Serum Blood Urea Research Articles

Management of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) through Ayurveda –A Case Report

Chronic renal failure (CRF)is one of the clinical entities which occurs as a result hampering of renal function due to many medical or systemic illness developed due to current fast lifestyle. The contemporary science has quite expensive modalities having non confirming results in advanced stages of diseases. Ayurveda, an ancient science, prefers to prevent or treat the disease in initial condition to avoid such complications. The present case study was taken up to evaluate the cumulative effect of Shodhana & Shamana Chikitsa in CRF based on the collaborative application of two fundamental principles of Ayurveda i.e., root cause analysis and treatment according to underlying pathophysiology involved in specific clinical conditions. This is a case report of a male patient having age 69 years who was diagnosed as CRF before five years & on regular conservative treatment in modern science. However, due to persistent increase in values of renal profile, he approached to Panchakarma OPD MGACH& RC. He underwent Dashmooladi Sasneha Niruha Vasti in addition to some proprietary as well as traditional Ayurvedic medicines (Syp. Neeri KFT, Chandrapbha Vati, Punaranavdi Qwath, Gomutra Arka). After one month, there was significant reduction in values of serum creatinine & Serum Blood urea from 4.89 to 1.21 & 64 to 50 respectively with a substantial decrease in systolic & diastolic blood pressure along with improvement in patients' quality of life. This case study will become helpful in planning further research studies with a large sample size based on cost-effective standard regime in Ayurveda for the management of CRF.

Investigation of BPA Toxicity in Male New Zealand White Rabbits

The current study investigated bisphenol A (BPA) toxicity in rabbits. After the adaptation period of 2 weeks, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were equally assigned to 4 treatment groups. Corn oil was given to the rabbits in the control group, whereas 10, 20, or 100 mg/kg daily BPA in corn oil was administered to the rabbits in the remaining groups orally for 9 weeks. Throughout the experiment, BPA did not cause any clinical symptoms, and serum BPA levels of the rabbits treated with BPA were elevated in a dose-dependent manner. Although no effects of BPA were apparent on feed intake, body weights, or organ weights, BPA altered MDA, CAT, SOD, and GPx levels in all organs examined. Furthermore, BPA treatments negatively affected red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and serum ALP, AST, ALT, CRP, amylase, creatine, and urea concentrations. The present study concluded that the LOAEL dose of BPA for the hematological and biochemical parameters was 20 mg/kg/day.

Evaluation of kidney dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors

BackgroundThe major increase in the survival rate among children with cancer is due to improvement in the diagnosis and treatment. Despite this increase, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at high risk of developing late complications such as nephrotoxicity due to chemotherapy. So, we aimed to detect early subclinical kidney dysfunction among CCS.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was implemented on 52 survivors of childhood cancer recruited from Pediatric Oncology Unit, Menoufia University. Laboratory evaluations for each participant, including complete blood count, serum urea, creatinine, urinary protein, urinary calcium, uric acid, and serum cystatin C and urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (UrNGAL) by ELISA were obtained.ResultsEstimated GFR was decreased in 23.1% of cases, with elevated serum cystatin C, UrNGAL and UrNGAL/Cr. There was a significant increase of Uprotein/Cr, UCa/Cr, UACR (p = 0.02), UrNGAL and UrNGAL/Cr (P < 0.001) in patients with tubular dysfunction compared without tubular dysfunction. There was a significant difference between two groups regarding cisplatin (P = 0.03) and high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy (p = 0.04). The AUCs for detecting kidney tubular dysfunction by UrNGAL and UrNGAL/Cr were 0.807 and 0.747.ConclusionA significant tubular dysfunction among childhood cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy as cisplatin and high-dose methotrexate.ImpactDetection of kidney dysfunction mainly tubular in childhood cancer survivors after finishing chemotherapy.Urinary NGAL is a good predictor for detection of tubular dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors after finishing chemotherapy.

Genistein protects against ultraviolet B\u2013induced wrinkling and photoinflammation in in vitro and in vivo models

BackgroundChronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes severe skin damage by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Identifying a safe and natural substance for skin protection is a crucial research goal.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to clarify the effects of genistein on skin inflammation and photoaging by using 3 models (humans: skin parameters; animals: wrinkle formation; and cells: anti-inflammatory effects).MethodsFood frequency questionnaire data and serum and skin parameter data from 120 volunteers (a group with a genistein-rich diet [RG group] and a control group). Human keratinocytes were pretreated with genistein before ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Genistein was topically applied to the dorsal skin of rats.ResultsThe blood samples of the RG group had lower serum uric acid levels and blood urea nitrogen levels. The dynamic elasticity level in the RG group was higher than that in the controls. Genistein pretreatment suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL1, IL-1, MIF, and PLANH1) and the proteins released by UVB-treated keratinocytes. Topical application of genistein to the dorsal skin of rats reduced the severity of UVB-induced wrinkling. Both intake and topical application of genistein combated UVB-induced inflammation and aging.ConclusionsGenistein could be used as a safe and natural compound for use in novel anti-inflammatory agents for topical application.Graphical abstractThe experimental design procedure, including the skin parameter and blood serum measurements of 137 participants. Genistein-rich compounds provide protection against UVB-induced inflammation, as determined using in vitro and in vivo animal model experiments.

Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab in Severe Covid-19 Infection in Second and Third Wave of Epidemics in Myanmar: Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged in China at the end of 2019, became a major threat to health around the world as it caused significant morbidity and mortality. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a cytokine storm due to dose-dependent production of IL-6 from bronchial epithelial cells; therefore, Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor, is one of the recommended drugs for treatment of COVID-19 infection. It may result in better outcomes in patients with severe Covid-19 infection. The efficacy and timing of Tocilizumab therapy in severe COVID-19 infection in Myanmar was not known clearly. Methods: A hospital based interventional study design (Randomized controlled trial) was conducted in COVID-19 treatment centers in Myanmar -Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, from February 2020 to August 2021. Supervised treatment was done; and, both clinical and laboratory data were collected by using standardized forms and analysis was done. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous Tocilizumab in adults who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 infection. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either Tocilizumab or placebo for within 5 days. The primary outcome was the time to recovery, defined by either discharge from the hospital or hospitalization for infection-control purposes only. Results: A total of 105 patients (55 in Tocilizumab group and 50 in Standard treatment group) with severe COVID-19 infection were included. Baseline characteristics in Tocilizumab group and Standard treatment group were as follows: (1) mean age 64.4 ± 11.9 years and 59.9 ± 15.8 years; (2) BMI 24.3 ± 3.0 and 23.9 ± 5.0; (3) mean duration of symptom onset to hospital admission was 9.5 ± 4.4 days and 6.5 ± 3.8; (4) mean duration of symptom onset to treatment was 12.8 ± 3.8 days and 7.1 ± 3.8 days; (6) mean duration of hospital stay was 20.1 ± 16.5 days and 11.4 ± 4.8 days; (7) associated co-morbidities was 88% and 70%; and, (8) mean CXR severity score by Braxia was 12.0 ± 2.0 and 9.6 ± 3.4 respectively. The survival rate in early treatment receiving group was 80% in Tocilizumab group and 65.5% in Standard treatment group; that of median treatment receiving group was 40% and 62.5% respectively. The survival rate in late treatment receiving group reduced to 36% in Tocilizumab group; however, no one survived in Standard treatment group. Inflammatory markers (Ferritin, LDH, D dimer and CRP) dropped significantly at 24 hours and 72 hours after Tocilizumab treatment; the difference was noticeable between survivors and non-survivors. Absolute lymphocyte count, liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and procalcitonin levels became normal by 2 weeks. No significant changes were seen in serum creatinine and blood urea level. Both clinical observation and questioning on experienced side effects from patients on recovery revealed that Tocilizumab therapy was tolerable and safe. Conclusions: Tocilizumab treatment was associated with a lower risk of mortality than Standard treatment group among patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The chance of survival was 36% if Tocilizumab treatment was given late- more than 15 days of symptom onset unlike Standard treatment. The significant inflammatory markers which could predict survival within 24 to 72 hours were serum ferritin, LDH, D dimer and CRP. Tocilizumab treatment in severe COVID-19 infection was safe and effective particularly it was given early.

Analysis of microRNA Expression after Glutamine Intervention in Acute Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Background Ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury (I/R AKI) is a severe kidney disease with high mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of glutamine (GLN) against I/R AKI. MethodsThe I/R AKI rat model was established, and HE staining of kidney tissue and serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) detection were performed. The miRNAs were sequenced by high throughput in rat kidney tissue samples. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) between the I/R group and I/R + GLN group were screened, and enrichment analysis for target genes of DEmiRs was performed. Meanwhile, human HK-2 cells were cultured, and an I/R model was established to verify the expression of DEmiRs. Results Compared with the I/R group, the SCr and BUN levels at each time point were lower in the I/R + GLN group. Vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules in the I/R + GLN group was significantly reduced. In the 104 DEmiRs, we selected miR-132-5p, miR-205, and miR-615 as key miRNAs. KEGG analysis showed that the Notch signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and cGMP signaling pathway were mainly related to the GLN against I/R. qRT-PCR verified the downregulation of miR-205 in the I/R group, compared to the sham and I/R + GLN group. The I/R model was established with HK-2 cells, and the expression of miR-132-5p and miR-205 was decreased. Conclusion GLN reduced I/R-induced AKI. There were significant differences between miRNAs expression in I/R after GLN treatment. The process of GLN against I/R-induced AKI may be related to the Notch and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Regulator 1-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α Signaling Pathway in Investigating the Pathological Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism of Liver Cirrhosis Complicated by Acute Kidney Injury

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of the histopathological characteristics of liver cirrhosis (LC) complicated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and the signaling pathway of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) during the pathogenesis of LC. 20 healthy male rats with AKI complicated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were selected and divided randomly into control group (C group), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, bile duct ligation (BDL) group, and model group (lipopolysaccharide+BDL) (D group). The indexes of all the rats were determined, including serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), sarcoplasmic enzyme (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); the SIRT1 and PGC-1α expressions in renal tissues of rats from each group was detected. Results showed that the AST and ALT levels in BDL group and D group were higher markedly than those before surgery (P &lt; 0.05). The serum levels of Scr and BUN in D group 4 hours after LPS injection increased hugely compared with before injection (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with BDL group, the protein levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in renal tissue of group D were decreased sharply (P &lt; 0.05), and the SIRT1 protein expression was positively correlated with PGC-1α (r = 0.836 and P &lt; 0.01). When LC were complicated with AKI, SIRT1 activity was reduced and PGC-1α expression was inhibited. Moreover, SIRT1-PGC-1α signaling pathway played a protective role in pathogenesis of LC complicated with AKI.

The Correlation of Serum Myostatin Levels with Gait Speed in Kidney Transplantation Recipients.

The primary role of myostatin is to negatively regulate skeletal muscle growth. The gait speed is a noninvasive, reliable parameter that predicts cardiovascular risk and mortality. This study evaluated the relationship between serum myostatin concentrations and gait speeds in patients who had undergone kidney transplantation (KT). A total of 84 KT recipients were evaluated. A speed of less than 1.0 m/s was categorized into the low gait speed group. We measured serum myostatin concentrations with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. KT recipients in the low gait speed group had significantly older age, as well as higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle index, serum triglyceride levels, glucose levels, and blood urea nitrogen levels, lower estimated glomerular filtration rates and serum myostatin levels, a higher percentage of steroid use, and a lower proportion of mycophenolate mofetil use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that lower myostatin levels and lower frequency of mycophenolate mofetil use were independently associated with low gait speed. In multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis, myostatin levels were positively correlated with gait speeds, and age and BMI were negatively correlated with gait speeds. In the study, serum myostatin levels were significantly lower in the low gait speed group. Subjects in the low gait speed group also had greater BMI and older age.

EVALUATION OF SOME BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS AND THE ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO HEPATITIS B VACCINE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS.

The aim: The goal of this study was to assess the immune response to the HB vaccine (the level of anti-HBs titer), as well as the prevalence of serum creatinine, urea, CRP, and serum albumin levels, and the relationship between these and immune response to the vaccine. Materials and methods: 127 patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis (HD) were compared to 40 healthy people in Iraqi dialysis center, Baghdad. Antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using the ARCHITECT SYSTEM and the Anti-HBs titer, HBs Ag, Anti-HCV determined by ELISA. Results: When compared to the poor and non-responder groups, the mean value of anti-HBs titer increased considerably in the good responder group. The good responder and control groups, on the other hand, showed no significant changes. The anti-HBs titer was found to have the strongest negative correlation with serum creatinine, blood urea, and C-reactive protein levels. There was a considerable positive connection between anti-HBs titer and albumin levels. Conclusions: The responses of HD patients to the HB vaccine revealed the significant negative relation between serum creatinine, blood urea levels, and CRP, as well as a significant positive correlation between serum albumin.

The Effect of Elixir of the Ethanol Extract of Rosa damascena on the Solubility of Urine Struvite Crystal in Wistar Rats

Kidney stones are hard and solid masses formed by crystals in the urinary tract. Hence it should be treated appropriately. The use of Rosa damascena might be an option to help the recovery of the kidney and urinary tract. This study aims to show the potential of the elixir of the ethanol extract of Rosa damascena on the solubility of urine struvite crystal in Wistar rats. The experimental rats were divided into six groups: the control group (K0); magnesium oxide as an inducer (K-); inducer and Batugin elixir (K+); inducer and the elixir of the ethanol extract of Rosa damascena 250 mg/kg body weight (P1); 500 mg/kg body weight (P2) and 1000 mg/kg body weight (P3). The treatment was carried out for 28 days by examining urine crystals; urine pH was carried out on days 14 and 28, rat body weight measurements were carried out on days 14 and 28. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were necropsied using a combination of ketamine xylazine, and their kidneys were taken. Observations were made on the ratio of kidney of rats (w/w) and measurements of blood serum creatinine and urea levels using a spectrophotometer. The elixir of Rosa Damascena’s ethanolic extract demonstrated the potential of extract administration by raising weight gain, diminishing kidney weight ratio, reducing creatinine and blood urea concentrations, and lowering the number of kidney crystal deposits. The elixir of the ethanol extract of Rosa damascena has shown its potential to dissolve struvite crystals with the best dose of 250 mg/kg BW based on the number of urine crystals.

Influence of Treated Rapeseed Meal on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Profile in Growing Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of replacing part of soybean meal (SBM) with 15% treated rapeseed meal (tRSM) on growth performance, blood parametres and nutrient digestibility in young growing pigs. A total of 12 crossbred growing pigs (Slovakian White x Landrace) with an average initial body weight of 15.70 ± 1.83 kg were divided into two dietary treatments according to their body weight and sex (six pigs in each group). The experiment lasted 34 days. The rapeseed meal was treated with the product that neutralizes the negative effects of glucosinolates contained in rapeseed by-products for pigs feeding. In our study, we did not observe negative effects of tRSM on body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. In blood profile, serum urea, albumin, glucose and total chlosterol were not influenced by dietary tRSM treatment. Concentration of total proteins was decreased at the end of the experimental period in the experimental group (P&lt;0.01). For apparent total tract digestibility acid-insoluble ash was used as marker. Partially replacing of SBM with tRSM had no significant negative effects on the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fat. Finally, the inclusion of 15% of treated RSM in growing pig diets had no negative effects on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and selected blood characteristics.

Role of Oxidative Stress as a Marker of Cardiovascular Risk in Children on Regular Hemodialysis

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide, and its main consequences include loss of renal function leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), significant increase in morbidity and mortality, and a decrease in health-related quality of life.&#x0D; Aims and Objectives: The basic aim of the study is to analyze the oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk in those children who are on regular hemodialysis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at DHQ hospital, Faisalabad during July 2020 to January 2021. The data were collected from the age of less than 18 years children of both sexes. There were 50 children who was selected for this study. At the time of the study, all the patients were on regular three HD sessions per week. In HD patients, venous blood samples were drawn immediately before and after hemodialysis session. Baseline laboratory investigations were carried out for all patients and controls including complete blood count, serum urea and creatinine, arterial pH, arterial blood gases and infection screening, which included blood and urinary cultures by standard methods. &#x0D; Results: The data were collected from 50 dialysis patients. The mean age of this study is 15years. We collected all the demographic data of patients. The mean value of Urea is 64.34±2.44 mg/dl). At before-dialysis session, duration of disease positively correlated with TPX (r = 0.969, P &lt;0.001), but, negatively correlated with TAC (r = −0.469, P &lt;0.002). At after-dialysis session, HIF-1α negatively correlated with each of TPX (r = −0.529, P &lt;0.001) and OSI (r = −0.459, P &lt;0.003); while, OSI positively correlated with TPX (r = 0.944, P &lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that HD patients, the clinical and prognostic significance of oxidative status associated with cardiovascular risk factors is very different from the general population. Although a direct causality cannot be inferred from such kind of correlative investigations.

Machine Retrograde Perfusion of Deceased Donor Kidneys: A Prospective Study.

Objective: To maximize the utilization of potential kidneys, improving perfusion and preservation techniques is necessary.Methods: We investigated the safety and efficacy of retrograde machine perfusion of kidneys from deceased donors. A total of 30 kidneys were included and all the grafts were preserved in the Kidney Transporter machines. A total of 15 kidneys that received retrograde perfusion (RP) were selected as the RP group (n = 15) and their counterparts received standard antegrade perfusion (AP) as the control group (n = 15).Results: All the recipients were followed up for 6 months. Renal resistance in the RP group remained stable during the perfusion. There was no primary nonfunction. No difference in the incidence of delayed graft function was found in both groups (3 in RP vs. 2 in AP, p = 0.62). The RP group had lower serum creatinine (RP vs. AP, 102.20 vs. 138.67, p = 0.05) and blood urea nitrogen (RP vs. AP, 6.44 vs. 8.71, p = 0.05) than that in the AP group at 6 months. Both the groups had comparable estimated glomerular filtration rate and cystatin C within 6 months.Conclusion: This novel technique may be an effective and safe alternative for kidney preservation.

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Formula Alleviates Chronic Kidney Disease in Two Rat Models by Modulating QPRT/NAD+/SIRT3/Mitochondrial Dynamics Pathway

Objective Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula (JPYSF) is a traditional Chinese herbal decoction and has been used for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) in clinics for decades. However, the potential mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to test the efficacy of JPYSF in treating CKD and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Two CKD rat models were established by 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) and feeding with adenine-containing feed, respectively. The intervention dose of JPYSF was 10.89 g/kg/d by gastric irrigation. Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate renal histopathological changes. The levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The proteins expressions of renal fibrosis, quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), and mitochondrial dynamics were determined and quantified by Western blot analysis. Results The results show that administration of JPYSF significantly lowered Scr and BUN levels, improved renal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, and decreased renal extracellular matrix deposition in two CKD rat models. In addition, CKD rats exhibited suppressed QPRT/NAD+/SIRT3 signal, increased mitochondrial fission, and decreased mitochondrial fusion. JPYSF treatment promoted QPRT/NAD+/SIRT3 signal and restored mitochondrial fission/fusion balance. Conclusion In conclusion, administration of JPYSF effectively alleviated CKD progression in two rat models, which may be related with regulation of the QPRT/NAD+/SIRT3/mitochondrial dynamics pathway.

Evaluation Of Heat Shock Protein-27 Levels as A Predictor of Diabetic Nephropathy in Early Diabetics

Objective: The current study objective is to find out the levels of heat shock protein-27 in diabetes patients with and without diabetic nephropathy, and to appraise the functional role of HSP-27 as an early diagnostic biomarker in progressive diabetic nephropathy.&#x0D; Study Design: Case control study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The current study was conducted in physiology department, Basic Medical Science Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi from March 2019 to September 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total 105 participants between 30-50 years of age were separated into three groups: Group A (n=35) diabetic-patients with history of diabetes &lt; 5 years without any sign of DN; Group B (n=35) diabetic patients with history of diabetes &gt;5 years duration of diabetes and microalbumin levels &lt; 30 mg/dl in urine and Group C (n=35) healthy individuals. All this study participants were gone through detailed history, anthropometric measurement, BMI, serum blood sugar, serum urea, serum creatinine, BUN, urinary albumin, and serum HSP-27 were estimated.&#x0D; Results: Elevated levels of HSP-27 were seen in group-A patients as compared to group-C (p&lt;0.001). Elevated levels of HSP-27 were presented in group-B as compared with group-C (p&lt;0.001) which signify early renal parenchyma injury. Strong association had been seen for HSP-27 with creatinine (r=0.69; p &lt; 0.001), and HbA1c (r =0.72; p &lt;0.001) and urea (r = 0.72; p &lt;0.001) in all these participants. While statistical highly significant and strong positive association were reported for HSP-27 with microalbumin (r = 0.86; p&lt; 0.001) in all participants.&#x0D; Conclusion: Elevated levels of HSP-27 with progression of renal injury with or without declining of renal function is seen in current study. These findings perhaps suggest and recognizing HSP-27 as key diagnostic marker for diabetic nephropathy in early diabetics.&#x0D; KEYWORDS: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Nephropathy, HSP-27.

Histopathological evaluation of amino acid capped silver nanoconjugates in albino mice

Various molecules may modify the surface chemistry of commonly used nanomaterials (NMs), resulting in the synthesis of novel and safer NMs. The current study was delineated to evaluate the in vivo toxicity profiling of the silver nanoconjugates (AgNCs) conjugated with different amino acids. The L-glycine capped-AgNCs exhibited toxicity and caused tissue damage, while L-cystine- and L-tyrosine-capped AgNCs showed protective effects against cadmium-induced toxicity. L-cystine-capped AgNCs performed well as compared to other amino-acid AgNCs. The level of serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and blood urea increased (p &lt; 0.05) in G2, G3 and G5 in comparison to G1 (control group), while an increase in bilirubin for G2 was statistically non-significant (p &gt; 0.05). The ALT and AST elevated (p &lt; 0.05) in G4; however, other serological parameters in G4 and G6 did not show any noticeable change in their values. Histological analysis showed disturbed and deformed cellular structures in liver and kidney tissues of G2, G3 and G5. However, G4 and G6 samples demonstrated minute changes in comparison to G1. It is concluded that L-cystine- and L-tyrosine-capped AgNCs exhibited protective effects and should be tested further for developing safer nanoconjugates for biomedical uses.

NLRP3 associated with chronic kidney disease progression after ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), as an inflammatory regulator, has been implicated in acute kidney injury (AKI). Failed recovery after AKI can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the role of NLRP3 in the AKI-CKD transition is still unknown. A mild or severe AKI mouse model was performed by using ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). We evaluated the renal NLRP3 expression in acute and chronic phases of ischemic AKI, respectively. Although serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in AKI chronic phase were equivalent to normal baseline, histological analysis and fibrotic markers revealed that severe AKI-induced maladaptive tubular repair with immune cell infiltration and fibrosis. Tubular damage was restored completely in mild AKI rather than in severe AKI. Of note, persistent overexpression of NLRP3 was also found in severe AKI but not in mild AKI. In the severe AKI-induced chronic phase, there was a long-term high level of NLRP3 in serum or urine. Overt NLRP3 was mainly distributed in the abnormal tubules surrounded by inflammatory infiltrates and fibrosis, which indicated the maladaptive repair. Renal Nlrp3 overexpression was correlated with infiltrating macrophages and fibrosis. Renal NLRP3 signaling-associated genes were upregulated after severe AKI by RNA-sequencing. Furthermore, NLRP3 was found increased in renal tubular epitheliums from CKD biopsies. Together, persistent NLRP3 overexpression was associated with chronic pathological changes following AKI, which might be a new biomarker for evaluating the possibility of AKI-CKD transition.

Deterioration of diabetic nephropathy via stimulating secretion of cytokines by atrial natriuretic peptide

BackgroundAtrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiovascular and metabolic hormone that has been identified recently as being associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) without diabetes. Cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adiponectin (ADP) contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim here was to investigate the relationships of ANP with cytokine levels and clinical variables in T2DM nephropathy patients.MethodsA total of 81 participants with T2DM were recruited, including 37 patients with normoalbuminuria, 23 patients with microalbuminuria and 21 patients with macroalbuminuria. Serum concentrations of ANP and cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The correlations between ANP and clinical variables were analyzed. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were constructed to test the associations between ANP and the severity and presence of albuminuria.ResultsThe macroalbuminuria patients exhibited higher plasma levels of ANP, TNF-α, IL-6, and ADP; higher serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); and longer duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) than the patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. Plasma ANP level was significantly associated with TNF-α (r = 0.876, p < 0.001), IL-6 (r = 0.816, p < 0.001) and ADP (r = 0.772, p < 0.001), independent of the duration of DM or the BUN concentration.ConclusionANP is higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus nephropathy subjects, especially those who have macroalbuminuria, which is associated with compensatory responses to inflammation.

Acanthocephalan Worms Mitigate the Harmful Impacts of Heavy Metal Pollution on Their Fish Hosts

Toxic metal pollutants in aquatic environments and infestationwith intestinal helminths adversely affect the fish health, as well as fish consumers. Acanthocephalan worms in fish intestine have a high potential to absorb and bioaccumulate different heavy metals, especially toxic ones, from the intestine via their tegument with greater efficiency than the fish intestinal wall. Herein, 47 specimens of the fish Siganusrivulatus were trapped in the Red Sea, Egypt, from a chronically polluted bay. All were intoxicatedwith Cd and Pb; 20 (42.5%) were uninfected with any intestinal worm, but the other 27 (57.5%) were infected only by the intestinal acanthocephalan Sclerocollum rubrimaris. The number of individual worms in a fish host (infrapopulation size) ranged from 32 to 236. As a reference group, 22 uncontaminated–uninfected specimens of S. rivulatus were trapped from a small unpolluted bay. Our results revealed that infection with acanthocephalans alleviatesthe harmful effectsof toxic metalson their fish hosts by: (1) lowering the elevated concentrations of both Cd and Pb in fish liver; (2) lowering the elevated levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT), glucose, triglycerides, and urea in fish blood serum; and (3) raising the declined levels of total protein and albumin in fish blood serum. All of these were dependent on S. rubrimaris infrapopulation size in fish intestine.

Evaluation of Clinical Signs, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters after Blood Transfusion from Sheep to Goat

Blood transfusion is needed for the treatment of severe anemia. The purpose of this study was to detect clinical reactions, hematological and biochemical alterations after a blood transfusion from sheep to goat. Four Iranian mixed breed male sheep and goats were used in this study. Fifteen milliliters per kilogram of whole blood was taken from the sheep. Blood transfusion to goats was performed after 24 hours. Blood samples were taken from goats at times 0 (10 min before transfusion), 10 min, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 192 hours after blood transfusion. No reactions such as coughing, dyspnea, muscle tremors, salivation, tearing, fever, and ruminal bloating during and after blood transfusion were seen. The respiratory rate significantly increased, 3, 6, and 12 hours after blood transfusion (p ˂ 0.05). Hematocrit was significantly reduced 3 hours after blood transfusion (p ˂ 0.05). Serum creatinine levels were increased significantly 10 minutes and 3 hours after blood transfusion (p ˂ 0.05). Blood urea serum was significantly increased 6 and 12 hours after blood transfusion (p ˂ 0.05). Serum calcium levels were increased significantly 72 and 96 hours after blood transfusion (p ˂ 0.05). Serum magnesium levels were significantly increased 72 and 96 hours after blood transfusion (p ˂ 0.05). In conclusion, temporary and transient changes observed in this study were safe and were not life-threatening for the goats, and the sheep blood can be used in anemic goats for one time.