8 ± 2 mmol/L. Conclusion:  Routine use of citrate anticoagulation in the setting of a long-term haemodialysis unit is safe and efficient. Point-of-care measurements of ionized calcium levels are critical to safely and successfully perform citrate anticoagulation. “
“The discovery of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) and its co-receptor α-klotho has broadened our understanding of mineral metabolism and led to a renewed research focus on phosphate homeostatic pathways in kidney disease. Expanding knowledge of these mechanisms, both in normal

physiology and in pathology, identifies targets for potential interventions designed to reduce the complications of renal disease, particularly the cardiovascular sequelae. FGF23 has emerged as a major α-klotho-dependent

endocrine regulator of mineral metabolism, functioning to RXDX-106 molecular weight activate vitamin D and as a phosphatonin. However, increasingly there is an appreciation SB525334 price that klotho may act independently as a phosphate regulator, as well as having significant activity in other key biological processes. This review outlines our current understanding of klotho, and its potential contribution to kidney disease and cardiovascular health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major and growing public health issue affecting 5–10% of the global population.[1] CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) describes the observations of disturbances of mineral metabolism (particularly calcium and phosphate), bone remodelling, learn more and accelerated vascular and soft-tissue calcification seen in kidney disease.[2, 3] Control of phosphate flux is important in this process as well as being critical to the function of numerous essential biological processes.[4] Although a putative phosphate-sensing machinery has been identified in some single cell organisms,[5] the homologous sensor in vertebrates remains elusive. Nonetheless, extracellular phosphate levels do appear specifically regulated at the level of absorption through the intestine and excretion via the kidney. Thus in steady-state, the amount of phosphate

absorbed from the diet is equivalent to the amount excreted in the urine.[4] A number of hormones act, either directly or indirectly, to regulate the activity of key phosphate transporters to maintain phosphatehomeostasis in the face of fluctuation in supply (diet) and demand (cellular metabolism and bone mineralization) (Fig. 1). Klotho, originally identified as the anti-ageing protein, has become an important focus of research in nephrology because of its key role in phosphate homeostasis.[7, 8] The independent discoveries of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23)[9, 10] and α-klotho,[7] have improved our understanding of mineral metabolism and phosphate handling. This review outlines the potential implications and therapeutic potential of this knowledge in kidney and cardiovascular disease.