74 years (22.5 per million age-related population). Among prevalent KRT patients, IKD-CAKUT (18.5%) and glomerulonephritis (18.7%) were the two most common causes of kidney failure overall, while IKD-CAKUT was the most common cause in women (21.6%) and in patients younger than 45 years (29.1%). IKD and CAKUT are common causes of kidney failure among KRT patients. Distinct categorization of IKD and CAKUT better characterizes the epidemiology of the causes of chronic kidney disease, and highlights the importance of genetic testing in the diagnostic workup of CKD.

Finerenone: A Novel Drug Discovery for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease.

The most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is diabetic nephropathy (DN). Primarilymineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) (spironolactone and eplerenone), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers were used for the treatment of CKD, but due to the high risk of hyperkalaemia, the combination was infrequently used. Currently after approval by FDA in 2021, finerenone was found to be effective in the treatment of CKD. Finerenone slowdowns the progression of diabetic nephropathy and lessens the cardiovascular morbidity in DN patients. The main objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive and insightful overview of the role of finerenone by mainly focusing on its pharmacological properties, toxicity, uses, bioanalytical technique used for determination, and treatment options. Finerenone works by inhibiting the action of the mineralocorticoid receptor. Finerenone is quickly absorbed from the digestive tract after oral treatment and achieves peak plasma concentrations in 1-2 hours. Finerenone is actively metabolized through oxidation, epoxidation substitution, and direct hydroxylation. Elimination of finerenone is done through urine and feces. Determination of finerenone can be done through HPLC-MS and LSC. The present review covers the complete picture of ADME properties, bioanalytical techniques, clinical trials, toxicity, and possible avenues in this arena. Finerenone is effective compared to other mineralocorticoid receptor-like spironolactone and eplerenone, for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Clinical findings, prognostic factors, and outcome of protein-losing nephropathy in cats: A retrospective study.

Primary glomerular disease resulting in protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) is an uncommon cause of chronic kidney disease in cats, yet is important to recognize because it warrants specific treatment that impacts outcome. Characterize clinicopathologic findings, prognostic indicators, and short- (≤30 days) and long-term survival of cats with PLN. Thirty-seven cats with naturally occurring PLN. Medical records of cats with PLN admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Median age was 3 years (range, 1.5-11.5 years) and 17/37 (46%) were males. Short-term survival was 57%. The estimated median survival time of all cats was 424 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 0-1098 days). Common clinical signs included lethargy (57%), edema (46%) and weight loss (35%). Edema was more common in short-term survivors compared with nonsurvivors (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.86-20.4; P = .04). Serum creatinine concentration at presentation was negatively associated with long-term survival (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.03-1.52; P = .01). Administration of immunosuppressive and antiproteinuric medications was more common among short-term survivors compared with nonsurvivors (18/20 [90%] vs 9/16 [56%]; OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.2-40.8; P = .05 and 17/20 [85%] vs 7/16 [44%]; OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.5-35.2; P = .01, respectively). Partial or complete remission was documented in 11/31 (36%) cats and was associated with both short (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7-6.5; P < .001) and long-term survival (P = .003). Cats with PLN have a guarded prognosis, but achieving remission improves outcome. Cats presented with edema rather than azotemia are more likely to respond to treatment.

Reversal of Diabetic Nephropathy with Intensive Lifestyle Intervention: A Case Report

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, and early intervention is very important to prevent the progression of the disease .Case Presentation: A 45-year-old male patient who is a known case of type 2 diabetes mellitus from 10 years and nephropathy from 1 year underwent intensive lifestyle modification, including caloric restriction, high-intensity interval training, and stress management, alongside medication. Results: After 6 months of following the advice , significant improvements were observed:HbA1c decreased from 10.5% to 6.5%, eGFR increased from 45 to 60 ml/min/1.73m, proteinuria reduced from 2.5 to 0.5 g/day, and blood pressure normalized. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential for intensive lifestyle intervention to reverse diabetic nephropathy, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing diabetes and preventing renal complications.

Therapeutic Profile of IgA Nephropathy Regarding Pharyngeal Kidney Theory

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerular disease, which is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease. The course of this disease is prolonged, and the condition is often recurrent, and most of the disease changes after respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary infections, and respiratory infections are the most common of the three, which makes the treatment more difficult. In Chinese medicine, there is no direct name for this disease, but according to its symptoms, it can be categorized as "hematuria", "edema", "urolithiasis", "slow kidney wind" and other diseases. The disease is often caused by the recurrence of exogenous infections. For the recurrence of this disease due to exogenous infection, Chinese medicine treats IgA nephropathy from the pharynx according to the theory of "pharyngeal and renal correlation", which has achieved good clinical efficacy, and this point of view has received more and more attention nowadays. This article focuses on the treatment of IgA nephropathy from the pharyngeal-renal theory.

Steps to understanding diabetes kidney disease: a focus on metabolomics.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), poses global health challenges given its increasing prevalence. DN increases the risk of mortality and cardiovascular events. Early identification and appropriate DN management are crucial. However, current diagnostic methods rely on general traditional markers, highlighting the need for DN-specific diagnostics. Metabolomics, the study of small molecules produced by metabolic activity, promises to identify specific biomarkers that distinguish DN from other kidney diseases, decode the underlying disease mechanisms, and predict the disease course. Profound changes in metabolic pathways are apparent in individuals with DN, alterations in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and amino acid and lipid metabolism, suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction. Metabolomics aids prediction of chronic kidney disease progression; several metabolites serve as indicators of renal functional decline and the risk of ESKD. Integration of such information with other omics data will further enhance our understanding of DN, paving the way to personalized treatment. In summary, metabolomics and multi-omics offer valuable insights into DN and are promising diagnostic and prognostic tools.

Spectrum of renal diseases in the pediatric population of Nepal

Background: The spectrum of renal diseases varies with different ethnic populations, geographical locations and environmental factors. In children, many signs of kidney disease are either hidden or mimic other systemic diseases. There is a need of identifying renal disorders at an early stage to retard the rapid progression. This study aims to identify the different histopathological spectrum of glomerular diseases in pediatric renal biopsies. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective study undertaken at the Pathology Department at Pratham Pathology Laboratory, Lazimpat for 17 months duration (May 1ST - December 31ST 2023). The final diagnosis was made by a pathologist after correlating the histopathological findings with immunofluorescence and other clinical and laboratory findings. Results: A total of 97 pediatric patients’ renal biopsy specimens were evaluated. Patients’ age ranged from 0-16 years. The majority of patients were in the age group of 11-16 years (62.8%). The study showed slight female predominance with male to female ratio of 0.8:1. The most common glomerular disease was Lupus Nephritis with a frequency of 19 (19.6%). The most common cause for Rapid progressive Glomerulonephritis in the pediatric population was Post Infectious Glomerulonephritis with a frequency of 5 (50%). Conclusions: The most commonly diagnosed glomerular disease in pediatric renal biopsies was Lupus Nephritis. The leading cause of Rapid Progressive Glomerulonephritis was Post Infectious Glomerulonephritis and Lupus was one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.

8668 Total And Trunk Body Fat Are Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease Progression In Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Prospective Study

Abstract Disclosure: T. Zelmanovitz: None. D. Weber: None. C. Pavinatto: None. G. Bello: None. M.R. de Souza: None. R.B. Junior: None. M. Azevedo: None. B.L. Dama: None. S. Silveiro: None. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and obesity is considered an independent risk factor for the development and progression of this complication. However, BMI alone, the most commonly used measure to assess adiposity, may not be enough to identification of high risk patients. The ideal markers of adiposity in these patients still need to be better determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the progression of DKD in type 2 diabetes patients and the following body adiposity markers: BMI, waist circumference (WC) and estimated total and trunk body fat. Research design and methods: In this prospective cohort study, at baseline, type 2 diabetes outpatients were submitted to percentage body fat (PBF) evaluation estimated by bioelectrical impedance (BIA; InBody 230, Biospace, Korea) as well as Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA; Lunar - iDXA), as a reference standard. Clinical evaluation consisted of glycemic and lipid profile, blood pressure control and the search for diabetic chronic complications. Urinary albumin was measured twice and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated by using the CKD-EPI equation. The progression of DKD was defined by the presence of at least one of the following: worsening of albuminuria, a decline of eGFR ≥ 5 ml/min/1.73m2 per year, a decline in eGFR of ≥ 40% from baseline or kidney failure defined by sustained eGFR &amp;lt; 15 ml/min/1.73m2. Results: A total of 201 patients with type 2 diabetes (aged 63 ± 9 years; 42% male), were followed during 6 years. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the PBF was associated with progression of DKD (HR=1.04, 95% CI: 1.008 - 1.08; P= 0.015), adjusted for age, gender, using ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and systolic blood pressure values. In a different model, percentage of trunk fat was also associated with progression of DKD (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.09; P= 0.003), adjusted for the same covariates. No association was observed with BMI and WC. Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, percentage total and trunk body fat, as markers of body adiposity, seem to be associated with progression of DKD. Confirming these findings with further studies, it could provide one more tool in the evaluation and management of a modifiable risk factor of this complication. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Diminished nuclear-localized β-adrenoceptor signalling activates YAP to promote kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by mesangial matrix expansion that involves dysfunctional mesangial cells (MCs). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to delineate the spatiotemporal contribution of adrenergic signalling in diabetic kidney fibrosis to reveal potential therapeutic targets. A model of diabetic nephropathy was induced by in db/db mice. Gene expression in kidneys was profiled by RNA-seq analyses, western blot and immunostaining. Subcellular-localized fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors determined adrenergic signalling microdomains in MCs. Effects of oral rolipram, a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, on the model were measured. Our model exhibited impaired kidney function with elevated expression of adrenergic and fibrotic genes, including Adrb1, PDEs, Acta2 and Tgfβ. RNA-seq analysis revealed that MCs with dysregulated YAP pathway were crucial to the extracellular matrix secretion in kidneys from diabetic nephropathy patients. In cultured MCs, TGF-β promoted profibrotic gene transcription, which was regulated by nuclear-localized β-adrenoceptor signalling. Mechanistically, TGF-β treatment diminished nuclear-specific cAMP signalling in MCs and reduced PKA-dependent phosphorylation of YAP, leading to its activation. In parallel, db/db mouse kidneys showed increased expressions of PDE4B and PDE4D. Treatment with oral rolipram alleviated kidney fibrosis in db/db mice. Diabetic nephropathy impaired nuclear-localized β1-adrenoceptor-cAMP signalling microdomain through upregulating PDE4 expression, promoting fibrosis in MCs via PKA dephosphorylation-dependent YAP activation. Our results suggest PDE4 inhibition as a promising strategy for alleviating kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Comprehensive insights into diabetic nephropathy: pathophysiology, clinical features, and emerging treatments

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease globally, affecting 20–50% of diabetic patients. DN is characterized by albuminuria, retinopathy, and progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate. The pathophysiology involves chronic hyperglycemia, protein glycosylation, mesangial matrix deposition, glomerular hemodynamic alterations, cytokine release, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, leading to kidney damage. Differences in DN mechanisms between type 1 and type 2 diabetes are influenced by additional factors such as aging, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Prevention strategies focus on lifestyle modifications and regular screening. Pharmacological management includes tight glycemic control, blood pressure regulation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade, and novel agents like sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Emerging therapies targeting inflammatory pathways and innovative medications offer promising avenues for future research. Comprehensive management integrating early detection and advanced pharmacological interventions is crucial to mitigating DN progression and improving patient outcomes.

Knowledge and competence of primary healthcare physicians in the management of diabetes-related chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a significant and growing global health issue. Primary healthcare physicians (PHPs) are crucial in detecting, managing, and preventing CKD, but many lack the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively diagnose and manage the disease. This study assessed the knowledge and competence of PHPs in managing diabetes-related CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all Primary Healthcare Physicians (PHPs) working at Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in King Abdulaziz Medical City of the National Guard, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was sent to all PHPs and data were collected from January 2024 to February 2024. Data analysis performed utilizing RStudio (version 4.3.1). Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages, whereas mean and standard deviations were computed for continuous variables. Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test was used to determine differences in confidence scores across various demographic and occupational characteristics. A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to confidence. RESULTS: Of 141 PHPs, 122 filled online questionnaire yielding a response rate of 86.5%. responded. The majority (90.2%) were 18–45 years of age, 68.0% were qualified as family physicians, 38.0% belonged to the specialized poly clinic, and 54.9% had less than 5 years of experience. PHPs showed a varied levels of confidence and knowledge. While 76.2% were confident about the stages of kidney disease and 65.6% acknowledged the importance of the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test, 58.1% were uncertain of interpreting uACR results and CKD diagnostic criteria. More than 60.0% were uncertain of the treatment steps postdiagnosis and prediction of CKD prognosis. Age, qualification, specialization in family medicine, and clinic affiliation were significantly related to confidence levels. CONCLUSION: The study underscores notable gaps in PHPs' knowledge and confidence concerning CKD screening, diagnosis, and management. Continuous education and targeted interventions are essential for the improvement of PHPs' competence and patient outcomes in the management of CKD.

Distinguishing Features of Childhood Renal Dysplasia

Abstract Background Renal dysplasia (RD) is a major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood. Herein, we present a single-center experience about distinctive features of different subtypes of dysplasia. Methods All children with RD admitted between January 2018 and June 2019 were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were classified as having unilateral RD, bilateral RD, posterior urethral valves (PUV), and multicystic-dysplastic kidneys (MCDK). Results A total of 198 patients (108 unilateral RD, 31 bilateral RD, 16 PUV, and 43 MCDK) with a follow-up period of 80 (1.5–240) months were included. The overall consanguinity rate was 22%, whereas it was 56% in bilateral RD patients. Two-thirds had additional urogenital anomalies. Hypertension was detected in 16% of the patients, and 20% had median proteinuria of 16 (5.2–173) mg/m2/h, which was significantly higher in the PUV and bilateral RD groups. The overall rate of CKD was 23%, which was more frequent in bilateral RD and PUV groups. The median age at end-stage renal disease was 91.5 (0.5–208) months, including 12 renal transplant patients. Conclusions As different subtypes of RD have distinct clinical and prognostic features, the follow-up of RD patients should be individualized, and modifiable complications such as proteinuria and HT should be monitored closely.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Clinical Evidence and Potential Adverse Events

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally and is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). DKD management requires a multipronged approach to decrease the progression of CKD and CVD. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) added to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapy reduce the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes and progression of CKD. This review examines the cardiorenal benefits of MRAs and summarizes evidence on potential risks for acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia, and sexual dysfunction for steroidal and nonsteroidal MRAs.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk Factors of Nephropathy in Patients with Prediabetes: Family History of Diabetes Mellitus Is Not Associated with Increased Risk of Nephropathy

Background: Nephropathy, a vascular complication of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes, is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and prevalence of nephropathy and its risk factors in patients with prediabetes, with a particular focus on exploring the association between a family history (FH) of DM and nephropathy. Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined the medical records of 819 patients with prediabetes referred to the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center in 2004. We compared the prevalence of nephropathy in 2019 to baseline levels and assessed factors such as FH of DM in first-degree relatives and other nephropathy-related factors among patients with and without nephropathy. Results: The prevalence of nephropathy increased from 39% to 60.6% over 15 years, with a cumulative incidence of 21.6% and a mean annual incidence of 2.4%. There were differences in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, lipid markers, fasting and postprandial glucose levels, and glomerular filtration rate between patients with and without nephropathy; however, these differences were not statistically significant (P-value ≥ 0.05). Male sex (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.8), age (OR: 1.02), and Body Mass Index (BMI) (OR: 1.05) were significantly associated with nephropathy (P-value &lt; 0.05). No significant association was found between a positive FH of DM and nephropathy (P-value = 0.638). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a FH of DM is not associated with an increased risk of nephropathy in patients with prediabetes. Instead, sex, age, and BMI play a more significant role. Therefore, these factors may be more critical in guiding preventive and treatment measures.

Integrative analysis of multi-omics data reveals importance of collagen and the PI3K AKT signalling pathway in CAKUT

Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) is the leading cause of childhood chronic kidney failure and a significant cause of chronic kidney disease in adults. Genetic and environmental factors are known to influence CAKUT development, but the currently known disease mechanism remains incomplete. Our goal is to identify affected pathways and networks in CAKUT, and thereby aid in getting a better understanding of its pathophysiology. With this goal, the miRNome, peptidome, and proteome of over 30 amniotic fluid samples of patients with non-severe CAKUT was compared to patients with severe CAKUT. These omics data sets were made findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) to facilitate their integration with external data resources. Furthermore, we analysed and integrated the omics data sets using three different bioinformatics strategies: integrative analysis with mixOmics, joint dimensionality reduction and pathway analysis. The three bioinformatics analyses provided complementary features, but all pointed towards an important role for collagen in CAKUT development and the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. Additionally, several key genes (CSF1, IGF2, ITGB1, and RAC1) and microRNAs were identified. We published the three analysis strategies as containerized workflows. These workflows can be applied to other FAIR data sets and help gaining knowledge on other rare diseases.

The Impact of Co-morbidities on Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that significantly affects individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy further complicates the lives of diabetic patients, contributing to physical, emotional, and social burdens. Cardiovascular diseases, often resulting from prolonged hyperglycemia, significantly increase mortality and reduce physical functioning. Diabetic nephropathy, a major cause of chronic kidney disease, leads to progressive kidney damage, requiring complex management. Neuropathy and retinopathy, both of which result from long-term uncontrolled blood sugar, cause pain, disability, and vision impairment, further diminishing HRQoL. Moreover, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are common among diabetic patients, creating a cycle of poor glycemic control and psychological distress. These comorbidities not only exacerbate the direct impact of diabetes on physical health but also affect mental and social well-being. Addressing both diabetes and its associated comorbidities through comprehensive care, psychosocial support, and lifestyle interventions is crucial for improving the overall quality of life in diabetic patients. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Comorbidities, Quality of life, Diabetic Patients

The mineralocorticoid receptor in diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and its progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is characterized by glomerular hypertrophy, hyperfiltration, inflammation, and the onset of albuminuria, together with a progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate. This progression is further accompanied by tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Factors such as genetic predisposition, epigenetic modifications, metabolic derangements, hemodynamic alterations, inflammation, and inappropriate renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity contribute to the onset and progression of DKD. In this context, decades of work have focused on glycemic and blood pressure reduction strategies, especially targeting the RAAS to slow disease progression. Although much of the work has focused on targeting angiotensin II, emerging data support that the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is integral in the development and progression of DKD. Molecular mechanisms linked to the underlying pathophysiological changes derived from MR activation include vascular endothelial and epithelial cell responses to oxidative stress and inflammation. These responses lead to alterations in the microcirculatory environment, the abnormal release of extracellular vesicles, gut dysbiosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and kidney fibrosis. Herein, we present recent experimental and clinical evidence on the MR in DKD onset and progress along with new MR-based strategies for the treatment and prevention of DKD.