Latest news with #kidneys
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Decoding The Molecular Benefits Of Exercise
There has always been a dream that there could be a pill to replace exercise. New research suggests a molecule called betaine, naturally produced by the kidneys, may do just that. According to a new study published in Cell, it may mimic many of the health-protective effects of exercise. This suggests that it could help protect against aging-related decline, even in individuals who are unable to maintain regular physical activity. Betaine is produced by the kidneys. Previous research has linked it to cardiovascular health and liver function, but its role in geroprotection has been underappreciated. This research shows the kidney acts as a command center in exercise-driven rejuvenation. Betaine directly inhibits key drivers of inflammation, silencing 'inflammaging'—chronic inflammation that accelerates cellular aging. This links movement at the gym to age-defying changes in cellular Molecular Language of Movement Decades of research have linked regular exercise to longer lifespans and reduced risk for inflammation-driven diseases. Therefore, we know exercise is beneficial, but the mechanisms—what actually changes at the microscopic level—are not well understood. For example, activities such as running, cycling or resistance training have a positive effect on metabolism and heart health. Recent advances now enable us to investigate the molecular changes underlying these improvements. This new study presents a systematic, cell-by-cell analysis. It looks at how both acute and sustained exercise drive rapid shifts in molecular signatures, redefining our understanding of 'exercise as medicine'. The study tracked 13 healthy human volunteers over periods of rest, a single 5-km run, and long-term training in the form of 25 days of running. During these periods, samples were collected. These examined how the body's cells and molecules responded. More specifically, the study went beyond general health markers. It used advanced techniques, such as single-cell sequencing, to determine which genes are activated in individual cells during exercise. It also measures proteins, small molecules related to metabolism and it studies the gut microbiome. To explain this in simpler terms, you might compare this to a car tune-up. Even short, regular sessions of exercise prompt the body to 'fix' and 'upgrade' its cellular machinery, leading to wide-ranging health improvements. The study's use of sophisticated technology is like opening the hood and not just checking the oil, but inspecting every engine part for improvement. These tests and samples provide an unprecedented, detailed insight into the body's inner workings in response to exercise. The findings show that a single workout triggers a short burst of inflammation, described as 'metabolic chaos,' that helps the body adjust to sudden physical stress. Sustained exercise, on the other hand, reprograms the body towards youthfulness, reshapes the gut microbiome, enhances antioxidant activity, promotes DNA stability in immune cells and elevates betaine Path Forward in Understanding the Molecular Benefits of Exercise These results build upon prior work linking exercise to reductions in cellular senescence, tissue inflammation, and metabolic disease—all key hallmarks of aging. What distinguishes this research is the identification of a single, kidney-derived metabolite that can orchestrate what is known as systemic geroprotection. Consider the case of elderly patients facing joint pain or disability. They are often unable to engage in adequate physical activity. Betaine supplementation, pending further clinical validation, could potentially offer a pharmacological lifeline to healthspan extension, helping these individuals maintain independence and quality of life without the barrier of vigorous exercise. That said, the study tested only a small, similar group of people, so we can't be sure the results apply to everyone. The limited sample size and lack of participant diversity mean that the findings may not be generalizable to broader populations. Still, the early results are promising. As research moves from bench to bedside, we approach an era where the secrets of exercise may be unlocked—and replicated—to benefit all.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Kelantan has fewest organ donors nationwide, says state health dept
Kelantan health department director Dr Zaini Hussin said organ demand remained high, especially for kidneys and corneas, as well as hearts and livers. (Envato Elements pic) PETALING JAYA : Only 0.45% of Kelantan's population have pledged to become organ donors, the lowest rate among all states and federal territories in Malaysia, says state health department director Dr Zaini Hussin. He said the figure reflects persistently low awareness of organ donation in the state, particularly among rural communities and younger demographics. 'Since the organ donation pledge programme began in 1997, Kelantan has recorded only eight actual donors,' Bernama reported him as saying at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital today. Zaini stressed the urgent need to improve both pledge registration and actual donation rates. 'Organ demand remains high, especially for kidneys and corneas, as well as hearts and livers. One donor can save up to four lives,' he said. Zaini said overcoming cultural and religious misconceptions required a coordinated effort involving medical professionals, authorities and religious scholars. 'Although many support the idea in principle, barriers such as limited understanding, myth, family hesitation and concerns over funeral delays or respecting the deceased remain widespread,' he said. According to the National Transplant Resource Centre, Kuala Lumpur currently has the highest pledge rate at 2.32%.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Parkinson's Disease Might Not Start in The Brain, Study Finds
Parkinson's disease is traditionally associated with neurological damage in the brain, brought on by a drastic drop in dopamine production, but a new study suggests it could get started in an unexpected part of the body: the kidneys. Led by a team from Wuhan University in China, the study is primarily concerned with the alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) protein, which is closely associated with Parkinson's. When production goes awry and creates clumps of misfolded proteins, it interferes with brain function. The key discovery here is that α-Syn clumps can build up in the kidneys, as well as the brain. The researchers think these abnormal proteins might actually travel from the kidneys to the brain, possibly playing a part in triggering the disease. "We demonstrate that the kidney is a peripheral organ that serves as an origin of pathological α-Syn," write the researchers in their published paper. There's a lot to dig into here. The research team ran multiple tests, looking at the behavior of α-Syn in genetically engineered mice, as well as analyzing human tissue – including samples from people with Parkinson's disease and chronic kidney disease. The team found abnormal α-Syn growth in the kidneys of 10 out of 11 people with Parkinson's and other types of dementia related to Lewy bodies (a commonly seen type of α-Syn protein clumping). That wasn't all: in another sample batch, similar protein malfunctions were found in 17 out of 20 patients with chronic kidney disease, even though these people had no signs of neurological disorders. This is more evidence that the kidneys are where these harmful proteins begin to gather, before brain damage begins. The animal tests backed up these hypotheses. Mice with healthy kidneys cleared out injected α-Syn clumps, but in mice with kidneys that weren't functioning, the proteins built up and eventually spread to the brain. In further tests where the nerves between the brain and kidneys were cut, this spread didn't happen. As α-Syn proteins can also move through the blood, the researchers tested this too. They found that a reduction in α-Syn in the blood also meant less damage to the brain, which means this is another consideration to bear in mind. There are some limitations to this study. The number of people that tissue samples were taken from was relatively small, and while mice make decent stand-ins for humans in scientific research, there's no guarantee that the exact same processes observed in the animals are happening in people. However, there are lots of interesting findings here that can be explored further, which could eventually aid in the development of new treatments for Parkinson's and other related neurological disorders. The likelihood is that Parkinson's (in a similar way to Alzheimer's disease) is actually triggered in a variety of ways and through a variety of risk factors. For example, previous studies have also suggested it could get started in the gut – and now it seems the kidneys could be connected in a similar way. "Removal of α-Syn from the blood may hinder the progression of Parkinson's disease, providing new strategies for therapeutic management of Lewy body diseases," write the researchers. The research has been published in Nature Neuroscience. These Common Drugs Can Make Coping With Heat Even Harder Tinnitus Seems Somehow Linked to a Crucial Bodily Function Your Ear Wax Might Hold Clues to Early Parkinson's, Study Finds
News24
11-06-2025
- Health
- News24
Why your kidneys are your body's silent heroes and how to keep them healthy
Kidneys are the silent heroes of your body. Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now
Health Line
02-06-2025
- General
- Health Line
Hypervolemia (Fluid Overload) Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Hypervolemia occurs if your body retains too much fluid. You can experience swelling, discomfort, and other symptoms. Untreated, hypervolemia can cause severe complications, including heart failure. Hypervolemia, or fluid overload, occurs when your body holds onto more fluid than it needs, leading to swelling and other complications. Fluids in the body include: water blood lymphatic fluid If the amount of fluid gets too high, it can impact how it's moved through your body and negatively affect your organ function. Keep reading to learn the signs and causes of hypervolemia and how doctors diagnose and treat the condition. What are the signs and symptoms of hypervolemia? The symptoms of hypervolemia can include: swelling, also called edema, most often in the feet, ankles, wrists, and face discomfort in the body, causing cramping, headache, and abdominal bloating high blood pressure caused by excess fluid in the bloodstream shortness of breath caused by extra fluid entering your lungs and reducing your ability to breathe normally heart problems, because excess fluid can speed up or slow your heart rate, harm your heart muscles, and increase the size of your heart increased weight, caused by excess fluid Medical emergency If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or irregular heart rhythm, call 911 or your local emergency services, or visit a local emergency department. What causes hypervolemia? Often, problems with your kidneys cause hypervolemia. This is because the kidneys normally balance the salts and fluids in your body. But when they retain salt, they increase the body's total sodium content, which increases your fluid content. The most common causes of hypervolemia can include: heart failure, specifically of the right ventricle cirrhosis, often caused by excess alcohol consumption or hepatitis kidney failure, often caused by diabetes and other metabolic disorders nephrotic syndrome, a disorder that causes excess excretion of protein in the urine premenstrual edema, or swelling that occurs prior to your menstrual cycle pregnancy, which changes your hormonal balance and can result in fluid retention You can also experience hypervolemia from being on an IV, which can cause your sodium levels to be unbalanced. It can also occur if you consume too much sodium. How is hypervolemia diagnosed? If you believe you're experiencing hypervolemia, speak with a doctor. They can determine if you're experiencing this condition. First, a doctor typically conducts a physical exam. The key signs of hypervolemia include weight gain and swelling. One or more parts of your body may appear swollen, depending on whether you have been sitting, lying, or standing before your visit. The doctor is also likely to perform a blood test to check your sodium levels. While your body's total sodium levels will appear elevated if you have hypervolemia, your sodium levels in the blood work may be high, normal, or low. Performing a sodium test on your urine can help determine if your kidneys are causing your hypervolemia or if there is another cause. For renal failure, urinary sodium content is typically greater than 20 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), while in cases of heart failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome, it is typically less than 10 mEq/L. If you are hospitalized, your care team may measure your fluid intake and output and your weight to check for hypervolemia. Can hypervolemia lead to other conditions? Untreated hypervolemia can cause several complications, some of which can be life threatening. These can include: pericarditis, or swelling of the heart tissues heart failure delayed wound healing tissue breakdown decreased bowel function How is hypervolemia treated? Treatment of hypervolemia differs from person to person, depending on the cause of the condition. Generally, people with hypervolemia may receive a round of diuretics. These medications remove excess fluid. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend dialysis (fluid removal through the kidneys) and paracentesis (fluid removal through the abdomen). A doctor may also require you to restrict your dietary sodium intake. What is the outlook for hypervolemia? While you recover from hypervolemia, a doctor may request that you weigh yourself daily to ensure you're expelling the excess fluid from your body. Many people who stick to a doctor's treatment plans fully recover. This can be important for preventing severe complications. If an underlying condition is causing your hypervolemia, treating the underlying condition may help your recovery. Besides monitoring your weight, you can prevent a recurrence of fluid overload by: tracking your fluid intake following the fluid intake guidelines from a doctor managing your thirst with sugar-free candies, ice chips, frozen grapes, and other low-fluid, thirst-quenching foods ensuring you do not consume too much sodium
