Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2018

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common and progressive form of kidney injury for which treatment options are limited. New findings from a study in animal models of FSGS suggest that a small molecule inhibitor of the TRPC5 ion channel could provide therapeutic benefit.

New data from the REPRISE trial confirms that tolvaptan slows the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic disease (ADPKD). Although not yet approved by the United States Food and Drug administration, tolvaptan is now likely to become standard care for early and later stages of ADPKD in Europe and in various countries worldwide.

New data from the PRESERVE trial suggest that administration of N-acetylcysteine and/or sodium bicarbonate does not reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing angiography. Given the limitations of this study, use of these antioxidants should be considered discretionary until further data becomes available.

A growing body of research indicates that sex and gender-specific differences exist in the mechanisms and epidemiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, the authors describe current understanding of gender and sex differences in the epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of CKD, as well as the possible underlying causes.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, Wiles et al. discuss fertility issues, contraception, important comorbidities, drugs commonly used in nephrology and the effect of dialysis provision in the context of CKD. Advances in biomarkers for CKD and pre-eclampsia are also presented.

The authors present sexual dimorphism at the molecular, cellular and tissue level and suggest that it contributes to differences in disease onset, susceptibility, prevalence and treatment responses in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Several factors that confer relative cardioprotection in women are discussed, including biological age, sex hormones, sex chromosome complement and lifestyle.

Here, four leading researchers discuss key considerations related to women's kidney health, including specific risk factors, the main challenges and barriers to care and policies and systems that could be implemented to improve the kidney health of women and their offspring.