Tubules Research Articles

Effect of integrin-linked kinase towards matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in the process of TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cell

Objective To investigate the possible regulating effect of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) towards matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-9/TIMP-1) ratio in the process of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. Methods HK-2 cells were cultured and stimulated with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1. Specific ILK-small interfering RNA (ILK-siRNA) was used to inhibit ILK expression. The characteristic epithelial marker (E-cadherin) and mesenchymal marker (α-SMA) of EMT were examined by Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and Western blot. The expressions of ILK, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were also examined, to determine the regulating effect of ILK towards MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio. Results In the HK-2 cells cultured with TGF-β1, the expression of E-cadherin decreased, and α-SMA expression increased; overexpression of ILK and an abnormal changing of MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were observed. ILK inhibition by ILK-siRNA could adjust MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio to near normal. Meanwhile, the overexpressed ILK and α-SMA were decreased. Conclusions Our data indi-cates that ILK-siRNA successfully inhibits ILK expression, which regulates the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in HK-2 cells. The inhibition of ILK expression suppresses TGF-β1-induced EMT partially. Key words: Transforming growth factor beta1; Kidney tubules; Epithelial cells; Biotransformation; Integrins; Matrix metalloproteinase 9; Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1

Excitation-contraction coupling and junctional membrane structures.

Striated muscle cells form specialized junctional membrane complexes(JMCs)between the cell-surface transverse tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum(SR)for setting up the excitation-contraction coupling machinery converting depolarization into Ca2+ release signals. Junctophilin subtypes, namely JP1-JP4, are proteins that construct JMCs by binding to the cell membrane and spanning the SR membrane. Recent studies demonstrated that the mutations and altered expression of JP2 take part in cardiac diseases. JPs dominantly affect Ca2+ signaling in striated muscle, and thus may be involved in pathogeneses and progressive pathophysiological conditions in a variety of muscle-related diseases.

Changes in expression of keratin genes in renal tissues during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

Objective To investigate the changes in the expression of keratin genes in renal tissues during renal ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury in mice. Methods Six wild type male C57/B6 mice, aged 50 days, weighing 20-30 g, were divided into 2 groups(n=3 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(Sham group)and I/R group.Right renal arteries and veins were clamped for 1 h followed by reperfusion, and the left kidneys were removed to establish the model of renal I/R injury.At 24 h of reperfusion, blood samples were collected from the left ventricle for determination of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations by colorimetric method.The right kidney specimens were obtained for pathologic examination and for determination of the expression of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin mRNA(by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction [qRT-PCR]) and keratin genes(by Affemetrixc DNA microarray). The differentially expressed genes identified were further confirmed by qRT-PCR. Results Compared with Sham group, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly increased, the expression of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin mRNA was up-regulated(P<0.05), and the damage to the renal tubules was aggravated in I/R group.The results of microarray analysis showed that only keratin 20 gene(the expresion was up-regulated)was the differentially expressed gene(P<0.05), and the results measured by qRT-PCR were consistent with those measured by Affemetrixc DNA microarray. Conclusion Keratin 20 gene expression in renal tissues is up-regulated during renal I/R injury in mice, and the change may be involved in the endogenous protective mechanism during renal I/R injury. Key words: Keratins; Reperfusion injury; Kidney

Evaluation of the comparative effects of antihypertensive drugs: Methyldopa and Moringa oleifera leaves on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in male Wistar rat

Background: Antihypertensive drugs have been reported to induce reproductive toxicity, and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) is responsible for the control of reproductive functions. Hence, there is a need to compare the effects of taken commonly used synthetic and natural antihypertensive drugs (Methyldopa and Moringa oleifera) on HPG-axis. Aim: This study was aimed to determine the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal responses to the administration of methyldopa and aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in male Wistar rats. Methodology: Twenty-five male adult Wistar rats weighed between 150 and 200 g were divided into five groups (A–E), with each group comprising fi ve rats. Group E was designated as the control group which received physiological saline while rats of Group A and B received 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of M. oleifera, respectively. Rats of Group C and D received 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of methyldopa, respectively, for 30 days. Results: Andrological parameters (sperm count, sperm morphology, sperm motility, serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentration) in Group B rats showed significant increase when compare with the methyldopa-treated group (C and D) and control group E rats. Group D rats showed slight abnormalities in sperm morphology and slight decrease in sperm motility when compare with the control group E. Histoarchitecture of the testes of Group A, B, and E rats showed normal seminiferous tubules with full maturation of the germinal cell layers and only Group B rats contained more spermatozoa in their lumen. Group C and D rats showed some of their seminiferous tubules with incomplete maturation of germinal cell layers with their lumens contained fat deposit with no spermatozoa. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of M. oleifera leaves as an antihypertensive drug showed high beneficiary effects on male fertility over methyldopa.

Sodium Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors and Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Three Patients with Diabetes: Underlying Causation.

Sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) inhibit the reabsorption of glucose in the renal tubules reducing glycemia and increasing glucosuria. The increased glucosuria causes a shift in normal flora and colonization of pathogenic microorganisms leading to an increase in mycotic genital infections. Recent Food and Drug Administration reported cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after initiation of SGLT2i probes the question of safety with such agents. The mechanisms of ketoacidosis and the breakdown of lipids are often misunderstood, and blame is placed on lack of insulin or on medications used to treat diabetes. However, many patients living with diabetes do not experience DKA if the proper treatment and management of concomitant comorbidities are addressed. After a retrospective chart review of 250 patients, three patients were identified with DKA while on SGLT2i, but for three distinct contrasting reasons. Assessment of the pharmacodynamics of SGLT2i and the pathophysiology of DKA infers that emphasis for prevention of SGLT2i-associated DKA should be placed on appropriate diagnosis, infection, and electrolyte abnormalities.

Pb effects on an experimental model of porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells.

The environmental pollution is one of the main factors implicated in the world’s fertility decline. Lead (Pb) is one of the major heavy metal contaminants that impairs several organs but preferentially accumulates in male reproductive organs and alters in vivo and in vitro sperm quality [1]. Nowadays, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Sertoli cells (SC) provides structural and metabolic support to the spermatogenic cells within the seminiferous tubules, therefore, metabolic and structural changes in SC affect the developing germ cells and consequently alter spermatogenesis. This study aimed to assess whether exposure to subtoxic doses of Pb would adversely affect superior mammalian SC function. Highly purified and functional porcine pre-pubertal SC were isolated [2] and treated with three different Pb acetate concentrations. Parameters of SC functionality, such as inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) mRNAs and proteins were decreased by Pb exposure respect to the control, such as the FSH-r integrity in terms of 17-β-estradiol production, under FSH stimulation. In addition, we observed an increase of AKT and mTOR mRNAs, p38 phosphorylation ratio and Akt phosphorylation ratio in all experimental conditions, respect to the control. In conclusion, the Pb-related toxicity on SC, even at low concentrations, is expected to alter spermatogenesis.

Effects of melatonin oral treatment in pristane-induced lupus nephritis mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytes hyperactivity and excessive production of pathogenic autoantibodies, pro-inflammatory cytokines and also reactive oxygen species [1]. One of the most severe manifestations of SLE is lupus nephritis (LN), which is characterized by glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial inflammation and oxidative stress with also immune-complexes depositing in the renal tissue [2]. Recent evidences suggest that the use of antioxidants in the treatment of LN have satisfactory outcomes. Melatonin is a small, highly conserved pineal indoleamine and due to its important and well known antioxidant and antinflammatory properties [3,4] may be an efficient tool against LN damages. In this study, pristane-induced LN mice were used to investigate the potential protective role of melatonin. At the end of the treatments, the LN animal model presented marked changes in the kidney cytoarchitecture (like glomerular sclerosis, marked tubular degeneration and matrix mesangial expansion) together with significative kidney inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis. Interestingly, pristane-mice treated orally with melatonin showed a significative reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis and also of morphological changes at both tubules and glomerular level. In summary, we thought that melatonin may be a potential tool in the management of SLE-glomerulonephritis. Flamma S.p.A.-Italy (www.flammagroup.com) provided with melatonin. Thanks to Fondazione Cariplo e Regione Lombardia “New opportunities and ways towards ERC” (Project 2014-2256) for the grant support.

Flavocoxid mitigates cadmium-induced toxicity: structural, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis in mice kidney

Background: Cadmium (Cd), a diffused environmental pollutant, has adverse effects on urinary apparatus [1]. The role of flavocoxid, a flavonoid with antioxidant activity [2], on the morphological and biochemical changes induced in vivo by Cd in mice kidneys was evaluated. Methods: C57 BL/6J mice received 0.9% NaCl alone, flavocoxid (20 mg/kg/day i.p.) alone, Cd chloride (CdCl2) (2 mg/kg i.p.) alone, or CdCl2 plus Flavocoxid (2 mg/kg i.p. plus 20 mg/kg/day i.p.) for 14 days. At the end of experiment, the mice were killed with an overdose of ketamine and xylazine and the kidneys were collected and processed for structural, immunohistochemical and biochemical analysis. Results: Cd treatment alone significantly increased iNOS, TNF-α and MMP-9 expression, induced structural damages in the glomeruli and in the proximal tubule epithelium, and reduced claudin-11, occludin and N-cadherin immunoreactivity. Flavocoxid administration reduced iNOS, TNF-α and MMP-9 expression, ameliorated glomerular and tubular changes and enhanced claudin-11, occludin and N-cadherin immunoreactivity. Conclusions: We demonstrated for the first time that flavocoxid has a protective role against Cd-induced damages in mice kidney. Therefore, flavocoxid may have a promising role against environmental Cd, in particular against its harmful effects on glomerular and tubular lesions.

Seasonal Changes in the Secretory Activity of Seminal Vesicles of the Indian Fruit Bat Rousettus leschenaulti (Desmarest 1820)

The epithelium of the seminal vesicles of Rousettus leschenaultia shows cyclical pattern in the secretory activity during the reproductive cycle. During the sexually quiescent phase, the seminal vesicles are regressed; the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells contains coarse secretory granules and the lumina of the tubules are empty. The secretion is in the form of secretory blebs in this species of bat. The formation of secretory blebs from the columnar epithelial cells is initiated during the recrudescent phase and is at its peak during the active breeding phase. These secretory blebs are discharged into the lumen of the tubules. Lumina of the tubules are filled with secretory blebs during the recrudescent and active breeding phases. Later on these blebs disintegrate and dissolve to form a homogenous material in the lumen of the tubules. Thus, the mode of secretion in the seminal vesicle of Rousettus is apocrine. The functional significance of the secretion of the seminal vesicles in reproduction of male bat is discussed.

Infiltrative Tubular Carcinoma in a Common Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris

Neoplasia affecting a variety of tissues has been documented in many fish species. However, there are few reports of neoplasia in the common clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris . An adult female clownfish in a public display aquarium was diagnosed with a locally invasive tubular carcinoma. The tumour was characterised by well-differentiated tubules supported by moderate amounts of pale eosinophilic stroma that infiltrated the skin, skeletal muscle and fascial planes of the vertebrae. This is the first report of a tubular carcinoma in this species.

Aspects of Male Reproductive Toxic Effects of Quassia amara L.: Histopathological and Ultrastructural Study in Mouse

Quassia amara is a Brazilian medicinal plant traditionally used as an herbal remedy for a variety of diseases. Quassin is the major secondary chemical compound in it, which is under investigation as an anti-malarial compound. There are preliminary studies implicating Q. amara in male reproductive toxicity. Hence, this elaborate study was undertaken to find the male reproductive toxic effects of Q. amara and quassin. Methanolic extract of Q. amara bark and quassin were administered to male mice for 35 days. The cauda epididymidal sperm, testis and epididymis were subjected to analysis adopting light and transmission electron microscopy. Sperm counts, motility and viability decreased. The incidence of sperm with abnormal morphologies increased. There was premature loss of germ cells from the seminiferous tubules, which correlated with Sertoli cell pathology. The Leydig cells were vacuolated, suggesting a hypo-androgen status. The epididymis indicated severe histopathological changes, including reflection of a mitogenic/tumorigenic effect of Q. amara . Thus, this study indicates that Q. amara , when applied as a therapeutic, could be severely toxic to male reproductive mechanisms and the principal mechanism of action appears to be through Leydig cells. Quassin, the major secondary metabolite responsible for the therapeutic potential of Q. amara , is also the one causative of the male reproductive toxic effects. Thus, this study substantiates the claim that Q. amara is toxic to male reproductive system.

Metabolic diseases and electrolyte disturbance

Electrolyte disturbance caused from metabolic diseases usually occurs with disorder of kidney tubules.These series diseases show congenital metabolic diseases special clinical features with characters of metabolic abnormal, also complicated varies electrolyte disturbance.Typical metabolic disease with electrolyte disturbance include Fanconi syndrome, cystinosis, Lowe syndrome, hereditary fructose intolerance, tyrosinemia, Wilson disease, etc.The key point for correcting electrolyte disturbance and critical emergency is right understanding of the real cause of electrolyte disturbance. Key words: Metabolic diseases; Disorders of kidney tubules; Electrolyte disturbance

ANGKA BANDING KADAR ASAM URAT AIR KEMIH TERHADAP SERUM DI DIABETES MELITUS TIPE 2

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) belongs to the group of metabolic diseases. The long-term complications of diabetes such as: diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy, can be prevented or reduced by controlling the blood glucose levels. Impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension and dyslipidemia can decrease the disappearance from proximal tubules resulting in an increase in serum uric acid. The aim of the study to know the ratio of uric acid urine/serum in DMT2 with controls. This research study used a cross sectional study was and conducted on 35 samples of type 2 diabetes mellitus and 35 control samples of In- and Out-patient Clinics at the Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar. The blood glucose, uric acid levels and urine uric acid were examined by ABX Pentra 400 (colorimetric method). Thenumber of DMT2 male patients was higher than females. Most of their age were between 50−54 years. The ratio of the urinary levels of urine/serum UA was positively correlated to: age, sex, urine UA in DMT2 and control. Their data were analyzed with unpaired t test (p = 0.00). This research showed that the ratio of urine/serum UA in DMT2 was 1.5 times than the controls. The results of this study showed an increase in the ratio of urinary levels of serum uric acid as 1.5 times higher than the controls.

Effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride pretreatment on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in renal tissues of rats with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury

Objective To investigate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) pretreatment on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway in renal tissues of rats with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods Thirty-six pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-220 g, were assigned into 3 groups (n=12 each) using a random number table: control group (group C), group AKI and PHC pretreatment group(group PHC). Rhabdomyolysis was induced by intramuscular injection of 50% glycerol 10 ml/kg in bilateral hindlimbs.PHC 0.2 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min before glycerol was injected intramuscularly in group PHC.At 1 and 6 h after glycerol injection, serum was collected for determination of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine(Cr) concentrations, and bilateral kidneys were harvested for pathological examination and for determination of HO-1 activity and expression of Nrf2 mRNA and HO-1 mRNA (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), Nrf2 in nucleoprotein and total protein and HO-1 in total protein in renal tissues (by Western blot). The damage to the renal tubules was scored. Results Compared with group C, the BUN and Cr concentrations in serum and renal tubular damage scores were significantly increased, the expression of Nrf2 in nucleoprotein and total protein and HO-1 in total protein was significantly up-regulated, and HO-1 activity was significantly increased in AKI and PHC groups, the expression of HO-1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in group AKI, and the expression of Nrf2 mRNA and HO-1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in group PHC (P<0.01 or 0.05). Compared with group AKI, the BUN and Cr concentrations in serum and renal tubular damage scores were significantly decreased, the expression of Nrf2 in nucleoprotein and total protein and HO-1 in total protein was significantly up-regulated, and HO-1 activity was significantly increased in group PHC (P<0.01 or 0.05). Conclusion The mechanism by which PHC pretreatment attenuates rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI may be related to activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in renal tissues of rats. Key words: Penehyclidine hydrochloride; Rhabdomyolysis; Kidney; Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; Heme oxygenase-1

Expression and significance of estrogen receptor alpha in renal tissue of IgA nephropathy

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of estrogen receptor alpha in renal tissue of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Methods Fifty renal tissue samples including forty five cases of IgA nephropathy and five cases of normal expression were collected. The expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) was detected by immunohistochemistry method, and its relationship with clinical parameters and the degree of glomerular damage were analyzed. Results ERα was located in the glomerular and renal tubules. With the severity of the lesion, the expression of ERα in renal tissue of IgA nephropathy decreased gradually (P=0.001) and its expression was associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine (Scr), and pathologic grade of IgA nephropathy (r=0.876, -0.818, and -0.736, P<0.05), The expression of ERα was significantly decreased in hypertensive patients with IgA nephropathy, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that in non-hypertensive group (P=0.011). Conclusions The expression of ERα in renal tissue of IgA nephropathy was significantly decreased and there was a correlation between the degree of renal tissue damage, suggesting that ERα might play a role in the development of renal disease. Key words: Estrogen receptor alpha/ME; Glomerulonephritis, IgA/ME

The experience of diagnosis and treatment for clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma

Objective To discuss the clinic characters of clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC)and the efficacy of related laparoscopic surgery. Methods From October 2013 to December 2015, 4 cases were treated as CCPRCC including 3 male and 1 female. Their age ranged from 34 to 67 years old (mean 53 years old). The duration of illness ranged from 7 days to 3 months, which the average duration was 1.5 months. The location of tumor included left side in 2 cases and right side in other 2 cases. All tumors were found incidentally, without symptoms or positive sign. Ultrasound showed that 2 cases were solid, and the other 2 cases were cystic solid with low, high or mixed echo and rich blood flow signals. The tumors were enhanced in CT arterial phase, and calcification showed in one case. MRI showed heterogeneous signal. The mean size of tumor was 3.0 cm, ranging 2.3 to 4.5 cm. After preoperative examination, all cases underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. During the operation, 2 cases were confirmed as cystic solid tumors, and the other 2 cases were solid tumors. Renal artery and renal mass were dissociated , then the artery was blocked. The tumor was complete resected, and kidney was sutured. Results All surgery was performed successfully without conversion. The operation time was 137-191 min (average 157 min). The blood loss was 10-100 ml (average 45 ml) without blood transfusion. The warm ischemia time was 15-35 min (mean 22 min). The postoperative hospitalization time stay 6-8 d (average 7 d). Pathologic report was CCPRCC, including 3 cases of WHO/ISUP grade 1, and 1 case of WHO/ISUP grade 2. 2 cases were cystic solid tumor, and other 2 cases were solid tumor. Bland-appearing tubules and occasional small papillae, and uniform small nuclei are arranged in a linear manner away from the basal aspect of the tubules in microscope. Immunohistochemistry showed that CA IX, CK7, 34 E12 were positive, but CD10,P504S and CD117 were negative. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 14 months, ranging 4 to 30 months. No recurrence was found in those patients. Patients were followed up for 4-30 months (average 14 months) without recurrence or metastasis. Conclusions CCPRCC is a rare subtype of renal tumor, which mainly diagnosed by pathological diagnosis. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an effective method for the treatment with good prognosis. Key words: Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma; Retroperitoneal laparoscopy; Treatment

The effects and mechanisms of benazepril and losartan on glomerular podocyte autophagy in aged spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective To examine the effects of benazepril and losartan on glomerular podocyte autophagy in aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and investigate the underlying mechanisms of renal-protective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Methods Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) were used as the normal control (NORM) group (2 ml physiological saline per day). SHRs were randomly divided into 4 groups: the CTRL group (2 ml physiological saline per day), the ACEI group (10 mg·kg-1·d-1), the ARB group (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) and the combined group (10 mg·kg-1·d-1 benazepril and 30 mg·kg-1·d-1), with six 18-month-old male rats in each group. The experiments were conducted during a 4-month period. Blood pressure was monitored regularly. At the end of the experiments, we measured the levels of urine protein, urine creatinine, serum creatinine (SCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum and renal cortex angiotensin Ⅱ (AngII). Ultrastructural changes in the kidney were examined under light and transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of nephrin, LC3BII, Atg5 and p62 in the glomerulus were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results After treatment, the blood pressure and the urine albumin/creatinine ratio of the four SHR groups were still significantly higher than those of the NORM group, but the blood pressure and the urine albumin/creatinine ratio of the ARB group and the combined group were significantly lower than those of the CTRL group (all P 0.05); The level of serum AngII of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the CTRL group 〔CTRL (0.08±0.00) μg/L, Combined (0.12±0.01) μg/L, P<0.05〕; The levels of cortex AngII of the four SHR groups were significantly lower than those of the NORM group, while the level of cortex AngII of the ARB group was significantly higher than that of the CTRL group (all P<0.05); Renal ultrastructural examination revealed shrunken glomeruli, fused or effaced epithelial cell foot processes, and focal atrophy of renal tubules in the four SHR groups. These pathological changes were more serious in the CTRL group but less so in the combined group. There were significantly more autophagosomes in the NORM group and the combined group than in the CTRL group (P<0.05). Compared with the NORM group, the expressions of nephrin, LC3BII, Atg5 and p62 in the CTRL group were suppressed significantly (P<0.05). The expressions of nephrin, LC3BII and Atg5 in the ACEI group and the expressions of nephrin, LC3BII, Atg5 and p62 in the ARB group and the combined group were higher than in the CTRL group (P<0.05). Conclusions ACEI/ARB can decrease the autophagic activity of glomerular podocytes. The renal-protective effects of ACEI/ARB may be mediated by glomerular podocyte autophagy, which is induced by AngII. Key words: Hypertension; Podocytes; Autophagy; Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; Angiotensin receptor antagonist

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging in the assessment of the renal functional alternation in contrast-induced acute kidney injury models

Objective To demonstrate that intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging can assess temporal renal functional changes in contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Methods Twenty-seven male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with weight of 200 to 250 g were injected with meglumine diatrizoate (370 mg/ml, 6 ml/kg body weight) to induced CI-AKI. Six rats were randomly selected and imaged at 24 h prior to and at 30 min, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h after injection, and three rats were sacrificed for histological analysis at each time point. The coronal MR imaging of right kidney was analyzed. The IVIM parameters (D, D* and f) from regions of cortex (CO), outer medulla (OM), and inner medulla (IM) were obtained and compared with the pathologic findings. We used Two way repeated measures ANOVA for statistical analysis. Results At 24 h prior to the injection, the ADC value for CO was (1.74±0.06)×10-3 mm2/s, and then decreased to (1.59±0.06)×10-3mm2/s at 30 min after the injection(P=0.014). The D value for CO was (1.63±0.05)×10-3 mm2/s, and then decreased to (1.58±0.06) × 10-3 mm2/s at 30 min after the injection(P< 0.05).In the CO, a progressive reduction was observed in D and ADC from 24 h to 48 h, and a progressive increase starting from 72 h, while a later changed pattern was found in OM and IM, where D and ADC values decreased until 72 h, followed by a progressive increase starting from 96 h. D* decreased in CO, OM and IM early at 30 min and to the bottom at 24 h. The recovery for D* was found at 48 h. A significant decrease was shown for f in both the cortex and medullar in an early stage of CI-AKI (12 to 48 h) and then ascend in the later stage (72 to 96 h), which was later than D* in CO and OM. The HE staining were obtained fully and serial pathological change in different degree could be seen including tubule epithelial cells and glomerulus cells cloudy swelling, atrophy, even necrosis and interstitial vasodilator. Conclusion IVIM DWI techniques is useful to demonstrate temporal renal functional alteration of CI-AKI. Key words: Nephrosis; Contrast media; Magnetic resonance imaging

The correlation between oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor CD36 and renal tubular injury in diabetic rats

Objective To observe the expressions of oxidized low density lipoprotein(OxLDL)receptor CD36 in kidney tissue of diabetic rats and in tubular cells incubated with OxLDL, and to explore the association of CD36 with the tubular injury and renal fibrosis in the process of diabetic nephropathy. Methods Diabetic rat model with hyperlipidemia was established by feeding with high sugar and fat diet and injection of low dose streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The expression of CD36 in kidney tissues was analyzed immunohistochemically. Meanwhile, the tubular sclerosis and fibrosis injury index were estimated and calculated. NRK-52E cells were stimulated with 50 mg/L OxLDL for 5, 10, 24, and 48 h, or 100 and 150 mg/L OxLDLs for 2 and 3 days. The protein expression of CD36 was detected by Western blot. Results The expression of CD36 in the renal tubulointerstitium of diabetic rats was increased comparing to that in control rats, and was localized mainly at tubular region. The renal tubular damage index(STI)of diabetes group was higher than that in control group(5.54±1.5 vs 0.65±0.15, P<0.05). OxLDL stimulated CD36 expression in NRK-52E cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Conclusion The expression of CD36 was increased in renal tubular of diabetic rats, in consistent with STI. OxLDL increased CD36 expression in NRK-52E cells. These results suggest that the expression of CD36 is associated with renal tubular damages in experimental rat diabetes. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 32: 602-606) Key words: Diabetic nephropathy; Renal tubule; Oxidized low density lipoprotein; CD36

Two New Echinoderes Species (Echinoderidae, Cyclorhagida, Kinorhyncha) from Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Hiroshi Yamasaki (2016) No kinorhynchs have previously been reported at the species level from Vietnamese waters. Two new species in the Echinoderes coulli-group, Echinoderes regina sp. nov. and Echinoderes serratulus sp. nov., are described from Nha Trang, Vietnam, Southeast Asia. Echinoderes regina sp. nov. is characterized by the large trunk (451-503 μm), a middorsal spine on segment 4, sublateral spines on segments 6 and 7, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, sublateral tubules on segment 8, laterodorsal tubules on segment 10, large sieve plates on segment 9, a primary pectinate fringe with fringe tips wider middorsally to ventrolaterally and thinner ventromedially on segments 2-9, and lateral terminal spines (15-20% of trunk length). Echinoderes serratulus sp. nov. is characterized by a middorsal spine on segment 4, sublateral spines on segments 6 and 7, lateroventral tubules on segments 5 and 8, midlateral tubules on segment 9, laterodorsal tubules on segment 10, large sieve plates on segment 9, primary pectinate fringes with long fringe tips ventrally on segments 1-9, with the ventromedial tips obliquely orientated, pointing towards the midventral line on segments 2-5, and short, plump lateral terminal spines (12-15% of trunk length).