Drugs For Treating Renal Anemia No Longer Harm The Heart

Jul 15, 2024

For most patients with kidney disease, they must have heard of the "famous name" of renal anemia. The reason is that the kidneys have the function of secreting erythropoietin, which can stimulate bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells.


However, as kidney disease progresses, the kidneys are no longer able to effectively secrete erythropoietin, and the production of red blood cells decreases, causing renal anemia.

Click to Cistanche for kidney disease

It can be said that renal anemia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease and is also an important reason for the decline in patients' quality of life.


After all, the most obvious symptom of anemia is weakness, and in severe cases, fainting. In addition, the patient's organs may be starved of oxygen, causing irreversible damage.


Previously, the main treatments for renal anemia were exogenous erythropoietin and iron. Iron supplements help with the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin stimulates bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells. However, erythropoietin can increase the patient's left atrial mass index, cause left ventricular hypertrophy, and contribute to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases.

Now, we have a new drug called roxadustat, which is a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor that regulates iron metabolism and reduces hepcidin treatment by stimulating erythropoiesis. Renal anemia.


It works by deception, which tricks the body into thinking it is at a plateau (hypoxic environment). This deception will not significantly increase erythropoietin levels, so it can avoid adverse cardiovascular reactions caused by excessive erythropoietin levels.


Recently, a study from Chongqing, China found that among Chinese hemodialysis patients, roxadustat can significantly reduce the left atrial mass index and reduce the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, thereby protecting the heart!

In short, after 12 months of treatment, the left atrial mass index of patients in the erythropoietin group increased by 5.65g/m2, while that in the roxadustat group decreased by 5.48g/m2. This intermediate rise and fall indicates the protective and even therapeutic effects of roxadustat on the patient's heart.

Therefore, this study shows that for patients with a high left atrial mass index or an upward trend, roxadustat may be a better choice for the treatment of renal anemia.


To sum up, Roxadustat is a "rebellious" drug for treating renal anemia. It not only no longer hurts the heart, but also makes the heart "lose weight", allowing everyone to have a healthy cardiovascular system!

How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?

Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.

 

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.

 

Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.

 

Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

 

Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.

 

Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.

 

Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.

 

In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.

 

In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.


You Might Also Like