reparative role of CD34[+] cells in human nephropathies

Stem cells are defined by the two properties of self renewal and pleuripotency. In different adult tissues, they generate new cells either continuously or in response to injury depending on local factors in the surrounding microenvironment which direct their line of differentiation. Circulating stem cells frequently engraft into the kidney and differentiate into renal parenchymal cells [tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, mesangial cells and fib roast]. This study included 36 human renal biopsies of different types of glomerulonephritis to determine the role of stem cells in the repair process of glomerulonephritis. Renal biopsies were stained immunohistochemically with monoclonal anti - CD34 antibodies, the stem cell marker as well as alpha SMA, Vimentin, Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen [PCNA], Insitu End Labeling [ISEL], CD68. Positivity was evaluated using a point counting technique in the glomeruli and by counting individual positive cells per HPF [X400] in the interstitium. To rule out the endothelial nature of positive cells, double staining for factor IIX related antigen and CD31 was done. CD34 positive cells were detected in the glomerular mesangial areas with peripheral accentuation suggestive of a visceral epithelial distribution, tubular epithelial cells [cytoplasmic in 3/36 cases and in the luminal border of the rest of the cases] as well as in isolated cells in the renal interstitium, these cells also double stained for alpha SMA. CD34 positivity was counted in the glomeruli [3.05 +/- 0.58], tubules [6.38 +/- 2.58] and for interstitial areas [9.76 +/- 2.34]. Significant positive correlation between glomerular CD34 and glomerular regeneration ratio was found. These results imply the presence and may be a role for stem cells in the repair process of glomerulonephritis

Bacteriological monitoring of dialysis fluid in two haemodialysis centres in a Alexandria

Patients undergoing haemodialysis [HD] are exposed to large volumes of dialysis fluid and the bacteriological contamination of treated water and dialyste is therefore attracting increasing interest and concern. The present study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality of dialysis fluid in two HD units in Alexandria, Egypt. A total of 321 samples from water treatment system [WTS], treated water, concentrates and final dialysate were analyzed for the count of the total viable heterotrophic bacteria using the standard pour plate method, and for the determination of the total coliforms [TC] using the presence /absence method. Fifty random samples were also examined for endotoxin detection by the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate assay, [LAL]. employing the gel clot method. The percentages of acceptable samples of WTS were 67% and 66.7% from unit A and B respectively while the dialysate samples showed higher acceptability at unit B [86.1%] than unit A [51.7%]. Eleven samples [4.9%] were detected having TC. LAL assay showed a range of 57% to 100% of samples exceeded 0.25 EU/ml The results demonstrate that haemodialysis centres need monitoring and preventive maintenance in order to ensure renal replacement therapy of good quality