Objective To assess the characteristics of different doses of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury,further to understand mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in acute kidney injury (AKI).Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were first randomly divided into two groups:control group (n =6) and AKI group (n =12).Then,AKI group was subsequently divided into other two groups according to different dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg).AKI group received intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin.All mice were sacrificed after 72 h of injection.Renal biochemical function,renal pathological changes,renal injury markers,kidney mitochondrial function and structural changes were observed.Results (1) After 72 hours of injection,the AKI group performed significant kidney injury changes compared to control group,thereinto 20 mg/kg group was more serious than 10 mg/kg group.With the cisplatin dose increasing,renal function markers such as serum creatinine,urine protein gradually increased.(2)Kidney biopsy showed tubular structural damage,the formation of protein casts,kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) gradually increased(P ＜ 0.05).(3)Electron microscopy found tubular mitochondrial structural damage,mtDNA copy number decreased,the level of peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α),ATP synthase β decreased(P ＜ 0.05),and Western blotting manifested cytochrome C was released from mitochondria to the cytoplasm.These data all exhibited significant difference between different groups(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Cisplatin induces acute kidney injury in dose-dependent manner.Mitochondrial dysfunction participates in kidney injury,and is also related to the kidney pathological damage.

Objective To analyze the clinical and immunological features of 45 pediatric patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Forty-five LN patients were included in this study. Clinical, pathological data and immunological parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Results Forty-five LN patients had 6 males and 39 females, with the mean onset age of (10.9 ± 2.8) years. Acute nephritis was the most common type, accounting for 42.2%. Nephrotic syndrome accounted for 31.1%. Renal biopsy showed class II (17.8%), III (4.4%), IV (48.9%), V (2.2%), V+III (6.7%)and V+IV (13.3%)in 42 cases. The remis-sion rate reached 91.1%in the early therapeutic stage, and 15.0%patients recurred after 24-month follow-up. Conclusions The clinical manifestations of LN children are diverse. The renal pathology is complex. The clinical manifestations in part of the chil-dren are not consistent with renal pathology.

Objective To elucidate whether Ang Ⅱ indnces the proliferation of mesangial cells through ROS-EGFR-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway. Methods The incorporation of 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) and cell count were used to measure mesangial cell (MC) proliferation. ROS production was determined by DCFDA fluorescence. EGFR and JNK activation was assayed by Western blot. Results Ang Ⅱ significantly enhanced ROS production in mesangial cells, which was up-regulated by 2.26 folds of control group after incubation with Ang Ⅱ for 60 min. Ang Ⅱ induced EGFR phosphorylation in dose- and time-dependent manner, with the peak (3.96 folds increase) at 30 min. EGFR phosphorylation was significantly blocked by AT1R antagonist losartan, antioxidant NAC, and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin and DPI. EGFR antagonist AG1478 significantly inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced mcsangial cell proliferation. Losartan, NAC, apocynin, DPI, and AG1478 ahnost abolished Ang Ⅱ-induced JNK activation. Conclusions ROS-EGFR-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway is involved in Ang Ⅱ-induced mesangial cell proliferation. Apocynin and AG 1478 may be used as new therapy.

Objective To investigate the role of oxidative stress-dependent Rasextracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling in aldosterone (ALDO)-induced mesangial cell proliferation. Methods The incorporation of 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) and cell count were used as the measure of mesangial cell (MC) proliferation.Western blotting was used to detect the activation of Ki-RasA,c-Raf,MEK1/2,ERK1/2 and PI3K. Results Aldosterone significantly induced human mesangial cell proliferation,and anti-oxidant N-Acetylcysteine (NAC),catalase,and super oxide dismutase (SOD) significantly inhibited ALDO-induced mesangial cell proliferation (P＜0.01,respectively).Stimulation by ALDO for 3 h,Ki-RasA,c-Raf,MEK1/2,and ERK1/2 activity increased by 4.05-, 3.62-, 4.52-, and 3.40-fold compared with control group (P ＜0.01,respectively).NAC almost completely blocked ALDO-induced Ki-RasA,c-Raf,MEK1/2,and ERK1/2 activation (P＜0.01,respectively).Ki-RasA siRNA dose-dependently inhibited Ki-RasA expression, ALDO-induced Ki-RasA activation, and mesangial cell proliferation (P ＜0.01,respectively).c-Raf inhibitor GW5074 and MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 also reduced ALDO-induced mesangial cell proliferation by 65％ respectvely (P＜0.01).Ki-RasA siRNA had no effect on ALDO-induced PI3K phosphorylation.Combining LY294002 and PD98059 completely blocked ALDO-induced mesangial cell proliferation (P＜0.01). Conclusions ALDO-induced Ki-RasA-c-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling activation is dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production,which mediates ALDO-induced mesangial cell proliferation.Inhibition of both ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling simultaneously completely blocks ALDO-induced mesangial cell proliferation.

Objective To explore the protection of early autophagy activation on podocyte injury induced by aldosterone.Methods In vitro cultured mouse podocyte clones (MPC5) were treated with aldosterone for 6,12,24,48 h respectively.Apoptosis of podocytes was detected by Annexin V combined with flow cytometry.After 24 h treatment with aldosterone,the existence of apoptotic body and autophagosome was observed by electron microscopy.The protein expressions of LC3,caspase-3 and nephrin were examined by Western blotting.The mRNA expression of Beclin-l was detected by real-time PCR.Results The induction of apoptosis and autophagy by aldosterone in podocytes was in timedependent mannner.After 24 h treatment with aldosterone,the apoptosis was increased by 26.5％ (P ＜ 0.05)and the expression of nephrin was decreased by 28.0％ (P ＜ 0.05) compared to control group.Aldosterone remarkably induced the expression of Beclin-1 at 6 h and promoted the transformation of LC3-Ⅰ to LC3-Ⅱat 12 h (P ＜ 0.05).Compared to simple aldosterone treatment,the apoptosis rate of podocyte was increased by 39.0％ (P ＜ 0.05) and the expression of nephrin was declined by 19.5％ (P ＜ 0.05) after 3-methyladenine (3-MA) pre-treatment.Conclusions Aldosterone can induce autophagy and apoptosis in podocytes.Autophagy occurs earlier (12 h) than apoptosis (24 h).The occurrence of autophagy can inhibit the apoptosis,so the autophagy pathway may be a new research topic of glomerular disease treatment.

Objective To compare broth microdilution and agar dilution methods for in vitro testing of activities of fluconazole,ketoconazole and itraconazole against clinical Malassezia isolates.Methods Broth microdilution and agar dilution methods were used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)of fluconazole,ketoconazole and itraconazole for 27 clinical strains(5 species)of Malassezia.Results The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)ranges of fluconazole,ketoconazole and itraconazole were 0.25-≥64 mg/L,≤0.03-0.5 mg/L and ≤0.03-0.125 mg/L respectively as shown by broth microdilution method,2-≥64 mg/L,≤0.03-0.5 mg/L and ≤0.03-0.25 mg/L respectively as revealed by agar dilution method.Both methods demonstrated that itraconazole possessed the strongest activity against Malassezia species,followed by ketoconazole and fluconazole.The agreement rate in MICs between the two methods was 78.8％,85.2％ and 88.9％,respectively for fluconazole,ketoconazole and itraconazole,with the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)being 0.88,0.80 and 0.76 respectively.Conclusions Fluconazole,ketoconazole and itraconazole are highly active against Malassezia species in vitro,and itraconazole is the most active.Broth microdilution and agar dilution method coincide well in,and are applicable for,the antifungal susceptibility testing of Malassezia species in vitro.

Objective To investigate the effects of ropivacaine infiltration combined with dezocine on the agitation during recovery from general anesthesia in the patients undergoing cerebral surgery.Methods Sixty patients of both sexes,aged 18-64 yr,of ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ,undergoing elective neurosurgery under general anesthesia,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =15 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),ropivacaine group (group R),dezocine group (group D),and ropivacaine + dezocine group (group RD).Group C received local infiltration with normal saline 20 ml at 10 min before skin incision,and normal saline 2 ml was injected intravenously at 30 min before the end of operation.The patients received local infiltration with 0.5％ ropivacaine 20 ml at 10 min before skin incision,and normal saline 2 ml was injected intravenously at 30 min before the end of operation in group R.Group D received local infiltration with normal saline 20 ml at 10 min before skin incision,and dezocine 10 mg was injected intravenously at 30 min before the end of operation.The patients received local infiltration with 0.5％ ropivacaine 20 ml at 10 min before skin incision,and dezocine 10 mg was injected intravenously at 30 min before the end of operation in group RD.The time for recovery from anesthesia,extubation time,and development of agitation after extubation in PACU were recorded.Agitation was assessed and scored.Ramsay sedation score and VAS score were recorded immediately after extubation.The development of cardiovascular events and respiratory depression was recorded within 10 min after extubation.Before induction of anesthesia (T0),at the end of surgery (T1) and immediately after extubation (T2),blood samples were collected from the dorsal artery of foot for deter mination of the levels of blood glucose,plasma cortisone,epinephrine and norepinephrine.Results Compared with group C,the agitation score,incidence of agitation,VAS score,and incidence of postoperative hypertension were significantly decreased in R,D and RD groups,especially in R and D groups.The time for recovery from anesthesia and time for extubation were significantly shorter in R and RD groups than in group C.Ramsay sedation scores were significantly higher at the onset of extubation in R,D and RD groups than in group C.Ramsay sedation scores were significantly higher in D and RD groups than in group R.Compared with group C,the levels of blood glucose,plasma cortisone,epinephrine and norepinephrine were significantly decreased in R,D and RD groups,especially in group RD.Conclusion Ropivacaine infiltration combined with dezocine can reduce the agitation during recovery from general anesthesia in the patients undergoing cerebral surgery.

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics and laboratory test results of children with Henoch - Schonlein purpura(HSP),and further to analyze the risk factors for HSP combined with cardiac damage. Methods The clinical and laboratory tests findings from 707 children diagnosed as HSP at Nanjing Children's Hospi-tal were retrospectively analyzed,who were recruited from November 2011 to December 2012. The possible risk factors for HSP with cardiac damage in children were recorded,including gender,age,predisposing causes,gastrointestinal symptoms,joint pain,kidney disorders,serum electrolytes,anti - streptolysin 〝O〝 test,erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and complement level were summarized. Chi - square test and Logistic regression were performed to analyze the risk fac-tors of cardiac damage in children with HSP. Results Among 707 cases,192(27. 2% )patients were combined with car-diac damage,115 male and 77 female,and the proportion of men to women was 1. 00: 0. 67;age ranged from 11 months to 15 years and 4 months(6 years and 5 months for median age),6 patients ﹤ 3 years old occupying 3. 1% ,103 patients≥3 - 7 years old occupying 53. 7% ,82 patients≥7 - 14 years old occupying 42. 7% ,1 patient≥14 years old occupying 0. 5% ,and the age of onset in preschool and school age. Electrocardiogram(ECG)abnormalities were found in 190 patients,the main manifestations including long Q - T interval,ST - T segment falling down and sinus bradycar-dia,and one or more items of abnormal myocardial enzymes existed in 24 cases;echocardiography was performed in 35 cases of children,but no abnormality was detected,no obvious symptoms such as flustered or chest tightness or precor-dial distress. Statistical analysis showed that gender,predisposing causes,mixed HSP,complement level were related to the incidence of cardiac damage in children with HSP(P ﹤ 0. 05). Furthermore binary Logistic regression identified that in male patients,the ratio of X1 vs OR ratio was 0. 654(95% CI 0. 462 - 0. 926,P ﹤ 0. 05),for predisposing causes,the ratio of X2 vs OR ratio was 2. 63(95% CI 1. 838 - 3. 765,P ﹤ 0. 001),for mixed HSP,the ratio of X3 vs OR ratio was 2. 452(95% CI 1. 301 - 4. 621,P ﹤ 0. 01),which were independent factors for cardiac damage in chil-dren with HSP. Conclusions ECG and/ or myocardial enzyme spectrum abnormalities are the main clinical ma-nifestations of cardiac damage in children with HSP. Male patients,predisposing causes of the respiratory tract infec-tion,mixed HSP and hypocomplementemia were high risk factors in the development of cardiac damage,which require special consideration clinically,and earlier ECG and myocardial enzymes examination,early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid the occurrence of severe cases.

AIM: To investigate the role of NF-?B/I?B signal pathway in the regulation of (cyclooxygenase-2) (COX-2) expression in human mesangial cells (HMC). METHODS: The PGE_2 concentration in supernatants of HMC was measured by radioimmunoassay. COX-2 mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and Western blot were used to detect the activity of NF-?B and degradation of I?B. RESULTS: IL-1? significantly upregulated COX-2 expression and PGE_2 production in HMC. Significant up-regulation of NF-?B activation, nuclear translocation of p65 subunit, and degradation of I?B ? and I?B ? were observed in IL-1?-induced HMC. CONCLUSION: Expression of COX-2 in IL-1?-induced HMC is mediated by NF-?B/I?B signal pathway. [

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are members of nuclear receptors and related to several diseases such as cancer, inflammation and osteoporosis. ERs have two forms, ERα and ERβ, which have different functions and organism distributions. Compounds selectively targeting ERβ can regulate important physiological functions and avoid the side effects caused by targeting ERα. Therefore, selective ERβ ligands have received considerable research interest in recent years. In this article, different kinds of selective ERβ ligands were summarized and their structure-activity relationships were also analyzed.