Mendelian Randomization Studies: Opening a New Window in the Study of Metabolic Diseases and Chronic Kidney Disease.

It is widely recognized that a strong correlation exists between metabolic diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on bibliometric statistics, the overall number of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in relation to metabolic diseases and CKD has increased since 2005. In recent years, this topic has emerged as a significant area of research interest.

Astragaloside IV Alleviates Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy through Regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 Pathway.

Objective: To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on podocyte injury of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and reveal its potential mechanism.

Methods: In in vitro experiment, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, normal, high glucose (HG), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1) α activator (HG+thapsigargin 1 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups. Additionally, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, including normal, HG, AS-IV (HG+AS-IV 20 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups, respectively.

Investigating the causal association between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization.

Background: Studies have shown that gut dysbiosis contributes to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Identifying specific gut microbiota dysbiosis may provide insight into the pathogenesis of T2DM.

Purpose: This study investigated the causal relationship between gut microbiota and T2DM using meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR).

CD163 as a Potential Biomarker-associated Immune Inflammation in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis.

Background: Several studies have identified CD163 as a potential mediator of diabetes mellitus through an immune-inflammation. Further study is necessary to identify its specific mechanism.

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate CD163 as a potential biomarker associated with immune inflammation in diabetes mellitus through a systematic review and bioinformatics analysis.

[Effects of astragaloside IV on delaying kidney aging and its mechanisms].

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of Astragaloside Ⅳ on inhibiting apoptosis and delaying kidney aging in rats by regulating SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.

Methods: The aging model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose 200 mg/(kg·d). SPF-grade healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (intragastric infusion of 5 ml/(kg·d) normal saline), aging model group (intragastric infusion of 5 ml/(kg·d) normal saline), Astragaloside IV group (intragastric infusion of 40 mg/(kg·d) Astragaloside IV),and SRT1720 group( intragastric infusion of 20 mg/(kg·d) SRT1720), with 10 rats in each group.

Relationships among the Dosage of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents, Erythropoietin Resistance Index, and Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) constitute an important treatment option for anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We investigated the relationships among the dosage of ESA, erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) scores, and mortality in Chinese MHD patients.

Methods: This multicenter observational retrospective study included MHD patients from 16 blood purification centers (n = 824) who underwent HD in 2011-2015 and were followed up until December 31, 2016.

Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine combined with Western medicine on deferring dialysis initiation for nondialysis chronic kidney disease stage 5 patients: a multicenter prospective nonrandomized controlled study.

Background: In clinical practice, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) purportedly has beneficial therapeutic effects for chronic kidney disease (CKD), which include delaying disease progression and dialysis initiation. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence-based results to support this. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CHM combined with Western medicine in the treatment of stage 5 CKD.

Efficacy and safety of Shenyankangfu Tablet, a Chinese patent medicine, for primary glomerulonephritis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Objective: This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium.

Design, Setting, Participants And Intervention: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Manipulability of Peritoneal Dialysis Machines Made in China: A Randomized, Crossover, Multicenter Clinical Study.

Background: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) can cater to individual needs, provide treatment while asleep, take into account the adequacy of dialysis, and improve the quality of life. Currently, independent research and development of APD machines made in China are more conducive to patients. A randomized, multicenter, crossover study was conducted by comparing an APD machine made in China with an imported machine.

Effects of Niaoduqing Particles () on Delaying Progression of Renal Dysfunction: A Post-trial, Open-Label, Follow-up Study.

Objective: To follow up the participants of the randomized clinical trial "Efficacy and Safety of Niaoduqing Particles () for Delaying Moderate-to-Severe Renal Dysfunction", and assess the long-term effects of Niaoduqing Particles on delaying the progression of renal dysfunction.

Methods: Participants, who had previously been randomly assigned to receive Niaoduqing Particles or placebo for 24 weeks (146 cases in each group), were invited to follow-up and all were administered Niaoduqing Particles 5 g thrice daily and 10 g before bedtime for 24 weeks. The primary endpoints were changes in baseline serum creatinine (Scr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after completion of the open-label treatment period.

Efficacy and Safety of Niaoduqing Particles for Delaying Moderate-to-severe Renal Dysfunction: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Clinical Study.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction usually exhibits an irreversible course, and available treatments for delaying the progression to end-stage renal disease are limited. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine, Niaoduqing particles, for delaying renal dysfunction in patients with stage 3b-4 CKD.

Methods: The present study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial.

Abelmoschus manihot - a traditional Chinese medicine versus losartan potassium for treating IgA nephropathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common primary glomerular diseases worldwide, but effective therapy remains limited and many patients progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Only angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I)/angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) show a high level of evidence (1B level) of being of value in the treatment for IgAN according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. However, traditional Chinese medicine has raised attention in kidney disease research.

Efficacy and safety of Shenyankangfu tablets for primary glomerulonephritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a common disease. Most chronic kidney diseases evolve from primary glomerulonephritis. Proteinuria is an independent risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: Data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Chinese non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis CKD patients through a nationwide, multicenter study in China.

Methods: The survey was performed in 61 tertiary hospitals in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan).