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This study attempted to determine the characteristic features of postpartum dairy cows during their return to estrus. Moreover, it investigated the effects of abnormal ovarian cycles (AOC) on subsequent reproductive performance and the relationship between normal ovarian cycles (NOC) and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level postpartum. Incidentally, 56.3% of the Holstein cows and 66.7% of the Jersey cows had NOC, whereas the 43.7% and 33.3% of the Holstein and Jersey, respectively, had AOC. Within 100 days of calving, the cows with AOC had significantly lower rates of artificial insemination (AI) submission as well as pregnancy and a significantly longer interval to first AI, as compared to that in the cows with NOC. Additionally, the cows with NOC had a significantly higher first AI conception rate than that in the cows with AOC. In this study, of the 32 Holstein cows, 8 resumed their ovarian cycle within 20 days of calving, 10 resumed the cycle with 21-40 days of calving, 8 within 41-60 days of calving, while the remaining 6 did not resume their ovarian cycles until 60 days postpartum. Furthermore, the likelihood ratios of incidence of NOC are 0.93, 1.94, and 0.38, respectively, in the groups with BUN levels < 15, 15-19.9, and ≥ 20 mg/ dl. In conclusion, AOC postpartum adversely affects reproductive performance such as AI submission rate, pregnancy rate, interval to first AI and first AI conception rate; moreover, an increase or decrease in the BUN levels beyond 15-19.9 mg/dL leads to the AOC postpartum.

Acute renal injury (AKI) is a serious case with high mortality rate especially among hospitalized patients. It could be induced by sepsis, hypovolemia, atherosclerosis, and ischemia. Sepsis is caused mainly by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of gram-negative bacteria. The aim of current work was to assess the potential ability of LPS to induce AKI in mice as well as the probable mechanism. Experimentally, three different doses of LPS (2.5, 5 and 7.5 mL/kg) were evaluated. Results showed that LPS single dose (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was optimum to induce AKI in mice. Moreover, LPS induced severe pathological injuries in kidney tissues. It significantly increased the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine in LPS-exposed mice, demonstrating deteriorated kidney function. Notably, LPS increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in renal tissue homogenate, indicating its ability to initiate severe inflammatory cascade. In summary, LPS (2.5 mg/kg, ip, single dose) has a potential capability to induce AKI with inflammatory insult.

Background & Objective:Acetaminophen is known as the most common agent which causes hepatic and renal toxicity in human and experimental animals at supra-therapeutic doses. The current study investigated the protective effects ofDescurainia sophiaseed extract on the acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity markers in male mice. Materials & Methods:Experimental male mice (n=60, Swiss albino mice) were divided into six groups as follows: Group A (control group), Group B (acetaminophen group), and treatment groups including T1, T2, T3, and T4 (D. sophiaseed extract groups). Toxicity was induced by acetaminophen (500 mg/kg). The mice administeredD. sophiaseed extract for 7 days in doses of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. In the next step, animals were euthanized 24 hours after acetaminophen administration. Blood samples were collected. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid were analysed. Furthermore, kidney tissues were removed for histopathological examination via haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results:Our data revealed that acetaminophen increased the levels of BUN, creatinine and uric acid (PD. sophiaseed extract decreased the serum BUN, creatinine and uric acid significantly compared to the acetaminophen group (PD. sophiaextract had restored acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, particularly in the dose of 300 mg/kg. Conclusion:The present findings suggested that oral administration of D. sophia seed extract has protective effect against acetaminophen nephrotoxicity in mice. Keywords:Acetaminophen,BUN,Creatinine,Descurainia sophia seed,Mice,Nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) is a serious disease characterised by a rapid loss of renal functions due to nephrotoxic drug or ischemic insult. The clinical treatment approach such as dialysis techniques and continuous renal enhancement have grown rapidly during past decades. However, there is yet no significant effect in improving renal function. Hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (HP-MSCs) have positive effects on the in vitro survival and stemness, in addition to angiogenic potential. AIM: In this study, we aimed to analyse the effect of HP-MSCs administration in improving renal function, characterised by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine level. METHODS: A group of 15 male Wistar rats weighing 250 g to 300 g were used in this study (n = 5 for each group). Rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups: Vehicle control (Veh) as a control group, HP-MSCs and normoxia MSCs (N-MSCs) as the treatment group. Renal function was evaluated based on the BUN and creatinine levels using the colourimetric method on day 5 and 13. The histological analysis using HE staining was performed on day 13. RESULTS: The result showed there is a significant decrease in BUN and creatinine level (p < 0.05). The histological analysis of renal tissue also showed a significant decrease between Veh and treatment group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on this study, we conclude that HP-MSCs have a superior beneficial effect than N-MSCs in improving renal function in an animal model of gentamicin-induced ARF.

Dehydration, electrolyte disturbance, and acid-base imbalance are the most significant consequences of diarrhea in calves. We aimed to determine blood gas, hematological, electrolyte, and biochemical values and investigate the relationship between the physical status and blood parameters in Korean native calves (KNCs) with diarrhea. One hundred eighty KNCs with diarrhea (age < 75 days) were investigated. Blood samples were collected from the external jugular vein and analyzed using a portable clinical blood gas analyzer. The measured parameters were statistically compared according to the status of physical activity, dehydration, or prognosis. The mean values of parameters in the Calves with diarrhea showed metabolic acidosis, hyponatremia, and azotemia. The mean values of potassium, chloride, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were in the upper limit of their reference ranges. More than 75% of the calves had metabolic acidosis caused by bicarbonate loss, and 63.6% had high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values. Moreover, BUN showed the highest correlation with the physical activity status and dehydration. pH, base excess of the extracellular fluid (BE), anion gap, potassium, hematocrit, bicarbonate, and hemoglobin were closely correlated with physical deterioration and dehydration (p < 0.001). BUN, pH, BE, and anion gap were closely correlated with physical deterioration and dehydration. These correlations between clinical symptoms and blood gas parameters can be clinically relevant in predicting the status of parameters according to clinical symptoms.

INTRODUCTION[|]Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity and may lead to microvascular and macrovascular complications. This can be prevented through early diagnosis of diabetes and achieving glycemic control. Measurement of the fasting glucose, random glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1C levels have been adopted in the diagnosis of diabetes. This study has searched for DM diagnosis rate using HbA1C measurements in the inpatient population.[¤]METHODS[|]This retrospective study included all inpatients whose HbA1C levels were measured at the Internal Diseases Clinic of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital in 2015. Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, fasting glucose levels, age, gender and primary causes of admission of the patients were recorded. The patients, who had HbA1C value of 6.5 or more, were defined as newly diagnosed DM. Before this study, the patients were included in three groups as patients with a previous diabetes diagnosis, patients with a new diabetes diagnosis and patients with no diabetes diagnosis.[¤]RESULTS[|]Among 1057 patients included in this study, 29.7% had past diabetes diagnosis (Group 1), 7.5% were newly diagnosed diabetes, while 62.8% patients have no diabetes. No statistically significant difference was found concerning age and gender distribution. No significant difference was found between the HbA1C, fasting glucose and random glucose levels of Group 1 and Group 2. BUN levels of the patients in Group 3 were lower than those in Group 1. Creatinine levels of Group 1 were higher than in Group 3. No significant difference was identified concerning the duration of hospital stay and mortality between the groups.[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]New DM diagnosis rate was 7.5% among the patients admitted to the internal diseases clinic within a year. Besides, in the high-risk population of inpatients, the routine HbA1C measurement may lead to early diagnosis by increasing the undiagnosed patient rate.[¤]

Розроблено нові види булочок для сендвічів для оздоровчого харчування вітамінізованих натуральними каротиноїдними рослинними нанодобавками з рекордним вмістом b-каротину та інших БАР як для підприємств ресторанного господарства так і харчових підприємств. Показано, що розроблені булочки відрізняються високим вмістом натурального b-каротину (5,5…6,0 мг в 100 г), що покриває добову потребу організму людини, The new types of buns for sandwiches fortified by vitaminizing natural carotene-containing herbal nanoadditives with a record content of b-carotene and other BAS are developed for enterprises of restaurant industry and catering enterprises which can be used in health-giving nutrition. It is shown that the developed buns contain a high quantity of natural b-carotene (5,5…6,0 mg per 100 g), which covers the daily need of human organism

Visual Abstract, Highlights • In 2 different mouse models, AKI increased Gal-3 expression and induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiac and systemic inflammation, cardiac macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis. • Cardiac consequences of AKI were dependent on the Gal-3 pathway and were prevented using Gal-3 knockout mice or modified citrus pectin as a pharmaceutical inhibitor. • Cardiac Gal-3 expression resulted from bone marrow-derived immune cells recruitment after AKI. • In critically ill patients, development of AKI is associated with increased plasma Gal-3 levels and increased biomarkers of cardiac injury and damage., Summary Acute kidney injury is associated with increased risk of heart failure and mortality. This study demonstrates that acute kidney injury induces remote cardiac dysfunction, damage, injury, and fibrosis via a galectin-3 (Gal-3) dependent pathway. Gal-3 originates from bone marrow-derived immune cells. Cardiac damage could be prevented by blocking this pathway.

Low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg/day) is a long-term platelet antiaggregation therapy for certain coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. This study aims to evaluate the long-term use of aspirin on kidney function by examining the changes in the levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine clearance of CHD patients. The research method used was a prospective observational cohort analysis. The number of study subjects was 37 CHD patients who took 80 mg/day of aspirin and never experienced kidney disease. Serum creatinine and BUN levels were examined in the 1st and 3rd month of the study. Patient creatinine clearance values were calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The results of the study showed that the mean levels of serum creatinine, BUN, and creatinine clearance on the 1st and 3rd month were 1.03 ± 0.27 mg/dL and 1.03 ± 0.29 mg/dL; 13.05 ± 4.10 mg/dL and 14.65 ± 4.44 mg/dL; 73.16 ± 18.14 mL/min and 72.92 ± 19.76 mL/min, respectively. The paired t-test results showed that the differences in the mean of creatinine serum, BUN, and creatinine clearance on the 1st and 3rd month were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The One Way ANOVA test results on the effect of the duration of aspirin use on kidney function were also not statistically significant (p > 0.05) however there is a tendency to decrease creatinine clearance and increase in serum creatinine and BUN. Long-term use of low-dose aspirin has the potential to cause a decrease in kidney function that is seen from a decrease in creatinine clearance as well as an increase in serum creatinine and BUN.

Aim: The present investigation aimed to screen the adaptogenic activity of the Tecomastans flower extract. Methods: Anoxia and immobilization stress models were used in the study. Results: Anoxia stress tolerance time in mice In the anoxia stress tolerance test, the time taken for the mice to exhibit clonic convulsions was taken as the endpoint. The graded doses (125, 250, 500 mg/kg) of the test extract demonstrated dose and duration dependent significant delay in clonic convulsions on the 7th, 14th and 21st days compared to the control group. The anti-stress effect of the higher dose (500 mg/kg) of the test extract was found closer to that of the standard drug. Immobilization Stress Effect on Biochemical Parameters: Immobilization stress significantly elevated the serum cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and BUN levels in stress control rats compared to the normal control group. Animals pretreated for ten days with test extract at different dose levels (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent falls in all the biochemical parameters, as compared to the stress control rats. Effect on the Weight of Organs: An increase in liver, adrenal glands weight and decrease in spleen weight were seen in Immobilization stressed rats. Ten days pretreatment with graded doses of METSF significantly and dose-dependently ameliorated the Immobilization stress-induced altered organs weight. Conclusion: In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Tecomastans flowers exhibited dose-dependent significant antistress activity against stress-induced animal models.

Aims Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes for hospitalization and mortality. After first admission with acute decompensated HF, some patients are in high risk for short‐term and long‐term mortality. These patients should be identified, closely followed up, and treated. It has been observed that blood urea nitrogen (BUN) on admission is a predictive marker for short‐term mortality. Recently, it has been shown that higher BUN levels on discharge are also a bad prognostic predictor. However, the prognostic value of BUN alteration during hospital stay was not investigated; therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of BUN variation during hospitalization on mortality. Methods and results A retrospective study included patients with first hospitalization with the primary diagnosis of HF. The patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the values of BUN on admission and discharge, respectively: normal‐normal, elevated‐normal, normal‐elevated, and elevated‐elevated. Four thousand seven hundred sixty‐eight patients were included; 2567 were male (53.8%); the mean age was 74.7 ± 12.7 years. The 90 day mortality rate in the normal‐normal group was 7% lower than that in the elevated‐normal (14.6%) and normal‐elevated (19.3%) groups; P value 40 mg/dL, higher BUN levels correlated with higher 90 day mortality rate regardless of creatinine levels, brain natriuretic peptide, or age. Moreover, BUN on admission and on discharge correlated better with mortality than did creatinine and glomerular filtration rate at the same points. Conclusions The BUN both on admission and on discharge is a prognostic predictor in patients with HF; however, patients with elevated levels both on admission and on discharge have the worst prognosis. Moreover, worsening or lack of improvement in BUN during hospitalization is a worse prognostic predictor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial to discuss the BUN change during hospitalization in HF.

Background Global epidemic of diabetes is a serious health care concern because of its complications and consequently reduced life expectancy and increased morbidity. However, the bone turnover and thus bone health may be affected or even compromised by diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to assess whether bone turnover markers are associated with diabetes micro-vascular complications. Methods A total of 204 type 2 diabetes patients (104 patients with diabetic micro-vascular complications (retinopathy and/or nephropathy) as a case group and 100 patients without retinopathy and/or nephropathy) as a control group were recruited in this case–control study. The biochemical and metabolic parameters and bone turnover markers were assessed in all patients. Results Our findings showed serum levels of osteocalcin (OC) (p = 0.0001) and, carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX) (p = 0.006) were higher in diabetic patients with both diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy compared with control group. However, there was no significant difference in serum levels of procollagen I aminoterminal propeptide (P1NP) between diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and/or diabetic nephropathy (DN) compared with control. In diabetes patients with complications, there were significant negative correlation between OC and CTX with estimated-glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) and also positive correlation between each bone marker (OC and CTX) and PTH levels (p = 0.0001) and BUN (p = 0.0001). In a general linear model, after adjusting for age, sex and BMI, and microvascular complications, there was not any significant association between three bone turnover markers and metabolic markers including fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid profile. Among kidney markers, there were significant positive associations between serum levels of CTX and OC with BUN (p

Bun was prepared by blending wheat flour with de-oiled maize germ flour (DMGF) in different combinations. The different proportions of DMGF at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% levels were mixed with wheat flour. The composition, physical properties, color, texture, and sensory evaluation were analyzed for de-oiled maize germ (DOMG)-fortified flour bun. It was found that the protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber content increased with increase in the percentage of DMGF in the wheat flour. Bun loaf volume decreased with increase in DMGF levels from 5 to 25%. Bun yield increased with increase in blending proportions. Bun prepared with 5% substitution was lighter than all other treatments as indicated by the higher L* values and the values decreased with DMGF augmentation. Total color difference (∆E) of DMGF buns differed from the wheat flour bun sample. With the increase in DMGF, an increase in the values of the hardness of DMGF bun was observed. Bun prepared from 10% incorporation of DOMG scored highest for its overall appearance.

Cisplatin is one of platinum cytostatic drug for the medication of solid cancers, one of which is head and neck cancer. Adverse event that resulted during drug treatment was acute or chronic nephrotoxicity. Cisplatin concentration in proximal tubular epithelial cells is about 5 times the serum concentration. Platinum exposure on renal tubular cells bonding covalent complex which stimulate production of inflammatory factors that lead to apoptosis and necrosis cell. Cisplatin nephrotoxicity can be prevented by aggressive hydration or alternate method of administration. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of NaCl-Mannitol hydration on renal function of head and neck cancer patients receiving cisplatin 100 mg/m2 chemotherapy combination with 5FU or paclitaxel. This was a cohort, prospective, and observational study to analyze renal function of head and neck cancer patients receiving cisplatin 100 mg/m2 chemotherapy combination with 5FU or paclitaxel. Inclusion criteria were BUN 7-18 mg/dl and serum creatinine < 2 mg/dl of any cycle. All patients received infuse NaCl-Mannitol hydration with term that provided in Surgeon Departement of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. Data obtained were BUN, SCr, and eClCr Cockroft-Gault, each was measured pre- and post-hydration. In cisplatin and 5FU chemotherapy combination value BUN pre-hydration (11,99 + 4,62) mg/dl, value BUN post-hydration (12,14 + 4,74) mg/dl and value serum creatinine pre-hydration (0,97 + 0,34) mg/dl, value serum creatinine post-hydration (1,02 + 0,37) mg/dl. Meanwhile to the combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, value BUN pre-hydration (10,19 + 2,58) mg/dl, value of BUN post-hydration (10,43 + 2,31) mg/dl and value of serum creatinine post- hydration (0,98 + 0,26) mg/dl. In conclusion, NaCl-Mannitol hydration administration is adequate which is shown by BUN and serum creatinine in pre- and post-hydration data within normal limits.

Objective: To evaluate the potential of Mimusops elengi in the treatment of renal calculi. Materials and Methods: Petroleum ether, chloroform, and alcohol extracts of Mimusops elengi bark were evaluated for antiurolithiatic and antioxidant activity in male albino Wistar rats. Ethylene glycol (0.75%) in drinking water was fed to all the groups (Groups II–IX) except normal control (Group I) for 28 days to induce urolithiasis for curative (CR) and preventive (PR) regimen. Groups IV, V, and VI served as CR, and groups VII, VIII, and IX as PR were treated with different extracts of M. elengi bark. Groups I, II, and III served as normal control, positive control (hyperurolithiatic), and standard (cystone 750 mg/kg), respectively. Oxalate, calcium, and phosphate were monitored in the urine and kidney. Serum BUN, creatinine, and uric acid were also recorded. In vivo antioxidant parameters such as lipid peroxidation (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were also monitored. Results: All the extracts of M. elengi were safe orally and exhibited no gross behavioral changes in the rats. In hypercalculi animals, the oxalate, calcium, and phosphate excretion grossly increased. However, the increased deposition of stone forming constituents in the kidneys of calculogenic rats were significantly (P < 0.001) lowered by curative and preventive treatment with alcohol extract (AlE) of M. elengi. It was also observed that alcoholic extract of M. elengi produced significant (P < 0.001) decrease in MDA, and increased GSH, SOD, and CAT. These results confirm that AlE of M. elengi possess potent antiurolithiatic activity. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest potential usefulness of the AlE of M. elengi bark as an antiurolithiatic agent.

Despite intensive therapy, the mortality rate in acute renal failure still exceeds 30% [1]. Advanced age, multiple organ failure, oliguria and high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at the time of diagnosis are associated with a poorer prognosis [2]. Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical to prevent death and irreversible renal failure. Renal biopsy remains the golden standard for diagnosis. Glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide are the cornerstones in the treatment of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis; they dramatically ameliorate glomerular injury and induce remission in 75–80% of cases [3]. We present a patient with remarkable biochemical derangement, especially high BUN (Table 1). A case like this has not previously been seen in our department, nor described in the literature.

Background Venoveno bypass (VVB) has been used to achieve hemodynamic stability and decrease the incidence of renal dysfunction. However, VVB has many complications. The purpose of this study is to verify the safety of total clamping of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) without VVB during orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) in terms of anesthetic management. Methods Twenty-five patients without preoperative renal dysfunction who underwent primary OLT were enrolled in this study. Hemodynamic data and blood gas measurements were collected 1 hour after incision, 30 minutes after IVC total clamping and 30 minutes after reperfusion. Postoperative laboratory data, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), were assessed at postoperative day (POD) 0-7, 30, 90, 180 and 1 year. Results Mean blood pressure was well maintained during IVC total clamping with infusion of inotropics. There was no case of severe acidosis (pH < 7.2) during the anhepatic period. The immediate postoperative Cr and GFR were not significantly different from those of the preoperative values. BUN increased from POD 1 and decreased after POD 6, while Cr increased at POD 90 only. Conclusions In patients without preoperative renal dysfunction, when IVC was totally clamped, VVB does not need to be routinely performed to maintain hemodynamics during the anhepatic phase and renal function after OLT.

Rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening syndrome, is not an uncommon condition with around 38,000 cases been reported in the USA in 2000. The risk of developing acute renal failure in the initial days of presentation can be as high as 40% and approximately 28–37% of patients require short-term hemodialysis. This report discusses a case of rhabdomyolysis after seizures in which blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and BUN/creatinine levels were examined during the course of illness in the hospital. We found that the BUN/creatinine ratio is not a reliable indicator of renal function in rhabdomyolysis. Potassium levels can be a better marker for the early recognition of acute renal failure and an indication for prompt treatment with dialysis, which is crucial to prevent fatal complications.

Diabetes mellitus has been reported as the most critical factor causing visual loss. Among the various complications of diabetes mellitus in the eyes, diabetic retinopathy has been regarded as the most common cause of visual loss.1-3 Diabetes mellitus is also known as an important risk factor for cataracts. In epidemiologic studies published in European countries, factors such as a long duration of diabetic disease, advanced age at the time of clinical diagnosis, advanced retinopathy, treatment with diuretics, and poor control of blood sugar level are reported as risk factors for cataract in diabetics.4-11 However, reports about the prevalence and risk factors of cataract in diabetes are limited for Korean patients.12 Most diabetes mellitus cases in Korea are type 2, with a shorter duration than in European countries. The incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus and juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus is lower in Korea than that of European populations.13 Accordingly, it is expected that the incidence and risk factors for cataracts in diabetes mellitus are different. Furthermore, recent studies have reported that various complications such as cardiovascular, nephrologic, and ophthalmologic diseases could be prevented by controlling glucose in diabetic patients. Therefore, we conducted research on the frequency and risk factors of cataracts in Korean patients with diabetes. From January 2004 to December 2005, 850 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of the Diabetes Center of Eulji Medical Center at Eulji Medical University were evaluated retrospectively. All patients underwent an ophthalmologic evaluation including slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscope fundus examination. Three hundred and forty-two patients (40.2%) were male and the mean age of all patients was 50.87±8.60 years. A diabetic patient was defined as one who had a serum glucose concentration of more than 120 mg/dl while fasting more than twice or who had greater than 200 mg/dl when measured within two hours after a meal more than twice. The diabetic period was defined from the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus to the day of the indirect ophthalmoscope fundus examination. The fasting serum glucose concentration used in this analysis was the one examined closest to the day of the fundus examination. In addition, we investigated HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, BUN, and creatinine. Each patient underwent best-corrected distance visual acuity measurement with a Snellen chart. Visual acuity was defined as the average value of the corrected visual acuity of both eyes before examination. An ophthalmic examination was performed with slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscope fundus examination after the pupil was maximally dilated with 1.0% tropicamide (Mydriacyl) and 2.5% phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neosynephrine). Diabetic patients were classified into a cataract group and a control group without cataracts. We compared clinical data and ophthalmologic results between the cataract group and the control group. Risk factors for cataracts, including sex, age, the diabetic period, blood sugar in fasting, HbA1c, and presence of diabetic retinopathy, were evaluated. To analyze how the risk factors affected the occurrence of cataracts, chi-square analysis was used. To compare the difference of biochemical examination between the two groups, Student's t-test was used. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between various variables and the degree of lens opacity. A p-value

Renal ischemia as a course of renal transplantation is a common cause of renal dysfunction as renal failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of ascorbic acid on blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and resistive index (RI) for dog models with renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Renal ischemia was induced on 6 Beagle dogs. The left kidney was exposed to normothermic ischemia for a short period at 30 min followed by reperfusion. On the blood Cr level and RI, there was no significant difference comparing both groups. 14 days after I/R injury a significant reduction on the blood BUN level was observed in the vehicle group (34.06 mg/dl) compared to that of ischemia induced treated group (10.3mg/dl) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, administration of ascorbic acid for renal ischemic-reperfusion injury had influence on blood BUN level, but it was not revealed the influence on blood Cr and RI.