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Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, which lacks effective treatment. Previously, we have shown that CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) are pathogenic in adriamycin nephropathy (AN), a model of human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) is a receptor that is expressed with high specificity on tissue resident CD103+ DCs. Methods To test the effect on CD103+ DCs and kidney injury of inhibition of Flt3, we used a selective Flt3 inhibitor (AC220) to treat mice with AN. Results Human CD141+ DCs, homologous to murine CD103+ DCs, were significantly increased in patients with FSGS. The number of kidney CD103+ DCs, but not CD103− DCs or plasmacytoid DCs, was significantly decreased in AN mice after AC220 administration. Treatment with AC220 significantly improved kidney function and reduced kidney injury and fibrosis in AN mice. AC220-treated AN mice had decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and CCL5 and reduced kidney infiltration of CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells. The protective effect of AC220 was associated with its suppression of CD103+ DCs-mediated CD8 T cell proliferation and activation in AN mice. Conclusion Flt3 inhibitor AC220 effectively reduced kidney injury in AN mice, suggesting that this inhibitor might be a useful pharmaceutical agent to treat CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision about when to start dialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is complex and is influenced by many factors. ESKD-related symptoms and signs are the most common indications for dialysis initiation. Creatinine-based formulae to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are inaccurate in patients with ESKD and, thus, the decision to start dialysis should not be based solely on estimated GFR (eGFR). Early dialysis initiation (ie, at an eGFR > 10 mL/min/1.73 m2) is not associated with a morbidity and mortality benefit, as shown in the Initiating Dialysis Early and Late (IDEAL) study. This observation has been incorporated into the latest guidelines, which place greater emphasis on the assessment of patients' symptoms and signs rather than eGFR. It is suggested that in asymptomatic patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, dialysis may be safely delayed until the eGFR is at least as low as 5-7 mL/min/1.73 m2 if there is careful clinical follow-up and adequate patient education. The decision on when to start dialysis is even more challenging in older patients. Due to their comorbidities and frailty, dialysis initiation may be associated with worse outcomes and quality of life. Therefore, the decision to start dialysis in these patients should be carefully weighed against its risks, and conservative care should be considered in appropriate cases. To optimise the decision-making process for dialysis initiation, patients need to be referred to a nephrologist in a timely fashion to allow adequate pre-dialysis care and planning. Dialysis initiation and its timing should be a shared decision between physician, patients and family members, and should be tailored to the individual patient's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 55-year old man who presented with abdominal pain and a history of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) secondary to IgA nephropathy. He was diagnosed with acquired cystic disease-associated with renal cell carcinoma and had been on haemodialysis for 8 years, since a failed deceased donor kidney transplant in 2007. His computed tomography of his abdomen showed a right kidney lesion, suspicious of RCC.

The authors discuss the challenges of preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among the challenges of CKD prevention are low awareness of CKD in the general public and among primary health care professionals, imperfections of the existing CKD screening methods, and high prevalence of CKD among Indigenous Australians.