AJKD Blog

Editor’s Note: We asked authors of Original Investigations to provide short plain-language summaries that would briefly summarize what inspired their study, the basic approach taken, what was learned, and why it matters. We hope our readers will find this valuable in helping them keep up with the latest research in the field of nephrology. Highlights from the August 2026 issue: Allocation of Kidney Allografts From Donors With Kidney Donor Profile Index <35% and the Impact of Kidney [...]

In IgA nephropathy (IgAN), elevated levels of the circulating autoantigen galactose-deficient IgA1 are critical to disease pathogenesis. Genetic as well as in vitro, in vivo, and human immunologic studies have identified APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) and BAFF (B-cell activating factor) as key cytokines controlling B-cell development and the differentiation of antibody-secreting cells. A recent Mini Review published in AJKD by Reily et al covers key aspects related to the roles of [...]

Dr. Kashvi Gupta is a Clinical Research Fellow in the Division of Nephrology at the University of California, San Francisco. She completed her internal medicine residency at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and earned a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on reducing complications of high blood pressure and improving health outcomes in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Outside of work, she enjoys distance running and [...]

Rituximab effectively limits the number of relapses in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndromes (INS) and reduces exposure to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants. However, few data are available on the risk of relapse after an initial dose of rituximab or the benefit of a maintenance therapy in adults with INS. Laslandes et al followed 134 French adults for a median of 36 months to test its effectiveness. AJKDBlog’s Interviews Editor, Timothy Yau (@Maximal_Change), recently sat down [...]

Dr. Justin Oveyssi is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine in Transplant Nephrology at UCSF. His clinical and academic work focuses on post–kidney transplant care, including immune-mediated complications and long-term outcomes in transplant recipients. He is passionate about improving care coordination and long-term follow-up for living kidney donors and transplant patients. Living kidney donors are often described as heroes. They are individuals who voluntarily accept surgical and [...]