Renal Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Correction: Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus in northeastern Thailand: Impact on diabetic complication-related renal biochemical parameters

Correction: Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus in northeastern Thailand: Impact on diabetic complication-related renal biochemical parameters

Renal protective effects of natural honey on animal model of hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. Numerous investigations have established that hypertension can cause alterations in the cardiovascular system as well as renal structure and function. Fresh honey is consumed worldwide and is claimed to be highly medicinal and has therapeutic effects against a wide range of medical conditions. We investigated the renal protective effect of natural honey in in animal model of hypertension. Forty (40) male albino rats, with average weight (120 ±10 g) were administered with high salt diet, HSD (80 g NaCl + 1 kg of diet and 1% NaCl in drinking water (10 g of NaCl + 1 L distilled water) for 10 weeks to induce hypertension in the rats. Following confirmation, hypertensive male rats were randomly selected for the experiment. Twenty (20) albino rats (15 hypertensive rats and 5 normotensive rats) were divided into 4 groups, Groups A-D. Group A: (Normotensive Control) no administration was given; Groups B-D (hypertensive rats) received the following treatments. Group B was treated with natural honey (15 ml/kg), Group C treated with hydrochlorothiazide (0.15 mg/kg), daily for 21 days; while Group D received no treatment, until the end of the 21 days administrations. Blood samples were taken in the end, and renal alterations were assessed via biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results showed that salt-induced hypertension caused a marked elevation of the renal biochemical parameters. The histopathological results agree with the biochemical findings. However and interestingly, natural honey (15 ml/kg. oral) showed significant efficacy in the recovery and protection on the kidney as the standard anti-hypertensive drug, hydrochlorothiazide (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Natural honey has a renal protective effects and may manage renal hypertension or prevent kidney injury secondary to high blood pressure.

Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) attenuates aflatoxin-associated renal injury.

Introduction: Aflatoxins (AFT) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that are extremely dangerous for both human beings as well as animals. A safe, effective, and considerate strategy is therefore credited with controlling AFT intoxication. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the mitigating properties of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) against AFT-induced nephrotoxicity and altered egg quality. Methods: Quails were randomized into Control group (receiving a normal diet); ChV group (1g/kg diet); AFT group (receiving an AFT-containing diet); and the AFT-ChV group were given both treatments. Results and discussion: AFT provoked kidney injury, exhibited by increased renal biochemical parameters and reduced protein levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels dramatically increased as a consequence of AFT exposure, and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were also decreased. Substantial up-modulation of the mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) was additionally reported. Furthermore, AFT residues were detected in the egg compromising its quality and nutritional value. Contrarily, ChV supplemented diet suppressed the AFT-prompted oxidative stress and inflammation, together with enhancing the nutritional value and quality of eggs and decreasing AFT residues. These beneficial impacts are proposed to be attributed to its antioxidant and nutritional ingredients. The molecular docking dynamics confirmed the inflammatory and apoptotic protein targets for ChV. Our findings recommend that adding ChV supplements to foods might guard against nephrotoxicity brought on by AFT exposure.

Improved Glycaemic Control and Nephroprotective Effects of Empagliflozin and Paricalcitol Co-Therapy in Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Herein, we measured the antidiabetic and nephroprotective effects of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (empagliflozin; SGLT2i) and synthetic active vitamin D (paricalcitol; Pcal) mono- and co-therapy against diabetic nephropathy (DN). Fifty mice were assigned into negative (NC) and positive (PC) control, SGLT2i, Pcal, and SGLT2i+Pcal groups. Following establishment of DN, SGLT2i (5.1 mg/kg/day) and/or Pcal (0.5 µg/kg/day) were used in the designated groups (5 times/week/day). DN was affirmed in the PC group by hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, polyuria, proteinuria, elevated urine protein/creatinine ratio, and abnormal renal biochemical parameters. Renal SREBP-1 lipogenic molecule, adipokines (leptin/resistin), pro-oxidant (MDA/H2O2), pro-inflammatory (IL1β/IL6/TNF-α), tissue damage (iNOS/TGF-β1/NGAL/KIM-1), and apoptosis (TUNEL/Caspase-3) markers also increased in the PC group. In contrast, renal lipolytic (PPARα/PPARγ), adiponectin, antioxidant (GSH/GPx1/SOD1/CAT), and anti-inflammatory (IL10) molecules decreased in the PC group. Both monotherapies increased insulin levels and mitigated hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, renal and urine biochemical profiles alongside renal lipid regulatory molecules, inflammation, and oxidative stress. While SGLT2i monotherapy showed superior effects to Pcal, their combination demonstrated enhanced remedial actions related to metabolic control alongside renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In conclusion, SGLT2i was better than Pcal monotherapy against DN, and their combination revealed better nephroprotection, plausibly by enhanced glycaemic control with boosted renal antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Crocetin ameliorative effect on diabetic nephropathy in rats through a decrease in transforming growth factor-β and an increase in glyoxalase-I activity

Glycation, oxidative stress, and inflammation due to the elevation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) participate in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Thus, we investigated for the first time the effect of crocetin (Crt) on the renal histopathological parameters, TGF-β1 and glycation, oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory markers in the DN rat model. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: normal (N), N+Crt, DN, and DN+Crt. DN was induced in rats with a combination of nephrectomy and streptozotocin. Treated groups received 100mg/kg of Crt via intraperitoneal injection monthly for 3 months. Different glycation (glycated albumin, glycated LDL, Methylglyoxal, and pentosidine), oxidative stress (advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and paraoxonase-I (PON-1)), and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, and TGF-β1), blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, creatinine in the serum, and proteinuria, as well as the glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1) activity, was determined. Crt decreased renal biochemical (Cre and PU) and histopathological (glomerulosclerosis) renal dysfunction parameters, diverse glycation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in the DN rats. Furthermore, the treatment corrected glycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia as well as induced the activities of GLO-1 and PON-1. Over and above, the treatment decreased TGF-β1 in their serum (p>0.001). Crocetin improved DN owing to an advantageous effect on metabolic profile. Further, the treatment with a reducing effect on TGF-β1, oxidative stress, glycation, and inflammation markers along with an increase in Glo-1 activity showed multiple protective effects on kidney tissue.

Uricosuric effect of dandelion root extract on oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in rats

This research aimed to investigate the uricosuric effect of dandelion plant extracts in hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (PO).
 Methods. Hyperuricemia was induced in rats using PO, and dandelion root extracts were administered to observe their impact on uric acid (UA) levels. The study involved adult male Swiss rats weighing approximately 150–180 grams, randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as the normal control group with no treatment. Group 2 received PO only. Group 3 received oral administration of 50 mg/kg of dandelion extract in 0.5 ml of distilled water (DW) daily. Group 4 was orally administered 100 mg/kg of dandelion powder in 0.5 ml of DW daily. Group 5 was orally treated with allopurinol.
 After 12 days, the rats were euthanized using chloroform inhalation, and their sera were collected directly from the heart for biochemical analysis of serum UA, urinary uric acid (UUA), as well as other liver and renal biochemical parameters.
 Results. The study revealed that hyperuricemic rats treated with the dandelion solution experienced a significant decrease in blood UA levels and a significant increase in UUA levels. Dandelion treatment also influenced xanthine oxidase activity, with no significant differences observed in liver and kidney functions.
 Conclusion. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that dandelion extract significantly reduces UA levels through uricosuric activity and demonstrates significant XO inhibitory effects.

Effect of Curcumin on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response and Kidney Biochemical Parameters Among Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal diseases have high global morbidity and mortality. Objective: We aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin and its impact on kidney biochemical parameters associated with kidney disease among CKD and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: The intended keywords were used in the literature search. Clinical trial studies from the beginning to December 25th, 2021, indexed in the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), Scopus, and PubMed databases, were included in the review. Records with no accessible full texts, non-English language articles, and studies that were not related to the study aim were excluded. The agreement for exclusion required all authors to concur. Finally, after reviewing all available literature, 27 articles were included in this systematic review. Results: Curcumin supplementation increased antioxidant capacity by improving catalase (CAT) activity, free radical scavenging activity, and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2). It also reduced hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-a levels in patients with CKD and HD patients. Different results were reported regarding the effect of curcumin on kidney-related biochemical parameters. But mostly, the results showed that no significant changes were seen in glomerular filtration (GFR), albumin (Alb), serum creatinine (sCr), proteinuria (PRO), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in these patients. Conclusion: Although it seems curcumin improved antioxidant capacity and decreased inflammatory cytokines in CKD and HD patients, it did not affect renal biochemical parameters. More clinical studies with larger sample sizes appear to be needed.

Upregulation of Antioxidative Gene Expression by Lasia spinosa Organic Extract Improves the Predisposing Biomarkers and Tissue Architectures in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Models of Long Evans Rats.

Plants are an entity essential to the function of the biosphere as well as human health. In the context of human health, this research investigated the effect of Lasia spinosa (Lour) leaf methanolic extracts (LSML) on antioxidative enzymes and gene expression as well as biochemical and histological markers in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes model. Fructose-fed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals were subjected to a four-week intervention followed by the assessment of the animal's blood and tissues for enzymatic, biochemical, histological, and genetic changes. LSML-treated groups were shown to decrease plasma glucose levels and improve body and organ weights compared to the untreated group in a dose-dependent manner. At the doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w., LSML were able to normalize serum, hepatic, and renal biochemical parameters and restore the pancreas, kidney, liver, and spleen tissue architectures to their native state. A considerable increase (p < 0.01) of liver antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, GSH, and a decrease of MDA level in LSML-treated groups were found at higher doses. The improved mRNA expression level of antioxidant genes CAT, SOD2, PON1, and PFK1 was also found at the doses of 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg BW when compared to untreated control groups. The results demonstrate that LSML impacts the upregulation of antioxidative gene expressions, thus improving the diabetic complications in animal models which need to be affirmed by compound-based antioxidative actions for therapeutic development.

Comparative Experimental Evaluation of L-carnitine and Cholecalciferol on Amikacin Induced Nephrotoxicity and Clinical Evaluation of Amikacin Induced Adverse Drug Reactions

Background: Reduction of health cost burden with existing low-cost drug and thereby improving patient compliance is utmost necessary. Keeping in mind the above, we started with low cost, broad spectrum, WHO enlisted essential drug amikacin. We tried to revaluate it with another two low-cost drugs, L-carnitine, and Cholecalciferol. Objectives: Measurement of amikacin induced nephrotoxicity by means of abnormal renal biochemical parameters on albino rats and comparison of improvement after administration of L-carnitine & Cholecalciferol along with renal histopathology examination (HPE) of amikacin treated rats and causality assessment of amikacin induced adverse drug reactions (ADR) in hospitalized patient. Materials and Methods: Healthy albino male rats (N=40) were taken from Institutional animal house of Burdwan medical College and Hospital (BMCH) and were randomly divided into 4 groups. CPCSEA acclimatization guideline followed. IEAC and CREC clearances taken. Renal biochemical parameters from blood samples were analysed. Sterile water for injection was given to all group. Group I is control (only vehicle), Amikacin added to Group II, III and IV. L carnitine & Cholecalciferol was added to Group III & Group IV respectively. Post test measurement of renal biochemical parameters and HPE were done. Clinical observation of amikacin treated hospitalised patients and collection of their ADR in BMCH were done to find out correlations with animal experiment. Results: Statistical analyses were done using Graph Pad Prism version.4 software. Minimisation of amikacin induced nephropathy were seen, more in Group IV than Group III. HPE found the same conclusion. WHO UMC causality assessment revealed, 94.35% ADR were “probable/likely” whereas 5.65% were “possible”. The Naranjo’s adverse reaction probability scale revealed almost the same. Conclusion: Interventional animal experiment, biochemical parameters, histopathology along with open label, non-interventional, prospective observational study clearly indicates cholecalciferol is significantly better than L carnitine to minimise the effects of amikacin induced nephropathy.

Quantitative Crotonylome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Shenkang Injection on Diabetic Nephropathy.

Shenkang injection (SKI) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of chronic kidney diseases in China because of its efficacy and safety. However, the underlying mechanism of SKI in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects and possible mechanisms of SKI in diabetic db/db mice. We showed that SKI ameliorated hyperglycemia and abnormal renal biochemical parameters in db/db mice. Crotonylome and subsequent bioinformatics analyses indicated that the molecular functions of the significantly different crotonylated proteins regulated by SKI were closely related to oxidoreductase activity and oxidative phosphorylation might be one of the main pathways through which SKI functions in DN. Subsequent PRM validation of the selected crotonylated proteins confirmed these findings. In addition, we determined that SKI could regulate the expression of specific proteins in oxidative phosphorylation complexes and enhance antioxidant capacity. Taken together, our data suggest that SKI exerted the protective effect against DN potentially through reversing the abnormal crotonylation expression of oxidoreductase-related proteins.

Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus in northeastern Thailand: Impact on diabetic complication-related renal biochemical parameters.

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated that helminth infections provide a degree of protection against Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship between Strongyloides stercoralis infection and T2DM has scarcely been investigated and the protective effect of infection against development of diabetic complications is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between S. stercoralis infection and T2DM in a rural area of Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. The impact of S. stercoralis infection on diabetic complication-related kidney function biochemical parameters and body-mass index (BMI) was also assessed.MethodologyUsing a cross-sectional study design, S. stercoralis infection and T2DM assessments were conducted between October 2020 and May 2021. Associations between S. stercoralis infection, T2DM, and socioeconomic factors were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Diabetic complication-related biochemical parameters relating largely to kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), serum creatinine, uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) and BMI of participants with and without T2DM were compared between groups with or without S. stercoralis infection.ResultsOne hundred and seven out of 704 individuals (15.20%) were positive for S. stercoralis, and 283 people were diagnosed with T2DM. Of those with T2DM, 11.31% (32/283) were infected with S. stercoralis and of those without T2DM, 17.82% (75/421) were infected with S. stercoralis. Multivariate analysis revealed that T2DM was inversely correlated with S. stercoralis infection (Adjusted OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.78; p = 0.003), while male, increasing age, lower education level, and alcohol intake were positively associated with infection. Those infected with S. stercoralis had lower eGFR levels and higher ALT and UACR levels than those in the uninfected group.ConclusionThis finding indicates that S. stercoralis infection was inversely associated with T2DM in northeastern Thailand, but participants infected with S. stercoralis had lower eGFR levels and higher ALT and UACR levels. Infection with S. stercoralis might lead to worse complication-related renal biochemical parameters.

Renoprotective and hepatoprotective activity of Lepidium draba L. extracts on oxymetholone-induced oxidative stress in rat.

Misuse and abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) such as oxymetholone (OM) cause side effects such as male infertility, cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal, and hepato-renal dysfunctions in athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Lepidium draba L. (L. draba) extract on OM-induced hepato-renal toxicity. Thirty adult male Wistar rats into six groups (n=5) were randomly divided as follows: control (normal saline), OM (5 mg/kg/day), L. draba-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/d) plus 5mg/kg/day OM, and L. draba (400 mg/kg/d) groups. Normal saline, OM and L. draba extract were orally administered for 30 days. On day 31 of the study, hepatic and renal biochemical parameters were measured. Serum cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6) tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide, levels alongside catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity were evaluated. Also, changes in liver and kidney histopathology were evaluated. Finally, the anti-oxidant properties of the extract were determined. The results of this study showed that in the groups treated with the L. draba extract, hepatic-renal biochemical parameters improved and also the level of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines decreased and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes increased compared with the OM group. These findings revealed that L. draba, due to its high anti-oxidant properties and high content of polyphenols (especially flavonoids), can improve OM-induced hepato-renal oxidative damages. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: L. draba due to its remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can protects the kidney and liver injuries against oxymetholone. These features are attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid components. This fidings would be helpful to desgin new therapeutic agents for treating and preventing liver/kidney injuries.

Anti - diabetic activity of aeschynanthus sikkimensis (clarke) stapf. extract in streptozotocin induced hyperglycemic rats

Objective: The research was design to conduct anti-diabetic activity of methanol extract of Aeschynanthus sikkimensis (Clarke) Stapf. in streptozotocin induce hyperglycemic rats. Material and method: Streptozotocin 35mg/kg body weight was injected intraperitoneal to produce hyperglycemia rats which were pretreated with a high fat diet.72 hours after introduction of STZ, the hyperglycemic rats received MEAS at dose 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Reference drug used was Glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg, orally). During the 28 days treatment fasting blood glucose level were determined on every 7th day. Serum and hepato renal biochemical parameters were estimated. Result: MEAS at the dose of 200 and 400mg/kg outstandingly (P <0.05) and dosage dependently reduce blood glucose levels towards normal as differentiate to STZ control group Serum and hepato renal biochemical parameter were altogether (P<0.05) restore towards the typical levels in MEAS sedated rats as differentiated to STZ control group. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the whole plant extract of Aeschynanthus sikkimensis (Clarke) Stapf which belong to the family Gesneriaceae showed encouraging hypoglycemic action in STZ induced diabetic rats.

Salvadora persica extract attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatorenal damage by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

ObjectiveSalvadora persica (SP) is used as a food additive and is a common ingredient in folk medicine. This study investigates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial effects of SP against cyclophosphamide (CYP) toxicity in rats. MethodsIn a 10-day study, 32 male rats were equally allocated into 4 groups (8 rats/group) as follows: the normal control (NC group), normal rats that only received oral aqueous extract of SP (100 mg/[kg·d]; SP group), animals treated with intraperitoneal CYP injections (30 mg/[kg·d]; CYP group), and the CYP + SP group that concurrently received CYP with SP aqueous extract. Serum samples were collected to measure the liver and renal biochemical profiles, as well as antioxidant and oxidative stress markers and the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Hepatic and renal tissues were also harvested for histopathology and to measure apoptosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling technique, alongside tissue levels of oxidative stress markers. ResultsLiver enzymes, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea, as well as serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB increased significantly, whilst total protein, albumin, calcium, IL-10 and AMPK declined in serum of the CYP group relative to the NC group. The hepatorenal concentrations of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and catalase declined markedly in the CYP group, whereas malondialdehyde, protein adducts, and apoptosis index increased compared with the NC group. By contrast, the hepatorenal biochemistry and apoptosis index of the SP group were comparable to the NC group. Interestingly, the CYP + SP group had significant improvements in the liver and renal biochemical parameters, enhanced anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and marked declines in hepatic and renal apoptosis relative to the CYP group. Moreover, all monitored parameters were statistically indistinguishable between the CYP + SP group and the NC group. ConclusionThis study suggests that the aqueous extract of SP could be a potential remedy against CYP-induced hepatorenal damage and may act by modulating the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Protective effect of Crocus sativus stamens extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney

Crocus sativus is a medicinal plant supposedly possessing various biological activities. Currently, it is evaluated only by the medicinal properties of its stigma and many parts of this plant are unused. This work contributes to the valorization of C.sativus stamens by exploring the property of methanolic extract to prevent gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (weight 250 ± 30g) were assigned into four equal groups (n = 5), and among the assigned groups, group 1 was given only distilled water (Control), group 2 received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of gentamicin (GEN) 80 mg/kg/d, group 3 received the combination of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and oral administration of a lower dose of C. sativus methanolic extract (250 mg/kg/d), while the group 4 received the combination of gentamicin (80 mg/kg/d, i.p.) and oral administration of a higher dose of C. sativus methanolic extract (500 mg/kg/d). The injection of gentamicin for the nephrotoxicity induction and post-treatment with methanolic extract was carried out once a day for 15 days. For nephrotoxicity evaluation, biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed. The estimation of serum and urinary creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, sodium levels was carried out with the help of Architect Ci 4100 Analyzer. Oxidative stress was assessed by the determination of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) levels. The results of the study suggested that gentamicin injection induced a significant (p < 0.01) elevation in serum renal biochemical parameters and oxidative stress indices. The methanolic extract of C. sativus significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum creatinine, urea, and sodium levels, with an improvement in the histopathological results of gentamicin-induced alterations. Furthermore, pretreatment with plant extracts improved hepatic antioxidant status, by the elevation of the CAT and reducing the lipid peroxidation level (MDA) in tissues. The present study suggests that the methanolic extract of C. sativus stamens has an interesting nephroprotective effect on the renal lesions induced by GEN in modulating renal parameters and oxidative stress on Wistar rats.

Evaluating the effect of methotrexate on the rate of renal fibrosis by elastography and fibrosis-related gene expression.

Methotrexate is mainly used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its potential for nephrotoxicity has always been a significant concern on the use of this medication. This study aimed to determine the rate of renal fibrosis using transient elastography and its relationship with cumulative dose and duration of drug use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate. TGFβ gene expression was also assessed for further evaluation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received methotrexate for more than six months were included. Renal fibrosis was determined by measuring the stiffness of the kidney by elastography (FiberScan Device). RA patients were divided into two groups based on kidney stiffness measurement with and without renal fibrosis, and demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were compared to investigate the relationship between cumulative dose and duration of methotrexate treatment and renal fibrosis. Also, in this study, 50 controls (healthy people) and 50 cases (RA patients) were used to evaluate the expression of the TGFβ gene by real-time PCR method. The existence of kidney fibrosis was observed in 10 patients. There was no significant relationship between renal fibrosis and the cumulative dose (P = 0.21) and duration of methotrexate (P = 0.30). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the chances of developing renal fibrosis in patients increase with increasing serum ALT levels (P = 0.01). The results of the TGFβ gene expression showed that the expression of this gene in the group of RA patients with fibrosis was higher than the control group (healthy people) and the group of RA patients without fibrosis (P <0.01). These results showed that evaluation of renal fibrosis by elastography method is recommended for scanning RA patients while they are being treated with methotrexate, which is also confirmed by the results of the fibrosis-related-gene expression.

Hepatic and Renal Biochemical Profile of Wistar Rats Exposed to Toluene

Toluene is an organic solvent that is widely used in many industrial processes and commerce. It is one of the environmental pollutants frequently associated with occupational hazards. In recent times, young people are becoming more interested in toluene addiction as a result of intentional inhalation of toluene-containing compounds, which can result in high levels of toluene exposure that can be damaging to their health. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of subacute oral exposure of toluene on hepatic and renal biochemical profile (an aspect of health indices) of wistar rats. Fifteen wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 5 rats each. Group A (Control) received 0.5 ml of olive oil (vehicle) while groups B and C received 63.6 and 127.2 mg/kg respectively of toluene for 21 days by oral gavage. At the end of the treatments, blood samples were taken and the sera were used for analyses of serum biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase - ALT, alkaline phosphatase – ALP, aspartate aminotransferase – AST, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea, creatinine and blood electrolytes (potassium, sodium, bicarbonate and chloride ions). Sections of liver and kidney samples were taken for histopathological examination. There was no significant (p &gt;0.05) change in the hepatic and renal biochemical parameters of toluene-treated rats relative to the control. The liver and kidney histomorphology of the exposed rats were not different from those of the control. Oral administration of toluene, at the doses and duration used in this study, did not show any toxicity in the liver and kidney of exposed animals.

Biotolerance Study of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Terminalia mantaly&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; H. Perrier on Rat Renal Activity

Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier is one of the plants of the Combretaceae family that is widely used in traditional African medicine for its antibacterial, antifungal, and especially in the treatment of malaria. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia mantaly (HAETM) on the tissue and kidney biochemical markers of rats. Forty (40) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, assigning 10 animals within each group (5 males and 5 females per group). Animals in group 1 received distilled water and were used as the control group; on the other hand, groups 2, 3, 4 received by gavage a volume of the extract corresponding to 1 ml/100g body weight at 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, respectively. The hydroalcoholic extract was administered at the same time daily for 28 days, and blood was collected once a week to evaluate renal biochemical parameters; the kidney tissues were used to perform the histopathological study. The creatinine rate increased significantly (p Terminalia mantaly should be globally well tolerated by the body when used in doses ranging from 150 to 600 mg/kg of the body weight in animals (for this study, rats). However, further in-depth studies would be needed to get a more thorough and complete picture of the safety profile of the extract.

Nephroprotective effect of Apium graveolens L. against Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

BackgroundCisplatin is extensively used in treating cancers, and its primary side-effect is nephrotoxicity. It accumulates in proximal convoluted tubules where it promotes cellular damage by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, etc. In Unani medicine, Tukhm-e-Karafs(Apium graveolens L.) (TK) is mentioned in the literature to manage various kidney ailments due to its diuretic and deobstruent activities. ObjectiveTo investigate the nephroprotective effects of powder of TK in Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an animal model and to validate the Unani claim of its nephroprotective action. Material and methodsIn curative protocol, cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p) was administered on day one and powder of TK (500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) from the sixth day onwards for ten days. TK (500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) was given for ten days and Cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight i.p) on day 11 in the protective model. At the end of the study, all the animals were sacrificed, and renal biochemical parameters were determined. KIM-1 level was also investigated in the kidney homogenate in conjunction with histopathological inspection of kidney tissues. ResultsSignificant increase in serum creatinine and BUN, presence of mononuclear cell infiltration, tubular dilation and vacuolation in renal histopathology, and increased KIM-1 level confirmed the nephrotoxicity due to Cisplatin. TK's administration protects the kidney as suggested by the changes in biochemical renal function, decreased level of KIM-1, and improvement in histopathological changes. ConclusionThe result advocated that TK prevented renal injury and maintained normal renal function in both models. It may be due to improved clearance of Cisplatin from kidney tubules and reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the inflammatory response.

Enhanced renoprotective actions of Paricalcitol and omega-3 fatty acids co-therapy against diabetic nephropathy in rat

IntroductionAlthough the synthetic vitamin D analogue, Paricalcitol, and omega-3 Fatty acids (ω-3) alleviated diabetic nephropathy (DN), their combination was not previously explored. ObjectivesThis study measured the potential ameliorative effects of single and dual therapies of Paricalcitol and/or ω-3 against DN. MethodsForty rats were assigned as follow: negative (NC) and positive (PC) controls, Paricalcitol, ω-3 and Paricalcitol + ω-3 groups. Diabetes was generated by high-fat/high-fructose diet and a single streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg). DN was confirmed by raised fasting blood glucose (FBG), polyuria, proteinuria, and decreased urine creatinine levels. Paricalcitol intraperitoneal injections (0.25 µg/Kg/day; 5 times/week) and oral ω-3 (415 mg/kg/day; 5 times/week) started at week-9 and for eight weeks. ResultsThe PC group showed hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, abnormal renal biochemical parameters, elevated caspase-3 expression, and increased apoptosis by TUNEL technique. The mRNAs and proteins of the pathogenic molecules (TGF-β1/iNOS) and markers of tissue damage (NGAL/KIM-1) augmented substantially in the PC renal tissues relative to the NC group. The oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2/protein carbonyl groups) and pro-inflammatory (IL1β/IL6/TNF-α) markers increased, whereas the anti-inflammatory (IL10) and anti-oxidative (GSH/GPx1/GR/SOD1/CAT) declined, in the PC renal tissues. The monotherapy groups were associated with ameliorated FBG, lipid profile and renal functions, and diminished TGF-β1/iNOS/NGAL/KIM-1/Caspase-3 alongside the apoptotic index than the PC group. The oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers decreased, whilst the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory molecules escalated, in the monotherapy groups than the PC group. Although the Paricalcitol renoprotective actions were better than ω-3, all the biomarkers were abnormal than the NC group. Alternatively, the Paricalcitol + ω-3 protocol exhibited the best improvements in metabolic control, renal functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. However, FBG and tissue damage were persistently higher in the co-therapy group than controls. ConclusionsBoth monotherapies showed modest efficacy against DN, whereas their combination displayed boosted renoprotection, possibly by enhancing renal anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.