Decline is not inevitable.
A daily, evidence-graded view of everything moving in kidney research : the drugs that slow decline, the science of regeneration, and the mind-body work.
A shingles vaccine link shows lower risks for kidney and heart problems in early chronic kidney disease
Today's research highlights observational links between the shingles vaccine and better kidney and heart outcomes in early chronic kidney disease. Smaller studies point to possible benefits of kidney transplantation on oxidative stress markers and cardiac rehab on heart health, but none prove cause-and-effect. A planned trial will test a new drug to prevent acute kidney injury during heart surgery, and two lab studies explore how finerenone may protect the heart and liver in diabetes-related disease.
Recombinant zoster vaccine and risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular, and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.
A study of over 13,000 adults with newly diagnosed chronic kidney disease found that those who received the shingles vaccine had lower rates of kidney failure, heart problems, and death over several years compared to those who did not. Because this is an observational study, it shows a link—not proof—that the vaccine caused the lower risk.
Albumin redox status in the context of kidney transplantation - an observational, pilot study.
This small observational study measured a marker of oxidative stress called albumin redox status before and after kidney transplantation in 12 people. It found that albumin oxidation improved after the transplant, suggesting better overall health and less inflammation. Because it is observational and very small, it shows a link—not proof—that the transplant caused the change.
ESC Guidelines on prevention and rehabilitation in coronary heart disease and current practice: the EUROASPIRE VI survey.
This observational study followed over 160 hospitals in 27 European countries from September 2024 to February 2026 and found big differences in how well heart disease patients receive recommended care like cardiac rehabilitation. People who attended rehab had better outcomes, but because this is an observational study, it shows a link—not proof—that rehab caused the improvement.