[Association between long-term exposure to ambient ozone and sperm quality in Shandong Province].

Objective: To evaluate the association between long-term exposure to ambient ozone (O3) and sperm quality. Methods: From January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019, healthy sperm donors were recruited through the Human Sperm Bank of Shandong University Affiliated Reproductive Hospital. A total of 37 977 sperm donation data from 2 971 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The average annual O3 concentration (0.01°× 0.01°) was matched according to household address. A multivariate mixed-effect model was used to analyze the exposure-response relationship between the average O3 exposure concentration and sperm quality in the previous year, with each donor as a random intercept. All results were presented as % changes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all sperm parameters associated with 10 µg/m3 increases in O3. The effects of individual characteristics on the association between O3 and sperm quality were evaluated by stratified analysis. Results: The average O3 concentration in the year before semen collection was (107.09±7.50) µg/m3. Each 10 µg/m3 increase in O3 was associated with declined sperm concentration (-3.12%, 95%CI:-4.55%, -1.67%), total sperm count (-5.21%, 95%CI:-7.28%, -3.09%), total sperm motility (-1.49%, 95%CI:-2.37%, -0.61%), progressive motility (-2.53%, 95%CI:-3.78%, -1.26%), total motile sperm count (-5.82%, 95%CI:-8.17%, -3.41%), and progressively motile sperm count (-6.22%, 95%CI:-8.73%, -3.64%). Men aged 30 and above, obese, and with lower education levels might be more susceptible to the influence of O3 on sperm quality, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Long-term exposure to O3 in Shandong Province is associated with a decrease in sperm quality.

[Evaluating continence recovery time after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urinary continence recovery time and risk factors of urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2021, a consecutive series of patients with localized prostate cancer (cT1-T3, cN0, cM0) were prospectively collected. RARP with total anatomical reconstruction was performed in all the cases by an experienced surgeon. Lymph node dissection was performed if the patient was in high-risk group according to the D'Amico risk classification. The primary endpoint was urinary continence recovery time after catheter removal. Postoperative and pathological variables were analyzed. Continence was rigo-rously analyzed 48 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after catheter removal. Continence was evaluated by recording diaper pads used per day, and all the patients were instructed to perform the 24-hour pad weight test until full recovery of urinary continence. The patient was defined as continent if no more than one safety pad were needed per day, or no more than 20-gram urine leakage on the 24-hour pad weight test. Time from catheter removal to full recovery of urinary continence was recorded, and risk factors influencing continence recovery time evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 166 patients were analyzed. The mean age of the enrolled patients was 66.2 years, and the median prostate specific antigen (PSA) was 8.51 µg/L. A total of 59 patients (35.5%) had bilateral lymphatic dissection, and 28 (16.9%) underwent neurovascular bundle (NVB) preservation surgery. Postoperative pathology results showed that stage pT1 in 1 case (0.6%), stage pT2 in 77 cases (46.4%), stage pT3 in 86 cases (51.8%), and positive margins in 28 patients (16.9%). Among patients who underwent lymph node dissection, lymph node metastasis was found in 7 cases (11.9%). Median continence recovery time was one week. The number of the continent patients at the end of 48 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks were 65 (39.2%), 32 (19.3%), 34 (20.5%), 24 (14.5%), and 9 (5.4%). Two patients remained incontinent 24 weeks after catheter removal. The continence rates after catheter removal at the end of 48 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks were 39.2%, 58.4%, 78.9%, 93.4%, and 98.8%, respectively. Univariate COX analysis revealed that diabetes appeared to influence continence recovery time (OR=1.589, 95%CI: 1.025-2.462, P=0.038). At the end of 48 hours, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after catheter removal, the mean OABSS score of the continent group was significantly lower than that of the incontinent group. CONCLUSION: RARP showed promising results in the recovery of urinary continence. Diabetes was a risk factor influencing continence recovery time. Bladder overactive symptoms play an important role in the recovery of continence after RARP.

[Percutaneous renal access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided by contrast enhanced ultrasound: a single-center preliminary experience in China].

OBJECTIVE: Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an innovative technique that employs microbubble contrast agents to demonstrate parenchymal perfusion. Ultrasound contrast agent was reported to be directly used in human internal lumen to improve the observation capacity of ultrasound. However, CEUS has never been reported to be used in the guidance of percutaneous renal access in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of CEUS-guided renal access in PCNL. METHODS: In this retrospective study, percutaneous renal access was performed under real-time monitoring of CEUS during PCNL in a cohort of 20 patients with renal stones at Peking University First Hospital. Data regarding patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, therapeutic regimens, and postoperative information were collected from a comprehensive database containing comprehensive medical records of the patients undergoing PCNL. Briefly, the procedure was as follows. With the patient under general anesthesia, renal access was established by the guidance of CEUS. Afterwords, holmium laser, pneumatic or ultrasonic lithotripsy was used by the same urologist. The patient demographics, stone characteristics and procedure details were noted. Finally, appropriate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CEUS-guided percutaneous renal access in PCNL. RESULTS: All the 20 patients underwent PCNL successfully with the help of CEUS guidance for tract creation. The collecting system was successfully accessed in all the patients, and only one patient underwent re-puncture. All the patients approached through a middle-pole percutaneous access. The median puncture time was 3.9 (2.9-4.6) min, and the median operating time was 112 (98.5-134.5) min. The preliminary stone-free rate of PCNL was 95.0% (19/20) as shown by the kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) radiographs 48 h postoperation, and the median decline in hemoglobin level was 10 (5.5-14.5) g/L. Two patients had transient postoperative fever and responded well to antibiotics. In addition, no other major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: CEUS is a safe and effective alternative way of guidance for percuta-neous renal access for PCNL beginners. It makes this procedure more visualized and simpler, and produces clearer images than common ultrasonic ones. PCNL beginners might benefit from this method to shorten the learning curve of PCNL, while it warrants further comparative studies to clarify.

[Risk factors for acute rejection in living-donor kidney transplant recipients in China: a subgroup analysis of a multi-center, registry study].

Objective: To evaluate pre-and early post-transplantation risk factors for acute rejection(AR) in kidney recipients. Methods: This subgroup analysis of a multi-center registry study was conducted on living-donor kidney transplant recipients in China with 10 years of follow-up. This study analyzed 1 255 recipients including 921 males(73.4%) and with a mean age of (33±10)years. Data from patients were first analyzed with univariate analysis and then multivariate analysis was used for finding out the potential risk factors of AR. Results: A total of 106(8.4%) patients were suspected with AR after kidney transplantation, while 1 149 patients were considered as non-AR. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a significant influence of recipient age and cold ischemia time(CIT) on the occurrence of AR(OR: 0.956, 95% CI: 0.923-0.990; OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.002-1.011, respectively). The frequency of severe infection was significantly higher in the AR group than non-AR group(38.7% vs 10.8%; P<0.000 1). The occurrence of new-onset diabetes mellitus and tumors was similar in the two groups. Conclusions: Recipient age and CIT are risk factors for AR after living-donor kidney transplantation. Reducing CIT and intensive management of younger recipient could benefit kidney transplant patients.

[Effect of gum chewing on bowel function recovery in patients after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether chewing gum during the postoperative period facilitates the recovery of bowel function in patients after radical cystectomy with ileum urinary diversion. METHODS: In the study, 60 patients who underwent radical cystectomy followed by ileum urinary diversions during Nov. 2014 and Nov. 2015 in Department of Urology of Peking University First Hospital were randomized into three groups: gum chewing group, placebo group treated with the abdomen physical therapy machine and control group treated with ordinary method. Time to flatus, time to bowel movement, incidence of postoperative distension of the abdomen and abdominal pain, and gut related complications (such as ileus, intestinal fistula, and volrulus) of all the patients were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: In gum chewing group, the median time to flatus was 57 hours (49-72 hours), and the median time to bowel movement was 95 hours (88-109 hours), which were significantly shortened compared with the other two groups of patients (82 hours, 109 hours in placebo group and 81 hours, 108 hours in control group, respectively). No significant difference of the median time to flatus and to bowel movement was observed between placebo group and control group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative distension of the abdomen and abdominal pain, and gut related complications among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Chewing gum had stimulatory effect on bowel function recovery after cystectomy followed by ileum urinary diversion. Chewing gum was safe and simple, and could be routinely used for postoperative treatment after cystectomy and ileum urinary diversion.

[Diagnosis and treatment of T1a-T1b prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical pathological characteristics and improve the recognition in the diagnosis and treatment of incidental (stage T1a-T1b) prostate cancer. METHODS: Seven hundred and seventy-one patients who underwent TURP from May 2004 to September 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. In our institution, TURP specimens should be totally submitted in an extensive sampling method. The tumor area was outlined by estimation of an experienced genitourinary pathologist and calculated by the image analysis system software (Image J 1.47 h). The tumor area was then multiplied by the thickness of tissue. The total sum of all tumor volume was the estimated tumor volume. The clinical and pathological factors, follow-up results were obtained and we aimed to collect information about the period of watchful waiting (WW), PSA progression status, intervention status during the follow-up, the reason for intervention on WW and the type of intervention. RESULTS: The average age of 771 patients was (71.3±5.9) years old, and the average BMI was (23.9±3.1) kg/m2, preoperative average tPSA was (4.4±2.8) µg/L. Eighty-six (11.2%) cases of incidental prostate cancer were detected. The patients in T1a group (77 cases, 89.5%) had tumor volumes of (12.3±12.6) mm3, and the patients in T1b group had tumor volumes of (105.1±41.8) mm3.The range of tumor volume was 0.4-180.2 mm3. The volume of all the 86 cases was less than 500 mm3 as the threshold of insignificant cancer. All the patients were managed by WW. The mean follow-up time was 88.9 (27.9-150.1) months.The Gleason score was <7 in 79 patients, and ≥7 in 7 patients. There was no significant difference in age, preoperative tPSA, preoperative PSAD, postoperative tPSA, prostate volume and TURP resection between T1a group and T1b group (P>0.05). Among 84 patients without follow-up losts, PSA progression occurred in 5 patients. One T1a patient underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) as an intervention, and 3 patients underwent hormone therapy. One patient in T1b group underwent radiotherapy for PSA progression and one was treated because of patient preference without evidence of disease progression. There were no patients who died due to prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: Eighty-six (11.2%) cases of incidental prostate cancer were detected. The tumor volume of all the cases was insignificant cancer.The clinical outcomes of IPCa were satisfactory with the initial treatment of WW in the Chinese population.

Kidney injury molecule-1 expression in transplant biopsies is a sensitive measure of cell injury.

Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a specific histological biomarker for diagnosing early tubular injury on renal biopsies. In this study, KIM-1 expression was quantitated in renal transplant biopsies by immunohistochemistry and correlated with renal function. None of the 25 protocol biopsies showed detectable tubular injury on histologic examination, yet 28% had focal positive KIM-1 expression. Proximal tubule KIM-1 expression was present in all biopsies from patients with histological changes showing acute tubular damage and deterioration of kidney function. In this group, higher KIM-1 staining predicted a better outcome with improved blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over an ensuing 18 months. KIM-1 was expressed focally in affected tubules in 92% of kidney biopsies from patients with acute cellular rejection. By contrast, there was little positive staining for Ki-67, a cell proliferation marker, in any of the groups. KIM-1 expression significantly correlated with serum creatinine and BUN, and inversely with the eGFR on the biopsy day. Our study shows that KIM-1 staining sensitively and specifically identified proximal tubular injury and correlated with the degree of renal dysfunction. KIM-1 expression is more sensitive than histology for detecting early tubular injury, and its level of expression in transplant biopsies may indicate the potential for recovery of kidney function.

Urinary biomarkers in the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury.

A change in the serum creatinine is not sensitive for an early diagnosis of acute kidney injury. We evaluated urinary levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) as biomarkers for the detection of acute kidney injury. Urine samples were collected from 44 patients with various acute and chronic kidney diseases, and from 30 normal subjects in a cross-sectional study. A case-control study of children undergoing cardio-pulmonary bypass surgery included urine specimens from each of 20 patients without and with acute kidney injury. Injury was defined as a greater than 50% increase in the serum creatinine within the first 48 h after surgery. The biomarkers were normalized to the urinary creatinine concentration at 12, 24, and 36 h after surgery with the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve compared for performance. In the cross-sectional study, the area under the curve for MMP-9 was least sensitive followed by KIM-1 and NAG. Combining all three biomarkers achieved a perfect score diagnosing acute kidney injury. In the case-control study, KIM-1 was better than NAG at all time points, but combining both was no better than KIM-1 alone. Urinary MMP-9 was not a sensitive marker in the case-control study. Our results suggest that urinary biomarkers allow diagnosis of acute kidney injury earlier than a rise in serum creatinine.

Development of a Screening Tool to Predict Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Post-nephrectomy Living Kidney Donors.

Few studies have examined the long-term risks of kidney removal to donors despite the increase of frequency in kidney transplantation. This is the 1st study to develop prediction models of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the 1-year period after donor nephrectomy in living donors. A prospective cohort of patients who underwent donor nephrectomy from March 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016, at the Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea, was used. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. GFR was estimated with the use of the abbreviated Modification in Diet and Renal Disease Study equation. Patients with a previous CKD history or estimated GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded, and those with 1-year post-nephrectomy follow-up were included. Among 440 patients who underwent donor nephrectomy, 144 (32.7%) developed a first-time onset of a GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 by 1 year after surgery. Our logistic regression models derived from these 3 variables predicted CKD with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.796, an accuracy of 70.9%, and a sensitivity of 66.2% and specificity of 80.6%. This model could assist with decision making about potential donors and for surveillance of those at risk of post-nephrectomy CKD.

Long-term Follow-up of Living Kidney Donors With Chronic Kidney Disease at 1 Year After Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although renal function recovery of living kidney donors has been reported in a number of studies, many patients show poor recovery, and the long-term prognosis of these patients has not been well studied. In this investigation we explored the long-term prognosis of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 1 year after nephrectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent donor nephrectomy during the period from March 2006 to April 2014, with a follow-up creatinine study at 1 year postoperatively and more than 3 years of follow-up, were included in the study. Creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) before and after surgery were studied. Age, sex, history of hypertension or diabetes, body mass index, blood pressure, complete blood count, preoperative routine serum chemistry, and urine study results were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 841 patients who had donor nephrectomy, 362 were included in the study. There were 111 patients (30.6%) with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year postsurgery, and the median follow-up period was 62.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 42.0-86.3 months). The maximum eGFR after 3-year follow-up was studied, and 48 patients (43.2%) never recovered eGFR to >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Age, history of hypertension, preoperative eGFR, and eGFR at 1 year were predictive factors at univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis of these factors was studied, and age (52.5 [IQR 47-55.7] vs 47 [IQR 7-53] years, odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.15, P = .007), history of hypertension (16.7% vs 1.6%, OR 10.0, 95% CI 1.09-92.49, P = .042), and eGFR at 1 year (53.9 [IQR 50.3-56.0] vs 57.0 [IQR 54.2-58.4] mL/min/1.73 m2, OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.72-0.92, P = .002) remained as significant risk factors. CONCLUSION: Of all living donors, 15.7% had CKD after >3 years of follow-up. Close observation is warranted when donors have CKD after 1 year follow-up, as 43.2% fail to recover renal function. Patients who are older, have a history of hypertension, and have low eGFR at 1-year follow-up are especially at risk.

Delayed Recovery of Renal Function After Donor Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Many living kidney donors are still at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1 year after nephrectomy. Although some donors still experience poor renal function, many exhibit delayed recovery of renal function afterwards. We studied the factors related to delayed recovery of renal function in patients with CKD at 1 year after nephrectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent donor nephrectomy from March 2006 to April 2014 with a follow-up creatinine study at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and after 3 years of follow-up were included in the study. Age, sex, history of hypertension or diabetes, body mass index, blood pressure, complete blood cell count, preoperative routine serum chemistry, and urine study results were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 275 donors, 83 (30.2%) who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 1 year of follow-up were included in the study, and the eGFR was observed during a median follow-up of 62.0 months (interquartile range [IQR], 48.9-83.1 months). Those who had improvements in eGFR of >5 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included in the recovery group (n = 48 [57.8%]), and those who did not were included in the nonrecovery group (n = 35 [42.2%]). The preoperative and 1-year follow-up eGFR did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, and the maximum eGFR after 3 years was higher in the recovery group (68.68 mL/min/1.73 m2 [IQR, 61.81-75.64 mL/min/1.73 m2] vs 55.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 [IQR, 51.73-58.29 mL/min/1.73 m2]; P < .001). The recovery group was more likely to have a history of hypertension (4.2% vs 20%; P = .032), a lower body mass index (24.11 kg/m2 [IQR, 22.04-25.20 kg/m2] vs 25.25 kg/m2 [IQR, 23.23-26.44 kg/m2]; P = .01), and a lower preoperative uric acid level (4.7 mg/dL [IQR, 3.8-5.4 mg/dL] vs 5.3 mg/dL [IQR, 4.4-6.2 mg/dL]; P = .031). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, history of hypertension (odds ratio, 0.131; P = .022) and uric acid level (odds ratio, 0.641; P = .036,) remained as significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although 30.2% of donors had CKD at 1 year after nephrectomy, 57.8% reported improved renal function. Those with a history of hypertension and high preoperative uric acid levels were less likely to have improvements in renal function and required close follow-up.

Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Living Kidney Donors.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is known to result in a decline in renal allograft function and survival of recipients; however, the effect of smoking on living kidney donors remains unknown. In this study we evaluated the impact of cigarette smoking on renal function of kidney donors. METHODS: Among 1056 donors who underwent nephrectomy, 612 completed the 6-month follow-up protocol and were enrolled in the study. The association of smoking status, including pack-years smoking history, and postoperative renal function was evaluated. RESULTS: Among donors, 68.1% had never smoked, 8% were former smokers, and 23.9% were current smokers. Donors who never smoked were older than former and current smokers (42.3 ± 11.8, 41.9 ± 11.1, and 38.3 ± 10.9 years, respectively; P < .001). There was no difference in preoperative renal function between groups; however, postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in former and current smokers than in those who never smoked (64.6 ± 13.8, 64.7 ± 12.3, and 67.8 ± 13.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; P = .023). In former and current smokers, pack-years smoking history was negatively associated with pre- and postoperative eGFR (r = -0.305 and -0.435, P < .001), and correlated with postoperative percent eGFR decline (r = 0.248, P < .001). Smoking history was associated with postoperative development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Especially in former smokers, a smoking history of more than 12 pack-years was strongly associated with development of CKD (odds ratio = 7.5, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Even if they no longer smoke, donors with a smoking history require close observation due to increased risk of CKD development after kidney donation. A detailed pack-years smoking history should be obtained, and smoking cessation strategies should be implemented in kidney donors.

Renoprotective Effects of Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecule 3 in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of a soluble carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM) in cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in vitro. METHODS: The effects of CORM-3 (12.5-200 µM) were assessed in normal kidney epithelial cells (HK-2, LLC-PK1) and renal cancer cells (Caki-1, Caki-2) subjected to cisplatin (50-200 µM) or IRI. To induce IRI, cells were placed in an anaerobic chamber (37°C, 95% nitrogen, 5% carbon dioxide) for 48 hours. Cells were transferred to complete medium and incubated at 37°C, 5% carbon dioxide for 6 hours. Cell viability (CCK assays), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α messenger RNA (mRNA) levels (quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), and protein expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and oxidative stress markers (including Erk1/2, JNK, and P38; Western blot) were assessed. RESULTS: Viability after IRI was approximately 40% of control. Protective effects of CORM-3 in the IRI model were dose-dependent. Cell viability was 40% recovered in 200-µM CORM-3-pretreated cells compared with control. The protective effects of CORM-3 in cells exposed to cisplatin for 24 hours were weaker than in the IRI model. TNF-α mRNA was induced by stimulated IRI or cisplatin exposure; CORM-3 pretreatment attenuated the rise in TNF-α mRNA. IRI or cisplatin-induced activated oxidative stress markers decreased in CORM-3-pretreated cells. CORM-3 reduced expression of the apoptotic marker cleaved-caspase 3. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the protective effects of CORM-3 in cisplatin cytotoxicity and IRI in both normal kidney cells and renal cancer cells in vitro. CORM-3 exerts these effects by ameliorating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.

Investigating Serum Uric Acid as a Risk Factor in the Development of Delayed Renal Recovery in Living Kidney Donors.

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia has been associated with kidney disease and remains controversial with regard to its gender-specific differences and impact in living kidney donation. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2015, charts of live kidney donors who underwent nephrectomy and had a minimum follow-up of 1 year were reviewed. A total of 291 donors were included and divided based on gender-specific pre-donation serum uric acid (SUA) tertiles. Renal functional outcomes included were estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6-month and 1-year follow-up and percentage of donors with a 1-year eGFR <60 mL/min/1.72 m2. Logistic regression analysis was done. RESULTS: Mean SUA tertiles were 5.8 ± 1.1 mg/dL in males and 4.1 ± 1 mg/dL in females. Females in the highest tertile (SUA >4.5 mg/dL) had lower 6-month (59.9 ± 10.3 vs 66.9 ± 14.1 vs 67.3 ± 12.1; P = .018) and 1-year (60.8 ± 10.6 vs 67.6 ± 10.8 vs 67.8 ± 11.8; P = .021) eGFR and a higher percentage of donors with 1-year eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (59.5% vs 31.6% vs 23%; P = .002) compared with donors in the lower SUA tertiles (≤4.5 mg/dL). In males, there were similar eGFRs among SUA tertiles at 6-month and 1-year follow-up. In multivariate analysis, SUA was shown to be a significant predictor of developing stage 3 CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.72 m2), 1 year after donation in females but not in males. CONCLUSIONS: Predonation SUA level is associated with the development of delayed renal recovery (GFR <60 mL/min/1.72 m2) 1 year after donation in females but not in males.

Usefulness of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Scanning as a Replacement for Diethylenetriamine Pentaacetic Acid.

BACKGROUND: Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) can predict postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a live kidney donor. Accordingly, we compared predicted eGFR measured by use of DTPA and MDCT. METHODS: From January 2013 to May 2015, 264 live kidney donors were enrolled. All donors underwent preoperative DTPA and MDCT, and bilateral renal cortex volume was measured by use of MDCT. We estimated DTPA-eGFR [remaining split renal function (%) × preoperative eGFR] and Vol-eGFR [remaining renal volume/total renal volume (%) × preoperative eGFR] and analyzed DTPA-eGFR, Vol-eGFR, and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-eGFR during week 1 and in months 1, 3, and 6. Additionally, we compared DTPA-eGFR and Vol-eGFR by use of the formula ΔeGFR (maximum eGFR minus minimum eGFR during 6 months). RESULTS: The mean DTPA-eGFR and Vol-eGFR values (mL/min/1.73 m2) were 52.97 ± 10.32 and 51.26 ± 10.26, respectively. Predictions of the dominant side did not agree in 113 of 303 (37.3%) cases. Postoperative MDRD-eGFR exhibited a statistically significant correlation with total renal volume, DTPA-eGFR, and Vol-eGFR (P < .0001). A significant correlation was found between ΔeGFR and total renal volume, DTPA-eGFR, and Vol-eGFR (P < .0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to predict the possibility of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 6 months, using DTPA-eGFR and Vol-eGFR, which indicated that DTPA-eGFR (area under the curve = 0.858; P < .0001) and Vol-eGFR (area under the curve = 0.878; P < .0001) could predict chronic kidney disease class III at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: MDRD-eGFR, Vol-eGFR, and DTPA-eGFR were significantly correlated. Moreover, Vol-eGFR and DTPA-eGFR exhibited high predictive value for chronic kidney disease class III at 6 months, whereas Vol-eGFR was a good predictor of renal function recovery.

Impact of the Ratio of Visceral to Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Donor Nephrectomy Patients.

OBJECTIVE: It was reported that a metabolic syndrome affected the remaining renal function after living donor nephrectomy. However, the measurement of waist circumference is unclear because it cannot distinguish between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). We investigate the clinical correlation between body adipose tissue and renal function recovery after living donor nephrectomy. METHODS: From July 2013 to February 2015, 75 living kidney donors were enrolled. The VAT and SAT were measured by preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Body mass index (BMI), VAT, SAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio were analyzed according to a postoperative renal function recovery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was performed to predict estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at postoperative 6 months for BMI, VAT, SAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio. RESULTS: The lowest value of eGFR (57.52 ± 11.20 mL/min/1.73 m2) was measured at postoperative day 7. There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between 1 month and 3 months. BMI, VAT, SAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio showed a statistically significant correlation with each other (Pearson correlation, P < .05). Also, the recovery time of eGFR was correlated with VAT-to-SAT ratio; it was significant at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months. VAT-to-SAT ratio (0.654, 95% confidence interval 0.525-0.783, P = .024) had higher predictive value in ROC. CONCLUSION: We developed a new variable to predict the value of lower eGFR (less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at a postoperative 6 months in living kidney donor. According to a CT scan, VAT-to-SAT ratio can predict renal function recovery.

Clinical Investigation Into Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin and Body Adipose Tissue Associated With Remaining Renal Function in Living Kidney Donor.

OBJECTIVE: Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) is known to increase in proportion to the degree and period of renal damage. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of pNGAL and body adipose tissue to remaining renal function in living kidney donors. METHODS: Between July 2013 and February 2015, 75 live kidney donors were enrolled. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VAT/SAT ratio were measured in preoperative CT scan which performed before surgery. We analyzed the correlation among the variables (VAT, SAT, and VAT/SAT ratio), eGFR and pNGAL. ΔpNGAL-max(=Maximum pNGAL-measures), ΔpNGAL-min(=Minimum pNGAL-measures), ΔeGFR-max(=Maximum eGFR-measures) and ΔeGFR-min(=Minimum eGFR-measures) were also analyzed. RESULTS: The highest value of pNGAL (207.46 ± 76 ng/mL) was observed on postoperative day 7, and the lowest value of eGFR (57.52 ± 11.20 mL/min/1.73 m2) was also measured on postoperative day 7. A significant correlation was found between ΔpNGAL, VAT, and VAT-to-SAT ratio. Moreover, a significant correlation between ΔpNGALmin and ΔeGFRmin was revealed. Also, VAT-to-SAT ratio was correlated with ΔeGFRmin during the all of the follow-up periods, and it was also correlated with ΔpNGALmin until postoperative day 3. CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between the elevation of pNGAL until postoperative day 5 and the decrease of eGFR after living donor nephrectomy. VAT-to-SAT ratio had a significant correlation with both ΔpNGALmin and eGFRmin. Given the metabolism of pNGAL, the increase of pNGAL seemed to be affected as a consequence of body adipose tissue.

Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Living Kidney Donors.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the association between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and renal function of living kidney donors and evaluate AAC as a surrogate marker for nephrosclerosis. METHODS: Between January 2010 and March 2013, 287 donors who underwent living donor nephrectomy were enrolled. We analyzed computed tomography angiographies and quantified AAC scores by calculating the Agatston score for the abdominal aorta. The donors were stratified into the non-AAC group (AAC score = 0; n = 238) and the AAC group (AAC score >0; n = 49). The relationship between AAC and perioperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was analyzed. For the 180 donors consenting to implantation biopsy, the nephrosclerosis score was defined as the sum of abnormalities, including glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and arteriosclerosis. RESULTS: The mean AAC score was 185.5 ± 263.3 in the AAC group. The AAC group was older than the non-AAC group (51.1 ± 6.1 vs 37.9 ± 11 years; P < .001). Perioperative renal function was not different between the 2 groups. However, among the AAC group, donors with an AAC score of >100 were associated with delayed renal function recovery (P = .035). Donors with AAC were more likely to have glomerulosclerosis (50.0% vs 29.1%; P = .022), tubular atrophy (62.5% vs 33.1%; P = .002), and a higher nephrosclerosis score (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Living donors with an AAC score of >100 require close observation because they have a higher probability of delayed renal function recovery after donation. AAC is associated with nephrosclerosis in healthy adults.

Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipoprotein in Living Kidney Donors.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker for acute kidney injury. This study was conducted to determine the clinical implications of perioperative plasma NGAL levels for renal function after living donor nephrectomy. METHODS: Between July 2013 and May 2014, 112 donors underwent live donor nephrectomy at our institution. Donor plasma NGAL levels were measured perioperatively for 6 months. The relationship between perioperative plasma NGAL and recovery of renal function was analyzed. Renal function was estimated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. RESULTS: Mean preoperative NGAL was 62.1 ± 29.5 ng/mL. Plasma NGAL was most elevated 1 week postoperatively (218 ± 95.5 ng/mL), and stabilized after 1 month (122.9 ± 45.3 ng/mL). Preoperative plasma NGAL was not correlated with donor age or preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), but was negatively correlated with 6-month eGFR (r = -0.458, P < .001). During the observation period, plasma NGAL at 1 week was most correlated with 6-month eGFR (r = -0.554, P < .001). An ROC curve analysis showed that age, preoperative eGFR, and 1-week postoperative plasma NGAL were highly predictive of developing of chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2), 6 months postoperatively (AUC = 0.91, P < .001). One-week postoperative plasma NGAL was also independently associated with CKD risk at 6 months (odds ratio: 1.13 for each 10 ng/mL increase, P = .013). CONCLUSION: Plasma NGAL becomes elevated after kidney donation and can provide information about acute kidney injury during the compensatory hyperfiltration period. Donors with increased perioperative plasma NGAL require close observation because their possibility of developing CKD after donation may be greater.

Clinical assessment of lipid profiles in live kidney donors.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal serum lipid profiles are an issue in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the clinical ramifications of dyslipidemia in live kidney donors are unclear. Thus, we explored the relationship between serum lipids and residual renal function in living donors post-nephrectomy. METHODS: Charts of living donors who underwent nephrectomy between January 2010 and March 2013 were reviewed, targeting those with 6-month follow-up examinations at minimum. Altogether, 282 donors were studied, examining total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels assayed before donation by standard techniques. Median follow-up time was 14 months. The relationship between postoperative renal function and allograft biopsy results was assessed. Recursive partitioning was applied to identify optimal cut-off points for each parameter. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) serum TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels were 183 (161-205) mg/dL, 86 (63-131) mg/dL, 108 (92-128) mg/dL, and 53 (44-62) mg/dL, respectively. The glomerular filtration rate at last follow-up was associated with TC (r = -0.187; P = .002) and LDL (r = -0.172; P = .005) levels, but showed no correlation with TG and HDL. Root nodes of TC and LDL determinations in recursive partitioning were 170.5 mg/dL and 80.5 mg/dL, respectively, serving as thresholds for further evaluation. On logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of CKD (glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) at last follow-up was greater in donors with elevated TC and LDL levels (odds ratio = 1.96 and 3.33; P = .021 and .029, respectively). CONCLUSION: Kidney donors with serum TC and LDL elevations require close observation, given their demonstrable predisposition to CKD after donation.