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Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number (CN) is a biomarker of mitochondrial function and has been reported associated with kidney disease. However, its association with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), the most common cause of glomerulonephritis (GN), has not been evaluated. We included 664 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and measured mtDNA-CN in peripheral blood by multiplexed real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We examined the associations between mtDNA-CN and clinical variables and found that patients with higher mtDNA-CN had higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = 0.1009, p =.0092) and lower serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) (r=−0.1101, −0.1023, −0.07806, respectively, all p values <.05). In terms of pathological injury, mtDNA-CN was higher in patients with less mesangial hypercellularity (p =.0385, M0 vs. M1 score by Oxford classification). Multivariable logistic regression analyses also showed that mtDNA-CN was lower for patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) vs. mild renal impairment, with the odds ratio of 0.757 (95% confidence interval: 0.579–0.990, p =.042). In conclusion, mtDNA-CN was correlated with better renal function and less pathological injury in patients with IgAN, proposing that systemic mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in or reflect the development of IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition characterized by poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are the main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese herb Panaxnotoginseng(Burk.)F.H.Chen, which has been widely reported to have various pharmacological effects. Here, we examined the effect of PNS on renal function and the modulation of intestinal flora and intestinal barrier in a rat model of adenine-induced CKD. Adenine was used to establish a rat model of CKD, biochemical testing, histopathologic examination, ELISA, immunohistochemical assay, western blot assay, and fecal microbiota 16s rRNA analysis was used to test the effect of PNS on CKD rats. Adenine induced a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate, an increase in urinary protein excretion rate, and pathological damage to renal tissue in CKD rats. TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-18, TMAO, and endotoxin levels were increased in the blood of the model rats. Application of PNS countered the effects of adenine, restoring the above parameters to the level observed in healthy rats. In addition, activation of the inflammatory proteins NF-κB (p65) and NLRP3 and the fibrosis-associated proteins α-SMA and smad3 were inhibited in the kidneys of CKD rats. Furthermore, PNS promoted the expression of the tight junction proteins Occludin and ZO-1, increased SIgA levels, strengthened intestinal immunity, reduced mechanical damage to the intestine, was reduced levels of DAO and D-LA. Our data suggest PNS may delay CKD by restoring gut microbiota, and through the subsequent generation of a microbial barrier and modulation of microbiota metabolites. In conclusion, PNS may inhibit the development of inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney tissue through regulation of intestinal microorganisms and inhibition of the activation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic proteins in the kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication related to cardiac surgery. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine administration on AKI prevention. To assess if dexmedetomidine is associated with a protective effect of renal function after cardiac surgery. And the aim of conducting this meta-analysis is to summarize the literature and determine the clinical utility of dexmedetomidine administration in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before 1 December, 2021 that investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine on AKI prevention. Our analysis included 16 studies involving 2148 patients. Compared with the control group, dexmedetomidine administration significantly reduced AKI incidence (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.36–0.61; p < 0.00001; I2 = 26%) and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) but did not alter mortality rate, length of stay in the hospital, and mechanical ventilation time. Furthermore, the incidence of delirium among patients treated with dexmedetomidine was significantly decreased. Dexmedetomidine administration has a positive effect on preventing AKI and postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery and significantly reduces the length of stay in the ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) with nondiabetic urine glucose during the follow-up. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1313 patients who were diagnosed iMN. The prevalence of nondiabetic urine glucose during follow-up was 10.89%. There were significant differences between the patients with nondiabetic urine glucose and those without urine glucose in gender, hypertension ratio, proteinuria, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, retinol binding protein, serum albumin, serum creatinine (Scr), cholesterol, triglyceride and positive anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody ratio, glomerular sclerosis ratio, acute and chronic tubular injury lesion at baseline. To exclude the influence of the baseline proteinuria and Scr, case control sampling of urine glucose negative patients was applied according to gender, baseline proteinuria and Scr. The proteinuria nonremission (NR) ratio was 45.83 versus 12.50% of the urine glucose positive group and case control group. Partial remission (PR) ratio of the two groups was 36.46 versus 23.96% and complete remission (CR) ratio was 19.79% versus 63.54%, respectively. Patients with urine glucose had higher risk of 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction. Cox regression showed that urine glucose and baseline Scr were risk factors of 50% reduction of eGFR. Urine glucose remission ratio of the patients with proteinuria NR, PR, and CR was 13.33, 56.25, and 94.73% (p < 0.005). Patients who got urine glucose remission also had better renal survival. In conclusion, non-diabetic urine glucose was closely related to proteinuria. It could be applied as a tubular injury marker to predict renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although casts in urine may imply the underlying pathogenesis and the diagnosis, the waxy cast is poorly understood yet. We aim to investigate the association between waxy casts and clinicopathological indices. Patients undergone renal biopsy and urine sediment examination were enrolled. Waxy casts referred to those presented with a homogeneous melted wax appearance and pre-waxy casts referred to those in which one or more segments demonstrated a waxy-cast appearance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with waxy casts. In 1282 patients, the detection rate of waxy casts was 26.3%. If either waxy or pre-waxy cast was considered as a diagnostic marker for renal insufficiency (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), the sensitivity was 0.58 and the specificity was 0.88. If the only waxy cast was considered as the diagnostic marker, the sensitivity was 0.29 and the specificity was 0.97. The patients with waxy or pre-waxy casts had higher blood pressure, more proteinuria, and worse renal function. Waxy or pre-waxy cast was independently associated with eGFR (odds ratio: 0.73 per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase, 95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.77, p < 0.001), proteinuria (odds ratio: 1.07 per 1 g/day increase, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.10, p < 0.001) and pathological lesions. Waxy or pre-waxy casts are closely related to impaired renal function. Their presence is a specific indicator of renal insufficiency but is not sensitive enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of probiotics in the management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has been shown. Several current trials are investigating the effect of probiotics, which are widely used to modulate biomarkers of renal function, glucose, lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with DKD. However, their findings are controversial. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of probiotics on patients with DKD via meta-analysis. PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Wanfang Database and Chinese VIP Database were searched for relevant studies from the establishment of these databases to September 2021. The pooled results evaluated the impact of probiotics on renal function, glucose, lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress indicators in patients with DKD. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed based on intervention duration, probiotic dose and probiotic consumption patterns, respectively. Ten trials that included 552 participants were identified for analysis. Compared with the controls, probiotics significantly decreased serum creatinine (Scr) [WMD = −0.17 mg/dL; 95%CI = −0.29, −0.05; p = 0.004], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [WMD = −1.36 mg/dL; 95%CI = −2.20, −0.52; p = 0.001], cystatin C (Cys C) [WMD = −29.50 ng/mL; 95%CI = −32.82, −26.18; p < 0.00001], urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) [WMD = −16.05 mg/g; 95%CI = −27.12, −4.99; p = 0.004] and natrium (Na) [WMD = −0.94 mmol/L; 95%CI = −1.82, −0.05; p = 0.04] in patients with DKD. Enhanced glycemic control was observed in patients with DKD receiving probiotics compared with controls, as demonstrated by reduced levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). Probiotics affected lipid metabolism parameters with decreasing triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels in patients with DKD. Probiotics could also could improve inflammation and oxidative stress by decreasing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, subgroup analysis showed that those who received multiple species probiotics had a statistically significant difference in BUN, FPG, HOMA-IR, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), MDA, TAC, and NO. Meanwhile, Scr, LDL-c, HDL-c, MDA, and TAC were ameliorated when the intervention duration was more than eight weeks and BUN, FPG, HOMA-IR, and MDA were improved when the probiotic dose was greater than four billion CFU/day. Our analysis revealed that probiotics could delay the progression of renal function injury, improve glucose and lipid metabolism, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with DKD. Subgroup analysis showed that intervention duration, probiotic dose and probiotic consumption patterns had an effect of probiotics on outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a common "non-gout" disease with high incidence. Several studies have shown that serum uric acid level in patients with diabetes is higher than that in healthy individuals, and is accompanied by severe albuminuria and high serum creatinine (Scr). Recent clinical studies have found that uric acid-lowering therapy (such as allopurinol) could reduce urinary albumin excretion rates (UAER) and Scr, increase eGFR, and thus reduce kidney damage in patients with diabetes. Therefore, this meta-analysis [PROSPERO CRD42021274465] intended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of allopurinol in patients with diabetes mellitus. We thoroughly searched five electronic resource databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy and safety of allopurinol versus conventional treatment or placebo for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. Predetermined outcomes were considered continuous variables, mean difference (MD) was used for the determination of effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD] was used to determine the effect size when there were different evaluation criteria in different articles), and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. All outcome measures were analyzed using a random-effects model for data analysis. Ten eligible trials with a total of 866 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Allopurinol was more effective in decreasing serum uric acid (SUA) levels compared with conventional treatment (p = 0.0001) or placebo (p < 0.00001). Moreover, the levels of 24-hour urine protein were significantly lower in the allopurinol group (p < 0.00001). The subgroup analysis of Scr showed that the Scr of patients with an allopurinol treatment duration of fewer than six months was significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.03). No significant difference in adverse events (AEs) was identified between the treatment and control groups. Our meta-analysis of RCTs showed that oral administration of allopurinol effectively reduced SUA levels in patients with diabetes, and patients' renal function was protected. More RCTs with larger sample sizes and higher quality are needed to clarify the role of allopurinol use in decreasing blood pressure, maintaining blood glucose levels, and improving renal function in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy has shown promising results for renal injury. In this study, the efficacy and safety of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in treating nonspecific interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) were evaluated. From March 2011 to January 2013, 11 renal transplanted patients with IFTA were recruited. At baseline, patients were given one intra-arterial infusion of BM-MSCs; 7 days and 1 month later, another two intravenous infusions of cells were followed. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance rate, and serum cystatin-C at baseline and 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the intra-arterial infusion of BM-MSCs were used to assess renal function. At baseline and 6 months, histological examination based on hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff staining and immunohistochemistry for transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was performed. Adverse events were recorded to evaluate the safety of BM-MSCs treatment. At 12 months, the renal function of 6 patients (54.5%) was improved, 3 (27.3%) were stable and 2 (18.2%) were worsened. At 6 months, the mean IFTA scores of all participators were similar with the baseline (1.73 ± 0.41 vs.1.50 ± 0.0.77, p = 0.242); however, it was significantly decreased when only 6 patients with improved renal function were analyzed (1.67 ± 0.41 vs. 1.08 ± 0.20, p = 0.013). Besides, decreased expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF were also observed at 6 months. During 1 year follow-up period, only two minor complications including infection and allergy were observed. Our results demonstrated that autologous BM-MSCs are safe and beneficial for IFTA patients. Abbreviations: MSCs: mesenchymal stem cells; BM-MSCs: marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells; IFTA: interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy; CAN: chronic allograft nephropathy; CNIs: calcineurin inhibitors; Scr: serum creatinine; CCr: creatinine clearance rate; Cys-C: cystatin-C; TGF-β1: transforming growth factor β1; CTGF: connective tissue growth factor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that the use of statins could significantly improve lipid profiles; however, it remains controversial whether the use of statins could improve renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of statins on renal function in patients with CKD. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for eligible RCTs from inception to October 2020. Pooled effect estimates were assigned as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the random-effects model. We selected 33 RCTs that recruited 37,391 patients with CKD patients. The summary results suggested that statin use significantly reduced urinary albumin (WMD: −2.04; 95%CI: −3.53 to −0.56; p =.007) and protein (WMD: −0.58; 95%CI: −0.95 to −0.21; p =.002) excretions and increased creatinine clearance (WMD: 0.86; 95%CI: 0.32–1.41; p =.002). However, there were no significant differences between statin and control groups in terms of changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (WMD: 0.38; 95%CI: −0.04 to 0.79; p =.075), and serum creatinine levels (WMD: −0.07; 95%CI: −0.25, 0.12; p =.475). We found that statin use in patients with CKD may slow CKD progression by lowering urinary albumin and protein excretions or increasing creatinine clearance. Further large-scale RCTs should be conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of statins on renal outcomes. Abbreviations: CKD: chronic kidney disease; RCT: randomized controlled trials; WMD: weighted mean differences; CI: confidence intervals; ACEI: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; eGFR: estimated glomerular filtration rate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-documented benefits of physical activity (PA) are still poorly characterized in long-term kidney transplant outcome. This study analyzed the impact over a 10-year follow-up of PA on graft function in Italian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Since 2002, the Italian Transplant-Information-System collected donor and recipient baseline and transplant-related parameters in KTRs. In 2015, 'penchant for PA' (PA ≥ 30-min, 5 times/week) was added. Stable patients aged ≥18 years at the time of first-transplantation were eligible. KTRs with at least 10-year follow-up were also analyzed. Mixed-effect regression models were used to compare eGFR changes over time in active versus non-active patients. PA information was available for 6,055 KTRs (active 51.6%, non-active 48.4%). Lower penchant for PA was found in overweight and obese patients (OR = 0.84; OR = 0.48, respectively), in those with longer dialysis vintage (OR = 0.98 every year of dialysis), and older age at transplant. Male subjects showed greater penchant for PA (OR = 1.25). A slower decline of eGFR over time was observed in active KTRs compared to non-active, and this finding was confirmed in the subgroup with at least 10-year follow-up (n = 2,060). After applying the propensity score matching to reduce confounding factors, mixed-effect regression models corroborated such better long-term trend of graft function preservation in active KTRs. Penchant for PA is more frequent among male and younger KTRs. Moreover, in our group of Italian KTRs, active patients revealed higher eGFR values and preserved kidney function over time, up to 10-years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of sustained low-efficiency diafiltration (SLEDf) versus hemodialysis (HD) for patients with wasp stings who developed stage III acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients who developed AKI following wasp stings. All eligible patients received renal replacement therapy in combination with hemoperfusion. Thereafter, blood purification therapy and HD were performed with a volumetrically controlled machine and 1.7 m2 surface, Fresenius Polysulfone HD filter and SLEDf was undertaken with a volumetrically controlled machine and 1.3 m2 surface, Fresenius Polysulfone HD filter. Results: Forty patients developed stage III AKI following wasp stings, including 14 patients that received SLEDf and 26 patients underwent HD. Thirteen patients were aged less than 60 years and underwent HD (group I), 27 patients were aged at least 60 years, including 13 patients undergoing HD (group II) and 14 patients receiving SLEDf (group III). Groups I and II completed 150 and 162 sessions of HD, respectively, and group III completed 156 sessions of sustained low-efficiency blood purification therapy, including 50 sessions of SLEDf. The time to return to normal serum creatinine levels was 38.8 ± 2.7 days for group I, 47.2 ± 5.3 days for group II, and 39.2 ± 3.3 days for group III. A statistically significant difference was observed in time to normal serum creatinine levels among the three groups. Conclusion: Elderly wasp victims have more severe illness than younger wasp victims and SLEDf is safe and superior to HD in recovery of renal function of elderly wasp victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preeclampsia is a common medical complication in pregnancy. It has been reported to be associated with decreased serum magnesium levels. However, there has not been evidence demonstrating utilization of change in magnesium for prediction of preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to develop magnesium fraction-based equations which took other significant clinical risk factors into consideration for prediction of preeclampsia. Methods: We collected serum total and ionized magnesium ionized magnesium levels from 84 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia after week 20 of pregnancy. The ionized magnesium fraction was then calculated by the percentage ratio of ionized and total magnesium level. Results: Sixty-four (76.19%) women had normal pregnancy and 20 (23.81%) developed preeclampsia. The ionized magnesium fraction was significantly lower in preeclampsia group (23.95 ± 4.7% vs. 26.28 ± 2.3%, p = .04). Additionally, lower ionized magnesium fraction (24.67%), teenage and elderly primigravida were significantly associated with preeclampsia (OR = 4.41, 95% CI: 1.46-13.40, OR = 5.47, 95% CI: 1.85-35.42 and OR = 11.11, 95% CI: 1.09-113.78, respectively). Consequently, we attempted to develop ionized magnesium fraction-based equations calculate risk scores for preeclampsia. The area of ROC for predictive accuracy of the model was 0.77 (p < .001) and ROC suggested that the score of 0.27 would be a threshold for screening preeclampsia with 70% sensitivity and 81% specificity. Conclusions: Ionized magnesium fraction may have been appropriate for screening of preeclampsia. We suggested blood testing on total and ionized magnesium concentrations as well as calculation of ionized magnesium fraction in addition to routine antenatal care for better screening of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:For many years, creation of an orthotopic neobladder after cystectomy has been popular. In the present study, we measured the extent of metabolic acidosis in patients with ileal neobladders compared with ileal conduits and defined risk factors for development of metabolic acidosis. Methods:We retrospectively studied 95 patients, who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion to treat invasive bladder cancer from January 2001 to December 2014 at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, through investigation of acid-base balance, serum electrolyte levels and renal function one month and one year after operation. Results:One month after the operation, metabolic acidosis was found from 18 patients (31.0%) in an ileal neobladder group and from 4 (14.8%) in an ileal conduits group. One year after the operation, the numbers became 11 (22.9%) and 2 (10.0%), respectively. However, there was not a statistical difference. The blood biochemical profiles of the two groups did not differ significantly after urinary diversion. Logistic analysis revealed that lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with metabolic acidosis at one month (odds ratio, OR = 0.94 [0.91–0.97];p < 0.001) and one year (OR = 0.94 [0.92–0.97];P = 0.001) after urinary diversion. In multivariate analysis, lower eGFR is a significant risk factor for metabolic acidosis at one month. Conclusions:Patients with ileal neobladders and conduits are at the similar risk of metabolic acidosis. A close association between renal function and development of metabolic acidosis was observed, especially stronger in an early period after operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:Urinary biomarkers of renal injury urinary may identify loss of renal function following nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). This study was designed to evaluate whether urinaryl-type fatty acid-binding protein (l-FABP) is an early biomarker of loss of renal function after NSS. Specifically, the kinetics of urinaryl-FABP level after NSS and its correlation with factors related to ischemic renal injury were analyzed. Methods:This study prospectively evaluated 18 patients who underwent NSS between July and December 2014, including 12 who underwent laparoscopic and six who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Urinaryl-FABP concentrations were measured preoperatively and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after renal artery declamping. Loss of renal function loss was calculated by comparing the effective renal plasma flow, as determined by99mTc-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) clearance, on the operated and normal sides. The decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate from before surgery to six months after surgery was also measured. Results:Urinaryl-FABP concentration peaked within 2 h of declamping, which may quantify nephron damage caused by ischemia. The decrease in MAG3 reduction ratio correlated with both the ischemia time and peak urinaryl-FABP concentration. Peak urinaryl-FABP concentration showed a significant correlation with MAG3 reduction ratio. Conclusions:l-FABP is a suitable urinary biomarker for predicting the extent of ischemic renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To investigate the role of mast cells (MCs) renal infiltration in the progression of human anti-GBM nephritis, 38 patients diagnosed with anti-GBM nephritis were enrolled. Renal biopsies were performed. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect MCs in renal tissues. Patients were divided into group 1 (MCs <50 mm−2,n = 18) and group 2 (MCs ≥50 mm−2,n = 20) according to the infiltrating renal MC count. The clinical–pathological indices were compared. And, correlation between MCs and the clinical–pathological indices was analyzed. Patients of group 2 had more severe renal dysfunctions, expressed as higher levels of serum creatinine (SCr 8.95 ± 3.66 vs. 4.75 ± 2.73 mg/dL,p < 0.001), urine retinol-binding protein (RBP 29.8 ± 13.9 vs. 15.7 ± 11.5 mg/dL,p = 0.005), and lower urinary osmotic pressure. Pathologically, patients of group 2 had a higher percentage of fibrous/fibrocellular crescents (66.7 ± 21.9 vs. 47.0 ± 33.6%,p = 0.037) but a lower percentage of cellular crescents. More CD8 (268 mm−2vs. 180 mm−2,p = 0.045) and CD68 (268 mm−2vs. 180 mm−2,p = 0.045) positive cells infiltrating the interstitium were observed in group 2. Furthermore, renal MCs correlated significantly with the total number of crescents and the tubular interstitial CD8 and CD68 positive cells. And, the number of MCs was associated with the histological types. The renal function was significantly different between the two groups at presentation. However, at 3 and 6 month follow-up, the patient outcome was associated with the histological types. Our study showed that MC infiltrations were associated with chronic lesions in anti-GBM nephritis and may be involved in the loss of renal function with pathological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Although there are many available data about renal involvement in patients with beta thalassemia major (TM), the changes in renal functions of other types, such as thalassemia intermedia (TI) and thalassemia minor (TMin), were reported less. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate renal tubular and glomerular functions in patients with three types of beta thalassemia.Methods: This prospective case–control study was conducted on 118 beta-thalassemia patients (49 in TM, 18 in TI and 51 TMin) and 51 healthy controls. Glomerular functions [estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), serum cystatin C and urinary protein creatinine ratio] and tubular functions [fractioned sodium excretion (FENa), tubular reabsorption of phosphorus, urinary excretion of uric acid, levels of retinol-binding protein, alpha-1 macroglobulin (alpha-1M), and beta-2 microglobulin, calcium creatinine ratio] were assessed in all patients and controls.Results: The mean ages of the groups and controls at presentation were similar. Although GFR was similar in all patients and control groups, serum levels of cystatin C in patients with TM and TI were significantly higher compared to TMin and controls. Alpha-1M, FENa, urinary excretion of uric acid, and urine protein/creatinine ratio in TM and TI groups were significantly higher than the others. Mean cystatin C level was also higher in patients with TMin compared the controls. However, there were no significant differences according to all tubular and other glomerular functions between TMin and control groups.Conclusions: Although all types of beta thalassemia patients should be closely monitored to prevent further decrease in renal functions, the patients with TI should be considered to have a higher risk of glomerular and tubular deterioration as well as TM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Early stage of vascular disease and diabetic kidney disease (DKD stages 1 and 2) has been under-recognized, under common practice worldwide. The lack of sensitive diagnostic marker leads to late diagnosis and a progression of underlying vascular disease associated with chronic renal ischemia, which eventually intensifies the magnitude of DKD damage. Treatment at this late stage fails to correct the renal ischemia, or restore renal function, due to the altered vascular homeostasis associated with an impaired nitric oxide production. In contrast to the above information, early recognition of vascular disease and DKD with sensitive diagnostic markers would be able to implement an effective prevention of progression of vascular disease and DKD. Treatment at early stage under environment favorable for adequate vascular homeostasis is able to correct the renal ischemia and improve the renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the impact of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) on global and regional renal function in children.Methods: In total, 40 children (41 renal units) undergoing PNL were included in this prospective study. All patients were evaluated using quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography (QSPECT) with technetium-99 m-dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) examinations before and 3 months after surgery.Results: The mean age was 9.5 years (range, 3–16), and the mean stone size was 3.4 cm (range, 2–6.5). Of the cases, 39 (95%) were managed as being stone-free after a single session of PNL. After additional treatment procedures, 40 (97.5%) of the cases were managed as being stone-free. Of the 41 renal units, new focal cortical defects on99mTc-DMSA scans were seen in 4 (9.7%) patients. Total relative uptake in the treated kidneys increased from 42.3% to 44.1%. The mean creatinine level before PNL was 1.18 ± 0.45 (0.8–1.6) mg/dL compared with 1.16 (0.7–1.5) mg/dL by the end of the follow-up period (not statistically significantly different,p > 0.05).Conclusions: PNL in children is a safe and feasible method for the maximal clearance of stones. QSPECT of99mTc-DMSA confirmed that renal function is preserved or even improved after percutaneous stone removal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The kidney is often affected in plasma cell dyscrasias, usually due to the effects of nephrotoxic monoclonal-free light chains. Renal failure due to a monoclonal gammopathy may be detected by the highly sensitive serum-free light-chain (sFLC) ratio yet missed by electrophoretic assays. The aim of this study was to assess sFLC levels in relation to markers of renal function.Methods: Five-hundred thirteen patients were included in this study. sFLC levels were measured by Freelite® (The Binding Site Group Ltd, Birmingham, UK) assay using the BNII nephelometer (Siemens Diagnostics, Germany). Kappa/lambda (κ/λ) sFLC ratio was calculated. Serum creatinine levels were analyzed by modified Jaffe method in Cobas 8000 analyser. GFR was estimated by the CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) equation. Patients were assigned to two groups depending on their eGFR values: ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2(Group 1,n = 103) and >60 mL/min/1.73 m2(Group 2,n = 410). Data were expressed as median and min–max. All the statistical analyses were done with SPSS version 20.0 and a significance level of 0.05 was considered.Results: Serum κ-FLC median value was 36.4 (5.62–16,000) mg/L, serum λ-FLC was 21.7 (4.91–8770) mg/L, κ/λ sFLC ratio was 1.33 (0.01–3258) and serum creatinine was 1.56 (0.63–7.21) mg/dL in Group 1. Both λ sFLC and κ/λ sFLC ratios were correlated with eGFR (r = −0.318,r = 0.198,p < 0.05, respectively). We did not find any significant correlation between κ/λ sFLC ratio and eGFR in Group 2.Conclusions: We examined the association between sFLC concentrations and renal function. Our preliminary findings suggest that serum λ-FLC might be considered as a useful marker for predicting renal function. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the usefulness of these parameters for identifying renal failure due to a monoclonal gammopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective in this experimental study is to research the effect of the intra-abdominal pressure which rises following pneumoperitoneum and whether Theophylline has a possible protective activity on this situation. In our study, 24 Wistar Albino rats were used. Rats were divided into two groups. The first group was set for only pneumoperitoneum model. The second group was given 15 mg/kg of Theophylline intraperitoneally before setting pneumoperitoneum model. Then urea, creatinine, cystatin-C, tissue and serum total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant capacity and oxidative stress index in two groups were measured and compared with each other. Apoptosis and histopathological conditions in the renal tissues were examined. The differences between the groups were analyzed with the Mann–WhitneyUtest. Results were considered significant atp < 0.05. No statistically significant difference was determined between tissue and serum averages in two groups in terms of TAS, TOS and OSI values (p > 0.05). The mean value of urea were similar in pneumoperitoneum and pneumoperitoneum + theophylline groups (p = 0.12). The mean cystatin-C value was 2.2 ± 0.3 µg/mL in pneumoperitoneum, 1.74 ± 0.33 µg/mL in pneumoperitoneum + theophylline (p = 0.002). According to our study, lower cystatin-C levels in the group, where Theophylline was given, are suggestive of lower renal injury in this group. However, this opinion is interrogated as there is no difference in terms of tissue and serum TAS, TOS, OSI and urea values between the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to polypharmacy. The present study evaluated the renal effects of optimizing potentially nephrotoxic medications in an older population.Methods: Retrospective study of patients’ ≥60 years treated between January of 2013 and February of 2015 in a Nephrology Clinic. The renal effect of avoiding polypharmacy was studied.Results: Sixty-one patients were studied. Median age was 81 years (range 60–94). Twenty-five patients (41%) were male. NSAIDs alone were stopped in seven patients (11.4%), a dose reduction in antihypertensives was done in 11 patients (18%), one or more antihypertensives were discontinued in 20 patients (32.7%) and discontinuation and dose reduction of multiple medications was carried out in 23 patients (37.7%). The number of antihypertensives was reduced from a median of 3 (range of 0–8) at baseline to a median of 2 (range 0–7),p < 0.001 after intervention. After intervention, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) improved significantly, from a baseline of 32 ± 15.5 cc/min/1.73m2to 39.5 ± 17 cc/min/1.73m2at t1 (p < 0.001) and 44.5 ± 18.7 cc/min/1.73m2at t2 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline). In a multivariate model, after adjusting for ACEIs/ARBs discontinuation/dose reduction, NSAIDs use and change in DBP, an increase in SBP at time 1 remained significantly associated with increments in GFR on follow-up (estimate = 0.20,p = 0.01).Conclusions: Avoidance of polypharmacy was associated with an improvement in renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication and it leads to kidney failure. The endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS) seems to be involved in the development and progression of DN. The Puerarin is a well-known Chinese traditional formula, which is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of kidney disease. The present study was designed to investigate the renal protective effects of Puerarin on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into three groups at random. The diabetic group and the Puerarin-treated group were intraperitoneally injected with STZ 65 mg/kg and the Puerarin-treated rats were intraperitoneally injected Puerarin 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. The results showed the Puerarin could improve body weight, blood sugar, BUN and SCr levels, and reduce ultrastructural changes of kidney in diabetic rats. It also attenuated eNOS expression in glomerular endothelial cells and tubular cells of diabetic rats with Puerarin treatment ( p < 0.05). The Puerarin had significant renal-protective effects for the diabetic nephropathy, possibly through regulating eNOS expression, and it may be used as a potential therapeutic reagent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed whether red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with microalbuminuria (MAU) in a group of 320 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), recruited in Zhengzhou. Patients were divided into normal group and MAU group. Compared with the normal group, the patients with MAU had higher red blood cell count ( p = 0.005) and RDW ( p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression indicated that RDW (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.98-7.66, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor of MAU in newly diagnosed T2DM. Other factors include smoking (OR = 4.44, 95% CI: 2.90-8.72, p < 0.001), higher waist index (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.89-5.26, p = 0.002), FBG level (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.21-3.84, p = 0.008) and uric acid level (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.05-4.52, p = 0.037). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves explored the relationship between MAU and RDW. The area under the curve was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74-0.84; p < 0.001). Using a cut-off point of 12.8, the RDW predicted MAU in the T2DM patients with a sensitivity of 71.3% and specificity of 66.9%. RDW may be independently associated with MAU in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. RDW may be treated as effective predictive index in the evaluation of diabetes nephropathy or diabetes-associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Aim of this study was to evaluate the association between attachment style, compliance, quality of life and renal function in adult patients after kidney transplantation. Methods: A total of 43 adult patients who received a kidney transplant more than 3 months before were enrolled and were asked to complete two Self-Report questionnaires: Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ-40) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Also compliance was measured using appropriate questions. Results: Linear regression analysis showed associations between the confidence in relationships (ASQ-40) and compliance [beta = −0.37; B = −0.02; t(41) = −2.51; p = 0.02]; aspects of anxious attachment style (ASQ-40) and creatinine levels [beta = 0.3; B = 0.13; t(41) = 2.03; p = 0.04]; aspects of avoidant attachment style (ASQ-40) and compliance [beta = −0.37; B = −3.15; t(41) = −2.35; p = 0.02]. Patients who exhibited avoidant attachment had a significantly better perception of their own general health than patients with anxious [ F(2,37) = 6.8; p < 0.05] or secure attachment; however, they had a worse perception regarding role limitations due to emotional problems, compared to patients with anxious attachment [ F(2,37) = 6.4; p < 0.05]. Discussion: The results of this study suggest that the evaluation of the attachment style in adult kidney transplant patients can contribute to plan a goal-directed psychological support program for these patients, in order to increase their compliance. The association between aspects of anxious attachment style and creatinine level needs more investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]