Presse Med
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The dysfunction of the internal mechanics within the kidney's filtering units, known as glomeruli, has been linked to the emergence and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). To better understand this crucial aspect of kidney function and the pathology of DKD, a variety of methods are employed in research, from the introduction of external compounds, such as inulin, iohexol, iothalamate and p-aminohippurate, to cutting-edge imaging techniques and computational analysis. ⋯ Accordingly, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the role of intraglomerular hemodynamic dysfunction in the development of DKD and the effects of current therapies used to mitigate DKD. Through this analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex pathogenesis of DKD and potentially discover new avenues for tailored therapeutic management of patients with DKD.
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The pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has markedly evolved in the last two decades. Classical antidiabetic agents (sulphonylureas, metformin, insulin) are now in competition with new glucose-lowering medications. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones (glitazones) were not able to replace older agents, because of insufficient efficacy and/or poor tolerability/safety. ⋯ More recently sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is or gliflozins, oral agents) also showed cardiovascular protection, especially a reduction in hospitalization for heart failure, as well as a renal protection in patients with and without T2DM, at high cardiovascular risk, with established heart failure and/or with chronic kidney disease. Thus, GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is are now considered as preferred drugs in T2DM patients with or at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease whereas SGLT2is are more specifically recommended in patients with or at risk of heart failure and renal (albuminuric) disease. The management of T2DM is moving from a glucocentric approach to a broader strategy focusing on all risk factors, including overweight/obesity, and to an organ-disease targeted personalized approach.
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Major clinical advances over the last 20 years in the area of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have been confirmed in large seminal clinical trials. These findings add to the previously identified benefits resulting from intensive glucose and blood pressure control therapies. Furthermore, newer glucose lowering treatments such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists appear very promising and are likely to transform the management and outlook of DKD over the next decade. In addition, novel mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and a recently reported trial with an endothelin receptor blocker also have the potential to change clinical practice.
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In nature, wild viruses adapted for transmission circulate in many animal species (bats, birds, primates…). Contamination of other animals, including humans, may occur by crossing of the species barrier. Genetic manipulations have been carried out on wild viruses to favor the species jumping and to increase of viral virulence. ⋯ The alternative scenario is that of a laboratory accident after gain-of-function manipulations from a SARS-like virus, or even the occurrence of a human contamination by a natural CoV virus grown on cells in Wuhan. This article is an update to the Quarterly Medical Review (QMR) devoted to the history of modern pandemics. To access this QMR contents, please go here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/la-presse-medicale/vol/51/issue/3.