Recently, AI has been at the forefront of many heated discussions in the press. I have embraced it with the understanding that, like humans, it is not perfect but, in most cases, better than existing research tools. I recently quizzed Perplexity about the field of research into new and diverse methodologies to treat CKF with the following interesting results:

Recent discoveries in the field of nephrology have been made with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly being used to improve various aspects of kidney transplantation and treatment. A study from the University of Texas at Dallas, reported on July 14, 2023, revealed a new mechanism for kidney cell renewal. This discovery pertains to a “housekeeping” process within kidney cells that ejects unwanted components, which could have significant implications for understanding kidney function and diseases2.AI is also being utilized to transform organ transplantation. For instance, Mayo Clinic transplant specialists are confident that AI will be a valuable tool to improve the complex organ donor and recipient matching process. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets is expected to uncover important trends and patterns that can aid in early detection of organ failure, improve matching processes, and potentially increase the number of organs usable for transplant3. Moreover, The Kidney Project has made strides in developing a prototype bioartificial kidney, which aims to free patients from dialysis machines and transplant waiting lists. This project has successfully tested a functional prototype, which combines a hemofilter and a bioreactor, and is powered by blood pressure alone without the need for blood thinning or immunosuppressant drugs4.In addition to these practical applications, AI is also being recognized as a new field of knowledge for nephrologists. It offers the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment, and prediction of kidney diseases. Machine learning algorithms, a subset of AI, can be trained to recognize patterns in patient data to identify early signs of kidney disease, which could lead to timely diagnoses and treatments5.These advancements in AI and its applications in nephrology are paving the way for increased automation, standardization, and speed in medical evaluations, which will ultimately enhance precision medicine and improve patient care135.

It. should be very apparent that researchers are indeed employing AI in their efforts to improve life for those experiencing or on the path to experience CKF. The lead picture was generated by my AI assistant Poe in response to the Prompt “Picture of Popeye pondering the concept of artificial intelligence.”

My wife and I just had a whirlwind weekend. Our grandson, wife, and seven-month-old great-granddaughter flew in from Seattle for a short visit. We drove about 70 miles to Dallas Love Field to pick them up. It wasn’t too bad traffic-wise Saturday or going back up Monday, but coming back we got in lots of slow and start-stop traffic on the 820. It was very nice seeing them and getting acquainted with the new GGD. Our golden retriever behaved himself extremely well.

Have several activities coming up this week. On Wednesday I have a Fresenius supply delivery and an annual physical. Thursday I have a dialysis team meeting, and Friday I’m scheduled to turn in our tax records to our CPA so she can do our 2023 Federal taxes. I also uncovered a new topic that should prove to be of interest to readers of this blog that I intend to develop tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Recently (Link) it was reported that nano and microplastics are increasingly becoming a real threat to our health and wellbeing. While the research cited in general has to do with these plastics in the bloodstream, it is conjectured that they exhibit a deleterious effect on the kidneys also and thus are of interest to those of us on dialysis and sensitive to causes of CKF.

In this blog, I intend to first provide current definitions of and causes of the phenomena of microplastics followed by a survey of current research into the impact of the same on kidneys. Perplexity was used throughout.

What are microplastics and how are they produced?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5mm in diameter, that are a significant concern due to their harmful effects on humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. These particles originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and the intentional design of small plastic particles for specific functions like microbeads in beauty products12. Primary microplastics are intentionally produced small plastic particles, while secondary microplastics result from the degradation of larger plastic items due to environmental factors like UV radiation and exposure to sea waves12. Microplastics are found in oceans, lakes, waterways, soil, air, and even in food products like seafood and table salt2. They pose environmental risks by being ingested by marine life and accumulating toxic chemicals that can harm ecosystems2. In terms of human health impacts, research suggests that humans ingest microplastics through food and water, with potential risks including inflammatory responses, cancer, infertility, and other health issues depending on factors like size, shape, polymer type, and exposure levels3. Efforts are needed to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with microplastics to protect both human health and the environment3.

What has research found concerning microplastics and their impact on kidneys?

Research has found concerning evidence regarding the impact of microplastics on kidneys. Studies have shown that microplastics, particularly polystyrene microplastics, can lead to histological and functional alterations in kidney cells, including autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation

34. These effects are mediated by processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid disturbance, which can result in decreased kidney function and structural damage in kidney tissues35. Additionally, research indicates that microplastics can induce nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in juvenile rats, leading to decreased growth rates and organ index changes5. While further studies are needed to fully understand the extent of microplastics’ impact on kidneys, the existing evidence highlights the potential risks posed by these tiny plastic particles to renal health.

As I have discussed several times recently, our son is recovering from a quadruple heart bypass surgery. He is still doing well BTW. We took him out Saturday for a Mexican lunch, which he greatly enjoyed. Before his bypass surgery, while knowing that his glucose was running high, he ate pretty much as in the past. While in the hospital he was put on insulin and now is taking both short-term insulin before meals and long-term insulin (Lantus) before bed. Another aspect that I know he has to work on is limiting his salt intake. I have witnessed excessive use of salt in meals being prepared for him. This leads to today’s blog as applies to me, Salt Intake, Diabetes and Dialysis.

Poe, my go-to AI has a special bot named Doctor Sage (beta) which I used to quiz it about the subject. This is what it had to say about the subject:

DoctorSageBeta

Operated by

@elmoo

DoctorSageBeta

Poe

This is the new version of DoctorSage! Try both and see which one you prefer!

Prompt: Write a 500-word or less blog about the dangers of too much salt in the diet of an individual who is both a diabetic and on peritoneal dialysis at an engaging level.

DoctorSageBeta

Poe

Here is a 418-word blog post on the dangers of too much salt in the diet for an individual who is both diabetic and on peritoneal dialysis:

The Dangers of Salt for Those With Diabetes and on Dialysis

For those managing both diabetes and kidney failure requiring peritoneal dialysis, watching your salt intake is incredibly important. Both conditions put extra stress on the body and high salt consumption can severely impact your health. Let’s explore why limiting salt is a must in this situation.

People with diabetes often experience higher blood pressure as high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, puts further strain on the kidneys as they work to filter waste from the blood. For those already receiving peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure, extra pressure can decrease renal function even more. Dialysis aims to replace some of the work of damaged kidneys, but excess salt hinders its effectiveness.

When you consume salt, your body retains water to dilute the sodium in your bloodstream. This leads to fluid buildup that dialysis may not fully remove. Fluid overload, also called hypervolemia, causes symptoms like swelling, shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure. For peritoneal dialysis that works by using the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen, too much residual fluid can damage this delicate tissue over time.

Not only that but a high salt diet has been shown to increase risks of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks and strokes. People with diabetes already face twice the risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Extra sodium worsens this risk, so limiting intake is preventative medicine. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and avoiding further kidney decline are also critical aspects of management.

Most health organizations recommend no more than 2,300mg of sodium daily. But for those with complex conditions, reducing intake to 1,500mg or lower is best. Be wary of added salt in prepared foods and condiments and opt for fresh alternatives when possible. Reading nutrition labels can also help you make lower sodium choices. Speaking to your doctor and dietitian will help you devise an individualized plan.

With a few adjustments, you can protect your health and better control your diabetes and kidney disease. Small diet changes go a long way, so don’t underestimate the power of limiting salt. Your kidneys and overall well-being will thank you!

Many people following the latest in health fads scorn highly processed foods. I have found that foods such as lunch meat are very high in sodium, as are prepared soups etc. As such I have severely restricted my intake of them. Andrew Gregory’s recent article in The Guardian (link) titled “Ultra-processed food linked to 32 harmful effects to health, review finds” lends even more credence to those of us who are diabetic and on peritoneal dialysis to curb intake of ultra-processed foods. I ran his article through Poe with instructions to reduce the article to 500 words or less in bullet format with the following summary results for your edification:

Blog Entry: The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Food

Introduction:

Ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked to numerous harmful health effects.
The world’s largest review of its kind reveals the risks associated with UPF consumption. UPF consumption is on the rise globally, with the UK and US having a significant proportion of UPF in their diets.
Key Findings:

-The review involved experts from leading institutions, who found direct associations between UPF and 32 health parameters.
-Adverse health outcomes include a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health, and early death.
-Measures to target and reduce exposure to UPF are necessary to improve human health.
Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods:

-UPF includes products such as cereals, protein bars, fizzy drinks, ready meals, and fast food.
-These foods undergo multiple industrial processes and contain additives, colors, emulsifiers, and flavors.
-They are typically high in added sugar, fat, and/or salt but low in vitamins and fiber.
Research Methodology:

-The umbrella review analyzed 45 distinct pooled meta-analyses involving almost 10 million people.
-UPF exposure was measured through food frequency questionnaires, dietary recalls, and dietary history.
-The evidence was graded based on its strength and quality, revealing consistent associations between UPF and adverse health outcomes.
Health Risks Associated with UPF:

-Higher UPF intake was linked to a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death.
-It was also associated with a higher risk of anxiety, common mental disorders, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep problems, and depression.
-Associations were found with asthma, gastrointestinal health, certain cancers, and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Limitations and Caution:

-The study acknowledges limitations, such as unmeasured factors and variations in assessing UPF intake.
-Experts caution that the research included in the review was weak and the findings do not prove cause and effect.
Conclusion:

The review provides compelling evidence of the harmful effects of UPF consumption on health. The study highlights the need for public health measures to reduce dietary exposure to UPF. Calls are made for a framework convention on ultra-processed foods, similar to the framework on tobacco.

In a separate study, it was suggested that calorie labeling in food establishments could prevent thousands of heart disease-related deaths in England.
Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of making informed dietary choices and reducing reliance on ultra-processed food for the sake of our health and well-being.

Several days ago I commented that our son, who recently underwent quadruple bypass (he is doing great BTW), displayed a high degree of anxiety over small stimuli during the procedure. I speculated that PD patients were also prone to such behavior. This blog aims to provide the reader with what researchers have found.

Within the AI engine I often use, Poe, there is a specific bot named DoctorSage. I used this bot with the following Prompt and results to ascertain what research has uncovered regarding PD and Anxiety:

Prompt: A patient who is on peritoneal dialysis may experience anxiety. What has research shown in this area?

Research has shown that patients on peritoneal dialysis may experience anxiety due to various factors. Here are some key findings from studies conducted in this area:

1. Prevalence of anxiety: Several studies have reported a high prevalence of anxiety among patients on peritoneal dialysis. The exact rates vary across different studies, but it is generally higher compared to the general population. This suggests that peritoneal dialysis patients are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety.
2. Factors contributing to anxiety: Several factors have been identified as potential contributors to anxiety in peritoneal dialysis patients. These include:

• Fear of complications or treatment-related problems
• Uncertainty about the future and long-term outcomes of peritoneal dialysis
• Fear of dependency on dialysis and its impact on daily life
• The financial burden associated with treatment
• Social isolation and limited support network
• Concerns about body image changes and self-esteem issues

1. Impact on quality of life: Anxiety can significantly affect the quality of life of peritoneal dialysis patients. It may lead to increased psychological distress, reduced treatment adherence, and poorer overall well-being. Addressing anxiety in these patients is, therefore, crucial for improving their quality of life.
2. Relationship with depression: Anxiety and depression often coexist in peritoneal dialysis patients. Studies have found a high comorbidity between these two conditions. It is important to recognize and manage both anxiety and depression simultaneously to provide comprehensive care to these patients.
3. Interventions and management: Various interventions have been explored to address anxiety in peritoneal dialysis patients. These include:

• Psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques
• Education and counseling to address concerns and provide support
• Peer support programs and support groups to reduce social isolation
• Pharmacological interventions, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in severe cases

In summary, research indicates that anxiety is prevalent among peritoneal dialysis patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding the contributing factors and implementing appropriate interventions are essential for addressing anxiety in this patient population.