Introduction: Visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance play significant roles in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and CKD using a systematic review and meta-analysis method. Materials and Methods: The sources were searched in the Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine. Data were analyzed using STATA 14 at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The results obtained from a combination of 21 observational studies revealed that CKD risk increased with high VAI values in total subjects (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.16), men (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.22), and women (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.32), as well as in cross-sectional (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.17) and cohort (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.29) studies. In addition, high VAI values elevated CKD risk in Taiwan (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.08), Turkey (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.10), China (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.60), Cameroon (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.22), and the USA (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.07). Conclusion: The risk of CKD rose with high VAI values in all participants (12%), with a higher rate in women (22%) than in men (14%). Moreover, the highest and least risks were reported in Taiwanese and USA patients. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251037963) and Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry1984) websites.

Systemic amyloidosis is a collection of diseases caused by the deposition of protein fibrils in organ tissues, leading to significant morbidity. Cardiac amyloidosis, a rare and debilitating condition, can affect any organ in the body. The two primary types of cardiac amyloidosis are systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis, which is more common and related to light chain overproduction in the bone marrow, and wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt). This case report describes a unique and uncommon case of cardiac amyloidosis observed in a patient following kidney transplant, which was effectively managed using a novel therapeutic regimen.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the immune system interact in hypertension through various mechanisms, including inflammation, immune cell infiltration, oxidative stress, and aldosterone-induced hypertension. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between the RAAS and the immune system in hypertension and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and B lymphocytes are some of the immune cells that have been implicated in hypertension. These immune cells can promote vascular inflammation and remodeling, produce reactive oxygen species and cytokines, and activate the adaptive immune response. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of the immune system in hypertension and to identify potential therapeutic targets.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most frequent primary glomerulonephritis throughout world and a leading cause of chronic renal failure across with end-stage kidney failure. Proteinuria, as a hallmark of IgAN, is a key driver of disease progression and a strong predictor of poor renal outcome. Despite current standard therapies, including RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) blockade with ACEIs (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) or ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), many patients continue to experience persistent proteinuria and progressive kidney function decline. This condition emphasizes the need for more effective and targeted treatment strategies. The endothelin pathway, particularly endothelin-1 signaling promotes vasoconstriction, inflammation, and fibrosis, contributing to podocyte dysfunction and renal damage. Endothelin A receptor antagonists demonstrate renoprotective properties through various mechanisms in IgAN. By selectively blocking endothelin A receptors, these agents can improve glomerular hemodynamics by reducing intraglomerular pressure, thereby alleviating the damage caused by excessive pressure and promoting an improved renal environment. This blockade leads to decreased proteinuria, as a crucial factor in the progression of the disease. Furthermore, endothelin A receptor antagonists can also mitigate inflammatory pathways that are activated in response to endothelin-1, reducing renal inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. The efficacy of endothelin A receptor antagonists in the treatment of IgAN has been substantiated by numerous clinical trials. In particular, atrasentan, a specific endothelin-A receptor antagonist, has shown significant promise in reducing proteinuria compared to placebo.

Introduction: Most patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at enhanced risk of oxidative stress. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the association between oxidative balance score (OBS) and MetS (MetS). Method: Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched until January 15, 2025. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0 and STATA 14. The results with P<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Elevated OBSs were associated with declined risks of MetS in males (OR:0.88, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.93) and females (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.86). Likewise, elevated OBSs declined the risk of MetS in South Korea (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.84) and the USA (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.74), in the cohort (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.85) and cross-sectional (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.76) studies, in 40 to 49 years old patients (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.74) and patients aged 50 to 59 (OR:0.84, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.91), in the second (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.84) and third (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.74) tertiles, in the second (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.92), third (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.79), and fourth (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.61) quartiles, and in the fifth quintile (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.97). As such, the risk of MetS declined at elevated dietary oxidative balance score (DOBS) (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.62, 1) and lifestyle-based oxidative balance score (LOBS) (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.71). Conclusion: Elevated OBS, DOBS, and LOBS scores mitigate the risk of MetS. MetS risk is lower in the United States females and those in their fourth decade. Collectively, MetS is less probable to occur at elevated OBS levels. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (ID: CRD42025643042 and Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry1951) websites.

Introduction: Permanent central venous catheters (CVCs) are utilized in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis who lack alternative vascular access or are awaiting kidney transplantation or the development of a long-term vascular access. The primary complications associated with CVCs include catheter-related infections (CRIs) and catheter lumen thrombosis, collectively contributing to catheter dysfunction. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of 4% sodium citrate and heparin lock solutions in maintaining hemodialysis catheters, focusing on catheter dysfunction and infection, coagulation parameters, and serum calcium levels. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 58 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, who were randomly assigned into two parallel groups. The intervention group (Citra-Lock; n = 29) received a lock solution containing 4% sodium citrate, while the control group (Heparin-Lock; n = 29) was administered a heparin 5000 IU lock. Data regarding hemorrhagic or coagulation events (e.g., prolonged partial thromboplastin time [PTT]), infections, catheter-related obstructions, and bleeding at the catheter site were prospectively collected and analyzed in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 27, with a P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The male-to-female ratio in the study population was 1.52. A significant difference was observed in PTT changes between Citra-Lock and heparin-lock groups (P<0.001). However, no significant differences were found in platelet counts or international normalized ratio (INR) levels (186750±9580 versus 175586±10424 and 1.00 versus 1.00; P= 0.247, P=0.326 respectively). Besides, there were no statistically significant differences in catheter related complications (P=0.669). Conclusion: In patients with durable hemodialysis catheters, the administration of a 4% sodium citrate lock solution was associated with fewer changes in PTT compared to heparin locks, without increasing the risk of infections or other catheter-related complications. Trial registration: The trial was approved by the Iranian registry of clinical trial (identifier: IRCT20231018059761N1; https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/75555, ethical code; IR.IUMS.FMD. REC.1402.459).

Introduction: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a commonly encountered genetic condition contributing to chronic renal failure in both pediatric and adult populations. Roughly 89% of individuals with ADPKD exhibit mutation in either the PKD1 or PKD2 genes. If there is a family history of the disease, PKD1 is the predominant gene associated. Objectives: The objective of this research was to investigate tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag-SNPs) rs7185040 within the PKD1 gene in the advancement of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among individuals affected by ADPKD. Patients and Methods: In this current case-control study, we examined the prevalence of PKD1 tag SNP rs7185040 within a cohort comprising 102 ADPKD-affected individuals and 106 control subjects. We utilized the fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based KASPar method for genotyping the PKD 1 tag SNP. We employed the χ2 association test to unravel the CKD progression among the ADPKD and to find an association between those with ADPKD and controls. Results: The AA, AC and CC genotypes of PKD1 tag SNP (rs7185040) as well as the A and C alleles showed no notable significance in distribution between patients with ADPKD and controls. In addition, there was no significant difference in distribution of PKD1 (rs7185040) genotypes between early and advanced stages of CKD among the ADPKD cohort. Conclusion: Our results indicated no significant association between the PKD1 polymorphism rs7185040 and CKD progression in ADPKD patients.

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia represents a potentially life-threatening condition during pregnancy that significantly contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies within the fields of obstetrics and gynecology have documented elevated concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in women diagnosed with preeclampsia, suggesting that this cytokine may play a critical role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the hypertension associated with this condition. Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to conduct a case-control study aimed at comparing the levels of IL-6 between pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and those with normal pregnancies, in order to ascertain the presence of elevated IL-6 levels among the former group. Patients and Methods: This case-control study comprised 384 pregnant women at a gestational age exceeding 20 weeks, who were already diagnosed as preeclamptic and designated as cases, alongside a control group of 384 women devoid of any signs of hypertension or proteinuria during their pregnancies, matched for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), and gestational age. For all participants, IL-6 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that employs the Sandwich-ELISA methodology for the in vitro determination of human IL-6 concentrations in serum. Additionally, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelets count were assessed utilizing a hematology analyzer based on the Coulter Principle. Furthermore, age, body mass index, gestational age, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were meticulously recorded. Results: Our findings revealed a statistically significant elevation in the levels of IL-6 among pregnant women with preeclampsia compared to those with normal pregnancy (P<0.001). Moreover, IL-6 exhibited a positive correlation with diastolic blood pressure (P=0.001). Conclusion: Our study indicates that IL-6 levels are markedly elevated during pregnancy in women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by inflammation, oxidative stress, and significant renal dysfunction. Animal models are indispensable for studying CKD pathophysiology and testing therapeutic strategies. Among these, adenine and folic acid-induced CKD models are widely used due to their simplicity and reproducibility. Objectives: This study aims to compare inflammatory and oxidative stress indicators in rat models of CKD induced by adenine and folic acid. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats at Mustansiriyah University, Iraq, in 2023, to investigate the effects of CKD induced by adenine and folic acid. The rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of six animals, and treated over four weeks with varying dosages of adenine or folic acid weekly and bi-weekly, while a control group received normal saline. Data collection involved anesthetizing the rats and extracting blood for serum analysis. The serum was subsequently used to measure inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), along with oxidative stress biomarkers like glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Data were compared between groups using statistical tests. Results: This study compared inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in CKD rat models induced by adenine and folic acid, revealing notable differences based on treatment type and frequency. Folic acid, particularly at a weekly dosage, elicited stronger pro-inflammatory effects, significantly increasing TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared to adenine. Weekly folic acid administration also demonstrated a dose-dependent response within its group, with greater effects than bi-weekly dosing. Regarding oxidative stress markers, both folic acid and adenine reduced GSH levels and increased MDA levels compared to controls, but weekly folic acid was the most potent in reducing GSH and increasing MDA. Bi-weekly adenine had the least impact on these markers. Conclusion: This study highlights that both folic acid and adenine induce inflammatory and oxidative stress in CKD rat models, with folic acid, particularly at a weekly dosage, showing a stronger pro-inflammatory and oxidative impact. The findings emphasize the dose-dependent effects of folic acid and its greater potency compared to adenine, offering insights into the differential mechanisms of CKD progression and the importance of treatment frequency and type in experimental models.

Allopurinol, primarily used to treat gout, has shown potential as an antihypertensive agent due to its effects on oxidative stress and endothelial function. This agent is not typically used as a first-line treatment for hypertension; however, some studies have suggested that it may have potential antihypertensive effects. More research is needed to establish its efficacy and mechanisms in treating hypertension.