Michele Provenzano

@unibo.it

Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Diagnostica e Specialistica
Researcher/University of Bologna

Michele Provenzano


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https://researchid.co/michiprov

EDUCATION

Degree in Medicine and Surgery at University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli" (15/03/2012)
School of Specialy in Nephrology at University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli" (30/07/2018)

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Chronic Kidney Disease, Epidemiology, Cardiovascular risk, diabetic kidney disease, randomized clinical trials in nephrology
191

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Emerging therapeutic pipelines on kidney fibrosis: challenges in translational research
    Simona Granata, Laura Barberio, Rossana D’Agostino, Francesca Sorace, Francesca Leone, et al.
    Journal of Translational Medicine, 2026
  • Missing Opportunity for Nephroprotective Therapy in Patients With Non-Dialysis CKD Under Stable Nephrology Care
    Luca De Nicola, Chiara Ruotolo, Gaetano La Manna, Vincenzo Bellizzi, Loreto Gesualdo, et al.
    Kidney International Reports, 2026
  • Intra-Individual Variability of Urinary EGF and Clusterin, and Effect of Frozen Storage on Stability: Results from UVALID
    Erik Moedt, Rémon Vos, Wenjun Ju, Stephan J. L. Bakker, Marte O. Rygg, et al.
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
    Urinary epidermal growth factor (uEGF) and clusterin (uCLU) are emerging biomarkers in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but rigorous analytical validation is required before clinical implementation. We evaluated intra-individual variability and long-term storage stability of uEGF and uCLU in CKD. In the prospective, multicenter UVALID study, 60 adults with CKD stages 2–4 underwent urine sampling at three visits over 8 weeks. First-morning and 24-h urine samples were collected to assess intra-individual variability over 24 h, 3 days and 8 weeks. Biomarkers were measured in duplicate by ELISA and normalized to urinary creatinine (/Cr). Inter-laboratory performance was assessed using quality control samples. Stability after 12 and 15 months of storage at −20 °C and −80 °C and the influence of pH were evaluated. Over 24 h, 3 days, and 8 weeks, uEGF/Cr demonstrated low variability and remained stable after long-term storage at both temperatures. In contrast, uCLU/Cr showed greater variability and pronounced instability at −20 °C, whereas stability was preserved at −80 °C. Samples with pH > 6 partially preserved uCLU stability at −20 °C. Inter-laboratory reproducibility was acceptable for uEGF but suboptimal for uCLU at low concentrations. Thus, uEGF showed robust analytical performance, supporting its potential clinical applicability in CKD, whereas uCLU exhibited important analytical and pre-analytical limitations, warranting further assay optimization. These findings underscore the need for rigorous validation to facilitate biomarker implementation in clinical practice.
  • RAASi, MRA and FGF-23 in CKD progression: the usual suspects?
    Giuseppe CIANCIOLO, Michele PROVENZANO, Lilio HU, Simona BARBUTO, Maria J. SOLER, et al.
    Minerva Urology and Nephrology, 2026
  • CKD in Migrants: From Epidemiology to Challenges
    Karen Courville, Vicente Sánchez-Polo, Roberta Arena, Greta Borelli, Lilio Hu, et al.
    Kidney International Reports, 2026
  • Awareness of post-transplant endocrine disorders among kidney transplant clinicians: results of an Italian survey
    Bianca Pellegrini, Vincenzo Cantaluppi, Gianluca Aimaretti, Mariano Ferraresso, Jacopo Romagnoli, et al.
    Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 2026
    Purpose Endocrine disorders, which are commonly associated with End-Stage Kidney Disease, may either persist or emerge de novo in the post-transplant period. Despite their clinical relevance, the literature remains limited, and current guidelines offer only vague recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment. Methods A 44-item survey was sent via email to each kidney transplant center to assess transplant physicians’ interest in the endocrine disorders of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) undergoing regular follow-up. The questionnaire was composed of 6 sections: general information; bone disease; thyroid disorders; pituitary disorders; adrenal disorders; gonadal disorders, fertility, and sexuality. Results Out of the 41 centers, 29 transplant physicians participated in the study (70.7%). The prevalence of osteoporosis was greater than 50% in KTRs while the prevalence of fractures is likely underestimated, as most centers practice routine bone mineral density (BMD) screening through DEXA scan but do not routinely perform spinal radiography to detect vertebral deformities. The kidney transplant clinicians routinely assess thyroid hormone levels as part of clinical history although the timing varies widely among centers. Adrenal function is not routinely assessed during follow-up in a substantial number of centers, with only 14% conducting regular biochemical evaluations. Many centers show insufficient interest in investigating gonadal function, with 20% not addressing it during clinical history taking and 35% unaware of the incidence of menstrual irregularities or erectile dysfunction in their KTRs. Conclusions The survey revealed significant variability in the management of endocrine disorders across the Italian transplant centers. The development of guidelines for early detection and management would significantly improve the individualized care of this fragile patient population.
  • Ongoing and Novel Challenges in Kidney Transplantation: Therapeutic Approaches to Non-Immunological Risk Factors for Allograft Loss
    Michele Provenzano, Roberta Arena, Ida Gagliardi, Lilio Hu, Chiara Ruotolo, et al.
    Life, 2026
    In recent decades, the rate of kidney transplantation has risen significantly, leading to better outcomes in terms of cardiovascular and overall mortality for patients with kidney failure. Although kidney transplantation represents the most effective therapeutic option, it is not devoid of the risk of failure. Immunological and non-immunological risk factors are involved. These factors often interact and may act synergistically, ultimately influencing graft longevity and patient survival. Both contribute to long-term transplant outcomes; however, non-immunological factors, representing a significant clinical challenge, will be the focus of our review. Of the numerous non-immunological risk factors, for clarity and to avoid overextending the discussion, only those most closely associated with chronic kidney disease have been considered: hypertension, anemia, diabetes mellitus, proteinuria, electrolyte and acid–base imbalances, and impaired bone mineralization. Hypertension is reported in approximately 90% of kidney transplant recipients, often related to immunosuppressive therapy and residual renal dysfunction, and it is strongly associated with reduced graft survival. Anemia affects approximately 20–51% of these patients, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and a more rapid decline in graft function, as does pre-existing diabetes mellitus. Proteinuria has a prevalence ranging from 7.5% to 45%, depending on the established target, and is a significant negative prognostic factor. Metabolic complications are also frequent; for example, hyperkalemia has an incidence of 25–44%, and metabolic acidosis has a prevalence of 12–58%. In our review, each of these factors is analyzed in terms of clinical impact, etiopathogenic mechanism, and available therapeutic management.
  • Predictors of chronic kidney diseases and kidney failure in patients with CAKUT: a cohort study
    Rosita Greco, Michele Provenzano, Agata Mollica, Giuseppe Pezzi, Michele Di Dio, et al.
    International Urology and Nephrology, 2026
    Background and aims Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are a group of disorders responsible for the majority of pediatric end-stage renal disease cases. The CAKUT group is phenotypically variable and can affect the kidney alone and/or the lower urinary tract. The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the progression to kidney failure (KF, i.e., the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation) in a cohort of patients with CAKUT. Method We conducted a longitudinal study at the Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation Unit of Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza. We enrolled consecutive patients with CAKUT from 2005 to 2020. Risk factors for CKD and KF were assessed via Cox regression. Results We studied 87 CAKUT patients (33 females and 54 males). Proteinuria and hypertension were present in 32.2% and 24.1%, respectively, and a high prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI 56.3%). CAKUT distribution was: 24 bilateral parenchymal abnormalities (BA), 38 renal parenchymal unilateral diseases (PUD), and 25 tubular unilateral diseases (TUD). Proteinuria was more prevalent in BA than in PUD or TUD (54.2% vs 15.8% and 36%, p = 0.006), whereas regular growth was less frequent in BA (33.3% vs 81.6% and 88%, p < 0.001). During a median study follow-up of 205 months, 30 CKD events and 14 KF were registered. BA, anemia, proteinuria, and regular growth independently predicted CKD, while anemia and BA were associated with KF. Conclusion The long follow-up in these children with CAKUT allowed us to find the predictive risk factors for CKD and progression of KF. Early and appropriate treatment of these risk factors could improve the prognosis of renal disease.
  • Participant characteristics in the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions to optimize gestational weight gain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Jessica A. Grieger, Wubet Worku Takele, Kimberly K. Vesco, Leanne M. Redman, Wesley Hannah, et al.
    Communications Medicine, 2025
  • Optimizing urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio testing and referral pathways for chronic kidney disease: a nominal group technique consensus study among Italian experts
    Irene Capelli, Michele De Benedictis, Andrea Di Lenarda, Vittorio Di Maso, Paolo Fabbrini, et al.
    Journal of Nephrology, 2025
    Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major global health burden, often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is less effective. Albuminuria, assessed by the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), is a key biomarker for CKD detection and risk stratification. Despite guideline recommendations, adherence to uACR testing remains low, limiting early diagnosis and timely referral. The ALLIANCE project aimed to develop a multidisciplinary consensus on optimizing uACR testing and referral pathways for improved CKD management in at-risk populations. Methods A modified nominal group technique was used to achieve expert consensus. Seven nephrologists and eight specialists in other disciplines (cardiologists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, and a clinical biochemist) participated in structured discussions and ranked statements across three domains: (1) at-risk population definition, (2) barriers to uACR testing, and (3) CKD management and referral. Relevance rankings were analyzed using hierarchical clustering. Results Twenty-seven consensus statements were developed, eight of which were deemed highly relevant. Key recommendations included expanding CKD risk awareness to encompass obesity and family history, enhancing clinician education, and improving coordination between nephrologists and other specialists. Early nephrology referral was emphasized for patients with marked albuminuria, rapid renal decline, or specific risk factors. Integration of digital health tools, including shared electronic health records, was advised to support coordinated care. Conclusions The ALLIANCE project identified critical gaps in CKD detection and management. Addressing these through clinician education, standardized uACR testing protocols, and multidisciplinary collaboration may improve outcomes and reduce cardiorenal risk. Implementation of these consensus recommendations could facilitate earlier diagnosis and better management of high-risk patients. Graphical abstract
  • Special Issue: “Pharmacological Strategies and Molecular Mechanisms Associated with the Novel Nephroprotective Treatments”
    Michele Provenzano
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025
  • Assisting clinical diagnosis with interpretable fuzzy probabilistic modelling
    Giulia Capitoli, Marco S. Nobile, Emma L. Ambags, Vincenzo L’Imperio, Michele Provenzano, et al.
    BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 2025
  • Predicting Hospitalization and Related Outcomes in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review, External Validation, and Development Study
    Roemer J. Janse, Jet Milders, Joris I. Rotmans, Fergus J. Caskey, Marie Evans, et al.
    Kidney Medicine, 2025
  • Individualized Diets in Patients with Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplants: A Narrative Review
    Lilio Hu, Greta Borelli, Elisa Gessaroli, Chiara Ruotolo, Sofia Bin, et al.
    Life, 2025
  • Exploring parvovirus B19 pathogenesis and therapy among kidney transplant recipients: case report and review of literature
    Gian Marco Berti, Elisabetta Manaresi, Gisella Vischini, Michele Provenzano, Valeria Corradetti, et al.
    Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2025
  • Risk Factors of Acute Rejection: Impact on Graft Outcomes in a Cohort of Kidney Transplant Recipients
    Valeria Corradetti, Elisa Gessaroli, Federico Bari, Claudia Bini, Valeria Grandinetti, et al.
    Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025
  • Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion in Extended Criteria Donor Kidney Transplantation—A Randomized Clinical Trial
    Gerti Dajti, Maria Chiara Vaccaro, Giuliana Germinario, Giorgia Comai, Francesca Caputo, et al.
    Clinical Transplantation, 2025
  • Endocrine malignancies: a still neglected issue in kidney transplantation
    Bianca Pellegrini, Francesca Leone, Rosita Greco, Marcello Maggiolini, Michele Provenzano, et al.
    Frontiers in Medicine, 2025
  • From Congestion to Cardiorenal Protection: The New Therapeutic Balance Between SGLT2 Inhibitors and Loop Diuretics in Heart Failure
    Giornale Italiano Di Nefrologia, 2025
  • Artificial intelligence in chronic kidney diseases: methodology and potential applications
    Andrea Simeri, Giuseppe Pezzi, Roberta Arena, Giuliana Papalia, Tamas Szili-Torok, et al.
    International Urology and Nephrology, 2025
  • Risk factors for IgA nephropathy recurrence and impact on graft survival in a cohort of kidney transplanted patients
    Angelodaniele Napoletano, Michele Provenzano, Federica Maritati, Valeria Corradetti, Vania Cuna, et al.
    Renal Failure, 2025
  • Innovations in randomized clinical trials in Nephrology: from study design to patient’s activism
    Giuseppe Pezzi, Roberta Arena, Giuliana Papalia, Raffaella Sbano, Fiorella Iorio, et al.
    Giornale Italiano Di Nefrologia, 2025
  • Role of serum complement C3 and C4 on kidney outcomes in IgA nephropathy
    Edoardo Tringali, Daniele Vetrano, Francesco Tondolo, Federica Maritati, Benedetta Fabbrizio, et al.
    Scientific Reports, 2024
  • International Nephrology Masterclass in Chronic Kidney Disease: Rationale, Summary, and Future Perspectives
    Francesco Pesce, Maria Vadalà, Edgar Almeida, Beatriz Fernandez, Denis Fouque, et al.
    Life, 2024
  • Correction to: Genotype-stratified treatment for monogenic insulin resistance: a systematic review (Communications Medicine, (2023), 3, 1, (134), 10.1038/s43856-023-00368-9)
    Robert K. Semple, Kashyap A. Patel, Sungyoung Auh, Deirdre K. Tobias, Jordi Merino, et al.
    Communications Medicine, 2024