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This article is from Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research , volume 46 . Abstract The maintenance of extracellular Na+ and Cl- concentrations in mammals depends, at least in part, on renal function. It has been shown that neural and endocrine mechanisms regulate extracellular fluid volume and transport of electrolytes along nephrons. Studies of sex hormones and renal nerves suggested that sex hormones modulate renal function, although this relationship is not well understood in the kidney. To better understand the role of these hormones on the effects that renal nerves have on Na+ and Cl- reabsorption, we studied the effects of renal denervation and oophorectomy in female rats. Oophorectomized (OVX) rats received 17β-estradiol benzoate (OVE, 2.0 mg·kg-1·day-1, sc) and progesterone (OVP, 1.7 mg·kg-1·day-1, sc). We assessed Na+ and Cl- fractional excretion (FENa+ and FECl-, respectively) and renal and plasma catecholamine release concentrations. FENa+, FECl-, water intake, urinary flow, and renal and plasma catecholamine release levels increased in OVX vs control rats. These effects were reversed by 17β-estradiol benzoate but not by progesterone. Renal denervation did not alter FENa+, FECl-, water intake, or urinary flow values vs controls. However, the renal catecholamine release level was decreased in the OVP (236.6±36.1 ng/g) and denervated rat groups (D: 102.1±15.7; ODE: 108.7±23.2; ODP: 101.1±22.1 ng/g). Furthermore, combining OVX + D (OD: 111.9±25.4) decreased renal catecholamine release levels compared to either treatment alone. OVE normalized and OVP reduced renal catecholamine release levels, and the effects on plasma catecholamine release levels were reversed by ODE and ODP replacement in OD. These data suggest that progesterone may influence catecholamine release levels by renal innervation and that there are complex interactions among renal nerves, estrogen, and progesterone in the modulation of renal function.

This article is from Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine , volume 7 . Abstract Previous studies have reported that renal size may change when the function is compromised. However, it is not known whether sonographically measured renal size reflects the residual renal function (RRF) in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. A total of 140 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (≥3 months) were investigated in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the daily urine volume: Individuals with RRF (RRF+ group; ≥200 ml; n=65) and without RRF (RRF− group;

This article is from Nephron Extra , volume 2 . Abstract Background/Aims: ACE inhibitor (ACE-I) treatment effectively inhibits proteinuria and ameliorates the course of various renal diseases. In experimental glomerulonephritis, however, angiotensin II (AngII) infusion has also been shown to be renoprotective. We evaluated the long-term (28 days) course of anti-Thy1 glomerulonephritis in animals with suppressed AngII formation by ACE-I treatment. Methods: Brown Norway rats received perindopril (2.8 mg/kg/day, n = 12), dihydropyridine calcium-antagonist amlodipine (Ca-A; 13 mg/kg/day, n = 6) or were left untreated (n = 14). All animals were monitored for blood pressure, proteinuria, and creatinine clearance after anti-Thy1 injection. Renal histology was assessed at day 7 and 28. Results: Systolic blood pressure was equally reduced by ACE-I and Ca-A treatment. AngII suppression prevented development of proteinuria, but did not protect against glomerular microaneurysm formation or reduction in creatinine clearance. After resolution of the microaneurysms, animals with suppressed AngII production showed a modest increase in glomerulosclerosis and vasculopathic thickening of intrarenal vessels. Conclusions: In anti-Thy1 glomerulonephritis, suppression of AngII formation does not protect against the induction of glomerular damage and is associated with mild aggravation of adverse renal fibrotic remodeling. Proteinuria, however, is effectively prevented by ACE-I treatment. Ca-A treatment did not affect the course of glomerulonephritis, indicating that ACE-I effects are blood pressure independent.

This article is from BMC Nephrology , volume 13 . Abstract Background: Moderate to severe renal insufficiency and albuminuria have been shown to be independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the direct association between subclinical atherosclerosis evaluated by carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and microalbuminuria in elderly patients with normal renal function. Methods: Subjects were 272 elderly patients (age  ≥ 60 years) with normoalbuminuria (n = 238) and microalbuminuria (n = 34). Carotid IMT was measured by means of high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was defined as normal renal function. Those who had macroalbuminuria and atherosclerotic vascular disease were not included. Results: Compared to subjects with normoalbuminuria, subjects with microalbuminuria had higher mean carotid IMT (1.02 ± 0.38 vs. 0.85 ± 0.28 mm; P 

This article is from Biology of Sex Differences , volume 4 . Abstract Background: There is a significant body of evidence to suggest that hormone levels, receptor density and structural differences between males and females can significantly alter renal hemodynamics. We compared the renal hemodynamic and excretory profile of female and male spiny mice under baseline conditions and in response to a high-NaCl diet. Methods: Adult male and female spiny mice were fed either a normal or high salt diet for 7 days. Renal excretory profile was obtained from 24 h urine samples, and renal hemodynamic measurements using anaesthetised renal clearance techniques. Kidneys were excised, weighed and frozen for qPCR analysis. Results: Under basal conditions, conscious and anaesthetised renal functions were similar between male and female spiny mice when adjusted for body weights. Male and female spiny mice on the high-NaCl diet had significantly greater GFR than sex matched controls (PDIET < 0.001). However the magnitude of the effect of salt was sex dependent (PSEX < 0.001; PINT < 0.01). Male spiny mice showed a greater increase in GFR (84% higher than normal salt males) compared to females (33% higher than normal salt females), despite similar increases in renal plasma flow. In response to 7 days of high salt diet, female spiny mice showed a greater increase in 24-hour water consumption (45% more) and urinary output (50% more) compared to males (PINT < 0.01). These sex differences could not be explained by differences in renal expression of the V2R or AQP3 channel. Conclusion: These studies have identified major differences between male and female spiny mice in their renal response to a high-NaCl load suggesting that renal hemodynamics may be differentially regulated for the sexes.

This article is from Nephro-urology Monthly , volume 6 . Abstract Background:: Serum creatinine as a classic marker of renal function has several limitations in the detection of renal dysfunction. Objectives:: This study assessed the validity of serum cystatin C as a marker of renal function in critically ill patients with normal serum creatinine. Patients and Methods:: Eighty adult patients referred to intensive care units with serum creatinine levels < 1.5 mg/dL and without hemodynamic instability were chosen and their serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured. A 24-hour urine sample was collected to calculate creatinine clearance (Ccr). Renal dysfunction was defined as Ccr < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results:: There were significant correlations between measured Ccr and 1/serum creatinine (R = 0.51, P < 0.001) and 1/serum cystatin C (R = 0.25, P = 0.028). The difference between false negative rates of serum creatinine (93.33%) and cystatin C (80%) in the detection of renal dysfunction was significant (P = 0.032). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis illustrated that area under the curve of serum creatinine and cystatin C for detecting renal dysfunction were 0.711 and 0.607, respectively; however, this difference was not significant (P = 0.222). Conclusions:: Our data demonstrated that serum cystatin C is not superior to serum creatinine in the early detection of renal dysfunction in critically ill patients.

This article is from Nephro-urology Monthly , volume 6 . Abstract Background:: Serum creatinine as a classic marker of renal function has several limitations in the detection of renal dysfunction. Objectives:: This study assessed the validity of serum cystatin C as a marker of renal function in critically ill patients with normal serum creatinine. Patients and Methods:: Eighty adult patients referred to intensive care units with serum creatinine levels < 1.5 mg/dL and without hemodynamic instability were chosen and their serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured. A 24-hour urine sample was collected to calculate creatinine clearance (Ccr). Renal dysfunction was defined as Ccr < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results:: There were significant correlations between measured Ccr and 1/serum creatinine (R = 0.51, P < 0.001) and 1/serum cystatin C (R = 0.25, P = 0.028). The difference between false negative rates of serum creatinine (93.33%) and cystatin C (80%) in the detection of renal dysfunction was significant (P = 0.032). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis illustrated that area under the curve of serum creatinine and cystatin C for detecting renal dysfunction were 0.711 and 0.607, respectively; however, this difference was not significant (P = 0.222). Conclusions:: Our data demonstrated that serum cystatin C is not superior to serum creatinine in the early detection of renal dysfunction in critically ill patients.

This article is from Nephro-urology Monthly , volume 6 . Abstract Background:: Serum creatinine as a classic marker of renal function has several limitations in the detection of renal dysfunction. Objectives:: This study assessed the validity of serum cystatin C as a marker of renal function in critically ill patients with normal serum creatinine. Patients and Methods:: Eighty adult patients referred to intensive care units with serum creatinine levels < 1.5 mg/dL and without hemodynamic instability were chosen and their serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were measured. A 24-hour urine sample was collected to calculate creatinine clearance (Ccr). Renal dysfunction was defined as Ccr < 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results:: There were significant correlations between measured Ccr and 1/serum creatinine (R = 0.51, P < 0.001) and 1/serum cystatin C (R = 0.25, P = 0.028). The difference between false negative rates of serum creatinine (93.33%) and cystatin C (80%) in the detection of renal dysfunction was significant (P = 0.032). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis illustrated that area under the curve of serum creatinine and cystatin C for detecting renal dysfunction were 0.711 and 0.607, respectively; however, this difference was not significant (P = 0.222). Conclusions:: Our data demonstrated that serum cystatin C is not superior to serum creatinine in the early detection of renal dysfunction in critically ill patients.

The efficacy of (PGB1)3 in protecting renal mitochondrial function from ischemic reperfusion injury was firmly established in a series of experiments in rats. Renal ischemia was induced by unilaterial closure of the renal artery with an arterial clip. After 48 minutes of ischemia the clip was opened to recover blood flow. At this time treated animals were given a bolus injection, I.P., of 2.5 mg/kg (PGB1)3. Sham controls received an injection of the vehicle. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours later, renal mitochondria were isolated and their function analyzed. Our data indicate that a bolus injection of (PGB1) 3 given at the time of reflow provides significant improvement of mitochondrial function after 48 minutes of renal ischemia in the rat.

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Cervical cancer (CC) has been identified as a leading cause of cancer-related death of women in Nigeria. Unfortunately, treatment for CC induces renal function injury due to nephrotoxicity of commonly used cytotoxic medications and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine whether radiotherapy consistently impairs the renal function of cervical cancer patients after treatment as claimed by literature. The study was an ex post facto research, for retrospective evaluation of documented information on 220 cervical cancer patients treated in the Department of Radiotherapy, Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. The study covered a sixyear period from January, 2010 to December, 2015. Data were obtained from the patients’ case notes using a semi-structured data extraction form. Independent t-test and chi-square statistics were used to obtain and interpret results from the analysis of the data. The study hypothesis one states that there would be both positive and negative effects of radiotherapy on the renal function of patients with cervical cancer. But no significant difference was found regarding the effect of radiotherapy on renal function of the patients with cervical cancer at χ2 (1, N=220) = .284, P = 288. Hypothesis two states that there was no statistically significant difference in the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of the patients, measured before and after treatment (t (219) = -0.66, P&gt; 0.5). Extrapolating from the study results revealed that radiotherapy does not only cause renal function impairment, but also enhances renal function among patients with cervical cancer. The study however recommends that there should be a constant monitoring of the GFR for every patient with cervical cancer underdoing radiotherapy

Article in Russian. Tyulpakov AN, Rubtsov PM, Shandin AN. Familial type of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with partially preserved renal concentration function, which is caused by homozygous D150E mutation in the aquaporin-2 (AQP-2) gene. Problemy endokrinologii. VOL 53; PART 5, ; 2007, 13-17 -- MEDITSINA MOSCOW -- 2007

Renal mechanisms play a major role in maintenance of the internal environment at a constant composition and volume. Changes in urine solute and water reflect demands on the kidney to maintain plasma normalcy. If changes in renal function occur during stress, understanding the physiological basis of these changes would enhance health management decisions. Reprints.

This article is from Diabetes Care , volume 35 . Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess the reversibility of the elevation of serum creatinine levels in patients with diabetes after 5 years of continuous on-trial fenofibrate therapy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: An on-drug/off-drug ancillary study to the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Lipid Trial to investigate posttrial changes in serum creatinine and cystatin C. Eligible participants were recruited into a prospective, nested, three-group study based on retrospective on-trial serum creatinine levels: fenofibrate case subjects (n = 321, ≥20% increase after 3 months of therapy); fenofibrate control subjects (n = 175, ≤2% increase); and placebo control subjects (n = 565). Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured at trial end and 6–8 weeks after discontinuation of trial therapy. RESULTS: At trial end, case subjects had the highest adjusted serum creatinine (± SE) mg/dL (1.11 ± 0.02) and the lowest adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (± SE) mL/min/1.73 m2 (68.4 ± 1.0) versus control subjects (1.01 ± 0.02; 74.8 ± 1.3) and placebo subjects (0.98 ± 0.01; 77.8 ± 0.7). After 51 days off-drug, serum creatinine in case subjects was still higher (0.97 ± 0.02) and eGFR still lower (77.8 ± 1.0) than control subjects (0.90 ± 0.02; 81.8 ± 1.3) but not different from placebo subjects (0.99 ± 0.01; 76.6 ± 0.7). Changes in serum cystatin C recapitulated the serum creatinine changes. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with significant initial on-trial increases in serum creatinine (≥20%) returned to the same level of renal function as participants receiving placebo while participants who had ≤2% increase in serum creatinine had net preservation of renal function compared with the same unselected placebo reference group. The fenofibrate-associated on-trial increases in serum creatinine were reversible, and the reversal was complete after 51 days off-drug. The similarity of the cystatin C results suggests that the mechanism of this change is not specific for serum creatinine.

Creatinine method and urea clearance determination for analyzing behavior of kidney function during and after heavy muscular work

Includes bibliographical references and index

This article is from Clinics , volume 68 . Abstract OBJECTIVES:: Both renal function and immune system function decline with age. Although controversial, a significant number of studies have shown that the decline in kidney function is associated with the worsening of the immune system. These findings are reinforced by the increased susceptibility to infections and deficient immunization coverage after vaccination both in patients with chronic renal disease and in elderly individuals. Our objective was to evaluate a non-institutionalized elderly population from São Paulo City and correlate the estimated glomerular filtration rate with the percentage of lymphocytes in circulation. METHODS:: A random population of 237 individuals (107 men and 130 women), ranging in age from 60 to 101 years, who were enrolled in the Health, Well-Being and Aging Study was evaluated for renal function (Modification on Diet in Renal Disease formula) and lymphocyte percentage (flow cytometry). RESULTS:: Aging was associated with a decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate in both male and female individuals. We did not identify a significant correlation between the estimated glomerular filtration rate and either the percentage of CD4, CD8, and B cells or CD4/CD8 ratio. The median percentage of CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in individuals with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. CONCLUSIONS:: In this study, no statistical correlation was found between the estimated glomerular filtration rate and either the lymphocyte phenotype (CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ cells) or the CD4/CD8 ratio in blood.

This article is from Critical Care , volume 18 . Abstract None

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This article is from BMC Nephrology , volume 15 . Abstract Background: We evaluated accuracy of urinary liver type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) for prediction of early allograft function and compared it to neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), diuresis and urinary creatinine excretion rate (UCr). Methods: Urine samples from 71 consecutive patients were taken 4, 10, 24 and 48 h after transplantation. We classified recipients into two groups: immediate graft function (IGF), with more than 70% reduction of serum Cr at 7th day post-transplant, and delayed graft function (DGF)/slow graft function (SGF) group (DGF - the need for hemodialysis procedure in the first week, SGF - less than 70% reduction of serum Cr in the first week). Results: Thirty-one recipients had IGF and 40 had DGF/SGF. L-FABP was only useful 48 h post-transplant with ROC AUC of 0.85 (95% C.I. 0.74-0.92); NGAL 24 h post-transplant had ROC AUC of 0.82 (0.7-0.91). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for prediction of DGF/SGF with L-FABP > 9.5 mg/mmol Cr and NGAL > 33.1 μg/mmol Cr were: 86, 80, 83 and 83% (L-FABP), and 68, 93, 91, and 73% (NGAL). The difference in urine output between the groups was largest 4 h post-transplant (p = 0.001), later on the difference diminished. There were no significant differences in ROC AUC between L-FABP at 48 h, NGAL at 24 h, urine output at 4 h and UCr excretion rate at 10 h post-transplant. UCr 

This article is from Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery , volume 9 . Abstract Backgrounds: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been recommended for treatment of acute, potentially reversible, life-threatening respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional therapy. Intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction is one of the most critical pathophysiological disorders during ECMO. This study aimed to determine whether combination with CRRT could alleviate damage of intestinal mucosal barrier function during VV ECMO in a porcine model. Methods: Twenty-four piglets were randomly divided into control(C), sham(S), ECMO(E) and ECMO + CRRT(EC) group. The animals were treated with ECMO or ECMO + CRRT for 24 hours. After the experiments, piglets were sacrificed. Jejunum, ileum and colon were harvested for morphologic examination of mucosal injury and ultrastructural distortion. Histological scoring was assessed according to Chiu’s scoring standard. Blood samples were taken from the animals at -1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h during experiment. Blood, liver, spleen, kidney and mesenteric lymphnode were collected for bacterial culture. Serum concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) were tested as markers to assess intestinal epithelial function and permeability. DAO levels were determined by spectrophotometry and I-FABP levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Microscopy findings showed that ECMO-induced intestinal microvillus shedding and edema, morphological distortion of tight junction between intestinal mucous epithelium and loose cell-cell junctions were significantly improved with combination of CRRT. No significance was detected on positive rate of serum bacterial culture. The elevated colonies of bacterial culture in liver and mesenteric lymphnode in E group reduced significantly in EC group (p 

This article is from Nutrients , volume 5 . Abstract Background: Vitamin D is a pro-hormone that plays an essential role in the vasculature and in kidney function. Aims: To review the extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D on blood pressure, endothelial and renal function with emphasis on recent findings in postmenopausal women. Methods: Included in this review was a PubMed database search for English language articles through March 2013. This review discussed the physiology and definition of vitamin D deficiency, the recent evidence for the role vitamin D in blood pressure, vascular and renal function. Results: Experimental and epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in the vasculature and in kidney function. Low vitamin D concentrations appear to significantly associate with hypertension, endothelial and renal dysfunction. However, the results of clinical trials have generally been mixed. Studies specifically conducted among postmenopausal women are limited and findings are still inconsistent. Conclusions: Definitive studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on vascular and renal function and a more detailed work is needed to outline the route, duration and optimal dose of supplementation. It is premature to recommend vitamin D as a therapeutic option in the improvement of vascular and renal function at the current stage.

This article is from Nutrients , volume 5 . Abstract Background: Vitamin D is a pro-hormone that plays an essential role in the vasculature and in kidney function. Aims: To review the extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D on blood pressure, endothelial and renal function with emphasis on recent findings in postmenopausal women. Methods: Included in this review was a PubMed database search for English language articles through March 2013. This review discussed the physiology and definition of vitamin D deficiency, the recent evidence for the role vitamin D in blood pressure, vascular and renal function. Results: Experimental and epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in the vasculature and in kidney function. Low vitamin D concentrations appear to significantly associate with hypertension, endothelial and renal dysfunction. However, the results of clinical trials have generally been mixed. Studies specifically conducted among postmenopausal women are limited and findings are still inconsistent. Conclusions: Definitive studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on vascular and renal function and a more detailed work is needed to outline the route, duration and optimal dose of supplementation. It is premature to recommend vitamin D as a therapeutic option in the improvement of vascular and renal function at the current stage.

This article is from Nutrients , volume 5 . Abstract Background: Vitamin D is a pro-hormone that plays an essential role in the vasculature and in kidney function. Aims: To review the extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D on blood pressure, endothelial and renal function with emphasis on recent findings in postmenopausal women. Methods: Included in this review was a PubMed database search for English language articles through March 2013. This review discussed the physiology and definition of vitamin D deficiency, the recent evidence for the role vitamin D in blood pressure, vascular and renal function. Results: Experimental and epidemiological data suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in the vasculature and in kidney function. Low vitamin D concentrations appear to significantly associate with hypertension, endothelial and renal dysfunction. However, the results of clinical trials have generally been mixed. Studies specifically conducted among postmenopausal women are limited and findings are still inconsistent. Conclusions: Definitive studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on vascular and renal function and a more detailed work is needed to outline the route, duration and optimal dose of supplementation. It is premature to recommend vitamin D as a therapeutic option in the improvement of vascular and renal function at the current stage.

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Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in sexual dysfunction between female chronic renal failure (CRF) patients not on renal replacement therapy (group 1) and female patients on peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (group 2) and those on hemo-dialysis for ESRD (group 3). Material and Method: This study included 81 married women: 24 women were in group 1, 16 women were in group 2, and 41 women were in group 3. The mean age of the patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 51.1 ± 13.0, 54.6 ± 12.3 and 48.3 ± 9.3 years, respectively. Thirty-eight volunteers with a mean age of 46.4 ± 8.6 years were assigned to the control group. Sexual function of the patients was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Group FSFI scores were statistically compared. In all groups, we investigated for correlations between sexual function and age, hemoglobin concentration (&lt; 11 vs ≥ 11 g/dL), and secondary hyper-parathyroidism. In group 1, we also tested the relationship between sexual function and creatinine level (≤ 2.0 vs. &gt; 2.0 mg/dL). The Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis were used as appropri-ate. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 16.0. Results: Total FSFI scores and scores of each parameter in the FSFI index were significantly low in all patient groups compared to the controls (p&lt;0.001). Group 2 re-ceived the lowest FSFI scores, followed by groups 1 and 3 (in the order of frequency). However, there was no significant difference in FSFI scores be-tween the three groups. Six patients in group 1 (25%), six patients in group 2 (37.5%) and 10 patients in group 3 (24.3%) noted that they had had no sexual intercourse for more than 1 year. There was a negative correlation between age and FSFI scores, but there was no significant relationship between FSFI scores and hemoglobin concentrations, creatinine and parathyroid hormone levels. Discussion: CRF has a negative effect on sexual function. There was no difference in sexual dysfunction between female CRF patients not on renal replacement therapy (group 1) and female patients on peritoneal dialysis for ESRD (group 2) and those on hemodialysis for ESRD (group 3). 

This article is from Yonsei Medical Journal , volume 53 . Abstract Purpose: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) has been described in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its presence is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death. However, it is unclear whether there is an independent relationship between renal function and CAC. Therefore, we evaluated the association between renal function and CAC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 870 Korean patients who had undergone computed tomographic coronary angiography. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study formula with an ethnic factor for the Korean population. The CKD stages were classified using estimated GFR (eGFR) and proteinuria. Results: The mean age of the participants was 56.8±11.8 years, and the mean eGFR was 89.4±16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Hypertension and diabetes were noted in 41.5 and 17.0% of patients, respectively. There were 584 and 286 patients with no CAC and with CAC, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, late stage CKD was associated with CAC [odds ratio (OR) 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-7.46]. However, early stage CKD was not associated with CAC (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.92-2.82). Diabetes was an independent risk factor of CAC (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.36-3.13). There was no significant association between proteinuria and CAC (OR 1.65, 95% CI 0.96-2.85). Conclusion: CAC is related to late stage CKD in nondialyzed patients. These findings emphasize that individuals with CAC should be considered a high-risk population for decreased renal function.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Objective: To establish a simple two-compartment model for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) estimations by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). Materials and Methods: A total of eight New Zealand white rabbits were included in DCE-MRI. The two-compartment model was modified with the impulse residue function in this study. First, the reliability of GFR measurement of the proposed model was compared with other published models in Monte Carlo simulation at different noise levels. Then, functional parameters were estimated in six healthy rabbits to test the feasibility of the new model. Moreover, in order to investigate its validity of GFR estimation, two rabbits underwent acute ischemia surgical procedure in unilateral kidney before DCE-MRI, and pixel-wise measurements were implemented to detect the cortical GFR alterations between normal and abnormal kidneys. Results: The lowest variability of GFR and RPF measurements were found in the proposed model in the comparison. Mean GFR was 3.03±1.1 ml/min and mean RPF was 2.64±0.5 ml/g/min in normal animals, which were in good agreement with the published values. Moreover, large GFR decline was found in dysfunction kidneys comparing to the contralateral control group. Conclusion: Results in our study demonstrate that measurement of renal kinetic parameters based on the proposed model is feasible and it has the ability to discriminate GFR changes in healthy and diseased kidneys.

This article is from Trials , volume 15 . Abstract Background: Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is significantly associated with the progression of CKD. However, there is no sufficient evidence by interventional research supporting a cause-effect relationship. Hyperuricemic patients without gouty arthritis, whose serum urate (SUA) concentration is ≥8.0 mg/dL and who have a complication, are treated by pharmacotherapy in addition to lifestyle guidance. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that rationalizes pharmacotherapy for patients with hyperuricemia who have no complication and whose SUA concentration is below 9.0 mg/dL. Methods/Design: The FEATHER (FEbuxostat versus placebo rAndomized controlled Trial regarding reduced renal function in patients with Hyperuricemia complicated by chRonic kidney disease stage 3) study is a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of febuxostat—a novel, nonpurine, selective, xanthine oxidase inhibitor. The present study will enroll, at 64 medical institutions in Japan, 400 Japanese patients aged 20 years or older who have hyperuricemia without gouty arthritis, who present CKD stage 3, and whose SUA concentration is 7.1-10.0 mg/dL. Patients are randomly assigned to either the febuxostat or the control group, in which febuxostat tablets and placebo are administered orally, respectively. The dosage of the study drugs should be one 10-mg tablet/day at weeks 1 to 4 after study initiation, increased to one 20-mg tablet/day at weeks 5 to 8, and elevated to one 40-mg tablet/day at week 9 and then maintained until week 108. The primary endpoint is estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope. The secondary endpoints include the amount and percent rate of change in eGFR from baseline to week 108, the amount and percent rate of change in SUA concentration from baseline to week 108, the proportion of patients who achieved an SUA concentration ≤6.0 mg/dL, and the incidence of renal function deterioration. Discussion: The present study aims to examine whether febuxostat prevents a further reduction in renal function as assessed with eGFR in subjects and will (1) provide evidence to indicate the inverse association between a reduction in SUA concentration and an improvement in renal function and (2) rationalize pharmacotherapy for subjects and clarify its clinical relevance. Trial registration: UMIN Identifier: UMIN000008343

We will perform a systematic a systematic review and meta-analysis to answer the question Does renal transplantation improve or deteriorate sexual function in males with end-stage kidney disease?

Lecture 1 Renal Function 1

This article is from Diabetes Care , volume 36 . Abstract OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between retinal microcirculation and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a laser Doppler velocimetry system, we obtained the retinal blood flow (RBF) values by simultaneously measuring the retinal vessel diameter and blood velocity. To determine if the RBF is affected in the presence of renal dysfunction, we also evaluated the renal function using the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated by age and serum creatinine level. RESULTS: We recruited 169 eyes of 169 consecutive Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes, no or minimal diabetic retinopathy, and normo/microalbuminuria (mean age ± SD, 59.0 ± 11.1 years). We divided the patients into four groups based on the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (non-CKD, n = 99; CKD stage 1, n = 22; stage 2, n = 27; stage 3, n = 21). We found significant (P = 0.035) decreases in RBF with decreased vessel diameter (P = 0.017) but no difference in blood velocity (P = 0.54) in stage 3 CKD compared with the non-CKD group. Multiple regression analysis showed that the CKD stage was significantly (P = 0.02) and independently associated with decreased RBF. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the vessel diameter and RBF in the retinal arterioles decrease in patients with type 2 diabetes with stage 3 CKD, suggesting that impaired renal function might be associated with decreased RBF, probably via constriction of the retinal arterioles, in early-phase diabetic retinopathy.

This article is from Frontiers in Pharmacology , volume 5 . Abstract Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is associated with poor outcomes including increased mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS) and cost. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) is reported to be between 3 and 30% depending on the definition of AKI. We designed a multicenter randomized controlled trial to test our hypothesis that a perioperative infusion of sodium bicarbonate (SB) during cardiac surgery will attenuate the post-operative rise in creatinine indicating renal injury when compared to a perioperative infusion with normal saline. An interim analysis was performed after data was available on the first 120 participants. A similar number of patients in the two treatment groups developed AKI, defined as an increase in serum creatinine the first 48 h after surgery of 0.3 mg/dl or more. Specifically 14 patients (24%) who received sodium chloride (SC) and 17 patients (27%) who received SB were observed to develop AKI post-surgery, resulting in a relative risk of AKI of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.6–2.1, chi-square p-value = 0.68) for patients receiving SB compared to those who received SC. The data safety monitoring board for the trial recommended closing the study early as there was only a 12% probability that the null hypothesis would be rejected. We therefore concluded that a perioperative infusion of SB failed to attenuate the risk of CSA-AKI.

This article is from Clinical Interventions in Aging , volume 9 . Abstract Background: With increasing age, body fat increases and muscle mass reduces. Even people with a normal weight may have a higher percentage of body fat. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between increased body fat and renal function decline (RFD) in the general elderly population with normal or mildly impaired renal function. Method: We conducted a prospective study of 615 healthy individuals in the general Korean population aged ≥60 years who participated in two health screening check-ups separated by a 4-year period. Obesity was defined as the highest sex-specific tertiles of the percentage body fat (PBF). The main outcome was changes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the 4 years. Significant RFD was defined as a decrease of eGFR over the upper quartile (≤−2.1% per year). Results: The mean age was 67.2±6.6 years. The median value of the absolute decline in the eGFR and the percent change was −3.0 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and −0.87%/year in men and −3.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and −0.89%/year in women, respectively. When stratified by sex-specific PBF tertiles, pronounced differences were observed in both sexes; those at the highest tertile of PBF showed the greatest decline in eGFR. Even after adjustments for traditional risk factors of RFD, PBF was independently associated with eGFR changes (β=−0.181; P

Our overall hypothesis is that oral or intravenous resuscitation results in distinct improvements in burn-induced SIRS and AKI. Specifically, while oral resuscitation (i.e., drinking) helps in reducing SIRS, MOD and AKI post-burn injury, we predict it will not be as effective as the gold standard i.v. fluid resuscitation which may relate to fluid volume requirements that cannot be met orally. Moreover, we hypothesize that i.v. blood products (e.g., fresh frozen plasma) will improve organ perfusion and outcomes when compared to crystalloids, and thus reduce total fluid requirements. Resuscitation strategies will vary in ameliorating burn induced renal perfusion and dysfunction because of a differential effect on circulating cytokines and granulocytes. Subsequently, markers and byproducts of oxidative stress will increase as renal perfusion decreases. Information from the studies described in this proposal will elucidate what effect low volume post-burn resuscitation strategies have on the mechanisms of oxidative stress and systemic and local inflammation. This will not only provide information on the ensuing SIRS, MOD, and AKI, but also allow for future testing of therapies to modulate these mechanisms. The ultimate goal is to improve outcomes after extensive burn in austere environments where large volumes of fluid are not available and the casualty is delayed in transport to a treatment facility.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Background: The prevalence of Sickle cell disease is extremely high in Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite this high prevalence of the disease, data on renal abnormalities in children are rare. Method: The study proposed to assess blood pressure, glomerular function, urea and uric acid levels in 65 steady state Congolese children with homozygous sickle cell disease and 67 normal controls. Results: In Hb-SS group, blood pressure level tended to be lower than Hb-AA groups but there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups. The absolute values for GFR corrected for BSA were significantly higher in Hb-SS group compared to Hb-AA group (130.5±34.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs 113.7±24.5 ml/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.004). Children with Hb-SS were more likely to hyperfiltrate (30.8% of subjects) than children with Hb-AA (6.1% of subjects). Proteinuria was found in 4 (6.2%) children with Hb-SS. Uric acid level was significantly increased in children with Hb-SS compared to corresponding values in control group (4.4±1.3 mg/dl vs 3.5±1.1 mg/dl; p

This article is from BMJ Open , volume 2 . Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of metformin use in clinical practice in a large sample of pharmacologically treated patients with type 2 diabetes and different levels of renal function. Design: Observational study between July 2004 and December 2010, mean follow-up 3.9 years. Setting: Hospital outpatient clinics and primary care in Sweden. Participants: 51 675 men and women with type 2 diabetes, registered in the Swedish National Diabetes Register, and on continuous glucose-lowering treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) or insulin. Main outcome measures: Risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), all-cause mortality and acidosis/serious infection, associated with each treatment regimens, were analysed in all patients and in subgroups with different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) intervals. Covariance adjustment and propensity scores were used to adjust for several baseline risk factors and characteristics at Cox regression. Results: Compared with metformin in monotherapy, HRs for fatal/non-fatal CVD and all-cause mortality with all other OHAs combined (approximately 80% sulphonylureas) in monotherapy were 1.02 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.12) and 1.13 (1.01 to 1.27), while 1.18 (1.07 to 1.29) and 1.34 (1.19 to 1.50) with insulin in monotherapy, adjusting using propensity scores. Metformin, compared with any other treatment, showed reduced risks of acidosis/serious infection (adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.97) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99), in patients with eGFR 45–60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and no increased risks of all-cause mortality, acidosis/serious infection or CVD were found in patients with eGFR 30–45 ml/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions: Metformin showed lower risk than insulin for CVD and all-cause mortality and slightly lower risk for all-cause mortality compared with other OHA, in these 51 675 patients followed for 4 years. Patients with renal impairment showed no increased risk of CVD, all-cause mortality or acidosis/serious infection. In clinical practice, the benefits of metformin use clearly outbalance the risk of severe side effects.

This article is from The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine , volume 29 . Abstract Background/Aims: Aims: Inflammation is an important factor in renal injury. Ferritin, an inflammatory marker, is considered an independent predictor of rapid renal progression in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, the relationship between ferritin and residual renal function (RRF) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains unclear. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who started PD between June 2001 and March 2012 at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Korea. A total of 123 patients were enrolled in the study. At 1 month after the initiation of PD, RRF was determined by a 24-hour urine collection and measured every 6 months thereafter. Clinical and biochemical data at the time of the initial 24-hour urine collection were considered as baseline. Results: The RRF reduction rate was significantly greater in patients with high ferritin (ferritin ≥ 250 ng/mL) compared with those with low ferritin (ferritin < 250 ng/mL; -1.71 ± 1.36 mL/min/yr/1.73 m2 vs. -0.84 ± 1.63 mL/min/yr/1.73 m2, respectively; p = 0.007). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the baseline serum ferritin level and the RRF reduction rate (r = -0.219, p = 0.015). Using multiple linear regression analysis and adjusting for other risk factors, baseline serum ferritin was an independent factor for the RRF reduction rate (β = -0.002, p = 0.002). Conclusions: In this study we showed that a higher ferritin level was significantly associated with a more rapid RRF decline in patients undergoing PD.

This article is from Journal of Epidemiology , volume 20 . Abstract Background: It has been considered that reducing protein intake is one of important measures to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between protein intake and renal function is still uncertain, especially in relatively healthy general population. Methods: 7404 individuals (3099 men and 4305 women) who participated in both National Survey on Circulatory Disorders and National Nutrition Survey in 1990 and were free from past history of renal diseases were included in the present study. We estimated sex-specific age- and multivariate-adjusted glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and odds ratios for the presence of CKD according to the quartiles of protein (total, animal, vegetable) intake per body weight (kg). Results: There were significant differences in each protein intake among the age groups in both men and women. Both participants with and without CKD took more protein intake than that of each recommended level. There were positive relationships between GFR and the quartiles of each protein intake in both sexes. The odds ratios for the presence of CKD were significantly decreased in the higher quartile of protein intake in women. Conclusions: The higher protein intake was associated with higher GFR in both sexes and low prevalence of CKD in women. However, further studies are needed to conclude the relationships between protein intake and renal function.

This article is from Journal of Epidemiology , volume 20 . Abstract Background: It has been considered that reducing protein intake is one of important measures to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between protein intake and renal function is still uncertain, especially in relatively healthy general population. Methods: 7404 individuals (3099 men and 4305 women) who participated in both National Survey on Circulatory Disorders and National Nutrition Survey in 1990 and were free from past history of renal diseases were included in the present study. We estimated sex-specific age- and multivariate-adjusted glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and odds ratios for the presence of CKD according to the quartiles of protein (total, animal, vegetable) intake per body weight (kg). Results: There were significant differences in each protein intake among the age groups in both men and women. Both participants with and without CKD took more protein intake than that of each recommended level. There were positive relationships between GFR and the quartiles of each protein intake in both sexes. The odds ratios for the presence of CKD were significantly decreased in the higher quartile of protein intake in women. Conclusions: The higher protein intake was associated with higher GFR in both sexes and low prevalence of CKD in women. However, further studies are needed to conclude the relationships between protein intake and renal function.

Supplementary Tables for Ethnic differences in kidney function in childhood: the Born in Bradford Cohort Renal Study

Supplementary Tables for Ethnic differences in kidney function in childhood: the Born in Bradford Cohort Renal Study

This article is from International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease , volume 7 . Abstract An aging atherosclerosis-prone population has led to an increase in the prevalence of atherosclerotic renovascular disease (ARVD). Medical management of this disease, as with other atherosclerotic conditions, has improved over the past decade. Despite the widespread availability of endovascular revascularization procedures, there is inconsistent evidence of benefit in ARVD and no clear consensus of opinion as to the best way to select suitable patients for revascularization. Several published randomized controlled trials have attempted to provide clearer evidence for best practice in ARVD, but they have done so with varying clarity and success. In this review, we provide an overview of ARVD and its effect on renal function. We present the currently available evidence for best practice in the management of patients with ARVD with a particular focus on revascularization as a treatment to improve renal function. We provide a brief overview of the evidence for revascularization in other causes of renal artery stenosis.

This article is from Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia , volume 101 . Abstract None

This article is from SpringerPlus , volume 3 . Abstract We investigate the impact of the residual kidney volume measured by tumor volumetry on preoperative imaging in predicting post-operative renal function. Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the standard treatment for T1 kidney tumors. Resection of kidney tumors in solidary kidneys needs precise preoperative counseling of patients regarding post-operative renal function.Patients planned for renal tumor surgery who underwent prior nephrectomy on the contralateral side were included. We identified 35 patients in our database that underwent NSS in solitary kidneys and met the inclusion criteria. Tumor volumetry was performed on computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit (MITK). Clinical and pathological data were assessed. Follow-up data included renal function over 3 years.Mean age was 64 ± 8.1 years. Mean tumor volume on imaging was 27.5 ± 48.6 cc. Mean kidney volume was 195.2 ± 62.8 cc and mean residual kidney volume was 173.4 ± 65.3 cc. We found a correlation between renal function (MDRD) and residual kidney volume on imaging 1-week post-surgery (p = 0.038). Mid- and long-term renal function was not associated with residual kidney volume.In conclusion, renal volumetry may predict early renal function after NSS.

This article is from Critical Care , volume 18 . Abstract None

This article is from Indian Journal of Anaesthesia , volume 57 . Abstract Background:: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a routine practice since 1995. Until now, the recipient has always undergone open surgery for transplantation. In our institute, laparoscopic kidney transplantation (LKT) started in 2010. To facilitate this surgery, the patient must be in steep Trendelenburg position for a long duration. Hence, we decided to study the effect of CO2 pnuemoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients undergoing LKT. Methods:: A total of 20 adult CRF patients having mean age of 31.7±10.36 years and body mass index 19.65±3.41 kg/m2 without significant coronary artery disease were selected for the procedure. Cardiovascular parameters heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), Central venous pressure (CVP) and respiratory parameters (ETCO2, peak airway pressure) were noted at the time of induction, after induction, 15 min after creation of pnuemoperitoneum, 30 min after Trendelenburg position, 15 min after decompression of pnuemoperitonuem and after extubation. Arterial blood gas analysis was carried out after induction, 15 min after creation of pnuemoperitoneum, 30 min after Trendelenburg position and 15 min after clamp release. Total duration of surgery, anastomosis time, time for the establishment of urine output and total urine output were noted. Serum creatinine on the 1st and 7th post-operative day were recorded. Results:: Significant increase in HR was observed after creation of CO2 pneumoperitoneum and just before extubation. Significant increase in the MAP and CVP was noted after creation of pneumoperitoneum and after giving Trendelenburg position. No significant rise in the ETCO2 and PaCO2 was observed. Significant increase in the base deficit was observed after the clamp release, but none of the patients required correction. Conclusion:: LKT performed in steep Trendelenburg position with CO2 pneumoperitoneum significantly influenced cardiovascular and respiratory homeostasis; however, measured parameters remained within clinically acceptable range without affecting early function of the transplanted kidney.

L-1

This article is from BMC Infectious Diseases , volume 13 . Abstract Background: Incorporation of the solubilizing excipient, sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD), in the intravenous (IV) formulation of voriconazole has resulted in the recommendation that this formulation be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearances (Clcr) 

This article is from Critical Care , volume 18 . Abstract None