The estimated glomerular filtration rate was U-shaped associated with abdominal aortic calcification in US adults: findings from NHANES 2013-2014.

Objectives: The high incidence of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is well-documented in individuals with severe renal function decline. However, there is limited research on the historical relationship between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the risk of AAC occurrence in the general population undergoing routine medical examinations. The main objective of this study was to investigate the historical relationship between eGFR and AAC in the general population of the United States. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014 database. Weighted multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of eGFR with AAC score. Smooth curve fitting and two-piecewise linear regression were employed to explore the potential non-linear relationship. Results: A total of 2,978 participant (48.22% were male) aged 40-80 years were included in this study. The fully-adjusted model demonstrated a negative correlation between eGFR and AAC score (ß = -0.015, 95% CI: -0.023 to -0.006). However, when applying the smooth curve fitting method, a U-shaped relationship was identified, and the inflection point was calculated at 76.43 ml/min/1.73 m2 using the two-piecewise linear regression model. Conclusions: There was a U-shaped association between eGFR and AAC score in general US adults, with an inflection point at about 76.43 ml/min/1.73 m2.

Potential role of microRNA-503 in Icariin-mediated prevention of high glucose-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) is crucial in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). AIM: To investigate the potential molecular mechanism of Icariin (ICA) in regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis in high glucose (HG)-induced primary rat kidney cells (PRKs), with emphasis on the role of miR-503 and sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) in this process. METHODS: Single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats induce DN in the in vivo hyperglycemic model. Glucose-treated PRKs were used as an in vitro HG model. An immunofluorescence assay identified isolated PRKs. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry analyzed the effect of ICA treatment on cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyzed the levels of ER stress-related proteins. Dual luciferase analysis of miR-503 binding to downstream SIRT4 was performed. RESULTS: ICA treatment alleviated the upregulated miR-503 expression in vivo (DN) and in vitro (HG). Mechanistically, ICA reduced HG-induced miR-503 overexpression, thereby counteracting its function in downregulating SIRT4 levels. ICA regulated the miR-503/SIRT4 axis and subsequent ER stress to alleviate HG-induced PRKs injury. CONCLUSION: ICA reduced HG-mediated inhibition of cell viability, promotion of apoptosis, and ER stress in PRKs. These effects involved regulation of the miR-503/SIRT4 axis. These findings indicate the potential of ICA to treat DN, and implicate miR-503 as a viable target for therapeutic interventions in DN.

Case report: Corticosteroids-induced acute diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

A 62-year-old man was diagnosed as IgA nephropathy. He had a pancreatic tumor operation 19 years ago and had a normal plasma glucose test every year. One month after the medication of prednisolone acetate was administered his fasting plasma glucose elevated to 7.1mmol/L while he manifested symptoms of thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. Approximately 3 months after the steroids, he started complaining of numbness, weakness, and muscle cramp in his lower extremities, blood tests showed elevated plasma glucose and electromyography (EMG) revealed impairment of the peripheral nerves in the lower extremity, diabetic peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed. Mecobalamin and Acupuncture were employed and steroids were discontinued, 8 months later he recovered part of his strength and sensation. This case presents a specific adverse drug reaction of corticosteroids that causes diabetes mellitus and subsequently leads to peripheral neuropathy in an acute onset.

Icariin Attenuation of Diabetic Kidney Disease Through Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptors.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus and has become the primary cause of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) globally. Icariin (ICA), an effective component extracted from Epimedium, has antiosteoporosis effect, antitumor effects, anti-ischemia effects, and other effects. In this study, a mouse DKD model was established, and Icariin solid nanoliposomes were administered to determine whether ICA had a protective effect on the renal function of DKD mice by regulating estrogen level and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. The results showed that the microalbumin/creatinine in urine, serum urea nitrogen, and CHOL in ICA cultured DKD mice significantly decreased, and mice nephropathy improved significantly. rat renal tubule epithelial cells were further tested, and the rat renal tubule epithelial cells were modeled by cultured cells with high glucose. The results showed that high glucose could promote the proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells. Simultaneously, ICA can inhibit the proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells and induce cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the expression of ER stress-related proteins IRE1 and XBP-1S was further detected. Additionally, to ICA intervention, a GPER antagonist (G-15) was added for intervention, the inhibitory effects of IRE1 and XBP-1S were reversed, and the ER stress pathway was activated. Cell experiments showed that ICA could promote GPER expression, while inhibiting GPER expression promoted the activation of ER stress pathway, and GPER expression was negatively correlated with ER stress protein expression. Therefore, the experiment proved that in DKD tissues, a high concentration of ICA can inhibit the ER stress response by promoting the expression of GPER, reducing the proliferation of diabetic nephropathy, and increasing the rate of tissue apoptosis.

Wenyang Lishui Decoction Ameliorates Podocyte Injury in Membranous Nephropathy Rat and Cell Models by Regulating p53 and Bcl-2.

Wenyang Lishui decoction (WYD) has been frequently used to treat patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) in China. Our previous study in vitro showed that WYD aqueous extract could alleviate F-actin reorganization of podocytes induced by serum from idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. This study aims to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of WYD on MN. MN rat models were induced by cationic bovine serum albumin. Experimental rats were divided into four groups: normal, model, WYD, and benazepril. The normal group consisted of normal rats receiving distilled water for four weeks, while the model, WYD, and benazepril groups consisted of MN rats receiving distilled water, 16.5 g/kg/day WYD aqueous extract, and 10 mg/kg/day benazepril, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase, kidney function, albumin, and 24 h urine total protein (UTP) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin and electron microscopy analyses were performed. Mouse podocytes were induced to develop cell models by serum from IMN patients with antibody to the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor and spleen and kidney Yang deficiency syndrome. They were divided into five groups: control, model, 2 mg/ml WYD, 4 mg/ml WYD, and 8 mg/ml WYD. CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analyses were performed. In the animal experiment, side effects of WYD were not found. Also, there was no significant difference in kidney function among the groups. In addition, UTP level was significantly reduced, and kidney histological damage was restored in both WYD and benazepril groups but difference in UTP level between them was not found. In the cell experiment, apoptosis rate was increased in the model group while it was decreased by coincubation with WYD. Besides, mRNA and protein levels of p53 were decreased, and those of Bcl-2 were increased by treatment using WYD. In conclusion, WYD could reduce proteinuria and ameliorate podocyte injury by regulating the expression of p53 and Bcl-2. The study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-OCH-14005137).

Effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of antiplatelet drugs on proteinuria, renal function, and blood pressure (BP) in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Relevant RCTs were identified by a systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. A random-effects model was applied to pool the results. RESULTS: Antiplatelet drugs significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -69.25 mg/24, p = 0.005) and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.33, p = 0.009). However, renal function as reflected by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (WMD = -1.15 mL/min/1.73m2, p = 0.46) and BP (systolic BP: WMD = 1.53 mmHg, p = 0.35; diastolic BP: WMD = 0.40 mmHg, p = 0.70) were not significantly affected by antiplatelet drugs within 12 months of use (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet drugs may benefit patients with DN by reducing proteinuria. The long-term effects of antiplatelet drugs on the progression of DN warrant further evaluation.
.

[Runoff Pollution Experiments of Paddy Fields Under Different Irrigation Patterns].

To study runoff and non-point source pollution of paddy fields and to provide a scientific basis for agricultural water management of paddy fields, paddy plots in the Jintan City and the Liyang City were chosen for experiments on non-point source pollution, and flood irrigation and intermittent irrigation patterns were adopted in this research. The surface water level and rainfall were observed during the growing season of paddies, and the runoff amount from paddy plots and loads of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were calculated by different methods. The results showed that only five rain events of totally 27 rainfalls and one artificially drainage formed non-point source pollution from flood irrigated paddy plot, which resulted in a TN export coefficient of 49.4 kg · hm⁻² and a TP export coefficient of 1.0 kg · hm⁻². No any runoff event occurred from the paddy plot with intermittent irrigation even in the case of maximum rainfall of 95.1 mm. Runoff from paddy fields was affected by water demands of paddies and irrigation or drainage management, which was directly correlated to surface water level, rainfall amount and the lowest ridge height of outlets. Compared with the flood irrigation, intermittent irrigation could significantly reduce non-point source pollution caused by rainfall or artificial drainage.

[Scenario analysis of integrated model of nutrients in the Miyun Reservoir and its watershed].

Supported by the integrated model of nutrients for the Miyun Reservoir in part I, effects of different control measures were studied on the water quality of the reservoir. Four scenarios were assumed and analyzed. Results of the base case scenario showed that TN concentration of the Miyun Reservoir had highly exceeded the environmental quality standard for surface water, and TP was relatively better. Furthermore, there were many regions that chlorophyll-a concentration exceeded 10 microg/L in the reservoir, and centralized in the reservoir area of Chaohe River. Scenario 1, 2 and 3 investigated effects of different pollution control measures on the water quality of the reservoir. Results showed that the control of nutrient input loads could improve the water quality greatly, especially control of TP loadings would limit algae growth effectively, and regions that chlorophyll-a concentration exceeded 10 microg/L even disappeared. The results indicated that some control measures, such as changing farming style, part treatment on stockbreeding pollution and reducing point source pollutant loadings were very effective and essential to decrease the eutrophic level of the reservoir.

[Integrated model of nutrients for the Miyun Reservoir and its watershed].

In recent years, the Miyun Reservoir faces severe problems of water quality and quantity due to continuous drought. In order to simulate and predict the eutrophic status of the Miyun Reservoir and its watershed, an integrated model was developed based on GIS and RS technology, which was composed of non-point source (NPS) simulation model, aquatic ecological-hydrodynamic model, and river water quality model. Ecological-hydrodynamic model was developed through coupling water quality analysis simulation program (WASP) with environmental fluid dynamics Code (EFDC). SWAT was selected as NPS simulation model, which could also perform water quality simulation in the river. Then the integrated model was calibrated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo method and verified using observed data. Results indicated that observed water quality data laid around the mode curves of simulation distribution, and which also dropped into the confidence interval on 80 percent credibility of water quality simulation distribution. In conclusion, the results show that the integrated model can meet the need of application.