Eculizumab treatment in severe pediatric STEC-HUS: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic uremic syndrome related to Shiga-toxin-secreting Escherichia coli infection (STEC-HUS) remains a common cause of acute kidney injury in young children. No specific treatment has been validated for this severe disease. Recently, experimental studies highlight the potential role of complement in STEC-HUS pathophysiology. Eculizumab (EC), a monoclonal antibody against terminal complement complex, has been used in severe STEC-HUS patients, mostly during the 2011 German outbreak, with conflicting results. METHODS: On behalf of the French Society of Pediatric Nephrology, we retrospectively studied 33 children from 15 centers treated with EC for severe STEC-HUS. Indication for EC was neurologic involvement in 20 patients, cardiac and neurologic involvement in 8, cardiac involvement in 2, and digestive involvement in 3. Based on medical status at last follow-up, patients were divided into two groups: favorable (n = 15) and unfavorable outcomes (n = 18). RESULTS: Among patients with favorable outcome, 11/14 patients (79%) displayed persistent blockade of complement activity before each EC reinjection. Conversely, in patients with unfavorable outcome, only 9/15 (53%) had persistent blockade (p = n.s.). Among 28 patients presenting neurological symptoms, 19 had favorable neurological outcome including 17 with prompt recovery following first EC injection. Only two adverse effects potentially related to EC treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results may support EC use in severe STEC-HUS patients, especially those presenting severe neurological symptoms. The study, however, is limited by absence of a control group and use of multiple therapeutic interventions in treatment groups. Thus, prospective, controlled trials should be undertaken.

A novel approach to evaluating the benefit of post-urinary tract infection renal ultrasonography, using decision curve analysis.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of post-urinary tract infection (UTI) sonography to detect clinically significant renal abnormalities remains a subject open to debate. Decision curve analysis (DCA) is a novel method for evaluating the clinical usefulness of diagnostic tests. Our objective was to determine, using DCA, the benefit of post-UTI sonography and of post-UTI sonography with biological markers of inflammation to predict the risk of recurrence of febrile UTI in children aged 2 to 24 months without known uropathy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all children aged 2 to 24 months, without known uropathy, who presented with a first episode of febrile UTI between 2009 and 2012 and followed them for 30 months. We then used DCA to estimate the benefit of post-UTI sonography or post-UTI sonography + biological markers of inflammation for detecting the risk of recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 318 children [144 boys (45.3 %) and 174 girls (54.7 %)], with a mean age of 6.9 ± 5.6 months, were identified. Of these, 210 children presented with a significant inflammation [66.2 %; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 61.0-71.4], and 30 (9.4 %; 95 % CI 6.2-12.6) presented with abnormal post-UTI sonographic findings. Eighteen (5.7 %; 95 % CI 3.1-8.2) children presented with recurrent UTI at 30 months. CONCLUSIONS: There were significantly more recurrences in those children who presented with abnormal sonographic findings than in those who did not (relative risk 7.68; 95 % CI 3.03-19.46). However, taking into account the effect of false-positives and false negatives, the DCA revealed that for threshold probabilities of >30 %, at which patients/doctors are concerned about unnecessary interventions (whether tests or treatments), neither post-UTI sonography nor post-UTI sonography + biological markers of inflammation have sufficient value to improve care.

Renal involvement in tuberous sclerosis complex with emphasis on cystic lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) involves frequently the kidneys. Lesions encompass mainly angiomyolipoma and cysts. The disease can be associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease leading to the contiguous gene syndrome (CGS) The objectives of the present study were to review the US appearances of the renal involvement in children affected by classical TSC or by the CGS and to verify whether it is possible to differentiate between both entities. The evolution of the lesions through time was also studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 cases of patients <16 years with STB were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists. Clinical data reviewed included age at diagnosis, genetic assessment and complications; US data reviewed included renal size, type of lesions (angiomyolipoma-AML, or cysts), number and location as well as their evolution with time. Complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: 30 patients (56 %) had at least one kidney lesion (27 classical TSC and 3 CGS). On the basis of the US findings, these patients were separated into four groups. Group 1 (9 patients) displayed microscopic (diffuse) AML; group 2 (3 patients) displayed macroscopic AML; group 3 (9 patients) displayed only renal cysts and group 4 (9 patients) displayed the association of AML and cysts. Increased renal size, the large number and size of cystic lesions were suggestive of the CGS. The isolated AML were suggestive of classical STB. The average growth of angiomyolipoma was low before age of 12 and exceeded 4 mm/year thereafter. CONCLUSION: In children with TSC, renal involvement is common. Some US criteria can help to suggest the diagnosis of CGS. The growth of angiomyolipoma is slow before 12 years and accelerates thereafter. Complications are rare.

Mutation Update of the CLCN5 Gene Responsible for Dent Disease 1.

Dent disease is a rare X-linked tubulopathy characterized by low molecular weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis and/or nephrolithiasis, progressive renal failure, and variable manifestations of other proximal tubule dysfunctions. It often progresses over a few decades to chronic renal insufficiency, and therefore molecular characterization is important to allow appropriate genetic counseling. Two genetic subtypes have been described to date: Dent disease 1 is caused by mutations of the CLCN5 gene, coding for the chloride/proton exchanger ClC-5; and Dent disease 2 by mutations of the OCRL gene, coding for the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase OCRL-1. Herein, we review previously reported mutations (n = 192) and their associated phenotype in 377 male patients with Dent disease 1 and describe phenotype and novel (n = 42) and recurrent mutations (n = 24) in a large cohort of 117 Dent disease 1 patients belonging to 90 families. The novel missense and in-frame mutations described were mapped onto a three-dimensional homology model of the ClC-5 protein. This analysis suggests that these mutations affect the dimerization process, helix stability, or transport. The phenotype of our cohort patients supports and extends the phenotype that has been reported in smaller studies.

Sodium transport is modulated by p38 kinase-dependent cross-talk between ENaC and Na,K-ATPase in collecting duct principal cells.

In relation to dietary Na(+) intake and aldosterone levels, collecting duct principal cells are exposed to large variations in Na(+) transport. In these cells, Na(+) crosses the apical membrane via epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC) and is extruded into the interstitium by Na,K-ATPase. The activity of ENaC and Na,K-ATPase must be highly coordinated to accommodate variations in Na(+) transport and minimize fluctuations in intracellular Na(+) concentration. We hypothesized that, independent of hormonal stimulus, cross-talk between ENaC and Na,K-ATPase coordinates Na(+) transport across apical and basolateral membranes. By varying Na(+) intake in aldosterone-clamped rats and overexpressing γ-ENaC or modulating apical Na(+) availability in cultured mouse collecting duct cells, enhanced apical Na(+) entry invariably led to increased basolateral Na,K-ATPase expression and activity. In cultured collecting duct cells, enhanced apical Na(+) entry increased the basolateral cell surface expression of Na,K-ATPase by inhibiting p38 kinase-mediated endocytosis of Na,K-ATPase. Our results reveal a new role for p38 kinase in mediating cross-talk between apical Na(+) entry via ENaC and its basolateral exit via Na,K-ATPase, which may allow principal cells to maintain intracellular Na(+) concentrations within narrow limits.

Age impacts the pattern of care for elderly patients with rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the current approaches for rectal cancer treatment in elderly patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 240 rectal cancer patients who had undergone radiotherapy from 2000 to 2008. The ages of the patients ranged from 65 and 75 years (group A, n = 127) and older than 75 years (group B, n = 113). The distribution of the Charlson comorbidity index was similar between the two groups, but the ECOG performance status (PS) differed between the groups (66 % of the patients of group A were PS 0, and 40 % were PS 0 in group B (p < 0.0001)). The tumor stages were comparable between groups. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 74.3 years (range 65-90.6). Treatment was discussed during a multidisciplinary cancer team meeting before treatment for 55 % of the cases in group A and 73 % of the cases in group B (p < 0.001), and treatment proposals were in accordance with guidelines in 96 % of the cases in group A and 76 % of the cases in group B (p < 0.001). Group B patients received slightly less concurrent chemotherapy (35 vs. 30 % for group A; p = 0.54), more hypofractionated radiotherapy (41 vs. 54 % for group A; p = 0.064), less surgery (92 vs. 80 % for group A; p = 0.014), and less adjuvant chemotherapy (34 vs. 10 % for group A; p < 0.001). Finally, 80 % of the patients in group A and 60 % of the patients in group B received treatment in accordance with guidelines (p = 0.007) and in the logistic regression model. Non-metastatic patients who were aged below 75 years were predicted for conformal management (HR = 0.323; 95 % CI = 0.152-0.684) irrespective of their performance status, comorbidity, or disease stage. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment proposals and administered therapy differed according to age.

Three Sgp loci act independently as well as synergistically to elevate the expression of specific endogenous retroviruses implicated in murine lupus.

Endogenous retroviruses are implicated in murine lupus nephritis. They provide a source of nephritogenic retroviral gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes through the production of serum gp70 protein and anti-gp70 autoantibodies as a result of the activation of TLR7. The Sgp (serum gp70 production) loci identified in lupus-prone mice play distinct roles for the expression of different classes of endogenous retroviruses, as Sgp3 regulates the transcription of xenotropic, polytropic and modified polytropic (mPT) viruses, and Sgp4 the transcription of only xenotropic viruses. In the present study, we extended these analyses to a third locus, Sgp5, using BALB/c mice congenic for the NZW-derived Sgp5 allele and also explored the possible interaction of Sgp3 and Sgp4 loci to promote the expression of endogenous retroviruses and serum gp70. The analysis of Sgp5 BALB/c congenic mice demonstrated that the Sgp5 locus enhanced the expression of xenotropic and mPT viruses, thereby upregulating the production of serum gp70. These data indicate a distinct action of the Sgp5 locus on the expression of endogenous retroviruses, as compared with two other Sgp loci. Moreover, comparative analysis of C57BL/6 double congenic mice for Sgp3 and Sgp4 loci with single congenic mice revealed that Sgp3 and Sgp4 acted synergistically to elevate the transcription of the potentially replication-competent Xmv18 provirus and the production of serum gp70. This indicates that the combined effect of three different Sgp loci markedly enhance the expression of endogenous retroviruses and their gene product, serum gp70, thereby contributing to the formation of nephritogenic gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes in murine lupus.

O-glycosylated IgA rheumatoid factor induces IgA deposits and glomerulonephritis.

Structural aberrations of O-linked glycans present in the IgA1 hinge region are associated with IgA nephropathy, but their contribution to its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. In this study, mice implanted with hybridoma secreting 6-19 IgA anti-IgG2a rheumatoid factor, but not 46-42 IgA rheumatoid factor bearing the same IgA allotype, developed mesangial deposits consisting of IgA, IgG2a, and C3. Studies in immunoglobulin- and C3-deficient mice revealed that the development of these glomerular lesions required the formation of IgA-IgG2a immune complexes and subsequent activation of complement. The proportion of polymeric and monomeric forms, the IgG2a-binding affinity, and the serum levels of IgA-IgG2a immune complexes were similar between 6-19 IgA- and 46-42 IgA-injected mice. In contrast, the analysis of oligosaccharide structures revealed highly galactosylated O-linked glycans in the hinge region of 6-19 IgA and poorly O-glycosylated in the hinge region of 46-42 IgA. Furthermore, the structure of N-linked glycans in the CH1 domain was the complex type in 6-19 IgA and the hybrid type in 46-42 IgA. In summary, this study demonstrates the presence of O-linked glycans in the hinge region of mouse IgA and suggests that 6-19 IgA rheumatoid factor-induced GN could serve as an experimental model for IgA nephropathy.

Sgp3 and TLR7 stimulation differentially alter the expression profile of modified polytropic retroviruses implicated in murine systemic lupus.

The envelope glycoprotein, gp70, of endogenous retroviruses represents one of the major nephritogenic autoantigens implicated in murine systemic lupus erythematosus. Among different endogenous retroviruses (ecotropic, xenotropic and polytropic), lupus-prone mice express remarkably high levels of modified polytropic (mPT) retroviruses, which are controlled by the Sgp3 (serum gp70 production) locus. To define the contribution of the Sgp3 locus derived from lupus-prone mice to the expression of the specific mPT proviruses, the genetic origin of different mPT viruses expressed in livers and thymi of wild-type and Sgp3 congenic C57BL/6 mice was determined through clonal analysis of their transcripts. Among 13 mPT proviruses present in the C57BL/6 genome, only 3 proviruses (Mpmv6, Mpmv10 and Mpmv13) were selectively but differentially expressed in livers and thymi. This was likely a result of co-regulated expression with host genes because of their integration in the same transcriptional direction. In contrast, Sgp3 induced the steady-state expression of an additional select group of mPT proviruses and, after stimulation of TLR7, the highly upregulated expression of a potentially replication-competent mPT virus Mpmv4. These results indicated that the expression of distinct subpopulations of mPT retroviruses was regulated by Sgp3- and TLR7-dependent mechanisms. The induction of potentially replication-competent mPT viruses and the upregulation of one such virus after stimulation with TLR7 in Sgp3 congenic mice further highlight the implication of Sgp3 in autoimmune responses against nephritogenic serum gp70 through the activation of TLR7.

Sgp3 and Sgp4 control expression of distinct and restricted sets of xenotropic retroviruses encoding serum gp70 implicated in murine lupus nephritis.

The envelope glycoprotein gp70 of endogenous retroviruses implicated in murine lupus nephritis is secreted by hepatocytes and its expression is controlled by Sgp3 (serum gp70 production 3) and Sgp4 loci derived from lupus-prone mice. Among three different endogenous retroviruses (ecotropic, xenotropic and polytropic), xenotropic viruses are considered to be the major source of serum gp70. Although the abundance of xenotropic viral gp70 RNA in livers was up-regulated by the presence of these two Sgp loci, it has not yet been clear whether Sgp3 and Sgp4 regulate the expression of a fraction or multiple xenotropic viruses present in mouse genome. To address this question, we determined the genetic origin of xenotropic viral sequences expressed in wild-type and two different Sgp congenic C57BL/6 mice. Among 14 xenotropic proviruses present in the C57BL/6 genome, only two proviruses (Xmv10 and Xmv14) were actively transcribed in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, Sgp3 enhanced the transcription of Xmv10 and induced the transcription of three additional xenotropic viruses (Xmv15, Xmv17 and Xmv18), while Sgp4 induced the expression of a different xenotropic virus (Xmv13). Notably, stimulation of TLR7 in Sgp3 congenic C57BL/6 mice led to a highly enhanced expression of potentially replication-competent Xmv18. These results indicated that Sgp3 and Sgp4 independently regulated the transcription of distinct and restricted sets of xenotropic viruses in trans, thereby promoting the production of nephritogenic gp70 autoantigens. Furthermore, the induced expression of potentially replication-competent xenotropic viruses by Sgp3 may contribute to the development of autoimmune responses against gp70 through the activation of TLR7.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with C3NeF and genetic complement dysregulation.

The development of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is associated with uncontrolled activation of the complement alternative pathway. This dysregulation is related either to C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF), an auto-antibody directed against the alternative C3 convertase, or to homozygous loss-of-function mutation of the complement regulatory protein factor H. Heterozygous mutations in the genes coding for factor H, or for the other alternative pathway inhibitory proteins factor I and membrane cofactor protein, have recently been identified in a small number of patients with MPGN with exclusive C3 deposits. We report three hypocomplementemic children with dense deposit disease (n=1) or immune-complex-mediated MPGN type I (n=2), associated with both C3NeF activity and heterozygous mutation of factor H or factor I. These observations highlight the possible combination of genetic and acquired defect in complement control in various subtypes of MPGN, a finding that may influence the treatment strategy in some patients.

Aldosterone activates NF-kappaB in the collecting duct.

Besides its classical effects on salt homeostasis in renal epithelial cells, aldosterone promotes inflammation and fibrosis and modulates cell proliferation. The proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB has been implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and regulation of transepithelial sodium transport. The effect of aldosterone on the NF-kappaB pathway in principal cells of the cortical collecting duct, a major physiologic target of aldosterone, is unknown. Here, in both cultured cells and freshly isolated rat cortical collecting duct, aldosterone activated the canonical NF-kappaB signaling pathway, leading to increased expression of several NF-kappaB-targeted genes (IkappaBalpha, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, IL-1beta, and IL-6). Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of the serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1, a gene induced early in the response to aldosterone, but not pharmacologic inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 kinase, attenuated aldosterone-induced NF-kappaB activation. Pharmacologic antagonism or knockdown of the mineralocorticoid receptor prevented aldosterone-induced NF-kappaB activity. In addition, activation of the glucocorticoid receptor inhibited the transactivation of NF-kappaB by aldosterone. In agreement with these in vitro findings, spironolactone prevented NF-kappaB-induced transcriptional activation observed in cortical collecting ducts of salt-restricted rats. In summary, aldosterone activates the canonical NF-kappaB pathway in principal cells of the cortical collecting duct by activating the mineralocorticoid receptor and by inducing SGK1.

[Vaccine recommendations for children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome]. / Recommandations vaccinales pour les enfants avec un syndrome néphrotique idiopathique.

The specific treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is based on corticosteroid therapy and/or steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents in children who are steroid-dependant or frequent relapsers (60-70 %). Patients have an increased infectious risk not only related to the disease during relapses (hypogammaglobulinemia and urinary leakage of opsonins) but also to treatments (corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents) in period of remission. Vaccination is therefore particularly recommended in these patients. Potential vaccine risks are ineffectiveness, induction of vaccine disease and relapse of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Only live vaccines expose to the risk of vaccine disease: they are in general contra-indicated under immunosuppressive treatment. The immunogenicity of inactivated vaccines is reduced but persists. The immunogenic stimulus of vaccination may in theory trigger a relapse of the nephrotic syndrome. Nevertheless, this risk is low in the literature, and even absent in some studies. The benefit-risk ratio is therefore in favor of vaccination with respect to the vaccination schedule for inactivated vaccines, with wide vaccination against pneumococcus and influenza annually. Depending on the context and after expert advice, immunization with live vaccines could be discussed if residual doses/levels of immunosuppressive treatments are moderate and immunity preserved.

Aquaporin-2 abundance in the renal collecting duct: new insights from cultured cell models.

The renal cortico-papillary osmotic gradient is generated by sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb. The antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) increases collecting duct water permeability by enhancing aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel insertion in the apical membrane of principal cells, allowing water to passively flow along the osmotic gradient from the tubule lumen to the interstitium. In addition to short-term AQP2 redistribution between intracellular compartments and the cell surface, AQP2 whole cell abundance is tightly regulated. AVP is a major transcriptional activator of the AQP2 gene, and stimulation of insulin- and calcium-sensing receptors respectively potentiate and reduce its action. Extracellular tonicity is another key factor that determines the levels of AQP2 abundance. Its effect is dependent on activation of the tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein that reinforces AVP-induced AQP2 transcriptional activation. Conversely, activation of the NF-kappaB transcriptional factor by proinflammatory factors reduces AQP2 gene transcription. Aldosterone additionally regulates AQP2 whole cell abundance by simultaneously reducing AQP2 gene transcription and stimulating AQP2 mRNA translation. These examples illustrate how cross talk between various stimuli regulates AQP2 abundance in collecting duct principal cells and consequently contributes to maintenance of body water homeostasis.

Growth in boys with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome on long-term cyclosporin and steroid treatment.

Although steroid-free remission can usually be achieved with cyclosporin A (CsA) in patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS), some CsA-treated patients require long-term steroid therapy. Data on growth in these patients are scarce. Sixty-four boys with SDNS receiving long-term CsA and steroid therapy were retrospectively analyzed. During the 10-year follow-up period, height standard deviation score (HSDS) remained in the normal range in 47 patients but was below -2 SD in 17 patients. The occurrence of growth retardation was influenced by height at diagnosis and the number of relapses. Thirty patients were followed for at least 3 years before and after age 12. The decrease in HSDS per year of disease in patients older than 12 years was twice that observed in children younger than 12. However, adult height was < or = -2 SD in only two of the 14 patients reaching adult height, reflecting potential catch-up growth during late puberty. Careful monitoring of growth is recommended, given than up to 25% of patients experienced severe growth retardation during the course of their disease.

Calcium-sensing receptor attenuates AVP-induced aquaporin-2 expression via a calmodulin-dependent mechanism.

Recent evidence suggests that arginine vasopressin (AVP)-dependent aquaporin-2 expression is modulated by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in principal cells of the collecting duct, but the signaling pathways mediating this effect are unknown. Using a mouse cortical collecting duct cell line (mpkCCD(cl4)), we found that increasing the concentration of apical extracellular calcium or treating with the CaSR agonists neomycin or Gd(3+) attenuated AVP-dependent accumulation of aquaporin-2 mRNA and protein; CaSR gene-silencing prevented this effect. Calcium reduced the AVP-induced accumulation of cAMP, but this did not occur by increased degradation of cAMP by phosphodiesterases or by direct inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Notably, the effect of extracellular calcium on AVP-dependent aquaporin-2 expression was prevented by inhibition of calmodulin. In summary, our results show that high concentrations of extracellular calcium attenuate AVP-induced aquaporin-2 expression by activating the CaSR and reducing coupling efficiency between V(2) receptor and adenylate cyclase via a calmodulin-dependent mechanism in cultured cortical collecting duct cells.

[Pathogenesis of Berger's disease: recent advances on the involvement of immunoglobulin A and their receptors]. / Pathogénie de la maladie de Berger.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy or Berger's disease is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis in the world and one of the first cause of end-stage renal failure. IgA nephropathy is characterized by the accumulation in mesangial areas of immune complexes containing polymeric IgA1. While epidemiology and clinical studies of IgA nephropathy are well established, the mechanism(s) underlying disease development is poorly understood. The pathogenesis of this disease involves the deposition of polymeric and undergalactosylated IgA1 in the mesangium. Quantitative and structural changes of IgA1 play a key role in the development of the disease due to functional abnormalities of two IgA receptors: The FcalphaR (CD89) expressed by blood myeloid cells and the transferrin receptor (CD71) on mesangial cells. Abnormal IgA induce the release of soluble CD89 which is responsible for the formation of circulating IgA complexes. These complexes may be trapped by CD71 that is overexpressed on mesangial cells in IgA nephropathy patients allowing pathogenic IgA complex formation.

Adult height in patients with advanced CKD requiring renal replacement therapy during childhood.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Growth and final height are of major concern in children with ESRD. This study sought to describe the distribution of adult height of patients who started renal replacement therapy (RRT) during childhood and to identify determinants of final height in a large cohort of RRT children. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A total of 1612 patients from 20 European countries who started RRT before 19 years of age and reached final height between 1990 and 2011 were included. Linear regression analyses were performed to calculate adjusted mean final height SD score (SDS) and to investigate its potential determinants. RESULTS: The median final height SDS was -1.65 (median of 168 cm in boys and 155 cm in girls). Fifty-five percent of patients attained an adult height within the normal range. Adjusted for age at start of RRT and primary renal diseases, final height increased significantly over time from -2.06 SDS in children who reached adulthood in 1990-1995 to -1.33 SDS among those reaching adulthood in 2006-2011. Older age at start of RRT, more recent period of start of RRT, cumulative percentage time on a functioning graft, and greater height SDS at initiation of RRT were independently associated with a higher final height SDS. Patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract and metabolic disorders had a lower final height than those with other primary renal diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Although final height remains suboptimal in children with ESRD, it has consistently improved over time.

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in kerosene and bio-kerosene soot.

Here we report a new, efficient and reliable analytical methodology for sensitive and selective quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soot samples. The methodology developed is based on ultrasonic extraction of the soot-bound PAHs into small volumes of acetonitrile, purification of the extracts through C(18) Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges and analysis by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography (RPLC) with UV and fluorimetric detection. For the first time, we report the convenience of adapting the SPE procedure to the nature of the soot samples. As a matter of fact, extracts containing high percentage of unpolar material are recommended to be cleaned with acetone, whereas extracts poor in unpolar compounds can be efficiently cleaned with methanol. The method was satisfactorily applied to kerosene and bio-kerosene soot from atmospheric open diffusion flames (pool fires) and premixed flames achieving Quantification and Detection limits in the range ng mg(-1) soot and recoveries about 90% for most of the PAHs studied.

Osmoprotective transcription factor NFAT5/TonEBP modulates nuclear factor-kappaB activity.

Tonicity-responsive binding-protein (TonEBP or NFAT5) is a widely expressed transcription factor whose activity is regulated by extracellular tonicity. TonEBP plays a key role in osmoprotection by binding to osmotic response element/TonE elements of genes that counteract the deleterious effects of cell shrinkage. Here, we show that in addition to this "classical" stimulation, TonEBP protects cells against hypertonicity by enhancing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. We show that hypertonicity enhances NF-κB stimulation by lipopolysaccharide but not tumor necrosis factor-α, and we demonstrate overlapping protein kinase B (Akt)-dependent signal transduction pathways elicited by hypertonicity and transforming growth factor-α. Activation of p38 kinase by hypertonicity and downstream activation of Akt play key roles in TonEBP activity, IκBα degradation, and p65 nuclear translocation. TonEBP affects neither of these latter events and is itself insensitive to NF-κB signaling. Rather, we reveal a tonicity-dependent interaction between TonEBP and p65 and show that NF-κB activity is considerably enhanced after binding of NF-κB-TonEBP complexes to κB elements of NF-κB-responsive genes. We demonstrate the key roles of TonEBP and Akt in renal collecting duct epithelial cells and in macrophages. These findings reveal a novel role for TonEBP and Akt in NF-κB activation on the onset of hypertonic challenge.