The Beneficial Effect of Personalized Lifestyle Intervention in Chronic Kidney Disease Follow-Up Project for National Health Insurance Specific Health Checkup: A Five-Year Community-Based Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Mimasaka city is a relatively small city with a population of 28,381, and an aging rate (≥65 years old) of 38.9%, where only one nephrology clinic is available. Since 2013, the city has conducted its own unique lifestyle intervention for the participants of the National Health Insurance specific medical health checkup, aiming to prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity. Materials and Methods: The persons in National Health Insurance specific medical health checkup (40−74 years old) conducted in Mimasaka city in 2013, with eGFR less than 50 mL/min/1.73 m² or 50−90 mL/min/1.73 m² with urine dipstick protein 1+ or more, were registered for the CKD follow-up project, as high-risk subjects for advanced renal dysfunction. Municipal workers directly visited the subjects' homes to provide individual health guidance and encourage medical consultation. We aimed to examine the effect of home-visit intervention on the changes of renal function and related factors until 2017. Results: The number of the high-risk subjects who continuously received the health checkup until 2017 was 63, and only 23 (36.5%) visited a medical institution in the first year. The eGFR decreased by only 0.4 mL/min/1.73 m²/year, and the subjects with urinary protein 1+ or higher decreased significantly from 20 (31.7%) to 9 (14.3%) (p = 0.034) in the high-risk subjects. The changes in eGFR and urinary protein was almost in the same fashion regardless of their medical institution visits. Next, we examined the effects of various factors on ΔeGFR, the changes of eGFR from 2013 to 2017, by multivariate linear regression analysis. The effects of medical institution visit were not significant, and the degree of urinary protein (coefficient B: 4.503, ß: 0.705, p < 0.001), age (coefficient B: 4.753, ß: 0.341, p = 0.004), and smoking (coefficient B: 5.878, ß: 0.295, p = 0.031) had independent significant effects, indicating that they were the factors exacerbating the decrease in eGFR from the baseline. Conclusions: The personalized lifestyle intervention by home-visit in CKD follow-up project showed the possibility of beneficial effects on the deterioration of renal function. This may be an efficient method to change behavior in a small community with limited medical resources.

Edaravone Attenuated Angiotensin II-Induced Atherosclerosis and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to define whether edaravone, a free-radical scavenger, influenced angiotensin II (AngII)-induced atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) formation. METHODS: Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (8-12 weeks old) were fed with a normal diet for 5 weeks. Either edaravone (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally for 5 weeks. After 1 week of injections, mice were infused subcutaneously with either AngII (1000 ng/kg/min, n = 16-17 per group) or saline (n = 5 per group) by osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks. RESULTS: AngII increased systolic blood pressure equivalently in mice administered with either edaravone or saline. Edaravone had no effect on plasma total cholesterol concentrations and body weights. AngII infusion significantly increased ex vivo maximal diameters of abdominal aortas and en face atherosclerosis but was significantly attenuated by edaravone administration. Edaravone also reduced the incidence of AngII-induced AAAs. In addition, edaravone diminished AngII-induced aortic MMP-2 activation. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that edaravone ameliorated mRNA abundance of aortic MCP-1 and IL-1ß. Immunostaining demonstrated that edaravone attenuated oxidative stress and macrophage accumulation in the aorta. Furthermore, edaravone administration suppressed thioglycolate-induced mice peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) accumulation and mRNA abundance of MCP-1 in MPMs in male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. In vitro, edaravone reduced LPS-induced mRNA abundance of MCP-1 in MPMs. CONCLUSIONS: Edaravone attenuated AngII-induced AAAs and atherosclerosis in male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice via anti-oxidative action and anti-inflammatory effect.

Cilostazol Attenuates AngII-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in apoE Deficient Mice.

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by the net accumulation of extracellular matrix in the myocardium and is an integral component of most pathological cardiac conditions. Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type III with anti-platelet, anti-mitogenic, and vasodilating properties, is widely used to treat the ischemic symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. Here, we investigated whether cilostazol has a protective effect against Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiac fibrosis. Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed either a normal diet or a diet containing cilostazol (0.1% wt/wt). After 1 week of diet consumption, the mice were infused with saline or AngII (1000 ng kg−1 min−1) for 28 days. AngII infusion increased heart/body weight ratio (p < 0.05), perivascular fibrosis (p < 0.05), and interstitial cardiac fibrosis (p < 0.0001), but were significantly attenuated by cilostazol treatment (p < 0.05, respectively). Cilostazol also reduced AngII-induced increases in fibrotic and inflammatory gene expression (p < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, cilostazol attenuated both protein and mRNA abundance of osteopontin induced by AngII in vivo. In cultured human cardiac myocytes, cilostazol reduced mRNA expression of AngII-induced osteopontin in dose-dependent manner. This reduction was mimicked by forskolin treatment but was cancelled by co-treatment of H-89. Cilostazol attenuates AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice through activation of the cAMP−PKA pathway.

The Association of Postprandial Triglyceride Variability with Renal Dysfunction and Microalbuminuria in Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus: A Retrospective and Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether or not day-to-day variations in lipid profiles, especially triglyceride (TG) variability, were associated with the exacerbation of diabetic kidney disease. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and observational study. First, 527 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who had had their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) checked every 6 months since 2012 for over 5 years were registered. Variability in postprandial TG was determined using the standard deviation (SD), SD adjusted (Adj-SD) for the number of measurements, and maximum minus minimum difference (MMD) during the first three years of follow-up. The endpoint was a ≥40% decline from baseline in the eGFR, initiation of dialysis or death. Next, 181 patients who had no micro- or macroalbuminuria in February 2013 were selected from among the 527 patients for an analysis. The endpoint was the incidence of microalbuminuria, initiation of dialysis, or death. RESULTS: Among the 527 participants, 110 reached a ≥40% decline from baseline in the eGFR or death. The renal survival was lower in the higher-SD, higher-Adj-SD, and higher-MMD groups than in the lower-SD, lower-Adj-SD, and lower-MMD groups, respectively (log-rank test p = 0.0073, 0.0059, and 0.0195, respectively). A lower SD, lower Adj-SD, and lower MMD were significantly associated with the renal survival in the adjusted model (hazard ratio, 1.62, 1.66, 1.59; 95% confidence intervals, 1.05-2.53, 1.08-2.58, 1.04-2.47, respectively). Next, among 181 participants, 108 developed microalbuminuria or death. The nonincidence of microalbuminuria was lower in the higher-SD, higher-Adj-SD, and higher-MMD groups than in the lower-SD, lower-Adj-SD, and lower-MMD groups, respectively (log-rank test p = 0.0241, 0.0352, and 0.0474, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Postprandial TG variability is a novel risk factor for eGFR decline and the incidence of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 DM.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Variation of Its Risk Factors by the Regions in Okayama Prefecture.

OBJECTIVE: The prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is an important issue from health and financial perspectives. We conducted a single-year cross-sectional study to clarify the prevalence of CKD and its risk factors along with variations in these factors among five medical regions in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data concerning the renal function and proteinuria as well as other CKD risk factors were obtained from the database of the Japanese National Health Insurance. The proportion of CKD patients at an increased risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), classified as orange and red on the CKD heatmap, ranged from 6-9% and did not vary significantly by the regions. However, the causes of the increased severity differed between regions where renal dysfunction was predominant and regions where there were many patients with proteinuria. CKD risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyper low-density lipoprotein-cholesterolemia, obesity, smoking and lack of exercise, also differed among these regions, suggesting that different regions need tailored interventions that suit the characteristics of the region, such as an increased health checkup ratio, dietary guidance and promotion of exercise opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 6-9% of people are at an increased risk of developing ESRD (orange or red on a CKD heatmap) among the population with National Health Insurance in Okayama Prefecture. The underlying health problems that cause CKD may differ among the regions. Thus, it is necessary to consider intervention methods for preventing CKD progression that are tailored to each region's health problems.

Vasohibin-2 Aggravates Development of Ascending Aortic Aneurysms but not Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms nor Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice.

BACKGROUND: Vasohibin-2 (VASH2) has been isolated as a homologue of vasohibin-1 (VASH1) that promotes angiogenesis counteracting with VASH1. Chronic angiotensin II (AngII) infusion promotes both ascending and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAs) in mice. The present study aimed to investigate whether exogenous VASH2 influenced AngII-induced vascular pathology in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. METHODS: Male, ApoE-/- mice (9-14 weeks old) were injected with Ad LacZ or Ad VASH2. After a week, saline or AngII (1,000 ng/kg/minute) was infused into the mice subcutaneously via mini-osmotic pumps for 3 weeks. Consequently, all these mice were divided into 4 groups: saline + LacZ (n = 5), saline + VASH2 (n = 5), AngII + LacZ (n = 18), and AngII + VASH2 (n = 17). RESULTS: Exogenous VASH2 had no significant effect on ex vivo maximal diameters of abdominal aortas (AngII + LacZ: 1.67 ± 0.17 mm, AngII + VASH2: 1.52 ± 0.16 mm, n.s.) or elastin fragmentation and accumulation of inflammatory cells. Conversely, exogenous VASH2 significantly increased intima areas of aortic arches (AngII + LacZ: 16.6 ± 0.27 mm2, AngII + VASH2: 18.6 ± 0.64 mm2, P = 0.006). VASH2 effect of AngII-induced ascending AAs was associated with increased cleaved caspase-3 abundance. AngII-induced atherosclerosis was not altered by VASH2. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that augmented VASH2 expression had no effect of AngII-induced abdominal AAs or atherosclerosis, while increasing dilation in the ascending aorta.

The Aging Population and Research into Treatments for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) usually expand asymptomatically until the occurrence of a life-threatening event such as aortic rupture, which is closely associated with high mortality. AAA and aortic dissection are ranked among the top 10 causes of death in Japan. The major risk factors for AAA are age over 65 years, male gender, family history, and smoking. Thus, for prevention, smoking cessation is the most important lifestyle-intervention. For treatment, since AAA generally affects elderly people, less invasive treatment is preferable. However, the only established treatment for AAA is open repair and endovascular repair. This review describes potential medical treatments to slow aneurysm growth or prevent AAA rupture.

Report of health checkup system for chronic kidney disease in general population in Okayama city: effect of health guidance intervention on chronic kidney disease outcome.

BACKGROUND: From 2011, Okayama municipal government started the health checkup follow-up project to find those who were unaware of suffering chronic kidney disease and to prevent from aggravation of CKD stage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of 2 years' CKD-follow-up project regarding renal function and CKD risks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Those who received a health checkup by the national health insurance in Okayama city in 2011 were recruited. The patients with lifestyle-related diseases or metabolic syndrome were excluded. Subjects who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate<50 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary protein positive by dipstick test were defined as compromised renal function group. They were recommended to visit a medical institution. Non-compromised renal function participants with two or more risks for CKD (hyperglycemia, higher blood pressure, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia) were recommended to receive a health guidance (risk group). The change of renal function and CKD risks between 2011 and 2013 in each group was examined. RESULTS: A total of 28,309 people received a health checkup in 2011. In compromised renal function group, 39.5% (96/243) of the subjects improved their CKD stages in 2013 regardless of the visit of medical institutions or the frequency of receiving health checkup. In risk group, 63.4% (260/410) of the subjects decreased their CKD risks in 2013 independent of the reception of health guidance. CONCLUSION: In both compromised renal function group and risk group, more than half of subjects kept their kidney function (217/243) and decreased the number of CKD risks (260/410) in 2 years' follow-up. Receiving a health checkup itself and notification of one's own health condition could exert a protective effect on kidney function.

Exogenous Vasohibin-2 Exacerbates Angiotensin II-Induced Ascending Aortic Dilation in Mice.

Background: Chronic angiotensin II (AngII) infusion promotes ascending aortic dilation in C57BL/6J mice. Meanwhile, vasohibin-2 (VASH2) is an angiogenesis promoter in neovascularization under various pathologic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether exogenous VASH2 influences chronic AngII-induced ascending aortic dilation. Methods and Results: Eight-ten-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were injected with adenovirus (Ad) expressing either VASH2 or LacZ. One week after the injection, mice were infused with either AngII or saline s.c. for 3 weeks. Mice were divided into 4 groups: AngII+VASH2, AngII+LacZ, saline+VASH2, and saline+LacZ. Overexpression of VASH2 significantly increased AngII-induced intimal areas as well as the external diameter of the ascending aorta. In addition, VASH2 overexpression promoted ascending aortic medial elastin fragmentation in AngII-infused mice, which was associated with increased matrix metalloproteinase activity and medial smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis. On western blot analysis, accumulation of apoptotic signaling proteins, p21 and p53 was increased in the AngII+VASH2 group. Furthermore, transfection of human aortic SMC with Ad VASH2 increased p21 and p53 protein abundance upon AngII stimulation. Positive TUNEL staining was also detected in the same group of the human aortic SMC. Conclusions: Exogenous VASH2 exacerbates AngII-induced ascending aortic dilation in vivo, which is associated with increased medial apoptosis and elastin fragmentation.

The relationship between repeated measurement of casual and 24-h urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio in patients with chronic kidney disease.

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between repeated measurements of casual (spot) and 24-h urinary sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratios in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 61 inpatients with CKD, 31 in stage 1-3 (eGFR [estimated glomerular filtration rate] ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 30 in stage 4-5 (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2), aged 20-85 consuming a low-sodium diet (NaCl [sodium chloride] 6 g/day) were recruited. Urinary Na, K, and Na/K ratios were measured in both casual urine samples and 2-day, 24 h urine samples, and then analyzed by correlation and Bland-Altman analyses. Mean 24-h urine Na/K ratio was higher in participants in stage 4-5 (5.1) than in participants in stage 1-3 (4.1) CKD. Casual urine Na/K ratio was strongly correlated with 2-day, 24-h urine Na/K ratio by sampling 4 casual urine specimens every morning and evening in participants in stage 1-3 (r = 0.69-0.78), but not in stage 4-5 (r = 0.12-0.19). The bias for mean Na/K ratio between 2-day, 24-h urine, and the 4 casual urine sampling ranged from -0.86 to 0.16 in participants in stage 1-3, and the quality of agreement for the mean of this casual urine sampling was similar to that of sampling 8 casual urine samples for estimating 2-day, 24-h values. Methods using repeated casual urine Na/K ratios may provide a reasonable estimation of 24-h urine Na/K ratio in normotensive and hypertensive as well as individuals with stage 1-3, but not stage 4-5 CKD.

The clinical efficacy of angiotensin II type1 receptor blockers on inflammatory markers in patients with hypertension: a multicenter randomized-controlled trial; MUSCAT-3 study.

Purpose: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of irbesartan on the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effect in patients with hypertension compared to other ARBs. Further, we assessed the effect of the ARBs on kidney function and urinary albumin excretion. Methods: Eighty-five outpatients with hypertension who took an ARB except irbesartan more than 3 months were assigned into two groups, one continued the same ARB and the other switched the ARB to irbesartan for 6 months. Results: Although blood pressures were equally controlled (continue group: 148 ± 2/79 ± 2 mmHg to 131 ± 2/74 ± 2 mmHg; switch group: 152 ± 2/81 ± 2 mmHg to 132 ± 2/74 ± 2 mmHg; p < 0.001 each), the inflammatory markers (hsCRP, PTX3, MCP-1) and oxidative stress marker (MDA-LDL) did not change after 6 months in both groups. Urinary albumin excretion was significantly reduced only in the switch group without renal function deterioration (switch group 292.4 ± 857.9 mg/gCr to 250.6 ± 906.5 mg/gCr, p = 0.012). Conclusion: These results provide knowledge of the characteristics of irbesartan, suggesting appropriate choice of ARBs in the treatment for hypertension should be considered.

Diabetic nephropathy is associated with frailty in patients with chronic hemodialysis.

AIM: Since 1998, the leading cause of chronic hemodialysis in Japan has been diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes mellitus is known to be a risk factor for frailty, but it still remains unknown whether diabetic nephropathy is associated with frailty in chronic dialysis patients. The authors carried out the present study to reveal the association between frailty and diabetic nephropathy in chronic hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A total of 355 patients who were on hemodialysis were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups of either patients who suffered diabetic nephropathy with end-stage renal disease (DN group, n = 150) or not (Non-DN group, n = 205). The authors investigated the difference of the prevalence of frailty between the two groups. Furthermore, the authors examined the risk factors for frailty. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty in the DN group was significantly higher than that in the Non-DN group (28.0% vs 16.5%, P = 0.0161). To evaluate the association between frailty and its risk factors, we compared frail patients (n = 71) and non-frail patients (n = 262). After adjusting their interrelationships by using multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetic nephropathy was determined as a significant risk factor for frailty. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found the close association between frailty and diabetic nephropathy in chronic hemodialysis patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1597-1602.

The Prevalence of Frailty and its Associated Factors in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients.

The population undergoing dialysis is aging worldwide, particularly in Japan. The clinical condition of frailty is the most problematic expression in the elderly population. Potential pathophysiological factors of frailty present in patients with CKD and are accentuated in patients with ESRD. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and predictors of frailty in Japanese HD patients. This study was a multicenter, cross-sectional and observational investigation conducted at 6 institutions. To evaluate frailty, the modified Fried's frailty phenotype adjusted for Japanese as the self-reported questionnaire was used. Of the 542 patients visiting each institution, 388 were enrolled in this study. In total, 26.0% of participants were categorized as not-frailty, 52.6% as pre-frailty and 21.4% as frailty. The prevalence of frailty increased steadily with age and was more prevalent in females than in males and the subjects with frailty received polypharmacy. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors independently associated with frailty were the following: female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 3.661, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.398-9.588), age (OR = 1.065, 95% CI 1.014-1.119), age ≥ 75 years old (OR = 4.892, 95% CI 1.715-13.955), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 (OR = 0.110, 95% CI 0.0293-0.416), number of medications being taken (OR = 1.351, 95% CI 1.163-1.570), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 2.765, 95% CI 1.081-7.071) and MNA-SF ≤ 11 (OR = 7.405, 95% CI 2.732-20.072). Frailty was associated with the accumulation of risk factors. The prevalence of frailty in Japanese patients with HD was relatively lower than that previously reported in Western developed countries; however, it was extremely high compared to the general population regardless of age. Our findings suggest that frailty might be associated with an increase in the prevalence of adverse health outcomes in patients with HD.

Cilostazol Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms but Not Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent dilation of the abdominal aorta associated with rupture, which frequently results in fatal consequences. AAA tissue is commonly characterized by localized structural deterioration accompanied with inflammation and profound accumulation of leukocytes, although the specific function of these cells is unknown. Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, is commonly used for patients with peripheral vascular disease or stroke because of its anti-platelet aggregation effect and anti-inflammatory effect, which is vasoprotective effect. In this study, we evaluated the effects of cilostazol on angiotensin II-induced AAA formation. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed either normal diet or a diet containing cilostazol (0.1% wt/wt). After 1 week of diet consumption, mice were infused with angiotensin II (1000 ng/kg per minute) for 4 weeks. Angiotensin II infusion increased maximal diameters of abdominal aortas, whereas cilostazol administration significantly attenuated dilatation of abdominal aortas, thereby, reducing AAA incidence. Cilostazol also reduced macrophage accumulation, matrix metalloproteinases activation, and inflammatory gene expression in the aortic media. In cultured vascular endothelial cells, cilostazol reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines and adhesive molecules through activation of the cAMP-PKA (protein kinase A) pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Cilostazol attenuated angiotensin II-induced AAA formation by its anti-inflammatory effect through phosphodiesterase III inhibition in the aortic wall. Cilostazol may be a promising new therapeutic option for AAAs.

Peripheral artery disease is associated with frailty in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Objectives The clinical condition of frailty is a common problem in the elderly population. However, the relationship between peripheral artery disease and frailty in hemodialysis patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the relationships between peripheral artery disease and frailty in Japanese chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods A total of 362 chronic hemodialysis patients who regularly visited six institutions were enrolled. To evaluate frailty, the modified Fried's frailty phenotype adjusted for Japanese were used. Peripheral artery disease was defined as ankle-brachial index <0.9. Results Of 362 patients, 62 patients (17.1%) were categorized as peripheral artery disease group and 300 patients (82.9%) as Non-peripheral artery disease group. The prevalence of frailty in the peripheral artery disease group was significantly higher than in the Non-peripheral artery disease group (34% vs. 18%, P = 0.0103). Non-shunt side grip strength was significantly stronger in the Non-peripheral artery disease group (23.6 kg vs. 17.0 kg, P < 0.0001). Thigh circumferences were also significantly larger in the Non-peripheral artery disease group (41.7 cm vs. 39.7 cm, P = 0.0054). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the factors independently associated with peripheral artery disease were as follows: frailty (odds ratio = 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.09-3.89) and myocardial infarction (odds ratio = 3.74, 95% confidence interval 2.05-6.83). Conclusions It is concluded that peripheral artery disease is closely associated with frailty in hemodialysis patients.

Practical efficacy of olmesartan versus azilsartan in patients with hypertension: a multicenter randomized-controlled trial (MUSCAT-4 study).

BACKGROUND: Olmesartan and azilsartan, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), are expected to decrease blood pressure more than the other ARBs. We conducted randomized-controlled trials to compare the practical efficacy of olmesartan with azilsartan. METHODS: Eighty-four patients treated with the conventional ARBs for more than 3 months were assigned randomly to receive either 20 mg of olmesartan (olmesartan medoxomil, OL group) or 20 mg of azilsartan (azilsartan, not azilsartan medoxomil, AZ group) once daily for 16 weeks. The practical efficacy on blood pressure was compared between the OL and AZ groups. RESULTS: Office blood pressure of both groups decreased significantly (OL group: 152/86-141/79 mmHg, P<0.05, AZ group: 149/83-135/75 mmHg; P<0.05). Diastolic home blood pressure in the AZ group decreased significantly (79±9-74±7 mmHg; P<0.05), but not in the OL group (79±11-75±10 mmHg; P=0.068). However, there were no significant differences between the groups. The dosage of olmesartan and azilsartan increased significantly and slightly for 16 weeks (OL group: 20.3-23.1 mg; P<0.05, AZ group: 20.5-23.2 mg; P<0.05), without a significant difference between groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in renal function, lipid profiles, brain natriuretic peptide, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, and urinary L-type fatty acid-binding protein between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both olmesartan and azilsartan equally reduced blood pressures. Both olmesartan and azilsartan showed a renoprotective effect and were well tolerated without any major adverse events.

Chronic Kidney Disease Is Positively and Diabetes Mellitus Is Negatively Associated with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship of CKD and DM with the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: We enrolled 261 patients with AAA (AAA+) and age-and-sex matched 261 patients without AAA (AAA-) at two hospitals between 2008 and 2014, and examined the association between the risk factors and the presence of AAA. Furthermore, in order to investigate the prevalence of AAA in each group, we enrolled 1126 patients with CKD and 400 patients with DM. RESULTS: The presence of CKD in patients with AAA+ was significantly higher than that in patients with AAA- (AAA+; 65%, AAA-; 52%, P = 0.004). The presence of DM in patients with AAA+ was significantly lower than that in patients with AAA- (AAA+; 17%, AAA-; 35%, P < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hypertension, ischemic heart disease and CKD were independent determinants, whereas, DM was a negatively independent determinant, for the presence of AAA. The prevalence of AAA in patients with CKD 65 years old and above was 5.1%, whereas, that in patients with DM 65 years old and above was only 0.6%. CONCLUSION: CKD is a positively associated with the presence of AAA. In contrast, DM is a negatively associated with the presence of AAA in Japanese population.

The possible involvement of intestine-derived IgA1: a case of IgA nephropathy associated with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: A link between IgA nephropathy and Crohn's disease has recently been reported. Other researchers hypothesize that intestine-derived IgA complexes deposit in glomerular mesangial cells, eliciting IgA nephropathy. Intestinal mucosal plasma cells mainly secrete IgA2. Nevertheless, IgA1 deposition is strongly implicated as being the primary cause of IgA nephropathy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old Japanese man developed IgA nephropathy 29 years ago, following tonsillectomy. As a result, a normal urinalysis was obtained. The patient previously suffered Crohn's disease followed by urinary occult blood and proteinuria six years ago. Exacerbation of IgA nephropathy was highly suspected. Therefore a renal biopsy was performed. A diagnosis of exacerbation of IgA nephropathy with mesangial cell proliferation and fibrotic cellular crescent was based upon the pathological findings. The patient exhibited a positive clinical course and eventually achieved a remission with immunosuppressive therapy including prednisolone treatment. Immunostaining for the detection of IgA subtypes was performed on both of his kidney and excised ileum. The results revealed IgA1 and IgA2 deposition by submucosal cells in intestine. Furthermore, IgA1 deposition of mesangial areas in the patient's kidney, indicated an association of IgA1 with the exacerbation of IgA nephropathy. CONCLUSION: This case represents the possibility that the intestine-derived IgA1 can be the origin of galactose-deficient IgA which is known to cause IgA nephropathy exacerbation.