Holistic Long-Term Care Over Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Kidney transplantation is an optimal method of renal replacement therapy in patients with phase V chronic kidney disease. Elderly patients (older than 60 years) with a kidney transplant create a significant and constantly growing pool of patients with this type of organ transplantation. In this group of patients, long-term care should be particularly stringent and vigilant. Apart from typical conditions associated with chronic kidney disease and possible post-transplant complications as well as side effects of immunosuppressive treatment, the patient also experiences changes and limitations associated with the progress of age and diseases typical for old age, characterized by a higher risk of infection, and changed pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics. Undoubtedly, patients should remain under the medical care of qualified transplantologists, but constant cooperation with a general practitioner and geriatrician would be of added value. Study results show that although most of the elderly kidney recipients have constant contact with their general practitioners, and almost half of them use private care, contribution of the geriatrician to the transplant care system is unsatisfactory, and elderly kidney recipients would expect more extensive outpatient care.

Neither cyclosporine nor tacrolimus deteriorate endothelial function in renal transplant recipients assessed with reactive hyperernia index.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular mortality in renal transplant recipients is nearer 10-fold higher than in general population. Immunosuppressive therapy is one possible cause, for these drugs can modify cardiovascular risk factors, which can induce endothelial dysfunction, the first step in the process of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare vasodilatatory function of endothelium in renal transplant recipients in relation to the immunosuppressive drug-cyclosporine or tacrolimus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 40 patients at 48.9 ± 36 months post-renal transplantation: 22 taking tacrolimus (group 1) and 18 taking cyclosporine (group 2). The renal transplant recipients were compared with a control group of 18 healthy people. Endothelial function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) using the EndoPAT 2000 device to measure RHI (reactive hyperemia index) and AI% (augmentation index%). RESULTS: The overall median values of RHI were higher than the value accepted as a normal (1.67). The RHI median value in group 1 was 2.00 (quartile 1: 1.66; quartile 2: 2.72), not different from that in group 2 [1.90 (quartile 1: 1.56; quartile 2: 2.17)] or the controls [2.11 (quartile 1: 1.77; quartile 2: 2.50)]. Multivariate analysis revealed age to be the independent factor influencing RHI in all examined groups but treatment with calcium channel blockers appeared to be the only independent factor influencing RHI among renal transplant recipients. AI% values were not significantly different between the 2 groups of renal transplant recipients, but it was significantly higher among the controls than among subjects treated with tacrolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Vasodilatatory function of endothelium assessed by PAT in renal transplant recipients was not worse than in healthy people. It was not different between cyclosporine or tacrolimus. Arterial stiffness measured as AI% depend on age but not the calcineurin inhibitor, which showed little effect.

Long graft cold ischemia time is associated with increased arterial stiffness in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Increased pulse wave velocity (PWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, is associated with greater cardiovascular risk among renal transplant recipients. PWV depends on recipient-related factors and, as shown in recent studies, also on donor age. There is a lack of information whether graft-related factors influence arterial function in recipients. Graft cold ischemia time (CIT) significantly influences renal transplant outcomes. It was shown in an experimental model of aortic grafting that increased CIT promoted arteriosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between renal graft CIT and PWV. METHODS: Carotid-femoral PWV were measured in 103 cadaveric kidney recipients of mean age 45 +/- 12 years. We analyzed clinical data of recipient and donor ages, genders, body mass index, blood pressure, CIT, delayed graft function, and type of immunosuppressive therapy to compare patients with CIT < 24 (n = 24) versus CIT > or = 24 hours (n = 79). RESULTS: PWV was lower among patients with shorter CIT (8.3 +/- 1.6 vs 9.2 +/- 2.0 respectively; P < .05). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding donor and recipient ages, blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, or immunosuppressive and cardiovascular therapy. A significant positive correlation was noted between PWV and CIT (r = .23; P = .019). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that recipient age, therapy with cyclosporine, fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, and CIT were independently associated with PWV. CONCLUSIONS: Long CIT was associated with increased arterial stiffness. Further studies are necessary to understand the cause effect relationship of this finding.

Subcellular localization of muscle FBPase in carp (Cyprinus carpio) tissues.

Subcellular localization of muscle FBPase-a regulatory enzyme of glyconeogenesis-was investigated in carp using immunohistochemistry and protein exchange method. Results of the experiments revealed that, in striated muscles, FBPase associates with alpha-actinin of the Z-line and co-localizes with aldolase. Additionally, in cardiac and smooth muscle cells FBPase is present inside the nuclei. In the light of findings on mammalian muscle FBPase, the data presented here indicates that interaction of the enzyme with specific cellular partners and nuclear presence of FBPase is a general phenomenon in contemporary vertebrates.

Morphology and ultrastructure of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta (Lumbricidae) coelomocytes.

Microscope techniques, light microscope (LM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to describe and classify coelomocytes of the oligochaete Dendrobaena veneta. Three main cell types were distinguished in the coelomic fluid: eleocytes, amoebocytes and granulocytes. Eleocytes are large, oval cells containing characteristic granules called chloragosomes. Amoebocytes are most numerous coelomocytes and have been divided into two types (I and II). Both amoebocytes of the types I and II often form aggregations of a few to about a dozen cells. Granulocytes are oval cells with spherical nuclei and cytoplasm containing polymorphic, electron dense granules. Contrary to the amoebocytes, the granulocytes do not form aggregations. Morphology and ultrastructure of coelomocytes are presented on micrographs: similarities and differences are compared to coelomocytes of related species.

Hematological effects of high dose of cortisol on the carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): cortisol effect on the carp blood.

The level of circulating cortisol and peripheral blood parameters were determined in carp age 2 years (K(2)) 24, 72, and 216 h after a single intraperitoneal injection of a high dose (200 mg x kg(-1) body wt) of hydrocortisone. The most striking effect of cortisol was manifest as a significant change in the percentage composition of leukocytes, whose number per unit volume of blood remained relatively constant. A profound lymphopenia and eosinopenia were compensated for in the general balance by an increased number of circulating promyelocytes and myelocytes as well as metamyelocytes and mature polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes. The results and their possible reasons are discussed on the background of literature data.

Parathormon, calcium, phosphorus, and left ventricular structure and function in normotensive hemodialysis patients.

Clinical and experimental data suggest that Parathormon (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus participate in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and affect myocardial contractility in end-stage renal disease. Cellular calcium overload and interstitial fibrosis induced by PTH may lead to impairment of left ventricular diastolic function. Hyperphosphatemia is an independent risk of cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of PTH and calcium-phosphorus metabolism on left ventricular structure and function in hemodialysis patients, without hypertension and antihypertensive drug therapy (SBP = 126.2 +/- 11.1 DBP = 75.8 +/- 6.5 mmHg). Echocardiographic findings in a group of 22 normotensive HD patients had been compared to 43 hypertensive HD patients. Relationships between PTH, calcium-phosphorus metabolism and echocardiography in normotensive group were then evaluated. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was lower in normotensive patients: 128.3 +/- 46.2 versus 165.8 +/- 46.7 (p < 0.01). The prevalence of LVH was 55% in normotensive HD patients compared to 86% in hypertensive group (p < 0.01). In normotensive group we found correlation between PTH and LVMI (r = 0.44; p < 0.05). There were also significant relationships between calcium and posterior wall thickness (r = -0.44; p < 0.05), phosphorus and LVMI (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between both phosphorus, calcium x phosphorus product and E/A ratio: r = -0.47 and r = -0.43, respectively (p < 0.05 both). Disturbances of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and secondary hyperparathyroidism contributes to left ventricular hypertrophy, and impaired left ventricular diastolic function in normotensive hemodialysis patients.

Selenium and glutathione levels, and glutathione peroxidase activities in blood components of uremic patients on hemodialysis supplemented with selenium and treated with erythropoietin.

Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) often have reduced concentrations of selenium (Se) and lowered activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood components. The kidney is a major source of plasma GSH-Px. We measured Se and glutathione levels in blood components and red cell and plasma GSH-Px activities in 58 uremic patients on regular (3 times a week) hemodialysis (HD). The dialyzed patients were divided in 4 subgroups and were supplemented for 3 months with: 1) placebo (bakers yeast), 2) erythropoietin (EPO; 3 times a week with 2,000 U after each HD session), 3) Se-rich yeast (300 microg 3 times a week after each HD), and 4) Se-rich yeast plus EPO in doses as above. The results were compared with those for 25 healthy subjects. The Se concentrations and GSH-Px activities in the blood components of dialyzed uremic patients were significantly lower compared with the control group. Treatment of the HD patients with placebo and EPO only did not change the parameters studied. The treatment with Se as well as with Se and EPO caused an increase in Se levels and red cell GSH-Px activity. Plasma GSH-Px activity, however, increased only slowly or did not change after treatment with Se and with Se plus EPO. In the group treated with Se plus EPO the element concentration in blood components was higher compared with the group supplemented with Se alone. The weak or absence of response in plasma GSH-Px activity to Se supply indicates that the impaired kidney of uremic HD patients has reduced possibilities to synthesize this enzyme.

Selenium, glutathione peroxidases, and some other antioxidant parameters in blood of patients with chronic renal failure.

In the present study several parameters associated with oxidative stress were examined in the blood of 25 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients and the results were compared with 18 healthy subjects. Mean creatinine concentration in patients was 1,216 +/- 292 micromol/l. Selenium (Se) concentration in red cells, whole blood and in plasma of CRF patients (106 +/- 32.5, 59.0 +/- 16.7 and 42.4 +/- 13.8 ng/ml, respectively) was significantly (0.0001 < P 0.01) lower (by 20-42%) compared with the controls. Red cell and plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (16.6 +/- 3.4 U/g Hb and 93.7 +/- 32.9 U/l plasma) were lower by 12 and 53% (P < 0.05 and < 0.0001, respectively) in patients than in healthy subjects. GSH concentration in red cells of patients (2.81 +/- 0.45 mmol/l) was significantly (P < 0.001) higher (by 20%) than in control group. Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) concentration (expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) in red cells of patients (725 +/- 155 nmol/g Hb) was significantly (P < 0.001) higher (by 28%) than in control group. No significant difference was observed in the activity of superoxide dismutase in pLasma between the two groups. In conclusion, our results confirm that the aLterations in Se levels in blood components and in GSH-Px activity in plasma show that the kidney plays an important role in Se homeostasis and in plasma GSH-Px synthesis.

[Hypertension in pregnancy with special reference to its treatment]. / Nadcisnienie tetnicze u ciezarnych ze szczególnym uwzglednieniem leczenia.

Definition and classification of the arterial hypertension in pregnancy are discussed. An emphasis is on the problems of differential diagnosis between pre-eclampsia and other forms of hypertension. Use of hypotensive drugs in pregnant patients with particular reference to emergencies is also discussed. The treatment of pregnant women with hypertension is still a problem which require close co-operation of both an obstetrician and internist. Follow-up after labour is GP duty to find out if the patient remains hypertensive. If so, etiology of the disease should be again searched.

[Calcium and magnesium in the blood serum of workers exposed to fluorine compounds, in relation to age and duration of employment]. / Zachowanie sie wapnia i magnezu w surowicy ludzi narazonych na dzialanie zwiazków fluoru, w zaleznosci od wieku i stazu pracy.

The study included controls and those exposed to fluorine compounds. In the exposed group a highly statistically significant increase in calcium concentration was found, as compared to the control group. On the other hand, the level of magnesium was the same in both groups.