Uric Acid Kidney Research Articles

Renal herb formula protects against hyperuricemic nephropathy by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation

BackgroundHyperuricemic nephropathy may be induced by the elevation and accumulation of uric acid in kidney after hyperuricemia, which leads to kidney residential cells apoptosis and inflammation. Renal herb formula (RHF) is a self-designed formula based on traditional Chinese medicine theory and clinical practice in kidney disease treatment. In the literature available currently, there is not yet research article reporting the reno-protective effect of RHF against hyperuricemic nephropathy. PurposeThis study was performed to analyze the bioactive compound profiles of RHF, evaluate its protective effects against hyperuricemic nephropathy, and investigate the mechanisms of actions regarding apoptosis and inflammation. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector was applied to establish fingerprint and chemical composition of RHF. Potassium oxonate was used to induce hyperuricemic nephropathy in mice, and uric acid was used to stimulate apoptosis and inflammatory response in HK-2 cells, while the mice and cells were treated with RHF to explore its reno-protective effects and mechanisms. ResultsIt was found that chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A-C may be the characteristic components of RHF. RHF treatment could improve kidney functions in mice with hyperuricemic nephropathies, such as decreasing urine protein, uric acid, and creatinine and serum uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen. Histopathological observations showed that RHF treatment ameliorated kidney glomerular hypotrophy, tubular damage, and inflammatory infiltration. Mechanism studies revealed that RHF inhibited kidney residential cell apoptosis and inflammatory response by targeting the p53-associated intrinsic apoptosis pathway and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway. ConclusionTaken together, it could be concluded that RHF exerted reno-protective effects against hyperuricemic nephropathy through reducing apoptosis and inflammation. RHF and the bioactive compounds chlorogenic acid analogs as promising candidates may be developed into novel and effective drugs for hyperuricemic nephropathy treatment and management.

Loss of the Kidney Urate Transporter, Urat1, Leads to Disrupted Redox Homeostasis in Mice.

High uric acid is associated with gout, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. URAT1 (SLC22A12), originally discovered in mice as Rst, is generally considered a very selective uric acid transporter compared to other closely-related kidney uric acid transporters such as OAT1 (SLC22A6, NKT) and OAT3 (SLC22A8). While the role of URAT1 in regulating human uric acid is well-established, in recent studies the gene has been linked to redox regulation in flies as well as progression of renal cell carcinoma. We have now identified over twenty metabolites in the Urat1 knockout that are generally distinct from metabolites accumulating in the Oat1 and Oat3 knockout mice, with distinct molecular properties as revealed by chemoinformatics and machine learning analysis. These metabolites are involved in seemingly disparate aspects of cellular metabolism, including pyrimidine, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism. However, through integrative systems metabolic analysis of the transcriptomic and metabolomic data using a human metabolic reconstruction to build metabolic genome-scale models (GEMs), the cellular response to loss of Urat1/Rst revealed compensatory processes related to reactive oxygen species handling and maintaining redox state balances via Vitamin C metabolism and cofactor charging reactions. These observations are consistent with the increasingly appreciated role of the antioxidant properties of uric acid. Collectively, the results highlight the role of Urat1/Rst as a transporter strongly tied to maintaining redox homeostasis, with implications for metabolic side effects from drugs that block its function.

The clinical efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with diabetic nephropathy

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN).MethodsA total of 120 DN patients admitted to our hospital from June 2017 to March 2020 were divided into control and experimental groups, with 60 cases in each group. The control group received valsartan, and the experimental group received dapagliflozin for 3 months. Body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum creatinine (sCr), uric acid (UA), urine microalbumin (uMA), urine creatinine (uCr), and bilateral kidney function were compared before and after treatment, and adverse reactions in both groups were observed. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also evaluated.ResultsAfter treatment, except for BMI in the control group, all indexes in both groups were significantly improved. The BMI, HbA1c, sCr, UA, and uMA/uCr ratios of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group. Serum albumin (sAlb) levels were increased in both groups, and the experimental group showed a significant difference compared with the control group. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels were increased in both groups, and the experimental group was higher than the control group, with no significant differences. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels in both groups were lower, and the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group. No serious adverse reactions were observed in either group.ConclusionThe efficacy of dapagliflozin was demonstrated by its ability to improve diabetes, prevent nephropathy exacerbation, and reduce symptomatic reactions. The low rate of adverse reactions makes dapagliflozin a very safe medication.

Medicinal and nutritional importance of Lagenaria siceraria (Lauki)

Lagenaria siceraria (Lauki) belong to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is also known as calabash or white flowered gourd and locally kado. There are 118 general and 825 species. It is found in many countries Pakistan, India, Sri-Lanka, and Africa. The fruit is the rich source of the ascorbic acid, beta carotene and a good source of vitamin B complex. The seeds of L. siceraria contain amino acids, proteins, lignin, and iron. The leaves contain carbohydrates, phytoestrols, saponins, phenolic compounds, tennis, proteins, amino acids and flavonoids. Lagenaria siceraria seed oil has cooling effects and can be applied in migraine type headache. The fruit of the L. siceraria help to reduce the inflammation on the liver and the juice of the L. siceraria on empty stomach in morning is the best remedy liver disease, heart disease, urinary problems and depression. The juice also helps to change the concentration of the urea and uric acid in kidney. The fruit is used for the treatment of the jaundice, diabetes, and ulcer, piles, hypertension and skin disease. It may be the best gift for the mankind.

Sézary syndrome preceded by mycosis fungoides and complicated by tumor lysis syndrome and macrophage activation syndrome

Sir, Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common malignancies of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma [1]. Herein, we report a case of SS complicated by tumor lysis syndrome and macrophage activation syndrome. A 54-year-old patient, followed since October 2017 for mycosis fungoides and undergoing various treatments (PUVA therapy, methotrexate, chlorambucil + prednisone), presented with an aggravation of lesions toward extensive and intensely pruritic. A clinical examination revealed dry erythroderma, scratch marks, wart plaques, an accentuation of frontal wrinkles and nasolabial folds (leonine facies), palmoplantar fissuring keratoderma, xanthopachyonychia of all nails, and a carapace-like appearance of the scalp (Figs. 1 – 3). Generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, and a state of anasarca-type edema caused by hypoalbuminemia were also found. A skin biopsy revealed lymphoproliferation of CD4+ T-cells and an aberrant loss of pan-T antigens. The CD4-to-CD8 ratio was at 48.5% and Sézary cells were 6960 (absolute value). A lymph node biopsy showed a dense infiltration of Sézary cells. A PET scan revealed hypermetabolism in the entire skin and at the lymph node level. Tumor lysis syndrome was evident, with high levels of blood uric acid (at 182 mg/L), elevated LDH (at 924 U/L), and functional kidney failure. Macrophage activation syndrome was also present, with fever, anemia and thrombocytopenia, liver cytolysis, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperferritinemia. The patient received an albumin infusion, oral corticosteroid therapy to treat the syndrome, and rasburicase for hyperuremia. Despite this, the patient died before multiagent chemotherapy could have been started. On rare occasions, SS may be preceded by a prior history of classic MF. The International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas (ISCL) recommends that such cases be designated “SS preceded by MF” [2]. Traditionally, SS is defined as a leukemic form of CTCL associated with erythroderma. Sézary cells are a population of large lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, with grooved and lobulated nuclei, in the case of SS, numbering 1000 cells/mL or more [2]. The histopathologic findings in the skin often resemble those observed in MF, with less prominent epidermotropism. As in MF, immunohistochemical studies showing a CD4 predominance and loss of pan-T-cell markers may be helpful. Lymph node involvement is characterized by the complete effacement of the nodal architecture by the infiltrating Sézary cells (2). The poor prognostic factors in Sézary syndrome include an advanced stage of the disease, an older age at onset, and large cell transformation [3]. While high response rates may be achieved with systemic chemotherapy, they are frequently short-lived and associated with significant toxicities [2]. The management of SS is complicated and requires multidisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, hematologists, biologists, and reanimators.

Differences of gut microbiota composition in mice supplied with polysaccharides from γ-irradiated and non-irradiated Schizophyllum commune

In this study, polysaccharides from normal (N-SFP) and γ-irradiated (I-SFP) Schizophyllum commune were supplied to Kunming mice for 30 days. The results showed that N-SFP and I-SFP supplementation prevent body weight gain, enhance kidney uric acid metabolism and increase the concentration of SCFAs to a certain extent. Moreover, N-SFP and I-SFP promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Compared to N-SFP, I-SFP decreased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae, and increased the beneficial gut microbiota, especially the family of Akkermansiaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae. In total, I-SFP showed better effects than N-SFP in preventing weight gain, and modulating the mice gut microbiota, which suggests that I-SFP could act as a potential health supplement in the prevention of obesity.

MO491ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE INCIDENCE STRATIFIED BY SEX IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS

Abstract Background and Aims While previous studies have reported the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence, the sex differences in this association remain controversial. Therefore, we examined the association between SUA levels and CKD incidence in middle-aged adults stratified by sex using data from a large-scale health check-up. Method We analyzed information from the JMDC database, which included the annual health check-up data of Japanese employees and their dependents aged <75 years. Among those individuals, we analyzed data from 138,511 individuals without CKD, kidney disease, or a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. We divided the participants into 9 and 7 groups according to SUA levels for men and women, respectively. A Cox model was applied to assess the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for CKD incidence in each SUA level group using an SUA concentration of 4.0–4.9 mg/dL as the reference after adjusting for age, body mass index, current or ex-smoker, current or ex-drinker, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, systolic blood pressure, use of anti-hyperuricemic drugs, and baseline eGFR. Results The mean participant age was 44.1 years, and 29.6% were women. The mean SUA levels were 5.9 mg/dL and 4.1 mg/dL in men and women, respectively. During the mean follow-up period of 4.68 years, 12,589 participants developed CKD. The age-standardized incidence rates for CKD were 17.88/17.80 per 1000 person-years in men/women with SUA concentrations of 4.0–4.9 mg/dL, 209.76 per 1000 person-years in men with SUA ≥11.0 mg/dL, and 73.38 per 1000 person-years in women with SUA ≥ 9.0 mg/dL. The fully adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval [CI], P value) for CKD incidence in the groups with SUA concentrations of <4.0, 10.0–10.9, and ≥11.0 mg/dL compared with those with SUA of 4.0–4.9 mg/dL among men were 1.13 (1.01–1.26, P=0.030), 1.98 (1.32–2.97, P=0.0010), and 3.74 (1.68–8.35, P=0.0013), respectively. In women, the fully adjusted HRs for CKD incidence in the groups with SUA concentrations of <4.0, 8.0–8.9, and ≥9.0 mg/dL were 1.08 (1.01–1.16, P=0.032), 2.39 (1.07–5.35, P=0.034), and 3.20 (0.80–12.8, P=0.10), respectively. Similar results were observed when we performed the sensitivity analysis excluding 8,411 individuals with hypertensive treatment from the main analysis. The HRs for the outcomes caused by the onset of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria separately were similar to those for the main results. Conclusion The results of the present study demonstrated an increased risk of CKD in men with SUA concentrations of <4.0 and ≥10.0 mg/dL and <4.0 and ≥8.0 mg/dL in women compared to those with SUA concentrations of 4.0–4.9 mg/dL after adjusting for various covariates. Both high and low SUA levels were risk factors for CKD in middle-aged men and women. Hyperuricemia was demonstrated to cause renal injury due to the intraluminal deposition of uric acid crystals in the renal collecting duct. Hyperuricemia may also induce endothelial dysfunction, activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and induction of inflammation and stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by the induction of cyclooxygenase-2. However, as uric acid is one of the most important antioxidants in human plasma, low SUA levels may increase the risk of CKD incidence through decreased antioxidant activity. These mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of CKD caused by high and low SUA levels. In addition, the SUA levels and ranges associated with increased risks of CKD incidence differed by sex.

Effect of application at Shu-Mu acupoint on serum uric acid in hyperuricemic rats

To observe the effect of application at Back-Shu with Front-Mu acupoints on serum uric acid (SUA) and kidney uric acid transport related proteins in hyperuricemia rats, so as to explore the mechanism of Shu-Mu acupoint application on treatment of hyperuricemia. SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, vaseline application and medication application groups, with 8 rats in each group. The hyperuricemia rat model was established by gavage of potassium oxonate. Rats in the vaseline application group received application of vaseline at bilateral "Ganshu"(BL18) and "Qimen"(LI14), "Pishu"(BL20) and "Zhangmen"(LR13), "Shenshu" (BL23) and "Jingmen"(GB25). Rats in the medication application group received application of traditional Chinese medicine at the same acupoints. The contents of SUA and creatinine (SCr) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. H.E. staining was used to observe the pathological changes of kidney. And the protein expression levels of organic anion transporter 1(OAT1) and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G2(ABCG2) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Rats in the model group showed symptoms such as polydipsia, polyuria, loose stools, fatigue, weakness, etc. The renal tubules atrophied, and urate crystals can be seen in the lumen. Compared with the control group. the SUA content in the model group increased (P<0.01)and the expressions of OAT1 and ABCG2 protein in kidney decreased (P<0.01). After intervention and in comparison with the model group showed that, the diet, excretion function, and mental state of the rats in the medication application group returned to normal, and the pathological changes of the kidney tissue were alleviated, the SUA content was down-regulated(P<0.01)and the expression levels of OAT1 and ABCG2 in the kidney up-regulated (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the SCr content among the 4 groups (P＞0.05). Medication application at Shu-Mu points can effectively reduce the SUA level of hyperuricemia rats, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating the protein expressions of OAT1 and ABCG2 in the kidney and reducing the damage to the kidneys.

Chicory ameliorates hyperuricemia via modulating gut microbiota and alleviating LPS/TLR4 axis in quail

BackgroundHigh-purine diet can cause gut microbiota disorder, which is closely related to the occurrence of hyperuricemia (HUA). At the same time, the development of HUA is often accompanied by renal impairment. Chicory, a natural medicine, has a significant effect on lowering uric acid. However, whether its concrete mechanism is associated with the regulation of gut microbiota and renal damage is still unclear. MethodsHyperuricemic quails induced by high-purine diet were used, and quails were divided into control (CON), model (MOD), and model plus high, middle, low doses of chicory. The uricosuric effect was evaluated by detecting the uric acid levels in serum and feces. Meanwhile, the morphology of intestine and kidney were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the expression of intestinal barrier junction proteins Occludin, Claudin-1 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. Furthermore, the latent mechanism was clarified by analyzing 16S rRNA amplicon of gut microbiota and measuring the changes of LPS/TLR4 axis inflammatory response of the kidney by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe results showed that serum uric acid levels were significantly decreased, and the feces uric acid levels were noticeably increased after the intervention of chicory. In addition, chicory could repair the damage of intestinal mucosa and improve the permeability of intestinal barrier. Moreover, the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis uncovered that chicory restored gut microbiota by increasing the probiotics flora (Bifidobacterium, Erysipelotrichaceae) and reducing the pathogenic bacteria group (Helicobacteraceae). Furthermore, it was found that chicory reduced the LPS/TLR4 axis inflammatory response by down regulating the serum LPS and TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway in kidney, thus promoting the excretion of uric acid in kidney. ConclusionChicory intervention ameliorated HUA via modulating the imbalance of gut microbiota and suppressing LPS/TLR4 axis inflammatory reaction in quail model, which may be a promising candidate for hyperuricemia-relieving properties.

Impact of uric acid on liver injury and intestinal permeability following resuscitated hemorrhagic shock in rats.

Multiorgan failure is a consequence of severe ischemia-reperfusion injury after traumatic hemorrhagic shock (HS), a major cause of mortality in trauma patients. Circulating uric acid (UA), released from cell lysis, is known to activate proinflammatory and proapoptotic pathways and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes among critically ill patients. Our group has recently shown a mediator role for UA in kidney and lung injury, but its role in liver and enteric damage after HS remains undefined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of UA on liver and enteric injury after resuscitated HS. A murine model of resuscitated HS was treated during resuscitation with a recombinant uricase, a urate oxidase enzyme (rasburicase; Sanofi-Aventis, Canada Inc, Laval, Canada), to metabolize and reduce circulating UA. Biochemical analyses (liver enzymes, liver apoptotic, and inflammatory markers) were performed at 24 hours and 72 hours after HS. Physiological testing for enteric permeability and gut bacterial product translocation measurement (plasma endotoxin) were performed 72 hours after HS. In vitro, HT-29 cells were exposed to UA, and the expression of intercellular adhesion proteins (ZO-1, E-cadherin) was measured to evaluate the influence of UA on enteric permeability. The addition of uricase to resuscitation significantly reduced circulating and liver UA levels after HS. It also prevented HS-induced hepatolysis and liver apoptotic/inflammatory mediators at 24 hours and 72 hours. Hemorrhagic shock-induced enteric hyperpermeability and endotoxemia were prevented with uricase. After resuscitated HS, UA is an important mediator in liver and enteric injury. Uric acid represents a therapeutic target to minimize organ damage in polytrauma patients sustaining HS.

An innovative bio-tissue network signal amplifier activated by high-N-doped carbon for uric acid detection

We herein report the first attempt to engineer an innovative bio-tissue network signal amplifier transduced by a novel natural N-doped carbon material. In order to prevent kidney uric acid (UA) stone disease in advance, based on the excretion of most UA through the kidney, as well as the high nitrogen content in animal tissues, and considering the biocompatibility, a high-N-doped carbon was firstly prepared by in situ carbonization and chemical activation method with the mouse kidney as precursor. The activated mouse kidney transformed carbon (AMKC) had a large specific surface area and network hierarchical pore structure, and played the biological transduction for signal enrichment to vastly increase sensitivity to detect UA, which may be due to the multi-circuitry performance of bio-tissue. Under the optimized conditions, AMKC as a network signal amplifier expressed a linear relationship to UA concentrations from 0.5 to 300 μM, with a high sensitivity of 0.1195 μA μM−1 and a low detection limit of 0.15 μM (3σ). Furthermore, the bio-tissue multi-circuitry signal amplifier exhibited a high selectivity for UA even with interference of other biological inorganic salts and small organic molecules, which has broad application prospects in clinical diagnosis and detection.

PENGARUH EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN KEMANGI (Ocimum bacilicum L.) TERHADAP KADAR β2 MIKROGLOBULIN, ASAM URAT DAN GAMBARAN HISTOLOGI GINJAL PADA TIKUS PUTIH GALUR WISTAR (Rattus novergicus strain Wistar) YANG DIINDUKSI MONOSODIUM GLUTAMAT

AbstractBasil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the traditional medicinal plants that is used as medicine.This study aims to determine the effect of giving basil leaves on levels of Beta 2 microglobulin, uric acid and kidney histology in white wistar-induced rats in MSG and determine the effective dose of basil leaves in an effort to improve kidney function.This study used 25 male Wistar strain rats with body weight 200-230 g. The test animal group was divided into five groups based on the stage of treatment. The first treatment group was a control group consisting of five mice that were not given basil leaf extract or MSG, the second treatment group was the group that was only given MSG without being given basil leaf extract, the third treatment group was the group given MSG followed by basil leaf extract dose 87, 5 mg / kgBB, the fourth treatment group was the group that was given MSG followed by the administration of basil leaf extract with a dose of 175 mg / kgBW, and the fifth treatment group was the group that was given MSG followed by the administration of basil leaf extract at a dose of 350 mg / kgBB. At the end of the treatment, rats were drawn for blood analysis of B2M levels and uric acid levels and kidney tissue uptake, as well as analyzing kidney tissue histology.The results showed that there were differences between Beta 2 microglobulin, uric acid and kidney histopathology of rats receiving basil leaf extract compared with MSG group without basil leaf extract. This study concludes that consuming basil leaf extract can reduce levels of B2M and uric acid and improve kidney histology induced by MSG.

Relationship between nephrolithiasis and dyslipidemia in primary gout patients

Objective To explore the impact of dyslipidemia on uric acid stones by analyzing the relationship between blood lipids and urolithiasis in primary gouty patients. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with nephrolithiasis in primary gout patients who underwent stone chemical analysis, compared with gout patients without nephrolithiasis. The clinical parameters, urine analysis and lipid levels were analyzed. Patients were divided into groups based on serum lipid levels. The groups were compared based on demographic data and stone composition. Correlations were analyzed between serum lipid, urinary pH and uric acid stones. Moreover, the risk factors of uric acid stones were determined by logistic regression analysis. Analysis of variance, t-test, chi-square test, Spearman′s test and Logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results ① A total of 144 gout patients were included in study, 48 patients with urolithiasis and 96 patients without urolithiasis. ② Serum lipid levels were significantly lower in urolithiasis group than those patients without urolithiasis including triglyceride (TG) [1.6(0.9, 2.1) mmol/L vs 2.2(1.4, 3.2) mmol/L, Z=2.38, P=0.01], total cholesterol (TC) [(4.4±1.2) mmol/L vs (5.1±1.0) mmol/L, t=5.3, P=0.006]; low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) [(2.5±0.9) mmol/L vs (3.2±0.9) mmol/L, t=4.2, P=0.005]. ③ Compared to oxalate stone formers, uric acid stone formers had significantly higher TG [(1.8±0.6) mmol/L vs (0.9±0.5) mmol/L, t=4.9, P=0.001), TC [(4.4±1.1) mmol/L vs (3.8±1.0) mmol/L, t=1.8, P=0.001] and LDL-C [(2.8±0.9) mmol/L vs (2.0±0.7) mmol/L, t=3.5, P=0.045], while the high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was lower [(0.94±0.23) mmol/L vs (1.32±0.41) mmol/L, t=-4.0, P=0.002]. ④ Percentage of uric acid stones in high TG group was higher than normal TG group [85% (17/20 vs 46.4% (13/28) , χ2=7.4, P=0.007], in addition, the percentage of uric acid stones in low HDL group was higher than normal HDL group [(82.1% (23/28) vs 35.0% (7/20) , χ2=11.1, P=0.001]. ⑤ Uric acid stones were significantly correlated with high TG, low LDL and urinary pH(r=0.522, 0.47, -0.212, respectively). Logistic analysis showed risk factors for uric acid stone in primary gouty patients were high TG [OR=2.38, 95%CI(1.41, 13.7); P=0.01] and lower HDL level [OR=0.01, 95%CI(0.01, 0.43); P=0.01]. Conclusion There is a link between dyslipidemia and kidney uric acid stone risk in primary gout patients. Specific alterations in patient′s lipid profile may portend unique aberrations in urine physico-chemistry and uric acid stone risk. Key words: Gout; Kidney; Nephrolithiasis; Dyslipidemia; Body mass index

Effects of co-exposure to imidacloprid and gibberellic acid on redox status, kidney variables and histopathology in adult rats

Data on the individual nephrotoxic effects of imidacloprid (IMI) and gibberellic acid (GA3) are scarce. Moreover, there is a lack of information about their combined effects on the renal tissue. Our study investigated the effects of IMI and GA3 separately or together on rats kidney. IMI (64 mg/kg bw) was given for 3 weeks by gavage either individually or in combination with GA3 (200 mg/L) via drinking water. IMI associated or no with GA3 increased the levels of kidney malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, protein carbonyls and metallothionein, plasma creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen and lactate dehydrogenase activity. A decline of kidney uric acid level and antioxidant status was also observed. All these changes were supported by histopathological observations. Our results highlighted the role of IMI and/or GA3-induced nephrotoxicity. Co-exposure to IMI and GA3 exhibited synergism in biochemical kidney variables and histopathology and antagonism in physical and morphological parameters.

Effect of Chinese herb chicory extract on expression of renal transporter Glut9 in rats with hyperuricemia

Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, benzbromarone group(20 mg•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹), chicory extract high dose, middle dose and low dose groups (5, 7.5, 10 g•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹). The rats in normal group were given with water, and the rats in other groups were given with 10% fructose solution to establish hyperuricemia models. All the rats were sacrificed on the 42th day. Then their serum uric acid(SUA), serum creatinine(CRE), urea nitrogen(BUN) and urinary uric acid(UUA) levels were detected to calculate the clearance rate of uric acid in kidney(CUA). Meanwhile, the protein and gene expression levels of renal glucose transporter family member 9(Glut9) were detected by immunohistochemical and Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) methods. The effects of Chinese herb chicory extract on expression of renal Glut9 and decreasing uric acid were explored in this study, and the results showed that chicory extract could reduce SUA level in rats with hyperuricemia, increase renal CUA, decrease the protein expression of renal Glut9, inhibit uric acid re-absorption in kidney, and thus promote renal uric acid excretion.

Research note: The Effect of &lt;i&gt;Moringa oleifera&lt;/i&gt; Leaf Dust on Selected Biochemical Parameters of Hybrid Catfish

The study was conducted to ascertain the effect of sub-lethal concentrations (0.00, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.16mg/L) of Moringa oleifera leaf dust after the 21-day experimental period on selected biochemical parameters of hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus X Heterobranchus bidorsalis) with mean length (28.39 ± 0.33cm) and weight (99.34 ± 2.48g). The experiment was conducted using static renewable bioassay system with triplicate experimental set-up. At the end of the experimental period, the blood, liver and kidney were obtained from the sacrificed fish. These tissue/organs were prepared for the selected biochemical parameters (uric acid, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, urea, bilirubin, potassium and chloride) using standard procedures. These parameters were assayed using the standardized procedures of available commercial reagent kits. There were no significantly (p&gt;0.05) difference in the tissue/organs mean inorganic phosphorus, urea, bilirubin and potassium. However, calcium level were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) in fish exposed to the highest concentration of Moringa oleifera leaf dust. The kidney uric acid was showed significant difference fish exposed to 0.12 and 0.16mg/L Moringa oleifera leaf dust. in kidney uric acid compared to the control fish. The result suggested that the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf dust was mild at the exposed concentrations where concentrations of 0.12 and 0.16mg/L revealed highest changes observed.Keywords: Health status, Fish, Medicinal plant

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Uric Acid and Calcium–based Kidney Stones

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with uric acid and calcium–based kidney stones and to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and type of kidney stone using infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the chemical composition of kidney stones Sixty patients with urolithiasis were examined. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to clinical and laboratory criteria. Weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure of patients were measured. Blood tests were performed. Concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and uric acid in blood, were analyzed. The kidney stones of patients were removed and the composition of each kidney stone was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 55% of the patients; 86.7% of patients with uric acid (UA) kidney stones and 44.4% of patients with calcium (Ca) based stones had metabolic syndrome. All patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were overweight or obese. Even though there were no statistically significant differences observed concerning the anthropometrical measures and arterial blood pressure (BP) between the UA stone formers and Ca–based stone formers, the results show a trend that failed to reach significance: higher waist size, BMI and arterial BP means in the group of patients with UA stones than in the patients with Ca–based stones. No statistically significant differences in lipid profile between the groups were found. Concentration of UA in blood serum was significantly higher in patients with UA kidney stones than it was in patients with Ca–based kidney stones. Significant positive correlation between triglycerides and serum UA concentrations, as well as body mass index and serum UA concentration, and negative correlation between concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and UA was found. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in patients with uric acid stones than in the patients with calcium–based kidney stones, even though this relationship was not statistically significant, most likely because of the limited number of patients investigated.

English

The aim of this study was to examine the progression of kidney damage induced by zinc deficiency in diabetic rats and to evaluate the effect of combined treatment of vitamin E and vitamin C in renal injury by providing protection against deleterious action of zinc deficiency. Female diabetic albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups. The first group received a diet containing a 54 mg zinc/kg diet (adequate zinc, AZ), the second group received a diet containing 1 mg zinc/kg diet (zinc deficient group, ZD), and the three other groups received ZD diet and treated orally with vitamin E (500 mg/kg body wt) (ZD + Vit E), vitamin C (500 mg/kg body wt) (ZD + Vit C), and combined vitamins C and E (250 + 250 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitC+VitE), respectively. Body weight was recorded regularly (twice weekly). After four weeks of dietary manipulation, kidney zinc level, serum albumin and total protein concentration of ZD group were significantly lower than those of AZ group. Dietary zinc deficiency also increased proteinuria excretion, serum and urinary urea and uric acid levels, serum creatinine and kidney malondialdehyde concentration. In contrast, the catalase activity and reduced glutathione level in the kidney were reduced. In conclusion, vitamins E and C act as beneficial antioxidants protect renal function against the noticed oxidative stress due to zinc deficiency and experimental diabetes. Keywords: Experimental diabetes, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, oxidative stress, kidney damage.

Effects of Alendronate on Kidney Tissue of Ovariectomized Rats

Summary Alendronate is an aminophosphanate, selective inhibitory of bone resorbtion, used for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopause. It is known that changes occurring in postmenopausal period effect the quality of life. In this study, effect of the alendronate treatment time on renal oxidative status was investigated in ovariectomized rats. Alendronate was intravenous administered at 0.3 mg/kg dosage on weeks 2, 4 and 8. Serum creatinine and uric acid levels and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) level and activities were measured. Serum creatinine and uric acid levels increased in depending on the time of alendronate treatment on ovariectomized rats. Kidney MDA level and MPO activity increased in both ovariectomized and alendronate groups. Kidney GSH level and SOD and CAT activities decreased in the ovariectomized rats and these levels increased in depending on time of alendronate treatment. As a result, some oxidative changes occurred in the kidney tissue of ovariectomized rats with bone resorption and alendronate treatment increased the antioxidant capacity in depending on the time.

Differentiation of Kidney Stones Using Dual-Energy CT With and Without a Tin Filter

The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the capability of three protocols of dual-energy CT imaging in distinguishing calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid kidney stones. A total of 48 calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid human kidney stone samples were placed in individual containers inside a cylindric water phantom and imaged with a dual-energy CT scanner using the following three scanning protocols of different combinations of tube voltage, with and without a tin filter: 80 and 140 kVp without a tin filter, 100 and 140 kVp with a tin filter, and 80 and 140 kVp with a tin filter. The mean attenuation value (in Hounsfield units) of each stone was recorded in both low- and high-energy CT images in each protocol. The dual-energy ratio of the mean attenuation values of each stone was computed for each protocol. For all three protocols, the uric acid stones were significantly different (p < 0.001) from the calciferous stones according to their dual-energy ratio values. For differentiating calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones, the difference between their dual-energy ratio values was statistically significant, with different degrees of significance (range, p < 0.001 to p = 0.03) for all three protocols. On the basis of the values of the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of calcified stone differentiation, the three protocols were ranked in the following order: the 80- and 140-kVp tin filter protocol (AUC, 0.996), the 100- and 140-kVp tin filter protocol (AUC, 0.918), and the 80- and 140-kVp protocol (AUC, 0.871). The tin filter added to the high-energy tube and the use of a wider dual-energy difference are important for improving the stone differentiation capability of dual-energy CT imaging.