Robert L. Safirstein, M.D. is Chief of Medical Service at CAVHS and Vice Chairman for Veterans Affairs for the UAMS Department of Internal Medicine. As reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Safirstein and his colleagues recently learned that the absence of a gene (p21) normally activated in response to acute, short-term stress in the kidney prevents progressive kidney failure in mice after the removal of a substantial portion of kidney tissue. Scientists removed the large majority of kidney tissue from laboratory mice in a procedure known as partial renal ablation. In response to tissue loss, the kidney undergoes certain structural and functional changes, including enlargement due to increases in cell size and number and a boost in the activity level of remaining filtering mechanisms. Study results suggest that the p21 gene may present a new target in attempts to suppress or prevent end-stage renal disease. This discovery gives hope for approximately 200,000 people in this country who must use dialysis several times each week to assist their failing kidneys.
Megyesi J, Price PM, Tamayo E, Safirstein RL. The lack of a functional p21WAF1/CIP1 gene ameliorates progression to chronic renal failure. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 1999. 96:10830-10835.
Andrade L, Vieira JM, Safirstein RL. How cells die count. Am J. Kidney Disease, 2000. 36(3):662-668.
Safirstein, RL, Andrade, L., Vieira, JM. Acetylcysteine and nephrotoxic effects of radiographic contrast agents - A new use for an old drug. New Engl J Med, 2000. 343:210-212.
Megyesi, J, Andrade L, Vieira JM, Safirstein RL, Price PM. Positive effect of the induction of p21WAF1/CIp1 on the course of ischemic acute renal failure. Kidney Int, 2001. 60:2164-2172.
Safirstein RL. Endothelin: The Yin and yang of ischemic acute renal failure. Kidney Int, 2001. 59:1590-1591.
