Association between Serum Uric Acid and the Early Marker of Kidney Function Decline among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population:Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Objective To evaluate the association between serum uric acid(SUA)and kidney function decline.Methods Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis.The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)decrease by>3 mL/min per 1.73 m^(2).Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline.The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines.Results A total of 7,346 participants were included,of which 1,004 individuals(13.67%)developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years.A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.03-1.27),as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14%per 1 mg/d L increase in SUA.In the subgroup analyses,such a relation was only recorded among women(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.03-1.45),those aged<60 years(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.05-1.42),and those without hypertension and without diabetes(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.06-1.41).Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men,the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline(OR 1.83,95%CI 1.05-3.17).The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA>5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline.Conclusion The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline.An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.

Impact of bariatric surgery on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver and kidney function in food-induced obese diabetic rats

BACKGROUND Obesity usually causes diabetes mellitus(DM)and is a serious danger to human health.Type 2 DM(T2DM)mostly occurs along with obesity.Foodborne obesityinduced DM is caused by an excessive long-term diet and surplus energy.Bariatric surgery can improve the symptoms of T2DM in some obese patients.But different types of bariatric surgery may have different effects.AIM To investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver and kidney function in rats.METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6-8 wk underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery(RYGB),sleeve gastrectomy(SG),or gastric banding(GB).Glucose and insulin tolerance tests,analyses of biochemical parameters,histological examination,western blot,and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were conducted.RESULTS In comparison to the sham operation group,the RYGB,SG,and GB groups had decreased body weight and food intake,reduced glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity,downregulated biochemical parameters,alleviated morphological changes in the liver and kidneys,and decreased levels of protein kinase Cβ/P66shc.The effect in the RYGB group was better than that in the SG and GB groups.CONCLUSION These results suggest that RYGB,SG and GB may be helpful for the treatment of foodborne obesity-induced DM.

Metallic ureteral stent in restoring kidney function: Nine case reports

BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal fibrosis is an exceptionally rare disease characterized by proliferation of fibrous tissue and inflammation in the retroperitoneum.It features many symptoms in the kidneys and in other organs and usually leads to ureteral obstruction.CASE SUMMARY Here we present 9 consecutive cases of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis(IRPF)in patients who presented to the Department of Nephrology or Department of Rheumatology,Xuanwu Hospital,Capital Medical University,Beijing,China,between January 2012 and June 2017 with ureteral obstruction due to external compression of the ureter that led to hydronephrosis and kidney dysfunction.Computed tomography imaging was used to identify hydronephrosis and ureteral obstruction and to evaluate kidney function.Each patient was diagnosed with IRPF based on clinical observation and computed tomography examination results.To restore kidney function,a retrograde metallic stent was placed in the ureter under X-ray guidance 2 d after each patient’s admission.No perioperative complications occurred in any patient,but postoperative complications occurred in two patients as follows:Patient 2 had stent migration and repeated metallic stent infections that resolved with treatment;and patient 4 had postoperative hematuria because he resumed normal activities too soon after stent placement(contrary to instruction).Placement of the metallic ureteral stents provided relief from ureteral obstruction and restored kidney function in all patients.CONCLUSION Our 9-case series underscores the utility and efficacy of applying the Resonance®metallic ureteral stent to treat ureteral obstruction in patients with IRPF.For all retroperitoneal fibrosis cases in our series,ureteral stents provided effective relief and were shown to reduce the incidence rate of perioperative and postoperative complications.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Inflammation in Chinese Adults with Different Kidney Function

Chronic kidney disease （CKD） has become a worldwide public health problem, and currently, it affects approximately 10% of adults in the United States[I]. Meanwhile, it also has emerged as an important social challenge in China[2]. CKD has been reported to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, premature death, and end-stage renal diseaseTM. Thus, it is necessary to determine the risk factors for CKD.

Acute kidney injury and the compensation of kidney function after nephrectomy in living donation

Acute kidney injury(AKI)incidence is growing rapidly,and AKI is one of the predictors of inpatient mortality.After nephrectomy,all the patients have decreased kidney function with AKI and recover from AKI.However,the characteristic and behavior of AKI is different from usual AKI and compensatory kidney function has been well known in the postoperative setting,especially in living donors.In this review,we have focused on the compensation of kidney function after nephrectomy in living donors.We discuss factors that have been identified as being associated with kidney recovery in donors including age,sex,body mass index,remnant kidney volume,estimated glomerular filtration rate,and various comorbidities.

Long term outcomes of Cohen’s cross trigonal reimplantation for primary vesicoureteral reflux in poorly functioning kidney

BACKGROUND Open ureteric reimplantation by cross trigonal technique described by Cohen is considered a common surgical option for correction of vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). There is a lack of evidence in literature though for what happens to such kidneys, in the long run, particularly those which are poorly functioning.AIM To assess the long-term outcomes of ureteric reimplantation in poorly functioning kidneys in children with unilateral primary VUR.METHODS Children with unilateral primary VUR and a relative renal function of less than 35% who underwent open or laparoscopic ureteric reimplantation between January 2005 and January 2017 were included in the study. Patients who had a follow up of less than five years were excluded. Preoperative evaluation consisted of a voiding cystourethrogram and Dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA) scan. In the follow-up period, patients underwent a diuretic scan at 6 weeks and 6 months.Follow up ultrasound was done for change in grade of hydronephrosis and retrovesical ureteric diameter. Subsequent follow up was done at 6 monthly intervals with evaluation for proteinuria and hypertension and any recurrent urinary tract infection(UTI). For assessment of cortical function, DMSA was repeated annually for 5 years after surgery. A paired-samples t-test was used to test the mean difference of DMSA between pre-post observations.RESULTS During this period, 36 children underwent ureteric reimplantation for unilateral primary VUR. After excluding those with insufficient follow-up, 31 were included in the analysis. Most of the patients were males(n = 26/31, 83.8%). Patient’s age(mean ± SD, range) was 5.21 ± 3.71, 1-18 years. The grades of VUR were grade Ⅱ(1patient), grade Ⅲ(8 patients), grade Ⅳ(10 patients), and grade Ⅴ(12 patients). The pre and postoperative DMSA was 24.064 ± 12.02 and 24.06 ± 10.93, which was almost the same(statistically equal, paired-samples t-test: P = 0.873). The median(range) follow-up duration was 82(60-120)mo. One patient had persistent reflux after surgery(preoperative: grade Ⅳ, postoperative: grade Ⅲ), and the very same patient developed recurrent UTI. The difference in the preoperative and postoperative DRF was less than 10% in 29 patients. In one patient, the DRF decreased by 17%(22% to 05%) while in another patient, the DRF increased by 12%(25% to 37%) after surgery. None of the patients had an increase in scarring after surgery. 15% of patients were hypertensive before surgery and all of them continued to be hypertensive after surgery while none developed hypertension after surgery. None of the patients had significant proteinuria(> 150 mg/d) during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Children with unilateral primary VUR and poorly functioning kidney maintain the renal function over the long term in most cases. Hypertension and proteinuria do not progress over time in these patients.

Prevalence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli among Adult Male Patients 40 Years and above with Haematuria and Impaired Kidney Attending General Hospitals in Benue State

Haematuria is the presence of red blood cells in urine. It is most often caused by urinary tract infections of which Escherichia coli is frequently implicated. Impairment of kidney functions could occur as a result of infection or other complications of the kidney. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli among adult male patients with haematuria and impaired kidneys attending a general hospital in Benue state. Three hundred and sixty-eight (368) samples of urine were collected from 368 male patients (≥ 40 years) attending the 23 general hospitals in Benue state. Each of the urine samples was divided into two parts for haematuria and isolation and identification of Escherichia coli. Blood samples (368) were also collected from the patients and used for quantitative determination of creatinine and estimation of glomerular filtration rate. The presence of haematuria was 45.1% and ranges from 12.5% to 100%. Prevalence of haematuria with respect to age shows that patients within the age group of 90 - 99 years had the highest rate (100%) and the least were those within the ages of 40 - 49 years (20.0%). Isolation rate of uropathogenic Escherichia coli was 16.3% and ranged from 6.3 to 37.5%. Patients within the age group of 90 - 99 years had the highest elevated impaired renal function of 4 (80%), followed by patients within the ages of 80 - 89 years [17 (77.3%)] and the lowest were those within the ages of 40 - 49 [6 (10.0%)]. The overall presence of haematuria in the patients was high (45.1%) with similar high Escherichia coli isolation rate and impaired renal function which could mean that acute or chronic kidney disease may set in.

Effects of Noise Pollution on Functions of the Liver and Kidney of Rats

To study the effects of noise pollution on the functions of the liver and kidney of rats, a total of 40 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group and three experimental groups. The rats in the experimental groups were respectively stimulated with 38, 55 and 70 dB noise for 15 days, and the levels of blood components were determined by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The results showed that in compari-son with the control group, the level of the blood glucose in the experimental groups increased by 23.53%, 52.94% and 88.24%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The levels of triglyceride in the blood rose by 20.83%, 38.54% and 79.68%, respectively, and the differences were also statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of globulin in the blood increased by 16.49%, 21.13% and 51.78%, and the level of albumin in the blood rose by 9.51 %, 12.67% and 17.89%, respectively. The level of total bilirubin in the blood increased by 27.04%, 41.63% and 73.67%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant （P〈0.01）. The level of creatinine in the blood rose by 9.72%, 10.21% and 20.99%, respectively. The level of amylase in the blood reduced by 6.6%, 13.05% and 23.89%, respectively. The level of creatine kinase in the blood decreased by 19.81%, 27.37% and 36.81 %, respectively, and the level of urea in the blood reduced by 11.19%, 12.77% and 19.26%, respectively. The results revealed that noise pollution could significantly affect the levels of blood components and the functions of the liver and kidney of rats.

Can sacubitril/valsartan become the promising drug to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease?

1 Introduction Chronic kidney disease(CKD)often coexists with or is a complication of cardiovascular disease.Previous studies have shown that CKD increases the risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause death and was considered to be a risk equivalent of coronary heart disease.[1,2]Adjusted for confounders,decreased glomerular filtration rate(GFR)and increased albuminuria are both independent risk factors for cardiovascular events.[3,4]The risk for cardiovascular death linearly increases with the decline of GFR in a certain range(<70 mL/min per 1.73 m^2)and the increase of albuminuria without a threshold effect[3].

Renal Function in Patients Undergoing Nephrectomies for Benign and Malignant Causes: An Expected Outcome

Objective: to assess the evolution of serum creatinine in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (malignant) or total (benign), to identify risk factors connected with an unfavorable renal function outcome. Material and Methods: observational, transversal and retrospective study, through analysis of records and lab exams of 146 patients undergoing nephrectomy from January 2015 to December 2018. Results: Statistically significant difference was found between etiology and patients’ age (p-value Conclusion: This study shows that a large number of young patients undergo nephrectomy, many times avoidable;within a benign disease context with an increased risk of developing renal failure. Greater attention from the public service is required to tackle such chronic condition and its complications.

Renal function after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and analgesia with tramadol and dipyrone or ketorolac

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) reduces surgical trauma and hospital stay, but requires effective and safe postoperative analgesia. This prospective and double-blind study investigated the effects of analgesia with tramadol combined with either dipyrone or ketorolac on the postoperative renal function of patients submitted to LC. Methods: Pre-and post-operatively (PO), estimated glomerular filtration rates (GFR), obtained by two formulas dependent on blood Cr and one on blood cystatin C values, and tubular enzymuria—alkaline phosphatase (AP), γ-glutamiltransferase (γ-GT)— were determined in well hydrated patients who underwent LC and analgesia with tramadol combined with either dipyrone (Dipyrone, n = 63) or ketorolac (Ketorolac, n = 63). Upon discharge from the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU), pain (through Verbal Numerical Scale—VNS) and need for rescue analgesia with morphine were evaluated. Results: There was hemodilution PO, which made GFR profile analysis more difficult—those dependent on Cr increased and statistically correlated, but those dependent on cystatin C did not change. There was a significant PO increase in AP in the Dipyrone and Ketorolac groups, and in the product of the both enzymes in the Ketorolac group. Upon PACU discharge, the Dipyrone group showed signifi cantly higher VNS scores than the Ketorolac group. All patients received morphine PO, and the total dose needed for pain control differed between groups, but without statistical significance. Conclusions: The association of tramadol with dipyrone or ketorolac in well hydrated patients submitted to LC had similar analgesic effectiveness in the PACU. Postoperatively, the effect on GFR may have been masked by hemodilution, and enzymuria was discreetly enhanced when ketorolac was used.

The Relationship of Cystatin C,Creatinine,Estimated GFR,and Cardiovascular Events

This study examined the predictive value of plasma cystatin C,creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Chinese.Plasma cystatin C and creatinine were measured in 466 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients recruited from 4 hospitals and 349 healthy controls from local communities in Wuhan,China.Cockroft-Gault formula was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after adjusting for body surface area.With each measure,the study population was divided into quintiles.The results showed that the patients had significantly higher levels of plasma cystatin C,creatinine,and lower level of eGFR than controls.Lower eGFR was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events.As compared with the first (highest) quintile,the hazard ratios (and 95% CIs) after multivariate adjustment for CHD were as follows:third quintile,2.98 (1.54-5.78);fourth quintile,3.34 (1.58-7.09);fifth quintile,4.37(1.84-10.35).With higher cystatin C quintiles (≥1.00 mg/L and ≥1.17 mg/L),the hazard ratios for CHD were 2.16 (1.23-3.81) and 2.34 (1.25-4.38),similar to those of creatinine 2.21 (1.21-4.03) and 2.03 (1.07-3.84).However,it was plasma cystatin C not eGFR or creatinine had stronger association with ischemic stroke.The highest quintile had the hazard ratio of 4.51 (1.45-14.08) after multivariate adjustment.It was concluded that plasma cystatin C,associated with renal function,is not an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.eGFR is a better risk predictor for CHD than plasma cystatin C and creatinine.But for ischemic stroke,plasma cystatin C is a better risk factor than creatinine and estimated GFR.

Metabolic Acidosis in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Risk Factors, Clinical Correlates and Outcome. Findings from a High Dependency Heart and Vascular Surgical Center in Nigeria

Background: Metabolic acidosis (MA) is a common finding on the surgical ward, more so in the intensive care unit. Diseases affecting the major organ systems of the body and higher grades of surgery are common risk factors for MA. It is associated with poor treatment outcome. Aim: To determine the risk factors and clinical correlates of metabolic acidosis and assess its relationship with treatment outcome. Methodology: A retrospective study at the “Tristate Heart and vascular Center” in Ilishan-Remo South west Nigeria, on patients that had cardiac and vascular surgeries from January 2015 to December 2019. Three hundred and forty two participants took part in the study. The demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were entered. Statistical analysis was with Student’s t-test and Chi square. Results: Two hundred and six males and 136 females were studied. The incidences of metabolic acidosis prior to induction, on post-operative day one (POD1) and on POD28 were 20.7%, 39.8% and 14.1% respectively. Nine (2.6%) participants died during admission, of this, 6 (66.7%) had MA at presentation but all (100%) had MA on POD1. The Risk factors for MA were advanced age, comorbidities, open heart surgery, elevated systolic blood pressure and low eGFR. Metabolic acidosis was a risk factor for prolonged hospital stay, perioperative death and declining kidney function which was commoner among participants with preexisting kidney dysfunction. Conclusion: The incidence of metabolic acidosis was 20.7% at induction of anesthesia, rose to 39.8% on POD1 and by POD28, it has significantly reduced to 14.1%. While advancing age and comorbidities were risk factors for MA, the occurrence of MA increased the risk of declining kidney function, prolonged hospital stay and death.

The Pattern of Eosinophil Count among Nigerians with Frequent Use of the Commonly Available Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Introduction: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use is very common. NSAIDs use could be associated with elevated eosinophil count which could be a class effect or patient-related. Inflammation could be the link between NSAIDs use and eosinophilia. Aims: To compare the pattern of eosinophil count in the peripheral blood of frequent users of NSAIDs and healthy controls. Methodology: Two hundred (one hundred frequent users of NSAIDs and 100 healthy controls) participants who had no known risk factor for kidney disease and had given informed consent were recruited. Blood was taken to determine the white cell count and differentials, serum electrolyte and creatinine, and random blood sugar. Results: The mean age of NSAIDs users was not significantly different from controls, P = 0.3. The mean eosinophil count was higher in males than females. The incidence of eosinophilia in NSAIDs users was 4%. The mean Eosinophil count of NSAIDs users was insignificantly higher than controls, 164.3 ± 51 6 vs 135. 6 ± 53.4, P = 0.4. The mean platelet count of NSAIDs users was significantly higher compared to controls, P = 0.04. The mean hematocrit of NSAIDs users was significantly lower than the controls, P = 0.02. Propionic acid derivatives were associated with the highest eosinophil count. Eosinophil count was positively related to age and serum creatinine and inversely related to blood glucose, hematocrit and glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion: The incidence of eosinophilia was 4%. The eosinophil count was higher in frequent NSAIDs users than occasional and non-users, in males than females and with use propionic acid derivatives compared to other NSAIDs. The Eosinophil count was positively related to age and platelet count. Being commoner in inflammatory states, the tissue destruction associated with elevated EC can be avoided by the prevention and prompt treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Effect of mixing lard with soybean oil in cooking on hepatic antioxidative ability and renal metabolic activity

A simulate daily oriental dietary pattern(a blend of lard and soybean oil)was performed in this research to investigate influence on liver and kidney function.Sixty mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with diets of different fat added oils respectively for 12 weeks.Malondialdehyde and uric acid contents in mice fed with blended oil were significantly lower than in those fed only with soybean oil and lard due to the improved activities of antioxidant enzymes.Daily use of a blend of lard with soybean oil significantly increased antioxidant capacity,reduced lipid peroxidation of liver and serum uric acid production,thus protected liver and renal function.It also suggests that the oriental dietary pattern might reduce the risk of gout.

Effect of oleic acid-induced acute lung injury and conventional mechanical ventilation on renal function in piglets

Background Animal models that demonstrate changes of renal function in response to acute lung injury （ALl） and mechanical ventilation （MV） are few. The present study was performed to examine the effect of ALl induced by oleic acid （OA） in combination with conventional MV strategy on renal function in piglets. Methods Twelve Chinese mini-piglets were randomly divided into two groups： the OA group （n=6）, animals were ventilated with a conventional MV strategy of 12 ml/kg and suffered an ALl induced by administration of OA, and the control group （n=6）, animals were ventilated with a protective MV strategy of 6 ml/kg and received the same amount of stedle saline. Results Six hours after OA injection a severe lung injury and a mild-moderate degree of renal histopathological injury were seen, while no apparent histological abnormalities were observed in the control group. Although we observed an increase in the plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea after ALl, there was no significant difference compared with the control group. Plasma concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin （NGAL） and cystatin C increased （5.6＋1.3） and （7.4＋1.5） times in the OA group compared to baseline values, and were significantly higher than the values in the control group. OA injection in combination with conventional MV strategy resulted in a dramatic aggravation of hemodynamic and blood gas exchange parameters, while these parameters remained stable during the experiment in the control group. The plasma expression of TNF-a and IL-6 in the OA group were significantly higher than that in the control group. Compared with high expression in the lung and renal tissue in the OA group, TNF-a and IL-6 were too low to be detected in the lung and renal tissue in the control group. Conclusions OA injection in combination with conventional MV strategy not only resulted in a severe lung injury but also an apparent renal injury. The potential mechanisms involved a cytokine response of TNF-a and IL-6 in plasma, lung and renal tissues.

Two cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation

To report the clinical experiences of simultaneous hepatorenal transplantation Methods We performed simultaneous hepatorenal transplantation in one patient with liver cirrhosis of hepatitis B and uremia of chronic nephritis on February 1, 1999 and one patient with liver cirrhosis of hepatitis B complicated by hepatorenal syndrome on March 12,1999 The donors were heart arrest cases Rapid multiple organ harvesting techniques and UW solution infusion in situ were used Liver and kidney transplantation were orthotopic and ordinary methods, respectively Immunosuppressive drugs consisted of cyclosporine, Cellcept, ALG and cortstco steroids Lamividine was used on day 50 and day 40 postoperation, respectively Results Both transplanted organs rapidly achieved normal function postoperation and the patients recovered well but suffered mild kidney rejection day 110 postoperation in No 1 patient In No 2 patient, acute renal function failure, mental symptoms, muscle spasm, cerebral artery thrombosis, inhalation pneumonia and chronic liver graft rejection ensured sequentially but were controlled The patients have survived for more than nine and eight months, respectively, with normal life quality Conclusions Combined hepatorenal transplant is a radical treatment method for liver and kidney function failure and requires more comprehensive techniques than isolated single organ transplantation Preventing the recurrence of hepatitis B by oral lamividine may be a key to long term survival

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T 1a renal tumors is safe and feasible

Background Some patients with exophytic renal masses less than 4 cm and suboptimal renal function, or a solitary kidney and bilateral renal tumors are considered for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy （LPN）, which is feasible for early-stage renal tumors, although it is still considered technically difficult and time consuming. Shortening the time of the operation and renal warm ischemia are required urgently. In this study, we report our initial experiences of LPN, especially with some improved surgical techniques. Methods Between July 2005 and October 2009, 74 patients with Tla renal tumor were treated by LPN, 39 using transperitoneal approach and 35 using retroperitoneal approach. In all cases, the tumor was removed with a margin of 0.5 cm. We compared glomerular filtration rate （GFR） preoperatively and postoperatively, and renal warm ischemia time between traditional ligature and Hem-o-lok methods. Results All operations were completed successfully, and there was no conversion to open surgery. Mean operation time was 76 minutes （range, 68-120）, mean time of renal warm ischemia was 23 minutes （range, 15-32）, and mean blood loss was 65 ml （range, 40-300）. No hemorrhage or urine leak was observed in two cases with the collecting system sewn. Thirteen cases used Hem-o-lok to clamp the suture instead of traditional ligature, and mean time of renal warm ischemia was （16.5±2.3） minutes （range, 12-18）. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.3 days （range, 5-12）. Sixty-seven cases had renal clear cell carcinoma, six papillary renal cell carcinoma, and one renalcollecting duct carcinoma. All the tumor margin specimens were negative. The mean follow-up was 30.6 months （range, 3-51）, and no recurrence or metastasis was observed. Conclusions LPN for pT1 stage renal tumor was safe and feasible. Hem-o-lok instead of traditional ligature to clamp the suture when sewing the renal wound could shorten the warm ischemia time.

Effects of Bailing capsules for renal transplant recipients： a retrospective clinical study

Background The administration of immunosuppressive agents is always an important factor affecting the long-term survival of organ transplantation recipients. The best therapeutic regimen which either decreases the side effects of immune inhibitors or enhances the immunosuppressive efficacy is the goal of transplantation surgeons continue to search. This study investigated the effects of Bailing （Cordyceps sinensis） capsules on renal function and other systems of the body after renal transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 80 renal transplant recipients who were administered Bailing capsules and 100 renal transplant recipients in the control group were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidences of graft rejection and infection after transplantation. The results of routine blood and urine tests, liver and kidney functions, uric acid （UA）, 24-hour urine protein （24 h-Upro）, as well as 1- and 5-year patient renal allograft survival rates were compared between the two groups. Results The follow-up was 3-5 years. The two groups were not shown to have statistically significant differences in age, gender, cold ischemia time, donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen typing, panel reactive antibodies, lymphocytotoxicity tests, and the application of immunosuppressive agents at the baseline. The two groups were also not significantly different in the incidence of acute injection after transplantation, recovery of renal function, and blood glucose level. The Bailing group was significantly lower than the control in the incidence of infection, serum aspartate aminotransferase/ alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, UA, and 24-hour Upro, but significantly higher than the control group in peripheral red blood cell count and white blood cell count （P〈0.05）. One-year and 5-year patient survival rates were 98.7% and 98.0%, respectively in the Bailing group, 95.0% and 93.0%, respectively, in the control group. One-year and 5-year renal allograft survival rates were 97.5% and 95.0%, respectively, in the Bailing group, and 92.5% and 84.0%, respectively, in the control group. The comparison of patient and renal allograft survival rates between the two groups using Kaplan- Meier survival curves and log-rank test showed that only the differences in renal allograft survival rates were statistically significant （Log-rank： 5 years： patient survival P=0.420; renal allograft survival P=0.049）. Conclusion Bailing capsules were effective in preventing allograft rejection, protecting liver and kidney functions, stimulating hematopoiesis, and reducing the incidence of infection and thus are ideal immunoregulators.

Therapeutic Role of Tangshenkang Granule(糖肾康颗粒) in Rat Model with Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective： To evaluate the renal protective effect of Tangshenkang Granule（糖肾康颗粒） in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy（DN）.Methods： Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control,DN,Tangshenkang and benazepril groups.DN model was established in the rats of DN,Tangshenkang and benazepril groups.Tangshenkang Granule solution and benazepril hydrochloride solution were intragastrically administered daily to the rats in the Tangshenkang and benazepril groups for 8 weeks,respectively.Urinary albumin and creatinine were detected.The albumin/creatinine（ACR） was calculated in addition to 24 h urinary protein（24-h UPr）,serum creatinine（Scr）,blood urea nitrogen（BUN）,total cholesterol（TC）,triglyceride（TG）,low-density lipoprotein（LDL）,high-density lipoprotein（HDL）,and creatinine clearance rate（Ccr）.Right kidneys were harvested for pathological observation using periodic acid-silver methenamine-Masson staining.The average glomerular diameter（DG）,average glomerular（AG） and mesangial areas（AM） were measured.The thickness of glomerular basement membrane（TGBM） was detected using transmission electron microscope.Results： Compared with rats in the control group,rats in the DN group showed significantly decreased body weight,increased hypertrophy index,24-h urinary volume,24-h UPr,ACR,Scr,BUN,Ccr,blood lipids as well as renal pathological indices including DG,AG,AM,AM/AG and TGBM（P〈0.05）.Compared with the DN group,the weights of rats in the Tangshenkang and benazepril groups were significantly increased,and the renal hypertrophy indices were significantly decreased（P 〈0.05）.The 24-h urinary volumes,ACR,24-h UPr,Scr,BUN,Ccr,LDL,DG,AG,AM and TGBM were obviously decreased（P 〈0.05）.Compared with the benazepril group,the Tangshenkang group showed significantly decreased levels of ACR,24-h UPr,AG and AM（P 〈0.05）.Conclusion： Tangshenkang Granule decreased the urinary protein,attenuated the high glomerular filtration rate and improved lipid metabolism in DN rats,and prevented further injury induced by diabetic nephropathy.