Thrombopoietin-Dependent Myelo-Megakaryopoiesis Fuels Thromboinflammation and Worsens Antibody-Mediated Chronic Renal Microvascular Injury

Refining urine collection in mice: Development of an innovative urine collection device

Urine collection can be challenging in studies involving small rodents like mice, as the actual methods of collection are anxiogenic and constrain animal welfare while having high variability in the volume of urine collected. To improve the current methods and eventually reduce the impact on the well-being of mice, we developed an innovative 3D-printed urine collection device (UCD). This two-compartment UCD is shaped to fit in classical husbandry cages and allows urine collection by spontaneous urination from two mice housed in their own cage without cross-contamination while enabling potential social interactions. We used our UCD to study the evolution of urinary parameters related to renal functions in a model of antibody-mediated chronic kidney disease. Overall, we report here a time-saving and affordable method for urine collection providing a large amount of uncontaminated urine and which we believe may improve animal welfare in comparison with other methods.

Platelets, inflammation, and purinergic receptors in chronic kidney disease

Platelets are anucleated cells that circulate in the bloodstream. Historically, platelets were thought to perform a singular function-stop bleeding via clotting. Although platelets do play a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis, recent studies indicate that platelets also modulate inflammation, and this platelet-induced inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of various diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Thus, in recent years, our understanding of platelet function has broadened. In this review, we revisit the classic role of platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis and describe the newly recognized function of platelets in modulating inflammation. We cover the potential use of purinergic receptor antagonists to prevent platelet-modulated inflammation, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease, and finally, we define key questions that must be addressed to understand how platelet-modulated inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease.

Systemic immune-inflammation Index is associated with chronic kidney disease in the U.S. population: insights from NHANES 2007-2018

Objectives

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a novel and systematic inflammatory biomarker that is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), has not received much attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SII and CKD in the United States (U.S.) population.

Methods

Our study ultimately included a nationally representative sample of 10,787 adults who participated in the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the correlation between SII and CKD, and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was subsequently used to explore the non-linear relationship between SII and CKD. Subgroup analyses were performed to further the effects of other covariates on the relationship between SII and CKD.

Results

Following confounder adjustment, a higher SII was related to the incidence of CKD (OR =1.36; 95% CI, 1.07-1.73; p =0.01), as validated by multivariable logistic regression. The RCS curve revealed a non-linear positive correlation between SII/1000 and CKD incidence (p for non-linear =0.0206). Additionally, subgroup analysis confirmed a stronger correlation for male participants (OR =2.628; 95% CI, 1.829-3.776) than for female participants (OR =1.733; 95% CI, 1.379-2.178) (p for interaction =0.046).

Conclusions

SII is positively associated with the incidence of CKD among U.S. adults, especially in males. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings and explore the causal factors that can contribute to the prevention and treatment of CKD.