Volume 14 Issue 5, May 2018

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of quantitative traits that incorporated data from GWAS of complex diseases provides clues regarding the relationships between genetic loci, intermediate phenotypes and diseases. Together, the data demonstrate pleiotropy, genetic correlation and cell-type specificity of quantitative traits as predictors of multiple complex diseases.

Advances in precision medicine have greatly improved outcomes for patients with cancer. New findings that demonstrate a substantial contribution of major chronic diseases and disease markers to the risk of cancer incidence and mortality highlight the impact of chronic disease on cancer risk and suggest that chronic diseases should be targeted in cancer prevention strategies.

Dysfunctional mitochondria are postulated to be central to the development and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, the authors review the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of DKD and novel therapeutic strategies to target mitochondria and improve kidney function.

Exposure to environmental pollutants is a major cause of kidney injury and disease worldwide and is a particular problem in the developing world. In this Review, the authors discuss the different environmental pollutants that affect the kidney, and our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of environmental pollutants in kidney injury and disease.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) not only plays a major part in the regulation of blood pressure but also participates in several other physiological functions, including renal development and male reproduction. Here, Bernstein et al. discuss how ACE enhances both innate and adaptive responses by modulating macrophage and neutrophil function.

Renal dysfunction and atrial fibrillation (AF) share common risk factors and often coexist. Here, the authors discuss the risks and benefits of use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and non-VKA oral anticoagulants for thromboprophylaxis in patients with coexistent AF and renal dysfunction.