The kidneys and brain are linked through a complex, bidirectional relationship that has important implications for health and disease. In addition to their shared vulnerability to vascular injury, these organs interact through hemodynamic, neural, endocrine, metabolic, inflammatory, and immune pathways. Kidney disease can contribute to cognitive decline, cerebrovascular complications, and neurodegeneration, while neurological disorders may significantly affect renal function and blood pressure regulation.
Recent advances have deepened our understanding of kidney–brain crosstalk. However, the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease and an aging population highlight the need to translate these insights into improved strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Kidney and Blood Pressure Research welcomes original research articles, reviews, methodological advances, and perspectives to a special article collection on "Kidney and the Brain", featuring fundamental, translational, and clinical research that advances understanding of interactions between these two organs. Submissions using multidisciplinary approaches, novel technologies, and experimental or clinical models are especially encouraged. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of kidney–brain communication
- Chronic kidney disease and cognitive dysfunction
- Acute kidney injury and neurological complications
- Neurovascular dysfunction and blood–brain barrier integrity
- Uremic toxins and their neurological consequences
- Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and immune-mediated kidney–brain interactions
- Blood pressure regulation and autonomic nervous system interactions
- Cardiorenal–cerebral syndromes
- Metabolic and endocrine links between kidney and brain function
- Biomarkers, imaging, and multi-omics approaches
- Experimental models of kidney–brain crosstalk
- Novel therapeutic targets and precision medicine
- Clinical trials and translational studies
- Patient-reported outcomes and quality of life
By bringing together researchers and clinicians in nephrology, neuroscience, vascular biology, physiology, and related fields, this collection aims to deepen understanding of kidney–brain interactions and foster collaborations that can improve patient care.
Please select the option “Call for Papers: Kidney and the Brain” when submitting your manuscript and mention this Call for Papers in your cover letter.
Article publication is subject to rigorous peer review in line with the journal's editorial policies. Please refer to our author guidelines for further details about the publication conditions.
Karger has established agreements with consortia and institutions that include full or partial coverage of Article Processing Charges (APC). Corresponding authors can publish Open Access articles at no or reduced cost if they are associated with or employed by one of these universities/institutions.