Toxicological effects of thimerosal on rat kidney: a histological and biochemical study / Efeitos toxicológicos do timerosal no rim de rato: um estudo histológico e bioquímico

Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound, which is used in the preparation of intramuscular immunoglobulin, antivenoms, tattoo inks, skin test antigens, nasal products, ophthalmic drops, and vaccines as a preservative. In most of animal species and humans, the kidney is one of the main sites for mercurial compounds deposition and target organs for toxicity. So, the current research was intended to assess the thimerosal induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups. The first group was a control group. Rats of Group-II, Group-III, and Group-IV were administered with 0.5µg/kg, 10µg/kg, and 50µg/kg of thimerosal once a day, respectively. Thimerosal administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and protein content while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels dose-dependently. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, urinary albumin and creatinine clearance was reduced dose-dependently in thimerosal treated groups. The results demonstrated that thimerosal significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities, DNA and histopathological damages dose-dependently. So, the present findings ascertained that thimerosal exerted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.

O timerosal é um composto organomercurial, utilizado na preparação de imunoglobulina intramuscular, antivenenos, tintas de tatuagem, antígenos de teste cutâneo, produtos nasais, gotas oftálmicas e vacinas como conservante. Na maioria das espécies animais e nos humanos, o rim é um dos principais locais de deposição de compostos de mercúrio e órgãos-alvo de toxicidade. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo timerosal em ratos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos adultos foram categorizados em quatro grupos. O primeiro grupo era um grupo de controle. Ratos do Grupo II, Grupo III e Grupo IV receberam 0,5µg / kg, 10µg / kg e 50µg / kg de timerosal uma vez ao dia, respectivamente. A administração de timerosal diminuiu significativamente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa redutase (GR), glutationa (GSH) e conteúdo de proteína, enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) níveis dependentes da dose. Os níveis de nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), creatinina, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula de lesão renal-1 (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina urinária e a depuração da creatinina foram reduzidas de forma dependente da dose nos grupos tratados com timerosal. Os resultados demonstraram que o timerosal aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappaB (NF-κB), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β), níveis de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e atividades da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), DNA e danos histopatológicos dependentes da dose. Portanto, os presentes achados verificaram que o timerosal exerceu nefrotoxicidade em ratos albinos machos.

Toxicological effects of thimerosal on rat kidney: a histological and biochemical study / Efeitos toxicológicos do timerosal no rim de rato: um estudo histológico e bioquímico

Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound, which is used in the preparation of intramuscular immunoglobulin, antivenoms, tattoo inks, skin test antigens, nasal products, ophthalmic drops, and vaccines as a preservative. In most of animal species and humans, the kidney is one of the main sites for mercurial compounds deposition and target organs for toxicity. So, the current research was intended to assess the thimerosal induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups. The first group was a control group. Rats of Group-II, Group-III, and Group-IV were administered with 0.5µg/kg, 10µg/kg, and 50µg/kg of thimerosal once a day, respectively. Thimerosal administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and protein content while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels dose-dependently. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, urinary albumin and creatinine clearance was reduced dose-dependently in thimerosal treated groups. The results demonstrated that thimerosal significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities, DNA and histopathological damages dose-dependently. So, the present findings ascertained that thimerosal exerted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.(AU)

O timerosal é um composto organomercurial, utilizado na preparação de imunoglobulina intramuscular, antivenenos, tintas de tatuagem, antígenos de teste cutâneo, produtos nasais, gotas oftálmicas e vacinas como conservante. Na maioria das espécies animais e nos humanos, o rim é um dos principais locais de deposição de compostos de mercúrio e órgãos-alvo de toxicidade. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo timerosal em ratos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos adultos foram categorizados em quatro grupos. O primeiro grupo era um grupo de controle. Ratos do Grupo II, Grupo III e Grupo IV receberam 0,5µg / kg, 10µg / kg e 50µg / kg de timerosal uma vez ao dia, respectivamente. A administração de timerosal diminuiu significativamente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa redutase (GR), glutationa (GSH) e conteúdo de proteína, enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) níveis dependentes da dose. Os níveis de nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), creatinina, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula de lesão renal-1 (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina urinária e a depuração da creatinina foram reduzidas de forma dependente da dose nos grupos tratados com timerosal. Os resultados demonstraram que o timerosal aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappaB (NF-κB), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β), níveis de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e atividades da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), DNA e danos histopatológicos dependentes da dose. Portanto, os presentes achados verificaram que o timerosal exerceu nefrotoxicidade em ratos albinos machos.(AU)

Correlation between renal ultrasonography and serum cystatin C in acute kidney disease of critically ill dogs / Correlação entre a ultrassonografia e a determinação da cistatina C sérica em cães admitidos em unidade de terapia

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as the rapid decline in kidney function. Its development is related to critical clinical statuses, such as sepsis, complicated post-surgical recovery, and infectious diseases. Serum cystatin C (CysC) has the best correlation with the glomerular filtration rate. Ultrasonography stands out because it is highly accessible and can be done at the bedside. Twenty-eight dogs admitted to the intensive care unit with serum creatinine values <1.6 mg/dL and at-risk factors of AKI development were selected. CysC measurements and ultrasound assessments were performed daily for 72 hours. Using CysC dosage, 22/28 animals (78.6%) were considered to have AKI, and 17/22 had ultrasound compatible with AKI changes, demonstrating moderate agreement with CysC dosage. Increased cortical renal echogenicity is the most prevalent alteration in critically ill patients and is correlated with serum increases in CysC and is associated with renal structural damage.

A injúria renal aguda (IRA) é definida como o declínio rápido da função renal. Seu desenvolvimento está relacionado a quadros clínicos críticos, como sepse, pós-operatório complicado e doenças infecciosas. A cistatina C sérica (CisC) tem melhor correlação com taxa de filtração glomerular. A ultrassonografia se destaca por ser altamente acessível e pode ser realizada à beira do leito. Foram selecionados 28 cães, internados em unidade de terapia intensiva, com valores de creatinina sérica <1,6mg/dL e fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de IRA. Medições de CisC e avaliações ultrassonográficas foram realizadas diariamente por 72 horas. Utilizando-se a dosagem de CisC, 22/28 animais (78,6%) foram considerados portadores de IRA e 17/22 apresentaram ultrassom compatível com alterações de IRA, demonstrando concordância moderada com a dosagem de CisC. O aumento da ecogenicidade cortical renal é a alteração mais prevalente em pacientes críticos, está correlacionado com aumentos séricos de CisC e associado a dano estrutural renal.

Implicação da glomerulonefrite na fisiologia renal de cães e gatos: uma revisão de literatura / Implication of glomerulonephritis in renal physiology of dogs and cats: a literature review

Nos túbulos renais ocorre um processo de seleção do filtrado glomerular, que é formado por água, eletrólitos, glicose, ureia e uma pequena quantidade de proteína. Principalmente água, sódio e glicose serão reabsorvidos, e demais componentes do filtrado seguirão para o processo de excreção. Hemácias, leucócitos e proteínas são maiores que os poros das membranas glomerulares íntegras, e, por isso, uma urina normal quase não apresenta proteínas em seu conteúdo. Um glomérulo que permite a passagem de proteínas não está desempenhando corretamente a sua função e esses danos à barreira glomerular de filtração podem resultar em doenças renais com diversas manifestações clínicas que serão abordadas neste artigo. O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer uma revisão de literatura sobre glomerulonefrites e suas implicações em cães e gatos para uso na prática da clínica de animais de pequeno porte.(AU)

In the renal tubules there is a process of selection of the glomerular filtrate, which is formed by water, electrolytes, glucose, urea and a small amount of protein. Mostly water and sodium will be reabsorbed according to the body's request. Other components of the filtrate will go on to the excretion process. Red blood cells, leukocytes and proteins are large substances, larger than the pores of intact glomerular membranes, and therefore, normal urine has almost no proteins in its content. A glomerulus that allows the passage of proteins is not performing its function correctly, and this damage to the glomerular filtration barrier can result in kidney diseases with several clinical manifestations that will be addressed in this article. The objective of this work is to review the literature on glomerulonephritis and its implications in dogs and cats for use in small animal clinical practice.(AU)

Morphometry and skeletopy of kidneys and renal vessels in "ring-tailed coati" (Nasua nasua) / Morfometria e esqueletopia dos rins e vasos renais no "quati de cauda anelada" (Nasua nasua)

Nasua nasua is a carnivore belonging to the family Procyonidae and is widely distributed throughout South America. The details of its anatomy are fundamental to the application of antomy and understanding of its natural history. This study aimed to measure the average length, width, thickness, and volume of the kidneys; the average length of the renal artery and vein, and to describe the renal and vessel skeletopy in Nasua nasua. For this purpose, 32 kidneys and renal vessels of 16 cadaveric specimens (eight male and eight female) were dissected and measured using a digital caliper. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between the rostrum-sacral length and the renal and vessel variables. The kidneys had a "bean-shaped" aspect with smooth surfaces and were unipapilate. On average, the N. nasua kidneys measured 30 × 16 × 13 mm, with no significant difference between the sexes. The average right renal artery (1.74 ± 0.67 cm) was longer than the left (1.26 ± 0.43 cm), and the right renal vein (1.22 ± 0.34 cm) was shorter than the left renal vein (1.82 ± 0.46 cm) (p < 0.05). One male animal (6.8%) presented with a double right renal vein as an anatomical variation. Both the right and left kidney cranial poles prevailed at the level of the L2 vertebra, assuming a practically symmetrical position. There was a positive and moderate to high correlation between rostrum-sacral length and renal dimensions and renal vessel lengths. The present data may be useful for interpreting the diagnosis of nephropathies that affect renal dimensions in this species and may contribute to the comparative anatomy of carnivorans.(AU)

Nasua nasua é um carnívoro da família Procyonidae amplamente distribuído pela América do Sul. Detalhes de sua anatomia são fundamentais para a anatomia aplicada e o entendimento de sua história natural. Objetivou-se determinar a média do comprimento, largura, espessura e volume elipsoide dos rins, a média do comprimento das artérias e veias renais e revelar a esqueletopia dos rins e vasos renais em N. nasua. Para este propósito, 32 rins e os vasos renais de 16 espécimes cadavéricos (oito machos e oito fêmeas) foram dissecados e mensurados com um paquímetro digital. Os coeficientes de correlação linear de Pearson foram calculados entre o comprimento rostro-sacral e as variáveis dos rins e seus vasos. Os rins apresentaram formato de "feijão" e superfícies lisas e são unipapilados. Na média, os rins de N. nasua mediram 30x16x13 mm, sem diferença significativa entre antímeros ou sexos. O comprimento médio da artéria renal direita (1,74 ± 0,67 cm) foi maior que o da esquerda (1,26 ± 0,43 cm); o comprimento da veia renal direita (1,22 ± 0,34 cm) foi menor que o da esquerda (1,82 ± 0,46 cm) (p < 0,05). Em um macho (6,8%), foi identificada uma veia renal direita dupla como variação anatômica. Os polos craniais dos rins direito e esquerdo prevaleceram ao nível da vértebra L2, assumindo praticamente uma posição simétrica. Houve uma correlação positiva, moderada a elevada, entre o comprimento rostro-sacral com as dimensões renais e com o comprimento dos vasos renais. Os dados do presente estudo poderão vir a ser aplicados na interpretação do diagnóstico de nefropatias que cursam com alterações nas dimensões renais bem como contribuir no campo da anatomia comparada de carnívoros.(AU)

Effect of electrophysical resources on healing of neurotendinous injury in an experimental model of type I diabetes and kidney disease

Purpose: To evaluate and describe the effect of electrophysical resources laser therapy (LLLT), intravascular laser blood irradiation (ILIB), and cryotherapy on the healing process of neurotendinous injury, as well as possible systemic changes, in the experimental model of type 1 diabetes associated with kidney injury. Methods: The animals were randomized into four groups: G1) healthy control with untreated injury; G2) healthy control with injury and treatment; G3) disease control with untreated lesion; G4) disease with injury and treatment. Furthermore, the treated groups were divided into three, according to the type of treatment. All animals were induced to neurotendinous injury and treated according to the therapeutic protocols. Healing and inflammation were analyzed by semiquantitative histopathological study. Results: It was observed in sick animals treated with cryotherapy and ILIB reduction of inflammatory exudate, presence of fibroblasts and organization of collagen, when compared to the effects of LLLT. Moreover, there was reduction in glycemic levels in the group treated with ILIB. Conclusions: Cryotherapy promoted reduction in inflammatory exudate and organization of collagen fibers, in addition to the absence of signs of tissue necrosis, in the groups treated with and without the disease. ILIB therapy showed the same findings associated with significant reduction in glycemic levels in the group of diseased animals. The application of LLLT showed increased inflammatory exudate, low organization of collagen fibers and low sign of tissue degeneration and necrosis. This study in a model of associated diseases (diabetes and kidney disease) whose effects of electrophysical resources studied after neurotendinous injury allows us to verify histopathological variables suggestive of patients with the same comorbidities.

Ultrasonographic findings of abdominal thrombosis in dogs / Vascular ultrasonographic findings of abdominal thrombosis in dogs

This retrospective case series study describes the clinical and vascular ultrasound findings of 26 dogs diagnosed with abdominal thrombosis. Images were selected based on the detection of intravascular echogenic thrombus or the absence of vascular flow on color Doppler, confirmed by surgery or necropsy. Images were acquired using the Mylab 40 model, with linear and microconvex multifrequency probes. All the reports were evaluated along with the corresponding images by a veterinary diagnostic imaging radiologist. The ultrasonographic aspects evaluated were echogenicity (92.3%), anechogenicity (7.7%), vascularization (11.5%), mineralization (15.4%), and recanalization (7.7%) of the thrombosis. The vascular and hemodynamic findings were dilation of the affected vein (57.7%), total occlusion of blood flow (30.8%), presence of turbulent flow (65.38%), and visualization of smoke signal (blood flow detected as moving echogenic points in dynamic bidimensional mode) (11.5%). Neoplasms (19 cases) and nephropathies (13 cases) were the most common clinical conditions in the affected dogs. Eleven cases of vascular invasion due to adrenal neoplasms were identified. The results indicate that the vascular ultrasound examination is an important method for diagnosis, as 23 of the 26 cases did not show any clinical signs of thrombosis.

Este estudo de série de casos retrospectivos descreve os achados clínicos e ultrassonográficos vasculares de 26 cães diagnosticados com trombose. As imagens foram selecionadas baseadas na detecção de trombo ecogênico intravascular ou na ausência de fluxo vascular ao Doppler colorido, confirmado por cirurgia ou necropsia. O equipamento utilizado na aquisição das imagens foi o modelo Mylab 40, com probes multifrequenciais linear e microconvexa. Todos os relatórios foram avaliados com as imagens correspondentes por um veterinário radiologista. As características ultrassonográficas avaliadas foram: ecogenicidade (92,3%), anecogenicidade (7,7%), vascularização (11,5%), mineralização (15,4%) e recanalização (7,7%) das tromboses. Os achados vasculares e hemodinâmicos observados foram: dilatação da veia afetada (57,7%), oclusão total do fluxo sanguíneo (30,8%), presença de fluxo turbulento (65,38%) e visibilização do sinal de fumaça (fluxo vascular visível como pontos ecogênicos em modo bidimensional dinâmico) (11,5%). As neoplasias (19 casos) e as nefropatias (13 casos) foram as condições clínicas mais comuns nos cães afetados. Foram identificados 11 casos de invasão vascular decorrentes de neoplasia de adrenais. Os resultados indicaram que o exame ultrassonográfico vascular é um método importante para diagnóstico, considerando-se que, em 23 casos, não ocorreram sinais clínicos determinantes de trombose.

BM-MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) from trained animals presented nephroprotective potential in unilateralureteral obstruction model

Background: The efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) and its extracellular vesicles has been demonstrated for a broad spectrum of indications, including kidney diseases. However, BM-MSC donor characteristics and their potential are not usually considered. Therefore, the present work aims to evaluate the nephroprotective capacity of sEV secreted by BM-MSC from trained rats inunilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Methods: BM-MSC was characterized by their differentiation potential and immunophenotypic markers. The sEV were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot. Its miRNA cargo was examined by quantitative PCR analysis for miR-26a, 126a, and 296. Wistar rats were submitted to UUO procedure and concomitantly treated with sEV secreted by BM-MSC from the untrained andtrained rats. The kidney tissue from all groups was evaluated for fibrosis mediators (transforming growth factor beta1 and collagen), CD34-angiogenesis marker, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). Results: Treadmill training stimulated in BM-MSC the production of sEV loaded with pro-angiogenic miR-296. The treatment with this sEVin UUO-rats was able to attenuate collagen accumulation and increase CD34 and HIF-1α in the kidney tissue when compared to untrained ones. Tubular proximal cells under hypoxia and exposed to BM-MSC sEV demonstrate accumulation in HIF-1α and NFR-2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), possibly to mediate the response to hypoxia and oxidative stress, under these conditions. Conclusion: The BM-MSC sEV from trained animals presented an increased nephroprotective potential compared to untrained vesicles by carrying 296-angiomiR and contributing to angiogenesis in UUO model.(AU)

Inflammation: improving understanding to prevent or ameliorate kidney diseases

Inflammatory processes are believed to play an important role in immune response to maintain tissue homeostasis by activating cellular signaling pathways and releasing inflammatory mediators in the injured tissue. Although acute inflammation can be considered protective, an uncontrolled inflammation may evolve to tissue damage, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammation can be considered the major factor involved in the pathological progression of acute and chronic kidney diseases. Functional characteristics of this organ increase its vulnerability to developing various forms of injuries, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In view of translational research, several discoveries should be considered regarding the pathogenesis of the inflammatory process, which results in the validation of biomarkers for early detection of kidney diseases. Biomarkers enable the identification of proinflammatory mediators in kidney affections, based on laboratory research applied to clinical practice. Some inflammatory molecules can be useful biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of kidney diseases, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1 and interleukin 18.(AU)

Displasia renal em filhote de tamanduá bandeira (Myrmecophaga trydactila) de vida livre - aspectos ultrassonográficos e tomográficos / Renal dysplasia in a free-living giant anteater cub (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) - ultrasonographic and tomographic aspects

Background: Renal dysplasia is a congenital disorder that occurs during differentiation of the renal parenchyma or as aconsequence of a functional and/or structural obstruction of the lower urinary tract. In wild animals, this pathology has beenreported in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and African elephants(Loxodanta africana). However, there are no reports of the disease in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Thus,this paper describes a case of renal dysplasia in a free-living giant anteater cub, which was sent to the wild animal clinicof the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.Case: The rescued animal had a good body condition score and clinical parameters within the normal range for the species.After a routine clinical evaluation, the anteater cub was subjected to radiography and ultrasound tests. Blood tests, serumtests for hepatic and renal profiles, urinalysis, urinary protein creatinine ratio, and chest X-rays did not reveal significantchanges. However, the abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a volumetric loss of about 1.17 cm in length in theleft kidney, and a renal length to aortic artery diameter ratio of approximately 2.8. This kidney showed irregular contours,loss of corticomedullary demarcation, with preserved echogenicity and cortical echotexture. The right kidney showedthe standard size of the species, with a length of approximately 3.08 cm. In view of the suspicion of renal dysplasia, acontrast-enhanced CT scan was performed in order to assess the dynamics of uptake and excretion of the contrast mediumin the affected kidney and in the ipsilateral collecting system. An examination of the tomographic images indicated thatthe volume of the left kidney was reduced, isodense in relation to the right kidney, with discrete and homogeneous uptakein all phases after administration of the contrast medium, no occurrence of nephrogram...

Displasia renal em filhote de tamanduá bandeira (Myrmecophaga trydactila) de vida livre - aspectos ultrassonográficos e tomográficos / Renal dysplasia in a free-living giant anteater cub (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) - ultrasonographic and tomographic aspects

Background: Renal dysplasia is a congenital disorder that occurs during differentiation of the renal parenchyma or as aconsequence of a functional and/or structural obstruction of the lower urinary tract. In wild animals, this pathology has beenreported in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and African elephants(Loxodanta africana). However, there are no reports of the disease in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Thus,this paper describes a case of renal dysplasia in a free-living giant anteater cub, which was sent to the wild animal clinicof the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.Case: The rescued animal had a good body condition score and clinical parameters within the normal range for the species.After a routine clinical evaluation, the anteater cub was subjected to radiography and ultrasound tests. Blood tests, serumtests for hepatic and renal profiles, urinalysis, urinary protein creatinine ratio, and chest X-rays did not reveal significantchanges. However, the abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a volumetric loss of about 1.17 cm in length in theleft kidney, and a renal length to aortic artery diameter ratio of approximately 2.8. This kidney showed irregular contours,loss of corticomedullary demarcation, with preserved echogenicity and cortical echotexture. The right kidney showedthe standard size of the species, with a length of approximately 3.08 cm. In view of the suspicion of renal dysplasia, acontrast-enhanced CT scan was performed in order to assess the dynamics of uptake and excretion of the contrast mediumin the affected kidney and in the ipsilateral collecting system. An examination of the tomographic images indicated thatthe volume of the left kidney was reduced, isodense in relation to the right kidney, with discrete and homogeneous uptakein all phases after administration of the contrast medium, no occurrence of nephrogram...(AU)

Inflammation: improving understanding to prevent or ameliorate kidney diseases

Inflammatory processes are believed to play an important role in immune response to maintain tissue homeostasis by activating cellular signaling pathways and releasing inflammatory mediators in the injured tissue. Although acute inflammation can be considered protective, an uncontrolled inflammation may evolve to tissue damage, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammation can be considered the major factor involved in the pathological progression of acute and chronic kidney diseases. Functional characteristics of this organ increase its vulnerability to developing various forms of injuries, including acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In view of translational research, several discoveries should be considered regarding the pathogenesis of the inflammatory process, which results in the validation of biomarkers for early detection of kidney diseases. Biomarkers enable the identification of proinflammatory mediators in kidney affections, based on laboratory research applied to clinical practice. Some inflammatory molecules can be useful biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of kidney diseases, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1 and interleukin 18.(AU)

Vagotomy associated with splenectomy reduces lipid accumulation and causes kidneys histological changes in rats with hypothalamic obesity

Purpose To evaluate the influence of autonomic vagal and splenic activities on renal histomorphometric aspects in obese rats. Methods Thirty male Wistar rats were used, of which, 24 received subcutaneous injections of monosodium glutamate (MSG) during the first 5 days of life (4 g/kg body weight) and six control animals received injections of saline solution (CON). Five experimental groups were organized (n = 6/group): falsely-operated control (CON-FO); falsely-operated obese (MSG-FO); vagotomized obese (MSG-VAG); splenectomized obese (MSG-SPL); vagotomized and splenectomized obese (MSG-VAG-SPL). Results The MSG-FO group animals showed a significant reduction in body weight and nasal-anal length when compared to CON-FO group animals (p 0.05). The MSG-VAG-SPL group showed significant reduced in most biometric parameters associated with obesity. Falsely-operated obese animals showed a significant reduction in renal weight, glomerular diameters, glomerular tuff and capsule areas and Bowmans space compared to CON-FO group animals (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in diameter, glomerular tuft and capsule areas, and Bowmans space in MSG-VAG, MSG-SPL, MSG-VAG-SPL groups when compared to the MSG-FO group. Conclusions Vagotomy associated with splenectomy induces a reduction in the adiposity and causes histological changes in the kidney of obese rats.(AU)

Standardization of experimental model regarding star fruit intoxication in Wistar rats suffering with nephropathy

Purpose To present a model to reproduce the clinical condition, in order to better understand the pathophysiology of neurological impairment related to intoxication. Methods Twenty-five Wistar rats were used and divided into five groups: Shaw group (WHI), water gavage group (WGV), star fruit gavage group (SGV), nephropathic group with water gavage (NPW), nephropathic group with star fruit gavage (NPS).Nephropathic groups were submitted to surgery, developing nephropathy. After surgery, they received preestablished gavage with star fruit juice or water. The electroencephalographic records were evaluated in the experimental nephropathic group that received gavage of star fruit juice. Results To assess the induction of neurotoxicity using electroencephalographic data, the NPS group demonstrated the presence of epileptic seizures associated with star fruit intoxication. Conclusions The experimental model herein presented was adequate to reproduce the clinical condition experienced by nephropathic patients who ingest star fruit juice, establishing, thus, an experimental model utterly important for the study of the neurological toxicity process.(AU)

Inflammation and kidney involvement in human viral diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HCV and HBV

Inflammation is closely related to renal diseases. This is particularly true for renal diseases caused by infections as in viral diseases. In this review, we highlight the inflammatory mechanisms that underlie kidney dysfunction in SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) infections. The pathophysiology of renal involvement in COVID-19 is complex, but kidney damage is frequent, and the prognosis is worse when it happens. Virus-like particles were demonstrated mostly in renal tubular epithelial cells and podocytes, which suggest that SARS-CoV-2 directly affects the kidneys. SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is found in endothelial cells, to infect the human host cells. Critical patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) show an increase in inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α), known as cytokine storm that favors renal dysfunction by causing intrarenal inflammation, increased vascular permeability, volume depletion, thromboembolic events in microvasculature and persistent local inflammation. Besides AKI, SARS-CoV-2 can also cause glomerular disease, as other viral infections such as in HIV, HBV and HCV. HIV-infected patients present chronic inflammation that can lead to a number of renal diseases. Proinflammatory cytokines and TNF-induced apoptosis are some of the underlying mechanisms that may explain the virus-induced renal diseases that are here reviewed.(AU)

Inflammation and kidney involvement in human viral diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, HIV, HCV and HBV

Inflammation is closely related to renal diseases. This is particularly true for renal diseases caused by infections as in viral diseases. In this review, we highlight the inflammatory mechanisms that underlie kidney dysfunction in SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) infections. The pathophysiology of renal involvement in COVID-19 is complex, but kidney damage is frequent, and the prognosis is worse when it happens. Virus-like particles were demonstrated mostly in renal tubular epithelial cells and podocytes, which suggest that SARS-CoV-2 directly affects the kidneys. SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is found in endothelial cells, to infect the human host cells. Critical patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) show an increase in inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α), known as cytokine storm that favors renal dysfunction by causing intrarenal inflammation, increased vascular permeability, volume depletion, thromboembolic events in microvasculature and persistent local inflammation. Besides AKI, SARS-CoV-2 can also cause glomerular disease, as other viral infections such as in HIV, HBV and HCV. HIV-infected patients present chronic inflammation that can lead to a number of renal diseases. Proinflammatory cytokines and TNF-induced apoptosis are some of the underlying mechanisms that may explain the virus-induced renal diseases that are here reviewed.(AU)

Clinical-pathological and immunohistochemical evaluations of cardiac lesions in cats with chronic kidney disease / Avaliações clínico-patológica e imuno-histoquímica de lesões cardíacas em gatos com doença renal crônica

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by irreversible morphostructural lesions that can progressively evolve to chronic renal insufficiency and kidney failure. It is known that the heart and kidneys are closely related, and that communication between these organs occurs through a variety of pathways; subtle physiological changes in one of them are compensated by the other. Histopathological cardiac evaluation through routine staining presents a limitation to identify specific or discreet lesions in the cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to evaluate serum troponin levels in cats with CKD, associated with clinical and pathological findings, as well as to correlate the morphostructural cardiac lesions to determine their distribution through macroscopic and histological assessments and anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunohistochemistry (IHC). To this end, 20 cats (18 diagnosed with CKD and two controls) were selected. Anti-human cTnC IHC was conducted after necropsy and separation in eight regions of each collected heart. Heart fragments from two cats without CKD were used as controls. The anti-human cTnC antibody is useful in detecting cardiac lesions and has shown decreased expression in cardiomyocytes of cats with CKD. Serum troponin was above the reference values in 11/18 (61.11%) animals and decreased expression for the cTnC antibody was observed in individual cardiomyocytes in 9/18 (50%) animals. It was verified that the number of regions with decreased expression for the cTnC antibody in cardiomyocytes is significantly correlated with serum troponin. The anti-human cTnC antibody has been found effective in detecting cardiac lesions and has shown decreased expression in the cardiomyocytes of cats with CKD. Correlation was observed between increased serum cTnI and loss of immunoreactivity at anti-cTnC antibody IHC in cats with CKD, which proves damage to cardiomyocytes secondary to kidney disease.(AU)

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é caracterizada por lesões morfoestruturais irreversíveis, que podem evoluir progressivamente para insuficiência renal crônica e falência renal. Sabe-se que o coração e os rins mantêm estreita relação e a comunicação entre esses órgãos ocorre por uma variedade de vias; alterações fisiológicas sutis em um desses órgãos são compensadas pelo outro. A avaliação histopatológica cardíaca mediante a colorações rotineiras são limitadas para identificar lesões específicas ou discretas em cardiomiócitos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar os níveis séricos de troponina em gatos com DRC, associados aos achados clínico-patológicos, bem como correlacionar as lesões cardíacas morfoestruturais, a fim de determinar a distribuição destas, por meio da avaliação macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica com anti-cTnC. Neste estudo foram selecionados 20 gatos (18 diagnosticados com DRC e 2 animais controle). Para a aplicação da técnica de imuno-histoquímica anti-troponina C humana, necropsias foram realizadas e cada coração coletado separadamente em 8 regiões. Fragmentos do coração de 2 gatos sem lesão cardíaca foram utilizados como controle. O anticorpo anti-TnC humano é útil na detecção de lesões cardíacas e apresentou expressão diminuída em cardiomiócitos de gatos com DRC. Em 11/18 animais (61,11%) a troponina sérica encontrava-se acima dos valores de referência e foram observadas diminuição da expressão para anticorpo-cTnC em cardiomiócitos individuais em 9/18 (50%). Notou-se que o número de regiões com diminuição da expressão para anticorpo-cTnC em cardiomiócitos está significativamente correlacionado com a troponina sérica. O anticorpo anti-TnC humano se mostrou eficaz para detectar lesões cardíacas e demonstrou diminuição da expressão nos cardiomiócitos de gatos com DRC. Houve correlação entre o aumento da CTnI sérica e perda da imunorretividade na avaliação imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-TnC em gatos com DRC o que comprova danos em cardiomiócitos secundários a doença renal.(AU)

Clinical-pathological and immunohistochemical evaluations of cardiac lesions in cats with chronic kidney disease / Avaliações clínico-patológica e imuno-histoquímica de lesões cardíacas em gatos com doença renal crônica

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by irreversible morphostructural lesions that can progressively evolve to chronic renal insufficiency and kidney failure. It is known that the heart and kidneys are closely related, and that communication between these organs occurs through a variety of pathways; subtle physiological changes in one of them are compensated by the other. Histopathological cardiac evaluation through routine staining presents a limitation to identify specific or discreet lesions in the cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to evaluate serum troponin levels in cats with CKD, associated with clinical and pathological findings, as well as to correlate the morphostructural cardiac lesions to determine their distribution through macroscopic and histological assessments and anti-cardiac troponin C (cTnC) immunohistochemistry (IHC). To this end, 20 cats (18 diagnosed with CKD and two controls) were selected. Anti-human cTnC IHC was conducted after necropsy and separation in eight regions of each collected heart. Heart fragments from two cats without CKD were used as controls. The anti-human cTnC antibody is useful in detecting cardiac lesions and has shown decreased expression in cardiomyocytes of cats with CKD. Serum troponin was above the reference values in 11/18 (61.11%) animals and decreased expression for the cTnC antibody was observed in individual cardiomyocytes in 9/18 (50%) animals. It was verified that the number of regions with decreased expression for the cTnC antibody in cardiomyocytes is significantly correlated with serum troponin. The anti-human cTnC antibody has been found effective in detecting cardiac lesions and has shown decreased expression in the cardiomyocytes of cats with CKD. Correlation was observed between increased serum cTnI and loss of immunoreactivity at anti-cTnC antibody IHC in cats with CKD, which proves damage to cardiomyocytes secondary to kidney disease.(AU)

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é caracterizada por lesões morfoestruturais irreversíveis, que podem evoluir progressivamente para insuficiência renal crônica e falência renal. Sabe-se que o coração e os rins mantêm estreita relação e a comunicação entre esses órgãos ocorre por uma variedade de vias; alterações fisiológicas sutis em um desses órgãos são compensadas pelo outro. A avaliação histopatológica cardíaca mediante a colorações rotineiras são limitadas para identificar lesões específicas ou discretas em cardiomiócitos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar os níveis séricos de troponina em gatos com DRC, associados aos achados clínico-patológicos, bem como correlacionar as lesões cardíacas morfoestruturais, a fim de determinar a distribuição destas, por meio da avaliação macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica com anti-cTnC. Neste estudo foram selecionados 20 gatos (18 diagnosticados com DRC e 2 animais controle). Para a aplicação da técnica de imuno-histoquímica anti-troponina C humana, necropsias foram realizadas e cada coração coletado separadamente em 8 regiões. Fragmentos do coração de 2 gatos sem lesão cardíaca foram utilizados como controle. O anticorpo anti-TnC humano é útil na detecção de lesões cardíacas e apresentou expressão diminuída em cardiomiócitos de gatos com DRC. Em 11/18 animais (61,11%) a troponina sérica encontrava-se acima dos valores de referência e foram observadas diminuição da expressão para anticorpo-cTnC em cardiomiócitos individuais em 9/18 (50%). Notou-se que o número de regiões com diminuição da expressão para anticorpo-cTnC em cardiomiócitos está significativamente correlacionado com a troponina sérica. O anticorpo anti-TnC humano se mostrou eficaz para detectar lesões cardíacas e demonstrou diminuição da expressão nos cardiomiócitos de gatos com DRC. Houve correlação entre o aumento da CTnI sérica e perda da imunorretividade na avaliação imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo anti-TnC em gatos com DRC o que comprova danos em cardiomiócitos secundários a doença renal.(AU)

Visceral gout in coastal and oceanic seabirds in Paraná, Southern of Brazil

Background: Owing to the abundance, wide distribution, long life cycles and higher positions in the trophic levels, seabirds are considered sentinels of hazards and negative anthropogenic impacts to marine ecosystems. Gout is a common disease affecting birds, but also occurs in other taxa, including mammals and reptiles. The aim of this study was to elucidate the occurrence and pathological findings of gout cases in different species of seabirds, including biological and ecological factors that may contribute to disease. Cases: The urate crystals were observed in ten seabirds stranded, classified in eight species: four oceanic species – two Puffinus puffinus, one Macronectis giganteus, one Thalassarche melanophris, one Calonectris sp. and four coastal species - one Fregata magnifiscens, two Sula leucogaster, one Phalacrocorax brasilianus and one Rynchops niger. A total of seven animals were stranded alive and three were found dead; four animals were male and six were female; six were juveniles and four were mature. The nutritional condition was cachectic in four animals, poor in five and fair in one. The main clinical sign in alive animals was dehydration (7/7; 100%). The treatment consisted of standard support including fluid therapy and temperature stabilization; in addition, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and antibiotics (sulfonamide or enrofloxacin) were given, but the animals died between 1 and 13 days after rehabilitation entrance. Gout was associated with cachectic condition and autumn stranding (in comparison with summer stranding). The main macroscopic findings were observed in the kidneys, which were whitish and enlarged and all had microscopic evidence of multifocal, mild to marked renal crystal urate deposition. In two cases, urates deposition were observed

Visceral gout in coastal and oceanic seabirds in Paraná, Southern of Brazil

Background: Owing to the abundance, wide distribution, long life cycles and higher positions in the trophic levels, seabirds are considered sentinels of hazards and negative anthropogenic impacts to marine ecosystems. Gout is a common disease affecting birds, but also occurs in other taxa, including mammals and reptiles. The aim of this study was to elucidate the occurrence and pathological findings of gout cases in different species of seabirds, including biological and ecological factors that may contribute to disease. Cases: The urate crystals were observed in ten seabirds stranded, classified in eight species: four oceanic species two Puffinus puffinus, one Macronectis giganteus, one Thalassarche melanophris, one Calonectris sp. and four coastal species - one Fregata magnifiscens, two Sula leucogaster, one Phalacrocorax brasilianus and one Rynchops niger. A total of seven animals were stranded alive and three were found dead; four animals were male and six were female; six were juveniles and four were mature. The nutritional condition was cachectic in four animals, poor in five and fair in one. The main clinical sign in alive animals was dehydration (7/7; 100%). The treatment consisted of standard support including fluid therapy and temperature stabilization; in addition, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and antibiotics (sulfonamide or enrofloxacin) were given, but the animals died between 1 and 13 days after rehabilitation entrance. Gout was associated with cachectic condition and autumn stranding (in comparison with summer stranding). The main macroscopic findings were observed in the kidneys, which were whitish and enlarged and all had microscopic evidence of multifocal, mild to marked renal crystal urate deposition. In two cases, urates deposition were observed…(AU)