A case of secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with malignant hypertension.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is associated with various clinicopathological conditions, including hypertension. We report here a case of secondary FSGS associated with malignant hypertension. A 33-year-old man with a 1-month history of visual impairment and headache visited the Department of Ophthalmology at our hospital and was found to have hypertensive retinopathy and severe hypertension (230/160 mmHg). He was referred to our department based on suspected renal dysfunction. His blood pressure on admission was 250/130 mmHg. Physical examination and laboratory tests revealed hypertensive cardiac dysfunction, focal brain edema, renal dysfunction (serum creatinine, Cr 7.07 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen, BUN 49.9 mg/dl), massive proteinuria (10.7 g/day), and thrombotic microangiopathy. Funduscopy showed exudate, hemorrhage, and papilledema. The cause of secondary hypertension could not be identified. He was treated for primary malignant hypertension, but required hemodialysis 3 days after admission due to anuria. Treatment with antihypertensive agents resulted in the gradual recovery of renal function, although heavy proteinuria continued with nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy performed 1 month after admission showed features of malignant nephrosclerosis with secondary FSGS. Hemodialysis was discontinued following further improvement in renal function and the most recent laboratory tests showed proteinuria 1.8 g/day and persistent renal dysfunction (BUN 36.5 mg/dl, Cr 3.14 mg/dl). Malignant hypertension may cause various injuries, including glomerular endothelial and epithelial cell injuries in glomerular hypertension and hyperfiltration, increase of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and endothelial-epithelial interaction, resulting in the development of secondary FSGS and heavy proteinuria.

[Two cases of rapidly progressive nephritic syndrome complicated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis].

It has been reported that glomerulosclerosis with IgA deposition is likely to be complicated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. On the other hand, it is said that complications of nephrotic syndrome or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) are relatively rare. We experienced two patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis complicated with RPGN syndrome who had obtained favorable outcomes through the use of steroids and immune system suppressors. Case 1 was a 55-year-old male. He was being treated for alcoholic liver cirrhosis, but as bloody urine was noticed macroscopically, his renal function rapidly decreased. Specimens from a renal biopsy showed endocapillary proliferative lesions accompanying necrotic lesions. Granular deposition of IgA (IgA1) and C3 was seen along the capillary walls and in the mesangial areas. After the combined treatments of bilateral palatotonsillectomy, three courses of steroid semi-pulse therapy and post-therapy with steroids and mizoribin (MZR)were started, his hematuria and proteinuria disappeared and renal function improved markedly. Case 2 was a 37-year-old male with alcoholic liver cirrhosis complicated with hepatic encephalopathy. Although he was being treated at another hospital, nephritic syndrome occurred with rapidly worsening renal function and massive ascites. After continuous drainage of the ascites, we performed a renal biopsy. Mild proliferative lesions and notable wrinkling, thickening and doubling of the basal membrane were seen. Crescent formations were found in about half of the glomeruli. The fluorescent antibody technique showed positive pictures of IgA (IgA1) and C3. When three courses of steroid semi-pulse therapy and post therapy with steroids and MZR were combined, his proteinuria and serum Cre level decreased and stagnated ascites markedly decreased. The two cases were diagnosed as having secondary IgA nephropathy induced by the deposition of the IgA1 derived mainly from the intestinal tract, which had increased in the blood due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Active use of immune system suppressor therapy was effective.

Comparison of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein: effect on plasma amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin responses in human subjects.

The effect of protein fractionation on the bioavailability of amino acids and peptides and insulin response and whether the protein source influences these effects in humans are poorly understood. This study compared the effects of different sources and degrees of hydrolysis of dietary protein, independent of carbohydrate, on plasma amino acid and dipeptide levels and insulin responses in humans. Ten subjects were enrolled in the study, with five subjects participating in trials on either soy or whey protein and their hydrolysates. Protein hydrolysates were absorbed more rapidly as plasma amino acids compared to nonhydrolyzed protein. Whey protein also caused more rapid increases in indispensable amino acid and branched-chain amino acid concentrations than soy protein. In addition, protein hydrolysates caused significant increases in Val-Leu and Ile-Leu concentrations compared to nonhydrolyzed protein. Whey protein hydrolysates also induced significantly greater stimulation of insulin release than the other proteins. Taken together, these results demonstrate whey protein hydrolysates cause significantly greater increases in the plasma concentrations of amino acids, dipeptides, and insulin.

Continuous intake of polyphenolic compounds containing cocoa powder reduces LDL oxidative susceptibility and has beneficial effects on plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in humans.

BACKGROUND: Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols such as catechins and procyanidins and has been shown in various models to inhibit LDL oxidation and atherogenesis. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether long-term intake of cocoa powder alters plasma lipid profiles in normocholesterolemic and mildly hypercholesterolemic human subjects. DESIGN: Twenty-five subjects were randomly assigned to ingest either 12 g sugar/d (control group) or 26 g cocoa powder and 12 g sugar/d (cocoa group) for 12 wk. Blood samples were collected before the study and 12 wk after intake of the test drinks. Plasma lipids, LDL oxidative susceptibility, and urinary oxidative stress markers were measured. RESULTS: At 12 wk, we measured a 9% prolongation from baseline levels in the lag time of LDL oxidation in the cocoa group. This prolongation in the cocoa group was significantly greater than the reduction measured in the control group (-13%). A significantly greater increase in plasma HDL cholesterol (24%) was observed in the cocoa group than in the control group (5%). A negative correlation was observed between plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL. At 12 wk, there was a 24% reduction in dityrosine from baseline concentrations in the cocoa group. This reduction in the cocoa group was significantly greater than the reduction in the control group (-1%). CONCLUSION: It is possible that increases in HDL-cholesterol concentrations may contribute to the suppression of LDL oxidation and that polyphenolic substances derived from cocoa powder may contribute to an elevation in HDL cholesterol.