Renal Section Research Articles

2024 Carl W. Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship of the American Physiological Society Renal Section.

2024 Carl W. Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship of the American Physiological Society Renal Section.

Pharmacological Blockade of TGF-Beta Reduces Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in a Chronic Ischemia–Reperfusion Animal Model

The targeting of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been shown to reduce complications related to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) post-surgically. Pirfenidone (PFD) specifically inhibits TGF-β expression and has been demonstrated to provide protection from IRI in short-term allograft models, though not yet in long-term models. A chronic unilateral IRI model was established using male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: one with IRI and a pre-treatment of PFD (0.5 mg/kg) followed by 0.5 mg/kg/day of orally administered PFD for 30 days, and a control group without PFD treatment. A sham group was also included. Kidneys and blood samples were collected after 30 days, and the renal function was evaluated by measuring the serum creatinine and KIM-1 levels. RT-PCR was used to analyze fibrosis-related genes, and Luminex to quantify the pro-inflammatory serum IL-18 cytokine. Renal section staining and histological analysis were used to detect collagen deposits. Comparison within the groups showed an increase in serum creatinine and KIM-1 expression after IRI in the control group, while PFD reduced COLL1A1 and TGF-β expression and demonstrated a reduction in fibrosis through histological stains. The treatment group also showed a reduction in IL-18. Our results suggest that PFD exerts protective effects on chronic renal IRI, reducing fibrosis development and inflammation. This study provides new insights into the treatment and management of chronic renal function loss after IRI.

Effect of Aerobic Treadmill Exercise Regulating Glucose Transporter 9 on Renal Function in Hyperuricemia Rats

<bold>Objective</bold> To explore the possible mechanism of aerobic treadmill exercise in improving renal function in hyperuricemia (HUA) rats. <bold>Methods</bold> A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into the Control group, the Model group and the Exercise group according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The Control group was given 2 g/(kg·d) distilled water intragastric administration, the Model group and the Exercise group were given 2 g/(kg·d) oxonic aid potassium salt (OAPS) intragastric administration, continuous intragastric administration for 10 days. From the 11th day, the Control group was given distilled water intragastric administration every other day, and the Model group was given OAPS intragastric administration every other day to maintain high uric acid status, with a dose of 2 g/(kg·d). In both groups, diet and water were not restricted, exercise freely, without other intervention, lasted for three weeks. The Exercise group was given intragastric administration as same as the Model group, and was given aerobic treadmill training simultaneously, the speed was 12 m/min, 20 minutes a time, once a day, continuous training for six days and rest for one day, continuous training for three weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) was used to stain the renal histopathological section, and the microscope (×400) was used to observe the structural changes of renal tubules and glomerulus; the peroxidase method was used to detect the renal function indexes such as uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cre) and urea nitrogen (BUN); enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to determine the contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum and kidney tissues; Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Caspase-1, IL-1β and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT-9) in the kidney tissues. <bold>Results</bold> ① Pathological examination results: there was not obvious pathological changes were observed in the kidney tissues of the Control group; in the Model group, the renal tissue capsule was incomplete, the glomerulus was deformed and atrophic, and the renal tubules were disordered; in the Exercise group, the number of inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly decreased, the renal tubular structure was relatively intact, and the pathological changes such as cytoplasmic vacuolation of renal tubular epithelial cells were significantly decreased. ② UA, Cre and BUN content of serum: compared with the Control group, UA, BUN and Cre content in serum of the Model group and Exercise group was significantly increased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05); compared with the Model group, UA, BUN and Cre content in serum of the Exercise group were significantly decreased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). ③ Serum and kidney IL-1β content: compared with the Control group, the expression of IL-1β in serum and kidney of the Model group and the Exercise group were significantly increased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05); compared with the Model group, the expression of IL-1β in serum and kidney of the Exercise group was significantly decreased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). ④ Expressions of Caspase-1, IL-1β and GLUT-9 protein: compared with the Control group, the expressions of Caspase-1, IL-1β and GLUT-9 protein in kidney tissues of the Model group and the Exercise group were significantly increased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05); compared with the Model group, the expressions of Caspase-1, IL-1β, and GLUT-9 protein in kidney tissues of the Exercise group were significantly decreased (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). <bold>Conclusion</bold> Aerobic treadmill exercise can effectively reduce the level of uric acid and inflammatory response of hyperuricemia rats, and improve renal function, which may be related to the regulation of GLUT-9 protein expression.

Role of stem cells in the management of acute kidney disease

Background and aim Renal failure is usually treated by hemodialysis forever. Renal transplantation is the only curative intervention. However, regenerative therapies are expected to exert a beneficial role in such situations. The aim of this study was to study the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of acute renal failure (ARF) in an animal model. Materials and methods ARF was induced by cisplatin injection in 20 male rats weighing 200–225 g. Rats were allocated into one of two equal groups: group A included 10 rats with ARF and umbilical cord-derived stem cell treatment, and group B included 10 rats with saline treatment. In addition, 10 healthy rats were included as a healthy control group (group C). Both serum urea and creatinine were measured after induction of renal failure and on the 7th and 15th day after MSC treatment. Kidney sections were obtained, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined histologically. Results Serum urea and creatinine showed marked elevation after cisplatin injection. These values progressively decreased with MSC treatment significantly. At the end of the second week, the values were near normal. In addition, histological examination of renal section confirms the results obtained by laboratory analysis. Conclusion Umbilical cord-derived MSCs could play a regenerative action in ARF.

Amygdalin alleviates renal injury by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AimsTo explore the protective efficacies and potent mechanism of amygdalin on high glucose-cultured renal cell HBZY-1 in vitro and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat in vivo. Main methodsThe cellar proliferation and generation of ROS in high-glucose cultured HBZY-1 cell were assessed by MTT and DCFH-DA assay, respectively. The fasting blood glucose levels, renal function and inflammation indexes as well as oxidative stress markers in STZ-induced diabetic rats were all measured. The histologic renal section was stained with Mason and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) method. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting methods were applied to assess expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related as well as TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins. Key findingsFirstly, amygdalin significantly suppressed the excessive cell proliferation and ROS generation in HBZY-1 cells cultured with high glucose. The hyperglycemia, 24 h-UP excretion, BUN and Scr of DN rats were significantly attenuated after the chronic treatment of amygdalin. Moreover, MDA, SOD, IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in kidney tissues were all effectively reduced. Besides, amygdalin can suppress the ECM accumulation and EMT transformation by inhibiting Smad/TGF-β pathway to alleviate the renal fibrosis in renal tissues of DN model rats. SignificanceAmygdalin ameliorates excessive oxidative stress, inflammation and renal tissue fibrosis of DN mainly by suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and regulating the key enzymes of ECM degradation.

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs11643718 in SLC12A3 is associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes.

AimsTo examine the association between 24 literature‐based single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic kidney disease in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes.Methods and resultsTwenty‐four candidate diabetic kidney disease‐susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 208 participants with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease and 200 participants with type 2 diabetes without diabetic kidney disease (case and control groups, respectively), together with 206 healthy participants using MassARRAY. Rs11643718 in the SLC12A3 gene was associated with diabetic kidney disease in the recessive model after adjusting for confounding factors, such as age and gender (adjusted odds ratio 2.056, 95% CI 1.120–3.776; P = 0.020). Meta‐analyses further confirmed the association (P = 0.002). In addition, participants with the GG genotype had worse renal function and more albuminuria than those with the AA+AG genotype (P < 0.05). Renal section immunohistochemistry was conducted in participants with type 2 diabetes, diabetic kidney disease and AA+AG or GG genotypes and in participants with glomerular minor lesions. Together with data from the Nephroseq database, it was shown that the abundance of SLC12A3 was reduced in patients with the GG genotype, while elevated expression of SLC12A3 was associated with better renal function. In addition, rs10951509 and rs1345365 in ELMO1, which were determined to be in high linkage disequilibrium by SHEsis software, were also associated with diabetic kidney disease (adjusted P = 0.010 and 0.015, respectively).ConclusionsThe G allele and GG genotype of SLC12A3 rs11643718 are associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes.

Renal expression of sigma 1 receptors in diabetic rats

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the expression of sigma 1 receptors (σ1Rs) in the kidney of diabetic rats, which could indicate their possible role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Sprague-Dawley rats were were given intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) in order to induce type I of diabetes (DM1). Control and diabetic rats were sacrificed 2 weeks or 2 months after DM1 induction. Expression of σ1Rs was determined in kidneys of the experimental rats, using immunohistochemistry.The most prominent expression of σ1Rs was found in distal tubuli (DT). Results have shown significant increase in renal σ1Rs section percentage area of rats 2 months after DM1 induction, compared to both control group at the same age and diabetic group 2 weeks after induction (P < 0.01 both). Similarly, a number of immunoreactive DT increased in diabetic group 2 months after induction, compared to DM1 group 2 weeks after induction (P < 0.001). We also found a decrease of a number of immunoreactive DT 2 weeks post DM1 induction (P < 0.01). However, the same was found during maturation of the control rats (P < 0.001). In addition, a strong co-expression of σ1R and proinflammatory factor TGFβ was seen in vacuolated DT.The results indicate to the potential role of σ1Rs in postnatal maturation of the rat kidneys and in distal tubular damage in the pathogenesis of the diabetic nephropathy. We conclude that σ1Rs could be potential target in treatment of the diabetic nephropathy.

Biochemical and Histological Changes Associated with Azo Food Dye (Tartrazine) in Male Albino Rats

Aim: To study the effect of chronic exposure of tartarzine at ADI doses on some biochemical parameters of male albino rats.&#x0D; Study Design: The design involved chronic study. In the study, the experiment was divided into phase 1, 2, and 3 which lasted for 30, 60 and 90 days respectively. In each phase, 40 rats were used and were divided into treatment and control groups. The treated groups were given 7.5 mg/kg of tartrazine orally on daily basis over the stipulated periods while the control groups were not treated with tartrazine.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria within a period of 12 months (December 2017 – December 2018).&#x0D; Methodology: At the end of the chronic study, 5mls of whole blood specimens was collected by means of cardiac puncture into Lithium Heparin bottles and fluoride oxalate bottles (for glucose only). The collected specimens were spun, plasma collected and analyzed for glucose, Lipase, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, albumin and globulin. Renal, hepatic, and pancreatic tissues collected were fixed in 10% formol saline and later examined histologically using H&amp;E stain. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism version 5.03 (San Diego, California, USA).&#x0D; Results: In the chronic treatment, glucose indicated significant increases after 30, 60, and 90 days of chronic treatment at ADI doses. Urea, AST, and ALT showed significantly higher values after 60 of treatment while creatinine, ALP, total protein, albumin and globulin indicated significantly higher values after 90 days of treatment. However, lipase did not show any significant difference after 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Histologically, hepatic distortions such as fatty degeneration, vacuolation, pcynosis, and compression of central vein were seen in the liver section. In the renal section, hyaline cast in proximal tubules, hypercellularity of messengial cells, and inflammation of the glomerulus were observed in the treated rats while the histology of the pancreas indicated mild vacuolation of the islet region. However, the pancreatic ducts and acinar cells were not distorted.&#x0D; Conclusion: The administration of tartrazine over a period of 30 days at ADI dose did not indicate hepatocellullar and renal derangements as well histological distortions in liver, pancreas and kidneys. However, after 60 and 90 days, mild hepatocellular, pancreatic, and renal derangements were seen.

Dr. Kang, et al reply.

To the Editor: We were surprised to read the letter by Berti and colleagues1, commenting on our recent article on the incidence of arterial and venous thrombosis in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV)2. They make the unjustified comment that “the incidence estimates for [arterial (ATE) and venous thrombosis events (VTE)] may be inflated” when we give clear and accurate incidence rates. Our incidence of ATE was 2.67/100 patient-years (PY), whereas the 2018 article by Berti, et al 3 reports an incidence of cardiovascular disease as 5.0/100 PY. It would therefore not seem that our incidence estimates were inflated. Our comparison of the characteristics of … Address correspondence to C.D. Pusey, Renal and Vascular Inflammation Section, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. E-mail: c.pusey{at}imperial.ac.uk

Two-dimensional μXAFS analysis for accumulated uranium in kidneys of rats exposed to uranyl acetate

Kidneys are critical targets of uranium exposure, meaning that effective analytical methods for characterizing uranium accumulated in kidneys are required in toxicological studies of uranium. In this work, synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence (SR-μXRF) imaging and two-dimensional μXAFS measurements were combined to analyze renal section specimens. By histochemical staining of the serial sections, the distribution of uranium chemical condition within the uranium-concentrated areas of the proximal tubules, which are toxic target sites of uranium, were obtained with 1 µm × 1 µm spatial resolution.

The European Certificate in Nephrology: towards harmonization and excellence in training.

Nephrology is a young medical specialty that has evolved and expanded during the last 4 decades of the past century, becoming recognized as one of the most innovative and challenging medical specialties. The training of nephrology takes place mainly in public hospitals, and there are important variations in the duration and assessment of training among the European countries. The Union of European Medical Specialties (UEMS) Renal Section and the European Renal Association–European Dialysis and Transplant Association have been working jointly since 2010 to harmonize European nephrology training and more recently to establish the European Certificate in Nephrology (ECN). The first two editions of the ECN were held in early 2017 and 2018. In total, 122 candidates from 26 countries have sat for the exam, with a success rate of 59% (72/122). To date, Switzerland has adopted the exam as their national training assessment and we expect that other countries will join Switzerland in the near future. Fostering the development and importance of the ECN requires that member states work to increase the academic and professional profile of the ECN within their countries. The ECN should be considered a ‘quality mark’ and a sign of high achievement in nephrology training in Europe. If holding the ECN becomes advantageous for employment or improving scientific careers, the number of candidates will increase and the sustainability of the ECN will be guaranteed. A recent, positive development is the pre-agreement between the UEMS Renal Section, UK Renal Association and Royal Colleges of the UK to adopt a unique pan-European exam beginning in 2020. However, any decision to commence the pan-European exam will depend, in part, on strong candidate enrolment for the ECN 2019 edition. Thus support of the national societies is crucial for the sustainability and growth of a European exam, because of their capacities to influence strategic policies in hospitals, universities and medical associations, with a longer-term aim to increase the professional recognition of the European exam.

Noninvasive quantification of intrarenal allograft C4d deposition with targeted ultrasound imaging.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has emerged as a major cause of renal allograft dysfunction. C4d, a specific marker for AMR diagnosis, was strongly recommended for routine surveillance; however, currently, C4d detection is dependent upon tissue biopsy, which is invasive and provides only local semi-quantitative data. Targeted ultrasound imaging has been used extensively for noninvasive and real-time molecular detection with advantages of high specificity and sensitivity. In this study, we designed C4d-targeted microbubbles (MBC4d ) using a streptavidin-biotin conjugated method and detected C4d deposition in vivo in a rat model of AMR by enhanced ultrasound imaging. This noninvasive procedure allowed successful acquisition of the first qualitative image of C4d deposition in a wide renal allograft section, which reflected real-time C4d distribution in grafts. Moreover, we introduced normal intensity difference for quantitative analysis, which exhibited a nearly linear correlation with the grade of C4d deposition according to pathologic analysis. In addition, this approach showed no influence on survival rates and pathologic features in the microbubble injection groups, thereby demonstrating its safety. These findings demonstrated a simple, noninvasive, quantitative, and safe evaluation method for C4d, with the utility of this approach potentially preventing patients from having to undergo an invasive biopsy.

Observations of Bacterial Biofilm on Ureteral Stent and Studies on the Distribution of Pathogenic Bacteria and Drug Resistance

Objective: This study aims to observe the morphological characteristics of bacterial biofilm on the surface of ureteral stents and analyze distribution characteristics of pathogens on the bacterial biofilm and drug resistance. Methods: Ureteral stents were sampled from 129 patients. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the morphological characteristics of bacterial biofilms, and the Congo red medium was applied to screen bacterial biofilm strains on the renal pelvis section, ureter section, and bladder section respectively. Urine culture was performed, and the drug sensitive test analysis was carried out for the pathogenic bacteria detected. Results: Bacterial biofilms can be observed on the surface of ureteral stents, and these bacteria are embraced by large amounts of fiber membranes. A total of 107 patients were found to be positive for biofilms with a positive rate of 82.9%. The positive rates of the bladder section, ureter section, renal pelvis section, and urine culture were 85.0, 42.9, 67.3, and 24.3% respectively. Pathogenic bacteria mainly concentrated on Escherichia coli, and the drug resistance rate of the bacterial biofilm strains on the ureteral stent was relatively higher. Conclusion: The bacterial biofilm on the ureteral stent is an important factor that induces catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Effects of fenoldopam on renal blood flow in hypertensive chronic kidney disease.

The synthetic drug fenoldopam mesylate (FM) may have a renoprotective role, and a "renal dose" of 0.1µg/kg/min intravenous (IV) infusion of FM has been reported as able to increase renal blood flow without affecting systemic blood pressure. But conclusive data are still lacking. We aimed to investigate by color-Doppler ultrasonography the effects of IV administration of FM at this dosage in hypertensive chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and verify whether it may induce any systemic hemodynamic alteration. In 60 hypertensive CKD patients, we measured by duplex Doppler ultrasonography, at baseline and during infusion of 0.1µg/kg/min of FM, the systolic and diastolic flow velocity (sampled at the renal hilum, intermediate section and origin of both renal arteries) and the intra-parenchymal renal resistive index (RRI) sampled on interlobular arteries of both kidneys. Patients were divided into four subgroups (I-IV) according to classification of National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-DOQI). Infusion of 0.1µg/kg/min FM significantly decreased the RRI (0.73 ± 0.05 vs. 0.65 ± 0.06; p < 0.0001) and increased the systolic and diastolic flow velocities in all renal artery tracts examined. No single episode of systemic hypotension was observed. Very low-dose FM may significantly increase renal blood flow and exert a renal protective effect in hypertensive CKD patients. Infusion of FM at such low dosage appears also to be quite safe, even in CKD and hypertensive patients.

Prävention der akuten Nierenschädigung beim kritisch kranken Patienten

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has both high mortality and morbidity.To prevent the occurrence of AKI, current recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN (Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin), ÖGIAIN (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Internistische und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin) and DIVI (Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin) are stated.The recommendations stated in this paper are based on the current Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, the published statements of the "Working Group on Prevention, AKI section of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine" and the expert knowledge and clinical experience of the authors.Currently there are no approved clinically effective drugs for the prevention of AKI. Therefore the mainstay of prevention is the optimization of renal perfusion by improving the mean arterial pressure (>65 mm Hg, higher target may be considered in hypertensive patients). This can be done by vasopressors, preferably norepinephrine and achieving or maintaining euvolemia. Hyperhydration that can lead to AKI itself should be avoided. In patients with maintained diuresis this can be done by diuretics that are per se no preventive drug for AKI. Radiocontrast enhanced imaging should not be withheld from patients at risk for AKI; if indicated, however, the contrast media should be limited to the smallest possible volume.

Dose adjustment of anti-infective drugs in patients with renal failure and renal replacement therapy in intensive care medicine : Recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN, ÖGIAIN and DIVI

Many anti-infective drugs require dose adjustments in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal replacement therapy, in order to achieve adequate therapeutic drug concentrations. The fundamental pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of drug dose adjustment are presented. Recommendations on anti-infective drug dosage in intensive care are provided. We established dose recommendations of selected anti-infective drugs based on information in the summary of product characteristics, published studies and recommendations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations, and the experience and expert opinion of the authors. Out of atotal of 37anti-infective drugs (31antibiotics, 2antivirals, 4antifungals) 8can be administered independent of renal function. For 29anti-infective drugs, aspecific recommendation on drug dosage could be made in case of intermittent hemodialysis and for 24anti-infective drugs in case of continuous hemo(dia)filtration. Recommendations on dosing of important anti-infective drugs in critically ill patients with AKI and renal replacement therapy are provided.

2017 Young Investigator Award of the American Physiological Society Renal Section.

2017 Young Investigator Award of the American Physiological Society Renal Section.

2016 Carl W. Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship of the American Physiological Society Renal Section.

Announcements2016 Carl W. Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship of the American Physiological Society Renal SectionPublished Online:15 Apr 2016https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00105.2016This is the final version - click for previous versionMoreSectionsPDF (158 KB)Download PDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesGet permissionsTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInWeChat The American Physiological Society (APS) Renal Section has selected David H. Ellison, M.D. as the recipient of the 2016 Carl Gottschalk Distinguished Lectureship. Dr. Ellison is Professor of Medicine and Physiology and Pharmacology, Director of the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, and Associate Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research at Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. David H. EllisonDownload figureDownload PowerPoint Dr. Ellison graduated from Stanford University with distinction and Departmental Honors in Biology. After receiving his Medical Degree with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from Rush Medical College (Chicago, IL), he trained in Internal Medicine at the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center (Portland, OR) and Nephrology at Yale University. Following a Nephrology Fellowship and postdoctoral training in renal physiology with Dr. Fred Wright, Dr. Ellison joined the faculty at Yale. He then moved to the University of Colorado (Denver, CO), where he was Chief of the Renal Section at the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Prior to taking his new position, he was Head of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Oregon Health and Science University for the last 13 years.Dr. Ellison's research centers on the molecular target of thiazide diuretics, drugs recommended as first-line antihypertensive agents. A model physician-scientist, all of his work beautifully combines basic and clinical approaches. His early studies showed that the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl transporter (NCC) is the dominant salt transport pathway along the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and helped define the physiological and clinical importance of the nephron segment. This work was later translated to provide insights into the mechanisms of loop-diuretic resistance. Dr. Ellison has been a leader in defining how mutations in the NCC cause Gitelman syndrome, a hypokalemic salt-wasting disease in humans and how mutations in the WNK kinase cascade activate the NCC and cause familial hyperkalemic hypertension. His group demonstrated that the immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus causes hyperkalemia and hypertension by activating the NCC. Recently, his studies revealed how the NCC is regulated by dietary potassium, providing new insights to explain the deleterious effects of dietary potassium deficiency on blood pressure. This work also promises to rewrite the textbooks on the mechanisms of altered renal sodium handling in primary aldosteronism and Addison disease.Dr. Ellison has served on many important committees for the American Physiological Society, American Society of Nephrology, and American Heart Association. He was Chair of the Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease, American Heart Association. He is presently an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. He has also served on numerous national peer review groups. Currently, he is Chair of the Kidney Molecular Biology and Development Study Section for the National Institutes of Health.Dr. Ellison continues to make important contributions to explain the effects of diet on blood pressure, the mechanisms of salt transport by the kidney, the genetic basis of human blood pressure variation, and on diuretic treatment of edema. The Renal Section is honored to have him present the 2016 Carl Gottschalk Distinguished Lecture.This article has no references to display. Download PDF Previous Back to Top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation More from this issue > Volume 310Issue 8April 2016Pages F802-F802 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2016 the American Physiological Societyhttps://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00105.2016PubMed26911847History Published online 15 April 2016 Published in print 15 April 2016 Metrics

Effects of Polyethylene Glycol on Renal Functional Parameters in Rats

Background: The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) is increasing day by day in various purposes by pharmaceutical industries as well as its anti-colonic cancer effects in clinical diseases.Objective: To evaluate the effects of PEG on renal functional and morphological parameters in rats.Methods: Six weeks age matched Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with either vehicle (2 mL of 5% dist. water in saline/kg, i.p. twice daily, n=6), or PEG 400 (2 mL of 5% PEG 400 in saline/kg, i.p. twice daily, n=6). After three weeks treatment all rats were subjected to uninephrectomy (UNX) and continued the treatment for further two weeks. Unpaired ‘t’ test was used for statistical significance.Results: Before and after uninephrectomy intraperitoneal injection of PEG 400 did not alter systolic blood pressure, renal blood flow, body weight gain and twenty-four hours urine protein excretion rate compared to control rats, however, three weeks after UNX urine protein excretion rate were increased in both groups and was not significant. Intraperitoneal PEG 400 treatment significantly increased twenty-four hours water intake and urine volume compared to control rats. Histopathological evaluation of renal section by periodic acid Schiff staining, Massen’s trichrom staining and desmin staining did not show any morphological changes compared to control rats.Conclusion: Renal functional and morphological status did not show significant alterations after intraperitoneal injection of PEG for three weeks of uninephrectomized rats. Therefore, present finding suggested that PEG 400 may not have any adverse effects on renal functional as well as morphological parameters in rat.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2015, December; 10(2): 61-66

2016 Young Investigator Award of the American Physiological Society Renal Section

Minolfa Prieto, M.D., PhD, Associate Professor at Tulane University ([Fig. 1][1]), is the recipient of the Young Investigator Award of the American Physiological Society (APS) Renal Section for 2016. Dr. Prieto is an exceptionally talented scientist in renal physiology working in the Department of