Epidemiological, immunological, and treatment response profile of patients with lupus nephritis in Brazil

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Brazil has the largest number of individuals of African descent outside Africa and a very admixed population. Among cases of lupus nephritis (LN) in the country, there are differences in incidence, and even in severity, depending on the location and characteristics of the population studied. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of LN in Brazil, as well as to determine which of those characteristics would be risk factors for a poor renal prognosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, descriptive observational study of patients diagnosed with LN who underwent kidney biopsy between 1999 and 2015 in the Nephrology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas, in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

We evaluated 398 patients, among who 94.1% and 77.7% tested positive for antinuclear antibodies and anti-DNA antibodies, respectively, whereas 33.7% showed the full-house pattern. The time from LN symptom onset to biopsy was <6 months in 47.5% (early biopsy group) and ≥6 months in 52.5% (late biopsy group). In the early biopsy group, the chronicity index was lower and the activity index was higher. Multivariate analysis showed that a higher chronicity index was the only independent risk factor for progression to requiring kidney replacement therapy.

CONCLUSION

Late biopsy seems to be associated with negative renal outcomes in LN. However, it seems that a higher chronicity index is the main predictor of a poor renal outcome among patients with LN in Brazil.

Urinary CD80 and Serum suPAR as Biomarkers of Glomerular Disease among Adults in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Urinary CD80 has been shown to have good specificity for minimal change disease (MCD) in children. However, the investigation of circulating factors such as soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as biomarkers of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is quite controversial. The objective of this study was to determine whether urinary CD80 and serum suPAR can be used for the diagnosis of MCD and FSGS, respectively, in the adult population of Brazil. We also attempted to determine whether those biomarkers assess the response to immunosuppressive treatment.

METHODS

This was a prospective study in which urine and blood samples were collected for analysis of CD80 and suPAR, respectively, only in the moment of renal biopsy, from patients undergoing to diagnostic renal biopsy. At and six months after biopsy, we analyzed serum creatinine, serum albumin, and proteinuria in order to evaluate the use of the CD80 and suPAR collected in diagnosis as markers of response to immunosuppressive treatment. In healthy controls were collected urinary CD80 and proteinuria, serum suPAR, and creatinine.

RESULTS

The results of 70 renal biopsies were grouped, by diagnosis, as follows: FSGS (n = 18); membranous nephropathy (n = 14); MCD (n = 5); and other glomerulopathies (n = 33). There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of the urinary CD80 levels, and serum suPAR was not significantly higher in the FSGS group, as would have been expected. Urinary CD80 correlated positively with nephrotic syndrome, regardless of the type of glomerular disease. Neither biomarker correlated with proteinuria at six months after biopsy.

CONCLUSION

In adults, urinary CD80 can serve as a marker of nephrotic syndrome but is not specific for MCD, whereas serum suPAR does not appear to be useful as a diagnostic or treatment response marker.

Multi-Domain Interventions for Dementia Prevention - A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

There is a growing incidence of cognitive decline and dementia associated with the ageing population. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and cognitive activities may individually or collectively be undertaken to increase one's odds of preventing cognitive decline and future dementia. This study will examine whether clinical trials using multidomain lifestyle intervention can significantly decrease the risk of cognitive decline and therefore dementia.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This systematic literature review of multidomain lifestyle interventions for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia followed the PRISMA guidelines. Clinical trials involving multidomain intervention (i.e., diet and physical activity, or without cognitive training) in older adults (≥ 49 years old) at higher risk of dementia were identified through 5 electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Scopus). A comprehensive search was performed to identify and retrieve publications until 15 November 2022. Trials were published in English.

RESULTS

The included studies (n=15) assessed change in cognition in response to a multidomain lifestyle intervention. However, the cognitive outcome measures used in these studies were heterogeneous. Despite this heterogeneity, two thirds of the studies showed improvement in cognition following a multidomain intervention (n=10 with a total of 9,439 participants). However, five studies reported no improvement in cognition following the multidomain intervention. The most common form of dietary intervention included higher amount of fruit and vegetable intake; whole-grain cereal products instead of refined; low fat options in milk and meat products; and limiting sucrose intake to less than 50 g/day. Most clinical trial studies were powered to examining the effects of multidomain interventions in cognition but were not designed to test the contribution of individual domains (i.e., dietary changes, increased physical activity, or increased cognitive stimulation alone).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of multimodal lifestyle interventions on cognitive outcomes in older adults at risk of dementia. We found that participants with conditions that may increase the risk of dementia, (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular fragility) do benefit from multi-modal lifestyle changes including diet, physical activity, and cognitive training. Two thirds of studies using multidomain lifestyle interventions showed improvements in cognitive function. Trials with a focus on cognitive training, dietary improvement, and physical activity may prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults including those at risk of developing dementia. Future studies should consider longer follow-up periods and adequate power to be able to examine the effects of each lifestyle component in the context of multimodal interventions.

Diagnosis and Course of Membranous Nephropathy in Adults: Comparison by Age Group

INTRODUCTION

There have been few studies comparing younger and older adults with membranous nephropathy. The objective of this study was to compare younger and older patients with membranous nephropathy, in terms of the clinical, etiological, remission, and survival data.

METHOD

This was a retrospective study of patients with membranous nephropathy who underwent renal biopsy between 2009 and 2017.

RESULTS

We included 214 patients with membranous nephropathy. At diagnosis, 169 (79%) of those patients were <60 years of age and 45 (21%) were ≥60 years of age. There was a predominance of males in both groups. The degree of proteinuria and the prevalence of hematuria did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the median serum creatinine level was higher in the ≥60-year group as was the prevalence of hypertension. Of the patients evaluated, 36 (16.8%) had secondary membranous nephropathy. Although the proportions of infectious and autoimmune causes were comparable between the two groups, neoplastic etiologies were more common in the ≥60-year group. A total of 86 in the <60-year group and 25 in the ≥60-year group were followed long term, and partial or complete remission was achieved in 68.5% and 68.0% of the younger and older patients, respectively. However, whom progressed to requiring dialysis eight (9.3%) were in the <60-year group patients and eight (32.0%) of the ≥60-year group patients (p = 0.0045).

CONCLUSION

Despite having worse renal function at diagnosis, older patients with membranous nephropathy appear to have remission rates comparable to those of younger patients with the disease, which demonstrates the benefits of seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Nephrotic syndrome in the elderly: epidemiological aspects, clinical data, and renal biopsy findings

Nephrotic syndrome is the most common clinical presentation of glomerular disease in elderly patients, and renal biopsy is an important diagnostic resource. The aim of this study was to describe nephrotic syndrome among elderly patients in Brazil, focusing on tubulointerstitial and vascular involvement. This was a retrospective study of patients over 65 years of age with nephrotic syndrome who underwent renal biopsy between January 2012 and December 2019. Of the 123 renal biopsies that occurred during the study period, 44 (35.8%) were performed for the investigation of nephrotic syndrome. Among those 44 cases, the main etiologies were membranous nephropathy in 13 cases (29.5%), amyloidosis in ten (22.7%), non-collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in four (9.1%), and collapsing FSGS in four (9.1%). Patients with minimal change disease (MCD) had the lowest degree of interstitial fibrosis compared with the other glomerulopathies, and histological signs of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) were less common among those with amyloidosis than among those with membranous nephropathy, FSGS, or MCD (P=0.0077). Of the patients with ATN, the frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI) was highest in those with MCD (P<0.001). All patients had some degree of vascular involvement, regardless of the type of glomerulopathy. In conclusion, the second most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in this population was amyloidosis, and acute interstitial tubule involvement was more marked in MCD. Vascular involvement is something that cannot be dissociated from the age of the patient and is not only due to the underlying glomerulopathy.

IgA nephropathy in patients with serum anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) positivity: case series

Some cases of patients with IgA nephropathy diagnosed via kidney biopsy and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity have been reported. This article describes a case series comprising patients with IgA nephropathy and ANCA positivity seen at a medical center in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. A total of 111 patients underwent diagnostic kidney biopsies for IgA nephropathy. Five were ANCA-positive at the time of diagnosis; their mean age was 45 ± 15.3 years and they were predominantly females with a mean proteinuria of 2.2 ± 0.9 g/day and a median serum creatinine level of 2.5 (2.0 - 8,6) mg/dL; all had hematuria. Four of the five were cANCA-positive (80%); all had normal serum C3 and C4 levels; and 80% were positive for ANA. One case presented an association with infection, but no associations were found with medication. One patient had granuloma and another had a collapsing lesion. This article describes the cases of five ANCA-positive patients (with predominantly cANCA positivity) submitted to diagnostic kidney biopsies for IgA nephropathy; one patient had a collapsing lesion, but progressed well.

Predictive factors of response in radial Extracorporeal Shock-waves Therapy for Myofascial and Articular Pain: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Myofascial Pain Syndrome causes disability in daily life activities and despite all efforts, it continues to be a challenge, perpetuating suffering, overloading services and costs. New treatment options need to be tested.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the rESWT short-term analgesic effect and identify the predictors of success through comparing results achieved in MPS and Articular Pain (AP).

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study of 1,580 patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome or Articular Pain underwent two weekly radial Extracorporeal Shock-wave Therapy sessions. The pain intensity was measured by Visual Analog Scale before and one week after the end of the treatment (3 weeks).

RESULTS

The therapy decreases pain by 62.50% (p< 0.0001), with a high success rate (91.59%) and a low worsening of baseline conditions rate (2.1%). The best recommendation is for patients with intense myofascial pain (Visual Analog Scale ⩾ 70 mm), using high shock-wave frequency (⩾ 15 Hz).

CONCLUSIONS

Two rESWT sessions promote pain relief, with a high success rate and low rates of treatment abandonment and worsening. The best results are obtained in myofascial pain patients with high pain intensity, treated with high-frequency dosage.

Renal thrombotic microangiopathy associated to worse renal prognosis in Lupus Nephritis

INTRODUCTION

Renal thrombotic microangiopathy (rTMA) is one of many vascular findings in Lupus Nephritis (LN). However, the influence of rTMA on prognosis has not been well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological aspects of patients with lupus and rTMA in kidney biopsy.

METHODS

Analysis of medical reports and kidney biopsy of 253 patients with LN, between January 2012 and December 2018.

RESULTS

Among our 253 patients, 43 (17%) showed acute or chronic TMA lesions on kidney histology This group had a significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of biopsy (24.1 vs. 64.15 ml/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001), at 1 year of follow up (28.1 vs. 90.7 ml/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001), and at the end of follow up (25.4 vs. 81.55 ml/min/1.73m2, p < 0.001). More patients in the rTMA group reached the composite endpoint of eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m2 or death or dialysis (82.9% vs. 32.9%, p < 0.001). When comparing the classical clinical TMA features, the rTMA group had higher percentages of anemia, thrombocytopenia, low haptoglobin levels, but not higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (> 214 U/L). Combining these variables in a definition of clinical TMA, the rTMA group had a statistically higher percentage of clinical TMA (20.9% vs. 4.33%, p = 0.001). As expected, TMA group showed higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (130 vs 129.5 mmHg, p = 0.01). Concerning histopathological features, rTMA group had significantly higher activity (9.0 vs. 6.0, p = 0.001) and chronicity (4.0 vs. 3.0, p = 0.001) scores, also a higher percentage of patients presented with crescents (76.7% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

The classical clinical TMA criteria were unable to predict the presence of tissue TMA, suggesting a probably renal-limited TMA that may occur independently of systemic evident factors. Therefore, renal biopsy remains the critical method for diagnosing an important prognostic feature.

Renal Outcomes in Brazilian Patients with Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy and Cellular Crescentic Lesions

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulopathy. The Oxford classification was recently updated to include crescents as markers of poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cellular crescents on the prognosis of patients with IgAN in Brazil.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective analysis of medical records and renal biopsies in patients with IgAN. The renal biopsy findings were classified according to the revised Oxford classification: mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity (E), segmental glomerulosclerosis (S), tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis (T), and crescent formation (C). We evaluated a composite outcome (progression to end-stage renal disease or creatinine doubling). We performed analyses between the patients with crescents in the renal biopsy specimen (C1/C2 group) and those without such crescents (C0 group).

RESULTS

We evaluated 111 patients, of whom 72 (65.0%) were women, 80 (72.0%) self-identified as White, 73 (65.6%) were hypertensive, and 95 (85.6%) had haematuria. The distribution of patients according to cellular crescentic lesions was: C0, 80 (72%); C1, 27 (24.4%); C2, 4 (3.6%). The composite outcome was observed in 33 (29.72%) of the 111 patients. In comparison with the C0 group, the C1/C2 group had higher proportions of patients with hypertension (p = 0.04), haematuria (p = 0.03), worse serum creatinine (p = 0.0007), and worse estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.0007). The C1/C2 group also had higher proportions of patients in whom the biopsy specimen was classified as E1 (p = 0.009), S1 (p = 0.001), or T1/T2 (p = 0.03), In addition, the mean follow-up period was shorter in the C1/C2 group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the composite outcome was observed in a greater proportion of patients and in a shorter length of time in the C1/C2 group than in the C0 group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0014, respectively). In a Cox regression analysis, the independent risk factors for the composite outcome had Oxford classifications of S1, T1/T2, and C1/C2.

CONCLUSION

Oxford classification findings of S1, T1/T2, or C1/C2 were independent risk factors for the composite outcome, corroborating previous studies.

Atypical presentation of acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis in patients with sickle cell disease: report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a highly prevalent genetic disease worldwide. In the natural evolution of SCD, glomerular lesions can develop, presenting histopathological patterns of segmental or focal membranoproliferative glomerulosclerosis, with or without thrombotic microangiopathy. We report two cases of acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN), with atypical presentations, in patients with SCD.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: An 18-year-old female with SCD presented with a 21-day history of progressive oedema, accompanied by dyspnoea, productive cough, fever, and chest pain. Blood tests showed the following: haemoglobin 6.1 g/dl; leucocytes 18,820 cells/mm³; and creatinine 0.49 mg/dl. A urine sample evidenced leucocyturia and haematuria. The 24-h proteinuria was 8.99 g, serum albumin level was 1.2 g/dl, low serum C3 levels and high levels of anti-streptolysin O. Renal biopsy was consistent with APIGN. The patient was treated with diuretic and anti-proteinuric agents, subsequently evolving to reversal of the renal alterations. Case 2: A 12-year-old male with SCD presented with a 20-day history of a non-productive cough and progressive oedema, together with hypertension. The serum creatinine concentration was 0.48 mg/dl. A urine sample evidenced leukocyturia and haematuria. The 24-h proteinuria was 12.5 g, and the serum albumin level was 2.6 g/dl. The levels of C3 and C4 were normal. Renal biopsy revealed APIGN. The patient was treated with diuretic and anti-proteinuric agents, subsequently evolving reversal of the renal alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

The presentation of the two cases reported here are not typical of SCD-related kidney injury. Analysis of the renal biopsy specimens elucidated the diagnosis, affecting the prognosis, because that of APIGN is highly favourable, unlike that of nephrotic syndrome associated with SCD glomerulopathy.

Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery in Patients Without Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction

Among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the occurrence of acute renal injury appears to be associated with worse prognosis and increased mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors and the impact this complication on mortality and survival after cardiac surgery among patients without chronic kidney disease.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 142 patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement (single or multiple), or both (simultaneously) at a tertiary care hospital.

Results

Among the 142 patients evaluated, the mean age was 58.28±13.87 years and 80 (56.33%) were female. The postoperative incidence of acute renal injury was 43.66%. Univariate analysis between the groups with and without acute renal injury revealed no significant differences, whereas multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for acute renal injury included valve replacement (OR=4.7, P=0.002, 95% CI=1.76-12.62, age (OR=1.044, P=0.012, 95% CI=1.01-1.07), previous cardiac surgery (OR=36.1, P=0.015, 95% CI=1.99-653.85), postoperative use of the vasoactive drug norepinephrine (OR=3.32, P=0.013, 95% CI=1.29-8.58) and dobutamine (OR=5.3, P=0.019, 95% CI=1.32-21.64). In our sample, there were 30 deaths, of which 25 had acute kidney injury. Survival was also lower among the patients with this complication, especially those who had required hemodialysis (OR=2.60, P<0.001, 95% CI=1.01-6.70) or had previously undergone cardiac surgery (OR=3.68, P<0.001, 95% CI=1.09-12.37).

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of identifying risk factors for developing acute renal injury after cardiac surgery, which can further the development of effective renoprotective strategies.

Clinical and histological features of patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis classified by immunofluorescence findings

BACKGROUND

New classification for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis has been proposed in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, biochemical, etiology and renal biopsy findings of these patients grouped by immunofluorescence as proposed by the new classification.

METHODS

Patients with renal biopsy-proven membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis unrelated to systemic lupus erythematosus, diagnosed between 1999 and 2014. The patients were divided according to immunofluorescence: Immunoglobulin positive group, C3 positive only and negative immunofluorescence group.

RESULTS

We evaluated 92 patients, the majority of which were in the immunoglobulin positive group. Infectious diseases, hepatitis C virus and schistosomiasis, were the most frequent etiology. A negative immunofluorescence group had more vascular involvement in renal biopsy compare with others groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The only difference between the groups was higher vascular involvement in renal biopsy in negative immunofluorescence group. These new classification was satisfactory for the finding of etiology in one part of the cases.

Microalbuminuria in non diabetic population as an marker of nephropathy

INTRODUCTION

Years before the progression to diabetes mellitus type II patients can get by with a pre-diabetes called period. The pathogenesis involved pre-diabetes is insulin resistance Objective: This paper discusses the frequency of microalbuminuria in non-diabetic population, but with increased metabolic risk, and attempts to assess whether there is any correlation of microalbuminuria with data from glucose metabolism.

METHODS

A total of 132 nondiabetic patients who presented one or more risk factors for changes in glucose metabolism were included in the study: arterial hypertension; obesity; first-degree relatives with diabetes; individuals of Hispanic-American, Asian and African-American ethnicities; mothers of newborns who are large for gestational age (LGA) or who had gestational diabetes; serum measurements in fasting HDL cholesterol 250 mg/dL.

RESULTS

The results showed a frequency of abnormal microalbuminuria for the method in 16% of this population, and the presence of lower levels of HDL-cholesterol and creatinine clearance in this population. There was a positive correlation between microalbuminury and serum creatinine and uric acid.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that microalbuminuria be evaluated as a marker of incipient nephropathy in non-diabetic population with increased metabolic risk.

Effects of dietary saturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the incorporation of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids into blood lipids

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are better absorbed when they are combined with high-fat meals. However, the role of different dietary fats in modulating the incorporation of n-3PUFA in blood lipids in humans has not been previously explored. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) are known to compete with n-3PUFA in the metabolic pathways and for the incorporation into phospholipids, whereas saturated fats (SFA) may enhance n-3PUFA incorporation into tissues.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In a randomized parallel-design trial, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of n-3PUFA supplementation in subjects consuming a diet enriched with either SFA or n-6PUFA on fatty acid incorporation into plasma and erythrocytes and on blood lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides).

RESULTS

Dietary supplementation with n-3PUFA co-administered with SFA for 6 weeks resulted in a significant rise in total cholesterol (0.46±0.60 mmol/L; P=0.020) and LDL-C (0.48±0.48 mmol/L; P=0.011) in comparison with combination with n-6PUFA. The diet enriched with SFA also induced a greater increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (2.07±0.79 vs 1.15±0.53; P=0.004), a smaller decrease in docosapentaenoic acid (-0.12±0.23 vs -0.30±0.20; P=0.034) and a similar increase in docosahexaenoic acid (3.85±1.14 vs 3.10±1.07; P=0.128) percentage in plasma compared with the diet enriched with n-6PUFA. A similar effect was seen in erythrocytes. N-3PUFA supplementation resulted in similar changes in HDL-C and triglyceride levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that dietary substitution of SFA with n-6PUFA, despite maintaining low levels of circulating cholesterol, hinders n-3PUFA incorporation into plasma and tissue lipids.

No association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and prediabetes in Brazilian patients. A cross-sectional study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Several studies have evaluated the role of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD3) in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and have presented controversial results. The metabolic processes that culminate in T2DM begin under prediabetic conditions. Our aim was to analyze the association between 25OHD3 and glucose metabolism in individuals who were free from but at elevated risk of diabetes.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Anthropometric and laboratory profiles were determined in patients with one or more of the following risk factors: hypertension; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2; waist circumference > 80 cm for women and > 94 cm for men; first-degree relatives with diabetes; women with large-for-gestational-age newborns or with gestational T2DM; HDL-cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) < 35 mg/dl; and triglycerides > 250 mg/dl. The patients were divided into two groups: one with prediabetes (abnormal fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance test) and the other with normal glucose (euglycemic).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the prediabetic group (n = 38) and euglycemic group (n = 15) regarding age (66.4 ± 10.6 versus 62.6 ± 9.1 years), gender (52.6 versus 73.3% female) and BMI (30.1 ± 4.61 versus 27.9 ± 4.7 kg/m2). Low serum levels of 25OHD3 were found in both groups, without any statistically significant difference between them (29.1 ± 11.8 versus 26.87 ± 9.2 ng/dl).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between 25OHD3 levels and the clinical or laboratorial variables analyzed.

Bone disease in newly diagnosed lupus nephritis patients

Introduction

Bone loss in Lupus Nephritis (LN) patients is common and multifactorial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone status of newly diagnosed LN patients and their correlation with inflammatory factors involved in LN physiopathology.

Methods

We studied 15 pre-menopausal patients with ≤2 months of diagnosed SLE and LN. Patients with prior kidney or bone disease were excluded. In addition to biochemical evaluation (including 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25(OH)D] and Monocyte Chemotactic Protein (MCP1) dosage), we performed bone biopsies followed by osteoblast culture, histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

LN patients presented a mean age of 29.5±10 years, a proteinuria of 4.7±2.9 g/day and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 37(31–87) ml/min/1,73 m². They were on glucocorticoid therapy for 34±12 days. All patients presented vitamin D insufficiency (9.9±4.4 ng/ml, range 4–20). Urinary MCP1 correlated negatively with 25(OH)D (r = −0.53, p = 0.003) and positively with serum deoxypyridinoline (r = 0.53, p = 0.004). Osteoblasts isolated from LN bone biopsies presented a significantly higher expression of MCP-1 when compared to controls (32.0.±9.1 vs. 22.9±5.3 mean fluorescence intensities, p = 0.01). LN patients presented a significantly reduced osteoid volume, osteoid thickness, osteoid surface, mineralization surface and bone formation rate, associated with an increased eroded surface and osteoclast surface. Patient’s bone specimens demonstrated a reduced immunostaining for osteoprotegerin (0.61±0.82 vs. 1.08±0.50%, p = 0.003), and an increased expression of Receptor Activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) (1.76±0.92 vs. 0.41±0.28%, p<0.001) when compared to controls.

Discussion

Newly diagnosed LN patients presented a significant disturbance in bone metabolism, characterized by an impaired bone formation and mineralization, associated with an increase in resorption parameters. Glucocorticoid use, vitamin D insufficiency and inflammation might be involved in the physiopathology of bone metabolism disturbance.

Serum levels and mesenteric fat tissue expression of adiponectin and leptin in patients with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by inflammation and an aetiology that is still unknown. Hypertrophy of mesenteric fat is a reflection of disease activity, as this fat covers the entire length of the affected area. Adipocytes synthesize leptin and adiponectin, adipocytokines responsible for pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we evaluated serum levels of adiponectin and leptin, as well as mesenteral expression of adiponectin in active CD and those in remission. Sixteen patients with ileocaecal CD followed at the Outpatient Clinic, Coloproctology Unit of University of Campinas Clinical Hospital, participated in the study. Analysis of serum adiponectin and leptin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed in patients with active CD (ACD group), remission CD (RCD group) and in six healthy controls. Ten patients with active ileocaecal CD (FCD group) and eight patients with non-inflammatory disease selected for surgery were also studied. The specimens were snap-frozen and the expression of adiponectin was determined by immunoblot of protein extracts. Serum C-reactive protein levels were higher in the ACD group when compared to the others and no difference of body mass index was observed between the groups. Serum adiponectin was lower in the ACD group when compared to control, but no differences were seen when comparing the ACD and RCD groups. Mesenteric adiponectin expression was lower in the FCD group when compared to the FC group. Serum leptin was similar in all groups. The lower levels of serum and mesenteric adiponectin in active CD suggest a defective regulation of anti-inflammatory pathways in CD pathogenesis.

Proteinuria predicts relapse in adolescent and adult minimal change disease

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to outline the clinical and laboratory characteristics of minimal change disease in adolescents and adults and establish the clinical and laboratory characteristics of relapsing and non-relapsing patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with confirmed diagnoses of minimal change disease by renal biopsy from 1979 to 2009; the patients were aged >13 years and had minimum 1-year follow-ups.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients with a median age (at diagnosis) of 34 (23-49) years were studied, including 23 males and 40 females. At diagnosis, eight (12.7%) patients presented with microscopic hematuria, 17 (27%) with hypertension and 17 (27%) with acute kidney injury. After the initial treatment, 55 (87.3%) patients showed complete remission, six (9.5%) showed partial remission and two (3.1%) were nonresponders. Disease relapse was observed in 34 (54%) patients who were initial responders (n = 61). In a comparison between the relapsing patients (n = 34) and the non-relapsing patients (n = 27), only proteinuria at diagnosis showed any significant difference (8.8 (7.1-12.0) vs. 6.0 (3.6-7.3) g/day, respectively, p = 0.001). Proteinuria greater than 7 g/day at the initial screening was associated with relapsing disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, minimal change disease in adults may sometimes present concurrently with hematuria, hypertension, and acute kidney injury. The relapsing pattern in our patients was associated with basal proteinuria over 7 g/day.

Correlation of anthropometric indicators for identifying insulin sensitivity and resistance

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES

Early detection of reduced insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin resistance (IR) is desirable. The aim here was to evaluate correlations of anthropometric indicators for identifying IR or IS and determine the cutoff points of the most effective indicators.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study in the city of São Paulo.

METHODS

Sixty-one individuals with normal fasting plasma glucose (NFPG) and 43 overweight women were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), conicity index and the HOMA-IS and HOMA-IR indices were determined. The correlations between the anthropometric indices and IS and IR were determined. ROC analysis was used to determine the areas under the curve (AUC) and cutoff points.

RESULTS

Among the NFPG individuals, BMI (r = -0.50; P = 0.002) and WHtR (r = -0.45; P = 0.007) showed correlations with HOMA-IS (homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity). The ROC curve demonstrated statistical significance for BMI (AUC = 0.769; P = 0.005), WHtR (AUC = 0.764; P = 0.01) and WC (AUC = 0.702; P = 0.04), and the best cutoff points were 33.3 kg/m², 0.67 and 100 cm, respectively. Among the overweight women, the best correlation with HOMA-IR was demonstrated by WHtR (r = 0.37; P = 0.01), and the best cutoff point was 0.70 (AUC = 0.61; P = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

The most promising indicators for showing IS among the NFPG individuals were BMI, WHtR and WC. Among the overweight women, WHtR demonstrated greater correlation with IR.

Prevalence of prediabetes in patients with metabolic risk

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Early diagnosis of prediabetes should be done to avoid complications relating to diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim here was to assess the prevalence of prediabetes among individuals at high risk of developing DM, and to seek variables relating to glucose intolerance (GI) among individuals with normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study at Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual, São Paulo.

METHODS

The FPG and glucose tolerance test (GTT) were analyzed, from which the subjects were divided as follows: group 1 (FPG and GTT both normal), group 2 (normal FPG but abnormal GTT), group 3 (abnormal FPG but normal GTT), and group 4 (FPG and GTT both abnormal). The subjects' clinical, laboratory and anthropometric profile was determined.

RESULTS

138 subjects were studied: 44 in group 1, 11 in group 2, 33 in group 3 and 50 in group 4. The prevalence of prediabetes was 68.0%. Group 4 individuals were older than group 1 individuals [69.0 (55.5-74.0) versus 58.9 ± 11.8 years; P < 0.05], with greater prevalence of risk conditions for DM [5.0 (4.0-5.0) versus 4.0 (3.0-5.0); P < 0.05]. Among individuals with normal FPG, GI prevalence was 20.0%. No variables analyzed correlated with GTT.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of prediabetes was 68.0%, and 20.0% of subjects with normal FPG had GI. Although some anthropometric, clinical and laboratory variables have been correlated with DM and prediabetes, none, except for GTT, was able to screen for GI among subjects with normal FPG in the present study.

Decreased in vitro osteoblast proliferation and low turnover bone disease in nonuremic proteinuric patients

Patients with proteinuria, even those with normal glomerular filtration rate, often present abnormal bone histology. We evaluated bone histology and the in vitro proliferation of osteoblasts in samples obtained from 17 proteinuric patients with primary glomerulopathies. Histomorphometric analysis of bone biopsies was performed, and bone fragments were obtained for osteoblast culture, in which we evaluated cell proliferation. In comparison to controls, patients presented lower trabecular bone volume (20.9+/-14.5% vs 26.8+/-5.9%; P=0.0008); lower trabecular number (1.7+/-0.2/mm vs 2.0+/-0.3/mm; P=0.004); and greater trabecular separation (475.5+/-96.4 microm vs 368.3+/-86.2 microm, P=0.0002). We also found alterations in bone formation and resorption: lower osteoid volume (0.9+/-0.7% vs 2.0+/-1.4%; P=0.0022); lower osteoid thickness (6.4+/-2.8 microm vs 11.5+/-3.2 microm; P<0.0001); less mineralizing surface (4.6+/-3.1% vs 13.5+/-6.0%; P<0.0001); lower bone formation rate (0.03+/-0.04 microm(3)/microm(2)/day vs 0.09+/-0.05 microm(3)/microm(2)/day; P<0.0001); and greater osteoclast surface (0.35+/-0.6 vs 0.05+/-0.1%, P=0.0016). Mean in vitro osteoblast proliferation was lower in patients than in controls (910.2+/-437.1 vs 2261.0+/-1121.0 d.p.m./well, P=0.0016). Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D(3) correlated negatively with proteinuria and positively with in vitro osteoblast proliferation. Our results demonstrate that nonuremic proteinuric glomerulonephritic patients present bone structure disorder, low bone formation and high bone resorption, as well as low osteoblast proliferation.

Differential interaction of normal and preneoplastic hamster bronchi with adriamycin

Advanced bronchogenic carcinoma in humans is notoriously resistant to the cytocidal actions of cancer chemotherapy. The experiments reported here were undertaken as a first step in examining the mechanisms of resistance of carcinogen-altered bronchus to the actions of the commonly used cancerocidal agent Adriamycin. Syrian Golden hamsters were treated with an endobronchial carcinogen in order to produce bronchial neoplasms or with no carcinogen as controls. Hamsters were then given i.v. Adriamycin, and the amounts and metabolism of bronchial Adriamycin were determined. Peak uptake values were found 5 min after Adriamycin administration, and the amounts of Adriamycin in normal and carcinogen-altered bronchi were found to be similar. Whereas no metabolism of Adriamycin was observed in normal bronchi, 40-60% of total Adriamycin fluorescence was found to be due to Adriamycinol and Adriamycin aglycones in bronchi with premalignant changes. In separate experiments, the susceptibility of normal and carcinogen-altered bronchial extracts to drug-induced lipid peroxidation was measured in vitro. A 50% decrease was found in the ability of carcinogen-altered bronchi to act as a substrate for lipid peroxidation mediated by Adriamycin and an approximately 30% decrease for lipid peroxidation induced by t-butyl-hydroperoxide. These results demonstrate two different mechanisms by which bronchogenic carcinomas might become resistant to the chemotherapeutic actions of Adriamycin. These are by the carcinogen induction of metabolism of Adriamycin to less toxic products and by resistance of the bronchi to free radical damage.

Recent studies on the anticancer activities of mistletoe (Viscum album) and its alkaloids

Detailed methods for in vitro/in vivo evaluation of anticancer drugs, with special reference to mistletoe extracts, have been reviewed. Mistletoe extracts have been shown to possess significant antitumor activity, in vivo, against murine tumors, Lewis lung carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma 38 and C3H mammary adenocarcinoma 16/C. Methods for the extraction of biologically active alkaloids from mistletoe and their anticancer activities are presented. The possible origin of alkaloids in mistletoe plants, and their contributions towards a mechanism of anticancer activities of mistletoe extracts, are proposed.

Comparative structure-activity relationships of antifolate triazines inhibiting murine tumor cells sensitive and resistant to methotrexate

The inhibitory effect of 108 4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-1-(substituted-phenyl)-s-triazines on murine L5178Y tumor cells, resistant and sensitive to methotrexate (MTX), has been studied. From the pI50 values, quantitative structure-activity relationships have been formulated which show that the lipophilic triazines are much more inhibitory against resistant cells than methotrexate or hydrophilic triazines. The results are compared with the behavior of other antifolate drugs that have been used in chemotherapy, as well as with eight antitumor drugs that are not antifolates. The acquired resistance of these cells toward hydrophilic antifolates may be attributed to the combined effect of an impaired active-transport system, a change in the conformation of dihydrofolate reductase in the resistant cells, and an amplified production of dihydrofolate reductase in the resistant cells.

Inhibition by 5-(substituted-benzyl)-2,4-diaminopyrimidines of murine tumor (L5178Y) cell cultures sensitive to and resistant to methotrexate. Further evidence for the sensitivity of resistant cells to hydrophobic drugs

Forty-three 5-(substituted-benzyl)-2,4-diaminopyrimidines have been studied as inhibitors of murine tumor cell cultures (L5178Y). Two types of cells were used--one resistant to methotrexate and one sensitive to methotrexate. The formulation of quantitative structure--activity relationships showed that the methotrexate-resistant cells are more sensitive to the more hydrophobic congeners. pi 0 for the sensitive cells is about 1.4, while pi 0 for the methotrexate-resistant cells is above 3. These results are similar to those found for 2,4-diaminotriazines (Selassie, C.D.; Guo, Z. R.; Hansch, C.; Khwaja, T. A.; Pentecost, S. J. Med. Chem. 1982, 25, 157).