Objective To explore the relationships between the serum and urinary levels of procollagen Ⅲ and renal injury at the early stage of hypertension in sponantously hypertensive rats. Methods 16 sponantously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into treated group (losartan 30mg?kg -1?d -1) and untreated group, each group containing 8 animals, and 8 Wistar-kyoto rats served as normotensive control group(WKY). The serum and urinary levels of procollagen Ⅲ and ? 2-microglobin, and urinary microalbumin level were measured by radioimmunoassay 16 weeks after treatment. Results Blood pressure, serum ? 2-microglobin level, and the urinary levels of procollgen Ⅲ, ? 2-microglobin and microalbumin in SHR were significantly higher than those in wistar-kyoto rats. Losartan could decease the levels of the indices above in SHR. Serum procollagen Ⅲ level had not significant difference among the three groups of rats, and was not correlated with urinary procollagen Ⅲ level. There were positive correlation between serum and urinary ? 2-microglobin levels, and urinary procollgen Ⅲ level was positively retated to urinary ? 2-microglobin, urinary microalbumin and systalic pressure. Conclusion The levels of urinary procollgen Ⅲ,? 2-microglobin and microalbumin could reflect the lesion of glomerulus and tubulointerstitum at the early stage of essential hypertension in SHR.

Objective:To determine the plasma level of apelin in patients of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and to explore the relationship between apelin level and carotid atherosclerosis (AS) in MHD patients.Methods:A total of 92 MHD patients and 36 sex-and age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this study.The plasma level of apelin was evaluated by radiation immunoassay;serum endothelial injury markers including thrombomodulin,von Willebrand factor (vWF),and CD 146,and inflammatory factors including high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP),IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.Common Carotid arteries intima media thickness (CCA-IMT),cross-sectional calculated intima-media area (cIM area) area and atherosclerotic plaque were measured by non-invasive high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography.Results:The plasma levels of apelin was significantly decreased in MHD patients compared with healthy subjects (P＜0.01),accompanied with elevated plasma levels of thrombomodulin,vWF,CD 146,hsCRP,IL-6 and TNF-α (all P＜0.01).The plasma levels of apelinin in MHD patients with carotid artery plaques were obviously lower than those without plaques [(43.16± 10.12) pg/mL vs (61.43±16.25) pg/mL,P＜0.01].Plasma level of apelin was inversely related with CCA-IMT and cIM area (r=-0.355 and r=-0.297 respectively,all P＜0.01).Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that plasma level of apelin was an independent risk factor for CCA-IMT and cIM area.Conclusion:The plasma apelin in MHD patients might take part in vascular endothelial injury and the progress of atherosclerosis.It plays an important role in the initiation and development of uremia associated atherosclerosis through elevating inflammatory factors including hsCRP,IL-6 and TNF-α levels.

Objective This study was designed to explore the effect of hyperglycemia on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4 ) in renal tubular epithelial cells and its significance in diabetic nephropathy. Methods In vitro cultured renal tubular epithelial cells ( NRK-52E) were divided into LG group (cultured in 5mmol / L glucose DMEM) and HC group (cultured in 25mmol / L glucose DMEM). Cells were harvested at different time points. Immunohistochemistry, Rt-PCR, Western Blot were used to detect TLR4 protein and mRNA expression, and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α from the cell culture supernatant were determined by EL1SA assay. Results After 6 hours, there was increased expression TLR4 mRNA in HC group, which appeared to be maintained for 24 hours and began to decrease after 48 hours ( P < 0.05). TLR4 protein expression increased in HC group after 24 hours, and increased even further after 48 hours. Compared with LG groups, the difference had statistical significance ( P <0.05). In HG group, IL-6 and TNF-α expression in the supernatant from the NRK-52E culture were significantly increased ( P < 0.05) , and the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α was positive correlated with the expression of TLR4 protein ( r =0.799,0.820). Conclusion High glucose triggers an increase in expression of TLR4 in NRK-52E cells, itself leading to an increase in expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6. In this way, TLR4 participates in the progress of diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To determine the effect of aldosterone and its antagonist, spironolactone on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of normal rat kidney epithelial cells (NRK-52E) in a high glucose milieu,and to explore the mechanism of renoprotection in diabetic nephropathy (DN ) in rats involving aldosterone and spironolacton. Methods NRK-52E cells were simultaneously cultured in the serum-free Dulbecco's modification of Eagle's medium Dulbecco (DMEM) for 12 hours. Then the low glucose (LG) group was cultured in LG (1000 mg/L) DMEM:The high glucose (HG) group was cultured in high glucose (4 500 mg/L) DMEM. The aldosterone (Aldo) groups were cultured in high glucose DMEM with the addition of 10,50 and 100 nmol/L aldosterone respectively. The SP group was cultured in high glucose (4 500 mg/L) DMEM plus 10~(-7)mol/L spironolactone. Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect E-cadherin and α smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) mRNA expression. Results RT-PCR showed that compared with the LG Group, E-cadherin mRNA expression in the HG group was significantly lower, and α-SMA mRNA expression was significantly increased(P＜0.05). E-cadherin mRNA expression in the 50 nmol/L Aldo group and 100 nmol/L Aldo group was significantly lower than that in the HG group, while the expression of α-SMA mRNA was significantly increased in the HG group(P＜0.05), with a dose-dependent relationship with aldosterone(r=-0.70,P＜0.05;r=0.67, P＜0.05). E-cadherin mRNA in the SP group was significantly higher,while α-SMA mRNA expression was lower than that in the HG group(P＜0.01). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that compared with the LG group, E-cadherin protein expression was significantly reduced, and α-SMA expression was significantly increased in the HG group(P＜0.01). In the 10 nmol/L Aldo, 50 nmol/L Aldo, and the 100 nmol/L Aldo groups, E-cadherin protein expression was significantly lower, and α-SMA protein expression was significantly higher than that in the HG group(P＜0.05), with a dose-dependent relationship with aldosterone(r=-0.83,P＜0.05;r=0.81, P＜0.05). In the SP group, E-cadherin protein expression was higher, and α-SMA protein level was lower than that in the HG group(P＜0.05). Conclusion Aldosterone can promote EMT of tubular epithelial cells in a high sugar milieu, leading to renal interstitial fibrosis in Diabetic nephropathy. Spironolactone can inhibit high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cells EMT, which may be an important mechanism for the inhibition of renal interstitial fibrosis.

Objective To observe the effect of Cordceps Sinensis (CS) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in the kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR), and to investigate the mechanism of CS. Methods Male SHRs (23 week old) were randomly divided into 4 groups: a group without any treatment (Group S), a group treated with Cordceps sinensis at 4 F), and a group received daily intragastric administration of CS at 4 male WKY rats were used as normals controls. At the end of 8 weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Serum creatinine(Scr), 24 h urinary protein count, and the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were examined by immunohistochemical technique and RT-PCR. Results Compared with the WKY rats, blood pressure, 24 h urinary protein count, Scr,and the expression of ICAM-1 andVCAM-1 in the kidney of SHR significantly increased (P＜0.05).Compared with Group S, blood pressure decreased after treatment by fosinopril (P＜0.05). Compared with Group S, the levels of Scr, 24 h urinary protein count, and glomerular lesion were significantly reduced in the CS and/or fosinopril treatment group. The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was significantly decreased in these groups (P＜0.05).Conclusion CS may play a role in the protection and anti-fibrosis in the process of renal injury in SHR through reducing the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.

Objective To explore the association between fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and calcium (Ca)-phosphorus(P) metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients on peritoneal dialysis.Methods Fifty-nine patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD) were enrolled in this study.These patients were divided into three groups as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic, according to World Health Organization criteria based on bone mineral density T scores.Another 30 healthy people were also enrolled as control group.Levels of serum FGF-23 and 1,25 (OH)2VitD3 were measured by ELISA.Parathyroid horomone(PTH) was detected by immunoradiometric assay.Calcium and phosphorus were assessed with autobiochemistry machine.Bone density was studied by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results The incidences of osteoporosis at the femur neck and lumbar spine in CAPD patients were 23.7％ and 35.6％, respectively.Among three groups of CADP patients, no significant differences were found in the levels of serum FGF-23, while the level of serum FGF-23 in CAPD group was higher than that in control gronp(P＜0.01).A positive correlation was found between log [FGF-23]and serum phosphorus(r=0.604, P＜0.01).However, a negative correlation was found between log[FGF-23]and 1,25(OH)2VitD3 and GFR (r=-0.401, P＜0.05; r=-0.651, P＜0.01).There were no correlations of log [FGF-23]with PTH, Ca, T scores and the duration of dialysis.Conclusions In CAPD patients, serum FGF-23 increases significantly.Serum phosphorus, renal function and 1,25(OH)2VitD3may play an important role in adjusting the level of serum FGF-23, while FGF-23 has no direct effect on bone mineralization in CAPD patients.

Objectives To investigate the changes of cystatin C in the serum of patients with acute kidney injury ( AKI) or end-stage renal disease ( ESRD), and study its significance in the early diagnosis of AKI and its correlation with the degree of renal function injury. Method The cases in Xiangya hospital were enrolled in this study according to the RIFLE criteria, including 20 cases of slight acute kidney injury, 30 cases of medium-severe acute kidney injury, 48 cases of victims of the 5. 12 wenchuan earthquake, 32 cases of end-stage renal disease and 20 healthy patients. The microparticle-enhanced immunoturbidimetry method was used to detect serum cystatin C, and the colorimetric method was used to detect urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase). The enzymic method was used to detect serum creatinine. The correlation between serum cystatin C and serum creatinine was analyzed, and the sensitivity and specificity of serum cystatin C were evaluated with the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). Results Compared with healthy control group, the serum cystatin C increased obviously in acute kidney injury group and ESRD group( P <0. 05 and P <0. 01). The serum cystatin C was positively correlated with serum creati-nine( P <0.01). The serum cystatin C in the 5. 12 wenchuan earthquake injured group was also higher than that in healthy control group ( P <0.05), an the serum cystatin C had an AUC - ROC of 0.931 ( P <0. 01). Conclusion Compared to the conventional biomarkers, the earlier emergence of serum cystatin C can contribute better to early clinical diagnosis of AKI. The serum cystatin C is positively correlated with renal function, and reflect changes in renal function accurately.

Objective To prepare the liver targeting nano-liquid perfluorocarbon ultrasound contrast agent and observe its general characteristics;to observe the targeting combined effects of the human liver cells L02 and the targeted ultrasound contrast agent ;to evaluate the gathering imaging effects of the targeted ultrasound contrast agent. Methods Amine method was used to prepared asialoglycoprotein Gal specific ligand polylysine (Gal-PLL), rotary evaporator and sonicated liquid fluorocarbon were used to prepare nano lipid ultrasound contrast agent. Human liver cell L02 were cultured, the combined effects were observed according to the reacting time of the cells and the targeted nano-lipid ultrasound contrast agent. The nanolipid ultrasound contrast agent and the degassed_ water_ were loaded into cysts and their ultrasound imaging effects were observed by ultrasound diagnostic apparatus Philips iU22. Results The particle size of the liquid fluorocarbon nano-targeted lipid ultrasound contrast agent was extremely small, uniform, cylindrical and spherical. The cysts in vitro showed that the side of the targeted liquid perfluorocarbon nano-lipid ultrasound contrast agent showed high echo. Conclusions The targeted liquid perfluorocarbon nano-lipid ultrasound contrast agent can be effectively targeted to the human liver cells L02 due to carrying home-made Gal-PLL. The targeted ultrasound contrast agents can be imaging by ultrasound and be confirmed in vitro.The size of the contrast agent was small, therefore, it can be considered an ideal ultrasonic molecular probe and achieve the ultrasound molecular imaging in cell level.

Objective To assess the efficiency and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Methods Twenty-seven patients with MS or NMO were selected, and the patients were divided into 2 groups:MMF group (MMF combined with glucocorticoid treatment group, 10 cases) and glucocorticoid group (only glucocorticoid treatment group, 17 cases). There were 5 cases with MS and 5 cases with NMO in MMF group. There were 13 cases with MS and 4 cases with NMO in glucocorticoid group. The therapeutic efficacy 6 months after treatment, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) before treatment and 6 months after treatment, and annualized relapse rate (ARR) were compared; and the safety was observed. Results There was no statistical difference in efficacy rate 6 months after treatment between MMF group and glucocorticoid group: 9/10 vs. 11/17, P>0.05. The EDSS scores 6 months after treatment in MMF group and glucocorticoid group were significantly lower than those before treatment: (2.41 ± 2.05) scores vs. (3.40 ± 2.05) scores and (1.17 ± 0.92) scores vs. (2.38 ± 1.28) scores, and there were statistical differences (P<0.05), particularly for the patients with MS. The ARR 6 months after treatment in MMF group was significantly lower than that before treatment: 0 time/year vs. 0.75 times/year, and there was statistical difference (P<0.05). The difference of ARR before and after treatment in MMF group was significantly higher than that in glucocorticoid group: 0.75 times/year vs.- 0.46 times/year, and there was statistical difference (P<0.01), particularly for the patients with MS. Only 1 female patient had myalgia when taking higher dosage of MMF, and the symptom tended to relieve after the dosage was reduced. Conclusions MMF is effective in the treatment of MS and NMO. MS can improve the neurological function and reduce the recurrence of the disease;and the safety is high.

ObjectiveTo detect the association between schizophrenia and polymorphism of phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 ( PSAT1 ) gene.MethodsThe study group included 158 patients with schizophrenia from Xi' an Mental Health Center and the control group included 316 parents.The polymorphism of rs69287125,rs137824326 of phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 gene was detected with PCR methods and SNP typing in all nucleus families by correlation analysis and haplotype relative risk analysis.ResultsThe rs69287125 allele was associated with schizophrenia (P=0.011 ),the G allele was protective factor (Z =-2.31 ) and the A allele was hazarding factor (Z =2.31 ).The rs137824326 allele was associated with schizophrenia (P=0.007 ),the G allele was protective factor ( Z =- 2.54) and the A allele was the hazarding factor( Z =2.54).The haplotypes of A/A and G/G in the rs69287125-rs137824326 were associated with schizophrenia (P =0.021,0.015,Z =2.16,- 1.85).ConclusionThe polymorphism of phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 gene is associated with schizophrenia in Chinese.