ABSTRACT
With worldwide epidemic of diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy which is one of the major causes of microvascular complication has become a serious concern in Korea as well as the rest of the world. In view of its significance, there is an urgent and paramount need for proper managements that could either deter or slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Despite advances in care, ever increasing number of patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease and from end-stage renal disease implies that the current management is not adequate in many aspects. The reasons for these inadequacies compromise lack of early diagnosis, failure to intervene with timely and aggressive manner, and lack of understanding on the kind of interventions required. Another issue equally important for the adequate care of patients with diabetic nephropathy is an understanding of past, present and future epidemiology of diabetic nephropathy which serves, especially in Korea, as a material determining standard diagnosis and treatment and a national health-policy decision.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetic Nephropathies , Diagnosis , Early Diagnosis , Epidemiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic , Korea , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic , Renal Replacement TherapyABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the changes of the amino acid receptors in solitary tract nucleus(NTS)of rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: The rat model of T4 spinal cord transection was used in this study. The study was divided into SCI group(n=5)and Control group(n=5). Changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were observed at 1,2,3,4, and 6 weeks after SCI; and the protein expression of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDA-R1) and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A α1 (GABAA-α1) in the NTS were detected by Western blotting analysis at different time points. Results: The MAP level was significantly decreased at 1-3 weeks after SCI (P<0.05), and it gradually recovered 4 weeks after SCI; the HR was significantly increased 1-4 weeks after SCI (P<0.05) and recovered at the 6th week. The results of Western blotting analysis showed that the protein expression of GABAA-α1 was significantly increased 2 weeks after SCI and significantly reduced at 4 and 6 weeks after SCI (P<0.05). Moreover, the ratio of NMDA-R1 to GABAA-α1 expression in NTS was significantly elevated after SCI(P<0.05). Conclusion: The adaptable changes of important receptors in the NTS following SCI may improve SCI-induced cardiovascular dysfunction.