Acupuncture Topics on Twitter (Currently X) in English and Japanese: Co-occurrence Network Analysis.

Background With the growth of social media, there has been an increase in health-related studies utilizing data obtained from such sites and applications. Although acupuncture is used as a complementary alternative medicine worldwide, there is little research on acupuncture utilizing social media data. This study investigates the topics related to acupuncture on Twitter, currently known as X, in English and Japanese. Methods We collected tweets containing the English word "acupuncture" and its Japanese equivalent using Twitter's application programming interface from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. After extracting the top 50 frequently occurring words from the collected tweet texts separately for each language, we conducted a co-occurrence network analysis for those words, in order to evaluate the patterns of their occurrence. Results A total of 70,435 English tweets from 41,939 users and 188,671 Japanese tweets from 81,093 users were analyzed after excluding retweets and duplicate tweets. The co-occurrence network analysis revealed that topics related to pain, other complementary and alternative medicines, and acupuncture-related experiences were common in both languages. However, explanatory topics such as needle use, Chinese medicine, and body points were specific to English tweets, while those about beauty care were specific to Japanese tweets. Conclusion The number of tweets regarding acupuncture and the number of users who posted them were both higher in Japanese than in English. Some acupuncture topics were common in both languages, while other topics were specific to each language. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into understanding information about acupuncture on social media.

Analysis of clinical factors associated with Kampo formula-induced pseudoaldosteronism based on self-reported information from the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database.

Drug-induced pseudoaldosteronism is a typical adverse effect of Kampo formulas. Previous research described the potential risks of Kampo formula-linked pseudoaldosteronism. However, few studies assessed the risk factors using a real-world database and a data-mining approach. Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, we extracted pseudoaldosteronism reports for 148 Kampo formulas covered by Japanese national health insurance. Adverse events were decided according to the preferred terminology of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities/Japanese version 25.1. We calculated reporting odds ratio (RORs) and identified Kampo formulas as suspected causes of pseudoaldosteronism. Moreover, we evaluated clinical factors associated with Kampo formula-induced pseudoaldosteronism via logistic regression. From April 2004 to November 2022, 6334 adverse events related to the Kampo formulas were reported. We selected 2471 reports containing complete clinical data, including 210 reports on pseudoaldosteronism. In the pseudoaldosteronism group, 69.0% of patients were female, and 85.2% were ≥70 years old. The formulas most commonly associated with pseudoaldosteronism were Shakuyakukanzoto, Yokukansan, and Ryokeijutsukanto (ROR [95% confidence interval {CI}] = 18.3 [13.0-25.9], 8.1 [5.4-12.0], and 5.5 [1.4-21.9], respectively). Logistic analysis identified female sex (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI] = 1.7 [1.2-2.6]; P = 0.006), older age (≥70, 5.0 [3.2-7.8]; P < 0.001), low body weight (<50 kg, 2.2 [1.5-3.2]; P < 0.001), diuretics usage (2.1 [1.3-4.8]; P = 0.004), hypertension (1.6 [1.1-2.4]; P = 0.014), and dementia (7.0 [4.2-11.6]; P < 0.001) as pseudoaldosteronism-related factors. Additionally, the daily Glycyrrhiza dose (OR = 2.1 [1.9-2.3]; P < 0.001) and duration of administration (>14 days, OR = 2.8 [1.7-4.5]; P < 0.001) were associated with adverse events. We did not observe an interaction between aging and hypertension. Careful follow-up is warranted during long-term Glycyrrhiza-containing Kampo formula use in patients with multiple clinical factors for pseudoaldosteronism.

Effect of tirzepatide on glycaemic control and weight loss compared with other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To compare the therapeutic effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/ glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) or GLP-1RAs in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP-1RAs or GIP/GLP-1RAs in Japanese patients with T2D were selected. A network meta-analysis was conducted to indirectly compare the treatments, focusing on efficacy in reducing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and body weight (BW). RESULTS: A total of 18 RCTs were included in this analysis. Tirzepatide 15 mg showed the most significant reduction in HbA1c levels and BW compared with subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg and oral semaglutide 14 mg (HbA1c: mean difference [95% confidence interval] -0.52 [-0.96; -0.08] and - 1.23 [-1.64; -0.81]; BW: -5.07 [-8.28; -1.86] and -6.84 [-8.97; -4.71], respectively). Subcutaneous semaglutide showed a superior reduction in HbA1c compared with oral semaglutide. Both subcutaneous and oral semaglutide were more effective than conventional GLP-1RAs, such as dulaglutide, liraglutide and lixisenatide. CONCLUSIONS: Among Japanese patients with T2D, tirzepatide showed the greatest effectiveness in reducing HbA1c levels and inducing weight loss. The study provides evidence to guide GLP-1RA treatment strategies in Japanese patients with T2D.

Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and their combination on albuminuria in diabetic patients.

AIMS: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Albuminuria is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) protect against albuminuria; however, their combined effects on albuminuria are unclear. We performed a network meta-analysis to investigate the effects of SGLT2-Is, MRAs and their combination on albuminuria in type 2 DM. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception up to 20 November 2022. We selected randomized control and crossover trials that compared MRAs, SGLT2-Is, MRAs + SGLT2-Is, or a placebo in patients with type 2 DM with a urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g creatinine. The primary outcome was the change in the UACR. RESULTS: This meta-analysis analysed 17 studies with 34 412 patients. The use of combination treatment with SGLT2-Is and MRAs was associated with lower albuminuria compared with the use of SGLT2-Is, MRAs, or the placebo alone [mean difference (95% CI): -34.19 (-27.30; -41.08), -32.25 (-24.53; -39.97) and -65.22 (-57.97; -72.47), respectively]. Treatment with SGLT2-Is or MRAs alone caused a significant reduction in UACR compared with the placebo [mean difference (95% CI): -31.03 (-28.35; -33.72) and -32.97 (-29.68; -36.27), respectively]. The effects of MRAs on the UACR are comparable with those of SGLT2-Is. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with SGLT2-Is and MRAs was associated with lower albuminuria in patients with type 2 DM compared with monotherapy with SGLT2-Is or MRAs alone.

Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes of combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIMS: Both sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been shown to reduce cardiovascular (CV) event in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, little evidence pertains to the benefits of their combined use. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases through July 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials comparing SGLT-2 inhibitors, MRAs, or SGLT-2 inhibitor + MRA combination therapy, with placebo in patients with T2D and CKD. We performed a network meta-analysis to indirectly compare the treatments. The primary outcome was a composite of CV events. RESULTS: Eight studies were selected with 36,186 patients. The primary outcome was significantly improved in the combination therapy group compared with the other groups (RR [95% CI]; vs SGLT-2 inhibitors, 0.76 [0.60; 0.96]; vs MRAs, 0.66 [0.53; 0.82]; vs placebo, 0.58 [0.47; 0.73]). Additionally, the combination therapy was associated with a considerable reduction in the risk of hyperkalemia (RR vs MRA, 0.43 [0.23; 0.79]). CONCLUSION: Combination of SGLT-2 inhibitors and MRAs potentially reduced CV events compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors or MRAs alone. This combination may be a candidate treatment strategy for patients with T2D and CKD.

The Use of Information and Communication Technology-Based Self-management System DialBeticsLite in Treating Abdominal Obesity in Japanese Office Workers: Prospective Single-Arm Pilot Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: Making lifestyle changes is an essential element of abdominal obesity (AO) reduction. To support lifestyle modification and self-management, we developed an information and communication technology-based self-management system-DialBeticsLite-with a fully automated dietary evaluation function for the treatment of AO. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of DialBeticsLite among Japanese office workers with AO. METHODS: A 2- to 3-month prospective single-arm pilot intervention study was designed to assess the effects of the intervention using DialBeticsLite. The information and communication technology system was composed of 4 modules: data transmission (body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and pedometer count); data evaluation; exercise input; and food recording and dietary evaluation. Eligible participants were workers who were aged ≥20 years and with AO (waist circumference ≥85 cm for men and ≥90 cm for women). Physical parameters, blood tests, nutritional intake, and self-care behavior were compared at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: A total of 48 participants provided completed data for analysis, which yielded a study retention rate of 100%. The average age was 46.8 (SD 6.8) years, and 92% (44/48) of participants were male. The overall average measurement rate of DialBeticsLite, calculated by dividing the number of days with at least one measurement by the number of days of the intervention, was 98.6% (SD 3.4%). In total, 85% (41/48) of the participants reported that their participation in the study helped them to improve their lifestyle. BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat area decreased significantly after the intervention (P<.001). In addition, the daily calorie intake reduced significantly (P=.02). There was a significant improvement in self-care behavior in terms of exercise and diet (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using DialBeticsLite was shown to be a feasible and potentially effective method for reducing AO by providing users with a motivational framework to evaluate their lifestyle behaviors.

Comparative Efficacy of Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Tolvaptan is the gold standard treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), while several other drugs have the potential to inhibit the progression of ADPKD. However, individual clinical trials may not show sufficient differences in clinical efficacy due to small sample sizes. Furthermore, the differences in therapeutic efficacy among drugs are unclear. Herein, we investigated the effect of the ADPKD treatments. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through January 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials in ADPKD patients that compared the effects of treatments with placebo or conventional therapy. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare the treatments indirectly. The primary outcomes were changes in kidney function and the rate of total kidney volume (TKV) growth. Results: Sixteen studies were selected with a total of 4,391 patients. Tolvaptan significantly preserved kidney function and inhibited TKV growth compared to the placebo {standardized mean difference (SMD) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.24 (0.16; 0.31) and MD: -2.70 (-3.10; -2.30), respectively}. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors inhibited TKV growth compared to the placebo; somatostatin analogs significantly inhibited TKV growth compared to the placebo and tolvaptan [MD: -5.69 (-7.34; -4.03) and MD: -2.99 (-4.69; -1.29), respectively]. Metformin tended to preserve renal function, although it was not significant [SMD: 0.28 (-0.05; 0.61), p = 0.09]. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of tolvaptan was reasonable as the gold standard for ADPKD treatment, while somatostatin analogs also showed notable efficacy in inhibiting TKV growth. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022300814.

Japanese traditional Kampo medicine bofutsushosan improves body mass index in participants with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of people with obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide. Since obesity is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality, the management of obesity is an urgent issue. However, anti-obesity drugs are insufficient in current clinical settings. Bofutsushosan (BTS, Fang-Feng-Tong-Sheng-San in China) is a traditional Japanese Kampo formula for patients with obesity. Recent basic studies have indicated that BTS potentially improves the pathophysiology of obesity. However, it is still unknown whether BTS clinically reduces body mass index (BMI) in patients with obesity. METHODS: We searched electronic databases, including the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Japanese/Chinese/Korean databases, on June 15, 2021. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effects of BTS on BMI, waist circumference, glycolipid metabolism, and blood pressure in participants with obesity. The primary outcome was change in BMI. RESULTS: We included seven studies and 679 participants (351 in the BTS group and 328 in the control group). In participants with obesity, BTS significantly reduced BMI relative to controls (mean difference, MD [95% confidence interval]: -0.52 kg/m2 [-0.86, -0.18], P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in waist circumference, glycolipid parameters, or blood pressure. Sensitivity analyses showed robust outcomes for the primary endpoint, although the heterogeneity was considerable. Moreover, no serious adverse events were observed in the BTS group. CONCLUSION: BTS showed a potential benefit in safely and tolerably improving BMI in participants with obesity.

Deficiency of the kidney tubular angiotensin II type1 receptor-associated protein ATRAP exacerbates streptozotocin-induced diabetic glomerular injury via reducing protective macrophage polarization.

Although activation of the renin-angiotensin system and of its glomerular components is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, the functional roles of the tubular renin-angiotensin system with AT1 receptor signaling in diabetic nephropathy are unclear. Tissue hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin system is inhibited by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor-associated protein ATRAP, which negatively regulates receptor signaling. The highest expression of endogenous ATRAP occurs in the kidney, where it is mainly expressed by tubules but rarely in glomeruli. Here, we found that hyperactivation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor signaling in kidney tubules exacerbated diabetic glomerular injury in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. These phenomena were accompanied by decreased expression of CD206, a marker of alternatively activated and tissue-reparative M2 macrophages, in the kidney tubulointerstitium. Additionally, adoptive transfer of M2- polarized macrophages into diabetic ATRAP-knockout mice ameliorated the glomerular injury. As a possible mechanism, the glomerular mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and oxidative stress components were increased in diabetic knockout mice compared to non-diabetic knockout mice, but these increases were ameliorated by adoptive transfer. Furthermore, proximal tubule-specific ATRAP downregulation reduced tubulointerstitial expression of CD206, the marker of M2 macrophages in diabetic mice. Thus, our findings indicate that tubular ATRAP-mediated functional modulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor signaling modulates the accumulation of tubulointerstitial M2 macrophages, thus affecting glomerular manifestations of diabetic nephropathy via tubule-glomerular crosstalk.

Prevention of kidney function decline using uric acid-lowering therapy in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several previous studies have suggested that uric acid-lowering therapy (ULT) can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although crucial for CKD patients, few studies have evaluated the effects of different ULT medications on kidney function. This systematic review summarizes evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effects of ULT on kidney function. METHOD: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to September 2021 to identify RCTs in CKD patients comparing the effects of ULT on kidney function with other ULT medications or placebo. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare each ULT indirectly. The primary outcome was a change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline. RESULTS: Ten studies were selected with a total of 1480 patients. Topiroxostat significantly improved eGFR and reduced the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio compared to placebo (mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.49 [0.08; 2.90], P = 0.038 and 25.65% [13.25; 38.04], P < 0.001, respectively). Although febuxostat did not show a positive effect overall, it significantly improved renal function (i.e., eGFR) in a subgroup of CKD patients with hyperuricemia (MD [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.02; 1.67], P = 0.045). Allopurinol and pegloticase did not show beneficial effects. CONCLUSIONS: Topiroxostat and febuxostat may have better renoprotective effects in CKD patients than other ULT medications. Further large-scale, long-term studies are required to determine whether these effects will lead, ultimately, to reductions in dialysis induction and major adverse cardiovascular events. Key Points • This study is the first network meta-analysis comparing the nephroprotective effects of ULT in CKD patients. • Topiroxostat and febuxostat showed better renoprotective effects in CKD patients than other ULT medications. • Heterogeneity was low in this study, suggesting consistency of results.

Comparison of effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with/without albuminuria: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIMS: It remains unclear which sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are most effective for preventing cardiovascular and renal events in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, depending on the presence of albuminuria. We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of these two drug classes in T2DM patients with/without albuminuria. METHODS: We searched the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, and gray literature up to April 20, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials that reported the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and composite of renal outcomes in T2DM. RESULTS: A total of nine studies (81,206 patients) were included. In patients with/without albuminuria, SGLT-2 inhibitors did not significantly reduce the risk of MACE compared with GLP-1 RAs (risk ratio [RR] [95% confidence interval]; 0.96 [0.82-1.12] and 0.94 [0.81-1.10], respectively). In contrast, compared with GLP-1 RAs, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with significantly lower renal risk in both patients with/without albuminuria (RR [95% CI]; 0.75 [0.63-0.89] and 0.59 [0.44-0.79], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: SGLT-2 inhibitors may be superior to GLP-1 RAs for renal outcomes in T2DM patients with/without albuminuria, although there was no difference in the risk of MACE.

Aristolochic Acid Induces Renal Fibrosis and Senescence in Mice.

The kidney is one of the most susceptible organs to age-related impairments. Generally, renal aging is accompanied by renal fibrosis, which is the final common pathway of chronic kidney diseases. Aristolochic acid (AA), a nephrotoxic agent, causes AA nephropathy (AAN), which is characterized by progressive renal fibrosis and functional decline. Although renal fibrosis is associated with renal aging, whether AA induces renal aging remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential use of AAN as a model of renal aging. Here, we examined senescence-related factors in AAN models by chronically administering AA to C57BL/6 mice. Compared with controls, the AA group demonstrated aging kidney phenotypes, such as renal atrophy, renal functional decline, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Additionally, AA promoted cellular senescence specifically in the kidneys, and increased renal p16 mRNA expression and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity. Furthermore, AA-treated mice exhibited proximal tubular mitochondrial abnormalities, as well as reactive oxygen species accumulation. Klotho, an antiaging gene, was also significantly decreased in the kidneys of AA-treated mice. Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that AA alters senescence-related factors, and that renal fibrosis is closely related to renal aging.

Case Report: Kampo Medicine for Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Pulmonary Disease.

Background: While the number of pulmonary tuberculosis cases has decreased, increase in non-tuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a global problem. Guideline-based therapy for NTM-PD sometimes causes complications that prevent treatment completion, and there are many cases of relapse even if the treatment can be completed. In addition to antibacterial treatment, care of host risk factors, such as aging, lean physique and immunosuppressive state, is also very important for the management of NTM-PD. In Japan, Kampo medicine, a traditional Japanese herbal formulation, used alone or in combination with standard multidrug therapy for NTM-PD, has been found to be effective for such cases. Case Presentation: A 77-year-old lean woman had been diagnosed with Mycobacterium intracellulare pulmonary infection 6 years earlier, and had received the standard multidrug treatment 5 years later at a former hospital due to worsening of her symptoms of cough, breathlessness and hemoptysis. However, the treatment was discontinued within a year due to the development of adverse events. She refused the guideline-based antibacterial treatment, and asked for Kampo medicine instead. Bukuryoshigyakuto was subsequently prescribed, which led to cough and sputum, especially hemosputum, being well controlled. With 3 years of Kampo medicine treatment, she gained weight and her hemosputum disappeared. High-resolution computed tomography images showed improvement in her lung condition, and her sputum smear culture was negative for acid-fast bacillus. Conclusion: Various kinds of Kampo medicines have been used empirically for NTM-PD in Japan. A literature review from 1992 to 2020 showed that hozais, in particular, seem to be key drugs for the treatment of host NTM-PD risk factors. Kampo medicines can contribute to comprehensive treatment for NTM-PD management that does not rely solely on antibacterial drugs.

Systematic review and meta-analysis for prevention of cardiovascular complications using GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors in obese diabetic patients.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been shown to prevent CVD in T2DM patients. Additionally, the two drugs reduce body mass. However, it is unknown which drug is more effective at reducing the risk of CVD in such patients. We searched Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library records to February 20, 2021 and performed a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy with which the drugs reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We included 102,728 patients in 12 studies containing data of obesity subgroup analyses. In T2DM patients with obesity, GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced the risk of MACE versus placebo (relative risk, RR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.88 [0.81-0.96]), whereas SGLT-2 inhibitors showed a tendency (RR [95% CI]: 0.91 [0.83-1.00]). In an indirect comparison, GLP-1 RAs were not associated with a significant difference in MACE compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors (RR [95% CI]: 0.97 [0.85-1.09]). Thus, GLP-1 RAs are effective at preventing MACE than placebo in T2DM patients with obesity, although further studies are warranted to conclude their superiority to SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Effects of Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agents on Blood Pressure in Patients with Non-Dialysis CKD and Renal Anemia.

INTRODUCTION: Erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) are used to treat renal anemia in patients with non-dialysis CKD, but this can lead to increases in blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) and darbepoetin alfa (DA) on office/ambulatory BP in 36 patients with non-dialysis CKD and renal anemia who did not receive ESA treatment. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to CERA or DA, and received ESA treatment for 24 weeks. ESA doses were adjusted to maintain hemoglobin (Hb) at 10-12 g/dL. Primary outcomes were office/ambulatory BP after 24 weeks of ESA treatment. Hb levels were within the target range at 24 weeks. RESULTS: Office/ambulatory BP, renal function, and other parameters were not significantly different between groups. However, we could not exclude the possibility that differences may exist because our sample size was small. Therefore, we also performed analysis of all of the data that were compiled from the groups of per-protocol population. Although office/ambulatory BP profiles had not worsened after 24 weeks of ESA treatment, more than half of the patients required an increase in the antihypertensive agent dose. CONCLUSIONS: CERA and DA may have similar effects on BP profiles in patients with non-dialysis CKD and renal anemia. ESA treatment often requires increases in the doses of antihypertensive agents.

Effects of Rikkunshito treatment on renal fibrosis/inflammation and body weight reduction in a unilateral ureteral obstruction model in mice.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses to end-stage renal failure via renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Malnutrition, inflammation, and arteriosclerosis interact to exacerbate the poor prognosis of CKD, and their effective management is thus essential. The traditional Japanese medicine Rikkunshito (RKT) exerts appetite-stimulating effects via ghrelin, which attenuates inflammation and fibrosis. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of RKT in unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis/inflammation and body weight loss in mice. UUO and sham-operated mice were fed a standard diet or diet containing 3.0% RKT. Renal fibrosis was investigated by histopathology and macrophage infiltration was determined by immunohistochemistry. Expression levels of genes associated with fibrosis, inflammation, ghrelin, and mitochondrial function were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. RKT treatment partially prevented UUO-induced weight loss but failed to attenuate renal fibrosis and inflammation. Renal expression of sirtuin 1, a ghrelin-downstream signalling molecule, and gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α and Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 were unaffected by RKT. These results indicate that RKT inhibits weight loss but does not improve renal fibrosis or inflammation in a rapidly progressive renal fibrosis mouse model. RKT may have a protective effect on weight loss associated with CKD.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor-associated protein deficiency attenuates sirtuin1 expression in an immortalised human renal proximal tubule cell line.

The proximal tubule is a particularly important site for ageing-related kidney damage. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)-dependent deacetylase in the proximal tubule, may be involved in renal injury associated with ageing. However, the mechanisms of SIRT1 regulation remain to be elucidated. We recently reported that angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-associated protein (ATRAP)-deficient mice displayed age-associated renal function decline and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Our data showed that SIRT1 protein expression was reduced in ATRAP-deficient mice, although the relationship between ATRAP deficiency and age-associated renal fibrosis is still not fully understood. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate how ATRAP affects SIRT1 protein expression to resolve ageing-associated kidney dysfunction. Here, since ageing studies are inherently lengthy, we used an ex vivo model of the proximal tubule to determine the role of ATRAP in SIRT1 protein expression. We first generated a clonal immortalised human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell line (ciRPTEC) expressing AT1R and ATRAP. Using this cell line, we demonstrated that ATRAP knockdown reduced SIRT1 protein expression in the ciRPTEC but did not alter SIRT1 mRNA expression. Thus, ATRAP likely mediates SIRT1 protein abundance in ciRPTEC.

Effects of ATRAP in Renal Proximal Tubules on Angiotensin-Dependent Hypertension.

Background We have previously shown that ATRAP (angiotensin II receptor-associated protein; Agtrap) interacts with AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) and promotes constitutive internalization of AT 1R so as to inhibit hyperactivation of its downstream signaling. In response to angiotensin II , systemic ATRAP deficiency exacerbates angiotensin II -mediated hypertension via hyperactivation of renal tubular AT 1R. Although ATRAP expression is abundant in renal proximal tubules, little is known about the actual function of renal proximal tubule ATRAP in angiotensin-mediated hypertension. Methods and Results In this study, we examined the in vivo functional role of renal proximal tubule ATRAP in angiotensin-dependent hypertension. We succeeded in generating proximal tubule-specific ATRAP knockout ( PT - KO ) mice for the first time using the Cre/loxP system with Pepck-Cre. Detailed analysis of renal ATRAP expression in PT - KO mice estimated by immunohistochemical and laser-capture microdissection analysis revealed that ATRAP mRNA expression decreased by ≈80% in proximal regions of the nephron in PT - KO mice compared with wild-type ( WT ) mice. We compared blood pressure of PT - KO and WT mice using both tail-cuff and radiotelemetric methods. Blood pressure of PT - KO mice was comparable with that of WT mice at baseline. Moreover, no significant differences were noted in pressor response to angiotensin II (600 ng/kg per min or 1000 ng/kg per minute) infusion between PT - KO and WT mice. In addition, angiotensin II -mediated cardiac hypertrophy was identical between PT - KO and WT mice. Conclusions ATRAP deficiency in proximal tubules did not exacerbate angiotensin-dependent hypertension in vivo. The results indicate that renal proximal tubule ATRAP has a minor role in angiotensin-dependent hypertension in vivo.

Effects of rikkunshito on renal fibrosis and inflammation in angiotensin II-infused mice.

The underlying pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease involves an activated renin-angiotensin system and systemic inflammation which ultimately develop renal injury. Rikkunshito (RKT) has been reported to exert anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects through enhancement of ghrelin signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of RKT on renal fibrosis and inflammation in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced renal injury model. Ang II-infused mice exhibited hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, moderate albuminuria and renal pathological changes such as mild urinary cast, interstitial macrophage infiltration and modest interstitial fibrosis. RKT had no evident effects on the Ang II-induced renal functional insufficiency and fibrosis, but attenuated renal interstitial macrophage infiltration. In addition, RKT significantly restored the Ang II-induced alteration in the expression of renal fibrosis- and inflammation-related genes such as type 3 collagen, transforming growth factor-ß, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6. Furthermore, although RKT did not affect the expression of renal ghrelin receptor, an Ang II-induced decrease in renal sirtuin 1 expression, a critical down-stream pathway of the ghrelin receptor, was restored by RKT. These findings suggest that RKT potentially has a renal anti-inflammatory effect in the development of renal injury, and this effect could be mediated by the ghrelin signaling pathway.