Characterization and proteomic profile of extracellular vesicles from peritoneal dialysis efflux.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is considered the best option for a cost-effective mid-term dialysis in patients with Chronic Renal Failure. However, functional failure of the peritoneal membrane (PM) force many patients to stop PD treatment and start haemodialysis. Currently, PM functionality is monitored by the peritoneal equilibration test, a tedious technique that often show changes when the membrane damage is advanced.

Urinary extracellular vesicles as source of biomarkers in kidney diseases.

Most cells physiologically release vesicles as way of intercellular communication. The so-called Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) include exosomes, ectosomes, and apoptotic bodies, which basically differ in their composition and subcellular origin. Specifically, EVs found in urine reflect the state of the urinary system, from podocytes to renal-tubular cells, thus making them an excellent source of samples for the study of kidney physiology and pathology.