Determination of the reference interval for the activity of NAcetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine of healthy dogs / Determinação de intervalo de referência para a atividade da NAcetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) na urina de cães sadios

The diagnosis of acute kidney injury by evaluating the activity of urinary enzymes is an important tool especially for its precocity in relation to methods of assessment of renal function considered late as the installation of injury precedes the function change. This study was performed to determine the reference interval for urinary NAG activity (N-Acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase) in urine of healthy dogs of different breeds, ages and sexes. It was utilized an automated method for the determination of NAG activity standardized for dog urine samples. Through statistical analysis it was observed that NAG is positively correlated with the age of the animal and urine specific gravity but is not interfered by sex or weight. Based on the determination of urinary activity and after correcting the values for a 1,025 urine specific gravity was obtained an reference interval of X '= 3.62U/L±0.66U/L.(AU)

O diagnóstico da injúria renal aguda pela avaliação da atividade de enzimas urinárias é uma importante ferramenta para o médico veterinário, especialmente por sua precocidade em relação aos métodos de avaliação da função renal, considerados tardios, visto que a instalação da injúria precede a alteração da função. Neste estudo foi realizada a determinação do intervalo de referência médio para a atividade urinária de NAG (N-Acetyl- β-D-Glucosaminidase), em urinas de cães hígidos, de diferentes raças, sexos e faixas etárias. Para isso, trabalhou-se com um método automatizado para determinação da atividade de NAG, padronizado para amostras de urina de cães. Por meio de análise estatística, observou-se que a NAG apresenta correlação positiva com a idade do animal e com a densidade urinária, mas não sofre interferência quanto ao sexo ou peso. Com base na determinação da atividade urinária e após corrigir os valores para uma densidade de 1,025, obteve-se um intervalo de referência médio de X´ = 3,62U/L±0,66U/L.(AU)

Study on Combined Determination Plasma NGAL,Cys C and Urinary NAG/Crea for the Diagnosis of Early Diabetic Nephropathy / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL),cystatin C (Cys C) and the ratio of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase to creatinine (NAG/Crea) combined determination in the diagnosis of early diabetic nephropathy.Methods Collected 67 cases of patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from December 2016 to February 2017.According to the value of UALB/Crea was divided into two groups:Diabetic urinary microalbumin normal group (UALB/Crea＜30 mg/gCrea) had 35 patients and early diabetic nephropathy group (namely the trace albuminuria group,UALB/Crea 30 ～ 300 mg/gCrea) had 32 patients.Other selected 20 normal volunteers as control group,compared with a medical group to gather all the staff of the clinical data,using automatic biochemical analyzer detected the plasma NGAL,Cys C and urine NAG/Crea,and adopted the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the detection index was analyzed.Results ①Plasma NGAL,Cys C and urinary NAG/Crea of diabetic nephropathy patients was significantly higher than those of healthy control group (Z=-5.740 ～-5.386,P＜0.05).②The areaunder receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of plasma NGAL,Cys C and urine NAG/Crea were 0.858,0.911 and 0.714.Conclusion Plasma NGAL,Cys C and urinary NAG/Crea combined determination have a higher value for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.

Air pollution and urinary n-acetyl-B-glucosaminidase levels in residents living near a cement plant

BACKGROUND: To identify adverse renal effects due to air pollution derived from a cement plant in Korea. Urinary n-acetyl-B-glucosaminidase (U-NAG) levels in residents living near a cement plant were compared to those in a group who lived farther away from the plant. METHODS: From June to August 2013 and from August to November 2014, laboratory tests for U-NAG and heavy metal were conducted on 547 study participants. Based on the level of air pollution exposure, subjects were divided into the “less exposed group,” (LEG) which consisted of 66 persons who lived more than 5 km away from the cement plant, the “more exposed group from the rural area” (MEG-R), which consisted of 272 persons, and the “more exposed group from downtown area” (MEG-D), which consisted of 209 persons who lived within a 1 km radius of the cement plant. U-NAG levels >5.67 U/L were defined as “higher U-NAG” levels. We compared the prevalence of higher U-NAG levels and estimated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) by air pollution exposure using a chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Further, we estimated the interaction between air pollution exposure and heavy metal exposure in renal toxicity. RESULTS: The OR of higher U-NAG levels by MEG-D and MEG-R compared to LEG was 2.13 (95 % CI 0.86–4.96) and 4.79 (95 CI 1.65–10.01), respectively. Urinary cadmium (U-Cd), urinary mercury (U-Hg), age, occupation, hypertension, and diabetes had a significant association with higher U-NAG levels. However, blood lead (B-Pb), sex, and smoking were not associated with higher U-NAG. Especially, concurrent exposure to heavy metals (U-Hg or/and U-Cd) and air pollution had an additive adverse effect. In the group with both 4th quartile heavy metal exposure (U-Cd or/and U-Hg) and air pollution exposure, the OR in MEG-R and MEG-D was 6.49 (95 % 1.42–29.65) and 8.12 (95 % CI 1.74–37.92), respectively, after adjustment for age, occupation, hypertension, diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: U-NAG levels seem to be affected by air pollution exposure as well as age, hypertension, diabetes, and even low levels of cadmium and low levels of mercury. Moreover, concurrent exposure to heavy metals and air pollution can have additive cytotoxic renal effects.

Clinical study on combined urine biomarker detection in kidney injury of child CMV infection / 天津医药

Objective To explore changes of urine transferrin (TFR),micro albumin (mALb),β2 microspheres protein (MG),α1MG and N-acetylβ-D amino group (NAG) in children with kidney injury induced by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infec?tion, and the outcome after treatment. Methods Fifty children with CMV infection were used as case group, and 35 chil?dren of convalescence stage of upper respiratory tract infection were used as control group. The serum levels of creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN),β2MG, liver function, CMV-IgM, CMV-PCR and brainstem auditory (BAEP), head CT and urine routine test, urine TFR, mALb,β2MG,α2MG and NAG were detected. The sputum CMV-PCR was detected if childrencombined with CMV pneumonia. Ganciclovir (5mg/kg) was given to two groups, 1/12 h i.v. for 14 d. The urine TFR,mALb,β2MG, α2MG and NAG were detected again after treatment. Results There were no significant differences in the urine mALb and TFR between the two groups. The urine levels ofα1MG, NAG andβ2MG were higher in case group than those of control group. The urine levels ofα1MG, NAG andβ2MG were decreased after 2-week treatment in case group. There were no significant differences in urine mALb and TFR before and after treatment. Conclusion The combined detection ofβ2MG,α1MG and NAG can predict CMV kidney damage in children at a early stage.

Garlic supplemented diet attenuates gentamicin nephrotoxicity ın rats

Purpose To demonstrate the effect of a 4% pulverized garlic supplemented diet on the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in rats. Materials and Methods Twenty four healthy male Wistar rats, weighing between 220 - 260grams, were divided into three groups. The rats were randomly assigned to either the gentamicin injection without garlic supplementation group (Group I, n = 8), gentamicin injection with garlic supplementation group (Group II, n = 8), and control group (Group III, n = 8). Urine from the rats was collected and the volume (mL), microalbumin (mg/L), creatinine (mg/dL), Na (mmol/L), K (mmol/L), Cl (mmol/L), P (mg/dL), N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) (U/L) and pH values were measured. Then urea (mg/dL), creatinine (mg/dL), total protein (g/dL) and cystatin (mg/L) values were measured for the blood samples obtained from tail veins. Results The median NAG value for the control group (52.050 U/L) was similar to value for Group II (56.400 U/L), which received gentamicin and the garlic diet. However, the median NAG value for Group I (77.030 U/L), which received gentamicin without garlic supplementation, was determined to be statistically significantly higher (p = 0.010) than the value for the control group. In addition, the mean cystatin value for Group II (1.360 U/L) was found to be statistically significantly lower than the value for the Group I (2.240 U/L) (p = 0.015). Conclusions In this study we showed the effect of 4% pulverized garlic supplemented diet for preventing nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in rats by using as parameters NAG in urine samples and cystatin C in serum samples. .

The Survival of Vibrio cholerae in the Natural Environment of Zambia : Fish, the suspicious Gateway of Cholera Outbreak? / 国際保健医療

<b>Preface and Objectives</b><br> Cholera has recently become more serious in African countries. In southern Africa, a serious cholera outbreak was reported in 2008. Here we investigate <i>Vibrio cholerae</i> in aquatic environments, rivers, tube well waters, fish tissues, and aquatic plants in Zambia.<br><b>Methods</b><br> The sampling was conducted on Kafue and Zambezi rivers as well as at public wells. The samples included river water, mud, fish, floating grass, and well water. All samples were enriched in alkaline peptone water (APW) and streaked on thiosulfate citrate bilesalts saccharos (TCBS) Vibrio agar. Some types of colonies were isolated using polymyxin mannose tellurite (PMT) agar. All water samples were analyzed for enterobacteria as well as vibrio contamination. River and shallow tube well water samples were analyzed for <i>E. coli</i>.<br><b>Results</b><br> Samples, including fish tissues, river, and tube well waters, except for the fish intestines, were found to be contaminated with vibrios when cultured on TCBS Vibrio agar.<br> Deep tube well water was not contaminated with vibrios or <i>E. coli. V. cholerae</i> El Tor was not detected through sampling and culturing on PMT agar. <i>E. coli</i> was detected in river and shallow tube well water samples.<br><b>Discussion</b><br> Vibrios were detected in Zambia’s aquatic environments. Cholera outbreak may occur. Vibrio contaminations in fish have been reported from Bangladesh, Laos, Kenya, and India. Fish is a good source of protein to improve person’s nutritional status. However, it must be treated properly so that any contamination of residential areas is avoided. Therefore, people must pay attention to fish.<br><b>Conclusion</b><br> Here several types of <i>V. cholerae</i> were isolated from different aquatic environments. Fish is a nutritious diet, but contaminated Vibrios fish must be treated so that it will not contaminate residential areas. We must investigate the gateway of cholera outbreaks in Zambia.

Urinary Protein and Enzyme Excretion of Spot Urine in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of measurement of beta2 microglobulin (beta2 MG), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) of spot urine samples as indices of renal tubular damage and microalbumin of spot urine samples as a parameter of glomerular damage in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) or renal defects. METHODS: We studied 91 children with previous UTI. The children were classified as 62 children without VUR and renal defects (group I), 10 children with VUR, without renal defects (group II), and 19 children with VUR and renal defects (group III). Patients having VUR were separated according to the degree of VUR (mild VUR: VUR grade I-III, severe VUR: VUR grade IV-V). Urinary excretion of beta2 microglobulin (beta2 MG), microalbumin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), creatinine were measured in samples of morning urine specimens. Children with VUR or renal defects detected by voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and DMSA renal scan were investigated. RESULTS: Microalbumin/Cr ratio of spot urine was significantly increased in group III compared group I (42.3+/-27.2 mg/gCr vs 25.2+/-10.9 mg/gCr, P<0.05). NAG/Cr ratio of spot urine was significantly increased in group II compared group I (3.70+/-23.4 mg/gCr vs 18.7+/-12.7 mg/gCr, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference of beta2 MG/Cr ratio among three groups. CONCLUSION: Urinary microalbumin excretion of morning urine sample may be a simple and reliable clinical indicators for early identification of renal damage in children with VUR and renal defects. Urinary microalbumin excretion may be useful marker to predict the the severity of VUR.

Study on the Function of NAG-1 in Hepatocellular and Gastric Carcinoma Cells

BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug activated gene (NAG-1) has proapoptotic activities in the colon and also in gastric cancer cells that lack any endogenous COX-2 expression. Recent studies have suggested that the proa- poptotic activity of NAG-1 is cell type specific. I investigated the cell proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis in Hep3B cells and SNU719 cells by determining the different expression levels of NAG-1. In addition, I examined the gene profile in the Hep3B cells that have a stable expression of NAG-1. METHODS: SNU719 cells and several clones of Hep3B cells with a stable expression of NAG-1 were used. I reduced the expression level of NAG-1 via the RNAi method. An Agilent Human 22k microarray was used for studying the gene profile in Hep3B cells that had a stable expression of NAG-1. RESULTS: The expression level of NAG-1 did not influence apoptosis, cell proliferation and invasiveness in Hep3B cells. There was no correlation between the reduction of the endogenous NAG-1 expression and cell proliferation, including invasiveness, in the SNU719 cells. However, a knocked-down NAG-1 expression protected against apoptosis in the SNU719 cells. The microarray analysis results showed that 0.25% (58/22,575) of the genes were induced or repressed more than three fold in the Hep3B cells that had a stable expression of NAG-1. CONCLUSIONS: Proapoptotic activity of NAG-1 is found in gastric cancer cells, but not in hepatocellular cancer cells.

Effects of on-pump and off-pump coronary revascularization on renal function / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of on-pump and off-pump coronary revascularization on renal function.Methods Twenty four patients underwent elective coronary revascularization were divided into 2 groups: group A with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)(n=12) and group B without CPB(n=12).Markers of glomerular and tubular function were evaluated before anesthesia(T_0),at the end of operation(T_1),2 hours after operation(T_2) and 24 hours after operation(T_3).Results The ratio of urinary microalbumin to creatinine and NAG levels increased significantly at T_1 as compared with that at T_0 in on-pump coronary revascularization(P

Molecular Targets of Dietary Polyphenols with Anti-inflammatory Properties

There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence that dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory activity. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been used to combat inflammation. Recently, cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have been developed and recommended for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, two COX inhibitors have been withdrawn from the market due to unexpected side effects. Because conventional therapeutic and surgical approaches have not been able to fully control the incidence and outcome of many inflammatory diseases, there is an urgent need to find safer compounds and to develop mechanism-based approaches for the management of these diseases. Polyphenols are found in many dietary plant products, including fruits, vegetables, beverages, herbs, and spices. Several of these compounds have been found to inhibit the inflammation process as well as tumorigenesis in experimental animals; they can also exhibit potent biological properties. In addition, epidemiological studies have indicated that populations who consume foods rich in specific polyphenols have lower incidences of inflammatory disease. This paper provides an overview of the research approaches that can be used to unravel the biology and health effects of polyphenols. Polyphenols have diverse biological effects, however, this review will focus on some of the pivotal molecular targets that directly affect the inflammation process.

Urinary Excretion of Various Urinary Proteins in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the excretion of various urinary proteins in children with a history of urinary tract infection(UTI), with or without vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) or reflux nephropathy, and to identify means of predicting the severity of VUR or the presence of reflux nephropathy as indicated by these markers, and to know how these markers are changed after resolution of VUR. METHODS: We studied 30 children with previous UTI, without VUR and renal scarring(group I), 12 children with VUR, without evidence of renal scarring(group II), and 34 children with VUR and renal scarring(group III). 24-hour or 12-hour urine beta2 microglobulin(beta2 MG), microalbumin and N- acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) were measured in each child. Urinary protein excretions were analyzed according to the degree of VUR(mild VUR : a grade reflux I-III, severe VUR : a grade reflux IV-V). Cases of bilateral VUR were graded by the higher grade of reflux detected. A total of 46 children with primary VUR were followed. Among these patients, VUR was completely resolved in 16 children. Voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) and DMSA scan were performed every year. Values for urinary markers were estimated every year. RESULTS: 24 or 12 hour urine microalbumin and NAG excretions were significantly increased in group III compared to group I(microalbumin : 27.7+/-26.0 mg/gCr vs 15.0+/-10.7 mg/gCr, P<0.05, NAG : 15.2+/-18.7 U/gCr vs 3.4+/-2.2 U/gCr, P<0.05). Urinary beta2 MG excretions were not significantly different between groups. Urinary NAG excretions were elevated in the group of children with severe VUR compared to mild VUR(26.8+/-27.1 U/gCr vs 7.6+/-3.8 U/gCr, P<0.05). After resolution of VUR, urinary microalbumin and NAG excretions were decreased(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Urinary microalbumin and NAG may be useful clinical indicators to predict the presence of reflux nephropathy and the resolution of VUR. Especially, urinary NAG excretions may be used as a possible method to predict the severity of VUR.

Cadmium Intoxication and Its Effects on Kidney Function / 대한신장학회잡지

Cadmium-containing compounds are widely used in the manufacturing of pigments, plastics, glass, metal alloys, and electrical equipment. Chronic low exposure of cadmium causes renal tubular dysfunction, emphysema, bronchial cancer, osteomalasia, multiple fracture or urethral stone. Occupations exposed to cadmium are increasing in industsralized country such as Korea, but there is a few systemic study on cadmium intoxication until nowadays. We studied the effects of cadmium on renal function, pulmonary function and bone mineral density in 5 workers exposed to cadmium. Cadmium in urine were increased [38.51+/-42.68 (7.27-101.07)mug/g creatinine(1 st exam), 0.70+/-7.16 (3.88-21.05)mug/g creatinine(2 nd exam)], respectively. Urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) excretion rates[9.19+/-2.21(7.25-12.79) U/g creatinine] were increased, but urinary beta2-microglobulin(beta2- MG), urinary methalothionein(MT) excretion, 24 hour urinary protein, calcium excretions were not increased. Cadmium in urine was correlated with urine NAG(r=0.912, p=0.031) but no relationship with others. Glomerular filtration rate were all within normal limits. Complete blood counts, liver function, renal function, electrolytes were all within normal limits. In urinalysis and sediment examination, 4 cases showed no abnormalities, but 1 case showed proteinuria(30 mg/dL) and hematuria with dysmorphic RBC dominance(This case was diagnosed accompanying IgA nephropathy). In pathologic examination, all biopsy specimens showed mild interstitial fibrosis without inflammatory cell infiltration. Osteoporosis and obstructive lung defect were diagnosed in one case. We found urinary NAG excretion were increased and mild interstitial fibrosis at biopsy specimen were seen in all cases. It is necessary to follow-up for detection of proteinuria and decrement of GFR in each patients.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Injection on the Treatment of Chronic Allograft Nephropathy / 中国医师杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of salvia Miltiorrhiza on the patients with chronic allograft nephropathy.Method 20 cases were treated by the combination of salvia miltiorrhiza and routine anti-rejection therapy.Results The effect of the combination in salvia group was better than that in the control group .The significant difference was found between the two groups of the patients (P

Usefulness of Urinary n-acetyl-beta-d-Glucosaminidase(nag) for a Predictor of Aminoglycoside Nephrotoxicity / 대한신장학회잡지

Nephrotoxicity is a major factor limiting the clinical utility of aminoglycoside antibiotics(AG). In this study, we have therefore investigated the usefulness of the renal tubular protein for a predictor of the nephrotoxicity of AG. We have also compared the nephrotoxicity among different AG. Among the simple fracture patients visiting orthopedics, for whom an AG seemed warrantable, we have sampled thirty-nine subjects--excluding those suffering from severe bleeding, taking drugs, or having renal disease which can affect the renal function. We have set three different groups by the following criteria; ten subjects in group I were given 250mg of Amikacin sulfate twice a day; fifteen subjects in GroupII were given 60mg of Micronomicin sulfate twice a day; and fourteen subjects in GroupIII were given 200mg of Isepacin sulfate twice a day. Urine from each patient was collected for 24 hours before, one week after, and two weeks after the drugs were given, and then the urinary concentrations of NAG, beta2-Microglobulin(beta2-MG), and electrolyte(Na+, K+, Cl-) were measured. The measurement of 24-hour urinary concentrations of NAG shows that, for all three groups, significant increase of the concentrations(P<0.01) is seen between the different times in the same group. The results of measurements of the 24-hour urinary concentrations of beta2-MG, and electrolyte(Na+, Ke+, Cl-) show their increase for all three groups but whithin the normal range. For the samples collected two weeks after the drugs were given, there is a significant decrease in the twenty-four-hour urinary concentrations of NAG(P<0.05) of Group III compared to Group I and II. The resulta of measurements of 24-urinary concentrations of beta2-MG, and electrolyte(Na+, K+, Cl-) show their increase for all three groups but whithin the normal range. In conclusion, we have seen that the nephrotoxicity of the AG appears for all three groups; but, when we compare the nephrotoxicity between the different antibiotics, the nephrotoxicity of Amikacin sulfate and that of Micronomicin sulfate appear stronger than that of Isepacin sulfate. Our data suggest the usefulness of sequential NAG measurements in monitoring and predicting aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity.

Some Renal Function Indices in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Lead / 대한산업의학회지

The influence of lead exposure on renal function was studied. Three hundred forty two male lead exposed workers who worked in 3 storage battery factories, 5 secondary smelting factories and 3 litharge making factories, and 60 male control workers who were not exposed to lead occupationally were chosen for this study. Blood lead (PbB), zinc protoporphyrin in whole blood (ZPP) and delta-aminolevulinic acid in urine (DALA) were selected as indicators of lead exposure. As indicators of renal function blood urea nitrogen(BUN) , serum creatinine(S-Cr), serum uric acid (S-UA), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in urine (NAG) and urine protein (U-TP) were selected. While the mean values of lead exposure indicators of lead workers were significantly different from non-exposed ones, the mean values of renal function indicators of exposed except S-UA were significantly different from non-exposed. The frequency of workers whose value of renal function indicators were over the nor mal criteria (BUN>20 mg/dl ; S-Cr>1.2 mg/dl ; S-UA>7.0 mg/dl ; NAG>8.0 U/liter; U-TP>8.0 mg/dl) by the level of lead absorption in terms of PbB, ZPP and DALA were calculated. Age adjusted odds ratio of over the normal value of BUN and NAG were statistically significant by the level of ZPP and that of BUN only showed the dose-dependant relationship. But the frequency of over the normal criteria of renal function indicators were not increased by the level of PbB and DALA. On stepwise multiple regression using renal function indicators as a dependent variable and each lead exposure indicator and age as independent variables, only BUN, NAG and U-TP were contributed by the lead exposure indicators. It was found that only NAG of renal function indices was most reliable indicator who showed dose-response relationship with lead exposure and the measurement of NAG for lead workers whose relatively high exposure is highly recommended.

Prediction of Steroid Responsiveness in the Primary Nephrotic Syndrome Using Urinary beta2-Microglobulin Level and N-Acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase Activity

PURPOSE: Considering that renal biopsy is not routinely indicated in nephrotic syndrome in children and the risk of the procedure, we studied that it is possible to predict steroid responsiveness in nephrotic syndrome and the difference in responsivenss is related with the histopathologic type using urinary beta2-microglobulin and N-Acetyl-beta-D-Glucosaminidase activity as a safe and noninvasive method. METHODS: We measured serum creatinine, albumin, cholesterol and urinary creatinine, protein, B2M, NAG at the time of admission and after 2 weeks of treatment in 37 cases of primary nephrotic syndrome in children who were admitted to the Pediatric department of Chung-Ang Medical Center between March 1, 1994 and June 30, 1996. RESULTS: The results were as follows : 1) When urinary B2M value of less than 1000microgram/g creatinine was used as the cut-off value, the test identified steroid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 80%. When urinary NAG activity of less than 100U/hr/mg creatinine was used as the cut-off value, the test identified steroid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 81.8%. 2) Pretreatment urinary B2M levels in Good-response and Poor-response group were 559.8+/-718.5microgram/g creatinine, 3599.1+/-4956.7microgram/g creatinine, respectively. There was statistical significance between the two groups (P<0.05). 3) Pretreatment urinary NAG activity in Good-response and Poor-response group were 42.6+/-23.6U/hr/mg creatinine, 79.6+/-80.1U/hr/mg creatinine, respectively. There was statistical significance between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, measurement of urinary B2M level and NAG activity for early detection of renal tubular damage is helpful in prediction of steroid responsiveness of primary nephrotic syndrome. If the urinary B2M level and NAG activity are elevated, the patient is suspected to steroid resistance. Therefore, prolonged steroid therapy should be avoided in such patients because of their greater chance of not responding. This approach would reduce the many serious side effects of prolonged treatment in patients who are unlikely to benefit.

Enumeração e identificação de víbrios sacarose-positivos em amostras de lulas frescas comercializadas no município de Niterói-RJ / Enumeration and identification of sucrose-positive vibrios in samples of fresh squids commercialized at Niterói county-RJ

Foi efetuado um estudo sobre a enumeração e a identificação de víbrios sacarose-positivos em lulas frescas obtidas no comércio varejista do município de Niterói-RJ. No experimento, em 50 amostras de lulas, identificadas como pertencentes à espécie Oorytheutis brasiliensis Blainville, 1823, foram isoladas Unidades Formadoras de Colônias (UFC) sacarose-positivas em 28 (56%) amostras. Destas, foram identificados o Vibrio a/ginolyticus e víbrios do grupo NAG (não aglutináveis). A média dos Números Mais Prováveis (NMP) dos víbrios totais (com exceção da amostra com NMP > 2400 bacts./g) foi 101,70 bacts./g. Do total de 29 isolamentos nas 28 amostras, o V alginolyticus do grupo I de Heiberg obteve o maior percentual (62,07%), o V alginolyticus do grupo 111 apenas 10,30% e os víbrios NAG com 27,63%.

From 50 samples of squids of lhe species Dorytheutis brasiliensis Blainville, 1823, Colonies Formed Units (CFUs) sucrose-positives Víbrio alginolyticus and NAG vibrios (non-agglutinable) were isolated. The average of the Most Probabble Number of total vibrios (except the sample with MPN > 2400 bacts./g) was 101,70 bacts./g. From 28 samples, 29 isolations were carried out and lhe V. alginolyticus group I of Heiberg's Classification showed the greatest percentage (62,07%). The V. alginolyticus group 111 showed only 10,30% and NAG vibrios 27,63%.

A Study on the Renal Damage after Repeated Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in Patients with Renal Stone / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is chosen as a primary treatment modality due its non-invasiveness and high effectiveness. But renal damage is reported in 65-85% of patients with renal stone after ESWL. It is Know that the renal collecting tubular enzyme, N-acety1-glucosaminidase (NAG), is increased in urine and 3-4 weeks are needed to be normal in most patients in case of damage by ESWL. Nevertheless, ESWL is performed repeatedly with 1 or 2 weeks interval and moreover daily without checking the renal damage in most ESWL centers. So, this study is performed to know how severely the renal damage is caused by ESWL and to know the safe interval of ESWL in patients with renal stones. We measured the urinary NAG/Creatinine ratio to check the renal damage in 9 patients with renal stone after repeated ESWL (19kV, 2000-3000 shock wave/session) using Lithostar Ultra manufactured by Siemens. The results are as follows; 1. In 3 patients who received ESWL once a day for 2 days repeatedly, one patient had normal urinary NAG/Creatinine ratio, one patient had rapidly increased urinary NAG/Creatinine ratio immediately and the ratio decreased from two weeks later and it needed 4 weeks to be normal. The other one patient had rapidly increased urinary NAG/Creatinine ratio immediately and the ratio was normal 1 week later. 2. All 6 patients who received ESWL with one or two weeks interval had normal urinary NAG/ Creatinine ratio. In conclusion, it is thought that repeated ESWL by Lithostar Ultra (Siemens) with more than 1 week interval is safe. In case of repeated ESWL more than 3 times with one day interval, it is needed to confirm the normal urinary NAG/Creatinine ratio before procedure.

A study on renal function indices in lead exposed male workers / 예방의학회지

The influence of lead exposure on renal function was studied. Eighty nine lead exposed workers who worked in 2 storage battery factories, and seventy one control workers were chosen for this study. Blood lead(pbB) and zinc protoporphyrin in whole blood(ZPP) were selected as indicators of lead exposure. As indicators of renal function, urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase(NAG), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(S-Cr), total protein in urine(U-Tp),and serum uric acid(S-Ua) were selected. The results obtained were as follows: 1. while the mean values of lead exposure indicators of lead workers were significantly different from non-exposed ones, the mean values of NAG, U-TP, BUN and S-Cr of renal function indicators of exposed were also significantly different from non-exposed but their mean values were all within normal limits. 2. BUN, logarithmic U-TP, logarithmic NAG and S-Cr showed statistically significant correlation with pbB. 3. The proportion of workers whose values of renal function indicators were over the normal limits(NAG7.5 U/g cr; U-TP 10.9mg/dl; BuN20 mg/dl; S-Cr1.2 mg/dl; S-Ua7.0 mg/dl) by the level of lead absorption in terms of pbB and ZPP were calculated. The proportion of workers with over the normal limits of U-TP among total workers showed the dose-response relationship. when age is adjusted, U-TP showed significantly strong dose-response relationship with the level of pbB and ZPP.

Plasma Angiotensin / 대한내분비학회지

The purpose of the present study was to define the normal range of plasma concentration of angiotensin I-converting enzyme(ACE), N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase(NAG), inactive and active renin, and atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) in normal Korean adult male in terms of aging. Both plasma ACE activity and NAG concentration were measured by spectrofluorometry, and the plasma renin activity and ANP concentration were measured using radioimmunoassay. The ACE was 67.7+-3.6 nM His-Leu/min/ml and did not change in terms of age. The plasma NAG activity tended to decrease. Both plasma active and inactive renin activities were 2.1+-0.2 and 3.0+-0.3 ngAI/ml/h and tended to decrease in terms of aging. The percentage of inactive renin to total renin was 57.2+-2.9% at age 21-30 and also tended to decrease in terms of aging. Plasma ANP concentration at age 22 was 59.6+-2.9 pg/ml.