Background. The purpose of this review is to depict current research and impact of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms on dialysis and kidney transplantation. Published studies were presented from two points of view: What medical aspects were covered? What AI/ML algorithms have been used? Methods. We searched four electronic databases or studies that used AI/ML in hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), and kidney transplantation (KT). Sixty-nine studies were split into three categories: AI/ML and HD, PD, and KT, respectively. We identified 43 trials in the first group, 8 in the second, and 18 in the third. Then, studies were classified according to the type of algorithm. Results. AI and HD trials covered: (a) dialysis service management, (b) dialysis procedure, (c) anemia management, (d) hormonal/dietary issues, and (e) arteriovenous fistula assessment. PD studies were divided into (a) peritoneal technique issues, (b) infections, and (c) cardiovascular event prediction. AI in transplantation studies were allocated into (a) management systems (ML used as pretransplant organ-matching tools), (b) predicting graft rejection, (c) tacrolimus therapy modulation, and (d) dietary issues. Conclusions. Although guidelines are reluctant to recommend AI implementation in daily practice, there is plenty of evidence that AI/ML algorithms can predict better than nephrologists: volumes, Kt/V, and hypotension or cardiovascular events during dialysis. Altogether, these trials report a robust impact of AI/ML on quality of life and survival in G5D/T patients. In the coming years, one would probably witness the emergence of AI/ML devices that facilitate the management of dialysis patients, thus increasing the quality of life and survival.

Mitochondria are subcellular organelles involved in essential cellular functions, including cytosolic calcium regulation, cell apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production. They are the site of important biochemical pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, parts of the ureagenesis cycle, or haem synthesis. Mitochondria are responsible for the majority of cellular ATP production through OXPHOS. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with metabolic pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, cellular aging, and cancer. In this article, we describe the pathophysiological changes in, and mitochondrial role of, metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease) and their correlation with oxidative stress. We highlight the genetic changes identified at the mtDNA level. Additionally, we selected several representative biomarkers involved in oxidative stress and summarize the progress of therapeutic strategies.

Purpose. Nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors as apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) increase the prevalence of cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) or in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) through quantitative alterations. This review is aimed at establishing the biomarker (ApoA, ApoB, and PCSK9) level variations in uremic patients, to identify the studies showing the association between these biomarkers and the development of cardiovascular events and to depict the therapeutic options to reduce cardiovascular risk in CKD and ESRD patients. Methods. We searched the electronic database of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane CENTRAL for studies evaluating apolipoproteins and PCSK9 in CKD and ESRD. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies (including case-control, prospective or retrospective cohort), and reviews/meta-analysis were included if reference was made to those keys and cardiovascular outcomes in CKD/ESRD. Results. 18 studies met inclusion criteria. Serum ApoA-I has been significantly associated with the development of new cardiovascular event and with cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients. ApoA-IV level was independently associated with maximum carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and was a predictor for sudden cardiac death. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio represents a strong predictor for coronary artery calcifications, cardiovascular mortality, and myocardial infarction in CKD/ESRD. Plasma levels of PCSK9 were not associated with cardiovascular events in CKD patients. Conclusions. Although the “dyslipidemic status” in CKD/ESRD is not clearly depicted, due to different research findings, ApoA-I, ApoA-IV, and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio could be predictors of cardiovascular risk. Serum PCSK9 levels were not associated with the cardiovascular events in patients with CKD/ESRD. Probably in the future, the treatment of dyslipidemia in CKD/ESRD will be aimed at discovering new effective therapies on the action of these biomarkers.