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Background and Aims Therapeutic plasma exchange (PEX) has an increasingly long list of indications in recent years, in addition to immunosuppressive therapies in many life-threatening immune activations, it provides significant improvements in mortality and morbidity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the laboratory and clinical effects of PEX performed with nephrologic indication in our clinic. Method The records of 67 patients (36 females, 31 males; mean age, 45.7±15.8 years) who underwent PEX with nephrological indication between 2012 and 2017 in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics of the patients such as, indications of PEX, laboratory values and number of PEX sessions were recorded. In addition, clinical responses were also evaluated. Results When a total 398 PEX sessions were examined, the most common indication (40.3%) was acute humoral rejection after renal transplantation, followed by granulomatosis with polyangiitis (19.4%) and thrombotic microangiopathy (9%), respectively. The average of the PEX sessions was 5.94. There was a statistically significant increase in the bicarbonate value when the arterial blood gas of the patients was evaluated after PEX (p=0.002). However, no significant difference was observed in the pH and ionized calcium values (p=0.135, p=0.969, respectively) (Table 1). When all the patients were evaluated, there was no significant change in hemoglobin values (p=0.174), but platelet values decreased significantly (p=0.011) after PEX. However, when the patient group admitted with thrombotic microangiopathy was examined, it was observed that platelet count increased and LDH level decreased significantly (p=0.063, p=0.028, respectively). When the serum creatinine values of all patients were evaluated, a significant decrease was observed in the serum creatinine values after PEX (p=0.001). In addition, after 2 years following PEX treatment, 70.1% of patients were still alive and 12.5% of patients undergoing PEX for acute humoral rejection were undergoing on hemodialysis treatment. Conclusion According to the results of our study, patients should be followed up especially for acid-base and electrolyte changes after PEX. In addition, therapeutic PEX might be effective in terms of improving morbidity and 2 year-mortality of these patients.

Background and Aims The largest data on the epidemiology of primary glomerular diseases (PGD) are obtained from the databases of countries or centers. Here, we presented the extended results of the Primary Glomerular Diseases Study of the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD)Working Group. Method The data of patients who underwent renal biopsy and diagnosed as primary glomerular disease were recorded in the database prepared for the study. Between May 2009 and May 2019, a total of 4399 patients from 47 centers were evaluated. Basal data of 3875 patients were analyzed after exclusion of those lacking light microscopy and immunofluorescence findings. Results The mean age was 41.5 ± 14.9 years. Of the patients, 1690 were female (43.6%) and 2180 (56.3%) were male. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common biopsy indication (51.7%). This was followed by asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (18.3%) and nephritic syndrome (17.8%). The most common PGH was IgA nephropathy (25.7%), followed by membranous nephropathy (25.6%) and FSGS (21.9%). The mean total number of glomeruli per biopsy was 17 ± 10. Mean baseline systolic blood pressure was 130 ± 20 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 81 ± 12 mmHg. Median proteinuria was 3300 (IQR: 1467-6307) mg / day, mean serum creatinine, estimated GFR and albumin values were 1.4 ± 1.5 mg / dl, 80.7 ± 39.1 ml / min and 3.2 ± 0.9 g / dl, respectively. Conclusion In Turkey, the incidence of IgA nephropathy patients have become more common than membranous nephropathy among PGD patients diagnosed with renal biopsy.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created major challenges for all countries around the globe. Retrospective studies have identified hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and older age as risk factors for high morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. There is a general concern that patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases, namely those on immunosuppressive therapies and/or those with more advanced kidney failure, could particularly be at risk for adverse outcomes due to a compromised antiviral immunity. Uncertainties exist on how management routines should be reorganized to minimize the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and what measures are necessary for infected patients. The aim of the present review of the Immunonephrology Working Group of the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association is to provide recommendations for the management of patients with immune-mediated kidney diseases based on the available evidence, similar circumstances with other infectious organisms and expert opinions from across Europe. Such recommendations may help to minimize the risk of encountering COVID-19 or developing complications during COVID-19 in patients with immune-mediated kidney disease.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the Blastocystis prevalence and subtypes in hemodialysis patients in Turkey. Methodology: Eighty-four patients diagnosed with end-stage renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Blastocystis presence was investigated by native-Lugol, trichrome staining, PCR using STS primers, and DNA sequencing analysis. Results: Among the stool samples from the hemodialysis patients, 9.52% (8/84) were found to be Blastocystis-positive with the native-Lugol and trichrome staining. Seven of the eight Blastocystis isolates were subtyped using STS primers. Blastocystis subtype distribution was as follows: one had ST1, two had ST2, two had ST3, two had ST3+ST6, and one was not subtyped. Blastocystis positivity was detected in two healthy control (2/20, %10), one subject had ST1, and the other was not subtyped. All subtypes identified by PCR were confirmed by the sequencing analysis. In the two samples that had mixed subtypes (ST3+ST6) when using the STS primers, only ST3 was detected in the sequencing analysis. Although some patients have multiple symptoms, the most common symptoms in Blastocystis positive patients were bloating (5/8), diarrhea (4/8), nausea and vomiting (2/8), and gas and weight loss (1/8). Also, only one patient had Giardia intestinalis. Conclusions: This was the first study to determine the Blastocystis subtypes in hemodialysis patients. A rare subtype, ST6, was identified in two of the patients. Thus, the ST6 infections were attributable to transmission from poultry infections. The presence of this unusual subtype suggests the need for further extensive studies of hemodialysis patients.

ERA EDTA

Background The largest data on the epidemiology of primary glomerular diseases (PGDs) are obtained from the databases of countries or centers. Here, we present the extended results of the Primary Glomerular Diseases Study of the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group. Methods Data of patients who underwent renal biopsy and received the diagnosis of PGD were recorded in the database prepared for the study. A total of 4399 patients from 47 centers were evaluated between May 2009 and May 2019. The data obtained at the time of kidney biopsy were analyzed. After the exclusion of patients without light microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy findings, a total of 3875 patients were included in the study. Results The mean age was 41.5 ± 14.9 years. 1690 patients were female (43.6%) and 2185 (56.3%) were male. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common biopsy indication (51.7%). This was followed by asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (18.3%) and nephritic syndrome (17.8%). The most common PGD was IgA nephropathy (25.7%) followed by membranous nephropathy (25.6%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (21.9%). The mean total number of glomeruli per biopsy was 17 ± 10. The mean baseline systolic blood pressure was 130 ± 20 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 81 ± 12 mmHg. The median proteinuria, serum creatinine, estimated GFR, and mean albumin values were 3300 (IQR: 1467–6307) mg/day, 1.0 (IQR: 0.7–1.6) mg/dL, 82.9 (IQR: 47.0–113.0) mL/min and 3.2 ± 0.9 g/dL, respectively. Conclusions The distribution of PGDs in Turkey has become similar to that in other European countries. IgA nephropathy diagnosed via renal biopsy has become more prevalent compared to membranous nephropathy.

Background: In our study, diagnostic and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with RPGN by biopsy, clinical and laboratory findings in our country were investigated. Methods: Data were obtained from the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group database. Demographic characteristics, indications for biopsy, diagnosis of the glomerular diseases, comorbidities, laboratory and biopsy findings of all patients were recorded. According to their types, RPGN patients were classified as type 1 (anti-GBM related), type 2 (immuncomplex related) and type 3 (pauci-immune). Results: Of 3875 patients, 200 patients with RPGN (mean age 47.9 ± 16.7 years) were included in the study which constitutes 5.2% of the total glomerulonephritis database. Renal biopsy was performed in 147 (73.5%) patients due to nephritic syndrome. ANCA positivity was found in 121 (60.5%) patients. Type 1 RPGN was detected in 11 (5.5%), type 2 RPGN in 42 (21%) and type 3 RPGN in 147 (73.5%) patients. Median serum creatinine was 3.4 (1.9–5.7) mg/dl, glomerular filtration rate was 18 (10–37) ml/min/1.73m2 and proteinuria 2100 (1229–3526) mg/day. The number of crescentic glomeruli ratio was ratio 52.7%. It was observed that urea and creatinine increased and calcium and hemoglobin decreased with increasing crescentic glomerular ratio. Conclusions: Our data are generally compatible with the literature. Advanced chronic histopathological findings were prominent in the biopsy of 21 patients. Early biopsy should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of RPGN and to avoid unnecessary intensive immunosuppressive therapy. In addition to the treatments applied, detailed data, including patient and renal survival, are needed. © 2020, Japanese Society of Nephrology.

Fabry disease is characterised by neuropathic pain and accelerated vascular disease. This study evaluates the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to non-invasively quantify corneal nerve and endothelial cell morphology and dendritic cell (DC) density in relation to disease severity in subjects with Fabry disease. Seventeen consecutive participants with Fabry disease and 17 healthy control subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. Fabry disease severity was measured using the Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI). Central corneal sensitivity was assessed with a contact corneal esthesiometer. There was a significant reduction in the corneal sensitivity (5.75 [5.25–6.00] vs. 6.00 [6.00-6.00] cm, P = 0.014), nerve fiber density (NFD) (26.4 ± 10.1 vs. 33.7 ± 7.9 fibers/mm2, P = 0.025) and nerve fiber length (NFL) (15.9 ± 3.4 vs. 19.5 ± 4.4 mm/mm2, P = 0.012) and an increase in DC density (38.3 [17.5–97.3] vs. 13.5 [0–29.4] cells/mm2, P = 0.004) in subjects with Fabry disease compared to the healthy control subjects. The total MSSI score correlated with NFD (ρ = −0.686; P = 0.006), NFL (ρ = −0.692; P = 0.006), endothelial cell density (ρ = −0.511; P = 0.036), endothelial cell area (ρ = 0.514; P = 0.036) and α-galactosidase A enzyme activity (ρ = −0.723; P = 0.008). This study demonstrates reduced corneal sensitivity, corneal nerve fiber damage and increased DCs in subjects with Fabry disease.

Renal transplantation is the most effective treatment modality for end-stage renal failure. According to the Ministry of Health Organ Transplant Registration System, despite the presence of 14,936 renal transplant recipients in Turkey, there are not enough data about the prognosis of these patients. Therefore, we aimed to ascertain the rate of patients returning to hemodialysis (HD) due to nonfunctioning graft in our country. One thousand four hundred and ninety-eight (males: 826, females: 672) HD patients who undergo HD at 22 HD centers in total, from different geographical regions to represent our country were examined retrospectively. The informations were obtained from patient registry files and anamnesis which were in HD centers. The number of patients returning to HD due to the loss of graft function was 77 (males: 56, females: 21). Eleven of the patients had transplantation from cadavers (14%) and 66 from living donors (86%). Prevelance of patients, who return to HD after the failure of renal transplantation, between HD patients was 5.1. The mean duration of return to HD after renal transplantation was 6.7 ± 5.9 years for all patients. There was no significant difference in the duration without HD after transplantation between two groups when cadaveric and living donor transplants were compared (P = 0.759). There was no statistically significant difference in duration without HD after transplantation between patients receiving HD treatment before transplantation and preemptive transplant (P = 0.212). The prevelance of patients, who return to HD due to nonfunctioning graft among HD patients was 5.1. The duration without HD were similar after transplantation from both cadavers and living donors. The duration without HD was found longer among those who were operated before 2000.

Hemodialysis patients have extremely increased cardiovascular mortality. The coronary artery calcification score (CACS) in uremic patients receiving hemodialysis reflects the severity of atherosclerotic vascular disease and predicts the cardiovascular events. In cardiac conditions, left atrial (LA) size has a prognostic importance. In this study, relationship between coronary artery calcification and left atrial size was investigated. This was a cross-sectional study involving 32 hemodialysis patients (16 females, 16 males; mean age, 52.4 ± 14.1 years) receiving HD for ≥6 months. Coronary artery calcium scoring was performed by a 16-MDCT scanner, and CACS was calculated by Agatston score. A calcification was defined as a minimum of two adjacent pixels (>0.52 mm2) with a density over 130 Hounsfield units. Patients were divided into two subgroups (group 1: CACS ≤ 45.85, n = 16 and group 2: CACS > 45.85, n = 16) according to median CACS value. Mean CACS value of 32 hemodialysis patients was 245.57 ± 373.91. LA size was significantly higher in patients with CACS > 45.85 (group 2) than in patients with CACS ≤ 45.85 (group 1). In the bivariate correlation analysis, total CACS was positively correlated with left atrium size (r = 0.47, p = 0.006). Total CACS was positively correlated with age (r = 0.43, p = 0.014). LA size was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.42, p = 0.016) and negatively correlated with ejection fraction (r = −0.42, p = 0.016). The clinical parameters such as BMI, duration of dialysis, blood pressure, ejection fraction, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, albumin, CRP, triglyceride, cholesterol, hemoglobin and ferritin were not independently associated with total CACS. We found a positive relationship between the CACS and LA size measured by echocardiography in hemodialysis patients. Therefore; echocardiography, which is cheaper and non-invasive than tomographic examinations, might be considered for the risk stratification of coronary artery disease in hemodialysis patients.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) can occur in approximately 30-40% of both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. The well-established features of DKD include increased serum glucose levels along with chronic low-grade inflammation, OxS, increased advanced glycation end products, sorbitol accumulation, increased hexosamine, and protein kinase C pathway activation. On the other hand, accumulating evidence suggests that novel pathways including apoptosis and autophagy might also play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD. In this review, the integrated mechanisms of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy are discussed in the pathogenesis as well as progression of DM and DKD.

WOS: 000390981200011, PubMed: 28144263, Introduction: Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the true visceral fat depot of the heart. The relationship between coronary artery disease and EAT was shown in healthy subjects and ESRD patients. In the present study we aimed to investigate the relationship between EAT and inflammation parameters including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Material and methods: Forty-three HD patients (25 females, 18 males; mean age: 64.1 11.9 years) receiving HD and 30 healthy subjects (15 females, 15 males; mean age: 59.1 +/- 10.8 years) were enrolled in the study. Epicardial adipose tissue measurements were performed by echocardiography. Results: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio levels were significantly higher in HD patients than in the healthy control group. Hemodialysis patients were separated into two groups according to their median value of NLR (group 1, NLR < 3.07 (n = 21) and group 2, NLR 3.07 (n = 22)). Group 2 patients had significantly higher EAT, C-reactive protein and ferritin levels, while albumin levels were significantly lower in this group. In the bivariate correlation analysis, EAT was positively correlated with NLR (r = 0.600, p < 0.001) and ferritin (r = 0.485, p = 0.001) levels. Conclusions: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found to be an independent predictor of EAT in HD patients (odds ratio = 3.178; p = 0.008). We concluded that this relationship might be attributed to increased inflammation in uremic patients.

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from lack of alpha-galactosidase A (AGALA) activity in lysosomes. Objective: In this multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FD in renal transplant (Tx) recipients in Turkey. We also screened dialysis patients as a control group. Methods: All Tx and dialysis patients were screened regardless of the presence of a primary disease. We measured the AGALA activity in all male patients as initial analysis. Mutation analysis was performed in male patients with decreased AGALA activity and in female patients as the initial diagnostic assay. Results: We screened 5,657 patients. A total of 17 mutations were identified. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the prevalence of patients with mutation. We found FD even in patients with presumed primary kidney diseases. Seventy-one relatives were analyzed and mutation was detected in 43 of them. We detected a patient with a new, unknown mutation (p.Cys223) in the GLA gene. Conclusions: There are important implications of the screening. First, detection of the undiagnosed patients leads to starting appropriate therapies for these patients. Second, the transmission of the disease to future generations may be prevented by prenatal screening after appropriate genetic counseling. In conclusion, we suggest screening of kidney Tx candidates for FD, regardless of etiologies of chronic kidney disease. (C) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel C1 [Yalin, Serkan Feyyaz; Senates, Banu Erkalma; Oruc, Meric; Altiparmak, Mehmet Riza; Seyahi, Nurhan] Istanbul Univ Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Med Fac, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Eren, Necmi] Kocaeli Univ, Dept Nephrol, Med Fac, Kocaeli, Turkey. [Sinangil, Ayse; Ecder, Tevfik] Bilim Univ, Dept Nephrol, Med Fac Med, Istanbul, Turkey. [Yilmaz, Vural Taner; Kocak, Huseyin] Akdeniz Univ, Div Nephrol, Med Fac, Antalya, Turkey. [Tatar, Erhan; Uslu, Adam] Bozyaka Training & Res Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Izmir, Turkey. [Ucarf, Ali Riza; Demir, Erol; Caliskan, Yasar; Turkmen, Aydin] Istanbul Univ, Fac Med, Div Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Sevinc, Mustafa; Basturk, Taner] Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training & Res Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Can, Ozgur; Ogutmen, Melike Betul] Haydarpasa Training & Res Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Gurkan, Alp; Kinalp, Can] Medicana, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Arik, Nurol] Ondokuz Mayis Univ, Dept Nephrol, Med Fac, Samsun, Turkey. [Ecder, Sabahat Alisir] Medeniyet Univ, Div Nephrol, Goztepe Training & Res Hosp, Istanbul, Turkey. [Uyar, Murathan] Gaziosmanpasa Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Yasar, Murat; Dursun, Belda] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Nephrol, Med Fac, Denizli, Turkey. [Gulcicek, Sibel] Istanbul Training & Res Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Mese, Meral; Bahcebasi, Zerrin Bicik] Dr Lufti Kirdar Kartal Training & Res Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Dheir, Hamad; Sipahi, Savas; Genc, Ahmed] Sakarya Univ, Dept Nephrol, Tip Med Fac, Sakarya, Turkey. [Cakir, Ulkem] Acibadem Univ, Dept Nephrol, Med Fac, Istanbul, Turkey. [Cevher, Simal Koksal; Dede, Fatih] Ankara Numune Training & Res Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Ankara, Turkey. [Turkmen, Kultigin] Necmettin Erbakan Univ, Div Nephrol, Meram Med Fac, Konya, Turkey. [Guven, Bahtisen] Bahcesehir Univ, Dept Nephrol, Med Fac, Istanbul, Turkey. [Taymez, Dilek Guven] Kocaeli State Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Kocaeli, Turkey. [Yelken, Berna] Mem Hosp, Dept Nephrol, Istanbul, Turkey.

Background: Vasculopathy is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Behcet’s Disease (BD). Subclinical atherosclerosis can even be detected in the early stage of BD. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like (TNF) weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is known as a good marker of the inflammation in vascular tree. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum TWEAK levels in patients with BD. Materials and Methods: In line with International BD Study Group criteria, 48 BD, and 30 controls were included in our study. Disease activity was evaluated according to BD current activity form (BDCAF). C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid parameters, serum TWEAK levels, and cIMT were measured. Results: Disease activity score of BD patients was found as 2 (range 0–7). cIMT, serum TWEAK, CRP and ESR levels of BD patients were significantly higher comparing to cIMT (0.62 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.43 ± 0.09 mm, p < 0.001), serum TWEAK (667.5 ± 130.6 vs. 603.4 ± 89.6 pg/ml, p = 0.015), CRP (3.9 ± 4.3 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and ESR (10.2 ± 10.0 vs. 5.6 ± 3.7 mm/h, p = 0.005) levels of the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TWEAK level and disease activity (r = 0.251, p = 0.030) and cIMT (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Our study also revealed an independent correlation between cIMT and serum TWEAK levels (beta = 0.354, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Increased serum TWEAK levels can play a part in the development of atherosclerotic heart disease in BD. Due to their liability to atherosclerosis, patients with BD must followed closely.

The most important cause of anemia in CKD is relative deficiency of erythropoietin (EPO) secretion from the diseased kidney and EPO therapy has become the standard treatment for anemia of CKD. However, some patients do not respond well to erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA), so-called ESA resistance. One of the most important causes of ESA resistance is chronic inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients. ESA hyporesponsiveness index (EHRI), calculated as the weekly dose of EPO divided by kilograms of body weight divided by the hemoglobin level, and has been considered useful to assess the EPO resistance. Neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR) ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also found to be associated with inflammation in HD patients. However, the relationship between NLR, PLR and EHRI has not been investigated before. HD patients underwent medical history taking, physical examination, calculation of dialysis adequacy and biochemical analysis and calculation of EHRI. Logarithmically converted EHRI (logEHRI) was correlated only with hemoglobin (r -0.381, P < 0.0001) and PLR (r = 0.227, P = 0.021) but not with NLR. Comparison of PLR among 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of EHRI showed that PLR levels increased going from the 25th to 75(th) percentile (P = 0.032). Posthoc analysis revealed that 25-75th percentile (P = 0.014) and 50-75th percentile (P = 0.033) were different with respect to PLR. In linear regression analysis, PLR (standardized β = 0.296, confidence interval: 0.000-0.001, P = 0.003) was independently associated with logEHRI. We found that PLR was independently associated with EHRI in HD patients. PLR, which is quite a simple and cheap method, may guide clinicians for detecting EPO resistance.

Left atrium (LA) mechanical functions and atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) times were considered independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity in general population. Data are scant about these parameters in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). We aimed to evaluate AEMD times and LA mechanical functions and associated risk factors in HD and PD patients. Forty-four healthy individuals, 62 HD and 50 PD patients were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography was performed before midweek dialysis session for HD patients and on admission for PD patients. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. Spearman’s test was used to assess linear associations. Predictors of left intra-atrial EMD time and LA active emptying volume (LAaeV) were assessed by regression analysis. Left intra-atrial-AEMD times were significantly longer in HD patients compared to PD patients. LAaeV was positively correlated with inter-atrial time, left intra-atrial time, systolic and diastolic BP, calcium and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (r 0.22, p 0.016; r 0.28, p 0.002; r 0.34, p

WOS: 000392937800028 PubMed ID: 28006774 Background/Aims: Fabry disease is a treatable cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) characterized by a genetic deficiency of a-galactosidase A. European Renal Best Practice (ERBP) recommends screening for Fabry disease in CKD patients. However, this is based on expert opinion and there are no reports of the prevalence of Fabry disease in stage 1-5 CKD. Hence, we investigated the prevalence of Fabry disease in CKD patients not receiving renal replacement therapy. Methods: This prospective study assessed a-galactosidase activity in dried blood spots in 313 stage 1-5 CKD patients, 167 males, between ages of 18-70 years whose etiology of CKD was unknown and were not receiving renal replacement therapy. The diagnosis was confirmed by GLA gene mutation analysis. Results: Three (all males) of 313 CKD patients (0.95%) were diagnosed of Fabry disease, for a prevalence in males of 1.80%. Family screening identified 8 aditional Fabry patients with CKD. Of a total of 11 Fabry patients, 7 were male and started enzyme replacement therapy and 4 were female. The most frequent manifestations in male patients were fatigue (100%), tinnitus, vertigo, acroparesthesia, hypohidrosis, cornea verticillata and angiokeratoma (all 85%), heat intolerance (71%), and abdominal pain (57%). The most frequent manifestations in female patients were fatigue and cornea verticillata (50%), and tinnitus, vertigo and angiokeratoma (25%). Three patients had severe episodic abdominal pain attacks and proteinuria, and were misdiagnosed as familial Mediterranean fever. Conclusions: The prevalence of Fa bry disease in selected CKD patients is in the range found among renal replacement therapy patients, but the disease is diagnosed at an earlier, treatable stage. These data support the ERBP recommendation to screen for Fabry disease in patients with CKD of unknown origin. (C) 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel Sanofi Genzyme Corporation; Intensificacion ISCIII and REDINREN [RD012/0021] We are indebted to our patients and their families for volunteering to contribute their medical information to the physicians who are dedicated to their care. This work was supported by grants from Sanofi Genzyme Corporation. The lead investigator had full access to all data in the study. All investigators take responsibility for the accuracy of the individual data that they entered in the system provided by FMF Arthritis Vasculitis and Orphan disease Research (FAVOR). AO was supported by Intensificacion ISCIII and REDINREN RD012/0021.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important complication of cardiac surgery due to its high mortality. The aim of the present study was to detect the factors leading to AKI in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) and also to determine the optimal timing for detecting AKI using the biomarker neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Materials and Methods: The records of 375 patients who underwent CABS were reviewed in this case-control study. Ejection fraction (EF), common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and cross-clamp (C-C) time of the patients were recorded. Blood samples were taken from all patients on preoperative day 1 as well as 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 h and 7 days after operation. Biochemical parameters were studied in patients with and without AKI. Results: According to the Risk Injury Failure Loss End Stage criteria, 24 patients had renal risk, 17 had injury and 4 had failure. Postoperative 24-hour serum creatinine levels indicated the risk of renal dysfunction for only 4 patients in the AKI group. CCA-IMT, C-C time, haematocrit (HCT) and preoperative interleukin-6 levels were significantly higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group. Postoperative 6- and 12-hour NGAL levels in the AKI group correlated with postoperative 36-hour serum creatinine levels. The optimal cut-off values for postoperative 6- and 12-hour NGAL test were 310 and 283 ng/ml, respectively. The area under the curve was higher in the 12-hour NGAL test (p < 0.0086). Conclusion: The number of stenotic coronary arteries, EF, CCA-IMT and HCT are all important risk factors. Early postoperative NGAL results were highly specific for the early recognition of AKI.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing secondary to increased consumption of food and decreased physical activity worldwide. Hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and hypertrophy of pancreatic beta cells occur in the early phase of diabetes. However, with the progression of diabetes, dysfunction and loss of beta cells occur in both types 1 and 2 DM. Programmed cell death also named apoptosis is found to be associated with diabetes, and apoptosis of beta cells might be the main mechanism of relative insulin deficiency in DM. Autophagic cell death and apoptosis are not entirely distinct programmed cell death mechanisms and share many of the regulator proteins. These processes can occur in both physiologic and pathologic conditions including DM. Besides these two important pathways, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) also acts as a cell sensor to monitor and maintain cellular homeostasis. ER stress has been found to be associated with autophagy and apoptosis. This review was aimed to describe the interactions between apoptosis, autophagy and ER stress pathways in DM.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease. Emerging evidences indicate that many mechanistic pathways including apoptosis play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study is to show the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on oxidative stress and apoptosis in the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: The study included control group, diabetic group without treatment and diabetic group treated with GSE (n=7) group. GSE was given orally (100 mg/kg/day) for six weeks. Following parameters were evaluated; oxidative stress index, caspase 1, IL1-alpha, caspase 2, IL1-beta, BCL2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), DNA fragmentation factor, alpha subunit and beta bubunit (DFFA, DFFB), BH3 interacting domain death agonist (BID), caspase 6, Bcl2-like 1 (BCL-XL), caspase 8, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1 b (TNFRSF1B) and IAP-binding mitochondrial protein (DIABLO). Results: Oxidative stress index levels were significantly increased in the kidney of diabetic group without treatment compared to control group, and decreased in diabetic + GSE group compared to diabetic group without treatment. In the kidney of diabetic group without treatment, caspase 1, IL-1 alpha, BAD, DFFA, DFFB and caspase-6 gene expressions were significantly higher compared to control group. In diabetic + GSE group caspase 1, caspase 2, XIAP, DFFA, BID, BCL-XL and TNFRSF1B genes were significantly decreased compared to control group. Conclusions: Grape seed reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis gene expression suggesting the protective effect on diabetic nephropathy. © 2015 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted

Background/Objective: Elevated pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central aortic blood pressures are independent predictors of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Oxalic acid is a uremic retention molecule that is extensively studied in the pathogenesis of calcium oxalate stones. Oxalobacter formigenes, a member of the colon microbiota, has important roles in oxalate homeostasis. Data regarding the colonization by and the exact role of O. formigenes in the pathogenesis of oxalic acid metabolism in HD patients are scant. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between fecal O. formigenes colonization, serum oxalic acid and hemodynamic parameters in HD patients with regard to the colo-reno-cardiac axis. Methods: Fifty HD patients were enrolled in this study. PWV and central aortic systolic (cASBP) and diastolic blood pressures (cADBP) were measured with a Mobil-O-Graph (I.E.M. GmbH, Stolberg, Germany). Serum oxalic acid levels were assessed by ELISA, and fecal O. formigenes DNA levels were isolated and measured by real-time PCR. Results: Isolation of fecal O. formigenes was found in only 2 HD patients. One of them had 113,609 copies/ml, the other one had 1,056 copies/ml. Serum oxalic acid levels were found to be positively correlated with PWV (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), cASBP (r = 0.33, p = 0.001) and cADBP (r = 0.42, p = 0.002) and negatively correlated with LDL (r = -0.30, p = 0.03). In multivariate linear regression analysis, PWV was independently predicted by oxalic acid, glucose and triglyceride. Conclusions: This is the first study that demonstrates the absence of O. formigenes as well as a relation between serum oxalic acid and cASBP, cADBP and PWV in HD patients. Replacement of O. formigenes with pre- and probiotics might decrease serum oxalic acid levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes in HD patients.

Background: Atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) times were considered independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity among the general population. We aimed at evaluating AEMD times and other risk factors associated with 2-year combined cardiovascular (CV) events in HD patients. Material and Methods: Sixty hemodialysis (HD) and 44 healthy individuals were enrolled in this prospective study. Echocardiography was performed before the mid-week dialysis session for HD patients. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. Spearman test was used to assess linear associations. Survival was examined with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of combined CV events in this cohort. Results: At the beginning of the study, left intra-atrial-AEMD times were significantly longer in HD patients compared to the left intra-atrial-AEMD times in healthy individuals. After 24 months, 41 patients were still on HD treatment and 19 (31.6%) had died. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and albumin were found to be higher and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, left intra-atrial EMD time (LIAT) and interatrial EMD times were found to be lower in survived HD patients. With the cut-off median values of 3.5 g/dl for albumin, 0.87 mg/dl for CRP, 157 mg/dl for total cholesterol and 151 mg/dl for triglyceride, the Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significant differences in terms of all-cause mortality. We also demonstrated the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of HD patients according to tertile values of LIAT. Cox regression analysis revealed that increased CRP and higher LIAT were found to be independent predictors of combined CV events. Conclusions: Increased LIAT and inflammation were found to be closely associated with 2 years combined CV events and all-cause mortality in HD patients.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiac surgery developing in 25-35% cases. Recently, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was shown to predict AKI development earlier than serum creatinine. Some studies demonstrated the predictive role of post-operative serum uric acid (SUA) as an early marker of AKI. We aimed to study the role of serum and urine NGAL as well as SUA to predict progression of AKI.This is a prospective observational study of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood and urine samples for measurement of uric acid, serum and urine NGAL levels were collected prior to cardiac surgery (0 h), and in the time course at 2nd and 24th hours after surgery. Patients who developed AKI were divided into two subgroups as progressing and non-progressing AKI.Sixty patients (42 males, 18 females) were included. After cardiac surgery, 40 patients developed AKI, 20 of whom non-progressing AKI, and 20 progressing AKI. All of the markers significantly increased in AKI patients. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed higher predictive ability of SUA for progressing AKI compared with serum and urine NGAL. When compared markers obtained at the second hour after surgery, UA had significantly large AUC than NGAL to predict AKI developed at 24 and 48 h, particularly in patients, who require renal replacement therapy (RRT).Uric acid seems to predict the progression of AKI and RRT requirement in patients underwent cardiac surgery better than NGAL.

Currently, the number of imaging and interventional procedures that use contrast agents (CAs) is gradually increasing. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the most important CA-related complication. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in its pathophysiology. Lycopene (LPN) is a natural substance with strong antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to investigate the potential preventive effects of LPN against CIN. In total, 28 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups with 7 rats in each group; the groups include normal control group, LPN only group at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 10 days, CIN group by administering 10 mg/kg furosemide IM + 10 mg/kg indomethacin IP + 10 ml/kg iomeprol IV following 24-h dehydration, and CIN + LPN group. There were statistically significant increase in urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde levels ( p < 0.001, for all) but a significant decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels ( p < 0.001, for all) in the CIN group compared with the control group. On histological examination, a significant increase of infiltrated inflammatory cells and necrotic degenerative changes were observed in the CIN group and the immunohistochemical examination revealed a significant increase in inflammation (inducible nitric oxide synthase), autophagy (LC3/B), and apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) in the CIN group compared with the control group ( p < 0.05, for all). Significant improvements in these unfavorable parameters were observed with CIN + LPN group compared with the CIN only group. In conclusion, the favorable effects of LPN as an anti-inflammatory, antiautophagic, and antiapoptotic agent in an experimental model of CIN have been demonstrated.

Amac: Calismadaki amacimiz endoskopi yapilan gastritli hastalarda Helicobacter pylori sikligi ve yerlesim yerinin yas ve cinsiyetlere gore dagiliminin belirlenmesidir. Yontemler: Hastanemizde Ocak 2012-Temmuz 2013 tarihleri arasinda ust gastrointestinal sistem endoskopisi yapilarak biyopsi alinan 1405 hastanin endoskopi ve patoloji raporlari retrospektif olarak incelendi. Hastalarin Helicobacter pylori sikliklari yerlesim yerine, cinslerine ve yas gruplarina ayrilarak degerlendirildi. Sydney siniflamasi esas alinarak Helicobacter pylori yogunluguna gore, yok (-), dusuk (+), orta (++) ve yuksek (+++) olarak skorlandi. Bulgular: Calismaya hem korpus hem de antrum biyopsileri olan, 824'u (%58,6) kadin, 581'i (%41,4) erkek olmak uzere toplam 1405 hasta alindi. Hastalarin genel yas ortalamasi 48,58±16,96 (15-94) yil idi. Erkek hasta grubunda Helicobacter pylori pozitifligi kadinlardan anlamli yuksek bulundu (p=0,012). Korpus ve antrumdan herhangi birinde Helicobacter pylori pozitifligi olan hastalarin sayisi 1101 (%78,4), negatif olanlarin sayisi ise 304 (%21,6) idi. Kadin cinsiyette pozitiflik orani daha yuksek olsa da her iki cins ve yas gruplari arasinda Helicobacter pylori pozitifligi acisindan anlamli istatistiki fark yoktu. Antrumdan alinan biyopsilerin 1064'unde (%75,7) Helicobacter pylori pozitif iken, 341'inde (%24,3) negatifti. Ayrica yas gruplari arasinda ve cinsiyetler arasinda Helicobacter pylori pozitifligi acisindan anlamli farklilik yoktu. Korpustan alinan biyopsi sonuclarinin 572'sinde (%40.7) Helicobacter pylori pozitifken 833'unde (%59,3) negatifti. Korpusta yas gruplari arasinda Helicobacter pylori pozitifligi acisindan istatistiksel olarak anlamli fark saptanmadi. Sonuc: Calismamizda, Helicobacter pylori pozitiflik orani %78,4 idi. Bu yuksek oranda pozitiflik nedeniyle iliskili oldugu hastaliklar acisindan ciddi bir halk sagligi problemi olabilir.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a heterogeneous primary deficiency characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent infections, and an increased risk of autoimmune disease and malignancy, and so chronic inflammation. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the general population. Recent studies have suggested that chronic inflammation is an important player in the pathogenesis of CVID. Accelerated atherosclerosis due to ongoing inflammation from recurrent infections and autoimmunity is an expected clinical entity in patients with CVID. However, cardiovascular mortality as a cause of death in CVID series is either absent or minor. We hypothesized that accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease are overlooked by clinicians, or atherosclerosis is really lower than that in the general population that may be prevented by some factors such as life-long immunoglobulin replacement treatment.

Chronic inflammation was found to be correlated with coronary (CAC) and thoracic peri-aortic calcification (TAC) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was introduced as a potential marker to determine inflammation in cardiac and noncardiac disorders. Data regarding NLR and its association with TAC and CAC are lacking. We aimed to determine the relationship between NLR and vascular calcification in ESRD patients. This was a cross-sectional study involving 56 ESRD patients (22 females, 34 males; mean age, 49.9 ± 14.2 years) receiving peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis for ≥6 months in the Dialysis Unit of Necmettin Erbakan University. TAC and CAC scores were measured by using an electrocardiogram-gated 64-multidetector computed tomography. NLR was calculated as the ratio of the neutrophils and lymphocytes. There was a statistically significant correlation between NLR, TACS and CACS in ESRD patients (r = 0.43, P = 0.001 and r = 0.30, P = 0.02, respectively). The stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that age, as well as NLR were independent predictors of TACS. However, increased age was the only independent predictor of CACS according to linear regression analysis. Simple calculation of NLR can predict vascular calcification in ESRD patients.

Kardiyovasküler hastalıklar ve endotelyal disfonksiyon son dönem böbrek yetmezliği hastalarında en önemli ölüm nedenleridir. Periton diyalizi ve hemodiyaliz gibi tedavi yöntemlerinin farklı parametreler üzerine farklı etkileri vardır. Asimetrik dimetilarjinin endojen nitrik oksit sentaz inhibitörüdür ve kronik böbrek yetmezliğinin progresyonunda yeni bir belirteç olduğu gösterilmiştir. Homosistein endotel hasarı, damar düz kas hücre proliferasyonu ve koagülasyon anormallikleri yoluyla trombogenez ve atero- geneze neden olur. Daha önceki çalışmalarda periton diyalizi (PD) ve hemodiyalizin (HD) oksidan ve antioksidan sistemler üzerine etkisiyle ilgili çelişkili bulgular vardır. Bu çalışmada HD, PD ve sağlıklı kişilerde ADMA, homosistein ve CRP düzeylerini belirlemeyi amaçladık. Çalışmaya 44 PD (23E,21K), 26HD (13E,13K) hastası ve 29 (15E,14K) sağlıklı kişi katıldı. ADMA, homosistein, arjinin ve CRP düzeyleri ölçüldü. Son dönem böbrek yetmezliği (SDBY) hastalarının ADMA, homosistein ve CRP düzeyleri sağlıklı kontrol grubuna göre yüksek (p0.001), arjinin düzeyleri düşük olarak bulundu(p0.001). HD ve PD gruplarında ADMA, homosistein ve CRP seviyeleri açısından farklılık bulunamadı (sırasıyla p:0.287, p: 0.587, p: 0.835) Bizim sonuçlarımız HD,PD hastalarında sağlıklı kontrole göre ADMA ve homosistein düzeylerinin yüseldiğini gösterdi. Bu bulgular; diyaliz hastalarında endotel disfonksiyonu, inflamasyon ve oksidatif stresin arttığını ve ADMA ve homosistein düzeylerinin diyaliz tedavi yönteminden etkilenmediğini göstermektedir., Cardiovascular diseases and endothelial disfunction are major causes of mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Treatment strategies like continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD) have different effects on dif- ferent parameters. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor and it has been reported to be a novel marker for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Homocysteine is believed to cause atherogen- esis and thrombogenesis via endothelial damage, vascular smooth muscle proliferation and coagulation abnormalities. In previ- ous studies, conflicting findings have been reported about the effect of HD and CAPD on oxidant and antioxidant systems. In this study, we aimed to investigate ADMA, homocysteine and C- reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with ESRD having HD and CAPD treatment and healthy individuals. This study was performed on 44 (23M, 21F) CAPD patients, 26 (13M, 13F) HD patients and 29 (15M, 14F) age and sex matched healthy control subjects. The lipid profile, ADMA, homocysteine, arginine and CRP levels were measured. Serum ADMA, homocysteine and CRP levels of the ESRD patients were significantly higher, whereas serum arginine levels were significantly lower in both HD and CAPD patients compared to control subjects. No differences were found between serum ADMA, homocysteine and CRP levels of the CAPD and HD patients. Our results suggest that ADMA, homocysteine and CRP levels were increased in HD and CAPD patients compared to the control subjects. These findings suggest that ESRD patients are prone to inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. We conclude that endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress are increased in dialysis patients and ADMA concentrations are not affected by the modality of dialysis treatment.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was introduced as a potential marker to determine inflammation in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recently, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and NLR were found to positively correlated with inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 in cardiac and noncardiac patients. Data regarding PLR and its association with inflammation are lacking in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Hence, we aimed to determine the relationship between PLR, NLR, and inflammation in ESRD patients. This was a cross-sectional study involving 62 ESRD patients (29 females, 33 males; mean age, 49.6 ± 14.6 years) receiving PD or HD for ≥6 months in the Dialysis Unit of Necmettin Erbakan University. PLR, NLR, C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL-6 levels were measured. PLR, NLR, serum high sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in PD patients when compared with HD patients. ESRD patients with PLR ≥ 140 had significantly higher NLR, IL-6, and TNF-α levels when compared to patients with PLR

ObJEcTIVE: Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) was found to be associated with increased blood pressure in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Plasma endothelin-1(ET-1) was reported to be increased during treatment with r-huEPO in HD patients. Prostacyclin (PGI2) was found to be associated with the reduction in vascular resistance. We aimed to determine the role of ET-1 and PGI2 on r-huEPO-induced hypertension in HD patients.

OBJECTiVE: Renal transplantation (RTx) is the best therapeutic modality for end-stage renal disease patients. We report 8 years single-centre experience on cadaveric and living donor RTx in terms of demographic features along with graft functions, posttransplant medical complications, patients-graft survivals. maTERial and mETHOdS: We enrolled 66 RTx (female/male: 36/30) patients including 40 cadaveric and 26 living donors. At admission age, gender, causes of renal failure, dialysis typeduration, type of RTx, induction and maintenance immunosuppressive modalities, rejection episodes, biochemistry-hemogram parameters at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months after transplantation and medical complications were obtained from the medical records. RESulTS: Mean recipient age was 41±11.6 years. Mean transplant duration was 32.2±31.4 months, and the mean creatinine values was 1.4±0.9 mg/dl. The most commonly used immunosuppressive protocol was corticosteroid+tacrolimus+mycophenolate mofetil. Delayed graft function, chronic allograft nephropathy and acute rejection were observed in 27.3%, 25.7% and 13.6% of patients, respectively. 1and 5-year patient survival rates were 100% and 100% for living donor patients and doi: 10.5262/tndt.2013.1001.05 Yazisma Adresi: Kultigin TURKmEn Erzincan Universitesi Mengucek Gazi Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Nefroloji Bolumu, Erzincan, Turkiye Phone : +90 446 212 21 12 E-mail : mdkt2010@yahoo.com Gelis Tarihi : 01.07.2012 Kabul Tarihi : 03.08.2012

Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are more prone to contrast-induced nephropathy (CN). Apoptosis and autophagy were found to be essential in the pathogenesis of DKD. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a cytokine, but its role in DKD and CN is unknown. As IL-33 is modulated by apoptosis, we aimed to determine the relationship between IL-33 apoptosis and autophagy in DKD with CN.Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled and randomly allocated into three groups. The first group was comprised of healthy rats (HRs), whereas the other two groups were made up of diabetic rats (DRs) and diabetic rats with CN (DRs + CN). All groups except the HRs received 50 mg/kg/day of streptozotocin (STZ). The DRs + CN group was induced by administering 1.5 mg/kg of intravenous radiocontrast dye on the 35th day.We observed increased IL-33 in the kidney tissue following induction of CN in the DRs. The DRs showed moderate immunopositivity, and the DRs + CN showed severe immunopositivity for caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, LC3B, and Beclin-1 in tubular cells and glomeruli. The DRs also showed moderate immunopositivity in tubular cells, and the DRs + CN group showed severe immunopositivity for IL-33 in tubular cells. Increased caspase-3 was found in both glomeruli and tubuli; however, we could not demonstrate IL-33 in glomeruli. This could be secondary to inactivation of IL-33 via increased caspase-3 activity.The release of IL-33 from necrotic cells might induce autophagy, which can further balance the effects of increased apoptosis secondary to CN in DKD.

WOS: 000393291900011 OBJECTIVE: Red-cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter routinely used for diagnosis of different anemia types. Recent studies have shown the RDW relationship with mortality in general population and patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the number of studies on RDW in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is insufficient. We evaluated the relationship between RDW and carotid intima media thickness (IMT), which is a predictor of atherosclerosis, in patients with CKD. MATERIAL and METHODS: 30 healthy controls, 30 patients with CKD, 37 hemodialysis patients were included. IMT was measured with ultrasonography. RESULTS: We identified statistically significant differences in CRP (p: 0.039), hemoglobin (p< 0.001), IMK (p< 0.001), RDW (p< 0.001), urea (p< 0.001), creatinine (p< 0.001), albumin (p< 0.001), uric acid (p< 0.001) and ferritin (p< 0.001) levels among three groups. In post hoc analysis, the IMK value was statistically significantly higher in the predialysis (p< 0.001) and hemodialysis group than healthy controls. IMK value was not statistically different in the hemodialysis group than the predialysis group (p: 0.988). The RDW value was higher in the predialysis group than controls with a trend to statistical significance (p: 0.067). RDW value showed positive correlation with IMK (r: 0.356 P: 0.012) and CRP (r: 0.361 P: 0.004). CONCLUSION: RDW is associated with inflammation and intima media thickness in patients with CKD.

WOS: 000393291900012 OBJECTIVE: Cinacalcet reduces parathyroid hormone levels by increasing the sensitivity of the parathyroid gland to calcium. in this study, we firstly aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cinacalcet in Turkish hemodialysis patients. MATERIAL and METHODS: 4483 hemodialysis patients were screened and 469 patients who had used cinacalcet were included in the study. the patients were divided into 4 groups according to drug usage durations (Group 1: 3 months, Group 2: 6 months, Group 3: 9 months and Group 4: 12 months). the patients' Parathormone, Ca, P and CaxP levels at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months were compared to the start of treatment and previous months. RESULTS: the levels of Parathormone, Ca, P and CaxP significantly decreased compared to their initial levels in all groups (from 1412 pg/ml to 1222 pg/mL for Parathormone, p< 0,001) in the 3rd month. However, this reduction was not continued in the subsequent months (Parathormone: 1381 pg/ml for the 12th month). CONCLUSION: Cinacalcet may not provide adequate benefit in control of hyperparathyroidism in Turkish hemodialysis patient population.

Introduction. Increased levels of stress hormones are associated with mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Aim. To compare total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and desflurane added to a subanaesthetic dose of propofol.Material and Methods. Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. Fentanyl (3–5 mcg/kg/h) was started in both groups. Patients were divided into two groups. The PD group (n=25) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) desflurane anaesthesia in addition to propofol infusion (2-3 mg/kg/h), while P group (n=25) received propofol infusion (5-6 mg/kg/h) only. Biochemical data, cortisol, and insulin levels were measured preoperatively (T0), after initiation of CPB but before cross-clamping the aorta (T1), after removal of the cross-clamp (T2), and at the 24th postoperative hour (T3).Results. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure levels were significantly higher in PD group than those in P group in T1 and T2 measurements (p≤0.05). CK-MB showed a significant decrease in group P (p≤0.05). When we compared both groups, cortisol levels were significantly higher in PD group than P group (p≤0.05).Conclusion. Stress and haemodynamic responses were better controlled using TIVA than desflurane inhalation added to a subanaesthetic dose of propofol in patients undergoing CABG.

Thoracic peri-aortic fat tissue (PFT) is considered as a metabolically active organ in atherosclerosis. Malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis/calcification (MIAC) are the most commonly encountered risk factors of cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Calcification of the aorta was found to be an important cardiovascular risk marker predicting future events, morbidity and mortality in this population. We aimed to investigate the relationship between PFT, MIAC syndrome and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) in ESRD patients.Seventy-nine ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. PFT and TAC were assessed using a 64-MDCT scanner. Patients with serum albumin3.5 g/dL were defined as patients with malnutrition; those with serum C-reactive protein level10 mg/L had inflammation, and those with coronary artery calcification score (CACS)10 had atherosclerosis/calcification.TAC and PFT were significantly higher in ESRD patients compared with control subjects. There was a statistically significant relationship between PFT and TAC in ESRD patients (r = 0.458, p0.0001). PFT was found to be significantly increased when the MIAC components increased. PFT was positively associated with age, BMI, uric acid, hemoglobin and CAC. The multivariate analysis revealed that age and uric acid were independent predictors of increased PFT. Twenty-four (30.4 %) patients had none, 30 (37.9 %) had one component, 17 (21.5 %) had two components, and 8 (10.2 %) had all MIAC components. PFT was highest among patients having all three components (28.6 cm(3)) and lowest among those who do not have the MIAC syndrome (8.54 cm(3)). TAC was highest among patients having all three components (179.2 HU) and lowest among those who do not have the MIAC syndrome (0 HU).We found a relationship between PFT and MIAC syndrome in ESRD patients.

ObJEcTIVE: Vascular calcification (VC) and disturbed bone mineral metabolism (BMM) are commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Fetuin-A has been found to be significantly low in ESRD patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation between coronary artery calcification, BMM and fetuin-A in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. MATERIAl and METHODS: 46 PD (M/F=28/18) patients were included in the study. Coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS) was performed by multi slice computed tomography. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to their CACS values as Group 1 (CACS: 0), Group 2 (CACS:199), Group 3 (CACS:100-399) and Group 4 (CACS: ≥400). Serum levels of fetuin-A were measured. Bone mineral densitometry was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). RESUlTS: There was a statistically significant difference difference between CACS and femur T scores in PD patients. Femur T scores were found to be decreased while CACS values are increased. We could not find any differences in terms of CACS when we separated patients according to T scores greater or lower than -2. Osteopenic patients were found to be older and they also had low fetuin-A levels. cOnclUSIOn: We found an important relationship between CACS and bone mineralization in PD patients. KEy wORDS: Peritoneal dialysis, Vascular calcification, Bone mineral densitometry doi: 10.5262/tndt.2012.1003.07 Yazisma Adresi: Kultigin Turkmen Selcuk Universitesi Meram Tip Fakultesi, Nefroloji Bilim Dali, Konya, Turkiye Gsm : 0 538 492 78 77 E-posta : mdkt2010@yahoo.com Gelis Tarihi : 22.12.2011 Kabul Tarihi : 13.01.2012

OBJeCTIve: Vascular calcification is commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Fetuin-A has been found to be a vascular calcification inhibitor and its level is significantly low in ESRD patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relation between coronary artery calcification, inflammation and fetuin-A levels in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients.

ObjecTIve: Despite the unethical characteristic and unfavorable consequences, paid livingunrelated renal transplantation is still considered as an option for end-stage renal disease patients. This study aimed to compare the medical and surgical complications along with allograft functions of PLURT patients with age and gender matched transplant recipients who received a living or deceased donor kidney at our center.

Amyloid fibrils can affect vascular structure through deposition and by causing nitric oxide depletion and increase of asymmetric dimethyl arginine. Patients with amyloidosis are prone to development of hypotension. Hypotension may also affect the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and may set the stage for formation of thrombosis and fistula failure. Thus, we aimed to evaluate effects of secondary amyloidosis on AVF outcomes and intradialytic hypotension. This is a case-control study which included 20 hemodialysis patients with amyloidosis and 20 hemodialysis patients without amyloidosis as control group. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound of AVF. A thorough fistula history and baseline laboratory values along with episodes of intradialytic hypotension and blood pressure measurements were recorded. There was no difference between the groups regarding age, gender, body mass index, presence of comorbidities, hypertension, and drug use. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar (119 ± 28/75 ± 17 and 120 ± 14/75 ± 10 mmHg for patients with and without amyloidosis, respectively). Intradialytic hypotension episodes were also similar. Patients with amyloidosis had significantly lower serum albumin and higher C-reactive protein values compared to control hemodialysis patients. AVF sites and total number of created fistulas were similar in both groups. Flow rates of current functional AVFs were not different between the groups (1084 ± 875 and 845 ± 466 mL/minute for patients with and without amyloidosis, respectively, p:0.67). Patency duration of first AVF was not different between the groups. Clinical fistula outcomes and rate of intradialytic hypotension episodes were not significantly different between patients with and without secondary systemic amyloidosis.

Background: Cardiovascular problems are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) as a marker of endothelial dysfunction, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) as a marker of subclinical organ damage and insulin resistance (IR) as a cardiovascular risk factor in patients with ADPKD. Methods: Twenty-two normotensive ADPKD patients with well-preserved renal function and 19 healthy subjects were included in the study. Creatinine clearances were calculated by the Cockcroft–Gault formula. The homeostasis model of IR (HOMA-IR) was used to measure IR. CIMT was measured by high-resolution vascular ultrasound. CFVR was calculated as the ratio of hyperaemic to baseline diastolic peak velocities by echocardiography. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, gender, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, CIMT and HOMA-IR were significantly increased and CFVR was significantly decreased in patients with ADPKD compared with healthy subjects. Conclusions: The findings of decreased CFVR, increased CIMT and increased IR suggest that cardiovascular risk is elevated even in the early stages of ADPKD.

Despite diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Sirtuins, a group of nicotinamid adenine dinucleotide (NAD) dependent enzymes, can deacetylase target enzymes that regulate a wide variety of cellular processes regarding protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial homeostasis and programmed cell death mechanisms including autophagy and apoptosis. Among sirtuins, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been the most studied one in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD. In recent years, the relation between SIRT1 and hypertension was also evaluated.In the present review, we aimed to represent the mechanisms of SIRT1 in glucose and lipid metabolism and in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. We also sought to highlight the emerging role of SIRT1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of DKD and hypertension.