Machine learning-based comparison of factors influencing estimated glomerular filtration rate in Chinese women with or without nonalcoholic fatty liver

BACKGROUND The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver(NAFLD)has increased recently.Subjects with NAFLD are known to have higher chance for renal function impairment.Many past studies used traditional multiple linear regression(MLR)to identify risk factors for decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR).However,medical research is increasingly relying on emerging machine learning(Mach-L)methods.The present study enrolled healthy women to identify factors affecting eGFR in subjects with and without NAFLD(NAFLD+,NAFLD-)and to rank their importance.AIM To uses three different Mach-L methods to identify key impact factors for eGFR in healthy women with and without NAFLD.METHODS A total of 65535 healthy female study participants were enrolled from the Taiwan MJ cohort,accounting for 32 independent variables including demographic,biochemistry and lifestyle parameters(independent variables),while eGFR was used as the dependent variable.Aside from MLR,three Mach-L methods were applied,including stochastic gradient boosting,eXtreme gradient boosting and elastic net.Errors of estimation were used to define method accuracy,where smaller degree of error indicated better model performance.RESULTS Income,albumin,eGFR,High density lipoprotein-Cholesterol,phosphorus,forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),and sleep time were all lower in the NAFLD+group,while other factors were all significantly higher except for smoking area.Mach-L had lower estimation errors,thus outperforming MLR.In Model 1,age,uric acid(UA),FEV1,plasma calcium level(Ca),plasma albumin level(Alb)and T-bilirubin were the most important factors in the NAFLD+group,as opposed to age,UA,FEV1,Alb,lactic dehydrogenase(LDH)and Ca for the NAFLD-group.Given the importance percentage was much higher than the 2nd important factor,we built Model 2 by removing age.CONCLUSION The eGFR were lower in the NAFLD+group compared to the NAFLD-group,with age being was the most important impact factor in both groups of healthy Chinese women,followed by LDH,UA,FEV1 and Alb.However,for the NAFLD-group,TSH and SBP were the 5th and 6th most important factors,as opposed to Ca and BF in the NAFLD+group.

Detection of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes by cystatin C-based equations

BACKGROUND Aging population is a significant issue in Viet Nam and across the globe.Elderly individuals are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD),especially those with diabetes.Several studies found that the estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)determined using creatinine-based equations was not as accurate as that determined using cystatin C-based equations.Cystatin C-based equations may be beneficial in elderly patients with an age-associated decline in kidney function.Early determination of eGFR decline and associated factors would aid in appropriate interventions to improve kidney function in elderly patients with diabetes.AIM To determine the utility of cystatin C-based equations in early detection of eGFR decline and to explore factors associated with eGFR decline in elderly patients with diabetes.METHODS This cross-sectional study included 93 participants aged≥60 years evaluated in Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital between October 2022 and July 2023,including 47 and 46 participants with and without diabetes respectively,according to the American Diabetes Association criteria for diabetes.The kappa coefficient,Student’s t,Mann-Whitney,χ2,Pearson’s correlation,multivariate logistic regression,and multiple linear regression analyses were employed.RESULTS The eGFRs were lower with the cystatin C-based equations than with the creatinine-based equations.Good agreement was found between the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease(MDRD)and CKD Epidemiology Collaboration(CKD-EPI)2021 creatinine-cystatin C equations(kappa=0.66).In the diabetes group,30%of the participants had low eGFR.Both plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were associated with an increased risk of eGFR decline(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with eGFR(P=0.001).By multivariate logistic regression,total cholesterol,and exercise were independently associated with low eGFR.By multiple linear regression,higher plasma glucose levels were correlated with lower eGFR(P=0.026,r=-0.366).CONCLUSION Cystatin C-based equations were superior in the early detection of a decline in eGFR,and the MDRD equation may be considered as an alternative to the CKD-EPI 2021 creatinine-cystatin C equation.Exercise,plasma glucose,and total cholesterol were independently associated with eGFR in patients with diabetes.

Is an estimated glomerular filtration rate better than creatinine to be incorporated into the end-stage liver disease score?

AIM: To incorporate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) into the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score to evaluate the predictive value. METHODS: From January 2004 to October 2008, the records of 4127 admitted cirrhotic patients were reviewed. Patients who survived and were followed up as outpatients were defined as survivors and their most recent available laboratory data were collected. Patients whose records indicated death at any time during the hospital stay were defined as non-survivors (in-hospital mortality). Patients with incomplete data or with cirrhosis due to a congenital abnormality such as primary biliary cirrhosis were excluded; thus, a total of 3857 patients were enrolled in the present study. The eGFR, which was calculated by using either the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) equation or the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, was incorporated into the MELD score after adjustment with the original MELD equation by logistic regression analysis [bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR) were set at 1.0 for values less than 1.0]. RESULTS: Patients defined as survivors were significantly younger, had a lower incidence of hepatoma, lower Child-Pugh and MELD scores, and better renal function. The underlying causes of cirrhosis were very different from those in Western countries. In Taiwan, most cirrhotic patients were associated with the hepatitis virus, especially hepatitis B. There were 16 parameters included in univariate logistic regression analysis to predict in-hospital mortality and those with significant predicting values were included in further multivariate analysis. Both 4-variable MDRD eGFR and 6-variable MDRD eGFR, rather than creatinine, were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. Three new equations were constructed (MELD-MDRD-4, MELD-MDRD-6, MELD-CKD-EPI). As expected, original MELD score was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 1.25, P < 0.001). MELD-MDRD-4 excluded serum creatinine, with the coefficients refit among the remaining 3 variables, i.e., total bilirubin, INR and 4-variable MDRD eGFR. This model represented an exacerbated outcome over MELD score, as suggested by a decrease in chi-square (2161.45 vs 2198.32) and an increase in -2 log (likelihood) (2810.77 vs 2773.90). MELD-MDRD-6 included 6-variable MDRD eGFR as one of the variables and showed an improvement over MELD score, as suggested by an increase in chi-square (2293.82 vs 2198.32) and a decrease in -2 log (likelihood) (2810.77 vs 2664.79). Finally, when serum creatinine was replaced by CKD-EPI eGFR, it showed a slight improvement compared to the original MELD score (chi-square: 2199.16, -2 log (likelihood): 2773.07). In the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the MELD-MDRD-6 score showed a marginal improvement in area under the curve (0.909 vs 0.902), sensitivity (0.854 vs 0.819) and specificity (0.818 vs 0.839) compared to the original MELD equation. In patients with a different eGFR, the MELD-MDRD-6 equation showed a better predictive value in patients with eGFR ≥ 90, 60-89, 30-59 and 15-29. CONCLUSION: Incorporating eGFR obtained by the 6-variable MDRD equation into the MELD score showed an equal predictive performance in in-hospital mortality compared to a creatinine-based MELD score.

Relationship between High Level of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients who Underwent an Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background： Mounts of studies have shown that low estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. However, high level of eGFR was less reported. In the study, we aimed to explore the relationship between the baseline eGFR, especially the high level, and contrast-induced acute kidney injury （CI-AKI） in a Chinese population who underwent an emergency percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）. Methods： Patients who underwent an emergency PCI from 2013 to 2015 were enrolled and divided into five groups as eGFR decreasing. Baseline characteristics were collected and analyzed. The rates of CI-AKI and the composite endpoint （including nonfatal myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and all-cause death） at 6- and 12-month follow-up were compared. Logistic analysis for CI-AKI was performed.Results： A total of 1061 patients were included and the overall CI-AKI rate was 22.7% （241 / 1061）. The separate rates were 77.8% （7/9） in Group 1 （eGFR 〉 120 ml·min^-1 -1.73 m^-2）, 26.0% （118/454） in Group 2 （120 ml·min^-1·min^-11.73 m^-2〉 eGFR≥90 ml·min^-1 1.73^-2）, 18.3% （86/469） in Group 3 （90 ml·min^-1 1.73 m^-2〉 eGFR 〉60 ml·min^-1·min^-11.73 m^-2）, 21.8% （26/119） in Group 4 （60 ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2〉 eGFR≥30 ml·min^-1·min^-11.73 m^-2）, and 40.0% （4/10） in Group 5 （eGFR 〈30 ml·min^-1·min^-1·min^-11.73 m^-2）, with statistical significance （χ^2 = 25.19, P 〈 0.001）. The rates of CI-AKI in five groups were 77.8%, 26.0%, 18.3%, 21.8%, and 40.0%, respectively, showing a U-typed curve as eGFR decreasing （the higher the level of eGFR, the higher the CI-AKI occurrence in case ofeGFR_〉60 ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2）. The composite endpoint rates in five groups were 0, 0.9%, 2.1%, 6.7%, and 0 at 6-month follow-up, respectively, and 0, 3.3%, 3.4%, 16.0%, and 30.0% at 12-month follow-up, respectively, both with significant differences （χ^2 = 16.26, P = 0.009 at 6-month follow-up, and χ^2 = 49.05, P 〈 0.001 at 12-month follow-up）. The logistic analysis confirmed that eGFR was one of independent risk factors of CI-AKI in emergency PCI patients. Conclusions： High level ofeGFR might be associated with increased risk of CI-AKI in patients with emergency PCI, implying for future studies and risk stratification in clinical practice.

Impact of dyslipidemia on estimated glomerular filtration rate in apparently healthy children and adolescents:the CASPIAN-V study

Background Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a leading risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease(CVD).Dyslipidemia is also known as risk factor for CVD development.However,the association of dyslipidemia with glomerular injury among healthy children and adolescents remains controversial.We aimed to investigate the relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)and lipid profile risk factors among healthy children and adolescents.Methods In this nationwide survey,3808 participants(1992 males,1816 females),aged 7-18 years,were selected by cluster random sampling method from 30 provinces in Iran.Body mass index(BMI)and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured.Blood samples were obtained for serum creatinine,fasting blood glucose,total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and triglyceride(TG)determinations.GFR was estimated using Schwartz equation.Results Girls had higher eGFR than boys(P=0.04).In a multiple regression analysis,eGFR demonstrated a positive correlation with systolic blood pressure,BMI,fasting glucose,TC,HDL-C,and TG.By the analysis of covariance,TC,HDL-C,and TG showed a negative correlation with eGFR after adjustments for BMI,systolic and diastolic blood pressures,and fasting glucose(OR=0.56,95%CI=0.29-0.89).Conclusion The study showed that dyslipidemia is associated with reduced eGFR among the healthy children and adolescents.

Establishing the presence or absence of chronic kidney disease:Uses and limitations of formulas estimating the glomerular filtration rate

The development of formulas estimating glomerular filtration rate(eG FR) from serum creatinine and cystatin C and accounting for certain variables affecting the production rate of these biomarkers, including ethnicity, gender and age, has led to the current scheme of diagnosing and staging chronic kidney disease(CKD),which is based on e GFR values and albuminuria.This scheme has been applied extensively in various populations and has led to the current estimates of prevalence of CKD. In addition, this scheme is applied in clinical studies evaluating the risks of CKD and the efficacy of various interventions directed towards improving its course. Disagreements between creatinine-based and cystatin-based e GFR values and between e GFR values and measured GFR have been reported in various cohorts. These disagreements are the consequence of variations in the rate of production and in factors, other than GFR, affecting the rate of removal of creatinine and cystatin C. The disagreements create limitations for all e GFR formulas developed so far. The main limitations are low sensitivity in detecting early CKD in several subjects, e.g., those with hyperfiltration, and poor prediction of the course of CKD. Research efforts in CKD are currently directed towards identification of biomarkers that are better indices of GFR than the current biomarkers and,particularly, biomarkers of early renal tissue injury.

Difference between CKD-EPI and MDRD equations in calculating glomerular filtration rate in patients with cirrhosis

AIM:To evaluate the difference between the performance of the (CKD-EPI) and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: From Jan 2004 to Oct 2008, 4127 cirrhotic patients were reviewed. Patients with incomplete data with respect to renal function were excluded; thus, a total of 3791 patients were included in the study. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by the 4-variable MDRD (MDRD-4), 6-variable MDRD (MDRD-6), and CKD-EPI equations.RESULTS:When serum creatinine was 0.7-6.8 mg/dL and 0.6-5.3 mg/dL in men and women, respectively, a significantly lower GFR was estimated by the MDRD-6 than by the CKD-EPI. Similar GFRs were calculated by both equations when creatinine was > 6.9 mg/dL and > 5.4 mg/dL in men and women, respectively. In predicting in-hospital mortality, estimated GFR obtained by the MDRD-6 showed better accuracy [81.72%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.94-0.95] than that obtained by the MDRD-4 (80.22%; 95%CI, 0.96-0.97), CKD-EPI (79.93%; 95%CI, 0.96-0.96), and creatinine (77.50%; 95%CI, 2.27-2.63). CONCLUSION: GFR calculated by the 6-variable MDRD equation may be closer to the true GFR than that calculated by the CKD-EPI equation.

Impact of creatinine methodology on glomerular filtration rate estimation in diabetes

AIM To evaluate the influence of creatinine methodology on the performance of chronic kidney disease(CKD)-Epidemiology Collaboration Group-calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate(CKD-EPI-eGFR) for CKD diagnosis/staging in a large cohort of diabetic patients. METHODS Fasting blood samples were taken from diabetic patients attending our clinic for their regular annual examination, including laboratory measurement of serum creatinine and eGFR.RESULTS Our results indicated an overall excellent agreement in CKD staging(kappa = 0.918) between the Jaffé serum creatinine-and enzymatic serum creatinine-based CKDEPI-eGFR, with 9% of discordant cases. As compared to the enzymatic creatinine, the majority of discordances(8%) were positive, i.e., associated with the more advanced CKD stage re-classification, whereas only 1% of cases were negatively discordant if Jaffé creatinine was used for eGFR calculation. A minor proportion of the discordant cases(3.5%) were re-classified into clinically relevant CKD stage indicating mildly to moderately decreased kidney function(< 60 m L/min per 1.73 m^2). Significant acute and chronic hyperglycaemia, assessedas plasma glucose and Hb A1 c levels far above the recommended glycaemic goals, was associated with positively discordant cases. Due to a very low frequency, positive discordance is not likely to present a great burden for the health-care providers, while intensified medical care may actually be beneficial for the small number of discordant patients. On the other hand, a very low proportion of negatively discordant cases(1%) at the 60 m L/min per 1.73 m^2 eGFR level indicate a negligible possibility to miss the CKD diagnosis, which could be the most prominent clinical problem affecting patient care, considering high risk of CKD for adverse patient outcomes. CONCLUSION This study indicate that compensated Jaffé creatinine procedure, in spite of the glucose-dependent bias, is not inferior to enzymatic creatinine in CKD diagnosis/staging and therefore may provide a reliable and cost-effective tool for the renal function assessment in diabetic patients.

Estimating glomerular filtration rate preoperatively for patients undergoing hepatectomy

AIM:To compare creatinine clearance(Ccr) with estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) in preoperative renal function tests in patients undergoing hepatectomy.METHODS:The records of 197 patients undergoing hepatectomy between August 2006 and August 2008 were studied,and preoperative Ccr,a three-variable equation for eGFR(eGFR3) and a five-variable equation for eGFR(eGFR5) were calculated.Abnormal values were defined as Ccr < 50 mL/min,eGFR3 and eGFR5 < 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2.The maximum increases in the postoperative serum creatinine(post Cr) level and postoperative rate of increase in the serum Cr level(post Cr rate) were compared.RESULTS:There were 37 patients(18.8%) with abnormal Ccr,31(15.7%) with abnormal eGFR3,and 40(20.3%) with abnormal eGFR5.Although there were no significant differences in the post Cr rate between patients with normal and abnormal Ccr,eGFR3 and eGFR5 values,the post Cr level was significantly higher in patients with eGFR3 and eGFR5 abnormality than in normal patients(P < 0.0001).Post Cr level tended to be higher in patients with Ccr abnormality(P = 0.0936 and P = 0.0875,respectively).CONCLUSION:eGFR5 and the simpler eGFR3,rather than Ccr,are recommended as a preoperative renal function test in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

High-normal serum uric acid is associated with albuminuria and impaired glomerular filtration rate in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients

Background Recently, some studies had shown that elevated serum uric acid （SUA） itself may increase the risk for development of renal disease in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to explore whether SUA was a predictor of microalbuminuria and impaired renal function in type 2 diabetes in Chinese patients. Methods This cross-sectional study included 2108 type 2 diabetic patients. Kidney function was estimated using the simplified modification of diet in renal disease （MDRD） equation to obtain estimated glomerular filtration rate. The urine samples were obtained for measuring the albumin-to-creatinine ratio （ACR）. Results According to the ACR level, these patients were divided into two groups, normal ACR （NA） and non-normal ACR （non-NA）. Both SUA and creatinine were significantly higher in the non-NA group than those in the NA group （（318.89±107.52） vs. （283.44±88.64） pmol/L, and （95.08±53.24） vs. （79.63±18.20） μmol/L, respectively）. Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetic duration, systolic blood pressure, creatinine and SUA were the independent predictors of albuminuria. Furthermore, to identify the factors associated with renal function, these patients were divided into two groups according to the MDRD level （MDRD〈90 or MDRD〉90）. Both SUA and creatinine were significantly higher in the lower MDRD group than those in the higher MDRD group （（301.90±96.46） vs. （264.07±84.74） μmol/L, and （89.10±31.00） vs. （66.37±11.15） μmol/L, respectively）. Logistic regression analysis showed that only age and SUA were the independent predictors of MDRD. Conclusion High-normal SUA was associated with albuminuria and impaired glomerular filtration rate in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.

Risk estimation of chronic kidney disease in a leptospirosis endemic area: A case-control study from south Andaman Islands of India

Objective:To estimate the risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with leptospirosis.Methods:All reported(41890)and later confirmed leptospirosis(1990)cases from 2010-2020 were traced by universal sampling.386 Laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis cases were enrolled and 413 age,gender,area,and occupation matched healthy persons were included as controls.Variables including socio-demographic characteristics,medical history,and health-related behaviours were compared between the two groups and association between these variables and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)was analyzed with multiple linear regression.Results:The median of eGFR was 49.0(27.0,75.0)mL/min/1.73 m^(2) in the cases and 96.0(72.0,121.0)mL/min/1.73 m^(2) in the controls,showing significant differences(P<0.001).Bivariate analysis showed that leptospirosis seropositivitiy,repeat leptospirosis infection,diabetes,male gender,working in field(sun exposure),COVID-19 infection and smoking had statistically significant association with reduced eGFR.Leptospirosis seropositivity had negative effects on eGFR.Multiple linear regression confirmed that leptospirosis seropositivity had negative effects on eGFR(unstandardised β coefficients=−30.86,95%CI−49.7 to−11.9,P<0.001).Conclusions:Chronic kidney disease is a complex disease with multiple risk factors involved.Exposure to leptospirosis is one of the essential factors in accelerating its progression.

Risks of rapid decline renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes

Progressive rising population of diabetes and related nephropathy, namely, diabetic kidney disease and associated end stage renal disease has become a major global public health issue. Results of observational studies indicate that most diabetic kidney disease progresses over decades; however, certain diabetes patients display a rapid decline in renal function, which may lead to renal failure within months. Although the definition of rapid renal function decline remained speculative, in general,it is defined by the decrease of estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR) in absolute rate of loss or percent change. Based on the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 clinical practice guidelines, a rapid decline in renal function is defined as a sustained declinein e GFR of 】 5 m L/min per 1.73 m2 per year. It has been reported that potential factors contributing to a rapid decline in renal function include ethnic/genetic and demographic causes, smoking habits, increased glycated hemoglobin levels, obesity, albuminuria, anemia, low serum magnesium levels, high serum phosphate levels, vitamin D deficiency, elevated systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values, retinopathy, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. This article reviews current literatures in this area and provides insight on the early detection of diabetic subjects who are at risk of a rapid decline in renal function in order to develop a more aggressive approach to renal and cardiovascular protection.

When to initiate renal replacement therapy: The trend of dialysis initiation

The timing of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease has been subject to considerable variation. The United States Renal Data System shows an ascending trend of early dialysis initiation until 2010, at which point it decreased slightly for the following 2 years. In the 1990s, nephrologists believed that early initiation of dialysis could improve patient survival. Based on the Canadian-United States Peritoneal Dialysis study, the National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative recommended that dialysis should be initiated early. Since 2001, several observational studies and 1 randomized controlled trial have found no beneficial effect when patients were placed on dialysis early. In contrast, they found that an increase in mortality was associated with early dialysis initiation. The most recent dialysis initiation guidelines recommend that dialysis should be initiated at an estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） of greater than or equal to 6 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Nevertheless, the decision to start dialysis is mainly based on a predefned eGFR value, and no convincing evidence has demonstrated that patients would benefit from early dialysis initiation as indicated by the eGFR. Even today, the optimal dialysis initiation time remains unknown. The decision of when to start dialysis should be based on careful clinical evaluation.

A Greater Association of Hyperuricemia than of Metabolic Syndrome with the New Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: To what extent uric acid (UA) levels and/or metabolic syndrome (Mets) contribute to the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is largely unknown. The present study explores how these two factors have an association with the new incidence of CKD. Methods: Study design is a cohort study. A total of 14,485 participants were eligible for the cross-sectional analysis on UA levels and the prevalence of Mets. Among those individuals, 8,223 participants without CKD and 4,839 without Mets were eligible for the longitudinal analysis of the new incidence of CKD. Parameters monitored were body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine concentration, estimated glolerular filtration rate, lipid profiles, plasma glucose, HbA1c. The primary predictor was the level of UA and Mets to explain the newly-developed CKD. The observation period was 4 years. Results: In a cross-sectional analysis, higher UA levels were associated with the greater prevalence of Mets. In addition, UA levels were associated with the numbers of the Mets constituents in both genders. In a longitudinal analysis, higher UA levels were associated with the greater rate of CKD and the greater incidence of Mets. In addition, the incidence of CKD at year 4 was influenced by the presence of hyperuricemia, but not by that of the Mets. The odd ratio (OR) to predict the CKD incidence was 1.42 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.52 to 3.78) in the presence of Mets alone, 2.10 (95% CI, 1.36 to 3.23) in the presence of hyperuricemia alone, and 3.56 (95% CI, 1.55 to 8.21) in the presence of both. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia has a greater association with the incidence of CKD than Mets does. Hyperuricemia complicated by Mets is additionally detrimental.

Effect of urinary stone disease and its treatment on renal function

Urolithiasis is a common disease that affects urinary tract in all age groups. Both in adults and in children, stone size, location, renal anatomy, and other factors, can infuence the success of treatment modalities. Recently, there has been a great advancement in technology for minimally invasive management of urinary stones.The epoch of open treatment modalities has passed and currently there are much less invasive treatment approaches, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy, ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, and retrograde internal Surgery. Furthermore, advancement in imaging technics ensures substantial knowledge that permit physician to decide the most convenient treatment method for the patient. Thus, effective and rapid treatment of urinary tract stones is substantial for the preservation of the renal function. In this review, the effects of the treatment options for urinary stones on renal function have been reviewed.

Relationship of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Arginase-1 Levels with Long-term Survival after Kidney Transplantation

In this study, we compared the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, interleukin-10 （IL-10）, and arginase-1 in long-term survival kidney transplant recipients （LTSKTRs） with those in short-term survival kidney transplant recipients （STSKTRs）. We then evaluated the relationship between these levels and graft function. Blood samples were collected from 50 adult LTSKTRs and 20 STSKTRs （graft survival approximately 1-3 years post-transplantation）. All patients had stable kidney function. The samples were collected at our institution during the patients＇ follow-up examinations between March 2017 and September 2017. The plasma levels of TGF-β1, IL- 10, and arginase- 1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays （ELISA）. The levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 were significantly higher in the LTSKTRs than in the STSKTRs. The time elapsed since transplantation was positively correlated with the levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 in the LTSKTRs. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was positively correlated with the TGF-β1 level, and the serum creatinine level was negatively correlated with the TGF-β1 level. Higher serum levels of TGF-β1 and arginase-1 were found in LTSKTRs than in STSKTRs, and we found that TGF-β1 was positively correlated with long-term graft survival and function. Additionally, TGF-β1 and arginase-1 levels were positively correlated with the time elapsed since transplantation. On the basis of these findings, TGF-β1 and arginase- 1 may play important roles in determining long-term graft survival. Thus, we propose that TGF-β1 and arginase-1 may potentially be used as predictive markers for evaluating long-term graft survival.

eGFR is a reliable preoperative renal function parameter in patients with gastric cancer

AIM: To evaluate the validity of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as a preoperative renal function parameter in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 147 patients with gastric cancer. Preoperative creatinine clearance (Ccr), eGFR, and preand postoperative serum creatinine (sCr) data were examined. Preoperative Ccr and eGFR were then compared for their reliability in predicting postoperative renal dysfunction. RESULTS: Among 110 patients with normal preoperative Ccr values, 7 (6.3%) had abnormal postoperative sCr values, and among 112 patients with normal preoperative eGFR values, postoperative sCr was abnormal in 5 (4.5%) (P = 0.53). Among 37 patients with abnormal preoperative Ccr values, 30 (81.1%) had normal postoperative sCr values, and of 35 patients with abnormal preoperative eGFR values, postoperative sCr was normal in 25 (71.4%) (P = 0.34). PreoperativeCcr was signifi cantly correlated with eGFR (r = 0.514), and postoperative sCr was significantly correlated with preoperative Ccr (r = -0.334) and eGFR (r = -0.02). CONCLUSION: Preoperative eGFR is as effective as Ccr for predicting postoperative renal dysfunction. eGFR should therefore be used as an indicator of preoperative renal function in place of Ccr since it is a cheaper and easier to perform test.

The role of endothelial biomarkers in predicting damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease

Objective:To explore the role of endothelial biomarkers in predicting damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease(DKD).Methods:A total of 183 patients with DKD were divided into 3 groups:the early DKD group,established DKD group,and advanced DKD group.All patients were classified according to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome type,and clinical indexes were collected for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 183 DKD patients were included in this study.Fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23),chitinase-3-like protein 1(CHI3L1),endocan,tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1),secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor(SLPI),and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A)were increased in advanced DKD.FGF23,CHI3L1,endocan,SLPI,and TNFR1 showed a negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),while they had a positive correlation with 24 h urine protein.After adjusting for age,gender,diabetes duration,body mass index(BMI),hemoglobin,glucose,uric acid,24 h urine protein,cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein,and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),the multiple regression analysis showed that FGF23,endocan,TNFR1,and SLPI significantly correlated with eGFR.Conclusions:FGF23,endocan,TNFR1,and SLPI are elevated in advanced DKD compared with early stage,and they may take part in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD.Our study provides useful biomarkers for predicting the appearance of damp-heat syndrome,including FGF23,endocan,TNFR1,and SLPI.

Impact of comorbid renal dysfunction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on long-term outcomes after curative resection

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.However,the number of patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)is on the rise because of the increase in lifestyle-related diseases.AIM To establish a tailored management strategy for HCC patients,we evaluated the impact of comorbid renal dysfunction(RD),as stratified by using the estimated glomerular filtration rate(EGFR),and assessed the oncologic validity of hepatectomy for HCC patients with RD.METHODS We enrolled 800 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy between 1997 and 2015 at our university hospital.We categorized patients into two(RD,EGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m^(2);non-RD,EGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m^(2))and three groups(severe CKD,EGFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m^(2);mild CKD,30≤EGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2;control,EGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m^(2))according to renal function as defined by the EGFR.Overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS)were compared among these groups with the log-rank test,and we also analyzed survival by using a propensity score matching(PSM)model to exclude the influence of patient characteristics.The mean postoperative observation period was 64.7±53.0 mo.RESULTS The RD patients were significantly older and had lower serum total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase levels than the non-RD patients(P<0.0001,P<0.001,P<0.05,and P<0.01,respectively).No patient received maintenance hemodialysis after surgery.Although the overall postoperative complication rates were similar between the RD and non-RD patients,the proportions of postoperative bleeding and surgical site infection were significantly higher in the RD patients(5.5%vs 1.8%;P<0.05,3.9%vs 1.8%;P<0.05,respectively),and postoperative bleeding was the highest in the severe CKD group(P<0.05).Regardless of the degree of comorbid RD,OS and RFS were comparable,even after PSM between the RD and non-RD groups to exclude the influence of patient characteristics,liver function,and other causes of death.CONCLUSION Comorbid mild RD had a negligible impact on the prognosis of HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy with appropriate perioperative management,and close attention to severe CKD is necessary to prevent postoperative bleeding and surgical site infection.

The inverse association between eGFR and depression in patients with coronary artery disease: A cross-sectional study

Background The relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)and depression in patients with coronary artery disease(CAD)remained unclear.Methods A total of 561 patients with CAD were selected from Department of Cardiology between October 2017 and February 2018 while their depression status was evaluated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9).The e GFR levels were compared between patients with and without depression and the link between e GFR and depression in CAD patients was explored.Results Among 561CAD patients,63 patients(11.23%)were diagnosed with comorbid depression(PHQ-9≥10).The depression group presented significantly lower e GFR level than the non-depression group.In fully-adjusted multivariate analysis,higher e GFR level was proved to be a protective factor for depression in CAD patients,reducing a 22%risk of depression for every 10 m L/(min·1.73 m2)increase of e GFR level(OR:0.78,95%CI:0.66-0.93).Similar results were found in the stratified analyses of both e GFR quartiles and chronic kidney disease(CKD)stages(P for trend<0.05),while no significant differences were found among subgroups(P for interaction>0.05).A negative linear association was estimated between e GFR level and depression in CAD patients.Conclusions Our results suggested lower e GFR level in CAD patients with comorbid depression,displaying a negative linear correlation between e GFR and risk of depression in CAD patients.The findings implied that screening depression in CAD patients with decreased e GFR level or concomitant CKD should be highlighted in clinical practice.[S Chin J Cardiol 2024;25(1):1-10]