GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Game Charger in the Field?

Kidney disease is a public health epidemic affecting 10% of the population worldwide with a constantly rising incidence, and it is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic complex condition with a rising incidence worldwide. T2DM remains the principal cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is related to a high risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and, overall, considerable morbidity and mortality.

The role of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio as a prognostic biomarker in patients hospitalized for cardiorenal syndrome.

Background: Cardio-renal syndrome, characterized by simultaneous cardiac and renal impairment, presents significant challenges in patient prognostication and management. This study aimed to investigate the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CRP/Albumin ratio) as a prognostic marker in patients with cardiorenal syndrome.

Methods: This observational cohort study included consecutive patients hospitalized for cardiorenal syndrome.

The Role of Hypertension in Cognitive Dysfunction.

Cognitive impairment and subsequent dementia are considered significant health challenges. In patients with established dementia, it is argued that hypertension is the main risk factor for small vessel ischemic disease and additional cortical white matter lesions. Cognitive domains and impairments associated with hypertension include learning, memory, attention, abstract reasoning, mental flexibility, psychomotor skills, and executive function.

Pilot study on the effect of flavonoids on arterial stiffness and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Flavonoids, the main class of polyphenols, exhibit antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

Aim: To prospectively investigate the impact of flavonoids on arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages I-IV.

Methods: In this prospective, single-arm study, CKD patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled.

Navigating nephrotoxic waters: A comprehensive overview of contrast-induced acute kidney injury prevention.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the third leading cause of acute kidney injury deriving from the intravascular administration of contrast media in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and leading to longer in-hospital stay and increased short and long-term mortality. Its pathophysiology, although not well-established, revolves around medullary hypoxia paired with the direct toxicity of the substance to the kidney. Critically ill patients, as well as those with pre-existing renal disease and cardiovascular comorbidities, are more susceptible to CI-AKI.

Cardiorenal syndrome and iron supplementation-more benefits than risks: a narrative review.

Intravenous iron administration has emerged as a crucial intervention for managing patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and iron deficiency, with or without the presence of anemia. Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of intravenous iron supplementation in improving anemia, symptoms, and functional capacity in patients with HF and iron deficiency. Furthermore, iron supplementation has been associated with a reduction in hospitalizations for HF exacerbation and the improvement of patients' quality of life and clinical outcomes.

Novel therapeutic approaches in the management of chronic kidney disease: a narrative review.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a pathologic entity with constantly rising incidence and high rates of morbidity and mortality, which are associated with serious cardiovascular complications. Moreover, the incidence of end-stage renal disease tends to increase. The epidemiological trends of CKD warrant the development of novel therapeutic approaches aiming to prevent its development or retard its progression through the control of major risk factors: type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Perspectives of Intradialytic Hypertension.

Background: Individuals with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis (HD) may encounter numerous HD-associated complications, including intradialytic hypertension (IDHYPER). Although blood pressure (BP) follows a predictable course in the post-HD period, BP levels during the session may vary across the individuals. Typically, a decline in BP is noted during HD, but a significant proportion of patients exhibit a paradoxical elevation.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Newly Diagnosed, Treatment-Naive Hypertensive Patients and Its Association with Cardiorenal Risk Markers.

Introduction: Patients with arterial hypertension frequently present with comorbidities that are associated with increased cardiorenal risk, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Aims: Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and the association of MAFLD with cardiorenal risk markers in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve hypertensive patients.

Methods: We recruited 281 individuals with new-onset hypertension who were not prescribed any medication.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide Levels in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents an entity with an increasing prevalence which is characterized by significant hepatic and extrahepatic complications. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, with gut dysbiosis being considered a major determinant. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we tried to evaluate the association between the major gut microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and NAFLD.

Novel and Founder Pathogenic Variants in X-Linked Alport Syndrome Families in Greece.

Alport syndrome (AS) is the most frequent monogenic inherited glomerulopathy and is also genetically and clinically heterogeneous. It is caused by semi-dominant pathogenic variants in the X-linked (NM_000495.5) gene or recessive variants in the / (NM_000091.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020: Epidemiology, Clinical Correlates, and the Role of Diagnostic Scores.

The recent establishment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has led to a reevaluation of its epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical implications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate MAFLD's epidemiology and its association with other pathologic states and biomarkers, as well as to assess the prevalence of the different fibrosis stages in the MAFLD population, together with the importance of diagnostic scores in the preliminary determination of significant fibrosis. After analyzing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020, we found a high prevalence of MAFLD, at 58.

Interplay between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease: Epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and treatment considerations.

The recently proposed nomenclature change from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has resulted in the reappraisal of epidemiological trends and associations with other chronic diseases. In this context, MAFLD appears to be tightly linked to incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). This association may be attributed to multiple shared risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.

Oxidative Stress Management in Cardiorenal Diseases: Focus on Novel Antidiabetic Agents, Finerenone, and Melatonin.

Oxidative stress is characterized by excessive production of reactive oxygen species together with exhausted antioxidant defenses. This constitutes a main pathophysiologic process that is implicated in cardiovascular and renal diseases. In particular, enhanced oxidative stress may lead to low-density lipoprotein accumulation and oxidation, endothelial cell activation, adhesion molecule overexpression, macrophage activation, and foam cell formation, promoting the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

The Role of Melatonin in Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Associated Risk Factors: A New Tool in Our Arsenal?

Background: The increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as a consequence of the high prevalence of arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), warrants the need for developing effective treatment approaches. In this regard, the pineal gland-derived hormone melatonin may represent an appealing treatment approach of CKD and its associated risk factors.

Summary: Targeting the adverse pathophysiology surrounding CKD and its associated risk factors has been the concept of pharmacologic treatment developed for its management.

Prognostic Significance of Risk Factors and Biomarkers in Patients Hospitalized for Cardiorenal Syndromes: A Pilot Study.

Background: Cardiorenal syndromes (CRS), involving the heart-kidney cross-talk and the activation of neurohumoral and inflammatory pathways, are an entity characterized by high morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic role of risk factors and biomarkers in patients hospitalized for CRS.

Methods: In this observational cohort study, 100 consecutive patients hospitalized for CRS were enrolled.

Endothelial Dysfunction in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are characterized by increased cardiovascular risk. Endothelial dysfunction, a mechanism implicated in those processes, may constitute the missing link in this interaction. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association of endothelial dysfunction, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, with NAFLD.

COVID-19 and Kidney Disease: A Clinical Perspective.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. The presence of several comorbidities has been associated with a worse prognosis, with chronic kidney disease being a critical risk factor. Regarding COVID-19 complications, other than classical pneumonia and thromboembolism, acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly prevalent and represents a poor prognostic indicator linked to increased disease severity and mortality.

Serum Uric Acid Levels and Cardiometabolic Profile in Middle-Aged, Treatment-Naïve Hypertensive Patients.

Introduction: Uric acid (UA) is a risk factor associated with cardiometabolic diseases. However, the appropriate threshold of UA remains a matter of controversy.

Aim: To assess whether slightly increased UA levels have any significance in middle-aged, treatment-naïve persons with new-onset hypertension.

Overview of infections as an etiologic factor and complication in patients with vasculitides.

Vasculitides, a form of inflammatory autoimmune disease targeting the vessels, constitute an entity with significant morbidity and mortality. Infections have long been associated with vasculitides as a result of the incident immunosuppression following treatment induction and maintenance. Several microbial pathogens have been described as etiologic factors of infections in this patient population according to the type of vessels affected.

Chronic Pain and Its Association with Depressive Symptoms and Renal Function in Hypertensive Patients.

Chronic pain is a common concern and is considered to be one of the major problems in patients with chronic physical disorders. We studied the effect of pain in patients with hypertension with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the association between pain and symptoms of depression. The study involved 158 hypertensive individuals (59.