Effects of Yinzhihuang on Alleviating Cyclosporine A-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury via Farnesoid X Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Transporters and Enzymes in Vitro and in Vivo.

Yinzhihuang (YZH), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, was widely used to treat cholestasis. Cholestatic liver injury limited the use of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) in preventing organ rejection after solid organ transplantation. Clinical evidences suggested that YZH could enhance bile acids and bilirubin clearance, providing a potential therapeutic strategy against CsA-induced cholestasis. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether YZH can effectively alleviate CsA-induced cholestatic liver injury, as well as the molecular mechanisms responsible for its hepatoprotective effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of YZH on CsA-induced cholestatic liver injury and explore its molecular mechanisms in vivo and vitro. The results demonstrated that YZH significantly improved the CsA-induced cholestatic liver injury and reduced the level of liver function markers in serum of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Targeted protein and gene analysis indicated that YZH increased bile acids and bilirubin efflux into bile through the regulation of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), bile salt export pump (Bsep), sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (Oatp2) transport systems, as well as upstream nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor (Fxr). Moreover, YZH modulated enzymes involved in bile acids synthesis and bilirubin metabolism including Cyp family 7 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp7a1) and uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (Ugt1a1). Furthermore, the active components geniposidic acid, baicalin and chlorogenic acid exerted regulated metabolic enzymes and transporters in LO2 cells. In conclusion, YZH may prevent CsA-induced cholestasis by regulating the transport systems, metabolic enzymes, and upstream nuclear receptors Fxr to restore bile acid and bilirubin homeostasis. These findings highlight the potential of YZH as a therapeutic intervention for CsA-induced cholestasis and open avenues for further research into its clinical applications.

Effect of Wuzhi capsules on cyclosporine A concentration in children with aplastic anemia immunotherapy: a single-center observational study.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to assess the effect of Wuzhi capsules (WZC) on the blood concentration of cyclosporine A (CsA) in renal aplastic anemia recipients. METHODS: This observational study was carried out at the Hematology Oncology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital between November 2019 and February 2020. A total of 102 Chinese AA recipients receiving CsA (6 mg/kg/d) with or without WZC were included in this study. Baseline data, such as age, therapeutic drug monitoring data, and follow-up information were collected. The promotion concentration of CsA was calculated, and the pharmaceutical economics evaluation with combination of two drugs was also carried out. RESULTS: Dose- and body weight-adjusted trough concentrations (C0/D/W) of CsA in the WZC group were found to be significantly higher than that in the non-WZC group (P < 0.01). The average C0 of CsA increased by (63.27 ± 45.81) ng/mL. The incidence of adverse events was also not statistically significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: WZC can increase CsA concentration without increasing adverse drug reactions. Efficient and convenient immunosuppressive effects on AA recipients can be achieved via immunosuppressant therapy in combination with WZC.

Oral cyclosporine is effective in stabilizing active vitiligo: Results of a randomized controlled trial.

Oral dexamethasone mini pulse (OMP) is an established treatment modality for active vitiligo. Cyclosporine may have therapeutic role in active vitiligo but current evidence supporting its role is scarce. The objective of study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral cyclosporine with OMP in patients of active vitiligo. Fifty patients with active vitiligo were randomized into two groups of 25 patients. Group 1 was treated with OMP (2.5 mg dexamethasone) on two consecutive days/week for 4 months while group 2 was treated with cyclosporine (3 mg/kg/day) for 4 months. Laboratory monitoring was performed as per the prevalent protocol. The patients were followed up for another 2 months after stopping treatment. Arrest of disease progression (ADP) was defined as change of vitiligo disease activity score from 4+ to 3+ (time elapsed since last disease activity being more than 6 weeks upto 3 months) during the study period (6 months). ADP was attained in 21 patients in group 1 and 22 patients in group 2 (84% vs. 88%, p = 1.00) at the end of 6 months. However, mean time to achieve ADP was significantly lower in group 2 as compared to group 1 (10.92 [4.12] weeks vs. 13.90 [3.92] weeks, p = 0.01). Extent of repigmentation, improvement in patient assessment score, vitiligo quality of life and clinical markers of disease activity were marginal and comparable in both groups. Cyclosporine leads to earlier disease stabilization in active vitiligo as compared to OMP. Although considered a rescue drug in dermatology, low dose cyclosporine can be an effective therapeutic alternative in vitiligo patients.

Bioenergetic maladaptation and release of HMGB1 in calcineurin inhibitor-mediated nephrotoxicity.

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are potent immunosuppressive agents, universally used following solid organ transplantation to prevent rejection. Although effective, the long-term use of CNIs is associated with nephrotoxicity. The etiology of this adverse effect is complex, and effective therapeutic interventions remain to be determined. Using a combination of in vitro techniques and a mouse model of CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity, we found that the CNIs, cyclosporine A (CsA), and tacrolimus (TAC) share a similar mechanism of tubular epithelial kidney cell injury, including mitochondrial dysfunction and release of High-Mobility Group Box I (HMGB1). CNIs promote bioenergetic reprogramming due to mitochondrial dysfunction and a shift toward glycolytic metabolism. These events were accompanied by diminished cell-to-cell adhesion, loss of the epithelial cell phenotype, and release of HMGB1. Notably, Erk1/2 inhibitors effectively diminished HMGB1 release, and similar inhibitor was observed on inclusion of pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-FMK. In vivo, while CNIs activate tissue proremodeling signaling pathways, MAPK/Erk1/2 inhibitor prevented nephrotoxicity, including diminished HMGB1 release from kidney epithelial cells and accumulation in urine. In summary, HMGB1 is an early indicator and marker of progressive nephrotoxicity induced by CNIs. We suggest that proremodeling signaling pathway and loss of mitochondrial redox/bioenergetics homeostasis are crucial therapeutic targets to ameliorate CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity.

Vitiligo: an update on systemic treatments.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by depigmented macules and patches, and has a huge psychosocial impact on patients. Treatment of vitiligo aims to prevent the spread of disease and facilitate repigmentation of affected lesions. The mainstay of treatment for unstable vitiligo has been topical agents (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors) and phototherapy. However, systemic treatments are increasingly being shown to have a significant impact on the course of the disease as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. Of note, oral mini-pulsed corticosteroid therapy, methotrexate, minocycline, ciclosporin, Janus kinase inhibitors and certain supplements have been used in the systemic treatment of vitiligo. We review the underlying evidence supporting the use of each of these systemic treatments.

Abordaje Terapéutico de Agrandamiento Gingival Influenciado por Ciclosporina y Nifedipino. Reporte de Caso / Therapeutic Approach of Gingival Enlargement Influenced by Cyclosporine and Nifedipine. Case Report

RESUMEN: Este reporte de caso muestra un paciente atendido en el Postítulo de Periodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile con diagnóstico de Agrandamiento Gingival influenciado por ciclosporina y nifedipino. El abordaje terapéutico consideró la fase sistémica, la fase higiénica con el tratamiento periodontal no quirúrgico para lograr la eliminación de la infección periodontal antes y después de la fase quirúrgica, y la fase de terapia de soporte periodontal. Se logró así la eliminación de los agrandamientos gingivales influenciados por ciclosporina y nifedipino.

ABSTRACT: This case report shows a patient attended in the Postgraduate Periodontics Program at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Chile with a diagnosis of Gingival Enlargement influenced by cyclosporine and nifedipine. The therapeutic approach considered the systemic phase, the hygienic phase with the non-surgical periodontal treatment to achieve the elimination of the periodontal infection before and after the surgical phase, and the phase of periodontal support therapy. Thus, the elimination of gingival enlargements influenced by cyclosporine and nifedipine was achieved.

Le choix thérapeutique : médicaments du psoriasis et grossesse avant, pendant et après la grossesse.

Psoriasis typically affects young adults and therefore many women with a desire to become pregnant or already pregnant. In this particular situation, treatment can be a real challenge for some patients, especially in the case of severe forms. In addition to local treatments, which are generally well tolerated, UVB phototherapy and cyclosporin remain the first-line systemic treatments. Acitretin and methotrexate are contraindicated. Safety data regarding the administration of biologic agents during pregnancy, are reassuring, the main adverse event being immunosuppression of the newborn if treatment is not discontinued. Biologic agents should ideally be discontinued before pregnancy, but in case of absolute necessity, they can be maintained or even initiated during pregnancy. Overall, it is recommended that biologic agents should not be continued beyond the second trimester because of the risk of maternal-fetal infection. If a biologic agent should be initiated during pregnancy, tanercept or certolizumab will be preferred, because of their low transplacental passage and more extensive safety data.

Combination Therapy of Acarbose and Cyclosporine a Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Dermatitis in Mice.

Moderate to severe psoriasis, an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, adversely affects patients' lives. Cyclosporin A (CsA), an effective immunomodulator, is used to treat psoriasis. CsA is ineffective at low doses and toxic at high doses. Acarbose (Acar), a common antidiabetic drug with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, reduces imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis severity. Combinations of systemic drugs are generally more efficacious and safer than higher doses of single drugs. We observed that mice treated with a combination of Acar (250 mg/kg) and low-dose CsA (10 or 20 mg/kg) exhibited significantly milder IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis and smoother back skin than those treated with Acar (250 mg/kg), low-dose CsA (10 or 20 mg/kg), or IMQ alone. The combination therapy significantly reduced serum and skin levels of Th17-related cytokines (interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22, and IL-23) and the Th1-related cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared with Acar, low-dose CsA, and IMQ alone. Additionally, the combination therapy significantly reduced the percentages of IL-17- and IL-22-producing CD4+ T-cells (Th17 and Th22 cells, respectively) and increased that of Treg cells. Our data suggested that Acar and low-dose CsA in combination alleviates psoriatic skin lesions by inhibiting inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the effects of immunomodulatory drugs in psoriasis treatment.

Costus afer leaf extract protects against testicle damage caused by cyclosporine A in adult male Wistar rats through an antioxidant mechanism.

Cyclosporine A is one of the most widely used drugs in organ transplant and oncology patients. But its use is accompanied by many toxicities. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of Costus afer (C. afer) leaf extract on cyclosporine A-induced testicular toxicity. This study was carried out on 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, C. afer, cyclosporine A and cyclosporine A+ C. afer groups. The investigations include genital weight, sperm count and characters, serum luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone, testicular tissue contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Besides, a histopathological examination of testicular tissue stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E) was performed. Cyclosporine A+ C. afer group showed a significant increase in the genital weight, serum testosterone, sperm count, motility and viability. Besides, the extract significantly decreased testicular content of MDA and increased SOD, CAT and GSHPx. C. afer coadministration significantly decreased serum LH and sperm abnormalities and protected against testicular histopathological alterations. The extract showed a protective effect against testicular toxicity associated with cyclosporine A and that was through an antioxidant mechanism.

CNS Delivery and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Intranasally Administered Cyclosporine-A in Cationic Nanoformulations.

The main objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the CNS delivery efficiency, distribution, therapeutic efficacy, and safety of cyclosporine A (CSA) using a cationic oil-in-water nanoemulsion system upon intranasal administration. An omega-3 fatty acid-rich, flaxseed oil-based nanoemulsion was used for intranasal delivery to the brain, and further magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate and confirm the transport of the positively charged CSA nanoemulsion (CSA-NE) in CNS. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory potential of CSA peptide was evaluated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of neuroinflammation in rats. CSA-NE showed a good safety profile when tested in vitro in RPMI 2650 cells. Upon intranasal administration in rats, the nanoemulsion delivery system showed higher uptake in major regions of the brain based on changes in MRI T1 (longitudinal relaxation time) values. Additionally, CSA nanoemulsion showed improved therapeutic efficacy by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines in the LPS-stimulated rat model of neuroinflammation compared with solution formulation. Preliminary safety evaluations show that the nanoemulsion system was well tolerated and did not cause any acute negative effects in rats. Based on these results, intranasal delivery of CSA and other "neuroprotective peptides" may provide a clinically translatable strategy for treating neurologic diseases.

Evaluating the novel application of cyclosporine 0.1% in ocular surface disease.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular surface disease (OSD) is a highly prevalent symptomatic condition caused by dry eye disease (DED), intrinsic, environmental, or iatrogenic causes. It affects patient's visual function and quality of life. Its pathophysiology is centered on tear hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and epithelial damage. Current management is suboptimal and includes artificial tear supplementation and short-term use of topical steroids in severe cases. The recent approval of cyclosporine 0.1% has transformed management strategies of severe DED and moderate-to-severe OSD. Areas covered: This review summarizes existing information on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the new cyclosporine 0.1% formulation. Expert opinion: Topical cyclosporine A 0.1% represents a promising, novel medication for the management of DED, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and inflammatory OSD. It is primarily beneficial for those patients requiring topical immunomodulatory therapy. This topical formulation also has the potential to meaningfully improve the management of moderate-to-severe glaucoma therapy-related OSD. Currently there is limited published clinical data concerning the efficacy of topical cyclosporine. There are, however, theoretical advantages when comparing this cyclosporine formulation with other established commercial preparations. Future research is needed to delineate the precise role and value of this medication.

Reversal of drug-induced gingival overgrowth by UV-mediated apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts - an in vitro study.

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is an undesirable result of certain drugs like Cyclosporine A (CsA). Histopathology of GO shows hyperplasia of gingival epithelium, expansion of connective tissue with increased collagen, or a combination. Factors such as age, gender, oral hygiene, duration, and dosage also influence onset and severity of GO. One of the mechanisms behind uncontrolled cell proliferation in drug-induced GO is inhibition of apoptotic pathways, with a consequent effect on normal cell turnover. Our objective was to determine if UV photo-treatment would activate apoptosis in the gingival fibroblast component. Human gingival fibroblast cells (HGF-1) were exposed to 200ng/ml or 400ng/ml CsA and maintained for 3, 6, and 9 days, followed by UV radiation for 2, 5, or 10min (N=6). Naïve (no CsA or UV), negative (UV, no CsA), and positive controls (CsA, no UV) were designated. Prior to UV treatment, growth media was replaced with 1M PBS to prevent absorption of UV radiation by serum proteins, and cells were incubated in growth media for 24h post-UV before processing for TUNEL assay, cell proliferation assays, or immunofluorescence. Data showed a temporal increase in proliferation of HGF-1 cells under the influence of CsA. The 200ng/ml dose was more effective in causing over-proliferation. UV treatment for 10min resulted in significant reduction in cell numbers, as evidenced by counts and proliferation assays. Our study is a first step to further evaluate UV-mediated apoptosis as a mechanism to control certain forms of GO.

Eficacia y seguridad de ustekinumab en comparación con infliximab y etanercept en pacientes con psoriasis vulgar severa y artritis psoriasica con respuesta inadecuada a fototerapia y a terapia sistémica convencional, con especial enfoque en el riesgo de reactivación de TBC / Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab compared to infliximab and etanercept in patients with severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with inadequate response to phototherapy and conventional systemic therapy, with a special focus on the risk of reactivation of TBC

INTRODUCCIÓN: El presente dictamen expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad de ustekinumab en pacientes con psoriasis vulgar severa y artritis psoriásica, con respuesta inadecuada a fototerapia y a terapia sistémica convencional, con especial enfoque en la reactivación de TBC. Tal como se describe en el Dictamen Preliminar de Evaluación de Tecnología Sanitaria N.° 054-SDEPFyOTS-DETS IETSI-2017, la psoriasis o psoriasis vulgar es una enfermedad sistémica que, en casos severos, o en la presencia de artritis psoriásica, puede llegar a reducir la funcionalidad de los pacientes y limitar su desempeño social, disminuyendo la calidad de vida de los que la padecen. El tratamiento para psoriasis vulgar moderada-severa, y para artritis psoriásica, disponible en el Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud, como primera línea de tratamiento es la terapia sistémica (e.g., metotrexato, ciclosporina, acitretina, entre otros) y la fototerapia; y como segunda línea de tratamiento se cuenta con agentes biológicos, tales como etanercept e infliximab. Asimismo, se cuenta con adalimumab, el cual está aprobado para su uso por fuera del Petitorio Farmacológico de EsSalud solo en pacientes con psoriasis moderada-severa con respuesta inadecuada a infliximab y etanercept. TECNOLOGÍA SANITARIA DE INTERÉS: En el Dictamen Preliminar de Evaluación de Tecnología Sanitaria N.° 054-SDEPFyOTS-DETS-IETSI-2017 se describió el agente biológico ustekinumab de manera extensa. Brevemente, ustekinumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal que actúa sobre las interleucinas 12 y 23 (IL-12/23), evitando que las interleucinas se unan a las células Th17 y desencadenen la cascada de inflamación. METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de la literatura exhaustiva y jerárquica con respecto a la eficacia y seguridad de ustekinumab en pacientes con psoriasis vulgar severa y artritis psoriásica, con respuesta inadecuada a fototerapia y a terapia sistémica convencional, con un enfoque especial en la reactivación de TBC. Esta búsqueda se realizó revisando la información sobre el uso del medicamento de acuerdo con entidades reguladoras como la Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), la European Medicines Agency (EMA) y la Dirección General de Medicamentos, Insumos y Drogas (DIGEMID). Se amplió la búsqueda a páginas web de las sociedades o agencias gubernamentales como The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) y The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Posteriormente, se revisó la National Library of Medicine a través de PubMed y la base de datos de Cochrane empleando los términos de búsqueda mostrados en la siguiente subsección y los filtros correspondientes a GPC, MA, RS, ECA y observacionales en línea con los criterios de elegibilidad. Por último, la selección de la evidencia siguió el flujograma mostrado en la subsección de resultados. RESULTADOS: Basado en la mejor evidencia identificada a la fecha (abril-2018), se han encontrado e incluido en el presente dictamen dos guías de práctica clínica (GPC), dos metaanálisis (MA), un ensayo clínico aleatorizado (ECA), donde solo se comparó ustekinumab con etanercept, y se incluyó un estudio observacional, PSOLARIS, donde se presentan resultados de infecciones serias comparando, entre otros agentes biológicos, a ustekinumab, infliximab y etanercept. Así, este dictamen, a excepción del estudio observacional que incluye información de infliximab, considera la misma evidencia identificada y analizada en el Dictamen Preliminar de Evaluación de Tecnología Sanitaria N.° 54-SDEPFyOTS-DETS-IETSI-2017, tal como se detalla en la descripción de los resultados del presente documento. Las dos GPC evaluadas recomiendan infliximab en pacientes que presenten psoriasis y artritis psoriásica de manera concomitante, mientras que recomiendan emplear infliximab, etanercept o ustekinumab en casos de psoriasis severa. Esta variabilidad se debe a que la elección del agente biológico depende de las características del paciente, si se da prioridad a la severidad de psoriasis, o al manejo de la artritis psoriásica concomitante. A la fecha, sólo se ha encontrado un ECA, el ensayo ACCEPT, que proporciona evidencia sobre la comparación directa entre ustekinumab y etanercept, mas no se ha encontrado un ECA sobre la comparación directa entre ustekinumab e infliximab. Este ensayo muestra que existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero moderada, en el nivel del índice de la severidad del área de Psoriasis (PASI, por sus siglas en inglés) 75 y PASI 90 entre ustekinumab y etanercept luego de la fase de inducción (12/16 semanas). Sin embargo, esto no se tradujo en una diferencia en la calidad de vida, según la evidencia indirecta obtenida de los MA Jabbar-Lopez et al., y Yiu et al. Adicionalmente, el ensayo ACCEPT no encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la presentación de eventos adversos entre ambos medicamentos. Por otro lado, tal como se detalla en el Dictamen Preliminar de Evaluación de Tecnología Sanitaria N.° 054-SDEPFyOTS-DETS-IETSI-2017, se observó que el indicador PASI es subjetivo y no se ha podido comprobar su validez de criterio, ni de constructo. Al comparar ustekinumab con infliximab, el MA Jabbar-López et al., no encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas con respecto a conseguir el objetivo terapéutico de PASI 90 a las 12/16 semanas de tratamiento, o una mejora en la calidad de vida; mientras que sí presenta una reducción en la presentación de eventos adversos a las 12/16 semanas de tratamiento. Por otro lado, en el caso de la diferencia entre ambos medicamentos en relación con el objetivo terapéutico PASI 75, se muestra un intervalo de confianza (IC) con un límite superior muy cercano al valor nulo de significancia estadística, por lo que debe interpretarse de manera cuidadosa, junto con otros indicadores de eficacia. CONCLUSIÓN: el Instituto de Evaluaciones de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación - IETSI no aprueba el uso de ustekinumab para el manejo de los pacientes con diagnóstico de psoriasis vulgar severa y artropatía psoriásica con respuesta inadecuada a fototerapia y terapia sistémica convencional, que no han recibido terapia biológica previa, y exista el riesgo de reactivación de TBC.

Serum Magnesium and Related Factors in Long-Term Renal Transplant Recipients: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Low serum magnesium (MgS) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular and mineral bone disease. In renal transplant recipients (RTRs), low MgS levels have been related to higher glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and with calcineurin inhibitors, particularly tacrolimus. We aimed to evaluate MgS in renal transplant recipients with over 1 year of follow-up to establish related risk factors and the impact of the use of cyclosporine versus tacrolimus. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 94 RTRs with more than 12 months of follow-up. Hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium level <1.5 mg/dL. RESULTS: Hypomagnesemia was found in 5.3% of patients. MgS showed a negative correlation with creatinine clearance. A positive correlation between MgS with urinary magnesium and phosphorus was found. Cyclosporine versus tacrolimus analysis did not show a significant difference regarding MgS when considering all the population and the subgroup of patients with GFR >45 mL/min/1.73 m2. On the subgroup with GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, those on tacrolimus had lower MgS than those on cyclosporine, but those same patients presented with significantly different GFR, higher in the tacrolimus subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Hypomagnesemia has a low prevalence in RTRs with more than 1 year of follow-up. MgS levels evidenced a strong correlation with GFR. A significant difference on MgS levels between patients on tacrolimus and cyclosporine was found only when considering GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, in which patients on tacrolimus had significantly higher GFR than patients on cyclosporine, which may explain these results.

Curcumin attenuates cyclosporine A­induced renal fibrosis by inhibiting hypermethylation of the klotho promoter.

Chronic kidney disease is increasingly considered to be a worldwide public health problem and usually leads to renal fibrosis. In the present study, curcumin, a polyphenol pigment extracted from turmeric, was demonstrated to exert protective effects on renal fibrosis via the suppression of transforming growth factor­ß (TGF­ß) downstream signaling, such as plasminogen activator inhibitor­1 (PAI­1), α­smooth muscle actin (α­SMA) and collagen I (Col I) downregulation. The present findings demonstrate that curcumin exerted a protective effect on cyclosporine A­induced renal fibrosis via a klotho (KL)­dependent mechanism, which inhibits the TGF­ß signaling pathway. Further research indicated that curcumin induced KL expression in HK­2 tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting CpG hypermethylation in the KL promoter, which mediates the loss of expression in cells. Methylation­specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with bisulfite sequencing identified numerous key CpG sites, such as 249, 240 and 236, whose methylation statuses are important for KL expression. A PCR reporter assay was utilized to further confirm these findings. In addition, the effects of curcumin on the regulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) expression were evaluated, and the data suggest that curcumin inhibits Dnmt1 expression and restricts CpG hypermethylation. Thus, the current study reveals that curcumin attenuated renal fibrosis by suppressing CpG methylation in the KL promoter, thus inducing KL expression, which inhibited TGF­ß signaling, which may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

A Randomized Controlled Double Blind Trial of Ciclosporin versus Prednisolone in the Management of Leprosy Patients with New Type 1 Reaction, in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy Type 1 (T1R) reactions are immune-mediated events leading to nerve damage and preventable disability affecting hands, feet and eyes. Type 1 Reactions are treated with oral corticosteroids. There is little evidence on alternative treatments for patients who do not respond to steroids or experience steroid adverse effects. We report the results of a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy and adverse effect profile of ciclosporin and prednisolone (CnP) in comparison to prednisolone only (P) in patients with new T1R in Ethiopia. Ciclosporin is a potent immunosuppressant. Outcomes were measured using a clinical severity score, recurrence rate, adverse events and quality of life. RESULTS: Seventy three patients with new T1R were randomized to receive CnP or P for 20 weeks. Recovery rates in skin signs was similar in both groups (91% vs 88%). Improvements in nerve function both, new and old, sensory (66% vs 49%) and motor (75% vs 74%) loss were higher (but not significantly so) in the patients on CnP. Recurrences rates of T1R (85%) were high in both groups, and recurrences occurred significantly earlier (8 weeks) in patients CnP, who needed 10% more additional prednisolone. Serious major and minor adverse events rates were similar in patients in the two treatment arms of the study. Both groups had a significant improvement in their quality of life after the study, measured by the SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first double-blind RCT assessing ciclosporin, in the management of T1R in Africa. Ciclosporin could be a safe alternative second-line drug for patients with T1R who are not improving with prednisolone or are experiencing adverse events related to prednisolone. This study illustrates the difficulty in switching off leprosy inflammation. Better treatment agents for leprosy patients with reactions and nerve damage are needed.

[Magnesium, calcium and potassium: "no one was born alone"]. / Magnesio, calcio e potassio: "Nessuno nasce solo o è nato per sé solo".

In contrast to other ions, magnesium is treated as an orphan by the body: there are no hormones that have a substantial role in regulating urinary magnesium excretion, and bone, the principal reservoir of magnesium, does not readily exchange with circulating magnesium.The Mg ++ is often overlooked by physicians in the differential diagnosis because it is considered insignificant, but its role is crucial for cells function, first of all neurons and cardiomyocytes. A condition of hypocalcemia associated with hypokalemia, especially in the presence of chronic renal failure, should raise suspicion of a lack of Mg ++.We report the case of an old man of 77 year with kidney transplant for 13 years, treated with cyclosporine, and sodium mycophenolate and steroid who, for about a month, accused impaired balance and walking instability, who fell accidentally down with wrist fracture.Blood tests showed hypocalcemia and hypokalemia, and so we required dosage of serum and urinary magnesium. A significant reduction in the ion plasma concentration was seen, associated to a fraction of excretion inappropriately high in relation to the degree of hypomagnesemia.The cause of this important renal loss is likely attributable to cyclosporine, a drug that has as a side effect the inhibition of the reabsorption of Mg ++ in the distal convoluted tubule. then, oral supplementation was started (244 mg of Mg ++ ion / day), with subsequent normalization, after a few days, not only of magnesiemia, but also in serum calcium and potassium levels, and improvement of neurological symptoms.Hypomagnesaemia is common in patients with renal transplantation in therapy with calcineurin inhibitors ICN, due to the effects of such drugs on the TRPM6 transporter present in the kidney distal convoluted tubule. To prevent complications caused by chronic and severe depletion of magnesium in this particular population, we recommend periodic monitoring of magnesium plasma levels.

Usefulness of tacrolimus for refractory adult-onset still's disease: Report of six cases.

Six patients with refractory adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) were treated with tacrolimus (TAC). Patient 1 was pregnant, for whom high-dose corticosteroid (CS) monotherapy did not achieve clinical remission, whereas TAC concomitant with CS was successful, and her baby had no apparent abnormalities. Patient 2 had hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), for whom high-dose CS monotherapy did not achieve clinical remission, whereas TAC improved HPS, and a complete clinical remission was achieved with concomitant administration of TAC and methotrexate (MTX) with CS. Cases 3-5 could not have reduced CS doses due to repeated recurrences and other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including MTX, Cyclosporine A, and tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, did not control disease activity. TAC administration allowed for reduced CS doses. Case 6 experienced adverse effects, and TAC was discontinued due to elevated serum creatinine and potassium levels. TAC was useful for five of six patients, which suggests it as an option for refractory AOSD.