The most common founder pathogenic variant c.868G > A (p.Val290Met) in the NPHS2 gene in a representative adult Czech cohort with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is associated with a milder disease and its underdiagnosis in childhood.

Background: Genetic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is caused by pathogenic variants in a broad spectrum of genes that have a variable representation based on subjects' ethnicity and/or age. The most frequently mutated autosomal recessive gene in FSGS is NPHS2. In this study, we analyzed the spectrum of NPHS2 variants and their associated phenotype in Czech adult FSGS patients. Methods: A representative cohort of 234 adult patients with FSGS, derived from 225 families originating from all regions of Czechia, was analyzed by massively parallel sequencing. In this study, we focused on the comprehensive analysis of the NPHS2 gene. The histological classification of FSGS followed the Columbia classification. Results: We detected seven (3%) cases bearing homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic NPHS2 variants. A single pathogenic variant c.868G > A (p.Val290Met) was found in the majority of NPHS2-positive cases (86%; 6 out of 7) in histologically confirmed instances of FSGS. Its allele frequency among unrelated NPHS2-associated FSGS patients was 50% (6/12), and Haplotype analysis predicted its origin to be a result of a founder effect. There is an identical V290M-related haplotype on all V290M alleles spanning a 0,7 Mb region flanking NPHS2 in Central European FSGS populations. The phenotype of the p.Val290Met NPHS2-associated FSGS demonstrated a later onset and a much milder course of the disease compared to other NPHS2 pathogenic variants associated with FSGS. The mean age of the FSGS diagnosis based on kidney biopsy evaluation was 31.2 ± 7.46 years. In 50% of all cases, the initial disease manifestation of proteinuria occurred only in adulthood, with 83% of these cases not presenting with edemas. One-third (33%) of the studied subjects progressed to ESRD (2 out of 6) at the mean age of 35.0 ± 2.82 years. Conclusions: We identified the most prevalent pathogenic variant, p.Val290Met, in the NPHS2 gene among Czech adult FSGS patients, which has arisen due to a founder effect in Central Europe. The documented milder course of the disease associated with this variant leads to the underdiagnosis in childhood. We established the histopathological features of the NPHS2-associated adult FSGS cases based on the Columbia classification. This might improve patient stratification and optimize their treatment.

The relationship of uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate and intestinal elimination mechanisms in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: High indoxyl sulfate (IS) concentration is a serious problem for patients with CKD increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and CKD progression. Thus, the methods of decreasing the toxin concentrations are highly desired. The study aimed to discover the role of selected intestine related factors on IS concentration. METHODS: We evaluated the impact of ABCG2 and ABCC2 polymorphisms influencing activity and protein intake by normalized protein catabolic rate. Additionally, we examined the relation of IS and uric acid (UA), that can share common elimination transporters. A monocentric, prospective, open cohort pilot study was performed on 108 patients undergoing dialysis treatment. RESULTS: The positive effect of residual diuresis on the reduction of IS levels was confirmed (p = 0.005). Also, an increase in IS depending on the dietary protein intake was confirmed (p = 0.040). No significant correlation between ABC gene polymorphisms was observed either, suggesting the negligible role of ABCG2 and ABCC2 in the elimination of IS in small bowel. The significant difference was observed for UA where ABCG2 421C>A (rs72552713) gene polymorphism was higher (505.3 µmol/L) in comparison with a wild type genotype (360.5 µmol/L). Discussion/ Conclusion: No evidence of bowel elimination pathway via ABCC2 and ABCG2 transporters was found in renal replacement therapy patients.

Rejection-associated Phenotype of De Novo Thrombotic Microangiopathy Represents a Risk for Premature Graft Loss.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) significantly affects kidney graft survival, but its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. METHODS: In this multicenter, retrospective, case-control paired study designed to control for donor-associated risks, we assessed the recipients' risk factors for de novo TMA development and its effects on graft survival. The study group consists of patients with TMA found in case biopsies from 2000 to 2019 (n = 93), and the control group consists of recipients of paired kidney grafts (n = 93). Graft follow-up was initiated at the time of TMA diagnosis and at the same time in the corresponding paired kidney graft. RESULTS: The TMA group displayed higher peak panel-reactive antibodies, more frequent retransplantation status, and longer cold ischemia time in univariable analysis. In the multivariable regression model, longer cold ischemia times (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.39; P = 0.043) and higher peak pretransplant panel-reactive antibodies (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P = 0.005) were found to be associated with increased risk of de novo TMA. The risk of graft failure was higher in the TMA group at 5 y (hazard ratio [HR], 3.99; 95% CI, 2.04-7.84; P < 0.0001). Concomitant rejection significantly affected graft prognosis at 5 y (HR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.92-13.87; P < 0.001). De novo TMA associated with the active antibody-mediated rejection was associated with higher risk of graft failure at 5 y (HR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.69-6.98; P < 0.001) compared with other TMA. CONCLUSIONS: Longer cold ischemia and allosensitization play a role in de novo TMA development, whereas TMA as a part of active antibody-mediated rejection was associated with the highest risk for premature graft loss.

Bone disesase in end-stage kidney disease - renal and non-renal components.

Metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure represents one of the most severe clinical complication in kidney patients, namely those on maintenance dialysis. Traditionally, bone changes are induced by secondary hyperparathyroidism. The CKD-MBD concept reflects the link between bone and cardiovascular disease in these patients. Studies documented also other bone pathological pathways in renal patients, such as osteoporosis, as in kidney and dialysis patients its risk factors are present as well as in general population. Resulting bone disease in renal disease and failure is far more complex than previously seen. However, the secondary hyperparathyroidism still represents the main pathological pathway.

In vitro comparison of efficacy of catheter locks in the treatment of catheter related blood stream infection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Venous access used for parenteral nutrition (PN) application is extremely important for patients with intestinal failure. Potential loss of venous access might be a catastrophy for the patient. Catheter infections are a serious complication of PN application. Systemic administration of antibiotics as well as local antibiotic locks into the catheter to sterilize the catheter are used to treat catheter infections. However, there is no clear recommendation applying use of antibiotic locks, that would specify the type and concentration of antimicrobial medication. Our objective were to compare the efficacy of different types of antimicrobial lock therapy (especially taurolidine) and their concentrations to eradicate infectious agents. METHODS: Bacterial strains of microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, Candida albicans) were used. Subsequently, the catheter was exposed to the microbes and then was incubated with a specific lock for 2 or 24 h at 37 °C. We used these locks: ethanol 70%, taurolidine, gentamicine in concentrations 0,5, 1 and 10 mg/ml and vancomycine in concentrations 1, 5, and 10 mg/ml. The number of remaining CFU (colony forming units) was compared after incubation. RESULTS: 70% ethanol and taurolidine were most effective for all studied microorganisms. Gentamicine was more effective than vancomycine. CONCLUSIONS: The most effective antimicrobial lock solutions to eradicate selected pathogenic agents were ethanol and taurolidine. Use of antibiotics is often effective after many hours of treatment and there is a risk of inadequate therapy.

Indoxyl Sulfate Elimination in Renal Replacement Therapy: Influence of Citrate- versus Acetate-Buffering Component during Bicarbonate Dialysis.

Indoxyl sulfate has been identified as a major factor in the dysregulation of several genes. It is classified as a poorly dialyzable uremic toxin and thus a leading cause in the poor survival rate of dialysis patients. A monocentric, prospective, open cohort study was performed in 43 male patients undergoing chronic renal replacement therapy in a single hemodialysis center. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of acetate- versus citrate-buffered dialysis fluids in hemodialysis (HD) and postdilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) settings on the elimination of indoxyl sulfate. Also, additional factors potentially influencing the serum concentration of indoxyl sulfate were evaluated. For this purpose, the predialysis and postdialysis concentration ratio of indoxyl sulfate and total protein was determined. The difference was of 1.15 (0.61; 2.10), 0.89 (0.53; 1.66), 0.32 (0.07; 0.63), and 0.44 (0.27; 0.77) µmol/g in acetate HD and HDF and citrate HD and HDF, respectively. Acetate HD and HDF were superior when concerning IS elimination when compared to citrate HD and HDF. Moreover, residual diuresis was determined as the only predictor of lower indoxyl sulfate concentration, suggesting that it should be preserved as long as possible. This trial is registered with EU PAS Register of Studies EUPAS23714.

Parathyroidectomy in Hyperparathyroidism-Associated Calciphylaxis in End-Stage Renal Disease Should be Prompt and Radical - a Case Report with Two Original Therapeutic Modifications and Successful Outcome.

We present a case of severe calciphylaxis in both thighs and calves in a patient with end-stage renal disease and advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism with successful outcome after modified therapeutic approach. The cause of calciphylaxis is multifactorial. In our case, not only severe hyperparathyroidism and mediocalcinosis, but also medication (warfarin, calcium and active vitamin D) was involved. Because the initial conservative therapy was not successful, we indicated parathyroidectomy. However, we were not able to localize parathyroid glands and we contraindicated bilateral neck exploration due to the patient's critical status. Therefore, we decided for total thyroidectomy with total parathyroidectomy. Surgery was uncomplicated and histology confirmed that all four parathyroid glands were removed. The expected post-operative hypocalcaemia was asymptomatic and we did not use any calcium supplementation or vitamin D. Thyroid hormone replacement was easy. After surgery, the large and multiple subcutaneous defects started to heal. We achieved complete healing within several months of continuing dedicated care. There is no recurrence after three years. Prompt and radical surgical parathyroidectomy was extremely useful in our patient.

Vitamin D Binding Protein Is Not Involved in Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate vitamin D status with separate determination of 25-OH D2 and 25-OH D3 and its relationship to vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and long-term haemodialysis patients (HD). METHODS: 45 CKD patients, 103 HD patients, and 25 controls (C) were included. Plasma vitamin D concentrations were determined using chromatography and VDBP in serum and urine in CKD using enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Plasma vitamin D levels were lower in CKD (30.16 ± 16.74 ng/mL) and HD (18.85 ± 15.85 ng/mL) versus C (48.72 ± 18.35 ng/mL), P < 0.0001. 25-OH D3 was the dominant form of vitamin D. Serum VDBP was higher in CKD (273.2 ± 93.8 ug/mL) versus C (222 ± 87.6 ug/mL) and HD (213.8 ± 70.9 ug/mL), P = 0.0003. Vitamin D/VDBP ratio was the highest in C and the lowest in HD; however, there was no correlation between vitamin D and VDBP. Urinary concentration of VDBP in CKD (0.25 ± 0.13 ug/mL) correlated with proteinuria (r = 0.43, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma levels of vitamin D are decreased in CKD patients and especially in HD patients. 25-OH D3 was the major form of vitamin D. Despite urinary losses of VDBP, CKD patients had higher serum VDBP concentrations, indicating compensatory enhanced production. Vitamin D binding protein is not involved in vitamin D deficiency.

Changes of serum calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone induced by hemodialysis with citrate-enriched dialysis solution.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In recent years, one of technical attempts to improve biocompatibility and tolerability of the hemodialysis procedure is the substitution of acetate in dialysis solution with citrate. The aim of our study was to compare two dialysis solutions: traditional bicarbonate dialysis solution containing acetate (3 mmol/L) (solution A); and (solution C) commercially produced citrate-enriched bicarbonate dialysis solution (0.8 mmol/L citrate). METHODS: Patients from a single hemodialysis center (N=126) were included in the study. Both conventional low-flux hemodialysis and on-line hemodiafiltration procedures were studied. Both dialysis solutions contained identical calcium (1.5 mmol/L) and magnesium (0.5 mmol/L) concentrations. RESULTS: Parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration decreased during procedures with solution A by 64%. On the contrary, when solution C was used, iPTH concentration increased insignificantly by 4%. For solution A, serum calcium and magnesium increased during procedures in patients with predialysis concentrations lower than 2.33 and 0.76 mmol/L, respectively. In procedures with dialysis solution C these concentrations were significantly lower: 2.19 mmol/L for Ca and 0.68 mmol/L for Mg. CONCLUSION: Our study clearly shows that the substitution of part of acetate with citrate in dialysis solution significantly influences changes of serum calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone concentrations during hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration procedures.

Low-dose cholecalciferol supplementation and dual vitamin D therapy in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) due to low calcitriol synthesis in failing kidneys has been treated with synthetic vitamin D receptor (VDR) activators. Recently, also the importance of low native vitamin D status beyond the issue of SHPT has been recognized in these patients. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation in haemodialysis patients with low vitamin D serum levels. Another aim was to evaluate dual vitamin D therapy (cholecalciferol supplementation plus paricalcitol) in haemodialysis patients with vitamin D deficiency and concomitant SHPT. METHODS: Ninety clinically stable maintenance haemodialysis patients were included. Supervised cholecalciferol supplementation was administered due to low vitamin D status. Patients with SHPT were also treated with synthetic VDR activator. Two pre hoc subgroups for statistical analysis were formed: patients treated solely with cholecalciferol (N=34; 5,000 IU once weekly) and patients treated with a combination of cholecalciferol (identical dose, i.e. 5,000 IU/week) plus paricalcitol (N=34, median dose 10 µg/week). Follow-up visit was scheduled 15 weeks later. Serum concentrations of calcidiol (25-D), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and beta-cross laps (CTX) were assessed at baseline and at follow-up. Serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were monitored monthly. Only non-calcium gastrointestinal phosphate binders were administered. Dialysate calcium was 1.5 mmol/L in all patients, and no oral calcium-containing preparations were prescribed. Depending on data distribution, parametric or nonparametric statistical methods were used for comparison within each group (i.e. baseline vs. follow-up data) as well as between groups. RESULTS: In the whole group of 90 patients, mean baseline 25-D serum level was 20.3 (standard deviation 8.7) nmol/L, and it increased to 66.8 (19) nmol/L (p<0.0001) after supplementation. In both preformed subgroups, the effect of vitamin D supplementation was almost identical. In cholecalciferol monotherapy, 25-D levels increased from 18.4 (8.2) to 68.6 (21.2) and in dual vitamin D therapy from 18.4 (5.0) to 67.6 (17.7) nmol/L (both p<0.0001). In addition, both treatment modalities decreased serum PTH levels importantly: from 21.7 (interquartile range 17.3; 35.4) to 18.1 pmol/L (15.3; 24.7) in monotherapy (p=0.05) and from 38.6 (31.8; 53.3) to 33.9 pmol/L (26.1; 47.5) in dual vitamin D therapy (p=0.01). Serum calcium, phosphate, ALP and CTX did not change. We have not observed any episode of hypercalcemia in any subject during the whole period of follow-up. At baseline, slightly lower 25-D levels were observed in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients. This difference disappeared after substitution. Vitamin D status and its changes were not related to the patient's age. CONCLUSION: Low 25-D levels were very common in haemodialysis patients. They were safely and effectively corrected with supervised low-dose cholecalciferol supplementation. In patients with higher baseline PTH levels, dual vitamin D therapy (cholecalciferol plus paricalcitol) was safely and effectively used.

Denosumab associated with bone density increase and clinical improvement in a long-term hemodialysis patient. Case report and review of the literature.

Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody representing a novel therapy of osteoporosis. Contrary to always other antiosteoporotic drugs, it is not contraindicated in advanced chronic kidney disease, as its pharmacokinetic does not differ from patients with normal kidney function. However, published case reports in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients stopped the therapy after single dose because of hypocalcemia. We present a case of successful treatment of osteoporosis in a young hemodialysis patient with repeated denosumab doses.

Modulation of inflammatory response in sepsis by proteasome inhibition.

The Ubiquitin-proteasome system has recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of cytokine expression. We tested the hypothesis of whether the in vivo administration of proteasome inhibitor MG-132 can modulate cytokine response and mortality in sepsis. Sepsis was induced in mice by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Animals were divided into four groups: control, CLP, CLP and 1 microg MG-132/g of b.w. intraperitoneally, and CLP and 10 microg MG-132/g of b.w. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 were determined by ELISA 6 h after the induction of sepsis. CLP induced significant increase in plasma levels of all measured cytokines. MG-132 treatment resulted in lower increase in IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels. IL-6 was not significantly affected. A mortality study revealed prolonged survival in MG-132 treated mice. We conclude that MG-132 treatment decreases inflammatory response and prolongs survival in the CLP model of sepsis.

Aspects of protein and amino acid metabolism in a model of severe glutamine deficiency in sepsis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Growth hormone (GH) could have the potential to improve protein metabolism in sepsis but glutamine deficiency has been reported after GH treatment. The aim was to investigate the effects of glutamine deficiency in sepsis with and without GH treatment on protein and amino acid metabolism. METHODS: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used as a model of sepsis. Serious glutamine deficiency was induced by administration of glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSO). Young Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control; CLP; CLP+MSO; CLP+GH, and CLP+MSO+GH. Parameters of protein metabolism were measured on incubated soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles: [1-14C]leucine was used to estimate protein synthesis and leucine oxidation, tyrosine release was used to evaluate protein breakdown. Amino acid concentrations in plasma, skeletal muscle and incubation media were measured by HPLC. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: A reduced muscle glutamine concentration after MSO treatment is not associated with changes in the rates of protein synthesis or breakdown. MSO treatment decreased glutamine release from skeletal muscle and plasma glutamine concentration. Severe glutamine deficiency in GH-treated septic rats resulted in increased release of branched-chain amino acids from skeletal muscle.

Effects of proteasome inhibitors MG132, ZL3VS and AdaAhx3L3VS on protein metabolism in septic rats.

Proteasome inhibitors are novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and other severe disorders. One of the possible side effects is influencing the metabolism of proteins. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of three proteasome inhibitors MG132, ZL(3)VS and AdaAhx(3)L(3)VS on protein metabolism and leucine oxidation in incubated skeletal muscle of control and septic rats. Total proteolysis was determined according to the rates of tyrosine release into the medium during incubation. The rates of protein synthesis and leucine oxidation were measured in a medium containing L-[1-(14)C]leucine. Protein synthesis was determined as the amount of L-[1-(14)C]leucine incorporated into proteins, and leucine oxidation was evaluated according to the release of (14)CO(2) during incubation. Sepsis was induced in rats by means of caecal ligation and puncture. MG132 reduced proteolysis by more than 50% and protein synthesis by 10-20% in the muscles of healthy rats. In septic rats, proteasome inhibitors, except ZL(3)VS, decreased proteolysis in both soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, although none of the inhibitors had any effect on protein synthesis. Leucine oxidation was increased by AdaAhx(3)L(3)VS in the septic EDL muscle and decreased by MG132 in intact EDL muscle. We conclude that MG132 and AdaAhx(3)L(3)VS reversed protein catabolism in septic rat muscles.

Acute effects of acidosis on protein and amino acid metabolism in perfused rat liver.

Acidosis is frequently associated with protein wasting and derangements in amino acid metabolism. As its effect on protein metabolism is significantly modulated by other abnormal metabolic conditions caused by specific illnesses, it is difficult to separate out the effects on protein metabolism solely due to acidosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, using a model of isolated perfused rat liver, the direct response of hepatic tissue to acidosis. We have compared hepatic response to perfusion with a solution of pH 7.2 and 7.4 (controls). Parameters of protein and amino acid metabolism were measured using both recirculation and single-pass technique with 4,5-[3H]leucine, [1-14C]leucine and [1-14C]ketoisocaproate (ketoleucine) as tracers and on the basis of difference of amino acid levels in perfusion solution at the beginning and end of perfusion. In liver perfused with a solution of pH 7.2, we observed higher rates of proteolysis, protein synthesis, amino acid utilization and urea production. Furthermore, the liver perfused with a solution of pH 7.2 released a higher amount of proteins to perfusate than the liver perfused with a solution of pH 7.4. Enhanced decarboxylation of ketoisocaproate in liver perfused by a solution of a lower pH indicates increased catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine and isoleucine), decreased reamination of branched-chain keto acids to corresponding essential amino acids and increased ketogenesis from leucine.

Acute effects of decreased glutamine supply on protein and amino acid metabolism in hepatic tissue: a study using isolated perfused rat liver.

Glutamine deficiency, a common finding in severe illness, has a negative influence on immune status, protein metabolism, and disease outcome. In several studies, a close relationship between glutamine, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), and protein metabolism was demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glutamine deficiency on amino acid and protein metabolism in hepatic tissue using a model of isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL). Parameters of protein metabolism and amino acid metabolism were measured using both recirculation and single pass technique with L-[1-(14)C]leucine and [1-(14)C]ketoisocaproate (KIC) as a tracer. Glutamine concentration in perfusion solution was 0.5 mmol/L in control and 0 mmol/L in the glutamine-deficient group. The net release of glutamine (about 11 micromol/g/h) and higher net uptake of most of the amino acids was observed in the glutamine-deficient group. There was an insignificant effect of lack of glutamine on hepatic protein synthesis, proteolysis, and the release of urea. However, significantly lower release of proteins by the liver perfused with glutamine-deficient solution was observed. The lack of glutamine in perfusion solution caused a significant decrease in leucine oxidation (6.66 +/- 1.04 v 13.67 +/- 2.38, micromol/g dry liver/h, P <.05) and an increase in KIC oxidation (163.7 +/- 16.5 v 92.0 +/- 12.9 micromL/g dry liver/h, P <.05). We conclude that decreased delivery of glutamine to hepatic tissue activates glutamine synthesis, decreases resynthesis of essential BCAA from branched-chain keto acids (BCKA), increases catabolism of BCKA, and has an insignificant effect on protein turnover in hepatic tissue.

[Method of measurement of protein metabolism in isolated skeletal muscle of the rat]. / Metoda merení parametru metabolismu proteinu na izolovaných kosterních svalech laboratorního potkana.

The aim of our present research is to evaluate the direct effects of humoral factors on protein metabolism. For this purpose we have adopted a method that enables measuring of parameters of protein and amino acid metabolism in isolated m. soleus and m. extensor digitorum longus of the rat. The rate of tyrosine release was used to estimate protein breakdown. The oxidation of leucine was evaluated by the rate of 14CO2 production from [1-14C]leucine. Incorporation of [1-14C]leucine into muscle proteins was used to estimate protein synthesis. The metabolic state of the muscles was evaluated by measuring changes in ATP, ADP, AMP levels, and calculated energy charge.