Several recent studies have suggested that common gene variations may be responsible for much of the elevated risk of kidney disease in African Americans.
Several recent studies have suggested that common gene variations may be responsible for much of the elevated risk of kidney disease in African Americans.
New research on the MYH9 gene and its implications for the screening and possible prevention of kidney disease in the African American population will be summarized in a press briefing to be held at the American Society of Nephrology's 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia, PA.
Chronic Renal Failure - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment, Prevention
Chronic renal failure or chronic kidney disease is progressive loss in kidney function. The change is irreversible and is due to loss of nephrons of the kidney.
Chronic renal failure or chronic kidney disease is progressive loss in kidney function. The change is irreversible and is due to loss of nephrons of the kidney.
In September, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, and Johns Hopkins University published independent studies showing that variations of the (non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9) gene (MYH9) are linked to certain types of kidney disease that are more common in African Americans, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), HIV-associated nephropathy, and non-diabetic ESRD.
Variations of MYH9 may also explain the increased rate of hypertension-related kidney disease in African Americans, which tends to persist even with effective treatment to lower blood pressure. Overall, the gene variants appear to increase the risk of developing any form of ESRD, which is irreversible kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation not related to diabetes.
Scientists Identify Gene Mutations Behind Kidney Diseases Among African-Americans
Scientists have identified a gene mutations in which are strongly associated with kidney diseases disproportionately affecting African-Americans.
Scientists have identified a gene mutations in which are strongly associated with kidney diseases disproportionately affecting African-Americans.
At the press briefing, Dr. Parekh will introduce a panel of researchers at the forefront of ongoing research on MYH9. The speakers will share their perspectives on the discoveries so far, key areas for further study, and the implications for risk screening and efforts to reduce kidney disease in the African-American population.
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Ten Percent of Americans Has A Relative With Kidney Failure
Approximately ten percent of U.S. adults have a family history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Approximately ten percent of U.S. adults have a family history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
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African Americans Suffer from Kidney Failure Despite Tight Blood Pressure Control
Even when their blood pressure is kept strictly under control with the best available medicine, African-American patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to lose their kidney function.
Even when their blood pressure is kept strictly under control with the best available medicine, African-American patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to lose their kidney function.
