Objective To study the effects of integrated liposomal prostaglandin E_1(PGE_1)and calcium dobesilate on aristolochic acid nephropathy(AAN).Methods Forty-six patients of AAN who came from the First Affiliated Hospital,China Medical University from 2003 to 2005 were randomly divided into control group(PGE_1)and treatment group(PGE_1+calcium dobesilate).Scr and Hb were compared between two groups before and after the treatment.Results Scr had been decreased significantly and Hb had been increased in both groups,but more significantly in treatment group than in control group.Conclusion Integrated liposomal prostaglandin E_1 and calcium dobesilate can ameliorate renal function in AAN.

Objective To study the renal pathology and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rats with hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency.Methods The rats were randomly grouped into test group and normal group,and the test group was further randomly divided into model group and L-T4 group.Observation were made when the hypothyroid model was formed after maneuvering for 21 days and the medication had been taken for 56 days.The observed data included the morphogy of the kidney,serum TT3,TT4,TSH,blood urea nitrogen (BUN),serum creatinine (SCr),and VEGF expression.Results (1) After medication for 56 days,compared to normal group,BUN and SCr levels in L-T4 and model groups showed apparently increasing [BUN (5.55 ± 0.50,5.80 ± 0.66 vs 5.00 ± 0.24) mmol/L,P＜0.05 ; SCr (26.83 ± 0.75,27.0 ± 3.41 vs 22.5 ± 2.07) μmol/L,P＜0.05],and L-T4 group showed slightly lowered BUN and SCr levels compared with model group (P＞0.05).(2) By 21 days,in the model group there was moderate mesangial hyperplasia involving focal glomeruli.By 56th day of medication,entire glomeruli showed moderate mesangial hyperplasia with lessened number of dilated capillaries in the model group.However,in the L-T4 treated group,mesangial hyperplasia was much less and capillaries though dilated appeared wholesome,as compared with the model group.(3) By 21th day,the IODA value of VEGF in the model group was higher than that in the normal control (44.64 ± 14.99 vs 29.05 ± 9.14,P＜0.01).After medication for 56 days,there was no significant difference in the IODA value of three groups.Conclusions The characteristics of renal pathology in rats with hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency consist of mesangial hyperplasia and loss of glomerular capillaries.The expression of VEGF is raised early in the course of renal damage,but lowered thereafter.L-T4 can not reverse the sustained kidney damage and impaired renal function.

Objective To analyze the protein expression profile of human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs) under high glucose and to characterize molecular functions and biological processes. Methods HMCs were divided into high glucose cultured group (30 mmol/L) and normal glucose cultured group (5 mmol/L). The total proteins were extracted after culture for 48 hours. The total proteins of the two groups were separated using two-dimensional fluorescence difference in gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) and analyzed using DeCyder 2-D difference analysis software. The differentially expressed proteins were further identified using in-gel digestion with trypsin, of which peptide extracts were prepared for MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Protein identifications were searched in the NCBI protein database using the Mascot search engine. Results One hundred and forty-seven protein spots whose expression levels were significantly increased or decreased more than 1.5 folds under high glucose were identified. Ninety-six differentially expression protein spots were analyzed by peptide mass fingerprinting and 37 kinds of proteins were identified. The protein spots of phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP-1), granulysin,ATP synthase H + transporting mitochondrial FO complex subunit F2 were observed only in high glucose group. The expression of 24 proteins was up-regulated by high glucose, including eosinophil cationic protein, RGS membrane-interacting proteins 16 (MIR16), peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, disks large homolog DLG2, breast cancer 2, early onset (BRCA2), Catechol-O-methyltransferase etc. The expression of 5 proteins was down-regulated by high glucose, including O-GlcNAc transferase-interacting protein 106 000 isoform 1, proteasome beta 6 subunit precursor,NEFA-interacting nuclear protein NIP30 etc. Conclusions Expression of 147 proteins in HMCs alters under high glucose. These proteins are involved in the regulation of cytoskeleton, glucose metabolism, cell division, gene transcription, signal transduction, phosphorylation, cell proliferation,apoptosis etc. In-depth analysis of these differentially expressed proteins' function and crosstalk is expected to provide an important experimental basis for clarifying the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To investigate the expression vibration of microRNA-503(miR-503) and its effect on target gene Bcl-2,caspase enzyme activity and apoptosis of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) induced by high glucose,and to clarify the pathogenesis of renal tubular injury induced by high glucose.Methods HK-2 cells were cultured in normal glucose group (NG),mannitol hypertonic control group (MA),and high glucose group (HG).The morphology of apoptotic cells was observed using inverted microscope.The expression of miR-503 was determined using realtime quantitative PCR.The apoptosis rate of HK-2 cells was detected by Annexin V-FITC double dye using flow cytometry instrument.The expression of Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-9 were detected by Western blotting.Results In the high glucose and mannitol groups HK-2 cell,an obviously increased apoptotic rate was observed under inverted microscope compared with normal glucose group (P ＜ 0.05).MA and HG up-regulated miR-503 expression (P ＜ 0.01),down-regulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression (P ＜ 0.05) and up-regulated cleaved caspase-9 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The expression of miR-503 increases in HK-2 cells cultured by high glucose and mannitol.MiR-503 promotes apoptosis of HK-2 cells via activating mitochondrial apoptotic pathways and enhancing cleaved caspase-9 for Bcl-2 insufficiency.The tubular toxicity of high glucose is partly due to osmotic pressure.The miR-503 may be involved in diabetic tubular injury and may be a new therapeutic target of DN.

Objective To investigate whether the effect of transient high glucose on inflammatory factors expression could be continuous in rat glomerular mesangial cell,and its relation with histone methylation modification.Methods Rat glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY-l) were divided into three groups:the high glucose group (25.0 mmol/L glucose),the hypertonic group (MA,5.5 mmol/L glucose+ 19.5 mmol/L mannitol) and the normal-glucose control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose),which were cultured for 24 h respectively.All 3 groups were then changed with normal-glucose medium to culture for 24 h,48 h and 72 h.Their protein,mRNA and supernatant were harvested.The protein expressions of mono-methylation of H3 lysine 4 (H3K4mel) was measured by Western blotting,and the mRNA expressions of NF-κB subunit p65 and set7/9 were determined by real timequantitative PCR.The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results (1)Compared with those in normal control group,the expressions of H3K4mel protein and set7/9 mRNA were first up-regulated in high glucose group,then gradually down-regulated in the following 48 h normal-glucose medium (as compared with those at 0 h,all P ＜ 0.05).At 72 h there was no statistic difference between high glucose group and normal control group (all P ＞ 0.05).(2) Compared with those in normal control group,the up-regulated p65 mRNA,VCAM-1 and MCP-1 sustained at least for 72 h in high glucose group.Conclusions Transient high glucose can induce persistent inflammatory factors expression in rat glomerular mesangial cells,which may via histone modification.

Objective A total of 102 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis for over 3 months in our dialysis center were asked to complete the SF-36 scales.They were also assessed by Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD17).Univariate analysis was performed to determine the impact of factors such as age,gender,employment status,education,mental status and dialysis status on their quality of life.Methods The 102 patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis for over 3 months in our dialysis center completed the SF-36 scales with self-administration,and they were also assessed by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD17).Univariate analysis was performed to determine the impact of variables such as age,gender,employment status,education,mental status and dialysis status on the quality of life in patients.Results The scores of PF,RP,BP,GH,VT,SF,RE and MH in patients were significantly lower than those in the normal controls(P

Objective To analyze the risk factors and correlation between clinical indicators and the four main pathological lesions of IgA ne?phropathy in the Oxford classification:mesangial hypercellularity(M0/1),endocapillary proliferation(E0/1),segmental sclerosis or adhesion(S0/1), and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis(T0/1/2). Methods Clinical and pathological data were collected from 514 patients with biopsy?proven IgA nephropathy admitted in our hospital from February 17,2006 to October 11,2011. These patients were all above 18 years old. Cases with sec?ondary causes of mesangial IgA deposition were excluded,such as Henoch?chonlein purpura,ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis et al. The inde?pendent risk factors affecting the pathological classification were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis and two?category and multi?classi?fication logistic regression using SPSS 17.0 statistical software. Results In 514 IgAN patients,the ratio of males to females was 1.06:1. The aver?age age was 35.70±11.99 years,and the average disease duration was 18.31±30.42 months. M0E0S0T0 was the major pathologic classification of isolated hematuria. Chronic kidney disease(CKD)stage,24 hours proteinuria,albuminuria,urine transferrin and IgG levels were positively corre? lated with M lesion;serum albumin,C3 and PLT showed a negative correlation with M lesion. Twenty four hours proteinuria and blood platelet count were the independent risk factors for M lesion. As shown by stratified analysis ,the proportion of M1 in cases with 24 hours proteinuria≥3.5 g/d is much higher than that in cases with non?nephrotic range proteinuria. Age,systolic blood pressure,uRBC,24 hours proteinuria,albuminuria urine transferrin and IgG levels were positively correlated with E lesion,Duration,serum albumin showed a negative correlation with E lesion. Age and duration of nephritis were independent risk factors for E lesion. 73.3%of patients that above 60 years old showed endothelial proliferation. CKD stage,24 hours proteinuria were positively correlated with S lesion. Age,CKD stage,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,C4,TC, LDL?C,CRP,Fib,UA,Cys?C and 24 hours proteinuria,urineβ2?microglobulin,albumin,transferrin and IgG levels were positively associated with T lesion;hemoglobin,serum albumin,serum IgG showed a negative correlation with T lesion. Infection history,high CRP levels,DBP more than 90 mmHg,hypoalbuminemia,high low density lipoproteinemia,and anemia were independent risk factors for T lesion. Conclusion Twenty four hours proteinuria,blood platelet count,age,duration of nephritis,hypoalbuminemia,anemia,hyperlipidemia,DBP≥90 mmHg and high CRP lev?els were risk factors for the Oxford classification of IgA nephropathy. Renal biopsy should be carried out in time to make clear the pathological clas?sification and individual treatment,so as to improve the prognosis.

Objective To observe the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of podocyte induced by high glucose,and to explore the potential protective mechanism of ursolic acid (UA).Methods The podocytes cultured in vitro were divided into four groups:normal group (glucose 5.5 mmol/L),mannitol group (glucose 5.5 mmol/L+mannitol 19.5 mmol/L),high glucose group (glucose 25 mmol/L) and UA group (glucose 25 mmol/L + UA 5 μmol/L).Podocyte morphology changes were observed by inverted phase contract microscope.The expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by immunofluorescence.The expressions of β-catenin and glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK3β) were detected by Western blotting.The expressions of Wnt1,Wnt3a,Wnt5a,Wnt5b and GSK3β were detected by real-time PCR.Results Podocytes showed irregular arborization shape in normal glucose and transited to longer cobblestone-like shape as mesenchyme cell by high glucose culture.Compared with normal group,the expression of ZO-1 protein was down-regulated and the expression of α-SMA was up-regulated by high glucose culture (P ＜ 0.05).The expression of Wnt5a mRNA was down-regulated;β-catenin mRNA and protein were up-regulated (P ＜ 0.05);and GSK3β protein was down-regulated by high glucose culture (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with high glucose group,ursolic acid inhibited podocyte EMT,up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein,Wnt5a mRNA,GSK3β (P ＜ 0.05),and down-regulated the expressions of α-SMA protein,β-catenin mRNA and protein (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Ursolic acid attenuates high glucose induced epithelial mesenchymal transition of podocyte by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

ObjectiveWith a GcneChip(R) cxpression analysis,98 known gencs and 31 exprcssed sequence tags (ESTs) were found to be differentially expressed between KK/Ta and BALB/c kidneys.To further screen the susceptibility genes for diabetic nephropathy,the temporal and spatial expression patterns of differentially expressed gene-adipsin were investigated.MethodsThe body weight,blood glucose,urinary albumin/creatinine ratio,and renal pathological changes of KK/Ta and BALB/c mice were measured at the 7,20,28 and 36 weeks of age.Total RNA was extracted from the kidney,heart,liver,lung,and brain.The temporal and spatial expression patterns of adipsin in diabetic KK/Ta mice were examined by competitive RT-PCR.The correlation analysis between adipsin expression and albuminuria level was carried out.ResultsThe mRNA expression of adipsin was found in the kidney,heart,lung,and brain,but not in liver.The expression of adipsin in diabetic KK/Ta mice at 20 weeks of age was significantly down-regulated in kidney,heart,and lung than that in age-matched BALB/c mice,and unaltered in brain.Adipsin expression in KK/Ta kidneys was significantly down-regulated with aging and negatively correlated to urinary albumin/creatinine ratio( r =-0.807,P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsThe expression of adipsin mRNA was downregulated in kidney,heart,and lung in diabetic state.Adipsin expression in KK/Ta kidneys was negatively correlated to urinary albumin/creatinine ratio.It might be a candidate gene for diabetic nephropathy.