AI-Driven Patient Education in Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluating Chatbot Responses against Clinical Guidelines.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients can benefit from personalized education on lifestyle and nutrition management strategies to enhance healthcare outcomes. The potential use of chatbots, introduced in 2022, as a tool for educating CKD patients has been explored. A set of 15 questions on lifestyle modification and nutrition, derived from a thorough review of three specific KDIGO guidelines, were developed and posed in various formats, including original, paraphrased with different adverbs, incomplete sentences, and misspellings. Four versions of AI were used to answer these questions: ChatGPT 3.5 (March and September 2023 versions), ChatGPT 4, and Bard AI. Additionally, 20 questions on lifestyle modification and nutrition were derived from the NKF KDOQI guidelines for nutrition in CKD (2020 Update) and answered by four versions of chatbots. Nephrologists reviewed all answers for accuracy. ChatGPT 3.5 produced largely accurate responses across the different question complexities, with occasional misleading statements from the March version. The September 2023 version frequently cited its last update as September 2021 and did not provide specific references, while the November 2023 version did not provide any misleading information. ChatGPT 4 presented answers similar to 3.5 but with improved reference citations, though not always directly relevant. Bard AI, while largely accurate with pictorial representation at times, occasionally produced misleading statements and had inconsistent reference quality, although an improvement was noted over time. Bing AI from November 2023 had short answers without detailed elaboration and sometimes just answered "YES". Chatbots demonstrate potential as personalized educational tools for CKD that utilize layman's terms, deliver timely and rapid responses in multiple languages, and offer a conversational pattern advantageous for patient engagement. Despite improvements observed from March to November 2023, some answers remained potentially misleading. ChatGPT 4 offers some advantages over 3.5, although the differences are limited. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and AI developers is essential to improve healthcare delivery and ensure the safe incorporation of chatbots into patient care.

Management of chronic kidney disease: The current novel and forgotten therapies.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and incurable condition that imposes a significant burden on an aging society. Although the exact prevalence of this disease is unknown, it is estimated to affect at least 800 million people worldwide. Patients with diabetes or hypertension are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney damage. As the kidneys play a crucial role in vital physiological processes, damage to these organs can disrupt the balance of water and electrolytes, regulation of blood pressure, elimination of toxins, and metabolism of vitamin D. Early diagnosis is paramount to prevent potential complications. Treatment options such as dietary modifications and medications can help slow disease progression. In our narrative review, we have summarized the available therapeutic options to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Many new drug treatments have recently become available, offering a beacon of hope and optimism in CKD management. Nonetheless, disease prevention remains the most critical step in disease management. Given the significant impact of CKD on public health, there is a pressing need for further research. With the development of new technologies and advancements in medical knowledge, we hope to find more effective diagnostic tools and treatments for CKD patients.

The use of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin for diagnosis of hepato-renal syndrome in advanced cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease is a common and important clinical problem.Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life threatening complication. Serum creatinine (Cr) remains the only conventional indicator of renal function. However, the interpretation of serum Cr level can be confounded by malnutrition and reduced muscle mass often observed in patients with severe liver disease. Here, we present a cross-sectional study to explore the sensitivity and specificity of other markers as urinary KIM-1 and NGAL for cases of HRS. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 patients who were admitted to Alexandria main university hospital. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups; group 1: patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (child B and C) who have normal kidney functions while group 2: patients who developed HRS. Stata© version 14.2 software package was used for analysis. RESULTS: Group 1 included 18 males and 26 females compared to 25 males and 19 females in group 2 (p = 0.135). Only the urinary KIM-1 showed a statistically significant difference between both groups in the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, INR, serum K, AST and ALT levels. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study aligns with prior research, as seen in the consistent findings regarding Urinary NGAL elevation in cirrhotic patients with AKI. Urinary KIM-1, independent of Urinary NGAL, may have a role in precisely distinguishing between advanced liver cirrhosis and HRS and merits further exploration.

Is the combination of linagliptin and allopurinol better prophylaxis against post-contrast acute kidney injury? A multicenter prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are at increased risk to develop post-contrast acute kidney injury (AKI). Diabetic patients under dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4Is) experience a lower propensity to develop AKI. We speculated that linagliptin as a single agent or in combination with allopurinol may reduce the incidence of post-contrast AKI in stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with underlying DKD. METHODS: Out of 951 DKD patients eligible for this study, 800 accepted to sign informed consent. They were randomly allocated to 4 equal groups that received their prophylaxis for 2 days before and after radiocontrast. The first control group received N-acetyl cysteine and saline, the 2nd received allopurinol, the 3rd group received linagliptin, and the 4th received both allopurinol and linagliptin. Post-procedure follow-up for kidney functions was conducted for 2 weeks in all patients. RESULTS: 20, 19, 14, and 8 patients developed post-contrast AKI in groups 1 through 4, respectively. Neither linagliptin nor allopurinol was superior to N-acetyl cysteine and saline alone. However, the combination of the two agents provided statistically significant renal protection: post-contrast AKI in group 4 was significantly lower than in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.02 and <0.03, respectively). None of the post-contrast AKI cases required dialysis. CONCLUSION: Linagliptin and allopurinol in combination may offer protection against post-contrast AKI in DKD exposed to radiocontrast. Further studies are needed to support this view. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03470454.

Influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on reversibility of alterations in arterial wall and cognitive performance associated with early hypertension: A follow-up study.

The importance of optimal blood pressure control for preventing or reducing the impairment of vascular and cognitive functions is well known. However, the reversibility of early alterations in vascular and cognitive functions through antihypertensive agents is under-investigated. In this study, we evaluated the influence of 3 months of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition treatment on the morphological and functional arterial wall and cognitive performance changes in 30 newly diagnosed primary hypertensive patients.Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were detected by ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness indicated by augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed by arteriography. Cognitive functions were assessed by neuropsychological examination.The executive function overall score was significantly higher at 3-month follow-up than at baseline (median, 0.233 (IQR, 0.447) vs -0.038 (0.936); P = .001). Three-month ACE inhibition did not produce significant improvement in IMT, FMD, AIx and PWV values. Significant negative associations were revealed between IMT and complex attention (r = -0.598, P = .0008), executive function (r = -0.617, P = .0005), and immediate memory (r = -0.420, P = .026) overall scores at follow-up. AIx had significant negative correlations with complex attention (r = -0.568, P = .001), executive function (r = -0.374, P = .046), and immediate memory (r = -0.507, P = .005). PWV correlated significantly and negatively with complex attention (r = -0.490, P = .007).Timely and effective antihypertensive therapy with ACE inhibitors has significant beneficial effects on cognitive performance in as few as 3 months. Early ACE inhibition may have an important role in the reversal of initial impairments of cognitive function associated with hypertension-induced vascular alterations.

Uric Acid Control in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in a Southeastern US Urban Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Uric acid (UA) control may be insufficient in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in the current era. It is unclear, however, whether this is the result of environmental effects, patient anthropometrics or insufficient dosing of medical therapy (allopurinol). METHODS: We have collected data on multiple clinical and laboratory parameters of 114 CKD clinic patients attending the nephrology clinic of the University of Mississippi Medical Center with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <45 mL · min-1 · 1.73 m2. We assessed the correlates of UA levels and the allopurinol doses along with achieved serum UA and urine pH. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of middle-aged to elderly patients with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 62.1 (11.6) years; 45.6% were female, 68.4% were African American and 47.4% had a history of gout. The mean UA level was 7.7 (2.49) mg/dL (range 3.1-16), allopurinol dose was 192 (99) mg/day (range 50-450) and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 23.8 (11.3) mL · min-1 · 1.73 m2. While the overall serum bicarbonate level was 25 (3.2) mEq/L, urine pH was <6 in 60.5% of the cohort. Significant univariate correlates of the administered doses of allopurinol were weight (r 0.317, P = 0.001), body mass index (BMI; r 0.313, P = 0.001), and female sex (r -0.198; P = 0.035). Achieved UA levels correlated directly with BMI (r 0.201, r = 0.036) but inversely with the allopurinol dose (r -0.196; P = 0.036). During logistic regression analysis with stepwise selection, only weight (ß 0.313, P = 0.001) and sex (ß -0.190, P = 0.039) proved to be predictive of the allopurinol dose; as for the achieved UA level, only BMI (ß 0.271, P = 0.006) and the allopurinol dose (ß -0.258; P = 0.009) had a significant effect. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced CKD, conventional dosing recommendations for allopurinol are unlikely to suffice in reaching target serum UA goals. In our cohort, larger-than-usual allopurinol doses were well tolerated.

Resolution of C1q deposition but not of the clinical nephrotic syndrome after immunomodulating therapy in focal sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The natural evolution of C1q nephropathy (C1qNP) during immunosuppressive treatment is relatively little studied or understood. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30 year-old Caucasian female was referred to us for further management of biopsy-proven C1qNP and severe nephrotic syndrome. Serologic work-up remained negative, including complement C3 and C4 levels and repeated testing for antinuclear antibodies. A renal biopsy revealed minimal change nephropathy vs. focal sclerosis on light microscopy and C1qNP on immunopathology. She has failed trials of high-dose oral prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil 1,500 mg twice a day and a subsequent regimen of monthly IV cyclophosphamide 750 mg × 9 cycles. She also received the maximum tolerated angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and spironolactone therapy. Random urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio predicted proteinuria in the range between 5-35 gm/day, while serum creatinine rose progressively from 1.0 mg/dL to 1.4 mg/dL (to convert to µmol/L, multiply by 88.4). A decision was made to repeat renal biopsy to reassess the underlying histology. The biopsy revealed focal sclerosis but no C1q deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Our case illustrates at least two points: first, an established pathologic diagnosis does not obviate the need for repeated renal biopsy later on, should diagnostic uncertainty persist. Second, histological diagnoses may evolve over time, especially in a patient receiving active and powerful immune-modulating treatment. In our case, the clinical nephrosis did not change with immunosuppressive therapy while C1q deposition ceased, making this latter entity likely the immunologically mediated process.

Cytomegalovirus colitis in a critically ill, dialysis-dependent, acute kidney injury patient without immunosuppressive therapy.

BACKGROUND: Historically, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in immunocompetent patients has been considered to have a relatively indolent and self-limited course, not warranting specific treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: We are presenting a 72-year-old African-American male transferred to our intensive care unit (ICU) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, respiratory failure, and dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury. While he recovered from bacteremia, he remained difficult to wean from respiratory support, had labile blood pressure, and manifested persistent diarrhea. Stool antigen testing for C. difficile colitis returned repeatedly negative. Flexible sigmoidoscopy described diffuse ulceration, attributed to ischemic colitis. The colon biopsy specimen, however, described tissue-invasive cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing confirmed viremia with 8,900 copies/mL viral DNA. Human immunodeficiency virus antibody and PCR testing were both negative. Absolute lymphocyte count varied between 80 and 450/mm3 during the admission. After IV ganciclovir initiation, diarrhea and respiratory failure resolved, while renal function recovered to the patient'€™s baseline. CONCLUSION: The combination of critical illness and recent bacteremia likely represented a state of profound immunosuppression in this formerly healthy patient. CMV colitis may be under-diagnosed in sick ICU patients with renal failure and otherwise unexplained diarrhea. Serum PCR testing may aid the diagnosis.

Desmopression is an effective adjunct treatment for reversing excessive hyponatremia overcorrection.

We report a case of a 50-year-old malnourished African American male with hiccups, nausea and vomiting who was brought to the Emergency Department after repeated seizures at home. Laboratory evaluations revealed sodium (Na(+)) 107 mmol/L, unmeasurably low potassium, chloride < 60 mmol/L, bicarbonate of 38 mmol/L and serum osmolality 217 mOsm/kg. Seizures were controlled with 3% saline IV. Once nausea was controlled with iv antiemetics, he developed large volume free water diuresis with 6 L of dilute urine in 8 h (urine osmolality 40-60 mOsm/kg) and serum sodium rapidly rose to 126 mmol/L in 12 h. Both intravenous desmopressin and 5% dextrose in water was given to achieve a concentrated urine and to temporarily reverse the acute rise of sodium, respectively. Serum Na(+) was gradually re-corrected in 2-3 mmol/L daily increments from 118 mmol/L until 130 mmol/L. Hypokalemia was slowly corrected with resultant auto-correction of metabolic alkalosis. The patient discharged home with no neurologic sequaele on the 11(th) hospital day. In euvolemic hyponatremic patients, controlling nausea may contribute to unpredictable free water diuresis. The addition of an antidiuretic hormone analog, such as desmopressin can limit urine output and prevent an unpredictable rise of the serum sodium.

Residual renal function in peritoneal dialysis with failed allograft and minimum immunosuppression.

Immunosuppression (IS) is often withdrawn in patients with end stage renal disease secondary to a failed renal allograft, and this can lead to an accelerated loss of residual renal function (RRF). As maintenance of RRF appears to provide a survival benefit to peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, it is not clear whether this benefit of maintaining RRF in failed allograft patients returning to PD outweigh the risks of maintaining IS. A 49 year-old Caucasian male developed progressive allograft failure nine years after living-donor renal transplantation. Hemodialysis was initiated via tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) and IS was gradually withdrawn. Two weeks after IS withdrawal he developed a febrile illness, which necessitate removal of the TDC and conversion to PD. He was maintained on small dose of tacrolimus (1 mg/d) and prednisone (5 mg/d). Currently (1 year later) he is doing exceedingly well on cycler-assisted PD. Residual urine output ranges between 600-1200 mL/d. Total weekly Kt/V achieved 1.82. RRF remained well preserved in this patient with failed renal allograft with minimal immunosuppressive therapy. This strategy will need further study in well-defined cohorts of PD patients with failed allografts and residual RRF to determine efficacy and safety.

The safety and efficacy of bedside removal of tunneled hemodialysis catheters by nephrology trainees.

BACKGROUND: Some nephrologists remove tunneled hemodialysis catheters (TDC) at the bedside, but this practice has never been formally studied. Our hypothesis was that bedside removal of TDC is a safe and effective procedure affording prompt removal, including in cases of suspected infection. METHODS: We reviewed our consecutive 3-year experience (2007-2009) with bedside TDC removal at the University of Mississippi Renal Fellowship Program. Data were collected on multiple patients and procedure-related variables, success and complication rates. Association between clinical characteristics and biomarkers of inflammation and myocardial damage was examined using correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Of 55 inpatient TDC removals (90.9% from internal jugular location), 50 (90.9%) were completed without hands-on assistance from faculty. Indications at the time of removal included bacteremia, fever or clinical sepsis with hemodynamic instability or respiratory failure. All procedures were successful, with no cuff retention noted; one patient experienced prolonged bleeding which was controlled with local pressure. Peak C-reactive protein (available in 63.6% of cohort) was 12.9 ± 8.4 mg/dL (reference range: <0.49) and median troponin-I (34% available) was 0.534 ng/mL (IQR 0.03-0.9) (reference range: <0.034) and they did not correlate with each other. Abnormal troponin-I was associated with proven bacteremia (p < 0.05) but not with systolic and diastolic BP or clinical sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that bedside removal of TDC remains a safe and effective procedure regardless of site or indications. Accordingly, TDC removal should be an integral part of competent Nephrology training.

Recalcitrant hypoglycemia resolved with 2.5% dextrose containing replacement fluid during hemodiafiltration.

A 52-year-old African American male was admitted with acute kidney injury (AKI) four days after renal cryotherapy. He was started on continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) immediately but his subsequent course was complicated by recurrent hypoglycemia, poorly responding to conventional therapy. To address the recalcitrant hypoglycemia, we changed the replacement fluid to 5% dextrose in water with 150 mEq/L of sodium bicarbonate, Y-connected with 0.9% sodium chloride at a global rate of 2000 mL/hr, with resolution of refractory hypoglycemia. A modified CVVHDF employing hyperglycemic solution can be a valuable addition in treatment of AKI complicated by severe refractory hypoglycemia.

Recurring extracorporeal circuit clotting during continuous renal replacement therapy in fungal sepsis: successful treatment with argatroban.

The relative effectiveness of anticoagulation strategies during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may vary according to the clinical circumstances. In this study, the case of a 46-year-old man who developed fungal mediastinitis with the pathogen Scedosporium prolificans after coronary bypass surgery is reported. Numerous debridements and multiple antifungal agents were not effective in this patient. Miltefosine, a non-Food and Drug Administration-approved agent, was started after institutional review board request and approval. CRRT was initiated with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) for clinical sepsis with acute kidney injury. Subsequently, crescendo clotting of the extracorporeal circuit (ECC) occurred. Multiple interventions, including escalating RCA, adding increasing heparin to RCA and exchanging the dialysis catheter, were not effective. Argatroban anticoagulation was started without further ECC clotting, and the patient recovered from both acute kidney injury and septic shock, despite continued miltefosine administration. Sepsis may contribute to recurrent ECC clotting. Argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, had a disproportionate effectiveness to maintain ECC patency in this patient.

Symmetrical craniofacial hypertrophy in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism and high-dose cinacalcet exposure.

We are reporting on a series of two patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, presented for surgical parathyroidectomy secondary refractory hyperparathyroidism. Both patients had failed maximized medical managements, including higher-than-usual doses of the calcimimetic cinacalcet (270 and 180 mg/day, respectively). On physical exam, both patients had marked symmetrical craniofacial hypertrophy with coarse distortion of facial features, similar in appearance to past reports of Sagliker syndrome. On X-ray and computed tomographic exam, they had peculiar areas of bone absorption on the skull, imitating the radiologic appearance of multiple myeloma. Bone biopsy of the maxilla, however, did not show the expected brown tumor, but rather described only fibrosis and reactive bone formations. This phenotype developed while being on cinacalcet, progressed despite escalation of therapy, and improved only after parathyroidectomy. Both patients developed massive "hungry bone syndrome" after parathyroidectomy necessitating prolonged i.v. calcium infusion. This pattern of severe facial distortion likely represented an adverse consequence of severe tertiary hyperparathyroidism, along with supraphysiologic dose of cinacalcet administration and 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency in sensitive individuals. The genetic base of this observation remained unexplained.

Expression of heme oxygenase-1 in thick ascending loop of henle attenuates angiotensin II-dependent hypertension.

Kidney-specific induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) attenuates the development of angiotensin II (Ang II) -dependent hypertension, but the relative contribution of vascular versus tubular induction of HO-1 is unknown. To determine the specific contribution of thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH) -derived HO-1, we generated a transgenic mouse in which the uromodulin promoter controlled expression of human HO-1. Quantitative RT-PCR and confocal microscopy confirmed successful localization of the HO-1 transgene to TALH tubule segments. Medullary HO activity, but not cortical HO activity, was significantly higher in transgenic mice than control mice. Enhanced TALH HO-1 attenuated the hypertension induced by Ang II delivered by an osmotic minipump for 10 days (139 ± 3 versus 153 ±2 mmHg in the transgenic and control mice, respectively; P<0.05). The lower blood pressure in transgenic mice associated with a 60% decrease in medullary NKCC2 transporter expression determined by Western blot. Transgenic mice also exhibited a 36% decrease in ouabain-sensitive sodium reabsorption and a significantly attenuated response to furosemide in isolated TALH segments. In summary, these results show that increased levels of HO-1 in the TALH can lower blood pressure by a mechanism that may include alterations in NKCC2-dependent sodium reabsorption.

Role of carbon monoxide in kidney function: is a little carbon monoxide good for the kidney?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenously produced gas resulting from the degradation of heme by heme oxygense or from fatty acid oxidation. Heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes are constitutively expressed in the kidney (HO-2) and HO-1 is induced in the kidney in response to several physiological and pathological stimuli. While the beneficial actions of HO in the kidney have been recognized for some time, the important role of CO in mediating these effects has not been fully examined. Recent studies using CO inhalation therapy and carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) have demonstrated that increases in CO alone can be beneficial to the kidney in several forms of acute renal injury by limiting oxidative injury, decreasing cell apoptosis, and promoting cell survival pathways. Renal CO is also emerging as a major regulator of renal vascular and tubular function acting to protect the renal vasculature against excessive vasoconstriction and to promote natriuresis by limiting sodium reabsorption in tubule cells. Within this review, recent studies on the physiological actions of CO in the kidney will be explored as well as the potential therapeutic avenues that are being developed targeting CO in the kidney which may be beneficial in diseases such as acute renal failure and hypertension.

Renal Inhibition of Heme Oxygenase-1 Increases Blood Pressure in Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension.

The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that renal medullary heme oxygenase (HO) acts as a buffer against Ang-II dependent hypertension. To test this hypothesis, renal medullary HO activity was blocked using QC-13, an imidazole-dioxolane HO-1 inhibitor, or SnMP, a classical porphyrin based HO inhibitor. HO inhibitors were infused via IRMI catheters throughout the study starting 3 days prior to implantation of an osmotic minipump which delivered Ang II or saline vehicle. MAP was increased by Ang II infusion and further increased by IRMI infusion of QC-13 or SnMP. MAP averaged 113 ± 3, 120 ± 7, 141 ± 2, 153 ± 2, and 154 ± 3 mmHg in vehicle, vehicle + IRMI QC-13, Ang II, Ang II + IRMI QC-13, and Ang II + IRMI SnMP treated mice, respectively (n = 6). Inhibition of renal medullary HO activity with QC-13 in Ang II infused mice was also associated with a significant increase in superoxide production as well as significant decreases in antioxidant enzymes catalase and MnSOD. These results demonstrate that renal inhibition of HO exacerbates Ang II dependent hypertension through a mechanism which is associated with increases in superoxide production and decreases in antioxidant enzymes.

Increased levels of platelet activation markers are positively associated with carotid wall thickness and other atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients.

The role of platelets in the development of atherosclerosis and obesity-related prothrombotic state is still under investigation. In this cross-sectional cohort study, we measured the levels of different platelet activation markers and evaluated their relationship with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) along with other atherosclerotic risk factors in obese patients with or without atherosclerotic co-morbidities. We enrolled 154 obese patients, including 98 with either hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidaemia, 56 without these co-morbidities and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Platelet P-selectin expression and the number of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) were measured by flow cytometry; soluble P-selectin levels were analysed by ELISA and Thr715Pro P-selectin polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP. Carotid IMT was examined by ultrasonography. The levels of platelet activation parameters were significantly elevated in all obese subjects with increased carotid IMT compared to healthy controls. There was no effect of Thr715Pro genotype on soluble P-selectin levels in obese individuals contrary to normal subjects. Significant and positive association was revealed between carotid IMT and platelet P-selectin (p<0.0001), soluble P-selectin (p=0.039) and PMP (p=0.0001) levels. After adjusting for multiple variables, independent association was found between soluble P-selectin and fibrinogen (p=0.007), PMP levels and body mass index (p<0.0001) as well as platelet P-selectin and carotid IMT (p=0.012) plus plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p=0.009). In conclusion, P-selectin and PMP levels showed positive associations with abnormal carotid IMT and other risk factors in obesity suggesting a critical role of enhanced platelet reactivity in atherosclerotic wall alteration.

Chronic nicotine exposure exacerbates acute renal ischemic injury.

Recent epidemiological reports showed that smoking has a negative impact on renal function and elevates the renal risk not only in the renal patient but perhaps also in the healthy population. Studies suggested that nicotine, a major tobacco alkaloid, links smoking to renal dysfunction. While several studies showed that smoking/chronic nicotine exposure exacerbates the progression of chronic renal diseases, its impact on acute kidney injury is virtually unknown. Here, we studied the effects of chronic nicotine exposure on acute renal ischemic injury. We found that chronic nicotine exposure increased the extent of renal injury induced by warm ischemia-reperfusion as evidenced by morphological changes, increase in plasma creatinine level, and kidney injury molecule-1 expression. We also found that chronic nicotine exposure elevated markers of oxidative stress such as nitrotyrosine as well as malondialdehyde. Interestingly, chronic nicotine exposure alone increased oxidative stress and injury in the kidney without morphological alterations. Chronic nicotine treatment not only increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and injury but also exacerbated oxidative stress-induced ROS generation through NADPH oxidase and mitochondria in cultured renal proximal tubule cells. The resultant oxidative stress provoked injury through JNK-mediated activation of the activator protein (AP)-1 transcription factor in vitro. This mechanism might exist in vivo as phosphorylation of JNK and its downstream target c-jun, a component of the AP-1 transcription factor, is elevated in the ischemic kidneys exposed to chronic nicotine. Our results imply that smoking may sensitize the kidney to ischemic insults and perhaps facilitates progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney injury.

Induction of heme oxygenase 1 attenuates placental ischemia-induced hypertension.

Recent in vitro studies have reported that heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) downregulates the angiostatic protein soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 from placental villous explants and that the HO-1 metabolites CO and bilirubin negatively regulate endothelin 1 and reactive oxygen species. Although soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, endothelin 1, and reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension during preeclampsia and in response to placental ischemia in pregnant rats, it is unknown whether chronic induction of HO-1 alters the hypertensive response to placental ischemia. The present study examined the hypothesis that HO-1 induction in a rat model of placental ischemia would beneficially affect blood pressure, angiogenic balance, superoxide, and endothelin 1 production in the ischemic placenta. To achieve this goal we examined the effects of cobalt protoporphyrin, an HO-1 inducer, in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) placental ischemia model and in normal pregnant rats. In response to RUPP treatment, mean arterial pressure increases 29 mm Hg (136±7 versus 106±5 mm Hg), which is significantly attenuated by cobalt protoporphyrin (118±5 mm Hg). Although RUPP treatment causes placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1/vascular endothelial growth factor ratios to alter significantly to an angiostatic balance (1.00±0.10 versus 1.27±0.20), treatment with cobalt protoporphyrin causes a significant shift in the ratio to an angiogenic balance (0.68±0.10). Placental superoxide increased in RUPP (952.5±278.8 versus 243.9±70.5 relative light units/min per milligram) but was significantly attenuated by HO-1 induction (482.7±117.4 relative light units/min per milligram). Also, the preproendothelin message was significantly increased in RUPP, which was prevented by cobalt protoporphyrin. These data indicate that HO-1, or its metabolites, is a potential therapeutic for the treatment of preeclampsia.