Assessment of the Level of Knowledge about Chronic Renal Failure in 271 Hypertensive Patients in Brazzaville

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now a global public health problem. In low- and middle-income countries such as the Congo, access to dialysis is low and inequitable. The prevention of CKD involves raising awareness among patients at risk, such as those suffering from arterial hypertension (AH), by improving their knowledge of CKD. The objectives of our work were to determine the level of knowledge about CKD among hypertensive patients and to identify the factors associated with a low level of knowledge. Methodology: We conducted a 3-month descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from 1 August to 30 October 2023 in 3 large public hospitals in Brazzaville (capital of the Republic of Congo). We included: hypertensive patients aged 18 and over who had freely consented to participate in our study and were able to answer the questions on the survey form. Patients with known hypertension who had been followed for less than 3 years and those with known chronic renal failure were not included. Results: The mean age was 58.4 ± 14.4 years (29 - 88 years). There were 121 men and 150 women (sex ratio = 0.8). All the patients were educated;37.2% with a higher level of education and 13.6% with primary education. 24 patients (9%) had a good level of knowledge about CKD and 153 (56%) had poor knowledge. A good level of knowledge was associated with the duration of hypertension, intellectual level and the existence of associated heart disease. Conclusion: Our study reveals a significant lack of knowledge about chronic kidney disease among hypertensive patients in Brazzaville.

Predictive Factors of Renal Failure in COVID-19 Patients at the Anti-COVID Center in Lome, Togo

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 has been identified as the receptor that allows the entry of SarsCov2 into the human cell. Its expression in the kidney is 100 times higher than in the lung;thus, making the kidney an excellent target for SarsCov2 infection manifesting as renal failure (RF). The objective of this study was to determine the predictive factors of RF during COVID-19 in the Togolese context. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted at the Lomé Anti-COVID Center including the records of patients hospitalized for COVID-19, of age ≥ 18 years and having performed a creatinemia. RF was defined by a GFR 2 calculated according to the MDRD formula. Patients were randomized into 2 groups according to GFRResults: 482 patients were selected for this study with a mean age of 58.02 years. Sixty-five percent of the patients were men, i.e., a sex ratio of 1.88. Fifty-two patients had RF, i.e., a frequency of 10.8%.There were 65% men (315 cases), for a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.88. Risk factors for renal failure in COVID-19 were age ≥ 65 years (ORa 2.42;CIa95% [1.17 - 4.95];p = 0.016), anemia (ORa 2.49;CIa95% [1.21 - 5.26];p = 0.015), moderate (ORa 13;CIa95% [2.30 - 2.44];p = 0.017), severe (ORa 26.2;CIa95% [4.85 - 4.93];p = 0.002) and critical (ORa 108;CIa95% [16.5 - 21.76];p Conclusion: Renal failure would therefore be related to the severity of COVID-19 and is the most formidable factor, conditioning the course of the disease and the patient’s vital prognosis.

Causes and Prognosis of Cases of Acute Obstructive Renal Failure Managed at the Donka National Hemodialysis Center

Introduction: Acute obstructive renal failure (AORF) is a frequent clinical situation, secondary to obstruction of the urinary excretory tract. Whatever the cause, urinary tract obstruction suddenly opposes glomerular filtration and is responsible for tubulointerstitial lesions. It accounts for 10% of acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of this study was to identify the causes and prognosis of cases of acute obstructive renal failure managed at the Centre National d’hémodialyse Donka. Material and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months, from September 1, 2022 to February 29, 2023. All patients undergoing haemodialysis for acute obstructive renal failure who agreed to participate in the study and whose medical records were complete were included. Results: During the course of the study, we registered 97 haemodialysis patients, including 20 cases (20.62%) of acute obstructive renal failure. The mean age of the patients was 57.8 ± 10.54 years, with a male predominance of 11 cases (55%) and a sex ratio of 1.22. The reasons for consultation were dominated by physical asthenia 11 cases (55%), lumbar pain 9 cases (50%), vomiting 6 cases (30%) and acute urine retention 6 cases (30%). Arterial hypertension 16 cases (80%) and urinary tract infection 10 cases (50%) were the most common antecedents. The etiologies of RAOI were dominated by lithiasis 10 cases (50%), neoplasia 6 cases (30%) and benign prostatic hypertrophy 3 cases (15%). mean creatinine was 1267.60 ± 710.76 μmol/l with extremes of 243 μmol/l and 2822 μmol/l, mean urea was 39.56 ± 18.36, hyperkalemia in 14 cases (70%) and hyponatremia in 8 cases (40%). After hemodialysis, 9 cases (45%) recovered renal function, 4 cases (20%) became chronic and 7 cases (35%) died. Conclusion: The frequency of AKI remains non-negligible in our department, and early detection and prompt management would considerably reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology.

Prognostic Factors in Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1: Retrospective Observational and Analytical Study

Introduction: Type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS 1) is characterized by acute impairment of cardiac function leading to acute renal dysfunction. CRS1 is present in 25% of patients admitted for heart failure. The objective of our study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic profile and the risk and prognostic factors of these patients. Materials and Methods: We identified 120 patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) over a one-year period to determine the prevalence and risk factors for developing CRS 1. We analyzed the clinical, biological, and evolutionary profiles of patients with CRS 1 and determined the risk factors for the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) as well as the mortality factors in these patients. Résultats: The average age of our patients with CRS1 is 58 ± 9 years, with a sex ratio of 1.4. The average eGFR of our patients is 35 ± 6.5 ml/min/1.73m2. Diabetes was found in 17% of our patients and hypertension in 14%. The etiology of cardiac impairment is predominantly acute coronary syndrome (ACS), followed by rhythm disorders. Renally, all our patients have acute kidney injury (AKI), with 86% having functional acute renal failure and 14% having acute tubular necrosis. Therapeutically, 50% of our patients are on diuretics, 42% receive beta-blocker treatment, and RAAS blockers are used in 29% of cases. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) sessions were required in 13.8% of cases. In univariate analysis, male gender, tachyarrhythmia, and hypertension are associated with the early onset of acute kidney injury (AKI). The use of diuretics, anemia, and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are linked to a higher risk of developing CRS 1 (p = 0.021, p = 0.037, p = 0.010 respectively). In multivariate analysis, advanced age is significantly associated with increased mortality risk in CRS 1 patients (p = 0.030), while beta-blocker use is considered a protective factor (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Our study identifies several key factors associated with outcomes in type 1 CRS. Male gender, tachyarrhythmia, and hypertension are linked to early-onset AKI. The use of diuretics and the presence of anemia increase the risk of developing CRS1. Advanced age is significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Conversely, the use of beta-blockers appears to be protective in this patient population. .

Evaluation of G3BP1 in the prognosis of acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure after the treatment of artificial liver support system

BACKGROUND The increased expression of G3BP1 was positively correlated with the prognosis of liver failure.AIM To investigate the effect of G3BP1 on the prognosis of acute liver failure(ALF)and acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)after the treatment of artificial liver support system(ALSS).METHODS A total of 244 patients with ALF and ACLF were enrolled in this study.The levels of G3BP1 on admission and at discharge were detected.The validation set of 514 patients was collected to verify the predicted effect of G3BP1 and the viability of prognosis.RESULTS This study was shown that lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and prothrombin time were closely related to the prognosis of patients.After the ALSS treatment,the patient’amount of decreased G3BP1 index in difference of G3BP1 between the value of discharge and admission(difG3BP1)<0 group had a nearly 10-fold increased risk of progression compared with the amount of increased G3BP1 index.The subgroup analysis showed that the difG3BP1<0 group had a higher risk of progression,regardless of model for end-stage liver disease high-risk or low-risk group.At the same time,compared with the inflam matory marks[tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-18],G3BP1 had higher discrimination and was more stable in the model analysis and validation set.When combined with AFP and LDH,concordance index was respectively 0.84 and 0.8 in training and validation cohorts.CONCLUSION This study indicated that G3BP1 could predict the prognosis of ALF or ACLF patients treated with ALSS.The combination of G3BP1,AFP and LDH could accurately evaluate the disease condition and predict the clinical endpoint of patients.

sTREM-1 as promising prognostic biomarker for acute-on-chronic liver failure and mortality in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Acute decompensation(AD)of cirrhosis is associated with high short-term mortality,mainly due to the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).Thus,there is a need for biomarkers for early and accurate identification of AD patients with high risk of development of ACLF and mortality.Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)is released from activated innate immune cells and correlated with various inflammatory processes.AIM To explore the prognostic value of sTREM-1 in patients with AD of cirrhosis.METHODS A multicenter prospective cohort of 442 patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for AD was divided into a study cohort(n=309)and validation cohort(n=133).Demographic and clinical data were collected,and serum sTREM-1 was measured at admission.All enrolled patients were followed-up for at least 1 year.RESULTS In patients with AD and cirrhosis,serum sTREM-1 was an independent prognosis predictor for 1-year survival and correlated with liver,coagulation,cerebral and kidney failure.A new prognostic model of AD(P-AD)incorporating sTREM-1,blood urea nitrogen(BUN),total bilirubin(TBil),international normalized ratio(INR)and hepatic encephalopathy grades was established and performed better than the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD),MELD-sodium(MELD-Na),chronic liver failure-consortium(CLIF-C)ACLF and CLIF-C AD scores.Additionally,sTREM-1 was increased in ACLF and predicted the development of ACLF during first 28-d follow-up.The ACLF risk score incorporating serum sTREM-1,BUN,INR,TBil and aspartate aminotransferase levels was established and significantly superior to MELD,MELD-Na,CLIF-C ACLF,CLIF-C AD and P-AD in predicting risk of ACLF development.CONCLUSION Serum sTREM-1 is a promising prognostic biomarker for ACLF development and mortality in patients with AD of cirrhosis.

Morbidity and Mortality of Acute Renal Failure in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care According to Waves/Variant: Case of the Grand Hôpital de l’Est Francilien Site de Meaux

Introduction: The incidence of acute renal failure (ARF) varies between 20% and 40% of cases for COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, with very high mortality, but heterogeneous according to the different epidemic waves, probably due to the genetic variant phenomenon of the virus. The aim of this study is to determine the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted with ARF to the intensive care unit of the Grand H?pital Est Francilien (GHEF) according to the waves and variants. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of COVID-19 patients with ARF admitted to the intensive care unit of the GHEF site in Meaux covering the period from March 1st 2020 to December, 31st 2021. Per-hospitalisation and outcome data were collected and analysed with SPSS version 25.0 software using the Chi-square or Fischer’s exact test or Student’s t-test and logistic regression for p Results: A total of 86 patients were included. The mean age was higher (70 ± 8.5) in patients in the fourth wave than in the other waves (p = 0.015), with male predominance in all waves without significant difference. Co-morbidities: hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, dyslipidaemia and arrhythmia complete with fibrillation were present in all waves. The majority of patients were classified as KDIGO 1 for the different waves (1st: 61.9%, 2nd: 86.5%, 3rd: 80%, and 4th: 75%), with the same trend according to variant (alpha: 80%, beta: 75%, delta: 81.3%, omicron: 75%). Mortality by the wave was: 1st: 28.5%, 2nd: 37.5%, 3rd: 23% and 4th: 11%) and by variant: alpha: 24.2%, beta: 44.8%, delta: 20.7%, omicron: 10.3%). Overall mortality was 33.7%. Case fatality was higher in the fourth wave. Hypertension, shock, failure to recover renal function, acute lung oedema, ventilator-associated lung disease and hyperkalaemia were factors associated with mortality (p Conclusion: Acute renal failure is common in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, and mortality is not negligible. The beta variants and the second wave presented more cases of renal impairment, although the mechanism is still unknown. Further studies are needed to understand this mechanism and perhaps to be able to identify the cause.

Silent information regulator sirtuin 1 ameliorates acute liver failure via the p53/glutathione peroxidase 4/gasdermin D axis

BACKGROUND Acute liver failure(ALF)has a high mortality with widespread hepatocyte death involving ferroptosis and pyroptosis.The silent information regulator sirtuin 1(SIRT1)-mediated deacetylation affects multiple biological processes,including cellular senescence,apoptosis,sugar and lipid metabolism,oxidative stress,and inflammation.AIM To investigate the association between ferroptosis and pyroptosis and the upstream regulatory mechanisms.METHODS This study included 30 patients with ALF and 30 healthy individuals who underwent serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)testing.C57BL/6 mice were also intraperitoneally pretreated with SIRT1,p53,or glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)inducers and inhibitors and injected with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/D-galactosamine(D-GalN)to induce ALF.Gasdermin D(GSDMD)^(-/-)mice were used as an experimental group.Histological changes in liver tissue were monitored by hematoxylin and eosin staining.ALT,AST,glutathione,reactive oxygen species,and iron levels were measured using commercial kits.Ferroptosis-and pyroptosis-related protein and mRNA expression was detected by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.SIRT1,p53,and GSDMD were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis.RESULTS Serum AST and ALT levels were elevated in patients with ALF.SIRT1,solute carrier family 7a member 11(SLC7A11),and GPX4 protein expression was decreased and acetylated p5,p53,GSDMD,and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)protein levels were elevated in human ALF liver tissue.In the p53 and ferroptosis inhibitor-treated and GSDMD^(-/-)groups,serum interleukin(IL)-1β,tumour necrosis factor alpha,IL-6,IL-2 and C-C motif ligand 2 levels were decreased and hepatic impairment was mitigated.In mice with GSDMD knockout,p53 was reduced,GPX4 was increased,and ferroptotic events(depletion of SLC7A11,elevation of ACSL4,and iron accumulation)were detected.In vitro,knockdown of p53 and overexpression of GPX4 reduced AST and ALT levels,the cytostatic rate,and GSDMD expression,restoring SLC7A11 depletion.Moreover,SIRT1 agonist and overexpression of SIRT1 alleviated acute liver injury and decreased iron deposition compared with results in the model group,accompanied by reduced p53,GSDMD,and ACSL4,and increased SLC7A11 and GPX4.Inactivation of SIRT1 exacerbated ferroptotic and pyroptotic cell death and aggravated liver injury in LPS/D-GalNinduced in vitro and in vivo models.CONCLUSION SIRT1 activation attenuates LPS/D-GalN-induced ferroptosis and pyroptosis by inhibiting the p53/GPX4/GSDMD signaling pathway in ALF.

Efficacy and safety of Nafamostat mesylate in patients with endstage renal failure

BACKGROUND Recent studies on dialysis anticoagulation therapy in patients with renal failure have shown that Nafamostat mesylate,a broad-spectrum potent serine protease inhibitor,has strong anticoagulation and anti-fiber activity.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nafamostat mesylate in patients with end-stage renal failure.METHODS Seventy-five patients with end-stage renal failure who received hemodialysis at our hospital between January 2020 and August 2021 were selected and divided into the observation group(Nafamostat mesylate for injection,n=33)and control group(heparin sodium injection,n=32).General patient data,indicators of clinical efficacy,dialyzer hemocoagulation parameters,coagulation function indices,and hemoglobin concentration and platelet count before and after treatment,and the occurrence of adverse reactions after treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The two groups showed no significant differences in general patient data(P>0.05).The post-treatment effectiveness rate in the control group was lower than that in the observation group(P<0.05).The two groups showed no significant difference in the number of patients in grade I(P>0.05),while the number of patients in grade 0 was lower in the control group,and the number of patients in grades II and III was higher in the control group(P<0.05).The post-treatment prothrombin time,activated partial thromboplastin time,thrombin time,and international normalized ratio values in the control group were higher than those in the observation group,while the fibrinogen level in the control group was lower than that in the observation group(P<0.05).The two groups showed no significant difference in the platelet count and hemoglobin level before and after treatment(P>0.05).The total number of post-treatment adverse reactions in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Treatment of patients showing end-stage renal failure with Nafamostat mesylate can significantly improve therapeutic efficacy and has high safety and clinical value.

Cardioprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in heart failure: Myth or truth?

Therapy with glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP1)receptor agonists has raised great interest for its beneficial cardiovascular effects in preventing atherosclerosis and heart failure-related outcomes.However,while evidence about atherosclerosis consistently suggests a cardioprotective potential with class effect,controversies remain on its impact on heart failure.GLP1 receptor agonists appear to prevent hospitalization for new-onset heart failure and reduce symptoms in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(as demonstrated by the recent STEP-HFpEF Trial).Still,GLP1 agonism has resulted in neutral or even harmful effects in patients with established heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(the LIVE trial).GLP1 receptor agonists benefit the cardiovascular system indirectly through their marked metabolic effects(improved weight management,glycemic control,blood pressure,systemic and tissue inflammation),while direct effects on the heart have been questioned.Nonetheless,weight loss alone achieved through GLP1 receptor agonists has failed in improving left ventricular functions.Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of GLP1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide,representing an innovative treatment option in diabetes with a major impact on weight loss and promising cardiovascular benefits.Whether this class of therapies is going to change the history of heart failure is an ongoing debate.

Electroacupuncture improves myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats by attenuating ECM collagen deposition through modulation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

Background: To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis in rat models of heart failure, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture in heart failure treatment. Methods: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups: Sham group, Model group, and electroacupuncture (Model + EA) group, with each group comprising 8 rats. The model underwent a procedure involving the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce a model of heart failure. The Model + EA group was used for 7 consecutive days for electroacupuncture of bilateral Shenmen (HT7) and Tongli (HT5), once a day for 30 min each time. Left ventricular parameters in rats were assessed using a small-animal ultrasound machine to analyze changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cardiac troponin (cTn), and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor levels were measured using ELISA. Histopathological changes in rat myocardium were observed through HE staining, while collagen deposition in rat myocardial tissue was assessed using the Masson staining method. Picro sirius red staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR were utilized to distinguish between the various types of collagen deposition. The expression level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4/7 mRNA in rat myocardial tissues was determined using RT-qPCR. Additionally, western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3/7, and p-SMAD3 in rat myocardial tissues. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening values of the Model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01);the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume values were remarkably increased (P < 0.01);serum N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor content was increased (P < 0.01);serum IL-1β and cTn levels were increased (P < 0.01);myocardial collagen volume fraction were increased (P < 0.01);and those of the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01);the expression of SMAD7 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.01);the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 were increased (P < 0.01);the protein expression level of SMAD7 was decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model group. Compared to the Model group, the expression levels of the proteins TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 in myocardial tissue were found to be decreased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of the protein SMAD7 was found to be increased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group;the collagen volume fraction and deposition of type Ⅰ /Ⅲ collagen were decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture alleviates myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure, and this effect is likely due to attributed to the modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, which helps reduce collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix.

High Urine Retention: Experience in a Series of Patients with Renal Failure Patients

Purpose: High urinary retention (HUR) can negatively impact renal function. Our study aimed to present the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of HUR in a Senegalese academic hospital. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 70 patients with HUR associated with renal failure from January 2017 to December 2020. Parameters examined included: age, sex, coexisting conditions affecting renal function, clinical symptoms, diagnostic tests, causes of HUR, urinary diversion, and patient outcomes. Results: The average age was 66, with a majority of male patients (87%). Twenty-three patients had pre-existing medical conditions. Oligo-anuria was the most common reason for detecting HUR (70%). Half of the patients had an ECOG score ≥ 2. The mean creatinine level was 50.7 mg/l. Nineteen patients exhibited hydroelectrolytic disorders. Bacterial colonization was observed in 25 patients. Ultrasound and computed tomography were the most frequently performed imaging tests (100% and 62.8%, respectively). Sixty-seven patients had ureterohydronephrosis (UHN), with bilateral UHN in 88.6% of cases. Pelvic cancers (47.1%) were the primary cause of HUR, primarily bladder cancers (27.1%). Nephrostomy was the most common urinary drainage method (50%), particularly for obstructions due to pelvic cancer (88.6%). The majority of patients (52.8%) regained normal renal function after drainage. Nineteen deaths occurred among elderly patients with compromised general health. Conclusion: Urinary drainage significantly improved renal function for most patients. Pelvic cancer emerged as the leading cause of HUR. Nephrostomy was the predominant drainage method.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis reveal insights into the molecular mechanism of Gualou Qumai Wan in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Background:To initially clarify the potential therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanism regarding Gualou Qumai Wan(GQW),a kind of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),in clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)by virtue of the network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking analysis.Methods:The screening of bioactive components and targets of GQW was based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology(TCMSP)and the UniProt platform served for standardizing their targets.Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),PharmGkb,TTD,DrugBank and GeneCards databases were searched to collect the disease targets of ccRCC.Cytoscape assisted in constructing herb-compound-target(H-C-T)networks.The STRING database was searched for constructing the target protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks,while the R programming language served for analyzing GO functional terms and the KEGG pathways related to potential targets.Analyses of core genes related to survival and tumor microenvironment(TME)were conducted respectively based on the GEPIA2 database and TIMER 2.0 database.Human Protein Atlas(HPA)and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)helped to obtain core genes’protein expression as well as transcriptome expression level.Autodock Vina software validated the molecular docking regarding GQW components and pivotal targets.Results:The constructed H-C-T networks mainly had 33 compounds and 65 targets.A topological analysis of the PPI network identified that ESR1,AKT1,HIF1A,PTGS2,TP53 and VEGFA serve as core targets in the way GQW affects ccRCC.According to the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses,the effects of GQW are mediated by genes related to hypoxia and oxidative stress as well as the Chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.AKT1 shows a close relation to the recruitment of various immune cells and can remarkably affect disease prognosis according to reports.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that diosgenin has higher affinity with core targets.Conclusion:The study makes a comprehensive explanation of the biological activity,potential targets,as well as molecular mechanism regarding GQW against ccRCC,which promisingly assists in revealing the action mechanism of TCM formulae in disease treatment and the respective and scientific basis.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation for end-stage renal failure in type 1 diabetes mellitus: Current perspectives

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)is one of the important causes of chronic kidney disease(CKD)and end-stage renal failure(ESRF).Even with the best available treatment options,management of T1DM poses significant challenges for clinicians across the world,especially when associated with CKD and ESRF.Substantial increases in morbidity and mortality along with marked rise in treatment costs and marked reduction of quality of life are the usual consequences of onset of CKD and progression to ESRF in patients with T1DM.Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant(SPK)is an attractive and promising treatment option for patients with advanced CKD/ESRF and T1DM for potential cure of these diseases and possibly several complications.However,limited availability of the organs for transplantation,the need for long-term immunosuppression to prevent rejection,peri-and post-operative complications of SPK,lack of resources and the expertise for the procedure in many centers,and the cost implications related to the surgery and postoperative care of these patients are major issues faced by clinicians across the globe.This clinical update review compiles the latest evidence and current recommendations of SPK for patients with T1DM and advanced CKD/ESRF to enable clinicians to care for these diseases.

Acute Renal Failure in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care at the CHU du Point G in Mali

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona-virus 2) causes an acute respiratory disease with interstitial and alveolar pneumonia, which can affect several organs including the kidneys [1] [2] [3]. As Mali is no stranger to this pandemic, we report our experience of the management of cases of kidney failure observed in the COVID-19 intensive care unit at the Point G University Hospital Centre (CHU). The aim of this work was to characterise acute renal failure in COVID-19 patients in intensive care, describing the management methods used and determining the vital prognosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, covering an 18-month period from April 2020 to September 2021. We included all patients admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit on the basis of a positive RT-PCR and/or the presence of ground-glass images on thoracic computed tomography. Results: We selected 232 patients admitted for COVID-19. Acute Renal Failure (ARF) developed in 71 patients (30.6%). The stages of AKI according to KDIGO were Stage 1 in 28.2%, Stage 2 in 18.3% and Stage 3 in 53.5%. The mean age was 63.96 years, with a standard deviation of 16.6, and males accounted for the majority (71.8%). Organic ARF was found in 80.3% of cases. Risk factors and comorbidities for ARF included advanced age (60.6%), male sex (71.8%), hypertension (52.1%), diabetes (21.1%), invasive mechanical ventilation (71.8%) and septic shock (56.3%). Extra renal purification (haemodialysis) was used in 29.6% of patients. Admission to intensive care ranged from 7 days to 14 days in 43.7% of cases. More than half the patients (52.1%) were in critical condition on admission. Death occurred in 76.1% of patients. Conclusion: ARF appears to occur more frequently in patients with severe COVID-19. It is associated with a poor prognosis.

枸杞多糖通过激活Nrf2/HO-1通路保护HK-2细胞氧化损伤的作用

目的分析枸杞多糖(LBP)干预对氧化损伤的人肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2)内的核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)/血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)通路蛋白表达的变化,探索LBP拮抗HK-2细胞氧化损伤的分子机制。方法采用过氧化氢诱导HK-2细胞制备氧化损伤细胞模型,HK-2被分成4组:正常组、LBP组、氧化损伤组及LBP干预组。观察4组细胞的长势和形态变化;细胞活力测定法比较每组细胞的存活率;比色法分析氧化产物丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量以及超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化酶(GSH-Px)的水平;免疫印迹技术检测细胞内Nrf2/HO-1通路蛋白Nrf2、HO-1的相对水平。结果正常组和LBP组相比,两组的细胞长势、形态和存活率,细胞产生MDA的量、SOD和GSH-Px的水平,通路蛋白Nrf2、HO-1的相对水平均无明显差异(均P>0.05);氧化损伤组和正常组相比,细胞皱缩变圆并脱落、贴壁细胞变少,存活率减少、MDA量增加、SOD和GSH-Px降低,通路蛋白Nrf2、HO-1的相对值下降(均P<0.05);LBP干预组和氧化损伤组相比,细胞长势、形状恢复、贴壁细胞较多,存活率增加、MDA量减少、SOD和GSH-Px升高,通路蛋白Nrf2、HO-1的相对值升高(均P<0.05)。结论枸杞多糖能通过激活Nrf2/HO-1通路提高HK-2细胞的抗氧化酶活性达到减轻细胞氧化损伤的目的。

LncRNA ZEB1-AS1和LncRNA SOX2OT在糖尿病肾病患者中的表达及与肾功能的相关性研究

目的探究长链非编码RNA锌指E盒结合同源盒蛋白1反义链1(LncRNA ZEB1-AS1)和长链非编码RNA性别决定相关基因簇2重叠转录本(LncRNA SOX2OT)在糖尿病肾病(DN)患者中的表达及与肾功能的相关性。方法选取于2021年11月—2023年12月在武汉大学人民医院肾内科收治的DN患者106例为DN组,并根据24 h尿蛋白定量(24 h Upro)水平分为正常蛋白尿亚组43例(<30 mg)、微量蛋白尿亚组39例(30~<300 mg)、大量蛋白尿亚组24例(≥300 mg),另选取同期医院单纯糖尿病患者106例作对照组,检测患者血清LncRNA ZEB1-AS1、LncRNA SOX2OT水平;Pearson法分析LncRNA ZEB1-AS1和LncRNA SOX2OT与肾功能指标的相关性;Logistic分析影响DN患者肾功能损伤的因素。结果DN组血清LncRNA ZEB1-AS1、LncRNA SOX2OT水平低于对照组(t=11.471、10.257,P均<0.001)。血清LncRNA ZEB1-AS1、LncRNA SOX2OT比较,正常尿蛋白亚组>微量尿蛋白亚组>大量尿蛋白亚组(F=58.720、117.722,P均<0.001),BUN、SCr、UA水平比较,正常尿蛋白亚组<微量尿蛋白亚组<大量尿蛋白亚组,差异均有统计学意义(F=122.493、595.589、53.178,P均<0.001);LncRNA ZEB1-AS1、LncRNA SOX2OT分别与BUN、SCr、UA呈负相关(r=-0.487、-0.498、-0.521,-0.527、-0.515、-0.534,P均<0.001);Logistic回归分析显示,糖尿病病程长及高BUN、SCr、UA水平是影响DN患者肾功能损伤的危险因素[OR(95%CI)=1.672(1.128~2.479)、2.839(1.534~5.253)、2.754(1.512~5.017)、2.693(1.464~4.954)],高LncRNA ZEB1-AS1、LncRNA SOX2OT是保护因素[OR(95%CI)=0.875(0.798~0.959)、0.898(0.832~0.969)]。结论血清LncRNA ZEB1-AS1、LncRNA SOX2OT水平与DN患者肾功能有关,可能是评估DN患者肾功能的潜在指标。

PD-1抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗二线化疗失败的老年晚期非小细胞肺癌的效果

目的 探究程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗二线化疗失败的老年晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的临床疗效。方法 选取2019年1月—2021年4月泰州市第二人民医院收治的106例二线化疗失败的老年晚期NSCLC患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为单药组和联合组,各53例。单药组采用安罗替尼治疗,联合组采用PD-1抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗。比较两组的疾病控制率、毒副反应发生情况、生存率、肿瘤标志物[细胞角蛋白19片段抗原21-1(CYFRA21-1)、癌胚抗原(CEA)、糖类抗原125(CA125)]、血管新生指标[血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)-A、VEGF受体2(VEGFR2)]、血清驱动蛋白超家族蛋白(KIF)C1、N-钙黏蛋白、生活质量核心量表(QLQ-C30)评分。结果 联合组疾病控制率高于单药组(P<0.05);治疗2个周期后,联合组血清CYFRA21-1、CA125、CEA、VEGF-A、VEGFR2、KIFC1及N-钙黏蛋白水平均低于单药组(P<0.05),QLQ-C30评分低于单药组(P<0.05);两组各毒副反应总发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,联合组累积生存率高于单药组(P<0.05)。结论 PD-1抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗二线化疗失败的老年晚期NSCLC效果显著,可有效调节血清KIFC1、N-钙黏蛋白表达,抑制VEGF-A、VEGFR2水平,降低肿瘤标志物水平,提高生活质量,延长生存时间,安全性高。

MCP-1基因对脓毒症急性肾损伤发生的作用研究

目的研究单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)基因对脓毒症急性肾损伤(AKI)发生的作用。方法选取2022年9月-2023年9月新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院重症医学科收治的50例脓毒症AKI患者作为AKI组,纳入同期50例健康受试者作为对照组。分别采集全部受试者清晨空腹静脉血5 mL,采用ELISA法测定AKI患者及健康人群血清中MCP-1的表达情况;通过原代培养肾小管上皮细胞,利用CK14和CK18抗体进行细胞免疫荧光鉴定,过表达和干扰MCP-1基因,利用CCK8细胞增殖检测试剂盒和RT-qPCR检测肾小管上皮细胞增殖情况和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介素10(IL-10)、γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)炎性因子表达的变化。结果与对照组相比,AKI组患者外周血中和尿液中的MCP-1表达量显著升高(P均<0.05);通过细胞免疫荧光鉴定,选择上皮细胞标志物CK14和CK18,原代培养24 h,90%以上的细胞表达细胞标志物CK18,约84%的细胞表达CK14;与NC组相比,siRNA组在24、48 h细胞数量增加(P均<0.05);与MCP-1组相比,siRNA组在24、48、72 h的细胞数量增加(P均<0.05);NC组的IL-1β、IL-6、INF-γ因子的表达水平随时间推移逐渐升高,MCP-1组的IL-1β、IL-6、IL-10、INF-γ和TNF-α因子的表达水平随时间推移逐渐升高,siRNA组的IL-1β、IL-6、INF-γ因子表达水平随时间推移无明显升高趋势。结论MCP-1基因在脓毒症急性肾损伤的发病机制中可能发挥重要作用,该基因可能通过调节IL-1β等炎性细胞因子的表达来抑制肾小管上皮细胞的生长和增殖,从而参与脓毒症患者的AKI过程。

补充血管紧张素(1-7)联合运动疗法对肾性高血压大鼠心脏重塑的作用与机制

背景:肾素-血管紧张素系统在高血压发生发展中起关键作用,其中血管紧张素(1-7)具有降压作用并反向调节血管紧张素Ⅱ的不良效应。运动康复疗法是防治高血压的重要非药物手段,然而血管紧张素(1-7)与运动是否具有协同效应尚未明确。目的:观察补充血管紧张素(1-7)联合运动疗法对肾性高血压大鼠心脏重塑的影响,并探讨血管紧张素(1-7)及其受体信号轴在其中的可能作用机制。方法:60只雄性SD大鼠随机选取12只作为正常血压组,其余48只利用两肾一夹法制作肾性高血压模型并随机分为高血压对照组、高血压运动组、血管紧张素(1-7)组、联合治疗组。造模成功1周后,各组分别给予不同干预(为期6周):高血压运动组在电动跑台上进行跑步训练,血管紧张素(1-7)组通过植入大鼠背部皮下的Alzet微渗透泵灌流血管紧张素(1-7),联合治疗组在跑步训练后灌流血管紧张素(1-7),正常血压组和高血压对照组在鼠笼内安静饲养。末次训练后48 h,通过无创血压仪测定尾动脉血压;超声心动图检测心脏结构与功能;取左心室心肌,利用苏木精-伊红和马松染色进行心肌组织病理学观察,通过图像分析软件获取心肌细胞横截面积和胶原容积分数分别作为心肌肥大和心肌纤维化标志物;高效液相色谱法检测心脏血管紧张素(1-7)含量;qRT-PCR检测心脏胚胎基因心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量;免疫印迹法测定心脏Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量。结果与结论:①与正常血压组比较,高血压对照组血压升高(P<0.05),心功能差异无显著变化(P>0.05),心肌细胞横截面积和胶原容积分数增加(P<0.05),心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量上调,血管紧张素(1-7)含量以及Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量下调(P<0.05)。②与高血压对照组比较,运动组血压下降(P<0.05),心功能提高(P<0.05),胶原容积分数下降(P<0.05),心肌细胞横截面积和血管紧张素(1-7)含量无显著变化(P>0.05),心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量下调(P<0.05),Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量上调(P<0.05);血管紧张素(1-7)组除心肌血管紧张素(1-7)含量升高(P<0.05)外,其他各参数差异均无显著性意义(P>0.05)。③与运动组比较,联合治疗组血压下降(P<0.05),心肌细胞横截面积和心功能无显著变化(P>0.05),胶原容积分数下降(P<0.05),血管紧张素(1-7)含量升高(P<0.05),心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量下调(P<0.05),Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量上调(P<0.05)。④提示单独补充血管紧张素(1-7)并不能改善肾性高血压大鼠心脏重塑,但却能够增强运动的疗效,其机制与血管紧张素(1-7)受体缺陷改善并恢复其信号通路功能有关。