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.
No new treatment results today — only observational links and study protocols
Today’s review found no new treatment outcomes—only observational studies linking factors like depression, inflammation, or biomarkers to kidney health. One strong study compared two parathyroid drugs in dialysis patients over two years, showing modest differences. Several weaker studies reported associations but could not prove cause-and-effect. Many items were reviews, protocols, or studies without kidney-specific results.
Etelcalcetide Versus Cinacalcet for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicentre Comparison with 24 Months of Follow-Up
This study compared two drugs for overactive parathyroid glands in 1,240 people on dialysis over two years. The newer drug (etelcalcetide) lowered calcium and phosphorus slightly better than cinacalcet, but both had similar side effects like low calcium levels.
The correlation between depression and haemodialysis adequacy in chronic kidney disease patients in South Africa
In 210 South African dialysis patients, those with depression scores in the highest range had lower dialysis adequacy (measured by Kt/V), but because this is observational, it shows only a link—not proof that depression causes poor dialysis clearance.
Finerenone in diabetic kidney disease: Findings from a single-center retrospective observational study
This study looked back at 120 people with diabetic kidney disease and found those who took finerenone had slower decline in their kidney filtering rate (eGFR), but because it is observational, it shows only a link—not proof that finerenone caused the benefit.
miRNA levels are associated with functional physical capacity and inflammation in patients with end-stage kidney disease
In 186 people on dialysis, certain microRNA levels in blood were linked to physical strength and inflammation markers—higher inflammation tied to lower physical ability—but because this is observational, it does not prove microRNAs cause the changes.
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.
Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor Roflumilast Ameliorates Polytrauma-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Attenuating HMGB1 and Renal Inflammatory Pathways in Rats
In rats with multiple injuries, a drug called roflumilast lowered kidney inflammation and helped protect the kidneys by blocking a protein called HMGB1. This was tested only in animals — not people yet.
Uremic Serum Alters Gene Expression Profiles and Signaling Pathway Activity in Porcine Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
In pig artery cells in the test tube, blood from people with end-stage kidney disease changed which genes were active and how signaling pathways worked—this suggests uremic toxins may harm blood vessels, but it has not been tested in people yet.