Publications by authors named "Melinda Nugent"

The modern Western diet is rich in advanced glycation end products (AGEs). We have previously shown an association between dietary AGEs and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in a population of end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). In the current pilot study we explored the effects of dietary AGEs on the gut bacterial microbiota composition in similar patients.

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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as an important health concern in HIV-positive individuals. Preventing long-term kidney toxicity from an antiretroviral therapy is therefore critical. Selected antiretroviral agents, especially tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and some ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI/rs), have been associated with increased risk of CKD.

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In vitro and animal studies continue to elucidate the mechanisms of fibrosis and have led to advancements in treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cirrhosis, but the search for treatments for renal fibrosis has been more disappointing. Here, we will discuss homeodomain-interacting-protein kinase 2 (HIPK2), a novel regulator of fibrosis that acts upstream of major fibrosis signaling pathways. Its key role in renal fibrosis has been validated in vitro and in several murine models of chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

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