Differences In Blood Urea Nitrogen Research Articles

Use of rice polishing and sugar cane molasses as supplements in dual-purpose cows fed Leucaena leucocephala and Pennisetum purpureum

This study was conducted on a cattle farm in Yucatan, Mexico. The objective was to assess the effect of energy supplementation on milk yield and composition, and on the efficiency of use of dietary N in cows fed Leucaena leucocephala foliage (30% of total diet) and grass Pennisetum purpureum. Four multiparous crossbred Bos indicus × B. taurus cows in the first third of lactation were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of two energy sources: sugar cane molasses and rice polishing, offered individually or mixed, and a control group (Ctrl) without energy supplementation. The supplements were iso-proteic and iso-energetic and were formulated to provide 25% of the daily energy requirement. Supplementation increased dry matter intake (3 kg/cow/d). Milk yield was 13% higher (P = 0.048) in the supplemented treatments (7.86 kg/cow/d) than in the Ctrl group (6.97 kg/cow/d). Milk yield did not differ (P > 0.05) among supplemented treatments. Milk fat was higher for the Ctrl treatment compared with molasses and rice polishing. Concentrations of protein, lactose and solids non-fat in milk were not significantly affected by energy supplementation. The lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) found in the treatments with supplementation (9.77 mg/dl) compared with Ctrl (15.61 mg/dl) indicates greater efficiency in capturing N by rumen microorganisms. No differences in BUN were found among supplemented groups. It is concluded that energy supplementation with rice polishing alone or in combination with molasses, can improve the efficiency of use of dietary N, and milk yield, in cows fed 30% L. leucocephala foliage.

Effect of indwelling nasointestinal tube for enteral nutrition support in patients with severe craniocerebral trauma undergoing mechanical ventilation

To evaluate the effect of indwelling nasointestinal tube for enteral nutrition (EN) support on patients with severe craniocerebral trauma undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV). A total of 100 severe craniocerebral trauma patients undergoing MV admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of the 117th Hospital of People's Liberation Army from February 2015 to February 2017 were enrolled, and they were divided into nasogastric tube group in which the EN was fed by nasogastric tube and nasal jejunal feeding tube group (nasointestinal tube group) by random digits table, with 50 patients in each group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin (Alb), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score before and 10 days after treatment, duration of MV, hospitalization time, and the incidences of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and reflux wrong aspiration of the two groups were observed and compared. There was no statistically significant difference in BUN, Hb, Alb, APACHE II score or GCS score before treatment between the two groups. Ten days after treatment, BUN and APACHE II score in the nasointestinal tube group were significantly lower than those in the nasogastric tube group [BUN (mmol/L): 6.3±1.6 vs. 8.0±2.2, APACHE II score: 17.9±3.2 vs. 20.8±6.3, both P < 0.05], Hb, Alb, GCS score were significantly higher than those in nasogastric tube group [Hb (g/L): 125.9±19.7 vs. 113.5±19.6, Alb (g/L): 35.9±6.2 vs. 31.9±6.2, GCS score: 9.7±1.9 vs. 8.2±5.7, all P < 0.05], duration of MV and hospitalization time were significantly less than those in the nasogastric tube group [duration of MV (days): 14.7±3.4 vs. 17.5±2.9, hospitalization time (days): 15.4±5.6 vs. 19.2±7.3, both P < 0.05], and the complication rate in nasointestinal tube group was obviously lower than that in nasogastric tube group [10% (5/50) vs. 36% (18/50), P < 0.05]. For patients with severe craniocerebral trauma treated with MV, the EN treatment by means of indwelling nasointestinal tube is helpful for the recovery of consciousness, improvement of nutritional indexes, reduction of incidences of complications such as reflux aspiration, etc. and shortening the course of disease, thus the method can obviously improve the patients quality of life.

Thymosin \u03b24 alleviates renal fibrosis and tubular cell apoptosis through TGF-\u03b2 pathway inhibition in UUO rat models

BackgroundThymosin β4 (Tβ4) is closely associated with the cytoskeleton, inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and myocardial regeneration, but the effects of Tβ4 treatment on chronic renal tubular interstitial fibrosis (CRTIF) are poorly known. This study aimed to examine the effects of Tβ4 on the renal apoptosis and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β), E-cadherin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in CRTIF rat models.MethodsMale SD rats were randomized into four groups (sham group, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group, UUO + low-dose Tβ4 group, and UUO + high-dose Tβ4 group). The pathological changes of kidney tissue and its function were assessed two weeks after UUO. In renal interstitial tissue,TGF-β, E-cadherin and α-SMA expression was detected by western blot. In tubular epithelial cells, E-cadherin and α-SMA expression was detected using Real-time qPCR and western blot. Cell apoptosis of rat renal interstitial tissue and tubular epithelial cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blot.ResultsTwo weeks after UUO, no differences in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were observed between the four groups (P > 0.05). Compared to the UUO group, Tβ4 treatment decreased the 24-h proteinuria (P < 0.001) and reduced the area of pathological change (P < 0.01); this effect was more apparent in the UUO + high-dose Tβ4 group. Compared to the UUO group, a significant decrease in TGF-β and α-SMA protein expression was observed in the high-dose Tβ4 group. The level of E-cadherin protein was lower in the UUO group than the Tβ4 groups, and high-dose Tβ4 treatment further increased E-cadherin expression and improved cell apoptosis in the renal interstitial tissue. Analysis of in vitro tubular epithelial cells showed that α-SMA mRNA and protein expression decreased, while E-cadherin mRNA and protein expression increased by Tβ4 treatment. Similarly, these changes were more significant in the UUO + high-dose Tβ4 group. Tβ4 treatment improved the apoptosis of In vitro tubular epithelial cells compared with pure TGF-β stimulation, and equally, the decrease of apoptosis was more apparent in the TGF-β + high-dose Tβ4 group.ConclusionsTβ4 treatment might alleviate the renal fibrosis and apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells through TGF-β pathway inhibition in UUO rats with CRTIF.

Study for the Relationship between Lupus Nephritis and Anti-C1q Antibodies

Background: lupus nephritis (LN) is an inflammation of the kidney caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease by the immune system. Anti-C1q antibodies have been found in many different systemic autoimmune diseases, they are strongly linked to immune complex disorder most prominently SLE and severe rheumatoid arthritis and have been suggested to be closely associated with lupus nephritis (LN). Generally anti-dsDNA antibodies have been acknowledged as an important tool in the diagnosis of SLE, however their predictive value as to the activity of the disease remains controversial, on the contrary anti-C1q antibodies appear to have a clear-cut relationship with renal complications of SLE not only have they been shown to play a pathogenic role in the development of lupus nephritis but also their serum levels correlate with the presence of active proliferation lupus nephritis. Aim of the study: this study aimed to investigate association between serum titer of anti-C1q antibody and disease manifestation of SLE. Methodology: the study was carried out in three different groups: healthy group, rheumatoid arthritis group and lupus nephritis group. All groups were subjected to determination of anti-C1q antibody, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. Results: there was no significant difference in BUN levels between the normal and rheumatoid arthritis groups in contrast there was a highly significant difference in BUN between the normal and lupus groups also, between the rheumatoid arthritis and lupus nephritis groups (p˂0.001). No significant difference was detected in serum creatinine levels between the normal and rheumatoid arthritis groups in there was a highly significant difference in serum creatinine between the normal and lupus groups and also between the rheumatoid arthritis and lupus nephritis groups (p˂0.001). No significant difference was realized in serum anti-C1q antibodies levels between the normal and rheumatoid arthritis groups in contrast there was a highly significant difference in serum anti-C1q antibodies between the normal and lupus groups and also between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus nephritis groups (p˂0.001). In the control group and rheumatoid arthritis groups, only BUN showed a highly significant positive correlation with serum creatinine concentration (r=0.906, r=0.404) and (P˂0.001, P˂0.05) respectively, while in lupus nephritis group, BUN showed a highly positive correlation with serum creatinine concentration (r=0.773, P˂0.001) also serum creatinine concentration showed a positive concentration with serum anti-C1q antibody (r=0.513, P˂0.05). Conclusion: the present study suggested that anti-C1q antibody might be a new parameter for the development of lupus nephritis since the increased of anti-ds DNA antibody and hypocomplementemia (C3 and C4) are serological markers of SLE activity, but they are not enough to identify which organ may be affected, while anti-C1q antibody either alone or in combination with other serological markers could give information of the diagnosis of a renal flare with 100% sensitivity and specificity.

Protective effect of rosuvastatin on acute kidney injury in the patients after coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective To investigate the prevention of acute kidney injury(AKI) by earlier application of rosuvastatin in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods A total of 200 patients with CABG were enrolled from May 2013 to April 2017. According to whether rosuvastatin were used routinely before operation or not, all patients were divided into the trial group (n=136) and the control group (n=64). Demographics, and clinical data were collected before and after CABG. The renal function markers including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), endogenous creatinine clearance rate (GFR) , emergence of AKI of two groups were documented and compared. Enumeration data were analyzed with χ2 test, measurement data were analyzed with t test, and P<0.05 was considered to be significant. Results There were no differences in sCr(t=-1.156, P>0.05) but differences in BUN and eGFR ( t=-2.915, 3.690, respectively, P 0.05). The BUN and sCr were increased(t=-3.792, -5.027, respectively, P<0.05)after operation compared with that of pre-operation in the control group, while the eGFR was decreased(t=5.540, P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, BUN, sCr and the incidence of AKI were significantly decreased in the trial group ( t/χ2=5.759, 4.196, 15.506, respectively, P<0.05), while the eGFR was increased(t=-6.215, P<0. 05). Conclusions Earlier application of rosuvastatin before CABG can effectively protect renal function and reduce the incidence of AKI. Key words: Rosuvastatin; Coronary artery bypass grafting; Perioperative; Acute kidney injury; Renal function

Nephrolithiasis among male patients with newly diagnosed gout.

An elevated serum urate level is recognised as a cause of gouty arthritis and uric acid stone. The level of serum uric acid that accelerates kidney stone formation, however, has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to find out if a high serum urate level is associated with nephrolithiasis. Patients were recruited from the rheumatology clinic of Taipei City Hospital (Renai and Zhongxing branches) in Taiwan from March 2015 to February 2016. A total of 120 Chinese male patients with newly diagnosed gout and serum urate concentration of >7 mg/dL and no history of kidney stones were divided into two groups according to their serum urate level: <10 mg/dL (group 1, n=80) and ≥10 mg/dL (group 2, n=40). The mean body mass index, blood urea nitrogen level, creatinine level, urinary pH, and kidney ultrasonography were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen or creatinine level between the two groups. The urine pH in both groups was similar and not statistically significant. Kidney stone formation was detected via ultrasonography in 6.3% (5/80) and 82.5% (33/40) of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.05). A serum urate level of ≥10 mg/dL may precipitate nephrolithiasis. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the relationship between serum urate level and kidney stone formation.

Comparison of continuous versus intermittent furosemide administration in dogs with acute heart failure

Pulmonary oedema is a life-threatening condition which should be treated promptly in the emergency room with oxygen, cage rest, and diuretic therapy. Traditionally, bolus administration of furosemide is the treatment of choice. However, there is emerging information that continuous rate infusion might be more effective than bolus injections in relieving clinical signs and producing a lower rate of complications such as azotaemia, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. We tested the effect of furosemide both in bolus (4–6 mg/kg intravenously) and continuous rate infusion (1 mg/kg/h) in 30 dogs that had been presented with fulminant pulmonary oedema during 2 days of hospitalization. No differences in the selected biochemical indicators between the groups were found. There were significant differences in blood urea nitrogen in the bolus injection group and creatinine and phosphorus in the continuous rate infusion group between days 1 and 2. The results of this study showed no differences in the approach of furosemide administration in the management of pulmonary oedema. Both methods may cause renal and electrolyte complications, however, further studies with a larger number of patients are recommended.

Effect of combination of valsartan and alprostadil on diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis

The randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of treating diabetic nephropathy(DN)with alprostadil and valsartan were collected from CNKI, Wan fang date, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The selected data was analyzed with RevMan 5.1 software. The effect of combination of valsartan and alprostadil in treating DN was evaluated. In 19 RCTs, 675 cases were co-treated with alprostadil and valsartan and 670 were treated with valsartan. The results indicated that 24 h urine microalbumin excretion[WMD=-53.23, 95%CI(-67.55, -38.91), P<0.01] and 24 h urine protein[WMD=-0.38, 95%CI(-0.69, -0.07), P=0.02] in patients treated with combination of valsartan and alprostadil were reduced more markedly than in those treated with valsartan alone. There was no significant difference in blood urea nitrogen[WMD=-0.791, 95%CI(-20.62, 4.79), P=0.22] and serum creatinine[WMD=-5.82, 95%CI(-19.22, 7.58), P=0.39] between two kinds of treatment. These results suggest that combined treatment with valsartan and alprostadil shows advantageous effect on reducing urinary protein in DN. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2015, 31: 408-412) Key words: Alprostadil; Valsartan; Diabetic nephropathy; Meta analysis

Hematologic and hemodynamic findings during hemodialysis in 13 beagle dogs

Hemodialysis is an effective therapy for renal failure in veterinary practice. To evaluate hematologic and hemodynamic changes during hemodialysis, 13 dogs were treated with hemodialysis, after which complete blood cell counts (CBC), serum chemistry, and mean systolic blood pressure were analyzed. For CBC, white blood cells (WBC) and platelets underwent significant changes. In serum chemistry, there were significant differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, amylase, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus contents. Further, mean systolic blood pressure suddenly increased in early hemodialysis and decreased significantly thereafter. During hemodialysis, adverse effects were observed in some dogs as follows: bleeding (1 dog), anemia (2 dogs), leukopenia (8 dogs), thrombocytopenia (2 dogs), and hypotension (1 dog). This study demonstrates hematologic and hemodynamic effects during hemodialysis as well as complications similar to human medicine. Before applying the commercialized human hemodialysis system to canine renal failure patients, we monitored hematologic and hemodynamic findings during hemodialysis in healthy beagle dogs.

Sleeping to Survive?

Sleeping to Survive?

Pretreatment of Formula or Expressed Breast Milk With Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate®) as a Treatment for Hyperkalemia in Infants With Acute or Chronic Renal Insufficiency

To evaluate the effect on serum potassium of treating infant formula or expressed breast milk (EBM) with sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) before patient consumption. Retrospective cohort study of patients at Seattle Children's Hospital who received SPS-treated formula or EBM. Thirteen patients less than 2years of age with a diagnosis of hyperkalemia and acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease that had received formula or EBM pretreated with SPS between September 2009 and May 2012 were identified. Hyperkalemia was defined as a serum potassium concentration greater than 5.5 mEq/L. The primary endpoint was the mean change in serum potassium 48hours after receiving pretreated formula or EBM. Serum potassium levels before and after patient consumption were averaged and compared using a paired t test. Pretreatment of formula or EBM with SPS resulted in a 24% decrease in serum potassium levels (6.3 mEq/L to 4.8 mEq/L; P< .0001). There was a significant difference in before and after calcium and creatinine levels (P < .05), and no significant differences in blood urea nitrogen, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride, or bicarbonate levels. Pretreatment of formula or EBM with SPS before consumption is an effective treatment for hyperkalemia in infants. Caution needs to be taken in patients who have sodium restrictions because the exchange for potassium produces a sodium-rich formula.

Roflumilast enhances the renal protective effects of retinoids in an HIV-1 transgenic mouse model of rapidly progressive renal failure

Retinoic acid decreases proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in several animal models of kidney disease by protecting podocytes from injury. Our recent in vitro studies suggest that all-trans retinoic acid induces podocyte differentiation by activating the retinoic acid receptor-α (RARα)/cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. When used in combination with all-trans retinoic acid, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 further enhanced podocyte differentiation by increasing intracellular cAMP. Additionally, we found that Am580, a specific RARα agonist, has similar renal protective effects as all-trans retinoic acid in a rederived colony of HIV-1 transgenic mice with rapidly progressive renal failure (HIV-Tg) that mimics human HIV-associated nephropathy. Treatment with either the inhibitor of phoshodiesterase 4, roflumilast, or Am580 significantly reduced proteinuria, attenuated kidney injury, and improved podocyte differentiation in these HIV-Tg mice. Additional renal protective effects were found when roflumilast was combined with Am580. Consistent with the in vitro data, glomeruli from HIV-Tg mice treated with both Am580 and roflumilast had more active phosphorylated CREB than with either agent alone. Thus, phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors could be used in combination with RARα agonists to provide additional renal protection.

Effect of sevoflurane on grafted kidney function in renal transplantation

BackgroundThe objective of this retrospective study was to determine if there are any differences in grafted kidney function in recipients of kidney transplantation (KT) when donors and recipients were anesthetized with sevoflurane compared to desflurane.MethodsSeventy-three pairs of donors-recipients were anesthetized with sevoflurane (Sevo group) and 71 pairs were anesthetized with desflurane (Des group). We retrospectively investigated the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, creatinine (Cr) levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) of the recipients in both groups for 1 year postoperatively. We tested non-inferiority for serum creatinine at discharge and 1 year after KT. Short-term (1 year) outcomes of KT were assessed by the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection episodes (ARE), and graft failure.ResultsThere were no differences in BUN, Cr, eGFR, or outcomes of KT at 1 year postoperatively. Specifically, the 95% confidence interval for the difference in creatinine levels between the Sevo and Des groups was less than the margin of equivalence at the time of discharge and 1 year after surgery. The occurrences of DGF, ARE, and graft failure were comparable between the groups.ConclusionsCompared to desflurane, sevoflurane had no adverse effects on grafted renal function or on the short-term outcome of renal transplantation.

Postoperative renal function in patients is unaltered after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

BackgroundPneumoperitoneum with an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of 14 mmHg is known to decrease renal function. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) requires an IAP of more than 15 mmHg for operation. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated whether patients who underwent RARP experienced renal insufficiency during the postoperative period (at postoperative days 7 and 30).MethodsOne hundred patients who underwent RARP were enrolled in this study. Preoperative serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) levels were measured. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was calculated using the Cockcroft and Gault formula. CrCl was calculated at 1 day before surgery (baseline), 2 hr postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 7, and 30 days postoperatively (POD 1, POD 3, POP 7, and POD 30). Patients were assigned to abnormal CrCl (n = 52) or normal CrCl groups (n = 48) on the basis of these measurements.ResultsSignificant inter-group differences in BUN, Cr, and CrCl were observed at all postoperative time points. BUN and Cr decreased significantly at postoperative 2 hr and POD 1, 3, and 7 versus baseline in both groups, whereas CrCl increased significantly at postoperative 2 hr and POD 1, 3, and 7 versus baseline in both groups. However, BUN, Cr, and CrCl were similar at POD 30 and preoperatively in the two groups.ConclusionsRAPR, which requires an IAP of 15-20 mmHg for more than 4 hr, does not induce renal dysfunction during the postoperative period, and even in those patients with an abnormal CrCl.

Renal Function and Neurohormonal Changes Following Intravenous Infusions of Nitroglycerin Versus Nesiritide in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background Rises in serum creatinine and efficacy have been reported as dose-related effects of nesiritide and nitroglycerin in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, no study has evaluated the comparative safety, efficacy, and biomarkers of optimally dosed nesiritide versus nitroglycerin in ADHF. Methods and Results Eighty-nine ADHF patients were prospectively randomized to receive either nesiritide (0.01 μg kg −1 min −1 ± bolus) or nitroglycerin (maximally tolerated doses by standard protocol). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were obtained during 48 hours of intravenous infusion. B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT) proBNP concentrations were measured during hospitalization. There were no significant differences in BUN, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, or hospitalization and mortality. Although concentrations of BNP and NT-proBNP were significantly decreased over time, the comparative reductions between the 2 vasodilators were similar. Conclusions Nesiritide and nitroglycerin produce similar hemodynamic effects, do not worsen markers of renal function, and produce significant, yet similar, reductions in neurohormones over time. Both nitroglycerin at maximally titrated doses and nesiritide at standard doses are safe and effective in patients with ADHF who require vasodilator therapy.

A tale of two bridges: Effect of the bloodless bridge on renal function and blood pressure in neonates managed with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

To investigate if a change in bridge design of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit had an impact on renal function and blood pressure in neonates requiring venoarterial ECMO support. : Retrospective chart review. A tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit and ECMO center. The medical records of neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and treated with venoarterial ECMO were reviewed. Data were collected on 50 consecutive neonates treated previous to (prebridge group) and following (postbridge group) transition to a new bridge design on the ECMO circuit. None. Gestational age, gender, racial distribution, and use of hypertensive therapy were similar between the two groups. Daily blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, urine output, fluid balance, and average and maximum systolic and mean arterial blood pressures were recorded for the first 3 days on bypass. The postbridge group had lower maximum mean arterial blood pressure and systolic blood pressure on day 2 of ECMO and lower average mean arterial blood pressure and systolic blood pressure on days 2 and 3 of ECMO. These differences remained significant after controlling for covariates in a multiple regression model. A higher percentage of patients were hypertensive (mean arterial blood pressure >60) in the prebridge group compared with the postbridge group. There were no differences in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, fluid balance, and urine output between the two groups. Patients managed on venoarterial ECMO after the transition to the "bloodless" bridge had less hypertension compared with those managed before the bridge change. This may reflect improved maintenance of renal perfusion associated with transition to an ECMO bridge design that does not require intermittent circulation with associated arterial-venous shunting.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Functional Improvement of Chronic Renal Failure

The most commonly used therapeutic targets in nephrology are the reduction of injury, the delay of progression, or renal replacement therapy. Many animal and human studies demonstrated the role of stem cells in repair and regenerations of kidney. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to improve outcome of acute renal injury models. It is controversial whether MSCs can reduce injury following a toxic/ischemic event and delay renal failure in chronic kidney disease. We evaluated the hypothesis that the treatment with MSCs could improve renal function and attenuate injury in chronic renal failure (CRF). Sprague-Dawley female rats (8 weeks old, 182.2 +/- 7.2 g) underwent modified 5/6 nephrectomy. Rats in the MSC group received an injection of MSCs (1 x 10(6) cells) via tail vein 1 day after nephrectomy. Blood and urine samples were collected after 7 days and every month thereafter. The kidneys of rats were removed for histologic evaluation after 24-h urine collection and blood sampling. The Y-chromosome stain using fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed to verify the presence of male MSCs in the kidney of female recipients. No significant differences in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration were observed between the MSC group and the untreated CRF group. However, the weight gain in the MSC group was greater than those in the CRF group after 4 months. Proteinuria in the MSC group was less than that in the CRF group over time. Y chromosome was detected in the kidney of MSC group. Although no significances were observed between these two groups, the histologic analysis suggests that MSCs have positive effect against glomerulosclerosis. These results suggest that MSCs help preserve renal function and attenuate renal injury in CRF.

COMPARISON OF BLOOD VALUES IN FORAGING, NESTING, AND STRANDED LOGGERHEAD TURTLES (CARETTA CARETTA) ALONG THE COAST OF GEORGIA, USA

The health status of 83 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta; 39 foraging, 31 nesting, and 13 stranded turtles) was analyzed using physical examinations, hematology, plasma biochemistry, plasma protein electrophoresis, and toxicologic parameters. Significant differences were noted in a number of health parameters between turtles exhibiting each of these behaviors. On physical examinations, stranded turtles had the highest prevalence of heavy carapace epibiont loads, miscellaneous abnormalities, emaciation, and weakness. Differences in hematologic values included a lower packed cell volume, higher number of lymphocytes, and lower number of monocytes in stranded turtles; lower white blood cell counts in foraging turtles; and significant differences in total solid values among turtles exhibiting all behaviors with the lowest values in stranded turtles and the highest values in nesting turtles. Differences in plasma biochemistry values included the highest uric acid, creatine kinase, and CO(2) values in stranded turtles; the highest glucose and potassium values in foraging turtles; and the highest cholesterol and triglyceride values, and lowest alanine aminotransferase, in nesting turtles. Differences in total protein, albumin, and globulin were found using plasma biochemistry values, with lowest values in stranded turtles and highest values in nesting females, whereas differences in blood urea nitrogen between turtles included the lowest values in nesting turtles and the highest in foraging turtles. Plasma organochlorine and polychlorinated biphenyl levels were below their limits of quantification in the 39 foraging, 11 nesting, and three stranded turtles tested. A statistically significant difference was noted in the level of whole blood mercury between the 23 foraging and 12 nesting turtles tested. There was no difference in arsenic or lead levels between turtles exhibiting any of the three behaviors. Although a few limitations exist with the present study and include unknown ambient temperatures, turtle handling times that varied from 15 min to 53 min per turtle, and the use of a different laboratory for processing complete blood counts and plasma biochemistries in stranded versus foraging and nesting turtles, we provide baseline blood values for two cohorts (foraging and nesting) of loggerhead sea turtles on the coast of Georgia. Additionally, we demonstrate significant differences in clinical findings and blood parameters between foraging, nesting, and stranded loggerhead turtles in the region.

The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Cell Therapy in Renal Ischemia

Introduction: The most commonly used therapeutic targets in nephrology are the reduction of injury, the delay of progression, or renal replacement therapy. Many animal and human studies demonstrated the role of stem cells in repair and regenerations of kidney. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to improve outcome of acute renal injury models. It is controversial whether MSCs can reduce injury following a toxic/ischemic event and delay renal failure in chronic kidney disease. We evaluated the hypothesis that the treatment with MSCs could improve renal function and attenuate injury in chronic renal failure (CRF).Materials and methods: Sprague-Dawley female rats (8 weeks old, 182.2 ± 7.2g) were underwent modified 5/6 nephrectomy. Rats in the MSC group received an injection of MSCs (1 × 106 cells) via tail vein 1 day after nephrectomy. Blood and urine samples were collected after 7 days and every month thereafter. The kidneys of rats were removed for histologic evaluation after 24-hr urine collection and blood sampling. The Y-chromosome stain using fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed to verify the presence of male MSCs in the kidney of female recipients.Results: No significant differences in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration were observed between MSC group and untreated CRF group. However, the weight gain and creatinine clearance in the MSC group were greater than those of the CRF group. Proteinuria in the MSC group was less after 4 months. Y chromosome was detected in the kidney of MSC group. Although no significances were observed between two groups, the histologic analysis suggests that MSCs have positive effect against glomerulosclerosis.Conclusions: These results suggest that MSCs help preserve renal function and attenuate renal injury in CRF.

Renal function in children with β-thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia

In beta-thalassemia, profound anemia and severe hemosiderosis cause functional and physiological abnormalities in various organ systems. In recent years, there have been few published studies demonstrating proteinuria, aminoaciduria, low urine osmolality, and excess secretion of the tubular damage markers, such as urinary N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (U(NAG)) and beta2 microglobulin, in patients with thalassemia. The object of this study was to analyze renal tubular and glomerular function in pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia and to correlate the renal findings to iron overload. Thirty-seven patients with beta-thalassemia major and 11 with thalassemia intermedia were studied. Twelve children without iron metabolism disorders or renal diseases served as a control group. No difference in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, electrolytes, fractional excretion of sodium and potassium, and tubular phosphorus reabsorption was found. Serum uric acid was equal in the two groups, but its urine excretion was significantly higher in the thalassemic group. U(NAG) and U(NAG) to creatinine ratio (U(NAG/CR)) were elevated in all patients with thalassemia compared with the control group (p < 0.001) and were directly correlated to the amount of transfused iron but not to actual ferritin level. We found that renal tubular function is impaired in children with beta- thalassemia major and intermedia. It is not known whether these functional abnormalities would have any long-term effects on the patients. Further studies are needed, and means of preventing these disturbances should be sought.