Kidney Disease Research Articles

Nerve cross-sectional area in advanced uremic neuropathy: A nerve ultrasound pilot study.

Uremic neuropathy (UN) is a disabling neuropathy in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) affecting the majority of patients receiving long-term hemodialysis (HD). One previous nerve ultrasound study reported an increased cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in moderate UN, while another study found enlarged sural nerves in small-fiber polyneuropathy associated with ESKD. The present cohort study aims to analyze bilateral CSA of multiple nerves in UN. Ten nondiabetic ESKD patients with UN on HD for at least 2years and 10 healthy age-matched controls underwent bilateral ultrasound examinations with CSA measurements in 13 arm and leg nerve sites. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and the total neuropathy score (TNS) were recorded. Pearson's coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyze correlations and compare groups. ESKD patients presented advanced neuropathic symptoms (mean TNS 15.9). NCS showed significantly reduced motor and sensory amplitudes in the UN group compared to the control group, and a slightly reduced nerve CSA was observed in 5 of 13 nerve sites (p<.05); the other nerve sites were not enlarged. Sural nerve CSA (p<.05) and sensory amplitude (p<.01) were negatively correlated with the TNS. Nerve enlargement was not observed in the present study in advanced UN. A reduced nerve CSA observed in the sural nerve suggests an axonal loss associated with long-term HD in ESKD. During clinical workup of an acute disease of the peripheral nervous system in ESKD patients, nerve enlargement might be attributable to other causes than chronic UN.

DIABETES TYPE 2 AND OBESITY

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a socially significant disease, which etiologically and pathogenetically is to the greatest extent influenced by body weight. Obesity has become a pandemic of our time. It is most often caused by the imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Excess calories accumulate as fat. In patients with DM type 2, obesity further increases the risk of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, arterial hypertension, hepatic steatosis, chronic kidney disease, increased mortality. The aim of the present analysis is to determine the frequency of patients with type 2 DM 170 patients with DM type-2 were studied. Of them, 77 with a relative share of 45.% are men, 93 are women, who make up 54.7%. The method of calculating the body mass index, which serves to assess the physical condition of the patients, was applied. After processing the data, it was found that 4.4% of the patients had a normal body weight, 26.5% were overweight, 1st degree obesity - 34.7%, 2nd degree obesity - 20.3% and with obesity of the 3rd degree are 14.1% of the studied patients. Obesity is a serious metabolic disorder that harbors multiple health risk factors that may reduce quality and life expectancy among patients with type-2 DM.

Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease among older adult patients with schizophrenia in Taiwan.

There is an increasing incidence and prevalence of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Little is known the prevalence of CKD among older patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CKD and its risk factors in older adults with schizophrenia. In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 240 patients with schizophrenia age 50 or older were recruited. In addition to demographic and clinical data, participants' estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation based on age, sex, ethnicity, and serum creatinine level determined from a blood sample taken from participants. The overall prevalence of CKD was 11.3%. Those with CKD group were older, had a longer duration of psychiatric illness, a higher body mass index (BMI), and diagnoses of hypertension compared to those in the non-CKD group. Independent of other risk factors, older age and BMI were significantly associated with CKD. This study found that the overall prevalence of CKD in older patients with schizophrenia was 11.3%. Risk factors for CKD in this population were older age and higher BMI. In addition to early identification and early treatment of CKD in older patients with schizophrenia, clinicians should actively manage the risk factors identified in this study, such as higher BMI and older age.

Evaluation of a proteomic signature coupled with the kidney failure risk equation in predicting end stage kidney disease in a chronic kidney disease cohort.

The early identification of patients at high-risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is essential for providing optimal care and implementing targeted prevention strategies. While the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) offers a more accurate prediction of ESRD risk compared to static eGFR-based thresholds, it does not provide insights into the patient-specific biological mechanisms that drive ESRD. This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of KFRE in a UK-based advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) cohort and investigating whether the integration of a proteomic signature could enhance 5-year ESRD prediction. Using the Salford Kidney Study biobank, a UK-based prospective cohort of over 3000 non-dialysis CKD patients, 433 patients met our inclusion criteria: a minimum of four eGFR measurements over a two-year period and a linear eGFR trajectory. Plasma samples were obtained and analysed for novel proteomic signals using SWATH-Mass-Spectrometry. The 4-variable UK-calibrated KFRE was calculated for each patient based on their baseline clinical characteristics. Boruta machine learning algorithm was used for the selection of proteins most contributing to differentiation between patient groups. Logistic regression was employed for estimation of ESRD prediction by (1) proteomic features; (2) KFRE; and (3) proteomic features alongside KFRE. SWATH maps with 943 quantified proteins were generated and investigated in tandem with available clinical data to identify potential progression biomarkers. We identified a set of proteins (SPTA1, MYL6 and C6) that, when used alongside the 4-variable UK-KFRE, improved the prediction of 5-year risk of ESRD (AUC = 0.75 vs AUC = 0.70). Functional enrichment analysis revealed Rho GTPases and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton pathways to be statistically significant, inferring their role in kidney function and the pathogenesis of renal disease. Proteins SPTA1, MYL6 and C6, when used alongside the 4-variable UK-KFRE achieve an improved performance when predicting a 5-year risk of ESRD. Specific pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of podocyte dysfunction were also identified, which could serve as potential therapeutic targets. The findings of our study carry implications for comprehending the involvement of the Rho family GTPases in the pathophysiology of kidney disease, advancing our understanding of the proteomic factors influencing susceptibility to renal damage.

Clinician response after receipt of abnormal pediatric ambulatory blood pressure monitoring - characteristics associated with inertia and action.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is recommended for diagnosis and management of hypertension. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with physician action after receipt of abnormal findings. This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients 5-22years old who underwent 24-h ABPM between 2003-2022, met criteria for masked or ambulatory hypertension, and had a pediatric nephrology clinic visit within 2weeks of ABPM. "Action" was defined as medication change/initiation, lifestyle or adherence counseling, evaluation ordered, or interpretation with no change. Characteristics of children with/without 1 or more actions were compared using Student t-tests and Chi-square. Regression analyses explored the independent association of patient characteristics with physician action. 115 patients with masked (n = 53) and ambulatory (n = 62) hypertension were included: mean age 13.0years, 48% female, 38% Black race, 21% with chronic kidney disease, and 25% overweight/obesity. 97 (84%) encounters had a documented physician action. Medication change (52%), evaluation ordered (40%), and prescribed lifestyle change (35%) were the most common actions. Adherence counseling for medication and lifestyle recommendations were documented in 3% of encounters. 24-h, wake SBP load, and sleep DBP load were significantly higher among those with physician action. Patients with > 1 action had greater adiposity, SBP, and dipping. Neither age, obesity, nor kidney disease were independently associated with physician action. While most abnormal ABPMs were acted upon, 16% did not have a documented action. Greater BP load was one of the few characteristics associated with physician action. Of potential actions, adherence counseling was underutilized.

Acute kidney injury after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant risk factor associated with reduced survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Whether the severity of AKI simply serves as a surrogate measure of worse peri-arrest conditions, or represents an additional risk to long-term survival remains unclear.MethodsThis is a sub-study derived from a randomized trial in which 789 comatose adult OHCA patients with presumed cardiac cause and sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were enrolled. Patients without prior dialysis dependent kidney disease and surviving at least 48 h were included (N = 759). AKI was defined by the kidney disease: improving global outcome (KDIGO) classification, and patients were divided into groups based on the development of AKI and the need for continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), thus establishing three groups of patients—No AKI, AKI no CKRT, and AKI CKRT. Primary outcome was overall survival within 365 days after OHCA according to AKI group. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess overall survival within 365 days according to the three groups.ResultsIn the whole population, median age was 64 (54–73) years, 80% male, 90% of patients presented with shockable rhythm, and time to ROSC was median 18 (12–26) min. A total of 254 (33.5%) patients developed AKI according to the KDIGO definition, with 77 requiring CKRT and 177 without need for CKRT. AKI CKRT patients had longer time-to-ROSC and worse metabolic derangement at hospital admission. Overall survival within 365 days from OHCA decreased with the severity of kidney injury. Adjusted Cox regression analysis found that AKI, both with and without CKRT, was significantly associated with reduced overall survival up until 365 days, with comparable hazard ratios relative to no AKI (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.13–2.70 vs. HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.30–2.39).ConclusionsIn comatose patients who had been resuscitated after OHCA, patients developing AKI, with or without initiation of CKRT, had a worse 1-year overall survival compared to non-AKI patients. This association remains statistically significant after adjusting for other peri-arrest risk factors.Trial registration: The BOX trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141099.

Clinical and Genomic Features of Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Analysis of a Multi-Institutional Database

Background: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) are at an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but molecular alterations in RCC specimens arising from ACKD and overall survival (OS) in affected patients are not well defined. Patients and Methods: Using the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) Total Cancer Care® protocol, 296 consented adult patients with RCC and somatic tumor whole exome sequencing were included. Patients with ACKD were defined as those with serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL prior to RCC diagnosis. Results: Of 296 patients with RCC, 61 met the criteria for ACKD. The most common somatic mutations in the overall cohort were in VHL (126, 42.6%), PBRM1 (102, 34.5%), and SETD2 (54, 18.2%). BAP1 had a decreased mutational frequency in RCC specimens from patients without ACKD as compared to those with ACKD (10.6% versus 1.6%), but this was not statistically significant in univariable (OR 0.14, p = 0.056) or multivariable (OR 0.15, p = 0.067) analysis. Median OS was not reached in either cohort. Conclusions: Using the clinicogenomic ORIEN database, our study found lower rates of BAP1 mutations in RCC specimens from patients with ACKD, which may reflect a BAP1-independent mutational driver of RCC in patients with ACKD.

. Clinical Significance of NLRP3 Inflammasome and Related Cell Moleculesin early Elderly Diabetic Kidney Disease

Backgrounds：It aims to investigate the expression level of NLRP3 inflammasome and its related cell molecules in early diabetes kidney disease (EDKD) in the elderly and its clinical application value. Methods: From October 2021 to April 2023, 50 elderly patients with T2DM (T2DM group), 50 elderly patients with EDKD (EDKD group) and 50 elderly people who passed the health check-up (healthy group) are chosenas the study subjects. Plasma NLRP3 inflammasome and related cells (blood leukocyte count, monocyte count, lymphocyte count) molecular (NT-proBNP and others) levels are tested, and Pearson correlation analysis is utilized to explore the correlation among plasma NLRP3 inflammasome and related cells, molecules and renal function indicators (UACR, BUN, Ucr) in elderly patients with EDKD. Results: (1) The three groups’ comparison in HbA1c, FIns, HOMA-IR, UACR, BUN, Ucr, SOD, MCP-1 and TNF-α level were with P&lt;0.05.The levels of TG and LDL-C in the EDKD group were bigger than those in the T2DM and the healthy groups;The levels of FPG, HbA1c, FINs, HOMA-IR, UACR, SOD, MCP-1, TNF-α in the EDKD and T2DM groups werebigger than those in the healthy group, while SOD wassmaller than that in the healthy group; The levels of BUN, Ucr, hs-CRP, FPG, HbA1c, FINs, HOMA-IR, UACR, SOD, MCP-1, TNF-α in the EDKD group werebigger than those in the T2DM group, while SOD was smallerthan that in the T2DM group;The aboveresults were with P&lt;0.05. (2)It has P&lt;0.05 in Monocyte count, NLRP3, NT-proBNP, caspase-1, ASC and othersin the three groups.The levels of thosein the EDKD and T2DM groups were bigger than the healthy group. The levels of these indicators in the EDKD group were bigger than those in the T2DM group, and with P&lt;0.05.These indicators in EDKD group were positively correlated with UACR, BUN, and Ucr, respectively, and with P&lt;0.05. Conclusion: NLRP3 inflammasome and its related molecules caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, IL-18 level and Monocyte count raised in early senile EDKD, and were significantly correlated with the severity of EDKD.

Cost-effectiveness of empagliflozin as add-on to standard of care for chronic kidney disease management in the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Objective The sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor empagliflozin was approved for treatment of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the basis of its demonstrated ability to slow CKD progression and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death. This analysis was performed to assess the cost effectiveness of empagliflozin plus standard of care (SoC) versus SoC alone in the treatment of CKD in the UK. Methods A comprehensive, patient-level CKD progression model that simulates the evolution of risk factors for disease progression based on CKD-specific equations and clinical data was used to project a broad range of CKD-related complications. Patient baseline characteristics, distribution across Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) health states, and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR), and other parameters while on treatment, were derived from the EMPA-KIDNEY trial. UK cost and utilities/disutilities were sourced from the literature. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Annual discounting of 3.5% was applied on costs and outcomes. Results Over a 50-year horizon, SoC resulted in per-patient costs, life years, and QALYs of £95,930, 8.55, and 6.28, respectively. Empagliflozin plus SoC resulted in an incremental gain in life years (+1.04) and QALYs (+0.84), while decreasing per-patient costs by £6,019. Empagliflozin was more effective and less costly (dominant) with a net monetary benefit of £22,849 at the willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000. Although treatment cost was higher for empagliflozin, this was more than offset by savings in kidney replacement therapy. Empagliflozin remained highly cost-effective in patients with and without diabetes, and across scenario and sensitivity analyses. Limitations This analysis is limited by reliance on short-term clinical trial data and by uncertainties in modelling CKD progression. Conclusions Empagliflozin as an add-on to SoC for treatment of adults with CKD represents cost-effective use of UK National Health Service (NHS) resources.

Exploring different classification-dependent QSAR modelling strategies for HDAC3 inhibitors in search of meaningful structural contributors.

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), a Zn2+-dependent class I HDACs, contributes to numerous disorders such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and several types of cancers. Therefore, the development of novel and selective HDAC3 inhibitors might be promising to combat such diseases. Here, different classification-based molecular modelling studies such as Bayesian classification, recursive partitioning (RP), SARpy and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were conducted on a set of HDAC3 inhibitors to pinpoint essential structural requirements contributing to HDAC3 inhibition followed by molecular docking study and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analyses. The current study revealed the importance of hydroxamate function for Zn2+ chelation as well as hydrogen bonding interaction with Tyr298 residue. The importance of hydroxamate function for higher HDAC3 inhibition was noticed in the case of Bayesian classification, recursive partitioning and SARpy models. Also, the importance of substituted thiazole ring was revealed, whereas the presence of linear alkyl groups with carboxylic acid function, any type of ester function, benzodiazepine moiety and methoxy group in the molecular structure can be detrimental to HDAC3 inhibition. Therefore, this study can aid in the design and discovery of effective novel HDAC3 inhibitors in the future.

Relationship between parity and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Japan considering hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and body mass index.

Global studies exploring the relationship between parity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are scarce. Furthermore, no study has examined the relationship between parity and CKD in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between parity and the prevalence of CKD in a Japanese population, considering the clinical history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and current body mass index (BMI) based on menopausal status. This cross-sectional study included 26,945 Japanese multiparous women (5,006 premenopausal and 21,939 postmenopausal women) and 3,247 nulliparous women (1,599 premenopausal and 1,648 postmenopausal women). Participants were divided into two groups based on their menopausal status (premenopausal and postmenopausal women). The relationship between parity and the prevalence of CKD was evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for several covariates, including a clinical history of HDP and current BMI. The relationship between parity and the prevalence of CKD was not statistically significant in either premenopausal or postmenopausal multiparous women. A clinical history of HDP was significantly associated with an increased risk of CKD in premenopausal and postmenopausal multiparous women. However, the relationship between a clinical history of HDP and CKD in premenopausal women was weakened after adjusting for current BMI. Furthermore, the current BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of CKD in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Parity is not significantly associated with the prevalence of CKD in premenopausal and postmenopausal multiparous women. A clinical history of HDP is a risk factor for CKD in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Current BMI is also associated with an increased risk of CKD in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Therefore, continuous surveillance and preventive measures against CKD should be provided to women with a clinical history of HDP. In addition, maintaining an appropriate body weight is beneficial in reducing the risk of CKD.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward osteoporosis among patients with chronic kidney disease in Zhejiang.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered high-risk group for osteoporosis. However, the current understanding of their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward osteoporosis remains unclear. CKD patients were recruited from Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center between March 2023 and June 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect the participant's demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice toward osteoporosis. A total of 500 valid questionnaires were included in the analysis, with participants aged 51.08 ± 14.76 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.67 ± 3.04 (range: 0-11), 33.99 ± 3.37 (range: 10-50), and 35.29 ± 5.54 (range: 9-45), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.440, P < .001), knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.376, P < .001), as well as attitude and practice scores (r = 0.403, P < .001). Structural equation modeling revealed direct associations between knowledge and attitude (path coefficient = 0.488, P < .001), and between attitude and practice (path coefficient = 0.485, P < .001). The knowledge also exhibited a directly positive effect on practice (path coefficient = 0.449, P < .001). Undergoing glucocorticoid therapy (odd ratio [OR] = 2.353, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.022-5.418, P = .044) and osteoporosis osteoporosis (OR = 1.565, 95% CI: 1.011-2.421, P = .044) were positively associated with knowledge. Moreover, disease duration >1 year was positively associated with practice (OR = 3.643, 95% CI: 1.754-7.565, P < .001). CKD patients demonstrated moderate knowledge, neutral attitude, and moderate practice toward osteoporosis. To address the practice gaps of CKD patients toward osteoporosis, targeted educational interventions and attitude support programs can be developed.

Study on the mechanism of hirudin multi target delaying renal function decline in chronic kidney disease based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory.

The disorder of the "gut-kidney axis" exacerbates renal function decline in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and current CKD therapy is insufficient to address this issue. Hirudin has a palliative effect on the decline of renal function. However, whether hirudin can delay CKD by regulating the "intestinal renal axis" disorder remains unclear. Unilateral ureteral ligation (UUO) induced CKD rat model, and the rats were treated with bifidobacterium and hirudin for 36 days. After 14 and 36 days of modeling, kidney and colon tissues were collected for pathology, western blot (WB) assay, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) detection. Serum samples were collected for renal function testing. Fecal samples were used for 16S rRNA sequencing and research on fecal bacterial transplantation. Lipopolysaccharide combine with adenosine 5'-triphosphate (LPS + ATP)-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury was treated with a nod-like receptor pyrin domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inhibitor and hirudin. Protein expression was detected using WB and qPCR. The kidneys and colons of the CKD rats exhibited varying degrees of lesions. Creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG) enzyme, and serum uremic toxins were elevated. The expression of claudin-1 and occludin was decreased, NLRP3 inflammatory-related proteins were increased, and the gut microbiota was disrupted. These pathological changes were more pronounced after 36 days of modeling. Meanwhile, high-dose hirudin treatment significantly improved these lesions and restored the intestinal flora to homeostasis in CKD rats. In vitro, hirudin demonstrated comparable effects to NLRP3 inhibitors by upregulating claudin-1 and occludin expression, and downregulating NLRP3 inflammatory-related proteins expression. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function in CKD are associated with renal dysfunction in CKD. Hirudin delays the progression of CKD by regulating the disorder of the "gut-kidney axis" and inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1 pathway.

Association between plant-based diet quality and chronic kidney disease in Australian adults.

To examine associations between three different plant-based diet quality indices, CKD prevalence and related risk factors in a nationally representative sample of the Australian population. Cross-sectional analysis. Three plant-based diet scores were calculated using data from two 24-h recalls: an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthy PDI (hPDI), and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI). Consumption of plant and animal ingredients from 'core' and 'discretionary' products was also differentiated. Associations between the three PDI scores and CKD prevalence, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP) measures, blood cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B, fasting triglyceride (TAG), blood glucose levels (BGL), and haemoglobin A1c were examined. Australian Health Survey 2011-2013. n=2060 adults aged ≥ 18 years (males: n=928; females: n=1,132). A higher uPDI score was associated with a 3.7% higher odds of moderate-severe CKD [odds ratio: 1.037 (1.0057-1.0697); p=0.021)]. A higher uPDI score was also associated with increased TAG (p=0.032) and BGL (p<0.001), but lower total- and LDL-cholesterol (p=0.035 and p=0.009, respectively). In contrast, a higher overall PDI score was inversely associated with WC (p<0.001) and systolic BP (p=0.044), while higher scores for both the overall PDI and hPDI was inversely associated with BMI (p<0.001 and p=0.019, respectively). A higher uPDI score reflecting greater intakes of refined grains, salty plant-based foods and added sugars were associated with increased CKD prevalence, TAG and BGL. In the Australian population, attention to diet quality remains paramount, even in those with higher intakes of plant foods, and who wish to reduce the risk of CKD.

Insights into Nephrotic Syndrome in Pediarics: Case Series Analysis

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common childhood kidney diseases. NS can affect children of any age from infancy to adolescence and predominantly occurs in the age group of 1–6 years. It is an illness caused by idiopathic diseases like minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membrane proliferative Glomerulonephritis, membranous Glomerulonephritis and is characterized by increased permeability across the glomerular filtration barrier. NS is classified as primary, secondary, and congenital. It consists of four clinical features like severe proteinuria, edema, hyperlipidaemia, hypoalbuminemia. The main cause of nephrotic syndrome are diseases associated with drugs and rarely genetic disorders. The pathogenesis of the disease affects various biological functions linked to loss of proteins negatively, which results in systemic complications which may be disease and drug-associated complications. Using drugs to treat NS leads to several complications which include improper growth, metabolism, behavior change inpatient. Itis a chronic relapsing disease for most of the steroid response drugs for treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and biological agents are used for the treatment of the diseases. In this case series, we presented a case series of nephrotic syndrome in pediatrics. Total 4 patients were taken into considerations. The patients came with a chief complaints of swelling of face, foamy urine, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine with decreased urine output, joint pains. The laboratory investigations for all the 4 patients showed that there were decrease in albumin levels (hypoalbuminemia), decrease in serum creatinine levels and protein in urine, although kidney biopsy couldn’t be perform but the diagnosis was made based on clinical and laboratory findings. The patients were mainly treated with prednisolone, pantoprazole, enalapril, nifedipine, amoxiclav, and even albumin transfusion were done. NS was successfully managed and fortunately the patients recovered.

DNA methylation as a possible causal mechanism linking childhood adversity and health: Results from two-sample mendelian randomization study.

Childhood adversity is an important risk factor for adverse health across the life course. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), are one hypothesized mechanism linking adversity to disease susceptibility. Yet, few studies have determined whether adversity-related DNAm alterations are causally related to future health outcomes or if their developmental timing plays a role in these relationships. Here, we used two-sample Mendelian Randomization to obtain stronger causal inferences about the association between adversity-associated DNAm loci across development (i.e., birth; childhood; adolescence; young adulthood) and 24 mental, physical, and behavioral health outcomes. We identified particularly strong associations between adversity-associated DNAm and ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, suicide attempts, asthma, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease. A greater number of associations were identified for birth and childhood DNAm, while adolescent and young adulthood DNAm were more closely linked to mental health. Childhood DNAm loci also showed primarily risk suppressing relationships with health outcomes, suggesting that DNAm might reflect compensatory or buffering mechanisms against childhood adversity, rather than acting solely as an indicator of disease risk. Together, our results suggest adversity-related DNAm alterations are linked to both physical and mental health outcomes, with particularly strong impacts of DNAm differences emerging earlier in development.

The influence of mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training on the clinical efficacy and quality of life of patients with sarcopenia receiving haemodialysis: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo study the effect of mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training on the clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with sarcopenia receiving maintenance haemodialysis (MHD).MethodsEligible patients with sarcopenia in our hospital were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 24) and an intervention group (n = 25). The control group received conventional dialysis treatment, while the intervention group underwent mindfulness meditation combined with progressive muscle relaxation training during the interdialysis period in addition to conventional dialysis treatment. The effect of the intervention was evaluated after 12 weeks.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the baseline values of various parameters between the two groups. Exercise capacity (sit-to-stand test,handgrip,time to 10 sit-ups) significantly improved in the intervention group after 12 weeks (32.68 ± 8.32 vs 26.50 ± 6.83; 37.42 ± 10.12 vs 28.12 ± 8.51; 19.8 ± 5.40 vs 25.29 ± 7.18) (p < 0.05). In terms of the kidney disease quality of life (KDQOLTM) score, all other dimensions except sexual function, social functioning, burden of kidney disease and work status dimensions showed significant improvement compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). In the control group, only the dialysis staff encouragement (DSE) and patient satisfaction (PS) dimensions showed slight improvements compared to the baseline (p > 0.05). When compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in 10 dimensions of exercise capacity and KDQOLTM scores for physical function, role-physical, general health, energy, symptom/problem list, sleep, DSE, pain, cognitive function, emotional well-being and patient PS after 12 weeks (61.30 ± 5.38 vs 42.98 ± 5.73; 57.50 ± 3.55 vs 50.70 ± 3.62) (p < 0.05). Some inflammatory markers, such as the levels of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (30.29 ± 2.96 vs 17.65 ± 3.22; 8.93 ± 0.99 vs 3.02 ± 0.34), showed a decrease during the intervention, while albumin and prealbumin levels were significantly increased compared with the baseline (30.62 ± 1.65 vs 35.60 ± 1.68; 0.32 ± 0.05 vs 0.44 ± 0.07) (p < 0.05).ConclusionCombined intervention training can improve the motor ability and quality of life of patients with sarcopenia within a short period of time.

Interval Versus Continuous Intradialytic Training on Muscle Quality Index and Functional Capacity in Hemodialysis Patients: a Prospective Randomized Clinical Study

INTRODUCTION. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important health well-being problem globally, with increasing incidence. That tends to create an “epidemic”. Generalized muscle weakness in hemodialysis patients typically affects the lower limbs and proximal muscles. Patients experience impaired endurance and quality of life. Exercise is prescribed for these individuals to improve their physical health and prevent disease consequences. AIM. To find out the effect of interval versus continuous intradialytic training on muscle quality index and functional capacity in Hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty men with chronic renal insufficiency grade 5 on hemodialysis aged from 45 to 55 years were divided into two groups using computerized block randomization: Groups (A) and (B) each containing 30 patients. They underwent 8-week program of high intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) intradialytic pedaling exercise plus hemodialysis three times per week. Pre-test and post-test evaluations have been carried out for 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and muscle quality index (MQI) of all patients. RESULTS. Both groups had a significant positive improvement in MQI and 6MWT with different proportions, patients received high intensity interval intradialytic pedaling exercise had a slightly significant improvement in MQI compared to moderate intensity continuous training group. While, moderate intensity training group had a more significant improvement in 6MWT compared to high intensity training group. CONCLUSION. Both HIIT and MICT are realistic and good options for individuals with CKD and have parallel profits on functional capability and, skeletal muscle quality and overall quality of life.

Association of dietary iron intake with diabetic kidney disease among individuals with diabetes.

The current study investigated the correlation between dietary iron intake and diabetic kidney disease among diabetic adults. This cross-sectional study enrolled 8118 participants who suffered from diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018. Dietary iron intake was obtained from 24 h recall interviews, and diabetic kidney disease was defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. Three weighted logistic regression models were utilized to investigate odd ratio (OR) and 95% CIs for diabetic kidney disease. Stratified analyses were performed by gender, age, BMI, HbA1c, hypertension status, and smoking status, and diabetes types. Among 8118 participants (51.6% male, mean age 61.3 years), 40.7% of participants suffered from diabetic kidney disease. With the adjustment of potential covariates, we found that ≥ 12.59 mg of dietary iron was related to a lower risk of diabetic kidney disease (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.96; OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63 to 0.98). In stratified analyses, higher iron intake was negatively related to diabetic kidney disease, especially among those who were male, < 60 years, those with hypertension, those with HbA1c < 7.0%, and those who were ex-smokers. The result remained robust in sensitivity analyses. We found that ≥ 12.59 mg of dietary iron is associated with a lower risk of diabetic kidney disease, especially in those who were male, younger, heavier weight, have better blood sugar control, and those who were ex-smokers.

Incident heart failure in chronic kidney disease: proteomics informs biology and risk stratification.

Incident heart failure (HF) among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) incurs hospitalizations that burden patients and health care systems. There are few preventative therapies, and the Pooled Cohort equations to Prevent Heart Failure (PCP-HF) perform poorly in the setting of CKD. New drug targets and better risk stratification are urgently needed. In this analysis of incident HF, SomaScan V4.0 (4638 proteins) was analysed in 2906 participants of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) with validation in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. The primary outcome was 14-year incident HF (390 events); secondary outcomes included 4-year HF (183 events), HF with reduced ejection fraction (137 events), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (165 events). Mendelian randomization and Gene Ontology were applied to examine causality and pathways. The performance of novel multi-protein risk models was compared to the PCP-HF risk score. Over 200 proteins were associated with incident HF after adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate at P < 1 × 10-5. After adjustment for covariates including N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, 17 proteins remained associated at P < 1 × 10-5. Mendelian randomization associations were found for six proteins, of which four are druggable targets: FCG2B, IGFBP3, CAH6, and ASGR1. For the primary outcome, the C-statistic (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the 48-protein model in CRIC was 0.790 (0.735, 0.844) vs. 0.703 (0.644, 0.762) for the PCP-HF model (P = .001). C-statistic (95% CI) for the protein model in ARIC was 0.747 (0.707, 0.787). Large-scale proteomics reveal novel circulating protein biomarkers and potential mediators of HF in CKD. Proteomic risk models improve upon the PCP-HF risk score in this population.