Effectiveness of Green Tea Tannin on Rats with Chronic Renal Failure

The effects of green tea tannin on nephrectomized rats were examined. There were increases in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary protein, and a decrease in creatinine clearance in the nephrectomized control rats, whereas better results for these parameters were obtained in rats given green tea tannin after nephrectomy, demonstrating a suppressed progression of the renal failure. When the renal parenchyma was partially resected, the remnant kidney showed a decrease in the activity of radical scavenger enzymes. Green tea tannin, however, was found to lighten the kidney under such oxidative stress. Mesangial proliferation and glomerular sclerotic lesions, which were conspicuous in the rats that were not given green tea tannin after nephrectomy, were also relieved.     

Effects of Haemodialysis on Bone in Chronic Renal Failure

Quantitative histological studies have been done on 80 sequential bone biopsies taken at yearly intervals from 37 patients with chronic renal failure on long-term haemodialysis treatment. Twenty-three patients were studied at the start of dialysis, and in about half the bone was abnormal. During dialysis mean osteoid area and the maximum number of unmineralized osteoid lamellae increased, and mineralized bone area decreased. The loss of bone during dialysis was also reflected in reduction of the width of individual trabeculae. These trends were less obvious in patients already established on dialysis at the time of the initial biopsy. The course of osteitis fibrosa appeared to be unaffected by dialysis.     

川芎嗪联合缬沙坦治疗糖尿病肾病肾衰竭的临床疗效观察

目的:探讨川芎嗪联合缬沙坦治疗糖尿病肾病肾衰竭的临床疗效。方法:选择我院2011年1月至2013年1月收治的糖尿病肾病肾衰竭患者96例,并将其随机分为实验组和对照组,每组48例。两组患者均根据病情给予对症支持治疗,并严格控制血糖。在常规治疗基础上,实验组患者给予川芎嗪注射液240 mg,静脉滴注,1次/d,同时给予缬沙坦80 mg,口服,1次/d,21天为1个疗程;对照组患者给予缬沙坦80 mg,口服,1次/d,21天为1个疗程。1个疗程后观察两组患者的临床疗效、血液学指标、尿检指标等实验室检查。结果:治疗21天后,实验组的临床有效率达83.3%,显著高于对照组(60.4%),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组空腹血糖、尿蛋白、尿素氮、血肌酐水平均较治疗前显著改善,且实验组以上指标及胆固醇水平的改善程度明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗过程中,两组均无严重不良反应发生。结论:川芎嗪联合缬沙坦可以更有效地改善糖尿病肾病肾衰竭患者的临床疗效,有一定的临床应用价值。     

Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 Reduces Hypothalamic Excitation in Rats with Adriamycin-Induced Heart Failure

Background

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays an important role in the progression of heart failure (HF). We investigated whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition in the PVN attenuates the activities of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in rats with adriamycin-induced heart failure.

Methodology/Principal Finding

Heart failure was induced by intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin over a period of 2 weeks (cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg). On day 19, rats received intragastric administration daily with either COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (CLB) or normal saline. Treatment with CLB reduced mortality and attenuated both myocardial atrophy and pulmonary congestion in HF rats. Compared with the HF rats, ventricle to body weight (VW/BW) and lung to body weight (LW/BW) ratios, heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular peak systolic pressure (LVPSP) and maximum rate of change in left ventricular pressure (LV±dp/dtmax) were improved in HF+CLB rats. Angiotensin II (ANG II), norepinephrine (NE), COX-2 and glutamate (Glu) in the PVN were increased in HF rats. HF rats had higher levels of ANG II and NE in plasma, higher level of ANG II in myocardium, and lower levels of ANP in plasma and myocardium. Treatment with CLB attenuated these HF-induced changes. HF rats had more COX-2-positive neurons and more corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) positive neurons in the PVN than did control rats. Treatment with CLB decreased COX-2-positive neurons and CRH positive neurons in the PVN of HF rats.

Conclusions

These results suggest that PVN COX-2 may be an intermediary step for PVN neuronal activation and excitatory neurotransmitter release, which further contributes to sympathoexcitation and RAS activation in adriamycin-induced heart failure. Treatment with COX-2 inhibitor attenuates sympathoexcitation and RAS activation in adriamycin-induced heart failure.     

Impact of Light/Dark Cycle Patterns on Oxidative Stress in an Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy Model in Rats

The principal goal of this study was to determine the effect of the photoperiod on oxidative damage biomarkers in rats submitted to different light/darkness patterns, in a hyperlipidemic nephropathy model (induced by adriamycin), as well as its possible relationship with melatonin and leptin secretion rhythms. To test this hypothesis, six different groups were used (N = 6 rats per group): control (12 h/12h light:dark); exposure to permanent illumination (24 h light); exposure to darkness (22 h dark); injected with adriamycin, 12h/12h light:dark; injected with adriamycin + exposure to permanent illumination and injected with adriamycin + exposure to darkness (22 h dark). The different photoperiods were begun two weeks prior to medication and were maintained up to the day of the animal''s sacrifice, ten days after medication. The following parameters were analysed: i) weight evolution; ii) in plasma: urea, creatinine, uric acid, total proteins, albumen, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine-quinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and total cholesterol; iii) in urine: urea, creatinine, total proteins and microalbumen; iv) biomarkers of oxidative damage in kidneys, heart, liver and brain: lipoperoxides, total glutathione, reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase; v) melatonin (pineal gland tissue and plasma) and leptin (plasma). From the results obtained it was concluded that the administration of adriamycin generated oxidative stress in renal, cerebral, hepatic and cardiac tissue. Additionally, in the healthy animal, but of a lesser relevance in the adriamycin animal, permanent light worsened the oxidative stress, whereas darkness improved it. This could be related to the circadian rhythm of the inverse release shown by melatonin and leptin, accentuating the release of melatonin in the darkness phase and that of leptin in the light phase. The correlation between melatonin and leptin in the healthy animal seemed to confirm the relationship between both variables and their influence on oxidative damage biomarkers.     

A Survey of Chronic Renal Failure in Southeastern Ontario

A survey of all physicians in southeastern Ontario was conducted to determine the potential number of patients with chronic uremia who would be candidates for a chronic dialysis program. Four hundred and sixty-four replies were received from the 1391 physicians who received the questionnaire. With the data provided it was calculated that the period prevalence rate of persons suffering from chronic uremia in the area surveyed ranged from 2.2 to 3.3/100,000 population. On the basis of these figures it was estimated that dialysis facilities might be required for six new patients each year in this area.     

A Magnesium Based Phosphate Binder Reduces Vascular Calcification without Affecting Bone in Chronic Renal Failure Rats

The alternative phosphate binder calcium acetate/magnesium carbonate (CaMg) effectively reduces hyperphosphatemia, the most important inducer of vascular calcification, in chronic renal failure (CRF). In this study, the effect of low dose CaMg on vascular calcification and possible effects of CaMg on bone turnover, a persistent clinical controversy, were evaluated in chronic renal failure rats. Adenine-induced CRF rats were treated daily with 185 mg/kg CaMg or vehicle for 5 weeks. The aortic calcium content and area% calcification were measured to evaluate the effect of CaMg. To study the effect of CaMg on bone remodeling, rats underwent 5/6th nephrectomy combined with either a normal phosphorus diet or a high phosphorus diet to differentiate between possible bone effects resulting from either CaMg-induced phosphate deficiency or a direct effect of Mg. Vehicle or CaMg was administered at doses of 185 and 375 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Bone histomorphometry was performed. Aortic calcium content was significantly reduced by 185 mg/kg/day CaMg. CaMg ameliorated features of hyperparathyroid bone disease. In CRF rats on a normal phosphorus diet, the highest CaMg dose caused an increase in osteoid area due to phosphate depletion. The high phosphorus diet combined with the highest CaMg dose prevented the phosphate depletion and thus the rise in osteoid area. CaMg had no effect on osteoblast/osteoclast or dynamic bone parameters, and did not alter bone Mg levels. CaMg at doses that reduce vascular calcification did not show any harmful effect on bone turnover.     

Effects of Calcium and Lanthanum on ABA Biosynthesis in Cucumber Leaves

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) leaves were treated with CaCl₂ and LaCl₃ at concentrations of 0.002, 0.02, 0.04, 0.2, 0.4, and 2.0 mM to study the effects of calcium and lanthanum on plants, especially on the pathway of abscisic acid biosynthesis. The activity of lipoxygenase (Lox) was measured, and the contents of violaxanthin (Vio, a precursor to ABA) and ABA were estimated. In addition, the soluble proteins in treated leaves were analyzed. The results suggest that La³⁺ influences Lox activity and the contents of Vio and ABA. Their changes are correlated to one another, thus indicating that ABA can be derived from a carotenoid in the presence of lanthanum. After leaf treatments with ions, the content of soluble proteins changed and a 41 kD polypeptide appeared confirming responsive gene expression. The effects of both ions on ABA and protein biosyntheses suggest that the appearance of this protein is not related to the endogenous ABA levels.     

丁酸钠通过调节SIRT1/AMPK信号通路对慢性肾衰竭大鼠肾功能的影响

摘要 目的：探讨丁酸钠（NaB）通过调节沉默信息调节因子1（SIRT1）/单磷酸腺苷活化蛋白激酶（AMPK）信号通路对慢性肾衰竭（CRF）大鼠肾功能的影响。方法：选用SD大鼠72只,随机分为6组（12只/组）：control组、Model组、NaB低剂量组（100 mg/kg）、NaB中剂量组（200 mg/kg）、NaB高剂量组（400 mg/kg）、抑制剂组（400 mg/kg NaB+2 mg/kg SIRT1/AMPK通路抑制剂EX527）;采用饲喂0.5%腺嘌呤饲料以建立CRF大鼠模型,建模成功后,灌胃和腹腔注射相应药物。使用试剂盒检测大鼠24 h尿蛋白（24 h U-pro）、血清肌酐（SCr）、尿素氮（BUN）水平;采用苏木精-伊红（HE）及Masson染色法观察肾脏病理改变,并计算胶原容积分数（CVF）;采用茜素红染色法与主动脉钙含量测定评估主动脉钙化情况;采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测各组大鼠肾脏组织白细胞介素（IL）-6、IL-β、肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）-α水平;采用过氧化氢酶（CAT）、丙二醛（MDA）、活性氧（ROS）检测试剂盒检测大鼠肾脏组织中CAT、MDA、ROS水平;采用蛋白免疫印迹法（WB）检测各组大鼠SIRT1/AMPK信号通路及骨形态发生蛋白2（BMP2）、Runt相关转录因子2（Runx2）蛋白的表达。结果：与control组比较,Model组大鼠肾脏组织损伤严重、胶原纤维沉积显著、主动脉钙化严重,CAT活性、SIRT1、p-AMPK/AMPK表达水平显著降低（P<0.05）,CVF、主动脉钙含量和SCr、BUN、24 h U-pro、IL-6、IL-β、TNF-α、MDA、ROS水平及BMP2、Runx2蛋白表达水平显著升高（P<0.05）;与Model组比较,NaB低、中、高剂量组大鼠肾脏组织损伤减轻、胶原纤维沉积面积明显减少、主动脉钙化程度减轻,CVF、主动脉钙含量和SCr、BUN、24 h U-pro、IL-6、IL-β、TNF-α、MDA、ROS水平及BMP2、Runx2蛋白表达水平显著降低（P<0.05）,CAT活性、SIRT1、p-AMPK/AMPK表达水平显著升高（P<0.05）;SIRT1/AMPK通路抑制剂EX527可降低高剂量NaB对CRF大鼠主动脉钙化和肾功能的改善作用（P<0.05）。结论：NaB可能通过激活SIRT1/AMPK信号通路,减轻肾脏组织炎症、氧化应激损伤、主动脉钙化和肾纤维化,从而起到改善CRF大鼠肾功能的作用。     

Uptake of Amino Acids by Brain Micro vessels Isolated from Rats with Experimental Chronic Renal Failure

The neurological disorders seen in patients with chronic renal failure and liver cirrhosis are analogous. Previous in vivo studies have shown that the impaired blood-brain amino acid transport seen in rats with chronic renal failure is similar to that of rats with portocaval anastomosis. To elucidate whether a comparable underlying pathogenic mechanism plays a role in both pathological conditions, blood and brain amino acid levels together with amino acid transport by isolated brain microvessels have been studied in rats with chronic renal failure and in sham-operated rats. Brain microvessels isolated from rats with experimental chronic renal failure showed that the uptake of labeled large neutral amino acid, i.e., leucine or phenylalanine, but not of lysine or alpha-methylaminoisobutyric acid, was significantly increased with respect to sham-operated rats; conversely, the uptake of glutamic acid in rats with chronic renal failure was significantly lower compared with values in controls. Kinetic analysis indicated that this was mainly due to increased exchange transport activity (Vmax) of the L-system, rather than to changes in the affinity (Km) of the carrier system for the relative substrate. These data, together with the significant rise of brain glutamine levels and an increased brain-to-plasma ratio of the sum of large neutral amino acids, are analogous to what was previously observed in rats with portocaval anastomosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Deterioration in Renal Function after Beta-blockade in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure and Hypertension

Treatment of hypertension with beta-blocking agents in three patients with moderately severe chronic renal failure was followed by rapid deterioration of renal function. In two of the patients the need for maintenance haemodialysis was accelerated but renal function in the third reverted to pretreatment levels after the drug was stopped. These findings suggest that until more is known about the effects of beta-blocking drugs they should not be given to patients with moderately severe renal failure.     

Renal Effects and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Long-Term Salt Content Diets in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Several evidences have shown that salt excess is an important determinant of cardiovascular and renal derangement in hypertension. The present study aimed to investigate the renal effects of chronic high or low salt intake in the context of hypertension and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying such effects. To this end, newly weaned male SHR were fed with diets only differing in NaCl content: normal salt (NS: 0.3%), low salt (LS: 0.03%), and high salt diet (HS: 3%) until 7 months of age. Analysis of renal function, morphology, and evaluation of the expression of the main molecular components involved in the renal handling of albumin, including podocyte slit-diaphragm proteins and proximal tubule endocytic receptors were performed. The relationship between diets and the balance of the renal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 enzymes was also examined. HS produced glomerular hypertrophy and decreased ACE2 and nephrin expressions, loss of morphological integrity of the podocyte processes, and increased proteinuria, characterized by loss of albumin and high molecular weight proteins. Conversely, severe hypertension was attenuated and renal dysfunction was prevented by LS since proteinuria was much lower than in the NS SHRs. This was associated with a decrease in kidney ACE/ACE2 protein and activity ratio and increased cubilin renal expression. Taken together, these results suggest that LS attenuates hypertension progression in SHRs and preserves renal function. The mechanisms partially explaining these findings include modulation of the intrarenal ACE/ACE2 balance and the increased cubilin expression. Importantly, HS worsens hypertensive kidney injury and decreases the expression nephrin, a key component of the slit diaphragm.     

乳清蛋白质制剂改善慢性肾功能衰竭透析患者营养状况的效果观察

目的用乳清蛋白质制剂作为蛋白质补充营养制剂,观察其对慢性肾功能衰竭透析患者营养改善的效果。方法 60例接受透析治疗的慢性肾功能衰竭患者,平均年龄(59.3±6.7)岁,随机分为试验组和对照组,每组30例。试验组每天除常规饮食外,按0.6g/kg补充乳清蛋白质制剂,共15 d,对照组为正常治疗饮食。在干预前、后分别检测营养相关的指标。结果根据身高和体重进行营养评价,干预开始前试验组、对照组的患者均有不同程度营养不良,15 d后体重与干预前相比,虽有所改善,但无显著性差异(P>0.05)。体重、上臂肌围、三头肌皮褶厚度在干预后变化均不明显,无显著性差异(P>0.05)。血红蛋白有所升高,但无统计学意义(P>0.05)。干预前后,试验组血清白蛋白、前白蛋白均有升高,前白蛋白与对照组相比有显著性差异(P<0.05)。干预后试验组血清磷与对照组比较无显著性差异(P>0.05)。试验组和对照组血清尿素氮、肌酐在干预后,均降低非常显著(P<0.05)。干预前患者血清氨基酸,特别是必需氨基酸和组氨酸含量降低明显(P<0.05),用乳清蛋白质制剂后血清氨基酸谱有所变化,支链氨基酸-亮氨酸、异亮氨酸和缬氨酸含量明显增高,苏氨酸、酪氨酸、组氨酸也有所升高,其余氨基酸血清含量无明显改变。结论乳清蛋白质制剂对慢性肾功能衰竭透析患者有明显的改善蛋白质营养状况的效果。     

Exchangeable and Total Body Potassium in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

Total body potassium determined by whole-body monitoring and exchangeable body potassium estimated with ⁴³K were measured simultaneously in 12 patients with stable chronic renal failure. Values for the exchangeable potassium were obtained after equilibration periods of 24, 48, and 64 hours. The exchangeable body potassium, expressed as a percentage of the total body potassium (mean ± S.E. of mean), gave values of 60·7 ± 3·3%, 83·6 ± 2·7%, and 85·9 ± 2·7% at 24, 48, and 64 hours respectively. It seems that the equilibration between radioactive and native potassium is incomplete after 24 hours; and that exchangeable potassium measured at this time is not an accurate index of the status of total body potassium in such patients. Furthermore, the finding that the value at 64 hours is significantly less than found in healthy subjects suggests that the exchangeable potassium is a smaller fraction of the total body potassium in patients with chronic renal failure.     

高通量血液透析对慢性肾衰竭尿毒症患者TLC 及免疫球蛋白水平的影响

目的:探究高通量血液透析对慢性肾衰竭尿毒症患者TLC及免疫球蛋白水平的影响。方法:选取我院收治的慢性肾衰竭尿毒症患者100例,随机分为实验组和对照组。对照组采用常规血液透析治疗,实验组采用高通量血液透析治疗。观察并比较两组患者治疗前后TLC及免疫球蛋白水平的变化情况以及临床疗效。结果:实验组治疗有效率(96.0%)高于对照组(86.0%),差异有统计学意义(P0.05);与治疗前相比,两组患者治疗后血肌酐水平下降,IgA,IgM及IgG水平升高,肺功能TLC水平升高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与对照组相比,实验组患者治疗后血肌酐水平较低,IgA,IgM及IgG水平较高,肺功能TLC水平较高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:高通量血液透析治疗能够改善慢性肾衰竭尿毒症患者的肺功能,增强免疫功能。     

Effects of Exercise Training on Circulating and Skeletal Muscle Renin-Angiotensin System in Chronic Heart Failure Rats

Background

Accumulated evidence shows that the ACE-AngII-AT1 axis of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is markedly activated in chronic heart failure (CHF). Recent studies provide information that Angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7), a metabolite of AngII, counteracts the effects of AngII. However, this balance between AngII and Ang-(1–7) is still little understood in CHF. We investigated the effects of exercise training on circulating and skeletal muscle RAS in the ischemic model of CHF.

Methods/Main Results

Male Wistar rats underwent left coronary artery ligation or a Sham operation. They were divided into four groups: 1) Sedentary Sham (Sham-S), 2) exercise-trained Sham (Sham-Ex), sedentary CHF (CHF-S), and exercise-trained CHF (CHF-Ex). Angiotensin concentrations and ACE and ACE2 activity in the circulation and skeletal muscle (soleus and plantaris) were quantified. Skeletal muscle ACE and ACE2 protein expression, and AT1, AT2, and Mas receptor gene expression were also evaluated. CHF reduced ACE2 serum activity. Exercise training restored ACE2 and reduced ACE activity in CHF. Exercise training reduced plasma AngII concentration in both Sham and CHF rats and increased the Ang-(1–7)/AngII ratio in CHF rats. CHF and exercise training did not change skeletal muscle ACE and ACE2 activity and protein expression. CHF increased AngII levels in both soleus and plantaris muscle, and exercise training normalized them. Exercise training increased Ang-(1–7) in the plantaris muscle of CHF rats. The AT1 receptor was only increased in the soleus muscle of CHF rats, and exercise training normalized it. Exercise training increased the expression of the Mas receptor in the soleus muscle of both exercise-trained groups, and normalized it in plantaris muscle.

Conclusions

Exercise training causes a shift in RAS towards the Ang-(1–7)-Mas axis in skeletal muscle, which can be influenced by skeletal muscle metabolic characteristics. The changes in RAS circulation do not necessarily reflect the changes occurring in the RAS of skeletal muscle.     

卡托普利与坎地沙坦对老年糖尿病肾病患者肾功能的影响

目的:研究卡托普利联合坎地沙坦对糖尿病肾病患者肾功能的影响及临床疗效。方法:选择2014年5月-2015年5月我院收治的糖尿病肾病患者90例,根据治疗方法不同分为观察组和对照组。对照组给予卡托普利治疗,观察组在对照组基础上加用坎地沙坦治疗。观察并比较两组患者的临床疗效以及治疗前后空腹血糖、血尿素氮、血肌酐、24 h尿蛋白等水平的变化情况。结果:观察组的治疗总有效率为93.3%,对照组的治疗总有效率为84.4%;观察组患者的临床疗效显著高于对照组,但差异并不具有统计学意义(P0.05)。与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后的空腹血糖、血尿素氮、血肌酐及24 h尿蛋白水平均显著降低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后,观察组患者的空腹血糖、血尿素氮、血肌酐和24 h尿蛋白值均显著均明显低于对照组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:卡托普利联合坎地沙坦治疗糖尿病肾病较单独采用卡托普利治疗能够更加有效的改善患者的临床症状,保护患者的肾功能,具有较好的临床疗效。     

Chronic Treatment with Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Beneficial Renal Effects and Sex Differences

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on renal function, nitric oxide (NO) system, oxidative stress, collagen content and apoptosis in kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), as well as sex-related differences in the response to the treatment.

Methods

10 week-old male and female SHR were infused with ANP (100 ng/h/rat) or saline (NaCl 0.9%) for 14 days (subcutaneous osmotic pumps). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded and diuresis and natriuresis were determined. After treatment, renal NO synthase (NOS) activity and eNOS expression were evaluated. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in the kidney. Collagen was identified in renal slices by Sirius red staining and apoptosis by Tunel assay.

Results

Female SHR showed lower SBP, oxidative stress, collagen content and apoptosis in kidney, and higher renal NOS activity and eNOS protein content, than males. ANP lowered SBP, increased diuresis, natriuresis, renal NOS activity and eNOS expression in both sexes. Renal response to ANP was more marked in females than in males. In kidney, ANP reduced TBARS, renal collagen content and apoptosis, and increased glutathione concentration and activity of GPx and SOD enzymes in both sexes.

Conclusions

Female SHR exhibited less organ damage than males. Chronic ANP treatment would ameliorate hypertension and end-organ damage in the kidney by reducing oxidative stress, increasing NO-system activity, and diminishing collagen content and apoptosis, in both sexes.