Research To Read, Edition 11.

R2R is back!!!

And in this edition, we’ll be diving into some research and cases in the field of Nephrology, the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating kidney-related diseases.

To recap, this newsletter is my 2025 resolution in action: to make reading medical research a consistent habit. Just like any muscle that needs regular exercise, the only way to strengthen this practice is by doing it repeatedly.

That’s the motivation behind Research to Read. It's a way for me to share the research I’m diving into, while also expanding my own knowledge. And I’m inviting my fellow medicos to join me on this journey. We all stand to benefit from staying informed and sharpening our understanding of the latest studies in our field.

So, let’s get into the research, together!

Before you dive in:

Check out this thought-provoking essay, “Last hours of an organ donor” by the author of Medical Catastrophe: Confessions of an Anesthesiologist, Dr. Ronald W Dworkin. It paints a very realistic picture of what these moments in medicine evoke and how they could evolve in the face of the changing healthcare landscape.

Here’s my list of research papers to read:

1. Spironolactone-induced gynecomastia: a case report

   Ahamad SK, Thota SR, Dara D, Tadikonda RR. Spironolactone-induced gynecomastia: a case report. Int J Community Med Public Health 2024;11:2430-2.

   Gynaecomastia is a widespread increase in the size of male breast tissue accompanied by a benign mass that symmetrically and concentrically extends from the nipple.

   It can be caused by underlying diseases or medication regimens that can increase the estrogen: androgen ratio (such as growth hormone, some antibiotics, anticancer drugs, etc.).

   This case discusses one such case in which spirinolactone decreases testosterone and increases the peripheral conversion of testosterone to estradiol by displacing it from SHBG. It goes on to discuss the management and treatment of the condition.
   

   Read it here: https://share.google/HaovDz0Iak7oXXk6H

2. Lithium-induced nephropathy; One medication with multiple side effects: a case report

   Zhang P, Gandhi H, Kassis N. Lithium-induced nephropathy; One medication with multiple side effects: a case report. BMC Nephrol. 2022 Sep 9;23(1):309.

   Lithium carbonate is used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and causes commonly known renal side effects such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, renal tubular acidosis, and chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. The rare side effect of nephrotic syndrome caused by minimal change disease is seen in this case above. This report discusses the presentation, some key studies that have identified these renal side effects so far, along with the assessment, initial management and modified further management based on the follow-up findings.

   Read it here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9463762/

3. Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases: An Interim Report From the NKF-ASN Task Force

   Delgado C et al. Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases: An Interim Report From the NKF-ASN Task Force American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2021; 78, 103-115

   It was found that race disparity was adversely affecting nephrology care. So, the NKF and the ASN formed a task force in 2020 to reassess the use of race in GFR calculation and it’s further implications.

   This article outlines an interim report compiled by the task force organised in three phases- Phase-1, Phase-2 and Phase-3.

   It also explores previous equations that were used, the rationale behind using race for GFR calculation and the process that the task force undertook to give recommendations that will serve as the beginning of improving patient safety and health equity in nephrology.

   Read it here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33845065/

4. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy for Cystinosis

   Barshop BA, Ball ED, Benador N, Trauner D, Phillips S, Dohil R, Afshari NA, Roy S, Campo Fernandes B, Kohn D, Shayan K, Everett JK, Bushman FD, Midgley J, Liang H, Sawyers A, Gangoiti JA, Panchal M, Ahmed I, Cherqui S. Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Gene Therapy for Cystinosis. N Engl J Med. 2026 Feb 19;394(8):753-762.

   Cystinosis is a lysosomal disorder that causes cystine accumulation within lysosomes of all organs, caused by CTNS gene mutations. Currently used therapeutic cysteamine is partially effective for treatment, but is not a long-term solution since it does not stop the impending death of the patient.

   So, innovation in therapy for this disease is essential.

   This study outlines the phase ½ of an open clinical trial of the use of HSPC (hematopoietic stem cell and progenitor cells) containing CTNS cDNA, which encodes cystinosin, a lysosomal transmembrane cystine transporter.

   Read it here: https://www.armiusa.org/wpcontent/uploads/2026/02/NEJMoa2506431v2.pdf

   …and that brings us to the end of the seventh edition of Research to Read!!

   I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to reading more research along with me, where I’ll be diving into research rooted in different medical specialities :)