Ellen Carney

1 month ago | nature.com | Ellen Carney

Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is generally faster in cisgender men than cisgender women, suggesting a protective effect of female sex. An observational study in 44 transgender individuals who initiated either feminizing (estradiol and antiandrogens) or masculinizing (testosterone) hormone therapy provides new insights into the effects of sex hormones on the kidney.

2 months ago | nature.com | Ellen Carney

Cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome is categorized into 5 stages that range from stage 0 (no risk factors) to stage 4 (clinical cardiovascular disease in CKM syndrome). A new study by Sophie Claudel, Ashish Verma and coauthors validates this staging system by demonstrating that the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality increases with CKM syndrome stage. “CKM syndrome stages 1 to 4 are associated with a graded increase in risk of cardiovascular mortality,” comments Verma.

Jan 30, 2025 | nature.com | Ellen Carney

A new study provides evidence of an antibiotic-responsive kidney microbiota that may influence the formation of kidney stones. Jose Agudelo and colleagues identified bacteria in mouse kidney samples, with a higher density in the medulla than in the cortex. Using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, they also found bacterial DNA in human kidney samples; species richness was greater in the glomeruli than in the tubules.

Sep 3, 2024 | nature.com | Ellen Carney

In patients with liver disease, sodium and fluid retention is often attributed to reduced effective blood volume, which stimulates the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). However, not all patients show RAAS activation. New data suggest a potential aldosterone-independent mechanism of sodium and fluid retention in liver disease. The researchers conclude that activation of ENaC by bile acids is likely to contribute to Na+ and fluid retention in liver disease.

Jul 29, 2024 | nature.com | Ellen Carney

Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are ectopic lymphoid structures with immunomodulatory effects that develop in chronic inflammatory conditions, including transplantation, cancer, autoimmune diseases and infections. Now, Martin Oberbarnscheidt and coauthors report that TLOs contribute to rejection of kidney allografts.