Urine Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Urine biochemistry assessment in the sequential evaluation of renal function: Time to think outside the box.

Urine biochemistry (UB) remains a controversial tool in acute kidney injury (AKI) monitoring, being considered to be of limited value both in terms of AKI diagnosis and prognosis. However, many criticisms can be made to the studies that have established the so called “pre-renal paradigm” (used for decades as the essential physiological basis for UB assessment in AKI) as well as to more recent studies suggesting that UB has no utility in daily clinical practice. The aim of this article is to describe our hypothesis on how to interpret simple and widely recognized urine biochemical parameters from a novel perspective, propose the rationale for their sequential assessment and demonstrate their usefulness in AKI monitoring, especially in the critical care setting.

Long-term low-dose exposure of permethrin induces liver and kidney damage in rats

BackgroundPermethrin is one of the pyrethroid insecticides, which is widely used in agriculture and public health. Although acute toxicity of the insecticide has been studied, the chronic toxicity upon the long-term exposure has not been clear yet. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the organ toxicities of permethrin following its long-term low-dose exposure.MethodsMale Wistar rats were daily administrated orally with permethrin (75 mg/kg body weight/day, gavage) for 90 days, and then the samples of biofluids (blood and urine) and organs including liver and kidney were collected. The serum and urine samples were measured by biochemical assay and the tissues of kidney and liver were examined and analyzed by histopathological method.ResultsThe results showed that no change was found in serum and urine biochemical parameters for the toxicity; however, significant changes including hyperchromatic nuclei swollen in the hepatic parenchymal cells and the swelling proximal tubules in the kidneys were observed in the tissue structures of liver and kidneys in the histopathological sections.ConclusionThese results indicate that low-dose long-term exposure of permethrin can cause chronic toxicity with slight liver and kidney damage.

Cytotoxicity, acute and sub-chronic toxicities of the fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumm. & Thonn.) Taub. (Fabaceae)

BackgroundTetrapleura tetraptera is a medicinal spice traditionally used to treat cancer, diabetes, and several other ailments. This study analyzed the cytotoxicity of the dichloromethane methanol extract of T. tetraptera fruits (TTF) and its constituents. The toxicity profile of the TTF extract was also evaluated in rats.MethodsThe Cytotoxicity of this extract was evaluated using the resazurin reduction assay (RRA). Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies were performed according to the protocol described by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation, and Development (OECD). Hematological, serum, and urine biochemical parameters, as well as histological sections of the liver and kidney, were also evaluated based on standard methods.ResultsThe TTF extract, compound 5, and the reference drug doxorubicin were active in all 9 tested cancer cell lines. The recorded IC50 ranged from 18.32 μM (against B16-F1 murine melanoma cells) to 36.18 μM (against SKMel-505 BRAF wildtype melanoma cells) for TTF, from 10.02 μM (towards MaMel-80a BRAF-V600E homozygous mutant melanoma cells) to 31.73 μM (against SKMel-28 BRAF-V600E homozygous mutant melanoma cells) for compound 5, and from 0.22 μM (against B16-F1 cells) to 9.39 μM (against SKMel-505 cells) for doxorubicin. The study of acute toxicity test showed that the lethal dose (LD50) of this extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the sub-chronic toxicity studies, variations were observed in some biochemical parameters, especially at higher doses.ConclusionTTF and its most active compound (5) are found to be potential cytotoxic agents, meanwhile, TTF was safe when given a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg. However, caution is necessary in case of prolonged oral administration due to potential alterations of renal function at high doses (> 1000 mg/kg).

New approaches in the nutritional treatment of advanced chronic kidney disease

IntroductionPatients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) have a high prevalence of malnutrition. The dietary restrictions that we usually apply in terms of macro and micronutrients force our patients to follow dietary guidelines that deviate from healthy patterns. ObjetivesTo determine if a personalized nutritional intervention program, minimizing the usual restrictions would be justified in case it improved the evolution of kidney disease compared to standard treatment. Secundary objetivesTo determine changes in nutrient intakes and in anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as quantify episodes of hyperkalemia. Material and methodsA single-center, randomized and controlled educational intervention clinical trial was conduct in patients from the ERCA outpatients clinic at the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. 75 patients were included, assigning 35 to a Control group and 40 to the Intervention group with 1-year follow-up. The nutritional status was determined using anthropometric data, body composition by Bioimpedance, blood and urine biochemical parameters and a 24-h recall questionnaire. The nutritional intervention was carried out in three different ways: individual, collective and telephone recall. ResultsAt the beginning of the study, the BMI showed a situation of weight excess with a mean of 28.83 kg/m2 (5.4) in men and 26.96 kg/m2 (4.09) in women. 70% of our patients had overweight. The abdominal circumference was 105.3 cm (10.2) and 92.3 cm (13.7) for men and women respectively without significant changes throughout the study. The percentage of fat mass (FM) was high in both groups for men and women throughout the study. We did not find biochemical parameters of malnutrition and only significant differences were observed in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which increased in the intervention group. No patient presented any episodes of hyperkalemia during the study. The energy intake in both groups showed an inadequate distribution of macronutrients with a poor intake of carbohydrates (CH) that was supplemented with an excess of fat. In the case of micronutrients, we did observe an increase in potassium and fiber intakes with a decrease in sodium and phosphorus in the intervention group. ConclusionsMalnutrition is not exclusively an intake defficit and encompasses both the problems derived from a deficit and an excess of nutrients intake. Un to 70% of our patients showed weight excess and a fat mass higher than desirable. The implementation of an individualized nutritional education program, including a vegetables and fiber rich diet, less atherogenic, not only did not cause electrolyte alterations but also slowed the progression of kidney disease.

ALTERATION OF RENAL DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEM IN RATS FED WITH HIGH FAT DIET: A POSSIBLE MECHANISM PROMOTING ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: A chronic high fat diet (HFD) induces insulin resistance and enhances renal sodium reabsorption. The renal dopaminergic system (RDS) is a local natriuretic system involved in blood pressure regulation. We analyzed the effect of a HFD on the RDS and its impact on blood pressure regulation in rats. Design and method: Six weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n = 4–6), and studied for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. C (Control): standard diet (SD) and tap water to drink; HFD: 50% w/w bovine fat added to SD and tap water to drink. We determined: Systolic blood pressure (SBP); urine excretion of L-dopa and dopamine by HPLC (L-dopa/dopamine index was calculated); plasmatic, urinary biochemical, and kidney function parameters; and organic cation transporter N1, 2 and 3 (OCT-N1/2/3) protein expression in renal cortex tissue by western blot. Results: SBP (mmHg): HFD4: 134 ± 2 vs. C4: 120 ± 2; HFD8: 135 ± 2 vs. C8: 121 ± 2; HFD12: 147 ± 2 vs. C12 115 ± 3; p < 0.01. fractional sodium excretion (FENa, %): HFD4: 0.19 ± 0.03 vs. C4: 0.63 ± 0.04; HFD8: 0.18 ± 0.02 vs. C8: 0.49 ± 0.06; HFD12: 0.05 ± 0.02 vs. C12 0.35 ± 0.05; p < 0.01. urinary sodium excretion (UNa.V, mEq/24hs): HFD4: 0.53 ± 0.05 vs. C4: 2.09 ± 0.15; HFD8: 0.51 ± 0.07 vs. C8: 1.94 ± 0.11; HFD12: 0.16 ± 0.04 vs. C12: 0.97 ± 0.17, p < 0.01. Daily diuresis (ml/24hs): HFD4: 3.6 ± 0,7 vs. C4: 13.5 ± 1.3; HFD8: 3.5 ± 0.3 vs. C8: 16.4 ± 2.2; HFD12: 4.3 ± 0.7 vs. C12: 15.3 ± 1.6, p < 0,0001. L-dopa/dopamine index: HFD4: 3.6 ± 0.3 vs. C4: 1.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.005; HFD8: 3.7 ± 0.7 vs. C8: 1.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.05; HFD12: 4.8 ± 0.2 vs. C12: 2.0 ± 0.3, p < 0.01. A positive correlation between SBP vs the L-dopa/dopamine index: p < 0.001, r = 0.985, R2 = 0.97; and a negative correlation between UNa.V vs L-dopa/dopamine index: p < 0.001, r = -0.959, R2 = 0.92 were found. Expression of transporter OCT-N1/2/3 / GAPDH were: HFD8: 0.6 ± 0.1 vs. C8: 1.0 ± 0.2, p < 0.05. Conclusions: The reduction in natriuresis could be related to the decrease in dopamine excretion to the proximal convoluted tubular lumen caused by the reduced expression of OCT-N1/2/3 transporters, contributing to increase blood pressure.

Pathophysiological analysis of uninephrectomized db/db mice as a model of severe diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic nephropathy, included in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), is the primary disease leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or dialysis treatment, accounting for more than 40% of all patients with ESRD or receiving dialysis. Developing new therapeutics to prevent the transition to ESRD or dialysis treatment requires an understanding of the pathophysiology of DKD and an appropriate animal model for drug efficacy studies. In this study, we investigated the pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes in uninephrectomized db/db mice. In addition, the nephrectomized db /db mice from 10 weeks to 42 weeks were used to assess the efficacy of long-term administration of the angiotensin-II-receptor antagonist losartan. The blood and urinary biochemical parameters, main pharmacological endpoint of the losartan therapy, were periodically measured. And at the end, histopathological analysis was performed. Uninephrectomized db/db mice clearly developed obesity and hyperglycemia from young age. Furthermore, they showed renal pathophysiological changes, such as increased urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) (the peak value 3104 ± 986 in 40-week-old mice), glomerular hypertrophy and increased fibrotic areas in the tubulointerstitial tubules. The blood pressure in the losartan group was significantly low compared to the normotensive Vehicle group. However, as expected, Losartan suppressed the increase in UACR (829±500) indicating the medication was sufficient, but the histopathological abnormalities including tubular interstitial fibrosis did not improve. These results suggest that the uninephrectomized db/db mice are useful as an animal model of the severe DKD indicated by the comparison of the efficacy of losartan in this model with the efficacy of losartan in clinical practice.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ACACIA SENEGAL (GUM ARABIC) AGAINST GENTAMICIN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: To explore the effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal) aqueous extract in contradiction of gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups (n=10). Group A (negative control) received standard diet and water while group B (positive control) received gentamicin 80 mg/kg b. wt. /day via intra peritoneal (IP) route for six days. Groups C and D received Gum Arabic extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg b. wt. via oral route respectively for 10 days and concurrently with gentamicin 80 mg/kg b. wt. IP from day 5 for six days. The nephroprotective activity of Gum Arabic extract was evaluated by measuring the serum and urine biochemical parameters (creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, sodium and potassium) and examining the histopathological sections of kidney specimen. The serum and urine data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: In both serum and urine, the biochemical parameters in groups C and D were significantly improved compared to group B. The histopathological analysis of kidneys showed slight necrosis of glomeruli and tubules in group C compared to group B, while group D showed only hemorrhage and congestion in the glomeruli. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, Gum Arabic extract may possess a nephroprotective activity.

Characterization of vitamin D metabolism in active acromegaly in the setting of bolus (150,000 IU) cholecalciferol treatment.

To reveal distinctive features of vitamin D metabolism in patients with active acromegaly compared to healthy individuals, particularly in the setting of cholecalciferol treatment. The study group included 34 adults with active acromegaly, and the control group included 30 apparently healthy adults with similar age, sex, and BMI. All participants received a single dose (150,000 IU) of cholecalciferol aqueous solution orally. Laboratory assessments including serum vitamin D metabolites (25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3), free 25(OH)D, vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as well as serum and urine biochemical parameters were performed before the intake and on Days 1, 3, and 7 after the administration. All data were analyzed with nonparametric statistics. Patients with acromegaly had tendency to lower baseline 25(OH)D3 levels (p = 0.05) and lower 25(OH)D3 levels (p < 0.05) during the follow-up. They were also characterized by PTH suppression (lower baseline PTH levels and lower prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism), altered production of main vitamin D metabolites (higher 1,25(OH)2D3 and lower 24,25(OH)2D3 levels with corresponding lower 25(ОН)D3/1,25(ОН)2D3 and higher 25(ОН)D3/24,25(ОН)2D3 ratios) as well as concordant biochemical features (higher levels of serum phosphorus and albumin-adjusted calcium levels) throughout the study (p < 0.05). The acromegaly group showed an increase in DBP levels after cholecalciferol intake as opposed to the control group (p < 0.05) and had lower increase in free 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05). Δ25(OH)D3 was similar between the groups (p > 0.05), showed a negative correlation with the disease activity markers-both IGF-1 levels (r = -0.44, p < 0.05) and fasting GH levels (r = -0.56, p < 0.05)-and lacked correlation with BMI in the acromegaly group (p > 0.05). Patients with active acromegaly have dysregulated vitamin D metabolism characterized by higher 1,25(ОН)2D3, lower 24,25(ОН)2D3 and altered DBP production. The response to vitamin D supplementation in acromegaly patients might be influenced by hormonal excess. Obtained results require reproducibility check and further study to develop specific clinical recommendations. NCT04844164 (release date: April 9, 2021; retrospectively registered).

СRITERIA FOR ASSESSING ENDOGENOUS INTOXICATION IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE PERITONITIS.

The aim: To determine the diagnostic significance of the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in various biological media for RP for assessing and predicting the course of the disease. Materials and methods: Our study included The work was based on the results of surgical treatment of 60 patients with RP: according to MPI I - in 17 (28.3%), MPI II - in 23 (38.4%) and MPI III - in 20 (33.3%) patients. Surgical intervention for RP was aimed at sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity. The control group included 15 practi¬cally healthy people, whose blood and urine biochemical parameters served as the norm. According to the clinical course of the disease, the patients were divided depend on admission, The secondary product of lipid peroxidation - MDA was studied in blood serum, peritoneal exudate and urine in patients with RP, depending on the severity of the pathological process according to the Mannheim peritoneal index (MPI) - I severity (I), II severity (II), III severity (III). The work was based on the results of surgical treatment of 60 patients with RP: according to MPI I - in 17 (28.3%), MPI II - in 23 (38.4%) and MPI III - in 20 (33.3%) patients. Results: Analyses of results showed that the average value of MDA in various biomedicals of recovered (n = 18) and subsequently died (n = 5) patients with MPI II are given in Table. 2. As can be seen from the presented data, the average value of MDA in blood serum and peritoneal exudate in patients with a lethal outcome is significantly higher than in those who have recovered. This fact indicates a more pronounced endogenous intoxication in patients who died from RP. Conclusions: The content of MDA in the blood serum before surgery in patients with a lethal outcome was 190% (p <0.001). The level of MDA in urine in patients according to MPI II who subsequently died before surgery was 110% (p <0.001), and in those who recovered by 300% (p <0.001) it was higher than the norm. exudate taken during the operation averaged 4.14 ± 0.33 nmol / ml, then in the recovered - 2.89 ± 0.08 nmol / ml. A high level of MDA in the blood serum, peritoneal exudate with a decrease in the elimination of MDA in the urine in the postoperative period are prognostically unfavorable signs in patients, indicating the continuation of endogenous intoxication and a possible death.

Is the Urine Analysis, a Diagnostic Value in COVID-19 Patients?

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2), a novel coronavirus causing Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) in December 2019, is now a pandemic infectious disease, primarily affecting the respiratory tract. To date, many investigations are available for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. A viral nucleic acid test has been used for the diagnosis of COVID-19, and some hematological indicators have been used in the auxiliary diagnosis and identification of the severity of COVID-19. There are very few studies available in routine urine biochemical parameters and their relation with Covid-19 patients.&#x0D; Aim: This study is aimed to study the changes in urine parameter values in COVID-19 disease and to predict the severity of the disease with the changes in urine parameters.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients with COVID-19 were admitted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital during the study period. All cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR test done on nasopharyngeal swabs during the study period were included. Patients who tested negative by RT-PCR test were considered as controls. The relationship between the results of urine biochemical parameters and the severity of COVID-19 were analysed by Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test.&#x0D; Results: The positive rates of proteinuria (PRO) and leucocytes were more significant in COVID-19 patients than in healthy controls. The urine specific gravity (SG) value was highly significant (p &lt;0.001) while the blood, nitrites in urine, and potential of hydrogen (pH) value was insignificant.&#x0D; Conclusion: There were some considerable changes in few urine biochemical parameters between patients with the SARS-CoV-2 and healthy controls. So from this study we conclude, proteinuria is helpful for predicting COVID-19 severity and kidney function.

Assessment of Vitamin D Metabolism in Patients with Cushing’s Disease in Response to 150,000 IU Cholecalciferol Treatment

In this study we aimed to assess vitamin D metabolism in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) compared to healthy individuals in the setting of bolus cholecalciferol treatment. The study group included 30 adults with active CD and the control group included 30 apparently healthy adults with similar age, sex and BMI. All participants received a single dose (150,000 IU) of cholecalciferol aqueous solution orally. Laboratory assessments including serum vitamin D metabolites (25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3), free 25(OH)D, vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as well as serum and urine biochemical parameters were performed before the intake and on Days 1, 3 and 7 after the administration. All data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics. Patients with CD had similar to healthy controls 25(OH)D3 levels (p > 0.05) and higher 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratios (p < 0.05) throughout the study. They also had lower baseline free 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05) despite similar DBP levels (p > 0.05) and lower albumin levels (p < 0.05); 24-h urinary free cortisol showed significant correlation with baseline 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). The increase in 25(OH)D3 after cholecalciferol intake was similar in obese and non-obese states and lacked correlation with BMI (p > 0.05) among patients with CD, as opposed to the control group. Overall, patients with CD have a consistently higher 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio, which is indicative of a decrease in 24-hydroxylase activity. This altered activity of the principal vitamin D catabolism might influence the effectiveness of cholecalciferol treatment. The observed difference in baseline free 25(OH)D levels is not entirely clear and requires further study.

Is there an association between urine biochemical parameters on admission and the severity OF COVID-19?

AimTo determine the importance of urinary biochemical parameters on the severity of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19).MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐three patients who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 were retrospectively included. Groups were formed according to the severity of their disease (moderate [n = 85], severe [n = 29] and critical = [n = 19]), and an additional control group was created from healthy individuals (n = 50). We investigated the correlation between urine biochemical parameters and the severity of the disease.ResultsErythrocyturia, proteinuria and glucosuria rates were significantly higher in patients than in the controls. In patients, the median urine specific gravity (SG) was lower (P < .001), and the median potential of hydrogen (pH) value was higher compared with the controls (P < .001). In correlation analyses, there were strong positive correlations between disease severity and age (r = 0.545, P < .001), RR (r = 0.838, P < .001) and proteinuria (r = 0.462, P < .001), while there was a strong negative correlation with SpO2 (r = −0.839, P = .001). On multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.06, 95% CI 1.03‐1.10, P = .035), respiratory rate ≥30 breaths/min (OR: 4.72, 95% CI 1.26‐6.24, P < .0031), SpO2 ≤ 93% (OR: 3.82, 95% CI 1.18‐5.82, P = .001) and proteinuria (OR: 1.13, 95%CI 1.02‐2.1, P = .023) were independent predictive factors for disease severity.ConclusionProteinuria in routine urine analysis, which is one of the parameters that can be easily applied in the application, may be related to the severity of the COVID‐19 disease.

Nuevo enfoque en el tratamiento nutricional de la enfermedad renal crónica avanzada

IntroductionPatients with advanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) have a high prevalence of malnutrition. The dietary restrictions that we usually apply in terms of macro and micronutrients force our patients to follow dietary guidelines that deviate from healthy patterns. ObjectivesTo determine if a personalized nutritional intervention program, minimizing the usual restrictions would be justified in case it improved the evolution of kidney disease compared to standard treatment. Secondary objectivesTo determine changes in nutrient intakes and in anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well as quantify episodes of hyperkalemia. Material and methodsA single-center, randomized and controlled educational intervention clinical trial was conduct in patients from the ERCA outpatients clinic at the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete. 75 patients were included, assigning 35 to a Control group and 40 to the Intervention group with 1-year follow-up. The nutritional status was determined using anthropometric data, body composition by Bioimpedance, blood and urine biochemical parameters and a 24-h recall questionnaire. The nutritional intervention was carried out in three different ways: individual, collective and telephone recall. ResultsAt the beginning of the study, the BMI showed a situation of weight excess with a mean of 28.83 kg/m2 (5.4) in men and 26.96 kg/m2 (4.09) in women. 70% of our patients had overweight. The abdominal circumference was 105.3 cm (10.2) and 92.3 cm (13.7) for men and women respectively without significant changes throughout the study. The percentage of fat mass (FM) was high in both groups for men and women throughout the study. We did not find biochemical parameters of malnutrition and only significant differences were observed in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which increased in the intervention group. No patient presented any episodes of hyperkalemia during the study. The energy intake in both groups showed an inadequate distribution of macronutrients with a poor intake of carbohydrates (CH) that was supplemented with an excess of fat. In the case of micronutrients, we did observe an increase in potassium and fiber intakes with a decrease in sodium and phosphorus in the intervention group. ConclusionsMalnutrition is not exclusively an intake deficit and encompasses both the problems derived from a deficit and an excess of nutrients intake. Un to 70% of our patients showed weight excess and a fat mass higher than desirable. The implementation of an individualized nutritional education program, including a vegetables and fiber rich diet, less atherogenic, not only did not cause electrolyte alterations but also slowed the progression of kidney disease.

The Prospective Ameliorative Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in STZ-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats: Mechanistic Targeting of Autophagy and Regulating Nrf2/TXNIP/NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) as one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been employed in several biomedical aspects. This study purposed to explore the mechanistic renoprotective effects of ZnO NPs in STZ-induced DN. Sixty male Wistar rats were allocated into four equal groups: control, ZnO NPs control, STZ, and STZ + ZnO NPs groups. At the end of the experiment, blood and urine biochemical parameters were assayed. Renal tissue level of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was assayed spectrofluorometrically, moreover, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) DNA-binding activity and IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA. The gene expression levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Oxidative stress markers were determined spectrophotometrically. Also, renal tissue histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were determined. After 6weeks of treatment, ZnO NPs markedly improved the biochemical, renal functions, and histopathological findings. Furthermore, ZnO NPs significantly increased Nrf2-DNA-binding activity and downregulated TXNIP gene expression leading to restoration of the redox status. Additionally, ZnO NPs ameliorated AGEs levels, enhanced autophagy activity, and attenuated inflammasome activation via downregulation of NLRP3 expression and reducing IL-1β levels. Based on our results, we concluded that ZnO NPs can be considered as a promising agent for slowing the progression of DN via interplay between autophagy and Nrf2/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.

Urine Biochemical Parameters in Predicting Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: an Experience in Tertiary Care Centre in Western India.

Background & Objective:Coronavirus is an enveloped RNA virus that mainly causes respiratory infection. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab is the confirmatory diagnostic test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection. The relationship between SARS-COV-2 and body fluid parameters is still not known. There have been few studies regarding the correlation between urine biochemical parameters and SARS-COV-2 infection. The aim of the study is to determine the importance of urinary biochemical parameters in SARS-COV-2 infection and whether these parameters can be used to predict the severity of the infection.Methods:This was a retrospective observational study consisting of total of 285 patients diagnosed with SARS-COV-2 infection. The patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of infection as mild (120 cases), moderate (110 cases) and severe (55 cases). During the study period 72 healthy persons were enrolled as controls. Analysis was done to find any relationship between various urine biochemical parameters and the severity of SARS-COV-2 infection.Results:Urinary occult blood (U. Blood) and Urinary protein (U. Pro) have higher positive rates in SARS-COV-2 patients as compared with healthy controls. Among the severities of SARS-COV-2 infection (mild, moderate and severe), both these parameters were significantly higher. Glucose (Glu) and Ketone (Ket) positivity rate was more in moderate cases of SARS-COV-2 than mild cases.Conclusion:Urinary biochemical parameters are very useful in identification of SARS-COV-2 infection and also have the advantage in evaluating the progression in patients infected with SARS-COV-2. Among the different parameters, Urinary Occult Blood and Urinary protein are significant in the differentiation of SARS-COV-2 severity.

Measurement of Selected Renal Biochemical Parameters in Healthy Adult Donkeys Considering the Influence of Gender, Age and Blood Freezing.

Simple SummaryIn animal medicine, laboratory test profiles containing selected blood or urine parameters are used to diagnose diseases of a given organ. The normal values of the serum and urine biochemical parameters are well-known in horses, but they have not been studied well in donkeys. This means that their results are often compared with horses’ reference values. The interest in donkeys continues to grow, as well as increasing attention being paid to kidney damage in animals. The objective of the study was to determine the values of the selected serum and urine parameters to assess the renal function in healthy donkeys. The effects of age, sex and freezing of the material were then assessed. Sixty-five healthy adult donkeys participated in the study. The results showed different reference values for the kidney parameters such as urea, total protein, albumin, urine protein/creatinine ratio and fractional electrolyte excretion in donkeys compared to those reported for horses. The donkeys’ gender had an effect on the creatinine and urea, while age had an effect on the albumin, total protein and electrolytes. Freezing of the material also influenced most of the parameters. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the selected renal biomarkers in donkeys.The reference values of the serum and urine biochemical parameters have not been well-studied in donkeys. This study aimed to assess the normal values of the selected renal biomarkers, such as: serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, total protein (TP), electrolytes and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), urine protein concentration (UPC), urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR), the urine gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGTP)-to-creatinine ratio, serum creatinine-to-urine creatinine ratio (sCr/uCr), serum BUN-to-serum creatinine ratio (sBUN/sCr) and UPC-to-TP ratio, as well as the fractional electrolyte excretion of sodium (FENa) and potassium (FEK) in donkeys. The effects of age, gender and deep freezing of the serum material were investigated. Sixty-five healthy adult donkeys were involved in this study. The results showed higher BUN and TP values and lower albumin, UPCR, FENa and FEK levels in donkeys when compared to the reference values in horses. A significant gender relationship for creatinine and BUN was found. Age influenced the values of albumin, TP, potassium and chlorine. Potassium, sodium and SDMA did not show significant concentration changes after freezing. The study results demonstrated that horse reference range values for some parameters cannot be applied to donkey samples. Only a few of the serum parameters were not affected by freezing, and this should be taken into account when storing biological materials.

Productive evaluation of dairy cows fed with urea protected by protein nanoparticle in partial replacement of soybean meal

The objective of this study was to evaluate productive and metabolic responses of dairy cows fed a diet with urea protected by protein nanoparticles. The experimental design was a crossover with three groups of 15 cows each and three periods of 21 days. In each period the animals were fed one of the isonitrogenated and isocaloric diets: SM = without substitution of soybean meal; CU = substitution of soybean meal by 0.52% conventional urea; PU = soybean meal substituted by 0.59% urea protected by nanoparticles. The yield and composition of milk, the blood and urine biochemical parameters, as well the allantoin:creatinine ratio as a predictor of microbial protein absorption were measured. No significant differences were found (p &gt;0.05) in milk yield and composition, in urinary biochemistry and in allantoin:creatinine ratio. The average values of plasma ureic nitrogen (PUN) in mg.dL-1 after the morning feeding did not differ significantly (p &gt;0.05) in the CU (20.65) and PU (20.25), but both were higher (p &lt;0.05) when compared to SM (19.52). Inclusions of 0.59% urea protected by nanoparticles do not affect the productive performance of dairy cows. The similar values of PUN between the treatments CU and PU suggest that the behavior of the release and the absorption of ammonia in the rumen is similar between these two types of urea which were evaluated, but the use of ground corn is important to reach these results.

Empagliflozin ameliorates symptoms of diabetes and renal tubular dysfunction in a rat model of diabetes with enlarged kidney (DEK).

BackgroundSodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are widely used to reduce hyperglycemia. The present study investigated the effects of a SGLT2 inhibitor, empagliflozin, on hyperglycemia in a novel rat model of non-obesity type 2 diabetes with enlarged kidney (DEK).MethodsMale DEK rats with non-fasting blood glucose concentrations ≤300 mg/dl and >300 mg/dl were classified as nondiabetic and diabetic, respectively. Groups of nondiabetic (control) and diabetic (DM-cont) rats were fed standard chow for 12 weeks, whereas another group of diabetic (DM-empa) rats was fed standard chow containing empagliflozin (300 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Blood glucose, body weight, glucose tolerance, food and water intake, urinary volume, plasma and urinary biochemical parameters, and bone mineral density were measured, and their kidneys and pancreas histologically analyzed.ResultsTreatment with empagliflozin reduced blood glucose concentration and food intake in diabetic rats, but inhibited loss of adeps renis and led to body weight gain. Empagliflozin attenuated polyuria and polydipsia but increased plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, sodium and total protein toward normal level. Empagliflozin also significantly reduced urinary excretion of proteins and electrolytes and restored bone mineral density and plasma concentrations of valine and isoleucine to normal levels. Moreover, dilation of renal tubules and kidney enlargement were not attenuated in the DM-empa group.ConclusionThe response of DEK rats to empagliflozin differed from that of other diabetic animal models, suggesting that DEK rats have unique characters for studying and evaluating the multiple biological effects of SGLT2 inhibitors. These findings also indicted that empagliflozin could ameliorate systemic metabolism and improve renal tubule function in diabetic condition.

Toxicity Study of 1-(2, 5-Dihidroxyphenil)-3-Pyridine-2-Il-Propenone In Adult Female Mice

This research aimed to evaluate the toxicity of 1-(2, 5-dihidroxyphenil)-3-pyridine-2-il-propenone (DPP) after 24 hours and 90-day administration in female mice. Acute toxicity test was performed using the OECD 423 method, and DPP was administered once a day at doses of 300, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Toxic symptoms were observed after 24 hours of administration, and this continued until the 14th day. The experimental animals were dissected and examined for histological organs on the 15th day. The sub-chronic toxicity test was performed using the OECD 408 method, and DPP at 14, 28, and 56 mg/kg/day was administered for 90 days. Toxic symptoms were observed every day, and the amount of food and water intakes were also measured. Furthermore, statistical analysis was performed, and changes in body weight as well as routine blood checks and biochemistry were observed. At the end of the study, experimental animals were killed and the vital organs' weights were examined before their histological analysis. The results showed that DPP at 300-5000 mg/kg/day and 14-56 mg/kg/day for 90 days did not show any toxic symptom respectively. In the sub-chronic toxicity test, no change was observed in blood and urine biochemical parameters (p≥0.05). However, lymphocytic infiltration in the liver and congested vessel in the kidney occurred after administration at 56 mg/kg / day. The results showed that the acute toxicity of DPP is at category 5 according to Globally Harmonized Classification System and sub-chronic toxicity is at a dose below 56 mg/kg/day.

Glomerular hyperfiltration with hyperglycemia in the spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rat, an obese type 2 diabetic model.

Glomerular hyperfiltration is observed in an early stage of kidney diseases including diabetic nephropathy. A better understanding of pathophysiological changes in glomerular hyperfiltration is essential for development of new therapies to prevent kidney disease progression. In this study, we investigated glomerular changes including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and glomerular size in the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rat, an obese type 2 diabetic model, and we also evaluated pharmacological effects of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on the renal lesions. Dapagliflozin was administered to SDT fatty rats from 5 to 17 weeks of age. Blood and urinary biochemical parameters were periodically measured. GFR was determined by transdermal GFR monitor at 16 weeks of age and histopathological analysis was performed at 17 weeks of age. SDT fatty rat developed severe hyperglycemia and exhibited pathophysiological abnormalities in the kidney, such as an increased GFR, glomerular hypertrophy and tissue lesions. Dapagliflozin achieved good glycemic control during the experimental period, inhibited the increase in GFR, and improved histopathological abnormalities in tubules. These results suggest that the SDT fatty rat is a useful model for analyzing the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy during its early stage and dapagliflozin improves not only hyperglycemia but also glomerular hyperfiltration and tubule lesions in SDT fatty rat.