Serum Levels Of Cystatin Research Articles

A meta-analysis of the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and renal injury.

To conduct a meta-analysis on the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and renal injury. Literature search was carried out in PubMed, Embase and Ovid-Medline databases between the date of database establishment and June 30th 2024. The keywords included obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome, renal injury, and correlation. Two researchers 1st independently screened the titles and abstracts based on the eligibility criteria, then extracted the data and evaluated the quality, and used Review Manager 5.3 for data processing. All analysis methods were based on PRISMA. Finally, 8 studies that matched the inclusion criteria were included, and the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and serum cystatin C was analyzed. The homogeneity test showed (P < 0.01, I2 = 98%), and from the meta-analysis results, it could be known that the level of serum cystatin C in sufferers with OSAS was obviously greater than the control one (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.96-1.28, P < 0.01). The relationship between OSAS and serum creatinine was analyzed, and homogeneity test showed (P < 0.01, I2 = 96%). From the meta analysis result, it could be known that the serum creatinine level of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was obviously greater than the control one (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.85 ~ 1.17, P < 0.01). The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with serum urea nitrogen was analyzed, and homogeneity test showed (P < 0.01, I2 = 91%). From the meta-analysis results, it could be known that serum urea nitrogen of OSAS was obviously greater than the control one (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 01.17 ~ 1.59, P < 0.01). Eight articles have been included to determine the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and renal injury, and it has been found that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is closely related to renal injury, and the two may be risk factors for each other.

The causal relationship between COVID-19 and estimated glomerular filtration rate: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundPrevious Mendelian studies identified a causal relationship between renal function, as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and severe infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, much is still unknown because of the limited number of associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of COVID-19 and the lack of cystatin C testing. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the genetic mechanisms responsible for the association between eGFR and COVID-19 in a European population.MethodsWe performed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data; log-eGFR was calculated from the serum levels of creatinine or cystatin C by applying the Chronic Kidney Disease Genetics (CKDGen) Meta-analysis Dataset combined with the UK Biobank (N = 1,004,040) and on COVID-19 phenotypes (122,616 COVID-19 cases and 2,475,240 controls) from COVID19-hg GWAS meta-analyses round 7. The inverse-variance weighted method was used as the main method for estimation.ResultsAnalyses showed that the genetically instrumented reduced log-eGFR, as calculated from the serum levels of creatinine, was associated with a significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–5.41, P < 0.05) and significantly related to COVID-19 hospitalization (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.39–4.00, P < 0.05) or infection (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53, P < 0.05). The significance of these associations remained when using log-eGFR based on the serum levels of cystatin C as genetically instrumented. However, genetically instrumented COVID-19, regardless of phenotype, was not related to log-eGFR, as calculated by either the serum levels of creatinine or cystatin C.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that genetical predisposition to reduced kidney function may represent a risk factor for COVID-19. However, a consistent and significant effect of COVID-19 on kidney function was not identified in this study.

Development and validation of a diagnostic nomogram to evaluate tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis of IgA nephropathy.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis is associated with IgAN prognosis. However, simple tools for predicting pathological lesions of IgAN remain limited. Our objective was to develop a tool for evaluating tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis in patients with IgAN. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 410 biopsy-verified IgAN patients were included. The factors associated with the incident interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy in IgAN were confirmed by using logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was developed using logistic regression coefficients to evaluate tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and calibration curves were used to determine the discriminative ability and predictive accuracy of the nomogram. Results: In this study, the IgAN patients with tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis were older and had a higher percentage of males, hypertension and urinary protein excretion (UPE), with high levels of serum cystatin C, serum creatinine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and serum C4. The eGFRcr-cys equation calculated using serum creatinine, cystatin C and UPE were considered independent influencing factors of tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis in patients with IgAN. Furthermore, the nomogram demonstrated good discrimination (AUC: 0.87, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.93) and calibration in the validation cohort. Conclusion: The eGFRcr-cys and UPE are associated with tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis in patients with IgAN. Diagnostic nomogram can predict tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis in IgAN.

Acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base for post-stroke mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base in treating post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (PSMCI), and preliminary explore its action mechanism. A total of 76 PSMCI patients were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (38 cases, 3 cases dropped off, 1 case was removed). In the observation group, acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base (bilateral Fengchi [GB 20], Wangu [GB 12], Tianzhu [BL 10] and Yamen [GV 15], Baihui [GV 20]) was used for treatment. In the control group, 8 non-meridian and non-acupoint points at the distal end were selected for shallow puncture treatment. Retaining the needles of 30 min, once every other day,3 times a week for 4 weeks in both groups. The scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Barthel index (BI) and serum levels of cystatin C (Cys-C) and homocysteine (Hcy) were compared in the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. After treatment, the scores of MoCA were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The scores of MMSE and BI were increased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and the score of MMSE in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of Cys-C and Hcy were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05), and lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum level of Cys-C was increased compared with that before treatment in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 88.2% (30/34), which was higher than 32.4% (11/34) of the control group (P<0.05). Acupuncture of revised acupoint combination around the skull base can improve cognitive function and daily living ability of PSMCI patients, which may be related to the down regulation of serum levels of Cys-C and Hcy.

Association of serum cystatin C level with coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden: a comprehensive analysis of observational studies and genetic study

Background and AimsEpidemiological studies show that high circulating cystatin C is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of creatinine-based renal function measurements. However, the relationship between serum cystatin C level and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden is limited. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating cystatin C and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study based on China community population. Measurements of plaque burden were based on the segment-involvement score (SIS) and segment stenosis score (SSS), which derived from the Coronary Artery Tree Model Depicting Coronary Artery Plaque Scores. Logistic regression model was used to demonstrate the association between cystatin C level and coronary artery plaque burden. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to assess the causal effect of cystatin C level on coronary atherosclerosis risk.ResultsA total of 3,043 objects were included in the present study. The odds risks (OR) of severe plaque burden in the highest serum cystatin C levels (OR: 2.50; Cl:1.59–3.91; P < 0.001) and medium-level cystatin C levels (OR: 1.86; 95% Cl: 1.21–2.88; P = 0.005) were significantly higher after fulled adjusted confounders compared with the lowest levels of serum cystatin C by SSS. The MR analysis showed that genetic predicted cystatin C levels was associated with an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis (OR, 1.004; 95% CI, 1.002–1.006, P < 0.001) .ConclusionElevated serum cystatin C levels were associated with coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden. Cystatin C levels had a causal effect on an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis at the genetic level.What is already known on this topic?Coronary artery disease is currently the most common cardiovascular disease and the leading global cause of mortality. Previous studies reported that higher serum cystatin C levels were associated with an increased risk for future cardiovascular events, independent of the normal creatinine levels or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values. The presence of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, the association between serum cystatin C and coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden is not very clear.What this study adds?Our study demonstrated that the elevated serum cystatin C levels were associated with coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden. In addition, we found that serum cystatin C levels had a causal effect on an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis at the genetic level.How this study might affect research, practice or policy?Current research finds that serum cystatin C levels were associated with coronary atherosclerosis. The metabolic pathway of cystatin C could be a target for new therapies against CAD.

Effect of trimetazidine on ventricular remodeling, serum Cys C and ET-1 levels in patients with chronic heart failure

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of trimetazidine on ventricular remodeling and serum levels of cystatin C and endothelin-1 in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods: A total of 96 patients with CHF were randomly divided into two groups, given either conventional treatment (control group) or conventional treatment plus trimetazidine (study group) for 6 months. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were measured using cardiac echocardiography before and after treatment. Patients wererecorded at 6 MVT before and after treatment. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to assay serum Cys C levels before and after treatment. Serum levels of ET-1, galactose agglutinin-3 (GAL-3), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and heart natriuretic peptide (ANP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatment. Incidence of adverse events in CHF patients was compared between groups.Results: Study group had a significantly higher level of treatment effectiveness (91.67 %) and better improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter than control group (p &lt; 0.05). Serum levels of serum cystatin C, endothelin-1 and other biomarkers were also significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) in study group. Re-hospitalization rate was also lower in study group.Conclusion: Trimetazidine exerts a therapeutic effect on CHF patients, effectively improves cardiac function and reduces the rate of re-hospitalization.

Serum Cystatin C is a potential biomarker for predicting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis survival.

Currently, it is unclear whether serum Cystatin C can be used to evaluate the prognosis of ALS. We aim to study the relationship between serum Cystatin C and survival in ALS. Sporadic ALS patients diagnosed at the Department of Neurology, the First Medical Center, and the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Experienced neurologists followed up the participants regularly every 6months until January 2022. According to the levels of serum Cystatin C, the participants were divided into high and low Cystatin C levels groups. The comparison between groups was performed with parametric or non-parametric test. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to calculate survival analysis. Three hundred fifty-six sporadic ALS patients were enrolled in this study, including 203 males and 153 females. Among all ALS patients, 26 cases (7.3%) were lost to follow-up, 226 cases (63.5%) died, and 104 cases (29.2%) were still alive at the last follow-up. The median survival time of all ALS patients was 42.0months. Patients with high Cystatin C levels had shorter median survival than those with lower Cystatin C levels (38.0months vs. 48.0months, P = 2.58 × 10-4). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, onset form, age of onset, diagnostic delay, disease progression rate, creatinine, and serum Cystatin C levels were associated with ALS survival. Our study found that serum Cystatin C was associated with ALS survival, and serum Cystatin C level might be an independent predictor of ALS survival.

The Relationship between the Levels of Serum Cystatin C and the Occurrence of the No-Reflow Phenomenon during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

The Relationship between the Levels of Serum Cystatin C and the Occurrence of the No-Reflow Phenomenon during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Analysis of Serum Cys-C, TBA, and Routine Blood Parameters of Patients with Hepatitis B-Related Decompensated Cirrhosis

Objective: To study the levels of serum cystatin C (Cys-C), total bile acid (TBA), and other routine blood parameters on patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Methods: Study group 1 consisted of 30 patients with hepatitis B-related decompensated cirrhosis, and study group 2 consisted of 30 patients with hepatitis B; while the control group consisted of 30 healthy people who underwent physical examination. The blood parameters were used to evaluate the clinical treatment effect of patients. Results: The TBA, Cys-C, alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and international normalized ratio (INR) in study group 1 were significantly higher than those of study group 2 and the control group; while the platelet count (PLT), hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significantly lower in the study group 1 compared to the control group and study group 2 (P &lt; 0.05). The Cys-C, PLT, TBA, AST, TBIL, and INR of patients in study group 1 who were successfully treated were significantly lower than the patients who were not successfully treated (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Serum Cys-C, TBA, and routine blood parameters are useful in predicting the condition and the prognosis of patients of hepatitis B-related decompensated cirrhosis.

Association of cystatin C with changes of left ventricular structure and function in individuals with different cardiovascular risk

Aim. This study aims to investigate the association of cystatin C with changes of left ventricular structure and function in individuals with different cardiovascular risk (CVR).Material and methods. 267 patients with low-moderate (group I, n=58), high (group II, n=80) and extremely high (group III, n=129) CVR were examined. The level of serum cystatin C, creatinine and blood lipid spectrum, filtration rate of the kidneys and echocardiography indicators were estimated.Results. Among all the study participants (n=267), 194 patients (72,6% of cases) had the increased level of serum cystatin C; 165 patients (61,7% of cases) showed the signs of the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The increased level of serum cystatin C was observed in 51,7% of cases in group I; 75,0% — in group II and 80,6% — in group III. The values of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated using the CKD-EPI and F. Hoek formula were the following: 100,2±17,0 ml/min/1,73 m2 and 84,8±15,5 ml/min/1,73 m2, p&lt;0,05 in group I; 81,2±21,6 ml/min/1,73 m2 and 63,1±18,3 ml/min/1,73 m2, p&lt;0,05 in group II; 63,0 (32,0;93,0) ml/min/1,73 m2 and 55,1 (22,1;70,7) ml/min/1,73 m2 — in group III. The LVH detection increased with the increase of the CVR degree (43,1% — in group I; 66,2% — in group II and 67,4% in group III). Relative wall thickness (RWT, units) increased significantly from the patients of group I (0,34±0,04 units) to the patients of group II (0,37±0,08 units) and III (0,38±0,06 units). Eccentric variant of LVH significantly prevailed in all the groups. On one side, it was found that the level of serum cystatin C was in direct correlation with left ventricular mass index (LVMI, r=0,268, p&lt;0,05) and left ventricular RWT (r=0,190, p&lt;0,05), and on the other side, the inverse relationship between LVMI and GFR for cystostatin C was observed (r=-0,324, p&lt;0,05).Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the level of serum cystatin C and LVMI value significantly increase with the increase of the CVR degree. The high levels of serum cystatin C are closely associated with the increase of LVMI and the changes in the RWT value. In turn, the increase of LVMI negatively correlated with filtration rate of the kidneys in patients with different CVR. Concerning the structural changes in the left ventricle, eccentric HLV prevailed in all the three groups.

C-reactive Protein, Glomerular Filtration Rate, and Echocardiographic Parameters in Individuals With Different Cardiovascular Risk Categories

Despite the emergence of modern biomarkers, innovative methods of examination and treatment, the problems of cardiovascular risk in clinical medicine are still quite relevant. Widespread cardiovascular risk factors and high mortality from diseases of the circulatory system are observed in all countries of the world, including the Kyrgyz Republic thicknesses, relative LV wall thickness, LV myocardial mass, LV myocardial mass index, r. Aim of the study. To study the clinical and functional values of CRP and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. Material and methods. The single-center open study included 290 people with different categories of cardiovascular risk, of which 150 men (51.7%), women - 140 (48.3%). All participants were analyzed hemodynamic parameters, indicators of clinical and biochemical parameters. The excretory function of the kidneys was assessed by the level of serum cystatin C. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated according to the method of F. Hoek. The size of the left atrium (LA), the linear dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) were taken into account with an assessment of the structural modification of the myocardium. Depending on the concentration of CRP, two groups were formed: 1A and 1B. Results. In patients with high CRP levels, mean age, body mass index, heart rate, platelet, leukocyte, glucose, and cystatin C blood levels were significantly higher, and mean HDL cholesterol and GFR were significantly lower. Left atrial size, LV end-diastolic size, ventricular septal and posterior wall right ventricular E/A ratio, DT (deceleration time) LV, DT (deceleration time) of the right ventricle were significantly higher in the group of individuals with high levels of blood CRP. In patients with normal (1A) and elevated (1B) levels of CRP in the structure of changes in LV geometry, an eccentric variant of LV hypertrophy was significantly more often detected (74.9% and 66.0%, respectively). The blood CRP concentration was positively associated with the size of the left atrium and LV wall thickness, and negatively with the rate of GFR. Conclusion. In individuals with high and very high cardiovascular risk, elevated CRP levels are associated with more pronounced cardiovascular risk factors. In the group of patients with a high level of CRP, structural modification of the myocardium is represented significantly more often by an eccentric variant of LV hypertrophy.

Prognostic value of serum cystatin C in patients with sepsis.

Early identification and diagnosis of sepsis are very important because timely and appropriate treatment can improve the survival outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical significance of serum cystatin C level in sepsis. The levels of serum cystatin C, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients with sepsis were followed up for 30 days to record their survival conditions. The expression level of cystatin C was remarkably elevated in patients with sepsis compared with that in healthy controls. The serum cystatin C level was significantly correlated with the SOFA score and CRP, PCT, and creatinine levels in patients with sepsis. The patients in death group had a markedly higher level of serum cystatin C than those in survival group. The area under curve (AUC) of cystatin C for assessing the 30-day mortality rate of sepsis patients was 0.765. The serum cystatin C level is elevated in patients with sepsis and it may serve as a biomarker for early diagnosis of sepsis and possess promising effects in assessing the severity of sepsis and the prognosis of patients.

Lower serum cystatin C level predicts poor functional outcome in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage independent of renal function

We explored the association between the serum level of cystatin C (CysC) at admission and short-term functional outcome in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) without chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 555 patients with HICH were consecutively recruited after admission and were followed-up for 3 months after admission. The primary outcome was poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≥ 3). The median serum CysC level in our cohort was 1.03 mg/L (interquartile range, .89-1.20). Patients were categorized into four groups according to the serum CysC quartiles. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a negative association between serum CysC and poor functional outcome at 3-month follow-up (quartile [Q]1 vs. Q4: adjusted odds ratio [OR] = .260, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .098, .691, p < .001). The negative association between serum CysC and poor functional outcome at 3 months was more pronounced in subgroups with smaller hematoma volume (≤ 30 mL), and absence of secondary intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Addition of serum CysC to a model containing conventional risk factors improved the model performance with net reclassification index (NRI) of .426% (p < .001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) of .043% (p < .001) for poor functional outcome. Serum CysC was found to be a negative predictor of poor short-term functional outcome in HICH patients independent of renal function.

Calcium dobesilate efficiency in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease through suppressing MAPK and chemokine signaling pathways based on clinical evaluation and network pharmacology.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness and potential mechanism of calcium dobesilate (CaD) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients. Methods: We searched for available randomized controlled studies on DKD patients’ treatment with CaD through open databases. Continuous variables were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The putative targets and possible pathways of CaD on DKD were analyzed by network pharmacology. Molecular docking was employed to verify the match between CaD and the target genes. Results: In the meta-analysis, 42 trials were included, involving 3,671 DKD patients, of which 1,839 received CaD treatment in addition to conventional treatment, while 1,832 received conventional treatment. Compared with routine therapy, the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) significantly decreased in the CaD treatment (early stage of DKD, Scr: p < 0.00001; BUN: p < 0.0001; clinical stage of DKD, Scr: p < 0.00001; BUN: p < 0.00001; kidney failure stage, Scr: p = 0.001; BUN: p = 0.004). The levels of serum cystatin C (Cys-C), urine levels of molecules reflecting kidney function (urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) and micro glycoprotein), and inflammatory factors [hypersensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were reduced compared with control groups, while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was increased in patients treated with CaD for 12 weeks. CaD also showed a better effect on improving endothelial function. Network pharmacology results showed that the interaction pathway between CaD and DKD was mainly enriched in MAPK and chemokine signaling pathways. AKT1, CASP3, IGF1, MAPK8, and CCL5 might be the key targets for CaD in treating DKD. Conclusion: Combination with CaD is effective and safe in patients with DKD. Inhibition of MAPK and chemokine signaling pathways might be vital in treating CaD in DKD patients.

Assessment of Fasudil on Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Using Multiparametric Renal MRI.

Aims: To evaluate the utility of fasudil in a rat model of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) and explore its underlying mechanism through multiparametric renal magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Methods: Experimental rats (n = 72) were grouped as follows: controls (n = 24), CA-AKI (n = 24), or CA-AKI + Fasudil (n = 24). All animals underwent two mpMRI studies (arterial spin labeling, T1 and T2 mapping) at baseline and post iopromide/fasudil injection (Days 1, 3, 7, and 13 respectively). Relative change in renal blood flow (ΔRBF), T1 (ΔT1) and T2 (ΔT2) values were assessed at specified time points. Serum levels of cystatin C (CysC) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations were tested as laboratory biomarkers, in addition to examining renal histology and expression levels of various proteins (Rho-kinase [ROCK], α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) that regulate renal fibrosis and hypoxia. Results: Compared with the control group, serum levels of CysC and IL-1β, and urinary NGAL concentrations were clearly increased from Day 1 to Day 13 in the CA-AKI group (all p < 0.05). There were significant reductions in ΔT2 values on Days 1 and 3, and ΔT1 reductions were significantly more pronounced at all time points (Days 1–13) in the CA-AKI + Fasudil group (vs. CA-AKI) (all p < 0.05). Fasudil treatment lowered expression levels of ROCK-1, and p-MYPT1/MYPT1 proteins induced by iopromide, decreasing TGF-β1 expression and suppressing both extracellular matrix accumulation and α-SMA expression relative to untreated status (all p < 0.05). Fasudil also enhanced PHD2 transcription and inhibition of HIF-1α expression after CA-AKI. Conclusions: In the context of CA-AKI, fasudil appears to reduce renal hypoxia, fibrosis, and dysfunction by activating (Rho/ROCK) or inhibiting (TGF-β1, HIF-1α) certain signaling pathways and reducing α-SMA expression. Multiparametric MRI may be a viable noninvasive tool for monitoring CA-AKI pathophysiology during fasudil therapy.

Persistent Depressive Symptoms and the Changes in Serum Cystatin C Levels in the Elderly: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BackgroundThe burden of depression in the elderly is increasing worldwide with global aging. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between depressive symptoms and the progression of renal function. Our aim is to evaluate the longitudinal association between baseline depressive symptoms and the changes in serum cystatin C levels over 10 years' follow-up period.MethodsWe used longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an existing community based nationally representative aging cohort study which enrolled individuals over age 50 in the USA. Depressive symptoms were determined using an eight-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) at wave 7 (2004) and wave 8 (2006). Persistent depressive symptoms were defined as both CESD scores measured at waves 7 and 8 were ≥3; episodic depressive symptoms were defined as CESD scores ≥3 at wave 7 or wave 8. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate the correlation between baseline depressive symptoms and future changes in cystatin C levels.ResultsThe mean age of the 7,642 participants was 63.8 ± 10.8 years, and 60.9% were women. Among the participants, 1,240 (16.2%) had episodic depressive symptoms and 778 (10.2%) had persistent depressive symptoms. Compared with participants with no depressive symptoms at both waves, a significant increase in serum cystatin C levels was found among those with persistent depressive symptoms.ConclusionsOur results showed that baseline persistent depressive symptoms were significantly associated with an increased rate of serum cystatin C levels. The level of serum cystatin C should be monitored in the elderly with persistent depressive symptoms.

Cystatin C as an indicator of the functional state of the kidneys in young children

Introduction. Currently widely adopted benchmarks of normal levels of cystatin in blood and of GFR based on those levels in young children are non-existent. Objective: to determine the content of cystatin C in the blood and the glomerular filtration rate based on it in young children. Materials and methods. Two hundred thirty seven infants aged up 3 years without kidney diseases were examined and divided into subgroups by age, degree of maturity and birth weight. The serum cystatin C was studied by enzyme-immunoassay, GFR was calculated according to Larsson’s formula. Results. Normal levels of serum cystatin C and GFR levels were determined in young children with Larsson’s formula. The dependency of the serum level of cystatin C and GFR calculated on the basis of the age of the infant was proved. The serum cystatin C level depends on the degree of prematurity and body weight at birth. The level of GFR was not influenced by the degree of prematurity, however, infants born with extremely low body weight exhibited lower GFR levels in comparison to those born with normal body weight. Conclusion. The obtained serum cystatin C levels are deemed as normal for young children - full-term infants and those with varying degrees of prematurity.

Cystatin C is a marker for acute kidney injury, but not for mortality among COVID-19 patients in Mexico

BackgroundPatients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop acute kidney injury (AKI), associated with adverse clinical outcomes. In Mexico, an AKI incidence of 60.7% was reported in patients with COVID-19. Serum cystatin C is a well-known marker for AKI. It has been postulated as a marker for mortality in Chinese patients with COVID-19. Information regarding levels of cystatin C in COVID-19-infected patients is nonexistent among Mexican or Latin American populations. AimThis work aimed to assess the level of cystatin C as an indicator of AKI and mortality among COVID-19 patients from Mexico. MethodsA cross-sectional study among 38 adults was performed in the Regional High Specialty Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Baseline characteristics and clinical and biomechanical parameters were collected, and serum levels of cystatin C were measured by ELISA. ResultsA total of 71% (27 patients) with COVID-19 developed AKI; 78% were men, and 22% were women. In addition, 60% of individuals (16 men; 7 women) died due to COVID-19 complications. Serum levels of cystatin C were higher in those individuals who developed AKI (p = 0.001). A logistic regression model indicated that individuals with serum levels of cystatin C above 0.84 ng/mL had a 23-fold increased risk of developing AKI (OR, 23.7, 95% CI, 2.59-217.00, p = 0.005). However, increased cystatin C was not independently associated with mortality in the Mexican population (HR, 1.01, 95% CI, 0.66-1.56, p = 0.959). ConclusionThe results suggest that serum levels of cystatin C indicate AKI in COVID-19 patients. Although we recommend caution when using serum cystatin C levels as an indicator of mortality among the Mexican population, it is essential to note that cystatin C elevates earlier than creatinine, which is an advantage for timely clinical interventions.

Сироватковий цистатин С як маркер ниркової дисфункції в дітей з ювенільним ідіопатичним артритом

An accurate assessment of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is important for early detection of chronic kidney disease, control of nephrotoxicity, and dose adjustment of drugs. To date, there has been only one cohort retrospective study of the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Purpose - to determine the level of serum cystatin C and, on its basis, the state of eGFR depending on the form of the clinical course, degree of activity, methods of treatment of JIA in children. Materials and methods. 80 children with JIA were examined. The content of serum cystatin C was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Hoek formula was used to calculate eGFR based on the level of cystatin C in blood serum. Results. A decrease in eGFR below 90 ml/min/1.73m2 to 63.08 ml/min/1.73m2 based on serum cystatin C was found in 41.3% of children with JIA. The variant of the clinical course of JIA does not affect the concentration of serum cystatin С and the level of eGFR. Meanwhile, a high degree of risk of developing a decrease in eGFR in children with polyarthritis was established - 72.7% versus 48.9% (OR=2.78; CI: 1.07-7.24; p&lt;0.04). Elevated serum cystatin С levels and decreased eGFR are associated with the degree of JIA activity and its duration. A decrease in eGFR is observed in all children with high activity of JIA, 71.4% - with low activity, 28.3% - in remission. A low risk of developing a decrease in eGFR in children in remission of JIA was established - 51.5% versus 91.5% (OR=0.10; CI: 0.03-0.34; p&lt;0.001). The duration of the active stage of JIA ≥4 years negatively affects the level of eGFR, which leads to a high risk of developing a decrease in eGFR - 39.4% versus 17% (OR=3.17; CI: 1.13-8.9; p&lt;0.04). A high risk of developing a decrease in eGFR was established in children with JIA who received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the time of the examination - 54.5% versus 8.5% (OR=12.9; CI: 3.76-44.25; p&lt;0.001). The use of immunobiological therapy is associated with a low risk of developing a decrease in eGFR - 9.1% versus 46.8% (OR=0.11; CI: 0.03-0.42; p&lt;0.001). Conclusions. Renal dysfunction was found in 41.3% of children with JIA. Its development is affected by high activity of JIA, duration of the active stage of JIA ≥4 years, and treatment with NSAIDs. The study was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution specified in the work. Informed consent was obtained from the parents of the children for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors. Key words: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, renal dysfunction.

Changes in Serum Cystatin C Levels and the Associations With Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Background and ObjectiveCystatin C is indicated to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment. Our objective is to examine the serum Cystatin C levels, and to clarify the correlations between serum Cystatin C and cognitive performance in Chinese AD patients.MethodsThe serum Cystatin C concentrations in AD patients and age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) matched-healthy controls were measured. The cognitive functions of the AD patients were evaluated by using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The severity of dementia was determined with clinical dementia rating (CDR).ResultsA total of 463 AD patients and 1,389 matched healthy subjects were included. AD patients had higher serum Cystatin C than healthy controls. Serum cystatin C levels were correlated with MoCA scores in AD patients. In an ordinal logistic regression model, AD patients with higher serum cystatin C levels had increased odds of severe cognitive dysfunction.ConclusionOur study suggested that AD patients had higher levels of serum cystatin C than age/sex/BMI-matched normal control subjects. Higher serum cystatin C may be associated with worse cognitive performance, but more studies are required to verify such association.