Objective To analyze the expression and regulation of components of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the correlation between intrarenal angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) expression and clinicopathological injury index in primary IgA nephropathy patients. Methods Expressions of intrarenal RAS components were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining (IHCS). Correlation among intrarenal RAS components and of intrarenal Ang Ⅱ expression with blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 24-h urinary protein and Katafuchi score in 36 primary IgA nephropathy patients were examined. Results There were positive correlations between positive IHCS area of intrarenal renin and Ang Ⅱ (r=0.43, P＜0.01), angiotensiongen and Ang Ⅱ (r=0.34, P＜0.05). There was negative correlation between positive IHCS area of intrarenal Ang Ⅱ and eGFR (r=-0.61, P＜0.01). There was positive correlation between positive IHCS area of intrarenal Ang Ⅱ and pathological chronicity index (ρ=0.39, P＜0.05), index of interstitial cell infiltration (ρ =0.52, P ＜0.05). Conclusion Expression of intrarenal Ang Ⅱ is positively correlated with expression of intrarenal renin and angiotensinogen, and plays an important role in kidney fibrosis in primary IgA nephropathy.

Objective To analyze the correlation of urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) with clinical index of kidney injury and intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods Urinary or plasma renin activity, AGT, angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ ), aldosterone were measured by RIA or ELISA in 129 CKD patients. Expression of intrarenal renin, AGT, Ang Ⅱ and angiotensinⅡ receptor was examined by immunohistochemistry staining (IHCS) in 73 CKD patients undergoing renal biopsy. Correlation of urinary AGT with other indexes was performed. Results Average urinary AGT in 129 CKD patients was (159.08 ± 125.18) μg/g Cr, Scr was (113.20± 105.05)μmol/L, and urinary AGT was positively correlated with Scr (r=0.51, P<0.01). Average estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was (58.52±27.15) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1, which was negatively correlated with urinary AGT (r=-0.55, P<0.01). Average urinary protein was (2.03±2.65) g/24 h, which was positively correlated with urinary AGT (r=0.30, P<0.01). Average urinary Ang Ⅱ was (164.71 ±139.25) ng/g Cr, which was positively correlated with urinary AGT (r=0.20, P<0.05). Average urinary type Ⅳ collagen was (447.60± 800.66) μg/g Cr, which was positively correlated with urinary AGT (r=0.47, P<0.01). Average urinary soduim was (162.17±81.61) mmol/24 h, which was negatively correlated with urinary AGT (r=-0.20, P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that low eGFR (P<0.01), high Scr (P< 0.01), high urinary protein (P<0.05), high urinary Ang Ⅱ (P<0.05) and high urinary type Ⅲ collagen (P<0.01) were significantly correlated with high urinary AGT. In renal tissues of CKD patients, there was positive correlation of urinary AGT with positive IHCS area of AGT (r=0.45, P< 0.01), Ang Ⅱ (r=0.52, P<0.01) and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (r =0.28, P <0.05). Conclusions Urinary AGT level may indicate the kidney injury severity, especially in chronic kidney injury, and may be used as a non-invasive marker of intrarenal Ang Ⅱ activity in CKD patients.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the resting heart rate (RHR) and target organ damage (TOD) in elderly patients with metabolic syndrome(MS). Methods 264 elderly patients with MS were divided into four groups according to the level of RHR: RHR1 group, RHR<65 beats/minute (bpm) (46 cases) ;RHR2 group, 65≤RHR<75 bpm (77 cases);RHR3 group, 75 bpm≤RHR<85 bpm (89 cases);RHR4 group, RHR≥85 bpm (52 cases).Electrocardiography, echocardiography, carotid uhrasonography, crcatinine clearance rate (Ccr) and quantitative assay of 24 hours' albuminuria were performed. Results (1) Compared with RHR1, RHR2 and RHR3 groups, RHR4 group showed higher levels of carotid intima-medial thickness (IMT), carotid arterial diameter (CAD), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and albuminuria(P< 0.05 or P<0.01), and lower levels of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and Ccr (all P< 0.01). (2) The IMT, CAD, LVMI and albuminuria were positively correlated with RHR (r=0.33, 0.23, 0.61, 0.58, respectively, all P<0.01). However, the LVEF and Ccr were negatively correlated with RHR (r=-0.59, -0.51, all P<0.01). (3) Logistic multivariate analysis showed that RHR and pulse pressure (PP) had effects on myocardial hypertrophy, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cerebral stroke and renal dysfunction(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Except heart failure, PP played a more important role than RHR. Coneinsions RHR may be an independent risk factors for TOD in elderly patients with MS,and RHR regulation is important for the development of MS in the elderly.

In the present study, the fluoro-gold(FG) and horseradish peroxidase(HRP) combined tracing method was used to investigate the localization of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons and ascending projection neurons in lumbosacral spinal cord of the rat. FG was injected into the lateral parabrachial nucleus(PBL) or into Barrington's nucleus on one side, and HRP was applied to the contralateral pelvic nerve. The retrogradely FG-labeled neurons were found in bilateral "visceral field" at segments L_5-S_2, and the majority of them were concentrated in the intermediolateral nucleus (IML), and the dorsal commissural nucleus (DCN). In addition to these areas, some labeled neurons were also observed in bilateral lamina I and lateral spinal nucleus (LSN). The parasympathetic preganglionic neurons labeled with HRP were seen in the IML at segments L_6-S_1, occasionally appeared in the intercalated nucleus. In the IML area, HRP-labeled parasympathetic preganglionic neurons were located in its ventral part, however, the localization of FG-labeled neurons projected to the PBL and Barrington's nucleus were mainly found in the dorsal and dorsomedial part of the IML, and a few FG-labeled cells were scattered among HRP-labeled cells. Based on the present and other investigations, the nomenclature, organization and function of the IML and the composition of the LSN were discussed.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of intermittent patient-initiated single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis and continuous antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in postmenopausal women. MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection. Single dose of antibiotic was given every night in continuous antibiotic prophylaxis group and every time after exposure to conditions predisposed to UTI in intermittent antibiotic prophylaxis group. The duration of prevention was 12 months in both groups. ResultsThe effective rates of intermittent antibiotic prophylaxis and continuous antibiotic prophylaxis were 71.0% and 81.8% respectively (P＞0.05). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reaction in intermittent antibiotic prophylaxis group was significantly lower than that in continuous antibiotic prophylaxis group (7.7% vs 28.6%,P＜0.05). ConclusionsCompared with continuous antibiotic prophylaxis, intermittent patient-initiated single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis is a better prophylaxis with less gastrointestinal adverse reactions for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in postmenopausal women.

Objective To observe the efficacy of the treatment of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with prednisone on steroid-resistant idiopathic membranoproliferative glomerulonephrifis (IMPGN) patients with moderate to severe proteinufia. Methods Thirteen cases were diagnosed as IMPGN by renal biopsy after excluding secondary factors. Among 13 patients, 9 had severe proteinuria and another 4 had moderate proteinuria, 9 with hypertension and 11 with decreased renal function. Before MMF therapy, all of the cases were resistant to the treatment of glucocorticoid (prednisone 1 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 8 weeks or more. The dose of MMF was 1.5 g/d. Patients were followed up every month for blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, liver and kidney function, complete blood count, and adverse effects. Results At the initiation, the 24 h urinary protein excretion was (4.1±1.4) g, Scr (131.0±44.9) μmol/L, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (63.3±26.8) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1. After prednisene therapy for at least 2 months, the 24 h urinary protein excretion (4.2±1.5) g, Ser (133.2±52.8)μmol/L and eGYR (63.3±27.1) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1did not change significantly. After 3 months of the addition of MMF, 24 h urinary protein excretion declined slightly [(3.8±1.2) g, P>0.05]. After 6 months, 24 h urinary protein excretion declined significantly [(2.5±0.9) g, P<0.05], with decrease in Set and eGFR[(97.2±27.3) μmol/L and (81.3±24.2) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1, P<0.05)]. At the end of 1 year, 24 h urinary protein excretion was only (1.5±0.6) g(P<0.01 ), Ser and eGFR were (95.9±22.5)μmol/L and (81.2±23.8) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1(P<0.01). All the patients experienced a partial remission of proteinuria (urinary protein excretion decreased by 50% or more). Adverse event including stomach upset was found in 1 patient. Conclusion MMF combined with glucosteroids can effectively decrease proteinuria and improve renal function without obvious side effect in steroid-resistant IMPGN.

Objective To explore the effect of hypoxia inducible factor-1α silencing by siRNA on proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis of human renal proximal epithelial cell ( HK-2 )under hypoxia. Methods CoCl2 was used to mimic hypoxia, and siRNA technique was used to silence HIF-1α. HK-2 cells were divided into five groups, including normal culture group,hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group, negative control group and HIF-1α siRNA group.MTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition ratio of cells. TUNEL and caspase-3 quantity was used to detect apoptosis. LDH activity in supernatant was detected to evaluate cell necrosis.Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein of HIF-1α, HIF-2α,glucose transporter 1(Glut-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results (1) The transfection efficiency of siRNA was 95%-100%. Under normoxia, the efficiency of siRNA silencing HIF-1α gene reached to 70%, while under hypoxia, it was 97%. (2) The growth inhibition ratio of cells in HIF-1α siRNA group was significantly higher than that of other groups including hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group and negative control group (all P＜0.05). No significant difference was found in apoptotic ratio of the other four groups except normal culture group (P＞0.05). The LDH level in HIF-1α siRNA group was significantly higher than that of hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group and negative control group (P＜0.05). (3) The expression of HIF1α, Glut-1, VEGF mRNA and protein in HIF-1α siRNA group was significantly lower than that of hypoxia culture group, transfection reagent group and negative control group (P＜0.05). No significant difference was observed on the level of HIF-2α mRNA and protein in the other four groups except normal culture group (P＞0.05). Conclusion HIF-1α gene silencing can inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of Glut-1 and VEGF, and can aggravate growth inhibition and necrosis of HK-2 cells under hypoxia.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and prevention management of death events caused by infections in end-stage renal disease (ESRD)patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods Clinical data of ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis in Nephrology Department of Zhongshan Hospital from 1998 to 2008 were retrospectively studied.Death causes,primary diseases,complications,infections,and survival time were analyzed. Results A total of 252 patients died including 162 males(64.29%)and 90 females(35.71%).Average death age was (63.48±14.77)years.In death events,emergency dialysis accounted for 59.52%,and primary glomerular disease was the major primary diseases(27.23%),then diabetic nephropathy(16.90%)and hypertensive nephrosclerosis (14.55%).34.8%death was caused by infections or promoted by infections,secondly by cerebrovascular events(23.6%).The elderly accounted for the majority of infection-associated deaths.48.15%and 38.71%patients with deaths caused or promoted by infections respectively had shorter dialysis duration(<3 months),whose percentage was much higher than those with non-infection-associated deaths (30.34%).Primary infection was still pulmonary infection(77.59%),then blood infection(10.34%)and catheter-associated infection(5.17%).58.62%infection-associated deaths had positive microbiologic test results,and gram negative bacillus accounted for 38.24%.50% of patients with positive test was complicated with fungal infection. Conclusions Infection is a main cause and a critical promotion to death in ESRD hemodialysis patients,besides it is the main cause of death in the elderly (>75 years)and hemodialysis duration within 3 months,which may result in shorter survival.Pulmonary infection and gram negative bacillus combined with fungal infection should be considered in the treatment.Prophylaxis of nosocomial infection and pulmonary infection in hemodialysis patients should be more emphasized.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of acupuncture on neuromuscular block of vecuronium and analgesia under general anesthesia.MethodsNinety ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 29-80 yr,weighing 50-80kg,scheduled for laparoscopic chotecystectomy,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =30 each):acupuncture at acupoints combined with general anesthesia group (group A),acupuncture at non-acupoints combined with general anesthesia group (group B) and general anesthesia group (group C).Bilateral Hegu (LI4),Neiguan (PC6),Zusanli (ST36),yanglingquan (GB34),and Quchi (LI11) acupoints were selected in group A.In group B,the points adopted were the midpoints between the meridians in which the acupoints were selected in group A and the adjacent meridians on the lateral side,at the level of selected meridian points correspondingly.Electric stimulation was started from 15-30 min before anesthesia induction and continued until the end of operation.Anesthesia was induced with iv injection of fentanyl,propofol and vecuronium and maintained with intermittent iv boluses of fentanyl and vecuronium.All the patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after operation.The effect time,onset time,clinical duration and recovery index of vecuronium,consumption of anesthetics during operation,and consumption of fentanyl for postoperative analgesia and postoperative adverse reactions were recorded.Results Compared with group C,the elinical duration was significantly prolonged,the consumption of anesthetics during operation and consumption of fentanyl for postoperative analgesia were significantly reduced,and the incidence of nausea was significantly decreased ( P ＜ 0.05 ),while no significant changed was found in the effect time,onset time,and recovery index in group A ( P ＞ 0.05).Compared with group B,the amount of fentanyl consumed during and after operation was significantly reduced in group A ( P ＜ 0.05 ).ConclusionAcupuncture can prolong the clinical duration of vecuronium,and enhance the analgesic efficacy during and after operation under general anesthesia.

Objective To examine the association between residual renal function at initiation of dialysis and prognosis in maintenance dialysis patients.Methods Incident patients with end-stage renal diseases initiating dialysis between 1 January 2005 and 30 September 2009,followed up to 31 March 2010 were enrolled in this study.Residual renal function was evaluated using eGFR estimated by the abbreviated MDRD equation.Patients were classified into four groups according to eGFR of ≥10.5,8 to ＜10.5,6 to ＜8,＜6 ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1.The outcome was all-cause and cardiocerebral vascular mortality.Results (1) A total of 562 patients were included.The median eGFR at initiation of dialysis was 5.60 (2.26-12.62) ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1.The median follow-up time was 17 (0-58) months from initiation of dialysis and 141 patients died within this period.The median survival time was 45.48 (43.05-47.90) months.With eGFR declined,Scr,BUN,serum uric acid,serum prealbumin,phosphorus,calcium and phosphate product,iPTH,mean arterial pressure (MAP) at initiation of dialysis increased (P＜0.05),and hemoglobin,proportion of male,proportion of diabetes comorbidity,proportion of the Charlson comorbidity index ≥5 decreased (P＜0.05).Though there was no significant difference among the four groups,the proportion of left ventricular hypertrophy comorbidity increased when eGFR declined.(2) There was no significant difference of all-cause mortality among four groups using Kaplan-Meire survival curve.Cox regression model indicated no significant difference of all-cause mortality in levels of eGFR (HR=1.012,95％CI 0.961-1.065,P=0.654).Without patients died in the first 3 months,the multivariate Cox regression model indicated eGFR at initiation of dialysis was the protective factor to 1 year survival (HR=0.791,95％CI 0.669-0.935,P＜0.01).(3) The multivariate Cox regression model indicated the risk of overall and 1 year cardiocerebral vascular death decreased with eGFR at initiation of dialysis increased (HR=0.868,95％CI 0.777-0.971,P＜0.05; HR=0.937,95％CI 0.851-0.992,P＜0.05,respectively).(4) The multivariate Cox regression model indicated eGFR at initiation of dialysis was benefit to survival of patients treated by peritoneal dialysis,with all-cause death risk decreased by 10％ when eGFR increased by 1 ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1 (HR=0.90,95％CI 0.81-0.99,P＜0.05).In hemodialysis patients,Kaplan-Meire survival curve was significantly different among the four groups (Log-rank test,P=0.047); the survival of the group of 8 to ＜10.5 ml·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1 was lower as compared to the groups of 6 to ＜8 (Log-rank test,P=0.033) and ＜6 ml·min-1(1.73 m2)-1 (Log-rank test,P=0.005); but the multivariate Cox regression model indicated no relationship between survival and eGFR.In the subgroup of chronic glomerulonephritis as primary renal disease,the eGFR at initiation of dialysis was the benefit factor,with all-cause death risk decreased by 16.6％ (HR=0.834,95％CI 0.736-0.946,P＜0.01) and cardiocerebral vascular death risk decreased by 18.2％ (HR=0.818,95％CI 0.669-0.999,P＜0.05) when eGFR increased by 1 ml ·min-1 ·(1.73 m2)-1.In the subgroup of chronic glomerulonephritis treated by peritoneal dialysis,the all-cause death risk decreased by 32.1％ with eGFR increased by 1 ml·min 1·(1.73 m2)-1 (HR=0.679,95％CI 0.535-0.862,P＜0.01).Conclusions Early initiation of dialysis may not be associated with improved overall survival,but may reduce cardiocerebral vascular and 1 year all-cause mortality,improve the survival of chronic glomerulonephritis patients and peritoneal dialysis patients.