Objective To investigate the renoprotective effect of erythropoietin(EPO) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and to explore the possible mechanism.Methods The SD rats were randomly divided into there groups: normal control rats, diabetic, diabetic treated with EPO(NC, DM, DE groups).The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks treatment.Renal morphology was observed by light microscopy.The expression of erythropoietin receptor(EPOR) in kidney was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting.The expression of p47phox, transforming growthfactor (TGF)β1andfibronectin (FN)proteininkidneywasdetectedby immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.The activity of antioxidants including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the level of malondialdehyde(MDA) in kidney were also measured.Results EPO treatment notably attenuated renal pathologic and functional changes.The expression of EPOR was found in kidney,but there was no difference among groups(P＞0.05).Compared with normal rats, diabetic rats showed an elevated expression of p47phox, TGF-β1, FN proteins and MDA levels in kidney as well as reduced activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC (all P＜0.01).Compared with diabetic rats, EPO could decrease the protein expression of p47phox,TGF-β1and FN in kidney (all P＜0.05).Meanwhile, elevated MDA level in the kidney was decreased as well as decreased SOD, GSH-Px,T-AOC activities were significantly remitted in DE group(all P＜0.01).Conclusion EPO can amelioraterenaldamagevia theinhibition of oxidativestressandTGF-β1andFNprotein expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Objective To investigate the influence of fasudil on the epithelialmesenchymal transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells in diabetic rats and to explore the mechanism. Methods Wistar mts were randomly divided into three groups:control,diabetes and fasudil-treatment.All the rots were sacrificed after three months of feeding with or without fasudil.Pathological changes of the glomeruli and renal interstitium were studied by periodic acidSchiff'S staining and Masson staining,respectively.Expression of ROCKI,α-SMA,E-cadherin and the distribution of β-catenin was examined by immunohistochemistry.Changes in the MYPT1 phosphorylation profile and α-SMA,E-cadherin and membrane β-catenin expression were detected bv Western blot.Changes in the levels of ROCKI,E-cadherin and total β-eatenin mRNA expression were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results Fasudil treatment notably attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic rats.Compared to the control rats.diabetic rats showed an elevated phosphorylation of MYFF1(P<0.01),increased expression of α-SMA(P<0.01),decreased expression of E-cadherin and membrane β-catenin(P<0.01,respectively)and increased expression of ROCKI,total β-catenin mRNA(P<0.01,respectively),decreased expression of E-cadherin mRNA(P<0.01 ). Fasudil treatment for diabetic rats attenuated MYPT1 phosphorylation (P<0.01), decreased α-SMA expression (P<0.01), increased E-cadherin and membrane (β-catenin expression (P<0.01, respectively), and reduced ROCKI, total β-catenin mRNA expression (P <0.01, respectively), increased expression of E-cadherin mRNA (P<0.01). Conclusions Fasudil may reduce the epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation and renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic rats through the inhibition of ROCK activity. Such effect further facilitates the recovery of the cell-cell adhesion among renal tubular epithelial cells and the formation of adhesion complex.

Objective To investigate whether erythropoietin (EPO) can inhibit the proapoptotic effect of high glucose on rat proximal tubular epithelial cells, and the possible mechanisms in which EPO exerts its anti-apoptotic role. Methods Rat proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were divided into 5 groups: normal control group, osmolarity control group, high glucose group, high glucose with EPO (50 U/ml) group and high glucose with EPO (100 U/ml) group. The expression of EPO receptor (EPOR) in NRK-52E cells was examined by immunocytochemistry. The effect of high glucose on the expression of EPOR was detected by Western blotting. The rate of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry Annexin V-FITC/PI double stains. The intracellular ROS was detected using fluorescent probe CM-H2DCFDA. The expression of bcl-2, bax and caspase-3 mRNA were examined by RT-PCR. Results The expression of EPOR was demonstrated in NRK-52E cells, and high glucose could up-regulate the expression of EPOR. High glucose could induce oxidative stress in NRK-52E cells, and up-regulate the mRNA expression of bax and caspase-3, down-regulate the mRNA expression of bcl-2. These effects of high glucose on NRK-52E cells could be reversed by EPO. Conclusion EPO inhibits NRK-52E cells apoptosis induced by high glucose through attenuating oxidative stress,up-regulating theexpression of bcl-2 mRNA and down-regulating the expression of bax and caspase-3 mRNA, which may be mediated by EPOR.

Objective To compare the efficacy and the side-effect of three different ways in treating the patients with malignant pleural effusion. Methods 98 patients histologically proved malignant pleural effusion were randomly divided into three groups, bleomycin group(BLM), bleomycin with mycobacterium group( BLM + UTL) and blemycin with intertleukino2 ( BLM +IL). 31 patients were treated with bleomycin intrapleural injection in BLM group,32 patients were treated with bleomycin and Utilin's(mycobacterium) intrapleural injection in BLM + ULL group and 35 patients were treated with bleomycin and intertleukin-2 intrapleural injection in BLM + IL group. The therapeutic efficacy, change of performance and side effects were compared among the three groups after one period of treatment. The changes of CEA and TNF in the pleural effusion were examined before and after treatment. Results The therapeutic efficacy and performance improvement were higher in BLM+UTL and BLM+IL group than that of BLM group(P＜0. 05) ,the pleural CEA of post-treatment in three groups were lower than that of pre-treatment(P＜0.01) ,the CEA after treatment in BLM+UTL group and BLM+IL group was lower than that of BLM group(P＜0. 01,respectively). The pleural TNF of post-treatment in BLM+UTL and BLM+IL groups was higher than that of pre-treatment(P＜0. 01 ) in BLM group. The pleural TNF of post-treatment in BLM+UTL and BLM+IL group was higher than that of BLM group ( P＜0. 01 ). Conclusion Intrapleural injection of mycobacterium with bleomycin or interlekin-2 with bleomycin has better efficacy than using bleomycin only in treating malignant pleural effusion.

Objective:To investigate the effect of interleukin (IL)-7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) antibody on the immune inflammation and renal injury in MRL/lpr lupus mice.Methods:Fifteen 3-4-week-old female MRL/lpr lupus mice (specific pathogen free) weighing 15-16 g were bred to 14-week-old and randomly divided into three groups: IL-7Rα antibody intervention group, isotype antibody (positive control) group and normal saline (negative control) group. The mice in the threc groups were intraperitoneally injected with IL-7Rα antibody, isotype antibody and normal saline respectively, with 100 μg three times a week for 4 weeks. At the age of 18-week old, the mice were sacrificed. Twenty-four-hour urinary protein was detected by Coomassie brilliant blue method, serum creatinine was detected by peroxidase method, and the expression of autoantibody (anti-double strand DNA antibody) and inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-21 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Renal pathology was detected by PAS and Sirius red staining, and CD3 and F4/80 in renal tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry method. Regulatory T cells, follicullar helper T cells (Tfh) and follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr) were detected by flow cytometry.Results:The 24-hour urinary protein, serum creatinine, serum anti-double strand DNA antibody and serum IFN-γ and IL-21 in the IL-7Rα antibody intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control groups (all P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in serum TNF-α among the three groups ( F=0.39, P>0.05). The positive infiltrating cells of CD3 and F4/F80, and the ratio of type Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagen fibers ( F=41.11, P<0.01) of renal tissues in the IL-7Rα antibody intervention group were lower than those in the other two groups. Compared with the control groups, the ratio of regulatory T cells (CD4 +CD25 +Foxp3 +)/effector T cells (CD4 +CD25 +) in blood of IL-7Rα antibody intervention group increased ( F=21.64, P<0.01), while the ratio of Tfr (CD4 +CXCR5 +Foxp3 +)/Tfh (CD4 +CXCR5 +) in peripheral blood and spleen increased ( F=38.95, P<0.01; F=12.90, P<0.01). Conclusion:IL-7Rα antibody can reduce the production of autoantibodies such as anti-double strand DNA antibody and inflammatory factors by increasing the ratio of regulatory T cells and Tfr/Tfh, thus alleviating immune inflammation and renal damage in MRL/lpr lupus mice.

Objective:To summarize the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of recurrent focal segmental glomurular sclerosis(FSGS)after kidney transplantation and explore the predictive value of risk grade assessment of peripheral circulating permeability factor for recurrent FSGS.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed for pathological history, biopsy finding before and after transplantation, blood level of FSGS biomarkers of two patients with recurrent FSGS. Then the relationship was analyzed between the risk grade assessment of peripheral circulating permeability factor and recurrent FSGS.Results:Both patients belonged to primary FSGS with >10g/24h urine protein. The recurrence of FSGS after transplantation was confirmed by renal biopsy. After plasma exchange, rituximab and Tripterygium wilfordii, 24-hour urine protein content declined, general edema subsided significantly and renal function stabilized.Conclusions:After renal transplantation, plasma exchange and rituximab can effectively alleviate the symptoms of recurrent FSGS. And assessing risk level of peripheral circulating permeability factor panel may have value in predicting the recurrent risk of FSGS

Objective:To explore the clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis of renal transplant recipients with COVID-19.Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 2 kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19. Based upon clinical manifestations, blood routine, inflammatory factors, cell immunity, chest computed tomography(CT)and therapeutic efficacies, the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients(Interim Edition V)were compared to that of ordinary COVID-19 patients. Both recipients had an onset of low/moderate fever. There was no initial symptom of cough or fatigue. Blood routine indicated a normal count of leukocytes, a marked lymphocytopenia, elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)and slightly higher procalcitonin(PCT). Cellular immunity was extremely low and chest CT showed multiple patchy ground-glass opacities in both lungs.Results:After 1 week of onset, both patients had a marked disease progression. The pathogenesis and imaging changes were highly similar to those reported for ordinary COVID-19 patients. For preventing secondary infections, both received symptomatic supportive measures of antiviral agents, withdrawing immunosuppressants, tapering of hormone maintenance dose, intravenous drip of gamma globulin and respiratory supports. Currently the conditions of both patients obviously improved and renal function was stable. One case recovered and was discharged.Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in renal transplant recipients are generally consistent with that of ordinary COVID-19 patients. Although there is no established treatment for COVID-19, withdrawing immunosuppressants, maintaining small and medium doses of hormones, actively restoring immunity and providing respiratory supports in a timely manner are effective.

Objective: To explore the clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis of renal transplant recipients with NCP. Method: The clinical data of 2 cases of kidney transplant recipients with NCP were retrospectively analyzed. Based onclinical manifestations, blood routine, inflammatory factors, cell immunity, chest CT andtherapeutic effects, the diagnosis and treatment of NCP in kidney transplant recipients (5th edition) were compared to that ofordinary NCP patients. Both recipients developed onset of low andmoderate fever, with no cough or fatigue at the initial stage. Blood routine indicated a normal range of leukocytes,buta significant decrease in lymphocyte counts, increased C-reactive protein (CRP) , and slightly higher procalcitonin (PCT) . The cellular immunity was extremely low, and the chest CT showed multiple patchy ground glass shadows in both lungs. Result: After 1 week of onset, both patients had significant disease progression. The pathogenesis and imaging changes were highly similar tothatreported in ordinary NCP patients.Two patients were givensymptomatic supportive treatment by antiviral agents, stop uses ofimmunosuppression agents, small amount of hormone maintenance, intravenous drip of gamma globulin andrespiratory support toavoid secondary infections. At present, the condition of both patients is obviously improved, and renal function is stable. One of them has recovered and was discharged. Conclusion The clinical manifestations of NCP in renal transplant recipients were generally consistent with that of ordinary NCP patients. Although there is no established method for the treatment of NCP, it is effective by stopping uses of immunosuppressive agents, maintaining small and medium doses of hormones, actively restoring immunity, and providing respiratory support in a timely manner.

Allografts ; COVID-19 ; China/epidemiology* ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects* ; SARS-CoV-2