The present book contains the Proceedings of a two day Symposium on Uremic Toxins organized at the University of Ghent in Belgium. A series of guest lectures, free communications and posters have been presented. An international audience of 163 scientists from 16 nationalities listened to and discussed extensively a spectrum of topics brought forward by colleagues and researchers who worked for many years in the field of Uremic Toxins. There is a striking contrast between all the new dialysis strategies available in the work to "clean" the uremic patients and the almost non-progression of our knowledge on uremic toxins in the past decade. In this sense the symposium was felt by all participants as a new start for the research in the biochemical field of the definition of uremia. If the present volume would stimulate new work in this field in order to define uremia, or identify the uremic toxins, the purpose of the organizers would be maximally fulfilled.

During the past decade, experimental and clinical studies have suggested that dyslipidemia may be an important risk factor for the progression of renal disease. This volume explores in great detail recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of this common complication of progressive renal injury. In the experimental investigations presented, emphasis is placed on specific disturbances of lipids that are seen in progressive renal disease including the effects of oxidatively modified lipoproteins and Lp(a) on various functions of the glomerular cells. Clinical studies have identified dyslipidemia as a risk factor for progressive renal disease in diabetes mellitus, various non-diabetic renal diseases, and most recently in patients with progressive renal allograft loss. An emerging interest in the genetics of dyslipidemia has recently arisen and this topic as it specifically relates to progressive renal disease is discussed. The final section of the book offers new insights into the mechanisms of action of antilipemic therapy used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. This volume should be read by all nephrologists caring for patients with progressive renal disease and by physicians interested in the biology of lipids, diabetes and essential hypertension.

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. The earlier in life dyslipidemia is treated, the better the prognosis. The current book is an excellent one on dyslipidemia written by experts on this topic. This book includes 12 chapters including 5 on lipids, 4 on hypercholesterolemia in children, and 3 on the treatment of dyslipidemia. This book should be read by all health care professionals taking care of patients, including pediatricians since atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease begins in childhood.

This book systemically presents the latest research on renal fibrosis, covering all the major topics in the field, including the possible mechanisms, biomarkers, and strategies for prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to its high prevalence, CKD represents a huge global economic and social burden. Irrespective of the initial causes, CKD progresses to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) due to renal fibrosis, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, tubule atrophy and atresia, and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the kidney. Unfortunately, an estimated 1%-2% of the adult population living with CKD will need renal replacement therapy at some point as a result of ESKD. As such, strategies for preventing or slowing CKD progression to ESKD are of utmost importance, and studies aiming to understand the mechanisms of renal fibrosis have been the focus of intensive research. Recently, novel insights into the pathophysiological processes have furthered our understanding of the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, and more importantly, promoted studies on the early diagnosis and treatment of CKD. This book draws lessons from the extensive, state-of-the-art research in this field, elaborating the new theories and new techniques to offer readers a detailed and comprehensive understanding of renal fibrosis and as well as inspiration for future research directions.

The understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) has advanced considerably in the last few years. Much has been learned about the natural history, the relative lack of significance of microalbuminuria in reflecting underlying pathological change, questionable effects of ACEs and ARBs on the progression of nephropathy, the emergence of new biomarkers such as Cystatin and the role of cytokines, inflammatory molecules and adhesion molecules. Podocytes, the cells with limited ability to replenish and to repair, play a pivotal role in glomerular filtration. In recent years these cells have become the focus for research on pathogenesis of DN as well as other nephropathies. A recent review from the NIH has identified new insights into the pathophysiology, the genetics and the role of the podocytes and some of the important new metabolic pathways such as mTOR or autophagy which may be targeting the podocyte. Knowledge is emerging about the role of podocyte as a part of immune system and about the role of growth factors and cytokines in regulation of podocyte functions. Presented in this e-book articles highlight recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of kidney pathology and the role of podocytes in this process.

This timely, concise title provides an important update on clinical lipid management. Using information from recent clinical trials and in special populations, the book begins by offering an easy-to-read overview of LDL, HDL, and triglyceride metabolism and the genetics of lipid disorders. The link between inflammation and lipids, and how this relates to atherosclerosis development, is also addressed, as are the measures of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with abnormal lipid levels. Lipid abnormalities in children, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations (with an emphasis on ethnicity and childhood obesity), are covered. The treatment goals and approaches for managing lipids in the clinic are thoroughly discussed, emphasizing the important role of statin use and addressing controversies of lipid management in special populations such as heart failure, end stage kidney disease and fatty liver disease. Of special note, an important update on how new HIV medications impact lipid levels is provided. In all, Lipid Management: From Basics to Clinic, is an invaluable, handy resource for understanding changes in lipids in different populations and for sharpening the clinical approach to managing complicated lipid cases.

The podocyte is a key cell that forms the last barrier of the kidney filtration unit. One of the most exciting developments in the field of nephrology in the last decade has been the elucidation of its biology and its role in the pathophysiology of inherited and acquired glomerular disease, termed podocytopathy. In this publication, world-renowned experts summarize the most recent findings and advances in the field: they describe the unique biological features and injury mechanisms of the podocyte, novel techniques used in their study, and diagnosis and potential therapeutic approaches to glomerular diseases. Due to its broad scope, this publication is of great value not only for clinical nephrologists and researchers, but also for students, residents, fellows, and postdocs.