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Kidney International®

Environmental Pollution to Kidney Disease: An Updated Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions 

This review examines the growing body of research demonstrating the significant impact of environmental pollutants, especially air pollution, on the development and progression of kidney diseases.

Short and long-term exposure to pollutants can lead to increased risk and progression of kidney disease, especially in vulnerable populations. The authors emphasize the need for interdisciplinary research and environmental health policies to prevent and manage kidney disease globally.

The article is part of “Green Nephrology: A Series of Mini-Reviews on Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Kidney Health Care,” a collaboration between Kidney International® and  ISN Emerging Leaders 2022 Program members.

Genome-wide Association Study of Hospitalized Patients and Acute Kidney Injury 

The authors conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis using data from the Million Veteran Program and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s BioVU.

They identified two genetic loci significantly associated with acute kidney injury (AKI), suggesting genetics may explain some risk for AKI.

Kidney International Reports®

Ethical Issues Related to Early Screening Programs in Low Resource Settings

This editorial explores the ethical challenges of early chronic kidney disease (CKD) screening in low-resource settings.

General screening may involve financial costs, ethical dilemmas, and undue anxiety for families. Ethically-driven screening, supported by appropriate counseling and informed consent, can enhance early CKD detection and improve patient outcomes.

Prospective Study on Kidney Dysfunction Markers and Risk for Mortality Among South Asians

The study investigates the relationship between impaired kidney function markers and adverse outcomes among South Asians, a population often underrepresented in existing research.

In a prospective analysis of 9,797 South Asian participants, the authors found that higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios and lower estimated glomerular filtration rates significantly increase mortality risk, highlighting the need for screening and targeted efforts to reduce albuminuria to improve kidney health in this population.