Expanding the liver donor pool worldwide with hepatitis C infected livers, is it the time?

Liver transplantation(LT)provides a life-saving option for cirrhotic patients with complications and hepatocellular carcinoma.Despite the increasing number of liver transplants performed each year,the number of LT candidates on the waitlist remains unchanged due to an imbalance between donor organ supply and the demand which increases the waitlist time and mortality.Living donor liver transplant had a great role in increasing the donor pool and shortened waitlist time for LT candidates.Nevertheless,further strategies can be implemented to increase the pool of potential donors in deceased donor LT,such as reducing the rate of organ discards.Utilizing hepatitis C virus(HCV)seropositive liver grafts is one of the expanded donor organ criteria.A yearly increase of hundreds of transplants is anticipated as a result of maximizing the utilization of HCV-positive organs for HCV-negative recipients.Direct-acting antiviral therapy's efficacy has revolutionized the treatment of HCV infection and the use of HCV-seropositive donors in transplantation.The American Society of Transplantation advises against performing transplants from HCV-infected liver donors(D+)into HCV-negative recipient(R-)unless under Institutional Review Board-approved study rules and with full informed consent of the knowledge gaps associated with such transplants.Proper selection of patients to be transplanted with HCV-infected grafts and confirming their access to direct-acting antivirals if needed is im-portant.National and international consensuses are needed to regulate this process to ensure the maximum benefit and the least adverse events.

Liver or kidney:Who has the oar in the gluconeogenesis boat and when?

Gluconeogenesis is an endogenous process of glucose production from noncarbohydrate carbon substrates.Both the liver and kidneys express the key enzymes necessary for endogenous glucose production and its export into circulation.We would be remiss to add that more recently gluconeogenesis has been described in the small intestine,especially under high-protein,lowcarbohydrate diets.The contribution of the liver glucose release,the net glucose flux,towards systemic glucose is already well known.The liver is,in most instances,the primary bulk contributor due to the sheer size of the organ(on average,over 1 kg).The contribution of the kidney(at just over 100 g each)to endogenous glucose production is often under-appreciated,especially on a weight basis.Glucose is released from the liver through the process of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.Renal glucose release is almost exclusively due to gluconeogenesis,which occurs in only a fraction of the cells in that organ(proximal tubule cells).Thus,the efficiency of glucose production from other carbon sources may be superior in the kidney relative to the liver or at least on the level.In both these tissues,gluconeogenesis regulation is under tight hormonal control and depends on the availability of substrates.Liver and renal gluconeogenesis are differentially regulated under various pathological conditions.The impact of one source vs the other changes,based on post-prandial state,acid-base balance,hormonal status,and other less understood factors.Which organ has the oar(is more influential)in driving systemic glucose homeostasis is still inconclusive and likely changes with the daily rhythms of life.We reviewed the literature on the differences in gluconeogenesis regulation between the kidneys and the liver to gain an insight into who drives the systemic glucose levels under various physiological and pathological conditions.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Related Infertility Based on the Theory of“Liver and Kidney Homology”

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is an endocrine disorder caused by hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian(HPO)axis dysfunction.In the field of gynecology and reproduction,PCOS has emerged as both a research hot spot and a challenging area of study.According to Chinese medicine,this disease is related to kidney deficiency,phlegm and dampness obstruction,blood stasis and interconnection,Chong pulse impassability,the lack of Ren pulse,and the loss of uterine nourishment,all of which affect the normal development and maturation of eggs as well as the duration at which menstrual blood stores.In this paper,based on the theoretical basis of“liver collects blood,regulates the flow of qi,and is the master of drainage,”we explore the rationality of the treatment of this disease from the perspective of“liver and kidney have the same origin”and the development of PCOS-related infertility in relation to dysfunctional internal organs.We also explore the feasibility of treatment from the perspective of“liver and kidney homology,”expand the ideas for treatment,as well as develop and innovate the application of organ identification in PCOS in relation to infertility.

From strength to precision: A systematic review exploring the clinical utility of 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in abdominal imaging

BACKGROUND After approval for clinical use in 2017 early investigations of ultra-high-field abdominal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)have demonstrated the feasibility as well as diagnostic capabilities of liver,kidney,and prostate MRI at 7-Tesla.However,the elevation of the field strength to 7-Tesla not only brought advantages to abdominal MRI but also presented considerable challenges and drawbacks,primarily stemming from heightened artifacts and limitations in Specific Absorption Rate,etc.Furthermore,evidence in the literature is relatively scarce concerning human studies in comparison to phantom/animal studies which necessitates an investigation into the evidence so far in humans and summarizing all relevant evidence.AIM To offer a comprehensive overview of current literature on clinical abdominal 7T MRI that emphasizes current trends,details relevant challenges,and provides a concise set of potential solutions.METHODS This systematic review adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.A PubMed search,utilizing Medical Subject Headings terms such as"7-Tesla"and organ-specific terms,was conducted for articles published between January 1,1985,and July 25,2023.Eligibility criteria included studies exploring 7T MRI for imaging human abdominal organs,encompassing various study types(in-vivo/ex-vivo,method development,reviews/meta-analyses).Exclusion criteria involved animal studies and those lacking extractable data.Study selection involved initial identification via title/abstract,followed by a full-text review by two researchers,with discrepancies resolved through discussion.Data extraction covered publication details,study design,population,sample size,7T MRI protocol,image characteristics,endpoints,and conclusions.RESULTS The systematic review included a total of 21 studies.The distribution of clinical 7T abdominal imaging studies revealed a predominant focus on the prostate(n=8),followed by the kidney(n=6)and the hepatobiliary system(n=5).Studies on these organs,and in the pancreas,demonstrated clear advantages at 7T.However,small bowel studies showed no significant improvements compared to traditional MRI at 1.5T.The majority of studies evaluated originated from Germany(n=10),followed by the Netherlands(n=5),the United States(n=5),Austria(n=2),the United Kingdom(n=1),and Italy(n=1).CONCLUSION Further increase of abdominal clinical MRI field strength to 7T demonstrated high imaging potential,yet also limitations mainly due to the inhomogeneous radiofrequency(RF)excitation field relative to lower field strengths.Hence,further optimization of dedicated RF coil elements and pulse sequences are expected to better optimize clinical imaging at high magnetic field strength.

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.

Translational research and innovation in modern transplant practice:Paradigms from Greece and around the world

The continuous clinical and technological advances,together with the social,health and economic challenges that the global population faces,have created an environment where the evolution of the field of transplantation is essentially necessary.The goal of this special issue is to provide a picture of the current status of transplantation in Greece as well as in many other countries in Europe and around the world.Authors from Greece and several other countries provide us with valuable insight into their respective areas of transplant expertise,with a main focus on the field of translational research and innovation.The papers that are part of this Special Issue“Translational Research and Innovation and the current status of Transplantation in Greece”have presented innovative and meaningful approaches in modern transplant research and practice.They provide us with a clear overview of the current landscape in transplantation,including liver transplantation in the context of a major pandemic,the evolution of living donor kidney transplantation or the evolution of the effect of hepatitis C virus infection in transplantation,while at the same time explore more recent challenges,such as the issue of frailty in the transplant candidate and the changes brought by newer treatments,such as immunotherapy,in transplant oncology.Additionally,they offer us a glimpse of the effect that technological innovations,such as virtual reality,can have on transplantation,both in terms of clinical and educational aspects.Just as critical is the fact that this Special Issue emphasizes the multidisciplinary,collaborative efforts currently taking place that link transplant research and innovation with other cutting-edge disciplines such as bioengineering,advanced information technology and artificial intelligence.In this Special Issue,in addition to the clinical and research evolution of the field of transplantation,we are witnessing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in medicine.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Clinical trial with traditional Chinese medicine intervention ''tonifying the kidney to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting stem cells and their microenvironment'' for chronic hepatitis B-associated liver failure

AIM:To study the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)intervention"tonifying the kidney to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting stem cells and their microenvironment"("TTK")for treating liver failure due to chronic hepatitis B.METHODS:We designed the study as a randomized controlled clinical trial.Registration number of Chinese Clinical Trial Registry is Chi CTR-TRC-12002961.A total of 144 patients with liver failure due to infection with chronic hepatitis B virus were enrolled in this randomized controlled clinical study.Participants were randomly assigned to the following three groups:(1)a modern medicine control group(MMC group,36patients);(2)a"tonifying qi and detoxification"("TQD")group(72 patients);and(3)a"tonifying the kidney to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting stem cells and their microenvironment"("TTK")group(36patients).Patients in the MMC group received general internal medicine treatment;patients in the"TQD"group were given a TCM formula"tonifying qi and detoxification"and general internal medicine treatment;patients in the"TTK"group were given a TCM formula of"TTK"and general internal medicine treatment.All participants were treated for 8 wk and then followed at 48 wk following their final treatment.The primaryefficacy end point was the patient fatality rate in each group.Measurements of various virological and biochemical indicators served as secondary endpoints.The one-way analysis of variance and the t-test were used to compare patient outcomes in the different treatment groups.RESULTS:At the 48-wk post-treatment time point,the patient fatality rates in the MMC,"TQD",and"TTK"groups were 51.61%,35.38%,and 16.67%,respectively,and the differences between groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences in the levels of hepatitis B virus DNA or prothrombin activity among the three groups(P>0.05).Patients in the"TTK"group had significantly higher levels of serum total bilirubin compared to MMC subjects(339.40μmol/L±270.09μmol/L vs 176.13μmol/L±185.70μmol/L,P=0.014).Serum albumin levels were significantly increased in both the"TQD"group and"TTK"group as compared with the MMC group(31.30 g/L±4.77g/L,30.72 g/L±2.89 g/L vs 28.57 g/L±4.56 g/L,P<0.05).There were no significant differences in levels of alanine transaminase among the three groups(P>0.05).Safety data showed that there was one case of stomachache in the"TQD"group and one case of gastrointestinal side effect in the"TTK"group.CONCLUSION:Treatment with"TTK"improved the survival rates of patients with liver failure due to chronic hepatitis B.Additionally,liver tissue was regenerated and liver function was restored.

Oxidative Stress, Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations in the Liver and Kidney of Female Rats Exposed to Low Doses of Deltamethrin (DM):A Molecular Assessment

Objective To evaluate histopathological alterations of the liver and kidney of female rats exposed to low doses of DM and its potential genotoxic activity. Methods Female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control （3 groups, 6 rats in each） and treatment groups （3 groups, 6 rats in each）. They were subjected to subcutaneous injections of DM （at doses of 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 mg/kg bw/d） after 30, 45, and 60 d, respectively. Results Significant alterations were recorded in liver parenchyma induced by hepatic vacuolization, fragmented chromatin in nuclei, dilatation of sinusoids and congestions. Lesions within proximal and distal tubules were observed in the kidneys. Tissue congestions and severe alterations within glomeruli were visible. DM as a pyrethroid insecticide induced significant increase （P〈_O.05） of plasma MDA concentrations after 45 d. A significant increase （P_〈0.05） in plasma ALT （after 45 and 60 d） and AST （after 60 d） concentrations was recorded as compared to controls. During the whole experimental period the toxic agent provoked significant DNA damages （P〈0.05）, especially in the dominance of classes 3 and 4 of obtained comet. Conclusion DM even at a very low dose displays harmful effects by disrupting hepatic and renal function and causing DNA damages in puberscent female rats. Low doses of DM are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic.

Cumulative positive fluid balance is a risk factor for acute kidney injury and requirement for renal replacement therapy after liver transplantation

AIM To analyze whether fluid overload is an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes after liver transplantation(LT).METHODS One hundred and twenty-one patients submitted to LT were retrospectively evaluated.Data regarding perioperative and postoperative variables previously associated with adverse outcomes after LT were reviewed.Cumulative fluid balance(FB) in the first 12 h and 4 d after surgery were compared with major adverse outcomes after LT.RESULTS Most of the patients were submitted to a liberal approach of fluid administration with a mean cumulative FBover 5 L and 10 L,respectively,in the first 12 h and 4 d after LT.Cumulative FB in 4 d was independently associated with occurrence of both AKI and requirement for renal replacement therapy(RRT)(OR = 2.3;95%CI:1.37-3.86,P = 0.02 and OR = 2.89;95%CI:1.52-5.49,P = 0.001 respectively).Other variables on multivariate analysis associated with AKI and RRT were,respectively,male sex and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System(APACHE II) levels and sepsis or septic shock.Mortality was shown to be independently related to AST and APACHE II levels(OR = 2.35;95%CI:1.1-5.05,P = 0.02 and 2.63;95%CI:1.0-6.87,P = 0.04 respectively),probably reflecting the degree of graft dysfunction and severity of early postoperative course of LT.No effect of FB on mortality after LT was disclosed.CONCLUSION Cumulative positive FB over 4 d after LT is independently associated with the development of AKI and the requirement of RRT.Survival was not independently related to FB,but to surrogate markers of graft dysfunction and severity of postoperative course of LT.

Experimental Podophyllotoxin (Bajiaolian) Poisoning:——Ⅱ. Effects on the Liver, Intestine, Kidney, Pancreas and Testis

Young male rats were orally intubated with podophyllotoxin: Group I, control animals, orally fed with vehicle only; Group Ⅱ, fed with an initial dose of 5 mg.kg-1 b.w., followed by a daily dose of 1.67 mg-kg-1 b.w. for 7d. Group III, fed with an initial dose of 15 mg.kg-1 b.w., followed by a daily dose of 5 mg.kg-1 b.w. for 7d. All animals were sacrificed 72 h after the last dosing.Histopathological examination revealed dose-related fatty change of the liver, atrophy andi degenerative changes of the intestinal epithelial linings and testicular seminiferous tubules. Depletion of the pancreatic acinar cell granules was also apparent in the Group III animals. No pathology, however, was observed in the kidneys. The present study demonstrated for the first time degenerative changes in the liver, intestine, testis, and pancreas of animals ingested podophyllotoxin. These pathological changes correlate well with the clinical signs/symptoms of abnormal liver function, abdominal pain and diarrhea, and reduced serum amylase in humans poisonded by podophyllum. Inhibition of protein synthesis and mitosis (disruption of microtubules) are believed to be the underlying mechanisms of these changes observed in the animals intoxicated by. podophyllotoxin.

Influences of Chloropazine, Nimodipine and Their Combination on the Toxic Effects of Cadmium in Liver and Kidney of Mice

The influences of the calmodulin antagonist chlorpromazine (CPZ), and calcium channel blocker nimodipine (NIMO) and their combination on cadmium (Cd) poisoning of mice were studied. A seties of biochemical parameters including urinary enzyme activities, blood and urine Cd levels, metallothionein (MT) contents in liver and kidney, hepatic ultrastructure and Ca2+ -Mg2+ AT-Pase activity in erythrocyte membrane were determined. Animal models for Cd poisoning were established by peritoneal injection of 1/5 LD50 CdCl2. The experimental groups were protected by administration of CPZ, NIMO and CPZ and NIMO in combination l h before the injection of CdCl2. Five days later, samples were collected for analysis. The data showed that Crs could protect kidney tissue against Cd-induced damage, as the urinary γ-glutamyl traspepti dase (γ- GT ) and N- acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities were reduced significantly. There was neither evidence of the protective effect of NIMO on kidney tissue nor an indication of a synergistic effecf of Crs and NIMO.Both CPZ and NIMO showed a considerable protective effect against the deerease in Ca2+ -Mg2+ AT-Pase activity, and a synergistic action was observed. Cd content in blood was reduced significanily by CPZ or the combination of CPZ and NIMO, but elevated by NIMO. Both CPZ and NIMO consideraby increased MT contents in livers and kidneys and ameliorated damaged to the hepatic ultrastructures caused by Cd. The results indicated that these inhibitors could protect mice against the toxic effects of Cd in liver and kidney tissues, while CPZ was more efficient than NIMO. The combination of CPZ and NIMO exerted a synergistic action. The protective action of these two drugs might be relevent to the function of MT.

Research Progress of Osteoporosis Based on the Theory of"Homology of Liver and Kidney"

Osteoporosis is a systemic chronic metabolic bone disease,mainly in the elderly and postmenopausal women.At present,most of the clinical treatment is western medicine,but the curative effect is not very significant.In the treatment of osteoporosis,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is mainly based on the overall concept of TCM.This article briefly analyzes osteoporosis from the theory of"liver and kidney homology,"discusses the research on osteoporosis in TCM,and hopes to provide reference for the clinical treatment and research of osteoporosis.

Fertaric acid amends bisphenol A-induced toxicity,DNA breakdown,and histopathological changes in the liver,kidney,and testis

BACKGROUND Bisphenol A(BPA)is present in many plastic products and food packaging.On the other hand,fertaric acid(FA)is a hydroxycinnamic acid.AIM To investigate the effect of FA on BPA-related liver,kidney,and testis toxicity,DNA breakdown,and histopathology in male rats.METHODS Thirty male albino rats were divided into five equal groups(6 rats/group):Control,paraffin oil,FA-,BPA-,and FA+BPA-treated groups.The control and paraffin oil groups were administered orally with 1 mL distilled water and 1 mL paraffin oil,respectively.The FA-,BPA-,and FA+BPA-treated groups were administered orally with FA(45 mg/kg,bw)dissolved in 1 mL distilled water,BPA(4 mg/kg,bw)dissolved in 1 mL paraffin oil,and FA(45 mg/kg,bw)followed by BPA(4 mg/kg,bw),respectively.All these treatments were given once a day for 6 wk.RESULTS BPA induced a significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase,acid phosphatase,sodium,potassium and chloride,testosterone,dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase,3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase,and testis protein levels but a highly significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,γ-glutamyl transpeptidase,lactate dehydrogenase,bilirubin,urea,creatinine,uric acid,luteinizing hormone,follicle stimulating hormone,sex hormone binding globulin,blood urea nitrogen,and testis cholesterol levels.Also,FA inhibited the degradation of liver,kidney,and testis DNA content.Oral administration of FA to BPA-treated rats restored all the above parameters to normal levels.CONCLUSION FA ameliorates BPA-induced liver,kidney,and testis toxicity,DNA breakdown,and histopathological changes.

The Role of Pumpkin Extraction on the Liver and Kidney of Mice Previously Treated with Haloperidol during Lactation

The present study was initiated to investigate the effect ofhaloperidol on the histological structures of the liver and kidney of mice and their infants. Pumpkin was used to inhibit the toxic effects of this drug. Mothers, directly after delivery from the first day to the weaning age at the 21 day were divided into four groups： the first group （control）, the second group supplied with （1 mg haloperidol /kg/B.W./day）, the third group was supplied with （1 ml pumpkin extraction/kg/B.W./day）, the fourth group was supplied with （1 ml pumpkin/Kg/B.W.）. The histological examination of the haloperidol treated mothers revealed its bad condition in compare with the other groups where there was absence of natural architecture of the liver and complete disintegration of the renal tubules. Also, the same symptoms were recorded in the liver and kidney of the infants. An obvious improvement in the structures of liver and kidney in mothers and infants as well as the recovery of most tissues to their normal appearance after the treatment with the mixture of haloperidol and pumpkin in compare with the haloperidol-group and pumpkin-group also showed a normal structure as the control-group.

Estimation of Heavy Metal Levels in the Muscle, Gizzard, Liver and Kidney of Broiler, Layer and Local (Cockerel) Chickens Raised within Awka Metropolis and Its Environs, Anambra State, South Eastern Nigeria

65 chickens (layer, broiler and cockerel) from different farms within Awka metropolis and its environs were purchased, processed and analyzed for the levels of heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, V and Cu) in the internal organs (muscle, gizzard, liver and kidney) of the chickens using flame atomic absorption spectrometer after nitric/perchloric acid digestion. The ranges of mean concentrations of the metals in the internal organs of the chickens in mg/g were Pb;(0.046 - 0.478) As;(0.053 - 0.318), Cd;(0.027 - 0.649), Cr;(0.045 - 0.234), Hg;(0.052 - 0.740), Ni;(0.038 - 0.534), V;(0.037 - 0.053), and Cu;(0.146 - 0.445). About 10% - 40% of Pb, Cd and Hg exceeded the permissible level of 0.5 ppm set for these metals in the liver and kidney of the chickens. Anova analysis revealed significance of the heavy metals in the internal organs of the chickens at p < 0.05.

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.

In vitro intracellular IFNγ, IL-17 and IL-10 producing T cells correlates with the occurrence of post-transplant opportunistic infection in liver and kidney recipients

AIM To validate intracellular cytokine production functional assay as means of cell-mediated immunity monitoring of post-transplant patients with opportunistic infection(OI).METHODS Intracellular cytokine-producing CD4^+ and CD8^+ T-cell monitoring was carried out in 30 liver transplant(LTr) and 31 kidney transplant(KTr) recipients from 2010 to 2012. Patients were assessed in our Department of Immunology at the Clinical University ‘Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB' in Murcia, Spain for one year following transplantation. FACS Canto Ⅱ flow cytometer was employed to quantify the intracellular production of IL-17, IFNγ and IL-10 cytokines on stimulated CD4^+CD69^+ and CD8^+CD69^+ T cells and BD FACS DIVA v.6 software was used to analysed the data. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 22.0.RESULTS LTr with OI had significantly lower % of CD8^+CD69^+IFNγ^+T cells at 60(7.95 ± 0.77 vs 26.25 ± 2.09, P < 0.001), 90(7.47 ± 1.05 vs 30.34 ± 3.52, P < 0.001) and 180(15.31 ± 3.24 vs 24.59 ± 3.28, P = 0.01) d posttransplantation. Higher % of CD4^+CD69^+IL-10^+ as well as CD4^+CD69^+IL-17^+ T cells were yet reported at 30(14.06 ± 1.65 vs 6.09 ± 0.53, P = 0.0007 and 4.23 ± 0.56 vs 0.81 ± 0.14, P = 0.005; respectively), 60(11.46 ± 1.42 vs 4.54 ± 0.91, P = 0.001 and 4.21 ± 0.59 vs 1.43 ± 0.42, P = 0.03; respectively) and 90 d(16.85 ± 1.60 vs 4.07 ± 0.63, P < 0.001 and 3.97 ± 0.43 vs 0.96 ± 0.17, P = 0.001). Yet, KTr with OI had significantly lower percentage of CD4^+CD69^+IFNγ^+ at 30(11.80 ± 1.59 vs 20.64 ± 3.26, P = 0.035), 60(11.19 ± 1.35 vs 15.85 ± 1.58, P = 0.02), 90(11.37 ± 1.42 vs 22.99 ± 4.12, P = 0.028) and 180(13.63 ± 2.21 vs 21.93 ± 3.88, P = 0.008) d post-transplantation as opposed to CD4^+CD69^+IL-10^+ and CD8^+CD69^+IL-10^+ T cells which percentages were higher at 30(25.21 ± 2.74 vs 8.54 ± 1.64, P < 0.001 and 22.37 ± 1.35 vs 17.18 ± 3.54, P = 0.032; respectively), 90(16.85 ± 1.60 vs 4.07 ± 0.63, P < 0.001 and 23.06 ± 2.89 vs 10.19 ± 1.98, P = 0.002) and 180(21.81 ± 1.72 vs 6.07 ± 0.98, P < 0.001 and 19.68 ± 2.27 vs 10.59 ± 3.17, P = 0.016) d posttransplantation. The au ROC curve model determined the most accurate cut-off values to stratify LTr and KTr at high risk of OI and Cox Regression model confirmed these biomarkers as the most significant risk factors to opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Post-transplant percentages of T-cell subsets differed significantly amongst infected-and non-infected-LTr and-KTr and yet this imbalance was found to contribute towards a worst clinical outcome.

Theoretical Discussion on Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Based on Theory of Liver,Spleen and Kidney

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a disease in which ulnar nerve is compressed by its surrounding tissues,and its main clinical manifestations are pain,sensory disturbance and dyskinesia.Its incidence rate is the second highest among peripheral nerve entrapment diseases,and it is one of the common clinical diseases.The theory of liver,spleen and kidney can guide the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.By discussing the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis and treatment principles of cubital tunnel syndrome,it provides modern medical theoretical support for TCM treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

An analysis of Liver and Kidney pathogenesis and treatment based on the theory of interpromotion and restraint of the five elements

The interpromotion and restraint of the five elements is the self-regulation mechanism of the five elements system under normal conditions.For the human viscera,by comparing the images,deducing and classifying the attributes of things,the human viscera are connected with the five elements,and it is concluded that the Liver belongs to Wood and the Kidney belongs to Water.According to the law of mutual generation and restriction between the five elements,the pathogenic causes,pathogenesis and relationship with other viscera of the Liver and Kidney can be known,so as to establish corresponding treatment methods,such as"Nourishing Water and protecting Wood"(providing Kidney for the growth of Liver method),"Golden Water symbiosis"(generation between the Lung and Kidney),"Cultivating soil and generating gold"(warming the Kidney and benefited Spleen method),Supporting lung to suppress Liver,purging heart Fire to nourish renal Water method,etc.It is of referential significance for the treatment of Liver and Kidney diseases in the diagnosis and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.