Reabsorption Research Articles

#4391 SALT SENSITIVITY AND HYPERTENSIVE NEPHROPATHY: A LINK TO BE DISCOVERED

Abstract Background and Aims Sodium sensitivity is defined as a change in blood pressure depending on sodium intake, which is present in about 30% of the adult population. According to blood pressure variation in salt load test we can classify the population in 3 categories: sodium sensitive (SS), sodium resistant (SR), inverse sodium sensitivity (ISS), based on, respectively, an increase, a non-significant variation or a decrease in the blood pressure values following the administration of sodium. It is reported that SS subjects have, independently from other risk factors, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, SNPs located in genes related with Na+ metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and tubular sodium reabsorption in the kidney are related to salt sensitivity phenotype. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between sodium sensitivity and the development of hypertensive kidney damage in patients with primary hypertension. Method A cohort of 712 naïve hypertensive patients were classified for salt-sensitivity using acute saline test (NaCl 308 mEq / 2h / iv).127 patients (follow-up > 5 years- median 11) were selected for the present analysis (SS, n = 40; 0 SR, n = 46; RSS, n = 41). We analyzed annual decline of the eGFR (CDK-EPI) (Delta-eGFR) and development of microalbuminuria (MicrAlb) as renal outcome. Moreover, genetic polymorphism involved in salt sensitive hypertension has been investigated. Results No differences in Delta-eGFR was observed among the groups. However, SR subjects develop earlier microalbuminuria (P = .002) even with an adequate pressure control. Genotypes analysis revealed: polymorphism in CYP11B2 and NEDD4L to be protective against decline in eGFR. For microalbuminuria HSD3B1 and ADD3 seem to be a risk factors, whereas KL, PKD and TRPC6 polymorphism result protective factors. Conclusion Unexpectedly these finding suggests that SR patients are more at risk of developing hypertensive nephropathy than other groups of patients. Moreover genotypes associated with salt sensitivity play different and complex role in kidney damage in hypertension. Improvement in salt sensitivity testing and standardization will be needed to allow all this pathophysiological knowledge to be translated in a clinical setting.

#4488 OLD BIOPSY IS ALWAYS GOLD, REVISING MEMBRANOPROLIFERATIVE GN DIAGNOSIS IN A RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENT

Abstract Background and Aims MPGN resulting from hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection typically shows granular deposition of immunoglobulin M (IgM), C3, and both kappa and lambda light chains. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) may or may not be present, and C1q is typically negative, the same pathology can be found in other viral infections. The recurrence rate post-transplantation is high, with 33% of immune-complex MPGN. Graft loss is even higher 65%, especially among patients with idiopathic MPGN. Treatment of a patient with significant proteinuria can be tricky, as no proven treatment is described yet, but plasmapheresis and induction with cyclophosphamide were described for heavy proteinuria >3.5 g/day. Method 79 year old female patient, known case of live unrelated renal transplantation in December 2013, primary renal disease is unknown. She had a history of equivocal hepatitis C virus antibodies, but Hepatitis C virus RNA was not detected. She is also known to have Type II Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension. The patient had baseline creatinine of 100-120 micromol/L. 24 hr urine protein was 0.8 g/Day but started rising quickly to reach a peak of 9.2 g/g seven months post-transplantation to nephrotic range proteinuria but her serum albumin level was always above 35 g/L. Serum protein electrophoresis showed no M band, a kappa/ Lambda ratio 1.21 within a normal range (0.260-1.65). Anti- nuclear antibody (ANA), P-ANCA, C-ANCA, and Double-stranded DNA all were negative. Complements were within normal range C3 1.39 g/L (0.79 -1.52), C4 0.44 g/L(0.17-0.57)m rheumatoid factor and Anti- citrullinated peptide antibodies were negative. Hepatitis b Virus surface antigen and core antibodies were not reactive, HIV screening was negative. Urine analysis showed RBCs but no RBC casts. Renal biopsy showed mild mesangial expansion and mild l increase in mesangial cells and matrix. Some glomeruli show increased lobulation with increase in mesangial cells and matrix with segmental endocapillary proliferation There is double contour of the glomerular basement membrane with scattered spikes and holes within the basement membrane seen best with silver stain. There is mild increase in the thickness of glomerular basement membrane. There is focal mild lymphocytic infiltration. Tubulitis is not seen in the examined material. One Focal area of mild interstitial fibrosis. Sampled blood vessels are unremarkable. The stain for C4d is negative. Immunofluorescence showed granular capillary wall immunoreactivity to IgM (+2), C4 (+1), C1q (+1), and Lambda light chain (+2). The glomeruli show no immunoreactivity to IgG, IgA, C3, Kappa and fibrin. The glomeruli show (+) staining for albumin. Tubular protein reabsorption droplets showed immunoreactivity for albumin, IgG, IgM, C3, kappa and lambda light chains. Electron microscopy showed many subendothelial, and mesangial electron-dense deposits. The patient was on maintenance immunosuppression medications inform of mycophenolic acid 720 mg, cyclosporine; 250mg BID, and Prednisolone 5 mg daily.Revisiting the new classification of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is challenging in this patient, since there is the dominance of IgM deposition by immunofluorescence and C4 but not C3 makes it challenging, the negative monoclonal band in serum electrophoresis and negative autoimmune workup excludes immune complex mediate MPGN, leave idiopathic MPGN a possibility, keeping in mind that hepatitis C virus infection was never confirmed. On the other hand, IF showed IgM with C4 subendothelial and mesangial dense deposits that excludes away the C4 glomerulopathy. Results Whether this is a recurrence of glomerular disease early on post-transplantation or denovo membranoproliferative disease, she responded well to the addition of losartan 100 mg daily, with a reduction of her urinary protein to less than 1 g/g. the patient never received treatment for the hepatitis C virus. Conclusion In our patient, it is difficult to conclude if the cause of MPGN is recurrence or denovo GN, especially with severe proteinuria that responded well to ACEi treatment. The pathological findings can be tricky.

#4394TACROLIMUS BUT NOT VOCLOSPORIN INHIBITS KIDNEY TUBULAR CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM REABSORPTION IN RATS AT CLINICALLY THERAPEUTIC DOSES

Abstract Background and Aims Clinically, the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus frequently causes hypercalciuria and hypomagnesemia by inhibiting kidney tubular calcium and magnesium reabsorption. Voclosporin, a novel calcineurin inhibitor approved in the USA and Europe for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis, has fewer side-effects including less hypomagnesemia. However, the differences between the kidney tubular effects of tacrolimus and voclosporin are unknown. To address this, we compared the effects of tacrolimus, voclosporin, and vehicle in rats. Method Tacrolimus (0.5 mg/kg) and voclosporin (0.5 mg/kg) were administrated by daily intraperitoneal injections in male Wistar rats and were compared against vehicle (Cremophor EL: 95% ethanol:saline (5:5:90, v:v:v)) for 28 days (n = 8–9/group). Dosages were determined based on pharmacokinetic studies in rats and aimed to achieve the area under the concentration-time curve observed in clinical studies. At day 18, blood and 24 h urine were collected to measure trough levels of the drugs and to analyze the fractional excretions of calcium and magnesium. At sacrifice, kidneys were harvested for immunoblotting of tubular proteins. Results Both tacrolimus and voclosporin reached clinically therapeutic doses with trough levels of 2.4 μg/L ± 0.6 μg/L and 25.8 μg/L ± 9.6 μg/L, respectively. Compared to vehicle, tacrolimus caused significantly higher fractional excretions of calcium (+348% ± 127%, P < 0.001) and magnesium (+60% ± 38%, P < 0.01) and also caused hypomagnesemia (plasma magnesium 0.65 mmol/L ± 0.04 mmol/L vs. 0.81 mmol/L ± 0.02 mmol/L, P < 0.001). Compared to vehicle, voclosporin only caused a slight, but non-statistically significant, increase in fractional calcium excretion (+ 44% ± 38%, P = 0.08) and did not cause higher fractional magnesium excretion (+5% ± 30%, P = 0.96) or hypomagnesemia (plasma magnesium 0.8 mmol/L ± 0.04 mmol/L, P = 0.9). Compared to vehicle, tacrolimus caused an 11-fold decrease in the protein abundance of the cytosolic calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28K and a 2-fold decrease in the abundance of the sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC). In contrast, voclosporin did not decrease the protein abundances of calbindin-D28K and NCC. No differences were observed between vehicle, tacrolimus, and voclosporin in the calcium channel TRPV5 and magnesium channel TRPM6 (Figure 1). Conclusion In contrast to the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus, voclosporin does not inhibit the kidney tubular reabsorption of calcium and magnesium and therefore does not cause hypercalciuria or hypomagnesemia. A possible explanation for this difference is that tacrolimus but not voclosporin affects tubular transport in the distal convoluted tubule, which was further supported by the selective inhibition of calbindin-D28K and NCC by tacrolimus. Our data show that tubulotoxicity of tacrolimus is not apparent with voclosporin treatment, at clinically relevant doses.

#4051 FGF-23 IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: CORRELATION WITH BONE AND CARDIOVASCULAR PARAMETERS – A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims The FGF-23/Klotho ratio increases from early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in parallel with kidney function declined. In some cases, serum FGF-23 levels increase is unbalanced, causing organ damage and increasing cardiovascular risk. The aim of our study was to evaluate the intact FGF-23 (iFGF-23) levels in a cohort of CKD patients and to establish its correlation with cardiovascular and bone mineral metabolism parameters. Method A prospective observational study in 59 adult normophosphatemic patients with CKD stage 2-4, was performed. Clinical and analytical variables (serum calcium, phosporus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), iFGF-23, calcidiol and calcitriol) were evaluated. Basal transthoracic echocardiogram, bone densitometry (Lunar prodigy, GE iDXA), software trabecular bone score (TBS), iNsight clinical data analyzer and carotid Doppler ultrasound were performed. We excluded patients with background of primary hyperparathyroidism, hepatorenal polycystic disease, kidney transplant, tumoral nephrectomy, active neoplasm, tubulopathies or treatment with active vitamin D or calcimimetics. For statistical analysis, we use SPSS software (T Student, Xi2, Fisher test, ANOVA test, U-Mann Whitney test and correlations of Pearson and Spearman) Results Mean age was 62,7±10,5 years, 82,5% were men; 17,7% have CKD stage 2, 28,8% stage 3a, 42,3% stage 3b and 9,6% stage 4. The main CKD etiology was vascular (25%) and diabetes (22%). Previous cardiovascular disease was observed in 11% (ischemic heart disease 6,3%, cerebrovascular disease 3,2% and descompensated heart failure with hospitalization 1,6%). Mean iFGF-23 levels in CKD stage 2 were 80,4±38 ng/l (38-170, median 71 ng/l), in CKD stage 3a 95,5±39,7 ng/l (46-178,9 ng/l, median 85,5 ng/l), in CKD stage 3b 118,8±55,06 (35,5-285 ng/l, median 124,6 ng/l) and in stage 4 134,8±50,9 ng/l (65,25-216,5 ng/l, median 136,1 ng/l). We found correlation between iFGF-23 levels and glomerular filtration rate (Rho:-0,390, p: 0,003), as well as with CKD stages (ANOVA test, p: 0,057). We performed 48 carotid doppler ultrasound and observed mild carotid atheromatosis in 58,7%, mainly bilateral, and intima-media thickness >0,9 mm in 7,9%. In patients with atheromatosis, 38,9% showed iFGF-23 levels in second tertil and 36% in the third. We observed left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 46% of patients, mostly mild degree. In bone densitometry, we found mean femoral neck T-Score of -1±1,1 and lumbar spine T-Score of -0,07±1,5, mean mineral bone density (DMO) in femoral neck of 0,89±0,25 g/cm2 and 1,17±0,20 g/cm2 in lumbar spine. Only 40% of patients had normal TBS score. We found correlation between serum iFGF-23 levels and phosphorus tubular reabsorption (r:-0,396, p: 0,002), calcidiol (Rho: 0,264, p:0,047), calcitriol (r: -0,412, p:0,002), iPTH (Rho: 0,296, p:0,025), lumbar T-Score (r: -0,320 p:0,022), lumbar DMO (r:-0,267, p:0,049) and TBS (r: -0,396, p:0,005). Conclusion We confirm an association between a glomerular filtration rate decline and an increase in serum iFGF-23 levels. The inverse correlation observed between iFGF-23 serum levels and lumbar T-Score, lumbar DMO and trabecular microarchitecture suggests a negative effect of iFGF-23 in bone mineralization.

A Pacific Oyster-Derived Antioxidant, DHMBA, Protects Renal Tubular HK-2 Cells against Oxidative Stress via Reduction of Mitochondrial ROS Production and Fragmentation.

The kidney contains numerous mitochondria in proximal tubular cells that provide energy for tubular secretion and reabsorption. Mitochondrial injury and consequent excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production can cause tubular damage and play a major role in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. Accordingly, bioactive compounds that protect the renal tubular mitochondria from ROS are desirable. Here, we aimed to report 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (DHMBA), isolated from the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) as a potentially useful compound. In human renal tubular HK-2 cells, DHMBA significantly mitigated the cytotoxicity induced by the ROS inducer L-buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine (BSO). DHMBA reduced the mitochondrial ROS production and subsequently regulated mitochondrial homeostasis, including mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion/fission balance, and mitophagy; DHMBA also enhanced mitochondrial respiration in BSO-treated cells. These findings highlight the potential of DHMBA to protect renal tubular mitochondrial function against oxidative stress.

Calcification Propensity (T50) Predicts a Rapid Decline of Renal Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Serum creatinine level, proteinuria, and interstitial fibrosis are predictive of renal prognosis. Fractional excretion of phosphate (FEP)/FGF23 ratio, tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP), serum calcification propensity (T50), and Klotho's serum level are emerging as determinants of poor kidney outcomes in CKD patients. We aimed at analysing the use of FGF23, FEP/FGF23, TRP, T50, and Klotho in predicting the rapid decline of renal function in kidney allograft recipients. We included 103 kidney allograft recipients in a retrospective study with a prospective follow-up of 4 years. We analysed the predictive values of FGF23, FEP/FGF23, TRP, T50, and Klotho for a rapid decline of renal function defined as a drop of eGFR > 30%. During a follow-up of 4 years, 23 patients displayed a rapid decline of renal function. Tertile of FGF23 (p value = 0.17), FEP/FGF23 (p value = 0.78), TRP (p value = 0.62) and Klotho (p value = 0.31) were not associated with an increased risk of rapid decline of renal function in kidney transplant recipients. The lower tertile of T50 was significantly associated with eGFR decline >30% with a hazard ratio of 3.86 (p = 0.048) and remained significant in multivariable analysis. T50 showed a strong association with a rapid decline of renal function in kidney allograft patients. This study underlines its role as an independent biomarker of loss of kidney function. We found no association between other phosphocalcic markers, such as FGF23, FEP/FGF23, TRP and Klotho, with a rapid decline of renal function in kidney allograft recipients.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress in diabetic kidney disease: adaptation and apoptosis after three UPR pathways.

Diabetes kidney disease (DKD) is one of the common chronic microvascular complications of diabetes, which has become the most important cause of modern chronic kidney disease beyond chronic glomerulonephritis. The endoplasmic reticulum is one of the largest organelles, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is the basic mechanism of metabolic disorder in all organs and tissues. Under the stimulation of stress-induced factors, the endoplasmic reticulum, as a trophic receptor, regulates adaptive and apoptotic ERS through molecular chaperones and three unfolded protein reaction (UPR) pathways, thereby regulating diabetic renal damage. Therefore, three pathway factors have different expressions in different sections of renal tissues. This study deeply discussed the specific reagents, animals, cells, and clinical models related to ERS in DKD, and reviewed ERS-related three pathways on DKD with glomerular filtration membrane, renal tubular reabsorption, and other pathological lesions of different renal tissues, as well as the molecular biological mechanisms related to the balance of adaption and apoptosis by searching and sorting out MeSH subject words from PubMed database.

SALT SENSITIVITY AND HYPERTENSIVE NEPHROPATHY: A LINK TO BE DISCOVERED

Objective: Sodium sensitivity is defined as a change in blood pressure depending on sodium intake, which is present in about 30% of the adult population. According to blood pressure variation in salt load test we can classify the population in 3 categories: sodium sensitive (SS), sodium resistant (SR), inverse sodium sensitivity (ISS), based on, respectively, an increase, a non-significant variation or a decrease in the blood pressure values following the administration of sodium. It is reported that SS subjects have, independently from other risk factors, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, SNPs located in genes related with Na+ metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and tubular sodium reabsorption in the kidney are related to salt sensitivity phenotype. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between sodium sensitivity and the development of hypertensive kidney damage in patients with primary hypertension. Design and method: A cohort of 712 naïve hypertensive patients were classified for salt-sensitivity using acute saline test (NaCl 308 mEq / 2h / iv).127 patients (follow-up > 5 years- median 11) were selected for the present analysis (SS, n = 40; 0 SR, n = 46; RSS, n = 41). We analyzed annual decline of the eGFR (CDK-EPI) (Delta-eGFR) and development of microalbuminuria (MicrAlb) as renal outcome. Moreover, genetic polymorphism involved in salt sensitive hypertension has been investigated. Results: No differences in Delta-eGFR was observed among the groups. However, SR subjects develop earlier microalbuminuria (p = 0.002) even with an adequate pressure control. Genotypes analysis revealed: polymorphism in CYP11B2 and NEDD4L to be protective against decline in eGFR. For microalbuminuria HSD3B1 and ADD3 seem to be a risk factors, whereas KL, PKD and TRPC6 polymorphism result protective factors. Conclusions: Unexpectedly these finding suggests that SR patients are more at risk of developing hypertensive nephropathy than other groups of patients. Moreover genotypes associated with salt sensitivity play different and complex role in kidney damage in hypertension. Improvement in salt sensitivity testing and standardization will be needed to allow all this pathophysiological knowledge to be translated in a clinical setting

Hipertensión arterial y riñón

Hypertension (HT) is the main cause of death in the world. It is maintained thanks to the dysfunction of different organs and systems that normally take part in controlling blood pressure (BP) to ensure adequate perfusion of the tissues. The kidneys are the main regulators of BP over the long-term. A strict balance between the production and metabolism of vasoactive substance that regulate the excretion of water and sodium through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) modulates BP. Nevertheless, new mechanisms described in the last decade could also explain the variability of BP in patients. The overexpression of sodium cotransporters at renal level seems to escape from the regulatory effect of the RAAS. Moreover, the immune system and intestinal microbiota seem to play an important and newly discovered role. The production of certain inflammatory cytokines promotes the tubular reabsorption of sodium and the intrarenal over-activation of the RAAS. The proliferation of fermicutes, proteobacterias and Prevotella in subjects with salt-sensitive HT predisposes them to more difficult control of BP. Studying these new mechanisms may not only discover new treatment targets, as it may also explain why the improvement in BP control was not enough to reduce the comorbidities and cardiovascular risk associated with HT.

Potential favorable action of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on sudden cardiac death: a brief overview.

The primary pharmacological action of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is to inhibit the reabsorption of glucose and sodium ions from the proximal tubules of the kidney and to promote urinary glucose excretion. Notably, several clinical trials have recently demonstrated potent protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure (HF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes. However, the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on sudden cardiac death (SCD) or fatal ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), the pathophysiology of which is partly similar to that of HF and CKD, remains undetermined. The cardiorenal protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors have been reported to include hemodynamic improvement, reverse remodeling of the failing heart, amelioration of sympathetic hyperactivity, correction of anemia and impaired iron metabolism, antioxidative effects, correction of serum electrolyte abnormalities, and antifibrotic effects, which may lead to prevent SCD and/or VAs. Recently, as possible direct cardiac effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, not only inhibition of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) activity, but also suppression of late Na+ current have been focused on. In addition to the indirect cardioprotective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors, suppression of aberrantly increased late Na+ current may contribute to preventing SCD and/or VAs via restoration of the prolonged repolarization phase in the failing heart. This review summarizes the results of previous clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors for prevention of SCD, their impact on the indices of electrocardiogram, and the possible molecular mechanisms of their anti-arrhythmic effects.

Self-oriented ferritin nanocages mitigate iron overload-induced oxidative stress for acute kidney injury

Iron overload-induced oxidative injury of renal tubular epithelial cells plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of ischemia–reperfusion acute kidney injury (IR-AKI). Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that can effectively scavenge free radicals, but its poor water solubility and renal distribution restrict its application. Although nanotechnology helps to improve this situation by enabling solubility and renal accumulation, the headstream of oxidative injury, iron overload, has not been reverted. Ferritin (Fer) is a well-known iron storage protein with a favorable particle size for renal filtration that can potently transport excess iron into its core to prevent further oxidative damage. In this regard, ferritin nanocages loaded with curcumin (FNC/Cur) were prepared. It is worth noting that ferritin nanocage-based proteins showed a significant self-orientation capability into injured kidneys at 4 h. After kidney aggregation, glomerular filtration and renal tubular reabsorption, FNC/Cur finally internalized by the target cells (renal tubular epithelial cells) under the mediation of transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1). Once internalized, FNC/Cur released curcumin to reduce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the help of lysosomal acidic environment and protease-rich environment. At the same time, the dissembled FNC or their released heavy chain are able to bind lysosomal redox-active iron for a period of time, thereby temporarily protect against iron-mediated oxidation. As a result, FNC/Cur represents a potential kidney-targeted nanoplatform for synergistic treatment of IR-AKI.

Ischemic tubular injury: Oxygen-sensitive signals and metabolic reprogramming.

The kidneys are the most vulnerable organs to severe ischemic insult that results in cellular hypoxia under pathophysiological conditions. Large amounts of oxygen are consumed by the kidneys, mainly to produce energy for tubular reabsorption. Beyond high oxygen demand and the low oxygen supply, different other factors make kidneys vulnerable to ischemia which is deemed to be a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). On the other hand, kidneys are capable of sensing and responding to oxygen alternations to evade harms resulting from inadequate oxygen. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is the main conserved oxygen-sensing mechanism that maintains homeostasis under hypoxia through direct/indirect regulation of several genes that contribute to metabolic adaptation, angiogenesis, energy conservation, erythropoiesis, and so on. In response to oxygen availability, prolyl-hydroxylases (PHDs) control the HIF stability. This review focuses on the oxygen-sensing mechanisms in kidneys, particularly in proximal tubular cells (PTCs) and discusses the molecules involved in ischemic response and metabolic reprogramming. Moreover, the possible roles of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs) in the development of ischemic AKI are put forward.

Early Interleukin-6 Mediated Activation of SGK1 is Primarily via Variant 6

Hypertension is associated with inflammation, including elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. IL-6 is an inflammatory cytokine, which we have previously shown to activate the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the downstream sodium (Na) transporters- Na-chloride cotransporter (NCC) and the epithelial Na channel (ENaC). However, how IL-6 activates the MR is still unknown. IL-6 is also linked to Serum and Glucocorticoid-regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1), which is a downstream effector of the MR. SGK1 regulates both NCC and ENaC, increasing activity and tubular reabsorption of Na. This increased Na reabsorption favors water retention, thus increasing blood pressure. Previously, IL-6 has also been linked with SGK1 activation. We hypothesize that IL-6 increases SGK1 mRNA and protein expression in renal epithelial cells. To test this, we used in vitro renal epithelial cell models of both the late distal convoluted tubule (DCT2) and inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), mDCT15 and IMCD3, respectively. Cells were treated with an IL-6 time-course (100ng/ml for 1, 3 and 6 hours). There are 6 known transcriptional variants for SGK1. We designed variant-specific PCR primers and, a pilot study based on regular PCR concluded that expression levels of only variants 5 and 6 (V5, V6) are significant. Using Real Time quantitative RT-PCR, we were then able to quantify transcript levels of both SGK1 V5 and V6 variants. With IL-6 treatment, we observed a 160%-211% increase at early time points (30mins-1hr) in SKG1 V6 and a lesser response (26%-88% increase) with V5 as compared to vehicle treated mDCT15 cells. Since SGK1 has been observed in the membrane fraction and in the cytoplasm, protein extracts from cells were fractionated (mPER kit) to assess membrane and cytosolic SGK1 protein levels using immunoblots. Densitometric analysis of immunoblots demonstrated a 5.5- and 3.1-fold increase in SGK1 protein expression at 1hr in mDCT15 and IMCD3 cells, respectively. These data suggest that IL-6 induces increases in SGK1 transcription and translation. Interestingly, we also found that majority of SGK1 was in the membrane fraction and the level was consistent. Together, these data suggest that SGK1 V6 may be responsible for the increased sodium reabsorption in response to IL-6 stimulation in renal epithelial cells. NIH funding This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The physiology of growth hormone (GH) in adults: translational journey to GH replacement therapy.

The fact that growth hormone (GH) plays an important role in health after the cessation of growth requiring replacement therapy in adult life has only been recognised in the last three decades. This has only been made possible by recombinant technology providing GH supplies required to undertake investigations in the physiology of GH action and the benefits of replacement therapy in patients identified by rigorously validated diagnostic tests for GH deficiency (GHD). Human studies have revealed important regulatory roles in substrate metabolism, sodium homeostasis, body composition, and physical function. GH-induced anabolism is achieved by stimulating amino acid incorporation into protein while reducing oxidative loss simultaneously enhancing lipid utilisation by stimulating fatty acid oxidation and reducing lipid storage. Sodium and fluid retention are enhanced by activating the renin-angiotensin system and distal renal tubular reabsorption. GH stimulates the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems that underpin muscle and cardiovascular function. These pleiotropic actions explain the clinical picture of increased adiposity, reduced lean mass, and impaired physical and psychological function in the GHD adult, all of which are reversed when GH is replaced. Women require a greater replacement dose of GH than men. This is because androgens enhance while oestrogens attenuate GH action. The oestrogen effect is route-dependent, occurring with oral delivery blunting the liver-mediated actions of GH by directly inhibiting GH receptor signalling, global experience spanning over 30 years has attested to the safety, efficacy, and benefits of replacement therapy for adults with GHD.

Commentary on Severe Hypophosphatemia: The Hidden Truth.

Abnormal phosphate results are common in daily practice, but often neglected by laboratorians and clinicians. This case of severe hypophosphatemia highlights the critical implications that a delayed diagnostic workup of the underlying cause can have. Early diagnosis and treatment could have prevented years of continuous bone loss and immobility. Therefore, severe hypophosphatemia should always trigger additional investigations to find the underlying cause. Determination of the tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate for glomerular filtration rate was pivotal for establishing renal phosphate wasting and for guiding further diagnostic measures. This rarely used parameter can easily be determined in most laboratories, but pathologists are often unaware of its diagnostic value. Consequently, many laboratories limit themselves to the measurement of timed urinary phosphate excretion, despite the fact that a wide reference interval limits its diagnostic utility. In adult patients with renal phosphate wasting, measurement of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) helps to further narrow the spectrum of potential causes. Elevated FGF-23 concentrations are typical in tumor-induced osteomalacia, but normal values can occur when the underlying tumor secretes other phosphatonins or in the presence of interfering heterophile antibodies or human antimouse antibodies that disturb the assay (1).

Severe Hypophosphatemia: The Hidden Truth.

A 52-year-old woman presented with a 14-year history of progressive proximal muscle weakness and myalgia. She had been wheelchair-bound for the previous 10 years, with a significant loss of height since the onset of symptoms. She was previously healthy, with no family history of metabolic bone disease. Clinical examination revealed a proximal myopathy, short stature with marked kyphoscoliosis and pectus carinatum. Her admission laboratory investigations showed severe hypophosphatemia, with a serum phosphate of 0.87 mg/dL (0.28 mmol/L [reference interval 2.5–4.5 mg/dL; 0.8–1.4 mmol/L]). 25-Hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) was reduced with a normal 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25-OHD). Laboratory results are summarized in Table 1. Of note, the tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate for glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR) was 0.8 mg/dL (0.22 mmol/L [reference interval 2.0–3.4 mg/dL; 0.80–1.35 mmol/L]), suggestive of renal phosphate wasting. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) was elevated at 9207 pg/mL (reference interval 12–49 pg/mL). Despite phosphate and vitamin D replacement, the hypophosphatemia persisted.

Commentary on Severe Hypophosphatemia: The Hidden Truth.

Mohamed & Raal highlight the importance of investigating hypophosphatemia biochemically to allow a diagnosis of the underlying aetiology. Both parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) facilitate phosphate excretion in the urine. The tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate for glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR) is a measure of renal tubular capacity to reabsorb phosphate. TmP/GFR is therefore reduced in a calcipenic state (vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency) due to secondary hyperparathyroidism and in the phosphopenic state, either due to a primary renal tubular defect or excess circulating FGF23 (genetic defects in FGF23 degradation or increased FGF23 production such as tumor-induced osteomalacia [TIO]). PTH increases 1,25-(OH)2Vitamin D (calcitriol) production while FGF23 reduces it. In this case of severe symptomatic hypophosphatemia, the low TmP/GFR, inappropriately normal calcitriol in the context of hypophosphatemia, and elevated FGF23 confirmed FGF23-induced renal phosphate wasting. A nuclear medicine scan established the diagnosis of TIO and assisted in the localization of the lesion.

Effects of burosumab treatment on mineral metabolism in children and adolescents with X-linked hypophosphatemia.

Burosumab has been approved for the treatment of children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Real-world data and evidence for its efficacy in adolescents is lacking. To assess the effects of 12 months burosumab treatment on mineral metabolism in children (aged < 12 years) and adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with XLH. Prospective national registry. Hospital clinics. 93 XLH patients (65 children, 28 adolescents). Z-scores for serum phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate per glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR) at 12 months. At baseline, patients showed hypophosphatemia (-4.4 SD), reduced TmP/GFR (-6.5 SD) and elevated ALP (2.7 SD, each p < 0.001 versus healthy children) irrespective of age, suggesting active rickets despite prior therapy with oral phosphate and active vitamin D in 88% of patients. Burosumab treatment resulted in comparable increases in serum phosphate and TmP/GFR in children and adolescents with XLH, and a steady decline in serum ALP (each p < 0.001 versus baseline). At 12 months, serum phosphate, TmP/GFR, and ALP levels were within the age-related normal range in approximately 42%, 27% and 80% of patients in both groups, respectively, with a lower, weight-based final burosumab dose in adolescents compared to children (0.72 versus 1.06 mg/kg, p < 0.01). In this real-world setting, 12 months of burosumab treatment was equally effective in normalizing serum ALP in adolescents and children, despite persistent mild hypophosphatemia in half of patients, suggesting that complete normalization of serum phosphate is not mandatory for substantial improvement of rickets in these patients. Adolescents appear to require lower weight-based burosumab dosage than children.

Impact of Hyper- and Hypo-Uricemia on Kidney Function.

Uric acid (UA) forms monosodium urate (MSU) crystals to exert proinflammatory actions, thus causing gout arthritis, urolithiasis, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. UA is also one of the most potent antioxidants that suppresses oxidative stress. Hyper andhypouricemia are caused by genetic mutations or polymorphism. Hyperuricemia increases urinary UA concentration and is frequently associated with urolithiasis, which is augmented by low urinary pH. Renal hypouricemia (RHU) is associated with renal stones by increased level of urinary UA, which correlates with the impaired tubular reabsorption of UA. Hyperuricemia causes gout nephropathy, characterized by renal interstitium and tubular damage because MSU precipitates in the tubules. RHU is also frequently associated with tubular damage with elevated urinary beta2-microglobulin due to increased urinary UA concentration, which is related to impaired tubular UA reabsorption through URAT1. Hyperuricemia could induce renal arteriopathy and reduce renal blood flow, while increasing urinary albumin excretion, which is correlated with plasma xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity. RHU is associated with exercise-induced kidney injury, since low levels of SUA could induce the vasoconstriction of the kidney and the enhanced urinary UA excretion could form intratubular precipitation. A U-shaped association of SUA with organ damage is observed in patients with kidney diseases related to impaired endothelial function. Under hyperuricemia, intracellular UA, MSU crystals, and XOR could reduce NO and activate several proinflammatory signals, impairing endothelial functions. Under hypouricemia, the genetic and pharmacological depletion of UA could impair the NO-dependent and independent endothelial functions, suggesting that RHU and secondary hypouricemia might be a risk factor for the loss of kidney functions. In order to protect kidney functions in hyperuricemic patients, the use of urate lowering agents could be recommended to target SUA below 6 mg/dL. In order to protect the kidney functions in RHU patients, hydration and urinary alkalization may be recommended, and in some cases an XOR inhibitor might be recommended in order to reduce oxidative stress.

Evaluation of Safety, Biodistribution, and Dosimetry of a Long-Acting Radiolabeled Somatostatin Analog 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE With and Without Amino Acid Infusion.

Kidney is considered to be one of the dose-limiting organs in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Amino acid cocktail infusion has been applied to reduce renal absorbed dose by inhibiting the proximal tubular reabsorption of the radiopeptide. An Evans blue-modified 177Lu-labeled octreotate (177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE) has an extended circulation in the blood, which may make the amino acid infusion unnecessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry of 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE with and without amino acid infusion. Ten patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors were randomly divided into 2 groups. The effect of amino acid infusion on renal uptake was assessed in a crossover randomized setting. Group A received 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE at a dose of 3.7 GBq without amino acid infusion for the first cycle and with amino acid infusion for the second cycle; group B received 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE at a dose of 3.7 GBq with amino acid infusion for the first cycle and without amino acid infusion for the second cycle. All patients underwent serial whole-body planar imaging at 1, 24, 96, and 168 hours and SPECT scan at 24 hours after radioligand administration. Abdominal CT was performed 2 days before PRRT for SPECT/CT fusion. The dosimetry was calculated using the HERMES software. Dosimetry evaluation was compared on a between-group and intrapatient basis. Administrations of 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE with or without amino acids were well tolerated. No grade 4 hematotoxicity was observed in any of the patients. Grade 3 thrombocytopenia was reported in 1 patient. No nephrotoxicity of any grade was recorded. No significant difference was observed in creatinine (75.1 ± 21.7 vs 67.5 ± 18.1 μmol/L, P = 0.128), blood urea nitrogen (4.5 ± 0.8 vs 5.1 ± 1.4 mmol/L, P = 0.612), or GFR (109.3 ± 25.2 vs 100.9 ± 24.9 mL/min, P = 0.398) before and after PRRT. For each cycle, there was no significant difference in whole-body effective dose, kidney effective dose, as well as residence time of the kidneys between group A and B (P > 0.05). By intrapatient comparison, without and with amino acid infusion also did not show significant difference in whole-body effective dose (0.14 ± 0.05 vs 0.12 ± 0.04 mSv/MBq, P = 0.612), kidney effective dose (1.09 ± 0.42 vs 0.73 ± 0.31 mSv/MBq, P = 0.093), and residence time of the kidneys (2.95 ± 1.58 vs 3.13 ± 1.11 hours, P = 0.674). 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE PRRT with and without amino acid infusion demonstrated a favorable safety profile in neuroendocrine tumor patients. Administration of 177Lu-DOTA-EB-TATE without amino acid infusion has acceptable slightly increased kidney absorbed dose and residence time of the kidneys, and does not affect kidney function. Further investigation in a larger cohort and long-term follow-up are warranted.