Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease, and the "four-hit" theory represents its currently accepted pathogenic mechanism. Mucosal immunity triggered by infections in the respiratory tract, intestines, or other areas leads to antigen presentation, T cell stimulation, B cell maturation, and the production of IgA-producing plasma cells. The proteins B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are involved in this process, and alternative complement and lectin pathway activation are also part of the pathogenic mechanism. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines indicate that a specific effective treatment for IgAN is lacking, with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors being the primary therapy. Recent research shows that biological agents can significantly reduce proteinuria, stabilize the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and reverse some pathological changes, such as endocapillary proliferation and crescent formation. There are four main categories of biological agents used to treat IgA nephropathy, specifically anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, anti-BLyS or APRIL monoclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies targeting both BLyS and APRIL (telitacicept and atacicept), and monoclonal antibodies inhibiting complement system activation (narsoplimab and eculizumab). However, further research on the dosages, treatment duration, long-term efficacy, and safety of these biological agents is required.

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease, and the "four-hit" theory represents its currently accepted pathogenic mechanism. Mucosal immunity triggered by infections in the respiratory tract, intestines, or other areas leads to antigen presentation, T cell stimulation, B cell maturation, and the production of IgA-producing plasma cells. The proteins B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are involved in this process, and alternative complement and lectin pathway activation are also part of the pathogenic mechanism. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines indicate that a specific effective treatment for IgAN is lacking, with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors being the primary therapy. Recent research shows that biological agents can significantly reduce proteinuria, stabilize the estimated glomerular filtration rate, and reverse some pathological changes, such as endocapillary proliferation and crescent formation. There are four main categories of biological agents used to treat IgA nephropathy, specifically anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, anti-BLyS or APRIL monoclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies targeting both BLyS and APRIL (telitacicept and atacicept), and monoclonal antibodies inhibiting complement system activation (narsoplimab and eculizumab). However, further research on the dosages, treatment duration, long-term efficacy, and safety of these biological agents is required.

Objective To investigate the effect of berberine on endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK apoptosis pathway in HK-2 cells by high fructose.Methods HK-2 cells were grown in DMEM/F12, containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and divided randomly into four groups: normal control group (Group C); Fructose group (Group F): it contains 25mmol/L fructose culture; Berberine group (Group B): 25mmol/L fructose + 10μmol/L berberine treatment group; TUDCA group (Group T):25mmol/L fructose +2μmol/L TUDCA culture group; Cells were collected after culturing 24h. The expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CHOP protein and the phosphorylation levels of PERK, eIF2α were tested by Western blotting. The cell cycles were detected by flow cytometry and the apoptosis of cells were detected by TUNEL staining.ResultsWestern blotting showed that the expression of GRP78 and CHOP protein in group F was significantly higher than that in group C, and the levels of p-PERK and p-eIF2α in group F were significantly higher than those in group F. Compared with group F, GRP78, CHOP, p-PERK and p-eIF2α in group B and T were significantly lower (P<0.05). The expression of GRP78, CHOP, p-PERK and p-eIF2α in group B had no significant difference. Flow cytometry and TUNEL staining showed that the cell viability of fructose group was significantly lower than that of C group, and the apoptotic index was significantly higher than that of group C (P<0.05). Compared with group F, the activity of HK-2 cells in group B and T significantly increased, otherwise the apoptosis index significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with group T, the viability index and apoptosis rate of group B had no significant difference (P>0.05).Conclusion Persistent high fructose can activate the intracellular PERK pathway in HK-2 cells, causing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Berberine can inhibit the fructose-induced PERK and eIF2α phosphorylation, down-regulated the expression of GRP78, CHOP protein, thus by regulating PERK Pathways to alleviate cell cycle arrest and reduce cell apoptosis.

ObjectiveTo observe the expression of nephrin in hepatitis B virus-associated membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN),and investigate the impairment and significance of podocyte in HBV-MN.MethodsThe protein expression of nephrin in renal biopsy specimens in 35 patients,who were diagnosed as HBV-MN by renal biopsy,was determined by immunohistochemistry and tested by semiquantitative method.The relationship between the expression of nephrin and clinicopathological data was analyzed.Results Among the 35 cases with HBV-MN,6 were in MN phase Ⅰ,20 in MN phase Ⅱ and 9 in MN phase Ⅲ.A strong intensity expression of nephrin in normal glomerulus was found along capillary loop of glomerulus,while its expression in HBV-MN patients decreased obviously.There was no significantly difference in the expression of nephrin among the different stages of HBV-MN ( P ＞ 0.05 ).The expression of nephrin in different clinical types was significantly different ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The expression of nephrin in patients with nephrotic syndrome was significantly lower than that in patients without nephrotic syndrome (P ＜0.01 ).The expression of nephrin in different grades of 24-hour urinary protein excretion quantity was significantly different( P ＜ 0.05 ).There was negative correlation between the expression of nephrin and 24-hour urinary protein excretion quantity(r = -0.378,P ＜ 0.05).In the patients with HBV-MN phase Ⅱ,the expression of nephrin in patients with nephrotic syndrome was also significantly lower than that in patients without nephrotic syndrome( P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions The damage of podocytes emerge in the early stage of HBV-MN and the expression of nephrin in HBV-MN patients,especially in patients with nephrotic syndrome,are significantly down regulated.The descended expression of nephrin in HBV-MN patients may promote the production of proteinuria.

AIM:To observe the clinical effects of Huangkui Capsule (Abelmoschus manihot (Linn)Medic.)on the treatment of IgA nephropathy of damp-heat syndrome.METHODS: Sixty-four patients were assigned randomly into two groups: treatment group in which 32 cases were treated with Huangkui Capsule,and control group,in which 32 cases were treated with fosinopril.The therapeutic course for both groups was 12 weeks.The indexes of efficacy ,including damp-heat syndrome scores,24 h urinary protein,serum creatinine,urea nitrogen and the indexes of safety,including liver function,electrolyte and occurrence of adverse events were observed.RESULTS :There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups in aspects of baseline clinical figures,after 12 weeks of treatment,the content of 24h urinary protein significantly decreased by (0.49±0.78 )g/24 h and (0.4±0.76 ) g/24 h respectively in the two groups,showing significant difference in comparing with baseline,but insignificant difference between the two groups ( P ＞ 0.05 ),the scores of damp-heat syndrome in the two groups decreased by (0.88±1.43 ) scores and (1.94±1.63 ) scores respectively with significant difference as compared with baseline (P ＜0.05 ),and in comparison between groups(P ＜0.05 ).The total effective rate of 24 h urinary protein was 53.1% in the treatment group and 65.6% in the control group (P ＞ 0.05 ),The total effective rate of dampheat syndrome scores was 84.4% in the treatment group and 50% in the control group ( P ＞ 0.05 ).No significant change in levels of serum creatinine,urea nitrogen in the two groups was found (P ＞0.05 ).No severe adverse event occurred during the treatment,and the occurrence in the two groups was similar.CONCLUSION: Huangkui Capsule can effectively decrease the proteinuria just like fosinopril and improve clinical syndrome of patients of IgA nephropathy with damp-heat syndrome type,and shows no serious adverse reaction.

Objective To discuss the similarities and differences of clinical manifestation and pathological characteristics in hepatitis B virus related membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN) between children and adult. Methods Ninety cases with HBV-MN were divided into two groups according to the age:children group (33 cases) and adult group (57 cases). A retrospective control study was carried out to analyze the clinical and pathological features of the two groups. Results The incidence of anemia in children group was 45.45% ( 15/33 ), which was significantly higher than that in adult group [15.79% (9/57)](P ＜ 0.01). Nephrotic syndrome was the largest proportion in two groups,but there was no significant difference in the composition of clinical manifestations between two groups (P ＞0.05). Membranous nephropathy Ⅱ was common in pathological stage in two groups. The incidence of membranous nephropathy Ⅱ in children group was 63.64% (21/33),which was significantly higher than that in adult group [42.11%(24/57)] (P ＜ 0.05 );immunohistochemistry showed "all bright", and the deposition of HBcAg in renal biopsy was also higher than that in adult group (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion There are some similarities and differences in HBV-MN between children and adult patients,and these will help to improve the levels of diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To evaluate the antihypertensive effect and safety of domestic produced amlodipine(Lan Di) in the treatment of chronic renal insufficiency with mild-mnderate hypertension and to compare with the effect of imported amledipine.Methods Sixty-onc patients with chronic renal insufficiency(Scr:265～442 μmol/L,seated DBP 90 ～105mmHg and seated SBP≤170mmHg) were enrolled in this study.Patients were randomly assigned to receive Lan Di 5mg or novasc 5mg once daily for 4 weeks.Doses were titrating to 10mg/d for another 4 weeks in patients hating seated DBP≥80mmHg or SBP≥130mmHg at the end of 4 weeks.Blood pressure,heart rate,laboratory examinations were performed at baseline and the end of the trial,and side effects were assessed pre and post Lan Di or novasc treatment.Results Lan Di group(31 cases) and novasc group(30 cases) finished a 8 week clinical trial.At the end of 4,8 weeks,seated SBP and DBP were significantly lowered compared with those at baseline(P＜0.01 ).There was no significant difference in the reduction of seated DBP or SBP between the two groups at the end of 4,8 weeks(P＞0.05).At the end of 8 weeks ,the response rate was 87% in Lan Di group and 90% in novasc group.If the target value of blood pressure is below 130/80mmHg,the response rate was 36% in Lan Di group and 30% in novasc group.At the end of 8 weeks,no difference was found in laboratory findings compared with those at baseline in two groups(P＞0.05).Side effects were comparable during the period of treatment.Condusion Domestic produced amlodipine 5mg or 10mg daily is as effective and safe as imported amolodipine in chronic renal insufficiency patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

Objective To explore the role of adjustable and close persistent peritoneal drain in large ascites and acute renal insufficiency(ARI)in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome(PNS).Methods The adjustable and close persistent peritoneal drain tube were planted in 6 cases with PNS accompanied by large ascites and ARI during December 2005 and August 2006.On the basis of drain,they were treated by prednisone,anticoagulative agent,hypolipidic agent,antibiotics,antioxidant,microcirculation-improving agent and aweto preparation.Results After the treatment,ascites disappeared or decreased.ARI was cured in 5 cases.Among these patients,partial remission(PR)and no respone(NR)to treatment were present in 3 cases respectively during hospitalization.After the follow-up of 3~12 months,the complete remisson(CR)of PNS was found in 2 cases,PR in 3 cases and NR in 1 case respectively.Conclusion The adjustable and close persistent peritoneal drain may be applicable for PNS patients with large ascites and ARI and slight glomerular lesion.It can clear away the superabundant water,mitigate the renal interstitial edema and accelerate the recovery of ARI.It also makes the patients have the opportunity of the treatment which includes predenisone,anticoagulative agent and hypolipidic agent.

Objective To observe the relationship between blood stasis syndrome and clinical pathology in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Methods Clinical and pathological materials of 42 patients with blood stasis syndrome,and 73 patients with non blood stasis syndrome were analyzed. Result Patients with blood stasis syndrome are often female and accompanied with renal dysfunction. Compared with patients of non blood stasis syndrome,Lee’s grades were obviously higher,degrees of fibrinogen-related antigen (FRA) deposited in renal were stronger,and scores or ratio of tubular atrophy significantly were higher. Conclusion Blood stasis syndrome of IgAN is correlated with certain renal pathological changes. Blood stasis is the main etiological factor.

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between blood stasis Syndrome and clinical pathological parameters in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

METHODSThe clinicopathological data were analyzed of 94 IgAN patients of traditional Chinese medicine blood stasis syndrome.

RESULTSOf the 94 IgAN patients, 61.70% had blood stasis syndrome (BS) and 38.30% had non- blood stasis syndrome (non-BS). In patients with BS, dark purple tongue proper was the symptom most commonly seen; the clinical manifestations were mostly proteinuria with hematuria, often accompanied with hypertension and renal dysfunction. Compared with those in patients without BS, plasma levels of serum creatinine (SCr), triglyceride (TG) and plasma fibrinogen (FIB) were obviously higher, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (u-PA) significantly lower; and scores of glomerular sclerosis, tubular interstitial lesions, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy and vascular sclerosis significantly higher. Besides, the Lee's grades in them of III - V were mostly seen.

CONCLUSIONBlood stasis syndrome of IgAN are correlated with certain clinical parameters and severity of renal pathological changes. The combination of TCM holistic syndrome differentiation and modern medicinal micro-differentiation is more favorable for making clear the nature of blood stasis Syndrome of IgAN.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Circulation ; Blood Viscosity ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; classification ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Hematuria ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Proteinuria ; pathology