Diagnostic Accuracy of Direct Immunofluorescence Test on Paraffin-Embedded Blocks in Comparison with Frozen Section Blocks in Renal Biopsies.

Background: In several published research, the evaluation of renal disorders using immunofluorescence on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections versus immunofluorescence on frozen sections was compared. Each technique's accuracy varies greatly. This study's objective was to assess IF-P as a potential replacement for IF-F in the diagnosis of renal biopsy specimens. Materials and Methods: To show immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, IgM, and C3 immune deposits, proteinase K digestion of paraffin-embedded renal biopsy was standardized and used in 51 renal biopsies. Sensitivity, specificity, false-positive, and false-negative values were calculated. Results: IF-P showed a sensitivity of 93.1%, 76.9%, 63.6%, and 33.3%, and a specificity of 100%, 97.3%, 95%, and 100% for IgG, IgA, IgM, and C3, respectively. Compared to cases that had both routine IF and IF-P, 50 of 51 showed either the same amount of staining for the diagnostic immunoglobulin/complement or a small amount of difference. In most of the cases (49 of 51), diagnostic findings were found. Conclusion: IF-P is a sensitive and precise approach for assessing immune deposits in renal tissue biopsies. We come to the conclusion that IF-P serves as a beneficial salvage immunohistochemistry method for renal biopsies that do not contain enough cortical tissue for IF-F.

Oral supplementation of turmeric decreases proteinuria, hematuria, and systolic blood pressure in patients suffering from relapsing or refractory lupus nephritis: a randomized and placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite highly expensive treatments, lupus nephritis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with relapsing or refractory lupus nephritis. Meanwhile, experimental studies indicate that curcumin attenuates both the binding of autoantibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus patients to their cognate antigens and also the inflammatory responses of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-stimulated human endothelial cells. Therefore, in this study we investigated effect(s) of oral curcumin supplementation on patients suffering from relapsing or refractory lupus nephritis. DESIGN: A randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out. SETTING: The present study was conducted in Lupus clinic of Hafez Hospital, Out-Patient Department of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. PATIENTS: A total of 24 patients with relapsing or refractory biopsy-proven lupus nephritis, who were randomized in 2 groups (trial [n = 12] and control [n = 12] groups) were included in this study. INTERVENTION: With each meal, each patient in the trial group received 1 capsule for 3 months, which contained 500 mg turmeric, of which 22.1 mg was the active ingredient curcumin (3 capsules daily). The control group received 3 capsules (1 with each meal) for the same period, which contained starch and were identical in color and size to capsules given to patients in the trial group. MAIN AUTOMATIC MEASURE: Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 15.0. RESULTS: A significant decrease in proteinuria was found when comparing pre- (954.2 ± 836.6) and 1, 2, and 3 months supplementation values (448.8 ± 633.5, 235.9 ± 290.1, and 260.9 ± 106.2, respectively) in the trial group. Also, systolic blood pressure and hematuria were found to decrease significantly when pre- and post-turmeric supplementation values were compared in the trial group. However, placebo capsules did not exert any statistically significant effect on measured variables in the control group over 3 months of the study. No adverse effect related to turmeric supplementation was observed during the trial. CONCLUSION: Short-term turmeric supplementation can decrease proteinuria, hematuria, and systolic blood pressure in patients suffering from relapsing or refractory lupus nephritis and can be used as an adjuvant safe therapy for such patients.

Oral supplementation of turmeric attenuates proteinuria, transforming growth factor-ß and interleukin-8 levels in patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to type 2 diabetic nephropathy is a very common condition which is increasing in prevalence, and is associated with high global levels of mortality and morbidity. Both proteinuria and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) may contribute to the development of ESRD in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Experimental studies indicate that turmeric improves diabetic nephropathy by suppressing TGF-ß. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of turmeric on serum and urinary TGF-ß, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as proteinuria, in patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study was carried out in the Diabetes Clinic of the Outpatient Department of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences on 40 patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy, randomized into a trial group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). Each patient in the trial group received one capsule with each meal containing 500 mg turmeric, of which 22.1 mg was the active ingredient curcumin (three capsules daily) for 2 months. The control group received three capsules identical in colour and size containing starch for the same 2 months. RESULTS: Serum levels of TGF-ß and IL-8 and urinary protein excretion and IL-8 decreased significantly comparing the pre- and post-turmeric supplementation values. No adverse effects related to turmeric supplementation were observed during the trial. CONCLUSION: Short-term turmeric supplementation can attenuate proteinuria, TGF-ß and IL-8 in patients with overt type 2 diabetic nephropathy and can be administered as a safe adjuvant therapy for these patients.