A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, 2017. / Background Abnormalities of mineral bone disease have been consistently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The consequences of these changes have also been shown to differ across races. However, in Africa the impact of derangements of CKD -mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) on patients with CKD is largely unknown. In addition, studies from the USA have reported racial variations in markers of CKD and it remains unclear whether genetic factors may explain this discrepancy in the levels of biochemical markers of CKD-MBD across ethnic groups. Therefore, this study has been conducted to determine the existence of racial differences in the levels of fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23) and traditional markers of mineral bone metabolism in a heterogeneous African CKD population, and to provide important insights into the pattern and genetic variability of CKD-MBD in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This was a cross sectional multicenter study carried out from April 2015 to May 2016, involving two hundred and ninety three CKD patients from three renal units in Johannesburg, South Africa. The retrospective arm of this study involved two hundred and thirteen patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) from two dialysis centers in Johannesburg between January 2009 and March 2016. The first part of this study described the pattern of CKD-MBD in MHD patients using traditional markers of CKD-MBD. The second part of the study looked into the spectrum of CKD-MBD and racial variations in markers of CKD-MBD in pre dialysis and dialysis patients. This was followed by the genetic aspect of the study that examined the influence of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms on biochemical markers of mineral bone disorders. Lastly, the study also evaluated the association between markers of CKD-MBD and mortality in MHD patients. Results The prevalence of hyperparathyroidism (iPTH>150 pg/mL), hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia and 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (<30 ng/mL) was 73.4%, 57.0%, 20.3% and 80.7 % respectively in our MHD patients. The combination of markers of bone turnover (iPTH>150 pg/mL and total alkaline phosphatase > 112 U/L) suggestive of high turnover bone disease, was present in 47.3 % of the study population. The odds ratios for developing secondary hyperparathyroidism with hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia were 5.32 (95% CI 1.10 - 25.9, P =0.03) and 3.06 (95 % CI 1.15 - 8.10, P =0.02) respectively. The 293 CKD patients (208 blacks, 85 whites) had an overall mean age of 51.1±13.6 years, and black patients were significantly younger than the white patients (48.4 ±.13.6 versus 57.1±15.5 years; p<0.001). In comparison to whites, blacks had higher median iPTH (498 [37-1084] versus 274[131-595] pg/ml; P=0.03), alkaline phosphatase (122[89-192] versus 103[74-144] U/L; P=0.03) and mean 25- hydroxyvitamin D (26.8±12.7 versus 22.7 ±12.2 ng/ml, P=0.01) levels, while their median FGF23 (100 [34-639] versus 233[80-1370] pg/ml; P=0.002) and mean serum phosphate (1.3±0.5 versus 1.5±0.5, P =0.001) levels were significantly lower. With the exception of vitamin D receptor (VDR) Taq I polymorphism, the distribution of the VDR polymorphisms differs significantly between blacks and whites. In hemodialysis patients, the BsmI Bb genotype was significantly associated with moderate secondary hyperparathyroidism (OR, 3.88; 95 CI 1.13-13.25, P=0.03) and severe hyperparathyroidism (OR, 2.54; 95 CI 1.08-5.96, P=0.03). Patients with high total alkaline phosphatase (TAP) had significantly higher risk of death compared to patients with TAP <112 U/L (hazard ratio, 2.50; 95% CI 1.24–5.01, P = 0.01). Similarly, serum calcium >2.75 mmol/L was associated with increased risk of death compared to patients within levels of 2.10–2.37 mmol/L (HR 6.34, 95% CI 1.40–28.76; P = 0.02). The HR for death in white patients compared to black patients was 6.88; 95% CI 1.82–25.88; P = 0.004. Conclusions Secondary hyperparathyroidism and 25–hydroxyvitamin D deficiency were common in our haemodialysis patients. The study also highlighted the existence of racial differences in the circulating markers of mineral bone disorders in our African CKD population. In addition, the study showed that both moderate and severe secondary hyperparathyroidism are predicted by the BsmI Bb genotype, and the over expression of this genotype in black patients may partly explain the ethnic variations in the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism in the CKD population. High levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, hypercalcaemia, and white race are associated with increased risk of death in MHD patients. / LG2018

Patients were selected for the study on the basis of 1: A diagnosis of systemic Lupus Erythematosus according to the 1982 revised American Rheumatology Association criteria47 and 2: An adequate biopsy defined as containing at least six glomeruli. Patients were biopsied at Groote Schuur Hospital during the period 1978 to 1988 and the indications for renal biopsy were clinical based on laboratory results of renal function. Patients were followed between 1 and 120 months with a mean observation period of 34 months. The clinical records were scrutinised and the following pa·rameters were noted at the time of biopsy: age, sex, race, time from diagnosis to biopsy, serum urea, creatinine, creatinine clearence and urinary 24 hour protein. Using the latest serum urea, creatinine, creatinine clearence and / or 24 hour urinary protein where available, outcome was graded as: 1: An improvement in renal function 2: A stable renal function 3: Deterioration in renal function 4: Patient on dialysis 5: Death due to disease.

The cytosolic protein rubicon (RUBCN) has been implicated in the removal of necrotic debris and autoimmunity. However, the role of RUBCN in models of acute kidney injury (AKI), a condition that typically involves necrotic kidney tubules, was not investigated. Here, we demonstrate that RUBCN-deficient mice are hypersensitive to renal damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and cisplatin-induced AKI. Combined deficiency of RUBCN and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) partially reversed the sensitivity in the IRI model suggesting that the absence of RUBCN sensitizes to necroptosis in that model. Necroptosis is known to contribute to TNFα-induced severe inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), but we detected no statistically significant difference in overall survival following injection of TNFα in RUBCN-deficient mice. We additionally generated RUBCN-deficient mice which lack gasdermin D (GSDMD), the terminal mediator of pyroptosis, but no reversal of the AKI phenotype was observed. Finally, and in contrast to the previous understanding of the role of RUBCN, we did not find a significant autoimmune phenotype in RUBCN-deficient mice, but detected chronic kidney injury (CKD) in aged RUBCN-deficient mice of both sexes. In summary, our data indicate that RUBCN-deficient mice are hypersensitive to kidney injury.

Yes / Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur rarely in patients exposed to iodinated contrast and result in contrast-induced AKI (CI-AKI). A key risk factor is the presence of pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD), therefore it is important to assess patient risk and obtain kidney function measurement prior to administration. Point of care (PoC) testing provides an alternative strategy but there remains uncertainty, with respect to diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. A device study compared three PoC analysers (Nova StatSensor, Abbott i-STAT, Radiometer ABL800 FLEX) with a reference laboratory standard (Roche Cobas 8000 series, enzymatic creatinine). Three hundred adult patients attending a UK hospital phlebotomy department were recruited to have additional blood samples for analysis on the PoC devices. The ABL800 FLEX had the strongest concordance with laboratory measured serum creatinine (mean bias=-0.86, 95% limits of agreement = -9.6 to 7.9) followed by the i-STAT (average bias=3.88, 95% limits of agreement = -8.8 to 16.6) and StatSensor (average bias=3.56, 95% limits of agreement = -27.7 to 34.8). In risk classification, the ABL800 FLEX and i-STAT identified all patients with an eGFR≤30, whereas the StatSensor resulted in a small number of missed high-risk cases (n=4/13) and also operated outside of the established performance goals. The screening of patients at risk of CI-AKI may be feasible with PoC technology. However in this study it was identified that the analyser concordance with the laboratory reference varies. It is proposed that further research exploring PoC implementation in imaging department pathways is needed. / Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network (Grant Number: YHP0318)

principal dificuldade na identificação de novos biomarcadores para doenças renais consiste em encontrar marcadores que são específicos do rim ou do processo patológico em que se encontra, além de conseguir caracterizar a doença renal independente de outras doenças pré-existentes. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar novos candidatos a biomarcadores, predominantemente renais, de lesão renal em um modelo suíno controlado unilateral de lesão renal aguda (LRA) por isquemia/reperfusão (I/R) renal percutânea. Para isto, foram feitas análises do proteoma e do nitroproteoma de amostras de urina e soro nos períodos pré-isquemia, isquemia (60min) e pós-reperfusão (4 ou 6h, 11 e 16h), e das de amostras do córtex renal após 24h de reperfusão, todas no Q-ExactiveTM. Os resultados foram analisados no MaxQuant seguidos da análise de biologia de sistemas. A seleção das proteínas candidatas a biomarcadores de lesão renal foi baseada na predominância de expressão dessas proteínas no rim através do banco TiGER e/ou Atlas Human Protein. Foram identificadas 1365 proteínas no proteoma total dos córtices renais, das quais 535 estavam presentes em pelo menos 3 animais e mais expressas no rim isquêmico, com excessão da Xaa-pró aminopeptidase 2. Estas proteínas participam dos processos de transcrição, tradução, adesão celular, proliferação e reparo, importantes para a recuperação da lesão renal após 24h. A intersecção das proteínas sub ou superexpressas no rim isquêmico com os proteomas do soro ou da urina resultou em seis proteínas séricas (VIM, HPSA8, HSPD1, COL1A1, LCP1e TPI1) entre as 170 identificadas capazes de fornecer um painel para LRA ou processo degenerativo. Enquanto na urina, foram identificadas 49 de 501 proteínas presentes na intersecção, sendo 4 predominantemente renais (BHMT2, GBA3, DDC e DPPIV). A atividade da DPPIV na urina aumentou após 4h de reperfusão retornando aos níveis basais após este período validando o nosso candidato a biomarcador. A DPPIV também foi validada em uma coorte de pacientes com nefropatia diabética que apresentou uma moderada correlação com os parâmetros ligados a disfunção renal: MDRD, proteinúria, hemoglobina glicada, PTH e renina. Apesar de não haver diferença na concentração de proteínas nitradas no rim contralateral e isquêmico houve uma diferença no perfil de proteínas encontradas. Foram identificadas 843 proteínas no nitroproteoma dos córtices renais das quais 53 estavam superexpressas no rim isquêmico e 2 no rim contralateral. Das 55 proteínas, 38% eram mitocondriais e relacionadas com as vias energéticas. Foi possível validar a nitração de duas destas proteínas, a DPPIV e a BHMT2. No nitroproteoma da urina identificou-se 126 proteínas das quais 27 se agruparam de forma diferente para cada período do experimento baseado no comportamento da expressão proteica. A excreção de proteínas nitradas também foi observada no tempo basal, supondo um papel fisiológico da nitração. Além disso, o perfil de excreção de proteínas nitradas ao longo da I/R foi independente das mudanças ocorridas no perfil proteico total. Por fim, duas proteínas se destacaram como candidatas a biomarcador, a UMOD e a ALDOB. Já, o nitroproteoma sérico resultou em 55 proteínas, das quais as 33 mais representativas dos animais foram capazes de separar o período antes e após a reperfusão renal. Duas destas proteínas foram consideradas candidatas a biomarcadores de lesão renal, a SEMG2 e a DMGDH, esta última foi validada. A partir dos resultados gerados, foi possível identificar alterações proteicas ao longo da I/R renal, novas proteínas nitradas e novos candidatos a biomarcador de lesão renal. Novos estudos com uma abordagem mais direcionada e aprofundada devem ser desenvolvidos, tanto para confirmar os candidatos a biomarcadores e seu potencial uso clínico, quanto para analisar o comportamento fisiopatológico e bioquímico das proteínas com e sem nitração na LRA por I/R renal em rins morfo-fisiologicamente semelhantes aos encontrados em humanos / The main bottleneck in studies aiming to identify novel biomarkers in kidney disease has been the identification of markers that are organ and process specific and characterize the kidney disease regarding other other pre-existing diseases. The aim of this study was to identify new candidates, predominantly renal, that could be used as systemic biomarkes for acute kidney disease (AKI) in a unilateral percutaneous controlled porcine renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. The nitroproteome and proteome of urine and serum samples were analyzed in Q-ExactiveTM on the period pre-ischemia, ischemia (60 min) and 4, 11 and 16 h post-reperfusion. The renal cortex samples were analyzed only after 24 h of reperfusion. The results were analyzed in the MaxQuant followed by systems biology analysis. The selection of candidate proteins for renal injury was based on the predominance of expression of these proteins in the kidney through TiGER and Atlas Human Protein. In renal cortex proteome, it was identified 1365 proteins which 535 were present at least 3 animals and more expressed in ischemic kidney, with exception of Xaa-pro aminopeptidase 2. These proteins participate of transcription, translational, cellular adhesion, proliferation and repair, important for the recovery of renal injury after 24h. Intersecting the set of proteins up- or down-regulated in the ischemic tissue with both serum and urine proteomes, 6 serum proteins from 170 identified proteins (VIM, HPSA8, HSPD1, COL1A1, LCP1 and TPI1) were identified that may provide a set of targets for AKI or degenerative process. Additionally, 49 from 501 urinary proteins were identified in the intersection, being 4 predominantly renal (BHMT2, GBA3, DDC and DPPIV). As a proof of concept, the activity of DPPIV in the urine increased after 4h of reperfusion returning to baseline levels after this period and with subsequent translational validation in a cohort of patients with diabetic nephropathy who presented a moderate correlation with the parameters related to renal dysfunction: MDRD, proteinuria, glycated hemoglobin, PTH and renin Althought there was no diference between nitrated proteins levels in contralateral and ischemic kidneys, there was difference in the protein profile found. In niroproteome from cortex were identified 843 proteins, of which 53 were up-regulated in the ischemic kidney and 2 in the contralateral kidney. Of the 55 proteins, 38% were mitochondrial and related to the energy pathways. It was possible to validate the nitration of two of these proteins, DPPIV and BHMT2. In the urine nitroproteome, 126 proteins were identified, 27 of which were grouped differently for each period of the experiment based on the behavior of protein expression. The nitrated protein excretion was also observed at baseline, assuming a physiological role of nitration. In adition, the profile of urine proteins along I/R was independent of changes in the total protein profile. Finally, two proteins stood out as candidates for biomarker, UMOD and ALDOB. The serum nitroproteome resulted in 55 identified proteins, 33 were more representative from animals and they able to distinguish the periods before and after renal reperfusion. Two predominantly renal proteins, SEMG2 and DMGDH, were described as candidates to renal injury biomarkers and the last protein was validated. From these results, proteins changes were observed along the renal I/R, new nitrated proteins and new candidates for biomarkers of kidney injury were identified. New studies with a more focused and in-depth approach should be developed both to confirm the candidates for biomarkers and their potential clinical use and to analyze the pathophysiological and biochemical behavior of the proteins with and without nitration in AKI by I/R renal in kidneys morphologically and physiologically similar to those found in humans

Introdução: O Diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) cursa com produção ausente ou irrisória de insulina e é a forma responsável pelos casos mais graves de distúrbios glicêmicos. O DM1 exerce forte influência sobre o crescimento fetal. Enquanto a hiperglicemia estimula o crescimento fetal devido à hiperinsulinemia, nas pacientes com vasculopatias a placentação inadequada pode levar o feto à restrição. Objetivos: identificar alterações de crescimento fetal e avaliá-las quanto a sua associação com o controle glicêmico materno e de marcadores laboratoriais de função renal. Métodos: foram avaliadas, de forma prospectiva em coorte observacional, 60 gestantes com DM1 que iniciaram o pré-natal no primeiro trimestre. A associação entre a classificação de peso ao nascimento com as seguintes variáveis foi analisada: média glicêmica, frequência de hipo e hiperglicemia, frequência de hipo e hiperglicemia grave, hemoglobina glicada, frutosamina, ácido úrico, creatinina e proteinúria de 24 horas. A predição do crescimento fetal também foi estudada. Resultados: Desvios do crescimento fetal em pacientes com DM1 ocorreram em 41% dos casos (n=25). Observou-se que 10% das gestações resultaram em PIG (n=6) e 31%, em GIG (n=19). Níveis aumentados de média glicêmica (p =0,006), baixa frequência de hipoglicemias (p = 0,027) e alta frequência de hiperglicemias (p = 0,014) se associaram a GIG no terceiro trimestre. Em todos os trimestres, valores séricos mais elevados de ácido úrico, creatinina e proteinúria de 24hs, se associaram de maneira significativa, ao grupo PIG. Foi construído um modelo, com taxa de acerto de 80.3%, para a predição de crescimento fetal com os valores de terceiro trimestre da média glicêmica e da creatinina. Conclusões: Foram identificadas variáveis relacionadas ao controle glicêmico materno e à marcadores laboratoriais de função renal que se associaram a alterações no crescimento fetal. Usando algumas dessas variáveis foi possível construir um modelo para predição do crescimento fetal com boa acurácia / Introduction. Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is described as absent or negligible production of insulin and it is responsible for the most severe cases of glycemic disorders. DM1 has a strong influence on fetal growth. In pregnant women the hyperglycemia stimulates fetal growth, and the vasculopathy influences the placentation process, which may lead to growth restriction. Objective. To identify fetal growth disorders and their association with maternal glycemic control and laboratory markers of renal function. Methods. Sixty pregnant women with DM1 were prospectively followed from the first trimester in an observational cohort. The association between birthweight classification with the following parameter were investigated: glycemic mean, frequency of hypo and hyperglycemia, frequency of severe hyper and hypoglycemia, glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine, uric acid, creatinine and proteinuria of 24 hours. The prediction of fetal growth was also investigated. Results. Abnormal fetal growth was observed in 41% (n= 25). Large for gestational age (LGA) was observed in 31.7% (n=19) and small for gestational age (SGA) in 10% (n= 6). High values of glycemic mean (p = 0.006), low frequency of hypoglycemia (p = 0.027) and high frequency of hyperglycemia (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with LGA fetal growth in the third trimester. In all trimesters, the SGA fetal growth was significantly associated with higher serum values of uric acid, creatinine and proteinuria of 24 hours. The prediction model for fetal growth, using values of glycemic mean and creatinine, was significant in the third trimester with an accuracy of 80.3%. Conclusions. The maternal glycemic control and the laboratory markers of renal function associated with the fetal growth disorders in pregnancies with DM1 were identified. Using these parameters it was possible to predict with a good accuracy the fetal growth in DM1

Células tronco mesenquimais (CTm) apresentam potencial para tratamento da doença renal pela possibilidade de promover regeneração tecidual e recuperação funcional, possivelmente por seus efeitos parácrinos. Na última década, o líquido amniótico foi descrito como uma fonte promissora de extração e isolamento de CTm. Alguns estudos mostraram o efeito renoprotetor das CTm derivadas do líquido amniótico (CTmLA) na doença renal aguda e crônica, quando inoculadas precocemente. Entretanto, ainda não foi estudado o efeito da administração de CTmLA em modelo experimental de doença renal crônica (DRC) com a lesão já estabelecida, situação esta que reproduz melhor a apresentação clínica da doença nos pacientes. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o efeito da inoculação de CTmLA na região subcapsular renal no modelo de DRC já estabelecido. As CTmLA foram obtidas de pacientes no segundo trimestre de gestação e isoladas através da sua capacidade de aderência ao plástico. A caracterização das CTm foi feita por citometria de fluxo e pela diferenciação celular in vitro. O modelo de DRC utilizado foi o de nefrectomia 5/6 (Nx) que, pela perda de massa renal, evolui com hipertensão arterial, proteinúria, glomeruloesclerose, fibrose intersticial e perda progressiva da função renal. Quinze dias após a indução do modelo, estas alterações já são marcantes e agravam-se com 30 dias. Foram realizados 2 protocolos experimentais: no protocolo I, os animais Nx com DRC estabelecida receberam dose única de CTmLA (5x105) na região subcapsular renal e foram acompanhados por 30 e 60 dias de experimento. No protocolo II, os animais Nx com DRC estabelecida receberam duas doses de CTmLA (5x105) na região subcapsular renal, no 15° e 30° dia após a nefrectomia 5/6, e foram acompanhados por 30 dias, totalizando 60 dias de experimento. Os animais foram subdivididos nos grupos: Sham, ratos submetidos à cirurgia fictícia; Sham+CTmLA, ratos submetidos à Sham que receberam CTmLA; Nx, ratos submetidos à nefrectomia 5/6; Nx+CTmLA, ratos Nx que receberam CTmLA. Para verificar a localização das CTmLA no tecido renal foi realizada a hibridização in situ para cromossomo XY. Foram realizadas análises dos parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, além de análise histológica, imunohistoquímica, PCR em tempo real e multiplex. Resultados: as CTmLA cultivadas mostraram grande capacidade de aderência, crescimento em colônia e de diferenciação em células osteogênicas, adipogênicas e condrogênicas. A análise por citometria mostrou-se positiva para CD29, CD44, CD90 e CD105, com uma pequena população de células de CD14, CD34, CD45 e CD117, confirmando a presença preponderante de CTm. Protocolo I: Após 30 dias, a inoculação de CTmLA, dose única, preveniu a elevação da pressão arterial, da proteinúria, da glomeruloesclerose, recuperando a expressão dos marcadores de podócitos, WT-1 e sinaptopodina. Entretanto, não houve efeito benéfico nos níveis de creatinina sérica e na fibrose intersticial, após 30 e 60 dias. O tratamento com CTmLA promoveu uma diminuição marcante do número de macrófagos e uma discreta queda dos leucócitos no infiltrado inflamatório renal, além da diminuição do número de miofibroblastos no interstício renal. Citocinas pró-inflamatórias foram encontradas em menor concentração no tecido renal dos animais que receberam CTmLA (IL-1beta, TNF-alfa, MCP-1 e RANTES). Não houve alteração significativa das citocinas Th1 e Th2, exceto por um aumento da IL-4 nos animais tratados com CTmLA. Os animais que foram acompanhados por 60 dias tiveram uma melhora da proteinúria, da glomeruloesclerose, diminuição do infiltrado de macrófagos e uma melhora da expressão de WT-1. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas nos parâmetros de creatinina sérica e fibrose intersticial, aos 30 e 60 dias. Protocolo II: Nos animais que receberam a segunda dose de CTmLA e foram acompanhados por 60 dias observou-se prevenção da elevação da pressão arterial e da proteinúria, além de uma marcante diminuição da fibrose intersticial. Em conclusão, o presente estudo mostrou, pela primeira vez, que a terapia com CTmLA foi capaz de induzir renoproteção nos animais com doença renal crônica estabelecida. O tratamento com CTmLA pode representar uma nova abordagem terapêutica bloqueando a progressão da doença renal crônica / Mesenchymal stem cells (mSC) represent therapeutic potential for the treatment of renal diseases, due to their ability to induce tissue regeneration and functional recovery. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFmSC) are a class of fetal, pluripotent stem cells, which present characteristics intermediate between embryonic and adult stem cells. These cells are characterized by the expression of mesenchymal stem cells markers. In addition, they have the ability to differentiate into lineages of all embryonic germ layers. They also show high proliferative rates, but do not induce tumor formation. Therefore, AFmSC are considered to be a very promising cell source and these characteristics have generated a great interest concerning their potential renoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of AFmSC in an experimental model of chronic kidney disease, the 5/6 nephrectomy model (Nx), after the disease has been established, in order to more closely resemble the clinical settings in humans. AFmSC derived from second-trimester amniocentesis were isolated by plastic adhesion. After 4-7 passages, AFmSC characteristics were confirmed by flow cytometry and by their ability to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages. Two experimental protocols were performed: In protocol I, rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) or sham surgery at day 0, received at day 15 a single dose of hAFmSC (5x105 cells) injected under the renal capsule and were studied at day 30 and 60 days. In protocol II, rats underwent Nx or sham surgery, and received at days 15 and 30, two doses of hAFmSC (5x105 cells) injected under the renal capsule, and were studied at day 60. In both protocols, the animals were subdivided into four groups: Sham, rats submitted to fictitious surgery; Sham+hAFmSC, Sham rats that received hAFmSC; Nx, rats submitted to nephrectomy 5/6; Nx+hAFmSC, Nx rats receiving hAFmSC. The hAFmSC were followed in the renal tissue by in situ hybridization for XY chromosome. In all the groups, clinical and histological parameters were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Results: AFmSC cultivated demonstrated an ability to adhere to plastic, to grow in colonies and to differentiate in osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic cells. Quantitative analysis of cell markers by flow cytometry showed that isolated cells were positive for CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105, with a small population of cells positive for CD14, CD34, CD45 and CD117, confirming a preponderant presence of mSC. Protocol I: After 30 days, the single dose of hAFmSC significantly reduced the blood pressure levels, proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and improved the expression of podocytes markers, WT-1 and synaptopodin. A marked decrease on the number of macrophages and a discrete decrease of leucocyte infiltration, as well as a reduction of interstitial myofibroblasts was observed. Treatment with hAFmSC significantly reduced some proinflammatory cytokines (IL1beta, TNF-alpha, MCP-1 and RANTES). No significant difference in Th1 or Th2 cytokines was observed, except for IL-4 increase in Nx rats treated with hAFmSC. At 60 days of follow-up, Nx rats treated with hAFmSC presented reduced proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and macrophages besides increase in WT-1 expression. No improvements were observed on serum creatinine and of interstitial fibrosis, after 30 and 60 days. Protocol II: Inoculation of two doses of hAFmSC in Nx rats improved blood pressure levels, proteinuria and interstitial fibrosis at day 60. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated, for the first time, that hAFmSC induced renoprotection in animals with established chronic kidney disease. Treatment with hAFmSC may represent a novel therapeutic approach for blocking the progression of chronic kidney disease

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5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}</style><![endif]--></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Uvod: Aristolohična kiselina I je nefrotoksična i kancerogena supstanca koja je odgovorna za nefropatiju koja nastaje usled kori&scaron;ćenja herbalnih preparata i čajeva za mr&scaron;avljenje. S obzirom da se ova supstanca može naći u korovskim biljkama, smatra se jednim od glavnih ekotoksikolo&scaron;kih uzroka za nastanak balkanske endemske nefropatije čiji definitivan uzrok jo&scaron; uvek nije otkriven. Toksičnost ove supstance je dokazana na brojnim animalnim modelima, međutim mehanizmi koji dovode do o&scaron;tećenja bubrežnog parenhima jo&scaron; u potpunosti nisu razja&scaron;njeni.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp; </span>Cilj: Doktorska disertacija je koncipirana sa ciljem da se utvrdi uticaj toksičnog jedinjenja aristolohične kiseline I na histopatolo&scaron;ke i imunohistohemijske karakteristike tubulointersticijuma i glomerula bubrega kod mi&scaron;eva, kao i na biohemijske parametre krvi i urina koji ukazuju na o&scaron;tećenje bubrega. Materijal i metode: U ekperimentu je kori&scaron;ćeno 64 mi&scaron;a soja NMRI koji su podeljeni u tri grupe: eksperimentalna grupa (n=32) koja je dobijala aristolohičnu kiselinu I rastvorenu u polietilen glikolu (2,5% PEG 400) u dozi od 10 mg/kg telesne mase, negativna kontrolna grupa koja je dobijala 2,5% PEG 400 (n=16) i kontrolna grupa koja je dobijala fiziolo&scaron;ki rastovor (n=16). Sve životinje su tretirane intraperitonealno svakodnevno tokom sedam dana. Tokom eksperimenta 8., 17., 29. i 59. dana sakupljan je dvadesetčetvoročasovni urin 8 životinja iz eksperimentalne grupe, 4 životinje iz negativne kontrolne i 4 životinje iz kontrolne grupe. Životinje su žrtvovane 9., 18., 30. i 60. dana, uzeta im je krv, dok su bubrezi posebno odvojeni radi histopatolo&scaron;ke analize. Na bubrežnom tkivu sprovedene su histohemijske, imunohistohemijske i morfometrijske analize, dok su na uzorcima seruma i urina sprovedene biohemijske analize. Dobijeni rezultati su testirani adekvatnim statističkim metodama i prikazani su tabelarno i grafički. Rezultati: Nefrotoksin aristolohična kiselina I nakon 7 dana aplikacije izaziva značajno o&scaron;tećenje bubrežnog parenhima. Pri aplikaciji 2,5% PEG 400 i fiziolo&scaron;kog rastvora ne dolazi do vidljivog o&scaron;tećenja bubrežnog parenhima. Histopatolo&scaron;ku sliku u ranoj fazi eksperimenta (9. i 18. dan) karakteri&scaron;e akutna tubulska nekroza proksimalnih tubula. U kasnijoj fazi (30. i 60. dana) uočava se histopatolo&scaron;ka slika hroničnog intersticijalnog nefritisa sa obilnim mononuklearnim ćelijskim infiltratima limfocitnog porekla kao i postojanje blage intersticijalne fibroze. Kod eksperimentalnih životinja je morfometrijskim metodama utvrđen veći stepen bubrežnog o&scaron;tećenja tubulointersticijuma i smanjen broj podocita u glomerulu u odnosu na kontrolne grupe. Biohemijske analize kod većine eksperimentalnih životinja su pokazale veće koncentracije serumske uree nego kod kontrolnih grupa. Takođe je dokazana albuminurija u kasnijoj fazi eksperimenta koja je veća kod životinja izloženih aristolohičnoj kiselini I nego kod životinja iz kontrolnih grupa. Zaključak: Kori&scaron;ćenjem morfometrijskih metoda u okviru histopatolo&scaron;kih i imunohistohemijskih ispitivanja, uz adekvatne biohemijske analize, može se zaključiti da je aristolohična kiselina I izuzetno nefrotoksično jedinjenje koje izaziva izrazite<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp; </span>promene tubulointersticijuma i glomerula. Podaci ovog istraživanja predstavljaju polaznu osnovu za dalja istraživanja dijagnostike u ranoj fazi nefropatija izazvanih aristolohičnim kiselinama.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp; </span></p> / <p>Introduction: Aristolochic acid I is a nephrotoxic and carcinogenic substance responsible for nephropathy caused by the use of herbal preparations and teas for slimminng regimen. Since this substance can be found in plants, it is considered one of the major ecotoxicological causes for the emergence of balkan endemic nephropathy whose definitive cause has not yet been revealed. The toxicity of this substance has been proven on numerous animal models, but pathophysiological mechanisms of kidney injury still remain unclear. Aim: The doctoral dissertation was designed to determine the influence of aristolochic acid on the histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of tubulointerstitium and glomerulus in mice, as well as the biochemical parameters of blood and urine that indicate kidney injury. Material and methods: For this study, 64 mouse of NMRI strain is used. They are divided into three groups: an experimental group (n=32) that received aristolochic acid I dissolved in polyethylene glycol (2.5% PEG 400) at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight, a negative control group that received 2.5% PEG 400 (n=16) and a control group that received only saline (n=16). All animals were treated intraperitoneally daily for seven days. During the experiment on the 8th, 17th, 29th and 59th day, twenty-four-hour urine was collected from 8 animals from the experimental group, 4 animals from the negative control and 4 animals from the control group. Animals were sacrificed on the 9th, 18th, 30th and 60th days, their blood was taken, while the kidneys were taken for histopathological analysis. Histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric analyzes were performed on renal tissue, while biochemical analyzes were performed on serum and urine samples. Obtained results were tested with adequate statistical methods and presented in a tables and graphs. Results: After 7 days of application nefrotoxin aristolochic acid I causes significant kidney injury. After application of 2.5% PEG 400 and saline, there was no visible damage to kidney parenchyma. Histopathological changes at the early stage of the experiment (9th and 18th day) were characterized by acute tubular necrosis of proximal tubules. At a later stage (30th and 60th day), chronic interstitial nephritis was observed in kidneys, with abundant mononuclear cell infiltrates in interstitium and presence of mild interstitial fibrosis. In experimental animals, a higher tubulointerstitial score of kidney injury and a decrease in the number of the podocytes in glomerulus were determined by morphometric methods, compared to the control groups. Biochemical analyzes in most experimental animals showed higher blood urea nitrogen concentrations than in control groups. High concentration of albumin in urine can be found in later stages of the experiment, and those concentrations were higher in animals exposed to aristolochic acid I than in animals from control groups.&nbsp; Conclusion: Using morphometric, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods, with adequate biochemical analysis, aristolochic acid I is proven to be an extremely nephrotoxic compound that causes drastic changes in tubulointerstitium and glomeruli of kidney parenhyma. Data from this study can be used for further research into early diagnosis of aristolochic acid nephropathy.</p>

Conclusions. The growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes and its cardiorenal complications place a major burden on our health care system. Diabetic kidney disease is of particular importance in Asian populations including Chinese. In this series of studies, using a large prospective cohort established since 1995, I confirmed the powerful predictive value of albuminuria on cardio-renal complications. Inhibition of the RAAS interacted with both modifiable and genetic factors, notably the ACE I/D polymorphism, on the development of cardio-renal complications. In addition, it was found that CKD predicts CVD independent of albuminuria. Based on two prospective studies, I confirmed the effectiveness of global risk-factor control using structured care protocol to prevent these devastating complications. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / I then examined the possible independent and interactive effects of CKD and albuminuria on cardio-renal outcomes in the original cohort of 5,004 patients. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. The frequency of CKD as defined by eGFR &lt;60ml/min/1.73m 2 was 15.8% in the cohort at baseline, when 6% of patients had serum creatinine &ge;150mumol/L. / In collaboration with colleagues, I have conducted a series of studies to examine the prognostic factors for cardio-renal complications in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. The modulating effects of RAAS inhibition and the effectiveness of rnuitidisciplinary care to prevent ESRD are also examined. / Research Hypotheses. (1) Albuminuria is a prognostic factor on cardio-renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients; (2) Chronic Kidney Disease is associated with other metabolic risk factors and phenotypes and is a prognostic factor on cardio-renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients; (3) Angiotensin-converting-enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism is a prognostic factor on cardio-renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients, and has an effect on treatment responses with RAAS blockage with ACE inhibitors; (4) Structured care models by risk stratification using various prognostic factors and adherence to care protocol can improve cardio-renal outcome in type 2 diabetes patients. / Results. In a prospective cohort of 5,004 patients, I examined the effect of albuminuria and ACE inhibition on survival and cardio-renal outcomes in 3,773 patients who had been observed for at least 6 months with a mean follow up period of 35.8 months. / Taken together, measurement of serum creatinine alone without GFR estimation may underestimate the frequency of CKD in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Estimated GFR was inversely associated wit-29h an increasing frequency of micro- and macrovascular complications cross-sectionally and an increased risk of all-cause mortality prospectively, independent of albuminuria and metabolic control. / So Wing Yee. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3422. / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 203-243). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / School code: 1307.

Background. Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by clustering of multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Diabetic albuminuria is associated with increased prevalence of both micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications. This thesis examined vascular function (Flow-mediated dilatation, FMD) in type 2 diabetic patients with particular emphasis on its relationships with nephropathy. Independent predictors for FMD in Chinese population using data from both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects as well as the predictive value of FMD on clinical endpoints and death in type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy were examined. / Conclusions. In Chinese subjects with or without type 2 diabetes, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia, smoking and albuminuria were independent predictors for FMD. Type 2 diabetic subjects with overt nephropathy had impaired endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent dilatation, suggesting vascular dysfunction beyond the endothelium. In agreement with studies from Caucasians, smoking was the most important determinant for vascular dysfunction in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. Furthermore, FMD was predictive of new onset of cardiovascular events and related death in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients with overt nephropathy. / In diabetic patients with overt nephropathy, smoking (current and ex-smokers), waist hip ratio (WHR) and serum creatinine were independent predictors for impaired FMD. The latter was predictive of advancement of IMT and was an independent predictor for new onset of combined cardiovascular diseases and related death after a follow up period of 42 months (log rank test=6.04, p=0.014 using Cox regression analysis) after controlling for all confounding factors. In addition, fasting total cholesterol and plasma glucose were predictive for all-cause mortality while serum creatinine predicted new onset of renal endpoint. In a subgroup analysis in diabetic patients with overt nephropathy, smokers who developed CVD or ESRD had greater diminution of FMD than those who did not develop clinical endpoints. / Methods and results. FMD was assessed using high-resolution ultrasound scan. In the cross-sectional study, the sample population was divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes and level of albuminuria. They included the non-diabetic group (N=52), diabetic group with normoalbuminuria (N=18), diabetic group with microalbuminuria (N=18) and diabetic group with overt nephropathy defined as macroalbuminuria and renal insufficiency (N=22). Compared to non-diabetic subjects, type 2 diabetic subjects with nephropathy had impaired FMD (4.54% +/- 2.25 vs. 2.50% +/- 2.31, p&lt;0.05) and impaired GTN-dependent dilatation (GTND) (14.30% +/- 3.77 vs. 12.70% +/- 4.70, p&lt;0.05). They also had reduced endothelium-dependent dilatation to endothelium-independent dilatation ratio when compared to non-diabetic subjects (0.19 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.32 +/- 0.15, p&lt;0.05). These findings suggest that the impaired vascular dilatation was due to dysfunction of both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells. In the entire cohort, fasting plasma glucose, fasting triglyceride, smoking and albuminuria were independent predictors for FMD. / Lai Wai Keung Christopher. / "February 2006." / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6298. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 202-252). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.