Nephroprotective effects of Lippia sidoides ethanolic extract against ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

Abstract Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) is commonly related to acute kidney injury (AKI) and oxidative stress. Antioxidant agents are used to treat this condition. Lippia sidoides is a brazillian shrub with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Lippia sidoides ethanolic extract (LSEE) on in vivo and in vitro models of AKI induced by I/R. Male Wistar rats were submitted to unilateral nephrectomy and ischemia on contralateral kidney for 60 min via clamping followed by reperfusion for 48 h. They were divided into four groups: Sham, LSEE (sham-operated rats pre-treated with LSEE), I/R (rats submitted to ischemia) and I/R-LSEE (rats treated with LSEE before ischemia). Kidney tissues homogenates were used to determine stress parameters and nephrin expression. Plasma and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis. I/R in vitro assays were evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays in Rhesus Monkey Kidney Epithelial Cells (LLC-MK2). The LSEE treatment prevented biochemical and nephrin expression alterations, as well as oxidative stress parameters. In the in vitro assay, LSEE protected against cell death, reduced the reactive oxygen species and increased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. LSEE showed biotechnological potential for a new phytomedicine as a nephroprotective agent.

Effect of dual blockade of renin-angiotensin system on renal nephrin and vascular endothelial growth factor – A expression in diabetic-hypertensive rats

Objectives: The effects of early renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade using angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor lisinopril and/or angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan on renal nephrin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A gene expression were investigated in diabetic-hypertensive rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes and hypertension were induced in adult Wistar rats using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg, i.p.) and N?-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (60 mg/kg/12 h) for 4 consecutive days. Experimental animals were allocated into six groups (n = 6): normal control, diabetic control, diabetic-hypertensive control and lisinopril-, valsartan- and combination-treated diabetic-hypertensive groups (5 mg/kg/drug/day, p.o., for 21 days). Blood glucose, blood pressure, body weight, kidney weight to body weight ratio, serum albumin, creatinine, total protein and urea were measured and recorded every week. Nephrin and VEGF-A gene expression were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Renal nephrin protein was measured using ELISA as well as nephrin immunostaining. Results: Blood pressure was significantly decreased by all treatments (P ? 0.05). All treatments normalised serum albumin and urea. Serum creatinine significantly decreased, while total protein significantly increased (P ? 0.05). Nephrin gene expression had a non-significant decrease in diabetic-hypertensive rats, yet it was statistically increased with individual treatments (P ? 0.05) and normalised with combined treatment. Renal nephrin protein significantly decreased in diabetic-hypertensive rats, normalised by lisinopril and significantly increased by valsartan and combined treatments (P ? 0.05). VEGF-A expression significantly increased in diabetic-hypertensive rats and significantly decreased with lisinopril and valsartan monotherapy and normalised with combined treatment (P ? 0.05). Immunostaining of nephrin also showed an obvious increase in the case of combined treatment. Conclusion: Early dual blockade of RAS in diabetic-hypertensive rats protected against renal damage and improved renal nephrin and VEGF-A gene expression as well as renal nephrin protein expression.

Clinical Effect of Jianpi Yangyin Guse Decoction on Podocin and Nephrin and Its Protection Against Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy Patients with Qi and Yin Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of Jianpi Yangyin Guse decoction on patients with diabetic nephropathy （DN），and to explore its protection against podocyte injury. MethodThe enrolled 120 DN patients at stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ and diagnosed with Qi and Yin deficiency from January 2017 to January 2020 were randomly divided into observation group and control group. During the same period，20 healthy volunteers were recruited as the normal group. In addition to the basic treatment in control group，patients in the observation group were given Jianpi Yangyin Guse decoction，and the course of treatment lasted for 3 months. The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）syndrome score，24 h urine protein （24 h UP），urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio（UACR），liver and renal functions，D-dimer， hemoglobin A1c （HbA1c）， urine podocin and nephrin and α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） excretion of the two groups were observed before and after treatment，and the changes were statistically analyzed and compared with those in the normal group. ResultAfter treatment，the reduction of TCM syndrome score in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group（P<0.01）. The 24 h UP level，UACR and renal function in the observation group in the 2nd and 3rd months after treatment were lower than the conditions before treatment（P<0.05）， and those in the 3rd month after treatment were decreased compared with the conditions in the control group during the same period. The levels of podocin and nephrin in each month and the α-SMA excretion in the 3rd month after treatment in the observation group were down-regulated compared with the conditions before treatment and in the control group （P<0.05）， and the observation group had reduced α-SMA excretion in the 2nd month after treatment compared with before treatment. There were no marked changes in D-dimer and liver function of the two groups before and after treatment. The level of HbA1c in the observation group was higher than that in the control group after treatment（P<0.05）. ConclusionJianpi Yangyin Guse decoction has desirable clinical efficacy in DN patients，and its mechanism may be related to reducing podocin and nephrin and α-SMA excretion levels.

Effect of Huangkui on mouse podocytes under high glucose environment / Efecto de Huangkui en podocitos de ratón en un entorno de glucosa alta

To explore a new underlying molecular mechanism of Huangkui Extract Powder (HKEP) in the alleviation of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Murine immortalized podocytes were divided into (i) normal glucose (NG, 5.6 mM), (ii) NG + HKEP (0.45 g/L), (iii) HG, and (iv) HG + HKEP (0.45 g/L) groups. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect the podocyte proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle. Cell viability was inhibited, and apoptosis increased in(iii) HG group compared with (i) NG group (p<0.05). mRNA and protein expression of nephrin and podocin significantly decreased in (iii) HG group compared with (i) NG group (p<0.05). When compared with (iii) HG group, (iv) HG + HKEP group had higher cell viability, lower apoptotic rate and higher mRNA and protein expression of nephrin and podocin (p<0.05). HKEP can attenuate HG-induced podocyte damage, which may be one of the mechanisms of HKEP for attenuating DN.

Explorar un nuevo mecanismo molecular subyacente del extracto del polvo de Huangkui (HKEP) en el alivio de la nefropatía diabética (ND). Los podocitos murinos inmortalizados se dividieron en (i) grupos de glucosa normal (NG, 5,6 mM), (ii) NG + HKEP (0,45 g/L), (iii) HG y (iv) HG + HKEP (0,45 g/L). Se utilizaron el ensayo MTT y la citometría de flujo para detectar la proliferación de podocitos, la apoptosis y el ciclo celular. La viabilidad celular se inhibió y la apoptosis aumentó en el grupo (iii) HG en comparación con el grupo (i) NG (p<0,05). La expresión de ARNm y proteínas de nefrina y podocina disminuyó significativamente en el grupo (iii) HG en comparación con el grupo (i) NG (p<0,05). En comparación con el grupo (iii) HG, el grupo (iv) HG + HKEP tuvo una mayor viabilidad celular, una tasa de apoptosis más baja y una expresión de ARNm y proteínas más altas de nefrina y podocina (p<0,05). HKEP puede atenuar el daño de los podocitos inducido por HG, que puede ser uno de los mecanismos de HKEP para atenuar la DN.

Effect of Huangkui extract powder on the expression of nephrin and podocin in podocyte induced by high glucose / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the effect of Huangkui extract powder (HK) on the expression of nephrin and podocin proteins in mouse podocytes induced by high glucose,which is involved in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods Cultured mouse podocytes (MPC5) were incubated in high glucose and HK at 5.6 mmol/L NG,5.6 mmol/L NG + 0.45 g/L HK,25 mmol/L HG,25 mmol/L HG + 0.45 g/L HK,respectively.The 5.6 mmol/L NG group was used as normal control.After 24 hours of intervention,we detected podocyte apoptosis by Annexin-V FITC/PI double staining,measured the mRNA and protein expression of nephrin and podocin by qRT-PCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the control group (5.6 mmol/L,NG),the apoptosis rate of podocytes in the high glucose concentration group (25 mmol/L,HG) was significantly higher [(20.39 ± 0.03) ％ vs.(17.70 ± 0.91) ％,t =2.947,P ＜ 0.05)].The apoptosis rate of podocytes in the 25 mmol/L HG + 0.45 g/L HK group was significantly lower than that in the 25 mmol/L HG group [(11.96 ± 1.11) ％ vs.(20.39 ± 0.03) ％,t =7.586,P ＜ 0.01].The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of nephrin and podocin was significantly inhibited by high glucose concentration compared with the control group[(0.489 ±0.040) vs.(0.721 ±0.022),t =4.992,P ＜0.01;(0.387 ±0.014) vs.(0.778 ±0.036),t =10.050,P ＜0.01],and the expression of podocin and nephrin was increased by appropriate concentration of H K [(0.603 ± 0.013) vs.(0.489 ± 0.040),t =2.653,P＜0.05;(0.640±0.024) vs.(0.387 ±0.014),t=8.946,P＜0.01].Conclusion Podocyte apoptosis can be induced by prolonged high glucose treatment,but a certain concentration of HK can inhibit podocyte death induced by high glucose.The possible mechanism is that HK may inhibit the apoptosis of podocytes by regulating the expression of podocin and nephrin in podocytes at high glucose concentration,thus plays a protective role on podocytes.

Effects and mechanisms of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats and the mechanism of exercise-induced proteinuria.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six male SD rats, aged 6 weeks, were divided into two groups, including a control group(C,=12)and an overtraining group(M,=24). After the rats adapted to feeding for 4 d, group C did not carry out any exercise, and the M group did 6-week of increasing load swimming, 6 days a week, once a day. Started with the load of 1%weight at the beginning of the 4 week,and gradually increased (to 6% weight). Took a single urine from both groups 30 min after the end of the training. Blood was taken from the main ventral vein, and the bilateral kidneys were to be tested. The levels of tested urine protein, microalbumin and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin(NGAL) was determined by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assaytest. The content of urine creatinine was tested with alkaline picric acid method,. The serum levels of colorimetric method to determine serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were determined by colorimetric method. The expression of Nephrin in renal tissue was detected by Western blot and the radioimmunoassay was used to test serum testosterone, corticosterone and renin-angiotensin system related index.@*RESULTS@#Compared with group C, the serum testosterone/cortisone(T/C) of group M was decreased significantly (<0.01). The urine total protein(TP), microalbumin (mAlb), microalbumin/creatinine (mAlb/CRE), NGAL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine(SCr) were increased significantly (<0.01). The abnormality of glomerular structure was obvious, and the paller scores were higher. The protein expression of Nephrin was obviously down decreased (<0.01). The renin activity (Ra) and angiotension Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) in renal and circulating blood were decreased significantly (<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The effects of 6-week intensive training on renal function in rats and the mechanism of exercise-induced proteinuria may be that overtraining can induce the continuous excitation of Reninrenin activity in renal and circulating blood, down-regulated the expression of Nephrin, lead to abnormality of renal structure and function, and proteinuria.

The Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharide on the Expressions of Nephrin and Desmin in High Sugar Stimulation Mice Podocytes / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To study the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on the expressions of Nephrin and Desmin in high sugar stimulation mice podocytes. Methods Test one: the cultured mouse podocytes were divided into 5 groups: astragalus polysaccharide group [D－ glucose 30 mmol/L+astragalus polysaccharide (0.0 g/L, 0.1 g/L,0.2 g/L,0.4 g/L and 0.8 g/L) ]. Test two: In test one, we chose the concentration of astragalus polysaccharide which most affected both expression of Nephrin and Desmin in podocytes and named it as astragalus polysaccharide 0. X g/L. The cultured mouse podocytes were divided into 7 groups: astragalus polysaccharide group (D－ glucose 30 mmol/L+astragalus polysaccharide 0.X g/L) had been cultured for 0 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h,24 h,48 h and 72 h, respectively. Test three: Basted on test two, we chose the time which most affected both expression of Nephrin and Desmin in podocytes and named it as Yh. The cultured mouse podocytes were divided into 4 groups: the control group,mannitol hypertonic glucose control group, high sugar group,and astragalus polysaccharide group (high sugar group+ astragalus polysaccharide 0.X g/L) . Each group had been cultured for Yh. Nephrin and Desmin of each subgroup was detected by flow cytometry podocytes and real－time PCR. Results With the intervention of polysaccharide, Nephrin in podocyte cell surface gradually increased, Desmin gradually reduced in a concentration－dependent manner (P＜0.05) . With the intervention of astragalus polysaccharide, Nephrin gradually increase and Desmin expression gradually decreased in a concentration－dependent manner (P＜0.05) . Compared to the control group and the high sugar group,Nephrin mRNA increased and Desmin mRNA decreased in 0.8g/L astragalus polysaccharide co－cultured for 72h (P＜0.05) . Conclusion Astragalus polysaccharide intervention can increase Nephrin and reduce Desmin in podocytes, which are possible targets of Astragalus polysaccharide in treatment of DN proteinuria.

Role of transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) channel in mouse podocyte injury induced by TGF-β1 / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) on the expression of nephrin, desmin and caspase 9 and on the apoptosis of podocytes in a mouse model of podocyte injury induced by TGF-β1.Methods Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups: control, TGF-β1 treatment, TGF-β1+PGPU6/GFP/Neo-TRPC6-mus-581 (TRPC6 knockdown) and TGF-β1+PGPU6/GFP/Neo-NC (negative control).Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the expression of nephrin, desmin and caspase 9 at mRNA and protein levels, respectively.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptotic rate of podocytes.DAPI fluorescent staining was used to observe the morphological changes of apoptotic podocytes.Results Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing podocytes at 48 hours after transfection were significantly more than those at 24 hours after transfection.The level of TRPC6 in mouse podocytes transfected with PGPU6/GFP/Neo-TRPC6-mus-581 was significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group (P0.05).More apoptotic cells with typical morphological features of apoptosis were observed after exposure to TGF-β1 for 48 hours.Conclusion TGF-β1 could induce the apoptosis of podocytes, inhibit the expression of nephrin and enhance the expression of caspase 9 and desmin, the possible mechanisms of which may be related to TRPC6 signal pathway.These changes in TGF-β1-treated podocytes could be alleviated by inhibiting the expression of TRPC6, which might have a protective effect on podocyte injury.

Tacrolimus inhibits podocyte injury and stabilizes the expression of cytoskeleton and nephrin / 实用医学杂志

Objective To investigate the function and molecular mechanism of tacrolimus in podocyte injury and restoration.Methods Cultured podocytes were stimulated by Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) or Ang Ⅱ plus tacrolimus.Cells were collected at different time points (0 h,12 h and 24 h).The distribution of F-actin was observed after immunofluorescence staining,and the protein expression of nephrin and podocin were detected by Western Blot (WB).Results In normal control podocytes,F-actin was arranged in cytoplasm powerfully.Ang Ⅱ induced the disruption and discontinuity of F-actin.Tacrolimus inhibited the effect of Ang Ⅱ,stabilized the regular arrangement the F-actin.Compared to normal cells,the protein expression of nephrin in Ang Ⅱ group significantly decreased at 24 h after stimulation (0.76 ± 0.32 in AngⅡ group vs.1.18 ± 0.40 in normal group,P ＜ 0.05).And tacrolimus stabilized the expression of nephrin protein (1.00 ± 0.19 in treatment group vs.0.76 ± 0.32 in Ang Ⅱ group,P ＜ 0.05).Ang Ⅱ and tacrolimus did not affect the expression of podocin protein.Conclusion Tacrolimus inhibits podocyte injury induced by Ang Ⅱ,stabilizes the regular arrangement of cytoskeleton and protein expression of nephrin.

Huaiqihuang Granules () reduce proteinuria by enhancing nephrin expression and regulating necrosis factor κB signaling pathway in adriamycin-induced nephropathy / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Huaiqihuang Granules (, HQH), a mixture of Chinese herbs including Trametes robiniophila Murr, Fructus Lycii and Polygonatum sibiricum, on adriamycininduced nephropathy (ADRN) in rats and its underlying mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats with ADRN were divided into four groups: the sham group, the model group (distilled water), the low-dose HQH-treated (2 g/kg) group, and the high-dose HQH-treated (4 g/kg) group. Body weight and 24-h urinary protein (Upro) were checked every week. After 5-week intervention, at the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for examination of biochemical parameters, including glomerular morphological makers, podocyte shape, cellular apoptosis, expressions of nephrin, inflammatory and apoptosis markers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HQH ameliorated the rat's general status, proteinuria, renal morphological appearance and glomerulosclerosis. The decreased expression of nephrin in ADRN rats was increased by HQH, as well as the impaired podocyte foot process fusion. Cytosolic levels of p65 and inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα) were decreased in ADRN rats, and recovered by the treatment of HQH. Consistently, the induced expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), phosphorylated nuclear factor κB p65 (p-NFκB p65) and IκBα in ADRN were markedly suppressed by HQH. In addition, induction of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome C in ADRN rats were suppressed by HQH, indicating the amelioration of apoptosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HQH could ameliorate renal impairments in ADRN rats by increasing nephrin expression, inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway via the down-regulation of p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα, and suppression of glomerular and tubular apoptosis.</p>

The Level of Serum and Urinary Nephrin in Normal Pregnancy and Pregnancy with Subsequent Preeclampsia

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and urinary nephrin levels of normal pregnancy to establish a standard reference value and to compare them with patients who subsequently developed preeclampsia (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 117 healthy singleton pregnancies were enrolled between 6 to 20 weeks of gestation at 2 participating medical centers during October 2010 to March 2012. Urine and serum samples were collected at the time of enrollment, each trimester, and at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for nephrin was performed and samples from patients who subsequently developed PE were compared to the normal patients. RESULTS: Of 117 patients initially enrolled, 99 patients delivered at the study centers and of those patients, 12 (12.1%) developed PE at a median gestational age of 34⁺⁴ weeks (range 29⁺⁵–36⁺⁶). In the normal patients (n=68), serum nephrin level decreased and urinary nephrin level increased during the latter of pregnancy. In 12 patients who subsequently developed PE, a significant rise in the 3rd trimester serum and urinary nephrin levels, compared to the controls, was observed (p<0.001), and this increase occurred 9 days prior to the onset of clinical disease. CONCLUSION: As the onset of PE was preceded by the rise in the serum and urinary nephrin in comparison to normal pregnancy, serum and urinary nephrin may be a useful predictive marker of PE.

Protective effects of astragaloside in rats with adriamycin nephropathy and underlying mechanism / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to determine the mechanism underlying the treatment of nephrotic syndrome using astragaloside by observing the effects of astragaloside on the expression of nephrin and podocin proteins and genes in kidneys of rats with adriamycin nephropathy. The rats were injected with adriamycin and, after successful model establishment, randomly divided into a model group, a Methylprednisolone (MP) group, and an astragaloside group. The 24-h complete urine samples were collected. Biochemical indicators were monitored, and kidney tissues were collected for pathological analysis using light microscopy and electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of nephrin and podocin was measured in the kidney tissues using the real-time qPCR, and the protein expression levels of nephrin and podocin were detected using Western blot analysis. At the end of 12 weeks of drug intervention, the urinary protein level was lower in the MP and astragaloside groups than that in the model group (P = 0.008 and P = 0.01, respectively). Serum albumin was higher in the MP and astragaloside groups than in the model group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Podocytes in the MP group were nearly normal, and fusion of podocytes in the astragaloside group was significantly less than that in the control group. The nephrin and podocin mRNA and protein expression levels in the intervention groups were higher (P < 0.05) than that in the model group. Due to the increased expression of podocyte-related nephrin and podocin proteins, astragaloside maintained slit diaphragm integrity and decreased the level of proteinuria in rats with adriamycin nephropathy.

Effect of Exhaustive Exercise on Kidney in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effect of exhaustive exercise on the function of the kidney in rats and explore the mechanism. Methods Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sedentary control group (group C) and exhaustive exercise group (group E). They were measured the urine protein, uric acid, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen after exercise. The reactive oxygen species, inducible ni-tric oxide synthase, nitro tyrosine in kidney, and nephrin protein in the kidney were detected with fluorescent probe and Western blotting, re-spectively, and observed under Harris staining. Results There were significant differences between groups C and E in urine protein, uric ac-id, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine and nephrin protein (P<0.05). The glomerular morphology and the deformation of capillary basement membrane were found under the fluorescence microscope in group E. Conclusion Exhaustive exercise may damage the structure of kidney in rats, which may associate with oxidative stress.

Effect of fibrinolytic system on the podocyte injury in rats with membranous nephropathy / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To observe the expression of uPA, tPA and PAI-1 in whole blood of rat membranous ne-phropathy ( MN) models induced by cationic bovine serum albumin ( C-BSA) , and to explore the effect of fibrinolytic sys-tem on podocyte apoptosis and pathological changes. To explore the possible preventive and therapeutic effects and the pos-sible mechanisms of early prevention of fibrinolysis. Methods We developed a MN model with the modified Border meth-od. At the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3th, and 4th week of immunization, respectively, the levels of whole blood uPA, tPA and PAI-1 were determined by ELISA. The rat kidney tissues were examined by light microscopy and electron microscopy to i-dentify the pathological changes. The expression levels of nephrin and WTl were detected with immumofluorescence staining and their correlation was analyzed. Results Compared the treatment group with control group, the levels of whole blood uPA, tPA and PAI-1 of the model group were decreased, while PAI-1 was elevated, showing a significant difference ( P<0. 05). The degree of renal interstitial fibrosis was more serious. Correlation analysis showed that the whole blood tPA and uPA levels were positively correlated with the changes of nephrin protein expression in the kidney tissue, while the whole blood PAI-1 level was negatively correlated with the nephrin protein expression in the kidney tissue. Conclusions In the process of MN development, the fibrinolytic system may have important significance for podocyte apoptosis. Determination of early phase of MN podocyte injury may be another therapy target for prevention of the disease development, and then pro-vide new ideas for clinical research and drug development for MN.

The relationship between interleukin-18 and podocyte injury in patients with lupus nephritis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between interleukin (IL)-18 and podocyte injury of lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Sixty cases of biopsy proven LN patients were enrolled into the study. Thirty cases were selected as controls. The clinical and pathological data, blood and urine samples and renal tissues were collected. The Nephrin expression was detected by immunohistochemical method and IL-18 was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between IL-18 and the Nephrin expression, clinical and pathological indicators of LN were analyzed. Results Thirty-eight cases were in active disease and 22 cases were in inactive disease in LN group according to SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) 2000. One-way ANOVA showed that the level of plasma and urine IL-18 in the LN groups were higher than those in the control group [(200±38) ng/ml, (18±5) ng/ml] (F=110.84, 203.09, P0.05), and was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r=-0.562, P<0.05). It was positively correlated with serum creatinin, blood urea nitrogen, AI, TLAI and inflammatory cell infiltration (r=0.529, 0.482, 0.665, 0.690, 0.671, P<0.05). Conclusion IL-18 has a very close relationship with podocyte injury in patients with LN, and the uIL-18 can be a potential non-invasive detection method to monitor podocyte injury in LN patients.

Expression and significance of podocyte molecules mRNA in Doxorubicin-induced nephrotic rats / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To observe the expression of mRNA of podocin,nephrin,CD2AP and α - actin - 4 in Doxorubicin - induced nephrotic(ADN)rats,and explore the possible mechanisms of podocyte molecule during the de-velopment of proteinuria. Methods Forty - eight Sprague - Dawley(SD)rats were divided into ADN model group(in-jected with 6. 5 mg/ kg Doxorubicin in tail vein,n = 24)and control group(injected with saline solution in tail vein,n =24). After the nephropathy model was established,6 rats were killed at the end of 1st ,2nd ,4th ,6th week in each group. The changes of the following indicators were observed:(1)24 - hour urinary protein,serum albumin and cholesterol were detected;(2)mRNA expression of nephrin,podocin,CD2AP and α - actin - 4 in cortex of kidney were examined by real time fluorescence quantification PCR. Results The model group came out massive proteinuria(15. 66 ± 1. 50) mg/ 24 h,(45. 98 ± 1. 45)mg/ 24 h,(65. 58 ± 4. 68)mg/ 24 h,(82. 83 ± 8. 43)mg/ 24 h in 1,2,4,6 weeks respec-tively,hypoalbuminemia(27. 4 ±2. 5)g/ L,(23. 6 ±2. 9)g/ L,(20. 6 ±1. 5)g/ L,(6. 9 ± 2. 3)g/ L in 1,2,4,6 weeks respectively and hypercholesterolaemia(2. 00 ± 0. 25)mmol/ L,(2. 16 ± 0. 44)mmol/ L,(4. 02 ± 0. 81)mmol/ L, (7. 54 ± 1. 12)mmol/ L in 1,2,4,6 weeks respectively,and the differences of proteinuria,plasma albumin and total cholesterol compared with control group at each time point had statistical significance(all P ﹤ 0. 01). Compared with the control group,podocin mRNA expression in the model group decreased at the end of 1st week(10. 56 ± 3. 62),de-creased significantly at the end of 2nd week(20. 44 ± 9. 03),and decreased at the end of 4th week(2. 19 ± 0. 18)com-pared with the control group;nephrin mRNA expression decreased at the end of 1st week(2. 41 ± 1. 10)and reached to the peak value,decreased at the end of 4th week(0. 52 ± 0. 18);CD2AP mRNA expression did not change significantly in the 1st week(4. 17 ± 0. 79),increased at the end of 2nd week(6. 74 ± 1. 53),reached to the peak value at the end of 4th week(6. 91 ± 1. 13),but did not change significantly at the end of 6th week(4. 04 ± 0. 82);α - actin - 4 mRNA ex-pression did not change significantly at the end of 1st week(1. 75 ± 0. 48),decreased at the end of 2nd week(2. 01 ± 0. 55),reached to the peak value at the end of 4th week(2. 24 ± 0. 81),but did not change significantly at the end of 6th week(1. 39 ± 0. 18). Compared with the control group,the difference had statistical significance( all P ﹤ 0. 05). Conclusion The abnormal expression of podocyte molecules mRNA in ADN rats may be an important molecular mechanism in the development of proteinuria.

Clinical observation of Shenluoan Decoction for treating obese patients with early diabetic nephropathy / 中草药

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effects and possible mechanism of Shenluoan Decoction on the obese patients with early diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Obese patients with early diabetic nephropathy (106 cases) were randomly assigned into control group (n = 53, treated by Irbesartan) and treatment group (n = 53, treated by Shenluoan Decoction combined with Irbesartan), and the conventional Western therapy was given to all the patients in both groups. The changes of therapeutic efficacy, Chinese medicine syndrome, such as waistline, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), triglyeride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), urinary podocalyxin (PCX), urinary nephrin, urinary albumin, and urine creatinine were detected before and after 6 months treatment. Results: The experiment was completed with 102 cases. The total effective rate in the treatment group (90.00%) was significantly higher than that of control group (67.31%) (P 0.05). After the treatment, the levels of SCr, TC, and TG were reduced significantly in the treatment group (P < 0.05), and showed significant difference compared with those in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of UPCX/UCR, UNephrin/UCR, and UACR were decreased with significant differences compared with those before treatment and in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05). UPCX/UCR, UNephrin/UCR, and UACR showed positive correlation. Conclusion: The combination of Shenluoan Decoction and Irbesartan has a better effect than the single use of Irbesartan on the obese patients with early diabetic nephropathy. Its mechanism may be related to providing some renal protection and reducing the PCX and nephrin excretion.

Effect of angiotensinⅡon expression of Notch pathway and Nephrin in podocyte / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the expression of Notch pathway and Nephrin in angiotensin Ⅱ ( AngⅡ)-stimulated mice podocyte. Methods Mice podo-cyte was stimulated by AngⅡ, and then was treated with valsartan. The levels of Notch1, Notch intracellu-lar domain 1 ( NICD1 ) , Hes1 and Nephrin were deter-mined by immunofluorescence, Western blot and Real-time PCR. Results AngⅡincreased Notch1, NICD1 and Hes1 expression, and decreased Nephrin expres-sion in a time-dependent manner ( P<0. 01 ) . Valsar-tan inhibited AngⅡ-induced activation of Notch path-way and enhanced Nephrin level ( P <0. 01 ) . Con-clusion AngⅡdecreases Nephrin expression in podo-cyte by activating Notch pathway.

Effect of berberine on the expression of nephrin, podocin and intergrin α3β1 in diabetic nephropathy rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of berberine on the expression of nephrin, podocin and intergrinα3β1 in diabetic nephropathy ( DN ) rat model, and further probe in to the renoprotective effects of berber-ine and its potential mechanisms. Methods The rat model of DN was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin ( STZ ) after fed with high-sugar and high-fat diet for six weeks. The rats were assigned into 6 groups randomly: normal control group, DN model group, BBR (50,100 and 200 mg·kg-1 ) treatment group and enalaprilat positive control group ( 1 mg · kg-1 ) . The distribution and expression of kidney podocyte related proteins nephrin, podocin and interg-rinα3β1 were detected by immunohistochemical meth-od following electron microscopy observation ( × 1000 ) and high magnification observation( × 400) and West-ern blot. Results The podocyte related protein neph-rin, podocin and intergrin α3β1 were mainly distribu-ted in podocyte, but slightly different. Compared with normal control group, the expresion of podocyte related protein nephrin, podocin and intergrin α3β1 was de-creased obviously; compared with model group, BBR (100 and 200 mg·kg-1 ) treatment group could sig-nificantly suppress the abnormalities of pathological changes of the kidney and upregulate the expression levels of podocyte specific protein nephrin, podocin and intergrin α3β1 in the kidney of diabetic rats with nephropathy. Conclusions Berberine could alleviate the abnormalities of kidney pathological changes and proteinuria production in the DN model rats, which may be related to the upregulation of the expression of the podocyte proteins nephrin, podocin and intergrinα3β1.

Effects of Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Ethanol Extract on Nephrin and Desmin Expression in Adriamycin Induced Podocyte Injury / 天津医药

Objective To explore the effect of schisandra chinensis fruit ethanol extract on nephrin and desmin ex-pression in adriamycin(ADR) induced podocyte injury in vitro. Methods Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were treated with ADR for 24 h in vitro, then the medium was changed to medium with SE(250 mg/L)for 24 h. Podocytes were di-vided into four groups:control group,model group, SE intervention group and SE group. The expression of nephrin in podo-cytes was detected by immunofluorescence. Western Blot was employed to assess nephrin and desmin expression. Transcrip-tion level of nephrin and desmin were determined by qRT-PCR. Results Nephrin expression was distributed along the cell membrane in linear or granular pattern in control group and SE group. Fluorescence intensity in model group was lower than that of control group SE group and SE intervention group. There was no significant difference of nephrin and desmin protein and mRNA level between control group and SE group. Compared with the model group, protein and mRNA level of nephrin was lower than that of control group and SE intervention group. The protein expression and mRNA transcription of desmin in model group was higher than those in control group and SE intervention group (P＜0.05). Conclusion SE(250 mg/L)has no harmful effect on the podocytes in vitro. SE can protect the podocytes from damage by adriamycin in vitro. SE not only up-regulate the expression of nephrin, but also down-regulate of desmin expression.