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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.

New tool detects kidney-damaging antibodies missed by standard tests

Key takeaways

A new assay detects autoantibodies in patients with membranous nephropathy. A trial of twice-weekly vs thrice-weekly dialysis in veterans is starting. A debate continues over whether engineered EVs work via blood cells or direct kidney action.

Strongest evidence first 2026-08-20 , 13 findings

in this issue

The study used a luciferase assay to detect autoantibodies against NELL1 in patients with membranous nephropathy (MN). This method could help identify MN cases that standard assays miss. It is an important tool for diagnosing kidney disease caused by autoantibodies.

Paper A Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

The Case | When the diagnosis is more than skin deep

A woman with vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) was treated with prednisone, dapsone, and mycophenolate. She had kidney injury from the vasculitis but no-one knows if she will need a transplant.

Paper B Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

New ideas about mechanism in APOL1 kidney disease

A new study proposes a specific mechanism for kidney injury in African American patients. The findings suggest the risk is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and differ from previous models.

Paper B Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

Authors’ response to “Circulating engagement or intrarenal action in signal regulatory protein α–engineered mesenchymal stem cell–derived extracellular vesicle therapy for acute kidney injury?”

A debate on whether engineered EVs work via blood cells or direct kidney action. The-s_m_p_k_t_r_e_f_c_ a: better model for kidney injury in African American patients. The study uses different cell models and

Paper B Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

Reconsidering segment-specific Klotho regulation in renal mineral homeostasis

A debate on mineral handling in the kidney. The study uses different models for each kidney segment.

Paper B Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

Authors’ response to “Acute kidney injury alerts: beyond detection, to effective action”

A debate on using AI to detect acute kidney injury. The study uses different models for each kidney segment.

Paper B Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

Missed acute interstitial nephritis diagnoses without a biopsy

A review of how-to detect interstitial nephritis (inflammation in kidney tissue) without a biopsy. The authors find that using biomarkers and ultrasound may help detect this condition in patients with CKD.

Paper B Peer reviewed Nature Reviews Nephrology · added just now · source ↗

Incremental Hemodialysis for Veterans in the First Year of Dialysis (IncHVets)

A trial of twice-weekly vs. thrice-weekly dialysis in veterans with kidney disease. The study will enroll 252 Veterans over 3 years.

Trial B Not peer reviewed ClinicalTrials.gov, CKD recruiting · added just now · source ↗

A Study to Learn More About How Safe the Study Treatment Finerenone is in Long-term Use When Taken With an ACE Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Over 18 Months of Use in Children and Young Adults From 1 to 18 Years of Age With Chronic Kidney Disease and Proteinuria

A trial of finenorme in children with CKD and proteinuria. The study will enroll 50 patients over 18 months.

Trial B Not peer reviewed ClinicalTrials.gov, CKD recruiting · added just now · source ↗

Beyond observation: genetic evidence linking Ruminococcus B gnavus and Egerieenecus merdigallinarum to kidney function traits

An observational study links gut bacteria to kidney health. The findings suggest a link between the microbiome and early kidney damage.

Paper C Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

Can MQ232 guide to novel options for treatment of ADPKD?

The study used MQ232 in mice with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The drug slowed cyst growth but worked differently in males and females. It may offer new options for PKD treatment beyond tolvap_an.

Paper D Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

No staining needed: reading kidney injury by its own light

The study used near-infrared autofluorescence to detect kidney injury in mice and humans. This method detects mitochondrial oxidative stress without using fluorescent labels. It could be used to monitor injury severity in clinical trials.

Paper D Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

Corrigendum to “ZFYVE21 promotes endothelial nitric oxide signaling and vascular barrier function in the kidney during aging.” Kidney International 2024;106:419–432

A correction for a study on vascular function in the kidney. The original paper had switched group images.

Paper D Peer reviewed Kidney International · added just now · source ↗

See all 13 findings for 2026-08-20 →