Publications by authors named "PierGiorgio Messa"

The important advances in scientific knowledge have led to a notable enrichment of therapeutic offers in the field of CKD-MBD, which have allowed better control of the related biochemical parameters compared to the past. However, this has not corresponded to a tangible improvement in the clinical outcomes, both bone and cardiovascular, associated with CKD-MBD, nor has there been a significant drop in the number of pills that nephropathic patients must take, to keep the parameters controlled biochemicals, with the therapeutic cost of these interventions remaining high. All these unsatisfied needs continue to stimulate research to find new solutions that can improve one or more of these objectives not yet achieved.

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: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) is markedly increased and has been proposed to interact with systemic inflammation. : In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the correlations of intact FGF23, c-terminal FGF23, and the FGF23 ratio (c-terminal to intact) with some inflammatory cytokines in 111 elderly patients with advanced CKD not yet in dialysis. : Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was inversely correlated with intact FGF23 and c-terminal FGF23, as well as with interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1).

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on vaccinated patients undergoing haemodialysis by analyzing hospitalization rates and ICU admissions across different vaccine dosage periods.
  • Out of 1,096 infected dialysis patients, 7.5% were hospitalized, with significant risk factors being age over 60 and pre-existing lung disease; notably, ICU admissions dropped by 86% after receiving a third vaccine dose.
  • The findings indicate that despite increased infection rates due to a virus variant, the severity of COVID-19 infections was lower for vaccinated patients, but dialysis patients remained more vulnerable to hospitalizations compared to the general population.
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Podocytes, cells of the glomerular filtration barrier, play a crucial role in kidney diseases and are gaining attention as potential targets for new therapies. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has shown promising results in repairing podocyte damage, but its efficacy via parenteral administration is limited by a short half-life. Low temperature sensitive liposomes (LTSL) are a promising tool for targeted BDNF delivery, preserving its activity after encapsulation.

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Introduction: The dysregulation of cell fate toward osteoprecursor cells associated with most -based disorders may lead to episodic extraskeletal or ectopic bone formation in subcutaneous tissues. The bony lesion distribution suggests the involvement of abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or more committed precursor cells. Data from transgenic mice support the concept that is a crucial factor in regulating lineage switching between osteoblasts (OBs) and adipocyte fates.

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This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of glucose metabolism abnormalities and their impact on long-term clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTxps). A retrospective analysis of 832 KTxps (2004-2020) was performed. Patients were assessed at 1 (T1), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months post-transplantation and clinically followed for an average of 103 ± 60 months.

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We are witnessing a revolution in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Indeed, several immune-based combinations (ICI [immune checkpoint inhibitor] + ICI, or ICI + antiangiogenic agents) have been approved as first-line therapy for mRCC after demonstrating superior efficacy over the previous standard. Despite all the improvements made, safety remains a critical issue, adverse events (AEs) being the main reason for drug discontinuations or dose reductions, ultimately resulting in an increased risk of losing efficacy.

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Background: Chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a condition characterized by alterations of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) metabolism that in turn promote bone disorders, vascular calcifications, and increase cardiovascular (CV) risk. Nephrologists' awareness of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools to manage CKD-MBD plays a primary role in adequately preventing and managing this condition in clinical practice.

Methods: A national survey (composed of 15 closed questions) was launched to inquire about the use of bone biomarkers in the management of CKD-MBD patients by nephrologists and to gain knowledge about the implementation of guideline recommendations in clinical practice.

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During chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, an increase in fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) is present. In stage 5, a positive correlation between FGF23 and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) emerges. Hypothesizing that the rising positive correlation between monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) and n-6 in stage 4 could be the cause, we previously explored FGF23 and MCP1's roles in dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in CKD.

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Purpose: We studied the association between parathormone (PTH) levels and long-term graft loss in RTx patients (RTx-p).

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 871 RTx-p, transplanted in our unit from Jan-2004 to Dec-2020 assessing renal function and mineral metabolism parameters at 1, 6, and 12 months after RTx. Graft loss and death with functioning graft during follow-up (FU, 8.

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Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients undergoing haemodialysis in Italy compared to the general population.

Methods: In this cohort study, 118 dialysis centres from 18 Italian Regions participated. Individuals older than 16 years on dialysis treatment for at least 3 months, who provided informed consent were included.

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Article Synopsis
  • IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a serious kidney disease linked to IgA buildup, and a large study identified 30 genetic risk factors associated with it.
  • Fourteen new loci were discovered that suggest a connection between genetic influences and abnormal IgA levels.
  • The research highlights inflammation-related pathways and potential drug targets, revealing that higher genetic risk scores are tied to earlier kidney failure.
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  • *However, these supplements can paradoxically raise the risk of kidney stone formation by increasing the excretion of calcium, phosphate, and oxalate in urine.
  • *The review discusses the complex relationship between bone health and kidney stone risk, offers insights on the benefits and drawbacks of supplementation, and presents a practical approach for managing patients who need these vitamins without increasing their urolithiasis risk.
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Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often implemented in kidney stone patients. It consists of preparations including different ingredients, such as herbs, probiotics, and vitamins, often together with alkali, that are classified within the dietary supplementation category. The majority of dietary supplements claiming to treat or prevent kidney stones contain ingredients with conflicting or no scientific evidence to support their claims.

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Introduction: High serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) characterize chronic kidney disease (CKD) since its early stages and have been suggested to contribute to inflammation and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms linking FGF23 with these pathological conditions remain still incompletely defined. The alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG), a liver-produced anti-inflammatory cytokine, is highly modulated by inflammation itself, also through the TNFα/NFκB signaling pathway.

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Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentrations rise after the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). FGF23 is involved in inflammatory reactions closely associated with an incremented risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is growing evidence that omega-6 (n-6) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can modulate inflammation through several mediators producing an opposite effect on cardiovascular (CV) risks.

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New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) represents a primary cause of morbidity and allograft loss. We assessed prevalence and risk factors for NODAT in a population of Italian kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Data from 522 KT performed between January 2004 and December 2014 were analyzed.

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Irinotecan (CTP-11) is one of the standard therapies for colorectal cancer (CRC). CTP-11 is enzymatically converted to the hydrophobic 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38), a one hundred-fold more active metabolite. Conjugation of hydrophobic anticancer drugs to nanomaterials is a strategy to improve their solubility, efficacy, and selectivity.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Effective prevention and treatment strategies, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, are vital for addressing cardio-renal damage and its complications.
  • * The document emphasizes the importance of using specific medications to slow down kidney disease progression and outlines preventive measures during cardiac procedures, alongside careful management of heart medications in CKD patients.
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  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health concern for liver transplant (LT) recipients, with unclear incidence and risk factors impacting their long-term outcomes.
  • A study reviewed 410 adult LT patients from 2009 to 2018, identifying factors such as age, elevated serum uric acid, and diabetes as key indicators for pre-existing CKD and new-onset CKD after the transplant.
  • Although CKD rates were high, there was only a minor decline in kidney function over time, suggesting that preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) post-transplant may be crucial for preserving long-term kidney health.
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  • * CV disease is a major cause of complications and death in CKD patients, emphasizing the need for careful risk assessment and management.
  • * The document discusses how CKD affects CV health and outlines strategies for managing key CV risk factors in affected patients.
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