Long-Term Results of Kidney Transplantation in Patients Aged 60 Years and Older.

The results of kidney transplantation (KTx) in elderly patients are deteriorated by more frequent use of organs procured from older or extended criteria donors (ECDs). To eliminate the influence of donor factors on the transplantation results, the pair analysis method was applied. The study aimed to assess the survival, during long-term follow-up after transplantation, of recipients and transplanted kidneys, graft function, and factors influencing survival in recipients aged 60 years and older (≥60) compared to recipients aged less than 60 years (<60) who received a kidney from the same brain death donor (DBD).

Association of Urinary Epidermal Growth Factor, Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 3, and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Levels with the Progression of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease with around 25-40% of patients with diabetes being affected. The course of DKD is variable, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria, the currently used clinical markers, are not able to accurately predict the individual disease trajectory, in particular in early stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the association of urine levels of selected protein biomarkers with the progression of DKD at an early stage of disease.

Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in the elderly and very elderly members of the Polish population: results of a national cross‑sectional representative survey.

Introduction: Lipid disorders are the most common cardiovascular risk factor among the adult population in Poland. However, epidemiological data on the ever‑growing group of older adults remain insufficient.

Objectives: Our aim was to describe and analyze the epidemiology of lipid disorders among Polish seniors.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 inversely correlates with survival in elderly population - the results of the Polsenior2 study.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a liver-secreted hormone involved in the regulation of lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism. Its serum concentration increases with age but also is higher in numerous diseases. FGF21 is being investigated for biomarker properties and as a potential therapeutic target.

An image-based screen for secreted proteins involved in breast cancer G0 cell cycle arrest.

Secreted proteins regulate the balance between cellular proliferation and G0 arrest and therefore play important roles in tumour dormancy. Tumour dormancy presents a significant clinical challenge for breast cancer patients, where non-proliferating, G0-arrested cancer cells remain at metastatic sites, below the level of clinical detection, some of which can re-enter proliferation and drive tumour relapse. Knowing which secreted proteins can regulate entry into and exit from G0 allows us to manipulate their signalling to prevent tumour relapse.

Plasma FGF21 Concentration in Kidney Transplant Patients-Results from Prospective and Cross-Sectional Studies.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a protein hormone involved in physiological conditions in the regulation of energy expenditure and several metabolic processes. The aim of this present study was to analyze the effect of successful kidney transplantations on the plasma FGF21 concentration and to study the factors which may influence plasma FGF21 concentration in patients in long time after kidney transplantation. This study consisted of two independent parts.

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of allopurinol on the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk, including the presence of long-COVID-19 syndrome: the ALL-VASCOR study protocol.

Introduction: Numerous studies, but not all, have suggested a positive effect of allopurinol on the cardiovascular system. The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of allopurinol on the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk, including the presence of long-COVID-19 syndrome (ALL-VASCOR) study aims to evaluate the efficacy of allopurinol therapy for improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients at high and very high cardiovascular risk excluding ischaemic heart disease. This is particularly important due to the high cost of cardiovascular disease treatment and its status as one of the leading causes of mortality.

Sex-specific relationships of inflammatory biomarkers with blood pressure in older adults.

Emerging evidence indicates an association between blood pressure and inflammation, yet this relationship remains unclear in older adults, despite the elevated prevalence of hypertension. We investigated the association between blood pressure, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and white blood cell (WBC) count in a cohort of 3571 older adults aged 65 and above, and 587 middle-aged participants (55-59 years old). In women aged 65 and above, the relationship between inflammatory markers and blood pressure was consistent, with hs-CRP and WBC emerging as predictors of high blood pressure.

Non-adherence to cardiometabolic medication as assessed by LC-MS/MS in urine and its association with kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims/hypothesis: Non-adherence to medication is a frequent barrier in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, potentially limiting the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments. Previous studies have mostly relied on indirect adherence measures to analyse outcomes based on adherence. The aim of this study was to use LC-MS/MS in urine-a non-invasive, direct and objective measure-to assess non-adherence to cardiometabolic drugs and analyse its association with kidney and cardiovascular outcomes.

A new era in the science and care of kidney diseases.

Notable progress in basic, translational and clinical nephrology research has been made over the past five decades. Nonetheless, many challenges remain, including obstacles to the early detection of kidney disease, disparities in access to care and variability in responses to existing and emerging therapies. Innovations in drug development, research technologies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have the potential to improve patient outcomes.

The Role of Probiotics in the Prevention of Infection in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

In patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), substantial unfavourable alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition, i.e., dysbiosis, have been noted.

Hyponatremia in patients with arterial hypertension: pathophysiology and management.

Sodium is the main cation in the extracellular space. In physiological conditions, sodium concentration in plasma is 135-145 mmol/l. The kidneys play the most important role in the regulation of sodium homeostasis.

Lipid disorders before and after successful liver transplantation.

Introduction: Liver transplantation (LTx) is the only successful treatment for end-stage liver disease. The results of liver transplantation depend not only on graft survival but may be also affected by superimposed cardiovascular morbidities. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of lipid disorders as one of the important cardiovascular risk factors in patients before and after successful LTx.

Association between Kidney Donor Risk Index, kidney graft function and histological changes in early post-transplant graft biopsy.

Background: Proper assessment of donor organ quality is crucial for optimal kidney allocation and best long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) and histological parameters in early post-transplant graft biopsy in a Polish cohort of kidney transplant recipients.

Methods: In 418 consecutive kidney transplant recipients, a histological evaluation of very early [at median 11 (9-13) post-transplant day] protocol core needle biopsy was performed and analyzed according to the Banff classification.

Intact FGF23 predicts serum phosphate improvement after combined nicotinamide and phosphate binder treatment in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Hyperphosphatemia is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular morbidity of end-stage kidney failure (ESKF) patients. Managing serum phosphate in ESKF patients is challenging and mostly based on limiting intestinal phosphate absorption with low phosphate diets and phosphate binders (PB). In a multi-centric, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study cohort of maintenance hemodialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia, we demonstrated the efficacy of nicotinamide modified release (NAMR) formulation treatment in addition to standard PB therapy in decreasing serum phosphate.

Cognitive disorders in patients with chronic kidney disease: Approaches to prevention and treatment.

Background: Cognitive impairment is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and early intervention may prevent the progression of this condition.

Methods: Here, we review interventions for the complications of CKD (anemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, metabolic acidosis, harmful effects of dialysis, the accumulation of uremic toxins) and for prevention of vascular events, interventions that may potentially be protective against cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we discuss nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods to prevent cognitive impairment and/or minimize the latter's impact on CKD patients' daily lives.

Distribution, preparedness and management of Ukrainian adult refugees on dialysis-an international survey by the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force of the European Renal Association.

Background: Due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, some of the about 10 000 adults requiring dialysis in Ukraine fled their country to continue dialysis abroad. To better understand the needs of conflict-affected dialysis patients, the Renal Disaster Relief Task Force of the European Renal Association conducted a survey on distribution, preparedness and management of adults requiring dialysis who were displaced due to the war.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was sent via National Nephrology Societies across Europe and disseminated to their dialysis centers.

Cardiovascular complications in chronic kidney disease: a review from the European Renal and Cardiovascular Medicine Working Group of the European Renal Association.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is classified into five stages with kidney failure being the most severe stage (stage G5). CKD conveys a high risk for coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Cardiovascular complications are the most common causes of death in patients with kidney failure (stage G5) who are maintained on regular dialysis treatment.