[Soy protein as part of a low-protein diet is a new direction in cardio- and nephroprotection in patients with 3B-4 stages of chronic kidney disease: prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study].

BACKGROUND: It has been established that the use of a low-protein diet (LPD) in combination with ketoanalogues (KA) of essential amino acids can contribute to cardio- and nephroprotection in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Moreover, it has been shown that replacing part of the animal protein with soy protein (SP) in the diet contributed to more pronounced nephro- and cardioprotection in CKD, however, the data, available in the literature, are mainly represented by experimental studies. AIM: To compare the effects of 2 types of diets on the main parameters of nephro- and cardioprotection in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study which included 85 patients with 3B4 stages of CKD, compliant to LPD (0.6 g of protein/kg body weight) + KA (1 tablet/5 kg body weight). 43 patients (Group 1) received LPD with replacing animal protein with soy (60% soy protein + 40% another vegetable proteins) + KA, and 42 patients (control group, Group 2) received LPD (60% animal protein + 40% vegetable protein) + KA, within 12 months. RESULTS: The dietary substitution of animal protein with SP to a greater extent delayed the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (-5.9% vs -13.3%; p=0.048), the increase in left ventricular hypertrophy (+4.7% vs +12.3%; p=0.042), as well as the increase in central systolic blood pressure (+2.6% vs +13.0%; p=0.021), augmentation index (+7.6% vs +23.3%; p=0.010), slowed down the decrease in lean body mass in men (+0.9% vs -11.2%; p=0.017) and women (-1.8% vs -10.3%; p=0.024), increase in phosphorus (-10.3% vs +13.0%; p=0.029), cholesterol (-10.7% vs -3.4%; p=0.047) and urea (+6.3% vs +19.6%; p=0.035) serum levels. CONCLUSION: The use of LPD with substitution of animal protein with soy protein + KA provides a more pronounced effect on nephro- and cardioprotection as well as maintenance of nutritional status, than conventional LPD + KA in patients with 3B4 stages of CKD.

[Effect of vitamin D receptor activators on serum Klotho levels in 3b-4 stages chronic кidney disease patients: a prospective randomized study].

BACKGROUND: High risk of cardiovascular events is among leading problems in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum Klotho is supposed to be cardio- and nephroprotective; modification of its levels may be important in CKD. AIM: To evaluate the impact of vitamin D receptor activators (VDRA) on Klotho serum levels in CKD 3b4 stages patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study included 90 CKD 3b4 stages patients who had elevated serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). From them, 47 patients (group 1) started to treat with the selective VDRA (zemplar 1 mcg/day), and 43 patients (group 2) started to treat with non-selective VDRA (alfacalcidol 0.25 mcg/day). At baseline and after 12 months we conducted routine examination, serum Klotho measurement, and broad cardiovascular examination. RESULTS: The patients who managed to maintain a target serum PTH level, had higher Klotho serum level (p=0.037) at the end of the study. Patients who used selective VDRA significantly more often reached the target PTH level (p=0.032), had higher serum Klotho levels (p=0.037), and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level (p=0.048) than patients who used non-selective VDRA. In addition, patients treated with alfacalcidol more than 6 months, more often had hypercalcemia (p=0.047) and hyperphosphatemia (p=0.035). Group 2 showed higher: pulse wave velocity (p=0.051), left ventricular myocardial mass index (p=0.033), and more advanced heart valve calcification (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Successful parathyroid hormone level control with vitamin D receptor activators was associated with higher serum Klotho, selective agents having shown greater effect. Long-term treatment with selective vitamin D receptor activators may contribute to cardiovascular calcification prevention by modifying Klotho levels.

[Low serum Klotho level as a predictor of calcification of the heart and blood vessels in patients with CKD stages 2-5D].

Cardiovascular calcification (CVC) makes a significant contribution to the manifestation of cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease. Early CVC markers are currently being actively studied to optimize cardio-renoprotective strategies. We performed a prospective comparative analysis of the following factors: FGF-23, a-Klotho, sclecrostin, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), central systolic pressure as an independent determinant of CVC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 131 patients with chronic kidney disease 25D st. Serum levels of FGF-23, Klotho, and sclerostin were evaluated using the ELISA method. Vascular augmentation (stiffness) indices, central arterial pressure (using the SphygmoCor device), calcification of heart valves and the degree of aortic calcification (aortic radiography) were also investigated. The observation period was 2 years. RESULTS: According to the Spearman correlation analysis, the percent of calcification increase and the change in Klotho level are most related. According to ROC analysis, a decrease in serum levels of Klotho by 50 units or more is a significant predictor of an increase in aortic calcification of 50% or more with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 77%. Using logistic regression analysis, it was found that a serum Klotho level 632 pg/L predicts an eGFR below a median level of 48 ml/min/1.73 m2 with a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 78.5%. Wherein OR 17.477 (CI 95% 8.04637.962; p0.001). CONCLUSION: The factor most associated with CVC is Klotho. Decreased serum level of Klotho is a predictor of aortic calcification. In addition, the initial serum level of Klotho is a predictor of eGFR after 2 years.

[Low protein diet with essential amino acids ketoanalogues combination can affect serum FGF-23 and Klotho levels in chronic kidney disease 3b-4 stages patients: randomized pilot study].

Protein restriction diet (PRD) with ketoanalagues of essential amino acids (KA) combination can improve of chronic kidney disease (CKD) course while, the precise mechanisms of PRD + KAA action in CKD are not known yet. We have conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study of PRD and KAA patient's group in compare with PRD without KAA group in regarding to serum Klotho and FGF-23 levels in patients with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 79 CKD 3b-4 stages patients, non - diabetic etiology, used PRD (0.6 g/kg/day). The patients were randomized in two groups: 42 patients, received PRD + KAA (Group 1) and 37 patients continued the PRD without KAA (Group 2). Serum FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit with antibodies to native FGF-23 molecule, Merk Millipore MILLENZFGF-23-32K), Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiKlotho monoclonal antibodies, IBL-Takara 27998-96Well) levels, as well as instrumental examination: bioimpedance analysis [assess of muscle body mass (MBM), fat body mass (FBM), body mass index (BMI) and others]; sphygmography [assess of augmentation (stiffness) indices (AI), central (aortal) blood pressure (CBP) by «Sphygmacor¼ device]; as well as echocardiography [assess of cardiac (valvular) calcification score (CCS) and left ventricular myocardium mass index (LVMMI)], were studded in addition to conventional examination. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: To the end of 14th month of the study the PRD group reached a body mass index (BMI) decrease (p=0.046), including MBM in men (p=0.027) and woman (p=0.044). In addition, higher FGF-23 (p=0.029), and lower Klotho (p=0.037) serum levels were revealed in the PRD group compared to the PRD+KAA group as well as the increase in AI (p=0.034), CCS (p=0.048), and LVMMI (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Use of PRD + KAA provides adequate nutrition status and more efficient correction of FGF-23 and Klotho imbalance in CKD progression that may contribute to alleviation of both cardiovascular calcification and cardiac remodeling in CKD. Importantly, a prolonged PRD use without supplementation of KAA may lead to malnutrition signs.

[Serum troponin-I as a marker of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) cardiotoxic effect, in patients with chronic kidney disease].

AIM: It has been established that an increased fibroblast growth factor (FGF-23) serum levels significantly contribute to the heart and blood vessels remodeling in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But the precise mechanisms of the FGF-23 cardiac effect are currently being actively studied. At the same time, it is believed that the cardiac effects of FGF-23 may be due to the increasing deficit of Klotho protein as CKD progresses. In parallel with these changes, a number of studies indicate the persistence of the detectable troponins serum levels in CKD patients, even in the absence of clear clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the study was to confirm / exclude the existence of a causal relationship between elevated FGF-23, reduced Klotho and elevated troponin-I (as the most specific troponin in CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 130 CKD stages 1-5D patients without clinically pronounced symptoms of СVD (Coronary artery disease, CCS class 2-4, Chronic heart failure, NYHA 24, myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias), as well as the severe arterial hypertension (BP >160/90 mm Hg), according to the laboratory and instrumental methods of examination. The selected group of patients was studied: serum levels of FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit), Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiklotho monoclonal antibodies), troponin-I (high - sensitive assay), and also data from instrumental examination methods: electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI), cardiac (valvular) calcification score (CCS) using a semi - quantitative point scale), sphygmagraphy (augmentation (stiffness) indices of vessels (AI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), central (aortic) blood pressure (CBP), blood supply of subendocardium (BSE) - using "Shygmacor" device (Australia)). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The changes in serum levels of FGF-23, Klotho and troponin-I (Tr-I) depended on the stage of CKD. The following correlations were identified: FGF-23 and: Tr-I (r=0.601; p.

[Hepatitis C virus - related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis with renal involvement current possibilities of diagnostic and treatment].

The extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infections, which include mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), are important for prognosis and determination of the treatment options of these patients. Currently, mixed MC type II is considered as a specific marker of chronic HCV infection. Kidney damage is one of the severe, often determining a prognosis of extrahepatic manifestation of HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. The review discusses the current diagnostic approaches to cryoglobulinemic GN, as well as perspectives for improving antiviral and pathogenetic therapy.

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) / soluble Klotho protein (sKlotho) / sclerostin glycoprotein ratio disturbance is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular complications in ESRD patients receiving treatment with regular hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration.

AIM: Aim of the study was to explore the role of the FGF-23/sKlotho/sclerostin ratio disturbance in the determining of cardiovascular risk in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, receiving treatment with regular hemodialysis (НD) or hemodiafiltration (НDF) online in Russia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 42 patients with ESRD, at the age of 18-55 years, treated with HD or HDF on line for at least 6 months, were examined. 22 (52.3%) patients received traditional HD, the remaining 20 (47.7%) - HDF online. In all the patients, in addition to a general examination, the serum levels of FGF-23, sKlotho, sclerostine (by ELISA), their associations with cardiovascular risk factors (left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), serum troponin I levels) with the numbers of techniques (ECG; Eho-CGF (with calculation of left ventricular myocardium mass index (LVMMI), as well as the relative thickness of the walls of the left ventricle (RWT); sphygmography (central (aortal) blood pressure (CBP), subendocardial blood flow (SBF) - by «Sphygmocor¼), and the effect of regular HD and HDF on serum levels of the studied markers, were assessed. RESULTS: An independent effect of FGF-23 on the risk of LVH, as well as on the increase of serum troponin I in the studied ESRD patients [ß=3.576 p<0.01, and ß=1.115, p<0.05, respectively] was found. Serum Klotho was the factor most associated with the CBP [ß=-0.023; p<0.001]. The increased serum sclerostin was correlated with a lower incidence of both reduced SBF [r=0.492; p<0.05], symptoms of coronary heart disease [r=-0.449; p<0.05] and rhythm disturbances [r=-0.446; p<0.05]. In addition, in HD patients higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho and sclerostine serum levels were associated with: inadequate dialysis syndrome (Kt/V <1.1; r=0.463; p<0.05), chronic inflammation (C-reactive protein >10 mg/L; r=0.612; p<0.01), and with a decrease in serum albumin level (<35 g/l; r=0.459; p<0.05). The FGF-23/sKlotho/sclerostin ratio disturbance was more pronounced in patients treated with traditional HD then HDF online. A direct correlation (r=0.445; p<0.05) was established between FGF-23 serum levels and serum phosphorus, which was more pronounced in HD patients (r=0.545; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In HD and HDF ESRD patients, higher serum FGF-23 and lower sKlotho and sclerostin levels were associated with a chronic inflammation, malnutrition, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and may considered as predictors of cardiovascular complications such as LVH, ACS, rhythm disturbances, persisting of subincreased serum troponin I.

Quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients on renal replacement therapy.

The study demonstrated the results of the comparative analysis of various types of renal replacement therapy effects on the quality of life patients with terminal stage of chronic kidney disease on the basis of standardized questionnaires. It has been shown that the quality of life is significantly improved after a kidney transplantation. At the same time, it has also been found that the introduction of home dialysis, epoetins, active metabolites of vitamin D, calcimimetics in the clinic care expanded the opportunities for the labor rehabilitation of the dialysis patients and made their quality of life comparable with the same of the kidney transplant recipients.

[Effects of keto/amino acids and a low-protein diet on the nutritional status of patients with Stages 3B-4 chronic kidney disease]. / Vliianie keto/aminokislot i ogranicheniia belka na status pitaniia bol'nykh khronicheskoi bolezn'iu pochek IIIB-IV stadii.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of keto/amino acids in maintaining protein balance and preventing mineral metabolic disturbances and the development of uremic hyperparathyroidism in the long-term use of a low-protein diet (LPD) in patients with Stages 3B-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety patients with CKD caused by chronic latent glomerulonephritis in 65 patients and chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis of various etiologies (gout, drug-induced, and infection) in 25 were examined. The investigators conducted clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examinations, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (body mass index (BMI), the percentages of lean and fat mass), echocardiography and radiography of the abdominal aorta in the lateral projection (the presence of cardiac valvular and aortic calcification), and pulse wave velocity measurements using a Sphygmocor apparatus (vessel stiffness estimation). The stages of CKD were defined according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria; glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the CKD EPI equation. According to the diet used, all the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) 30 patients who took LPD (0.6 g of protein per kg of body weight/day) in combination with the keto/amino acid ketosteril (1 tablet per 5 kg of body weight/day; Diet One); 2) 30 patients who used LPD in combination with the other keto/amino acid ketoaminol at the same dose (Diet Two); 3) 30 patients had LPD without using the keto/amino acids (Diet Three) (a control group). RESULTS: During a follow-up, there were no signs of malnutrition in Groups 1 and 2 patients receiving LPD (0.6 g protein per kg/day) in combination with the keto/amino acids ketosteril and ketaminol, respectively. At the same time, 11 (36.6%) patients in Group 3 (a control group) who did not take the keto/amino acids showed a BMI decrease from 24 (23; 26) kg/m2 to 18.5 (17; 19.2) kg/m2 (p < 0.05), including that of lean body mass from 37.4 (36; 38.8) to 30 (29.1; 34.7)% in the men (p<0.05) and from 29.8 (26.8; 31) to 23.9 (22; 25.7)% in the women (p<0.01). In addition, at the end of the study, there were elevated serum phosphorus levels (p<0.05) and mainly higher parathyroid hormone concentrations in Group 3 patients who received LPD without using the amino/keto acids than in Groups 1 and 2. As compared to Group 3, Groups 1 and 2 displayed no differences in the quantity of cardiac and aortic calcification and in the augmentation index (arterial stiffness). The ketosteril and ketaminol groups versus the control group had also higher s-Klotho levels (p<0.01) that were inversely correlated with glomerular filtration rate (r =-0.467; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The keto/amino acids ketosteril or ketoaminol are an important component of LPD, which prevents malnutrition and an additional source of calcium that inhibits hyperphosphatemia and slows the development of uremic hyperparathyroidism. Incorporation of keto/amino acids into LPD leads to a less pronounced reduction in s-Klotho protein in relation to the degree of renal failure than does LPD without keto/amino acids.

[Risk factors for anemia in the early stages of chronic kidney disease]. / Faktory riska razvitiia anemii na rannikh stadiiakh khronicheskoi bolezni pochek.

AIM: To identify the early markers of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) and glomerulonephritis (GN) in systemic diseases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with some male preponderance who were aged 21 to 65 years (45.3±11.1 years) and had CKD (CGN and GN) in systemic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus and Wegener's granulomatosis) in the early stages (Stages I-II) of CKD were examined. GN was diagnosed by a lifetime renal biopsy. Systemic diseases were diagnosed according to the criteria for each nosological entity. The stages of CKD were defined according to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria; the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD EPI equation (2012). According to the presence or absence of anemia, all the patients included in the study were divided into 2 groups: 1) 43 (54.4%) anemic patients; 2) 36 (45.6%) non-anemic patients (a control group). In addition to general clinical examination adopted for a nephrology department, special studies, such as determination of the serum levels of hepcidin, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), soluble Klotho protein (s-Klotho), as well as iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) ratio, were performed to solve the set tasks. RESULTS: Forty-three anemic patients who had a hemoglobin level of 110 (100; 119) g/l and 36 control patients who had the similar values were noted to have statistically significantly (p<0.001) higher levels of IFN-γ (11 (10; 14) and 0.2 (0.09; 0.6) ng/ml), hepcidin (26 (25; 27) and 5.1 (3.8; 5.9) ng/ml) and C-reactive protein (1.5 (1.1; 2.1) and 0.3 (0.2; 0.6) mg/dl), and lower levels of s-Klotho protein (12 (10; 18) pg/ml) and TSAT (18 (14; 19)%. Forty-three patients with anemia were also found to have a statistically significantly (p<0.01) lower GFR (65 (62; 87) and 80.5 (62; 90) ml/min) and higher systolic blood pressure (145 (125; 160) and 120 (115; 16) mm Hg) as compared with those in 36 control patients. At the same time, the compared groups displayed no statistically significant differences in serum ferritin levels (123 (110; 150) and 115 (100; 140) µg/l). Among 43 CKD patients with anemia, its detection rate in the presence of systemic diseases was 3.2 times higher than that in CGN patients (41.7 and 12.7%). ROC analysis revealed that in the CKD patients with CGN and GN, the serum hepcidin level ≥ 25 ng/ml, with the sensitivity and specificity being of 89.7% and 74%, respectively (p > 0.001), was associated with the development of anemia. Moreover, the hemoglobin level of<120 g/ l was found to have an independent impact on the risk of reducing serum s-Klotho production. CONCLUSION: In Stage I-II CKD patients with CGN and GN in the presence of systemic diseases, elevated serum hepcidin levels should be regarded as a predictor for anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Herewith, the decrease in hemoglobin levels <120 g/l is associated with the reduced production of the nephroprotective factor s-Klotho. The treatment of ACD for Stages I-II CKD should encompass intravenous administration of iron in order to increase its content and availability for erythropoiesis.

[Difficulties in the differential diagnosis of kidney injury in a patient with infective endocarditis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies]. / Trudnosti differentsial'noi diagnostiki porazheniia pochek u bol'nogo infektsionnym éndokarditom, assotsiirovannym s antineitrofil'nymi tsitoplazmaticheskimi antitelami.

Infective endocarditis (IE) may be accompanied by the production of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies, including antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). ANCA detection creates difficulties in the differential diagnosis of IE, especially in relation to kidney injury, the determination of the mechanism of which is important for choosing a treatment policy and estimating a prognosis. The paper describes a clinical case of a 57-year-old man who was found to have higher proteinase-3 (PR-3) ANCA titers along with the symptoms of anemia, purpura, and kidney injury during his hospitalization; echocardiography revealed vegetation on the aortic valve. IE was diagnosed; 2-week antibiotic therapy was ineffective; there was progressive aortic insufficiency necessitating aortic valve replacement. In the postoperative period, there was progression of renal failure and higher PR-3 ANCA titers, which made it possible to regard kidney injury as a manifestation of ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. Intensive immunosuppressive therapy with intravenous and oral prednisolone was initiated, which showed positive effects in reducing proteinuria, erythrocyturia, serum creatinine levels, and simultaneously PR-3 ANCA titers. The paper gives the data available in the literature on the frequency of an association of IE with ANCA, the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches. It discusses the mechanisms of ANCA formation in patients with IE.

[EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISKS WITH THE USE OF MORPHOGENETIC KLOTHO PROTEIN IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL DISEASE].

The aim: of the study was to explore the Klotho protein significance in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to assess the influence of antihypertensive therapy on Klotho protein serum levels. Materials and methods: 130 patients with stage 5 CKD1 were included in the study. Serum PTH, calcium and phosphorus were measured. ELISA was used to determine serum soluble alpha Klotho. Blood pressure including brachial and central (aortic) pressure was measured in all patients together with pulse wave velocity (using a «Sfigmokor¼ device); in addition, echocardiography (EchoCG), and X-ray examination of the abdominal aorta by Kauppila method were performed. Results: The dynamic study of serum Klotho level showed that it changes with decreasing glomerular filtration rate faster than a rise in phosphate and PTH levels starting from stage 3A of CKD. The two later variables increased at stages 4-5.According to the ROC analysis, the values of serum Klotho below 387 pg /ml suggested enhanced risk of myocardial calcification with 80% sensitivity and 76% specificity. In addition, the highest Klotho serum levels were observed in patients whose target BP values were achieved with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) compared to those who used other drugs [р<0,01] or failed to reached target BP levels [p=0,008]. Conclusion: The study showed the possibility of practical use of Klotho protein as an early diagnostic marker of cardiovascular risk. Reduced serum Klotho was less pronounced in patients who used ARB for correction of high blood pressure. Normal Klotho protein levels in serum have been associated with a lower frequency of heart and vessels calcification in CKD patients.

[Significance of the determination of urinary excretion of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in the assessment of the activity and prognosis of chronic glomerulonephritis].

AIM: To estimate the urinary excretion of KIM-1 in groups of patients with varying clinical activity of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) and to determine the possibility of using the urinary KIM-1 concentration as a criterion for predicting the course of CGN. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients with CGN were examined. Group 1 included 10 patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR); Group 2 consisted of 16 patients with NS and normal GFR; Group 3 comprised 10 patients with partial remission of NS; Group 4 included 11 patients with CGN, hematuria, moderate proteinuria, and normal GFR. A control group consisted of 9 healthy individuals. In the examined groups, urinary KIM-1 concentrations were estimated using an indirect immunoassay. RESULTS: The urinary KIM-1 excretion in the patients with CGN was higher than that in the healthy individuals (p <0.0001), at the same time, in the average the KIM-1 excretion was statistically significantly higher in the patients with proteinuria than in those with hematuria (p=0.01). The highest levels were registered in Group 1; Group 2 was intermediate in the level of KIM-1 excretion and the difference between Groups 3 and 4 proved to be statistically insignificant. The lowest levels were noted in Group 4 and in the controls; the differences between the groups were statistically insignificant. In the patients with CGN, the level of KIM-1 excretion was established to correlate with all indicators of NS severity. The value of the determination of KIM-1 as a risk factor of persistent/refractory NS was estimated. The results of constructing the ROC-curve indicate that KIM-1 levels higher than 2.34 ng/ml could predict NS persistence in CGN patients with a high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Urinary KIM-1 levels may be used to estimate the activity of CGN with NS and to evaluate the efficiency of treatment. The results of the study substantiate the search for ways of pharmacological blockade of KIM-1 production in the kidney in order to optimize the methods that impact on the pathogenesis of CGN progression.

[Myocardial injury associated with chronic hepatitis C: Clinical types and pathogenetic components]. / Porazhenie miokarda, assotsiirovannoe s khronicheskim gepatitom S: klinicheskie varianty i patogeneticheskie zven'ia.

Heart injury is one of the extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The paper gives Russian and foreign authors' data on a relationship between CHC and myocardial injury. It discusses different pathogenetic components (the direct effect of the virus, immunological components), through which hepatitis C virus can induce myocarditis and cardiomyopathies in patients with CHC.

[Decreased Serum Levels of Klotho Protein in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Clinical Imortance].

Objective: To determine the role of serum Klotho (s-Klotho) protein levels changes in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: The study involved 130 patients with CKD stages 1­5D (mean age ­ 41±6.7 years). Serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus and s-Klotho protein (ELISA method) at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up were examined in all the patients so as the blood pressure (BP), including central (aortic), pulse wave velocity ­ with the help of «Sphygmоcor¼ (Australia), echocardiography, radiography of the abdominal aorta in a lateral projection were also performed. Results: Ehen comparing the s-Klotho levels in patients with different CKD stages, it was found that the level change associated with the reduction of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ahead of phosphorus and PTH increase in serum, stared at 3A CKD, whereas hyperphosphatemia and PTH increase started at 4­5 CKD stages. According to ROC analysis, decreasing of s-Klotho levels below 387 pg/ml was indicated a calcification risk of abdominal aorta increased with an 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity. In addition, a strong negative relationship of low s-Klotho levels and heart remodeling was found. When comparing the patients with hypertension who were receiving antihypertensive monotherapy, the highest serum levels of Klotho protein were observed in those of them whose target blood pressure level was achieved primarily through Angiotensin II Receptors Blockers (ARB), compared to those who was administered another drug group (p<0.01) or has not reached the target blood pressure level (p=0,008). Conclusion: The change of serum Klotho levels (decrease) in CKD progression is associated with the degree (increase) of cardiovascular calcification and remodeling (the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy) and it can be seen as an early independent marker of the cardiovascular system lesions in CKD. Our preliminary data of the effect of blood pressure correction on s-Klotho levels may indicate the possibility of drug maintaining serum Klotho levels and it requires further research.

[Clinical value of the determination of markers for endothelial dysfunction (endothelin-1, microalbuminuria) and tubulointerstitial tissue lesion (ß2-microglobulin, monocyte chemotactic protein-1) in hypertensive patients with uric acid metabolic disorders].

AIM: To identify the risk factors of kidney injuries in hypertensive patients with uric acid (UA) metabolic disorders in order to choose the optimal management tactics, by analyzing the changes in markers for endothelial dysfunction (endothelin-1 (ET-1), microalbuminuria (MAU), intima-media thickness (IMT)) and tubulointerstitial tissue lesion (beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty-one patients with grade 1 hypertension without associated diseases, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic syndrome were examined. There were 3 study groups: 1) hyperuricosuria (n = 7); 2) hyperuricemia (n = 53); 3) hyperuricemia and renal failure (n = 6); and a control group of 15 hypertensive patients without UA metabolic disorders who were matched for age and gender with the patients of the study groups. RESULTS: The hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia, as compared with those without UA metabolic disorders, showed higher plasma concentrations of ET-1 (p = 0.003) and MAU (p = 0.009) and more marked increases in common carotid IMT (p = 0.044), urinary excretion of beta2-MG (p = 0.010), and MCP-1 (p = 0.030). There were direct correlations between all the examined biomarkers and the degree of uricemia (Rs = 0.453; p < 0.001; Rs = 0.411; p < 0.001; Rs = 0.322; p = 0.067; Rs = 0.537; p < 0.001; and Rs = 0.318; p = 0.004, respectively) and between the markers of endothelial dysfunction and those of tubulointerstitial tissue lesion (Rs = 0.295 for ET-1 and MCP-1; p = 0.008; Rs = 0.399 for ET-1 and beta2-MG; p < 0.001; Rs = 0.462 for MAU and beta2-MG; p < 0.001; and Rs = 0.188 for MAU and MCP-1; p = 0.094). Multivariate analysis of the clinical and laboratory parameters under study confirmed the role of serum MCP-1, beta2-MG, MAU, creatinine levels as independent predictors for decreased relative urinary gravity, the clinical sign of tubulointerstitial tissue lesion/fibrosis, and that of a wider range of the indicators, such as MAU, ventricular septal thickness, glomerular filtration rate, relative urinary gravity, systolic blood pressure, MPC-1, low-density lipoproteins, as risk factors for renal filtrating dysfunction.

[Severe adverse events from treatment with genetically engineered biological agents in patients with rheumatic diseases].

AIM: To assess the risk of severe adverse events (AEs) within 6 months after treatment with biological agents in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The 6-month open-label trial included 107 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other RDs who received genetically engineered biological agents (GEBAs), primarily rituximab (n = 66) and infliximab (n = 31). RESULTS: The majority of patients were noted to have improvements, including complete and partial remission in 62 (57.9%) and 42 (39.3%), respectively. There were mild or moderate AEs in 22 (20.6%) of the 107 patients, severe AEs in 6 (5.6%): grade IV neutropenia in 2 patients (after the use of rituximab), severe infusion reactions in 2 (after the administration of infliximab and rituximab), and systemic infections in 2 (fatal nocardial sepsis after rituximab treatment and unspecified sepsis after infliximab treatment). CONCLUSION: The rate of serious AEs, mainly infusion AEs and infections during treatment with infliximab, rituximab, and other GEBAs proved to be relatively low in patients with different RDs. At the same time, the use of biological agents could lower RD activity in the presence of severe visceral injuries refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy.

[Clinical implications of renal affection among systemic manifestations of infectious endocarditis].

AIM: To assess the importance of renal affection and other systemic manifestations of infectious endocarditis (IE) among factors of unfavourable IE prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examination including bacteriological blood test, transthoracic echocardiography was made in 54 patients with IE (35 males and 19 females aged 17-75 years). Transesophageal echocardiography and coagulogram examination were additionally performed in 11 and 45 patients, respectively. RESULTS: Modern methods of statistic processing were employed to study systemic IE manifestations. Among them, prognostically significant were singled out and analysed including renal affection. Clinical variants of renal affection were determined in IE patients and their characteristics were determined: high incidence and severity of erythrocyturia, rare occurrence of arterial hypertension, frequent episodes of acute renal failure. A close correlation is shown between IE-associated renal affection, DIC symptoms and thrombocytopenia. Signs of renal damage in IE patients raise probability of other systemic manifestations including prognostically significant ones. This allows one to consider renal affection as a marker of an unfavourable IE course. CONCLUSION: A complex of significant factors of IE unfavorable outcome is determined including such systemic manifestations as severe renal affection, thromboembolism, splenomegaly. These factors are of importance in deciding on surgical intervention--valve replacement.

[Masks of subacute infectious endocarditis]. / "Maski" podostrogo infektsionnogo éndokardita.

AIM: Formulation of approaches to differential diagnosis and treatment policy for subacute infectious endocarditis (SIE) when it is masked by another monoorganic or systemic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The course of SIE was analysed in 132 patients of whom 74(56%) had erroneous admittance diagnoses. Rheumocarditis was not confirmed in 34 patients, 24 patients had nonspecific reactions masking SLE (4 cases), glomerulonephritis (7 cases), myocarditis (4 cases), hemorrhagic vasculitis, nodular periarteritis, polymyositis (9 cases). RESULTS: The "masks" made the SIE diagnosis more difficult, resulted in late or invalid treatment--monotherapy with steroid hormones, in particular. This complicated the diagnostic process and aggravated the disease course. CONCLUSION: To detect SIE it is necessary besides analysis of case record and symptoms to performe echocardiography in dynamics, because of possible late development of valvular defect. High-dose antibiotic therapy is justified for diagnosis of ex juvantibus when the diagnosis remains controversial.