[Interest of microalbuminuria in preventing kidney damage during systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) under corticoid therapy]. / Intérêt de la microalbuminurie dans la prévention des atteintes rénales au cours du lupus érythémateux disséminé (LED) sous corticothérapie.

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of microalbuminuria in preventing kidney damage in systemic lupus erythemathosus. This was a prospective study of 6 months has focused on 25 patients of both sexes aged over 14 with SLE whose diagnosis was based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, having a negative proteinuria at the dipstick (Ketodiastix(®)) and a balance sheet normal renal (creatinine and uraemia normal). Each month, samples of venous blood were achieved at the elbow in patients fasted for the night (12pm). The serum obtained was used for measurement of creatinine and urea, according to conventional methods, by a Hitachi 902(®) automated random type. The determination of urinary albumin by immuno-nephelometric method (Hitachi 902(®)), in search of microalbuminuria has involved the collection of urine over 24 hours in a sterile jar containing crystals of thymol as an antiseptic. In the presence of microalbuminuria, the dose of prednisone was progressively increased by 5 mg until no microalbuminuria. We found: 1) that creatinine and blood urea remained normal during the 6 months of study, 2) the disappearance of microalbuminuria first two months after increasing the daily dose of corticosteroid with a significant decrease of albuminuria from day 0 to day 180 (p = 0.001, day 180 vs day 0), 3) a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.13. In conclusion, the regular dosage and systematic albuminuria to microalbuminuria appears to be a reliable means for diagnosis of lupus glomerulonephritis in the subclinical stage to prevent renal complications that occur during the Supported Lupus erythematosus.

Effects of high-fat diets on inflammation and antioxidant status in rats : comparison between palm olein and olive oil.

Palm olein (PO) and olive oil (OO) are widely consumed in the world. PO is considered harmful to health, whereas OO is considered healthy. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of consumption of these oils on antioxidant status and inflammation in rats. This was an experimental study in male wistar rats fed a diet containing 30% of each oil. Rats had free access to food and water. After being fed for 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed and liver and aortic blood were collected. Plasma was used for the determination of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and oxidative stress parameters (Superoxide dismutase -SOD; Gluthation peroxidase - GPx; Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS; Thiol groups and isoprostane). The inflammation and oxidative stress status as well as the expression of several genes/proteins were also analyzed in liver homogenate. No significant differences were observed between PO and OO in plasma and liver levels of the studied inflammation and oxidative stress parameters. This study showed that the consumption of PO induces an antioxidant status superimposable to that of OO.   Key words : Palm olein - Olive oil - Oxidative stress - Inflammation - High fat diet.