Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and severe complications of diabetic microangiopa-thy which gradually become the major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in recent years, even though its patho-genesis remains to be elucidated. Proteinuria is one of important malignant factors leading to the deterioration of DN as well as its mainly clinical feature. Lately experimental evidences show that podocyte phenotypic transformation could be a causative role in the genesis of the early DN proteinuria. In this context, it ’s necessary to review the relative bio-logical characteristics of podocyte phenotypic transformation, its associated signaling pathways, its relationship between proteinuria and the possible mechanism of its medical intervention including valsartan and triptolide.

A simple and rapid immunochromatographic test strip incorporating a colloidal gold-labeled recombinant Nsp7 antigen probe was successfully developed for the detection of anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies in swine. Recombinant Nsp7 protein of PRRSV labeled with colloidal gold was dispensed on a conjugate pad for use as the detector. Staphylococcal protein A and purified porcine anti-Nsp7 antibodies were blotted on a nitrocellulose membrane to form test and control lines, respectively. A comparison of the strip with standard diagnostic tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunoperoxidase monolayer assay, was also performed. The immunochromatographic test strip was shown to be of high specificity and sensitivity. Furthermore, the strip assay is rapid and easy to perform with no requirement for professional-level skills or equipment. It is suggested that the immunochromatographic test strip can be used to quickly and accurately detect PRRSV antibody and to be suitable for diagnostic purposes in the field.
Antibodies* ; Collodion ; Colloids ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Gold Colloid ; Immunochromatography ; Membranes ; Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome* ; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Staphylococcal Protein A ; Swine