Differential expression and regulation of Klotho by paricalcitol in the kidney, parathyroid, and aorta of uremic rats.

Klotho plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Klotho is highly expressed in the kidney and parathyroid glands, but its presence in the vasculature is debated. Renal Klotho is decreased in CKD, but the effect of uremia on Klotho in other tissues is not defined.

Cardiac and renal effects of atrasentan in combination with enalapril and paricalcitol in uremic rats.

Background/aims: The search for new therapies providing cardiorenal protection in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has led to treatments that combine conventional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system inhibitors with other drugs that exhibit potential in disease management.

Methods: In rats made uremic by renal ablation, we examined the effects of addition of the endothelin-A receptor antagonist atrasentan to a previously examined combination of enalapril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) and paricalcitol (vitamin D receptor activator) on cardiac and renal parameters. The effects of the individual and combined drugs were examined after a 3-month treatment.

Use of aspirin associates with longer primary patency of hemodialysis grafts.

Extended-release dipyridamole plus low-dose aspirin (ERDP/ASA) prolongs primary unassisted graft patency of newly created hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts, but the individual contributions of each component are unknown. Here, we analyzed whether use of aspirin at baseline associated with primary unassisted graft patency among participants in a randomized trial that compared ERDP/ASA and placebo in newly created grafts. We used Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for prespecified baseline comorbidities and covariates.

Effects of sodium thiosulfate on vascular calcification in end-stage renal disease: a pilot study of feasibility, safety and efficacy.

Background And Objectives: Vascular calcification is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility, safety and efficacy of sodium thiosulfate (STS) in the progression of vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: Chronic hemodialysis patients underwent a battery of cardiovascular tests.

A randomized, parallel, open-label study to compare once-daily sevelamer carbonate powder dosing with thrice-daily sevelamer hydrochloride tablet dosing in CKD patients on hemodialysis.

Background: Sevelamer carbonate powder for oral suspension is a new dosage form of sevelamer, which may be suited to once-daily dosing.

Study Design: Randomized parallel open-label study.

Setting & Participants: Hemodialysis patients.