[The kidney, its anatomy and main functions]. / Le rein, son anatomie et ses grandes fonctions.

The kidney performs several major functions: it eliminates toxins produced by cellular or xenobiotic metabolism, regulates the homeostasis of the internal environment and plays a hormonal role, producing erythropoietin, calcitriol and renin. Maintaining the body's homeostasis (hydric, ionic [sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.] or acid-base balance) requires the successive action of plasma filtration, followed by reabsorption/secretion mechanisms, which take place in the various portions of the kidney's functional unit known as the nephron. The initial part of the nephron, the glomerulus, is the site of filtration, while the tubule, which collects the glomerular filtrate, is the site of reabsorption/secretion, leading to the composition of the final urine. It's important to understand how these different structures work, before tackling the various disorders that can affect the kidney.

Alterations of serum biochemical parameters and tyrosine phosphorylation in kidney and liver of chronic stress-induced rats / Alterações dos parâmetros bioquímicos séricos e fosforilação da tirosina em rim e fígado de ratos induzidos por estresse crônico

Chronic stress (CS) can contribute to dysfunction in several organs including liver and kidney. This study was performed to investigate the changes in serum biochemistry, histological structure, as well as in localization of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins (TyrPho) and Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp-70) in liver and kidney tissues of CS rats induced by two stressors (restrained and force swimming) for 60 consecutive days. Samples of blood, liver, and kidney were collected from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats in each group. Our results showed that serum biochemical parameters including corticosterone, blood sugar, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C, LDL-C, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase in CS group were significantly different from that in normal group in both liver and kidney tissues. Although histological structure was not changed. TyrPho expression was significantly increased in liver lysate but significantly decreased in kidney. Hsp-70 expression in liver increased whereas in kidney decreased. In conclusion, CS can induce changes in liver and kidney functions.

O estresse crônico (SC) pode contribuir para a disfunção em vários órgãos, incluindo fígado e rim. Este estudo foi realizado para investigar as alterações na bioquímica sérica, estrutura histológica, bem como na localização de proteínas tirosina fosforiladas (TyrPho) e proteína de choque térmico 70 (Hsp-70) em tecidos hepáticos e renais de ratos CS induzidas por dois estressores (restrito e natação forçada) por 60 dias consecutivos. Amostras de sangue, fígado e rim foram coletadas de ratos Sprague-Dawley machos adultos em cada grupo. Nossos resultados mostraram que os parâmetros bioquímicos séricos, incluindo corticosterona, glicemia, nitrogênio ureico, creatinina, colesterol, triglicerídeos, HDL-C, LDL-C, ALT, AST, fosfatase alcalina no grupo CS foram significativamente diferentes do grupo normal em ambos os fígados e tecidos renais. Embora a estrutura histológica não tenha sido alterada, a expressão de TyrPho aumentou significativamente no lisado hepático, mas diminuiu significativamente no rim. A expressão de Hsp-70 no fígado aumentou, enquanto que no rim diminuiu. Em conclusão, a CS pode induzir alterações nas funções hepáticas e renais.

Conservation of Organs (Heart, Brain and Kidney) of Canine by Cold-Temperature Silicone Plastination in an Animal Anatomy Laboratory in Ecuador / Conservación de Órganos (Corazón, Encéfalo y Riñón) de Canino Mediante la Técnica de Plastinación en Silicona al Frío Realizada en Laboratorio de Anatomía Animal en Ecuador

SUMMARY: For the purposes of teaching anatomy, the use of cadaver preparations is considered the most efficient way of ensuring that students retain knowledge. Nevertheless, in Ecuador the use of animal specimens in universities must comply with the internationally accepted principles of replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs). Plastination is an alternative technique which allows organs to be conserved in the long term and complies with the 3Rs. The object of the present work was to use cold-temperature silicone plastination with Biodur® products to obtain long-lasting, easy-to-handle canine organs for use as tools for the teaching of animal anatomy. Six canine cadavers were obtained from local animal protection charities. The hearts, brains and kidneys of the cadavers were dissected and fixed with formaldehyde 10 %. They were then dehydrated with acetone at -20 °C. The specimens were impregnated with Biodur® S10:S3 (-20 °C) and finally cured with Biodur® S6. We plastinated six hearts, twelve kidneys, four brains and one encephalic slice of canine. The application of cold-temperature plastination to canine organs followed the parameters established for the conventional protocol, enabling us to obtain organs of brilliant appearance, free of odours, in which the anatomical form was preserved. Thus the technique helped us to comply with the 3Rs, as we obtained easy-to-handle teaching models to replace fresh or formaldehyde-fixed samples for the teaching-learning of the canine anatomy.

En la enseñanza de la Anatomía, el uso de preparaciones cadavéricas se considera el método que permite a los estudiantes retener el conocimiento de una forma más eficiente. No obstante, en Ecuador, el uso de especímenes animales en las universidades se debe realizar bajo el principio internacional de reemplazo, reducción y refinamiento (3Rs). La técnica de plastinación es una técnica alternativa que permite preservar órganos a largo plazo y que se adapta al principio de las 3Rs. El objetivo del trabajo fue utilizar la técnica de plastinación en silicona al frío con productos Biodur® para obtener órganos caninos duraderos y manejables útiles como herramienta para la enseñanza de la anatomía animal. Se obtuvieron seis cadáveres de caninos de fundaciones locales para la protección animal. Se realizaron disecciones de corazones, cerebros y riñones de los cadáveres caninos. Los órganos se fijaron con formalina al 10 %. A continuación, se llevó a cabo la deshidratación con acetona a -20 °C. Los especímenes fueron impregnados con S10:S3 Biodur® (-20 °C) y al final fueron curados con Biodur® S6. Se lograron plastinar seis corazones, doce riñones, cinco encéfalos y un tallo encefálico de canino. La técnica de plastinación al frío utilizada para obtener órganos de canino conservó los parámetros empleados en el protocolo convencional y permitió obtener órganos que presentaron aspecto brillante, ausencia de olores y mantuvieron la forma anatómica. Por lo que, la técnica facilitó cumplir con el principio de las 3Rs al obtenerse modelos didácticos fáciles de manipular que pueden reemplazar muestras frescas o formolizadas en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la anatomía del canino.

Microcirculatory changes as a hallmark of aging in the heart and kidney / Cambios microcirculatorios como sello distintivo del envejecimiento en el corazón y riñón

SUMMARY: Changes in the microcirculation of multiple tissues and organs have been implicated as a possible mechanism in physiological aging. In particular, vascular endothelial growth factor is a secretory protein responsible for regulating angiogenesis via altering endothelial proliferation, survival, migration, extracellular matrix degradation and cell permeability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the progression of morphological alterations caused by physiological aging in the heart and kidney and to examine its relation to changes in capillary density. We used two age groups of healthy Wistar rats - 6- and 12-month- old. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was examined through immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and assessed semi-quantitatively. Changes in capillary density were evaluated statistically and correlated with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. We reported stronger immunoreactivity for vascular endothelial growth factor in the left compared to the right ventricle and also observed an increase in its expression in both ventricles in older animals. Contrasting results were reported for the renal cortex and medulla. Capillary density decreased statistically in all examined structures as aging progressed. The studied correlations were statistically significant in the two ventricles in 12-month-old animals and in the renal cortex of both age groups. Our results shed light on some changes in the microcirculation that take place as aging advances and likely contribute to impairment in the function of the examined organs.

Los cambios en la microcirculación de múltiples tejidos y órganos se han implicado como un posible mecanismo en el envejecimiento fisiológico. En particular, el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular es una proteína secretora responsable de regular la angiogénesis mediante la alteración de la proliferación endotelial, la supervivencia, la migración, la degradación de la matriz extracelular y la permeabilidad celular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular en la progresión de las alteraciones morfológicas causadas por el envejecimiento fisiológico en el corazón y riñón y examinar su relación con los cambios en la densidad capilar. Utilizamos dos grupos de ratas Wistar sanas: 6 y 12 meses de edad. La expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular se examinó mediante inmunohistoquímica e inmunofluorescencia y se evaluó semicuantitativamente. Los cambios en la densidad capilar se evaluaron estadísticamente y se correlacionaron con la expresión del factor de crecimiento del endotelio vascular. Informamos una inmunorreactividad más fuerte para el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular en el ventrículo izquierdo en comparación con el derecho y también observamos un aumento en su expresión en ambos ventrículos en animales mayores. Se informaron resultados contrastantes para la corteza renal y la médula. La densidad capilar disminuyó estadísticamente en todas las estructuras examinadas a medida que avanzaba el envejecimiento. Las correlaciones estudiadas fueron estadísticamente significativas en los dos ventrículos en animales de 12 meses y en la corteza renal de ambos grupos de edad. Nuestros resultados arrojan luz sobre algunos cambios en la microcirculación que tienen lugar a medida que avanza el envejecimiento y probablemente contribuyan a un deterioro en la función de los órganos examinados.

Role of foetal kidney size on kidney function in childhood: the born in bradford cohort renal study.

BACKGROUND: Foetal and early childhood development contributes to the risk of adult non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate whether kidney size at birth is associated with markers of kidney function at 7-11 years. METHODS: Foetal kidney dimensions were measured using ultrasound scans at 34 weeks gestation and used to derive kidney volume (cm3) in 1802 participants in the Born in Bradford (BiB) birth cohort. Blood and urine samples were taken from those who participated in the BiB follow-up at 7-11 years (n = 630) and analysed for serum creatinine, cystatin C, urea, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), protein to creatinine ratio (PCR) and retinol binding protein (RBP). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Schwartz creatinine only and combined with cystatin C, and cystatin C only Zappitelli and Filler equations. Linear regression was used to examine the association between foetal kidney volume and eGFR, ACR, PCR and blood pressure, unadjusted and adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Kidney volume was positively associated in adjusted models with eGFR calculated using Schwartz combined (0.64 ml/min diff per unit increase in volume, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.02), Zappitelli (0.79, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.20) and Filler (2.84, 95% CI 1.40 to 4.28). There was an association with the presence of albuminuria but not with its level, or with other urinary markers or with blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Foetal kidney volume was associated with small increases in eGFR in mid-childhood. Longitudinal follow-up to investigate the relationship between kidney volume and markers of kidney function as children go through puberty is required.

Effect of Protein Intake Early in Life on Kidney Volume and Blood Pressure at 11 Years of Age.

High protein intake has been associated with kidney hypertrophy, which is usually reversible; however, when it occurs early in life, it could lead to cell programming with a long-lasting effect. This study aimed to assess whether higher protein ingestion early in life has a persistent effect on kidney volume at 11 years of age, as well as its influence on blood pressure. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial that compared the growth of infants fed with a higher-protein formula versus those fed with a lower-protein formula, with a control group of breastfed infants. Renal ultrasound and anthropometric measurements were assessed at 6 months and 11 years of age. At 11 years, urinary protein, albumin and creatinine, and blood pressure were measured in 232 children. Feeding with a higher-protein formula was associated with a larger kidney volume (ß = 8.71, 95%CI 0.09-17.33, p = 0.048) and higher systolic blood pressure (ß = 3.43, 95%CI 0.78-6.08, p = 0.011) at 11 years of age. Microalbuminuria was detected in 7% of the patients, with no differences among groups (p = 0.56). The effect of increased protein ingestion early in life may condition kidney volume and blood pressure in later childhood.

Lower pole anatomy of horseshoe kidney and complete ureteral duplication: Anatomic and radiologic study applied to endourology.

PURPOSE: To analyze the 3-dimensional intrarenal anatomy of horseshoe kidneys (HK) and kidney with complete ureteral duplication (CUD), in polyester resin endocasts of the collecting system and in patients submitted to 3D computerized tomography scan (CT-scan). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed seven 3-dimensional polyester resin endocasts of the kidney collecting system obtained from 6 fresh adult cadavers (4 with unilateral CUD and 2 with horseshoe kidney) and CT-scan reconstruction images of kidneys from 24 patients: 6 patients with HK, 8 with CUD and 10 patients without renal anomalies that were used as controls. We analyzed the spatial distribution of the calices, the infundibula diameters, the angle between the lower infundibulum and the renal pelvis (LIP) and the angle between the lower infundibulum and the inferior minor calyces (LIICA). Measurements of the width and length of the inferior infundibulum and the infundibula of the minor calyces, as well as the angles (LIP and LIICA) were made with the aid of the LibreOffice 6.3 software. The data were analyzed with the IBM® SPSS® Statistics. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the inferior pole measurements between the groups with anomalies and the control group, both in polyester resin endocasts and CT-scan reconstruction images for LIP. When we compared the LIP in the CT-scan between HK versus CUD (p= 0.003), and HK versus the control group (p= 0.035), we observed statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of spatial anatomy of lower pole is of utmost importance during endourologic procedures in patients with kidney anomalies. In the present study we observed that horseshoe kidneys had more restrictive anatomic factors in lower pole than the complete ureteral duplication.

Treadmill Exercise Training Ameliorates Functional and Structural Age-Associated Kidney Changes in Male Albino Rats.

Aging is a biological process that impacts multiple organs. Unfortunately, kidney aging affects the quality of life with high mortality rate. So, searching for innovative nonpharmacological modality improving age-associated kidney deterioration is important. This study aimed to throw more light on the beneficial effect of treadmill exercise on the aged kidney. Thirty male albino rats were divided into three groups: young (3-4 months old), sedentary aged (23-24 months old), and exercised aged (23-24 months old, practiced moderate-intensity treadmill exercise 5 days/week for 8 weeks). The results showed marked structural alterations in the aged kidney with concomitant impairment of kidney functions and increase in arterial blood pressure with no significant difference in kidney weight. Also, it revealed that treadmill exercise alleviated theses effects in exercised aged group with reduction of urea and cystatin C. Exercise training significantly decreased glomerulosclerosis index, tubular injury score, and % area of collagen deposition. Treadmill exercise exerted its beneficial role via a significant reduction of C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde and increase in total antioxidant capacity. In addition, exercise training significantly decreased desmin immunoreaction and increased aquaporin-3, vascular endothelial growth factor, and beclin-1 in the aged kidney. This study clarified that treadmill exercise exerted its effects via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, podocyte protection, improving aquaporin-3 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and inducing autophagy in the aged kidney. This work provided a new insight into the promising role of aerobic exercise to ameliorate age-associated kidney damage.

A 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: CT-Urography combined with 3D printing technology, digital design, construction of individualized PCNL puncture guides, and preliminary analyze their efficacy, safety puncture positioning for PCNL. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with renal calculi were randomly selected at the affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University during 2017-2018. We randomly divided the patients into two groups: in 10 experimental groups, we used our 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate for PCNL, and in the control group, 12 patients with standard USG guide PCNL. The accuracy of puncture position, puncture time, and intraoperative blood loss was compared. RESULTS: In the experimental group, 10 patients with 3D printing personalized percutaneous puncture guide access plate. The puncture needle was accessed through the guide plate and verified by the color Doppler. The single puncture, needle position, and depth success rate were 100.00% (10/10). The angles were consistent with the preoperative design. In the control group, 12 patients via USG guided PCNL success rate was 75.00% (9/12). The puncture time and amount of hemorrhage was (7.78 ± 0.94) min and (49.31 ± 6.43) mL, and (9.04 ± 1.09) min and (60.08 ± 12.18) mL, respectively. The above data of the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D printing personalized percutaneous nephrolithotomy guide plate for PCNL can improve PCNL renal puncture channel positioning accuracy, shorten puncture time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, bleeding-related complications and provide a new method for PCNL renal puncture positioning, which is worthy of further clinical exploration.

Imaging intact human organs with local resolution of cellular structures using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography.

Imaging intact human organs from the organ to the cellular scale in three dimensions is a goal of biomedical imaging. To meet this challenge, we developed hierarchical phase-contrast tomography (HiP-CT), an X-ray phase propagation technique using the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)'s Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS). The spatial coherence of the ESRF-EBS combined with our beamline equipment, sample preparation and scanning developments enabled us to perform non-destructive, three-dimensional (3D) scans with hierarchically increasing resolution at any location in whole human organs. We applied HiP-CT to image five intact human organ types: brain, lung, heart, kidney and spleen. HiP-CT provided a structural overview of each whole organ followed by multiple higher-resolution volumes of interest, capturing organotypic functional units and certain individual specialized cells within intact human organs. We demonstrate the potential applications of HiP-CT through quantification and morphometry of glomeruli in an intact human kidney and identification of regional changes in the tissue architecture in a lung from a deceased donor with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Remnant renal volume can predict prognosis of remnant renal function in kidney transplantation donors: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Safety and survival during and after donor nephrectomy (DN) are one of the main concerns in living kidney donors (LKDs). Therefore, kidney (left/right) to be procured should be determined after considering the difficulty of DN, as well as the preservation of remnant renal function (RRF). In this prospective study, we investigated the roles of computed tomography volumetry (CTV) in split renal function (SRF) and established a predictive model for RRF in LKDs. METHODS: We assessed 103 LKDs who underwent DN at our institute. The Volume Analyzer SYNAPSE VINCENT image analysis system were used as CTV. RRF was defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 12 months after DN. The association between various factors measured by CTV and RRF were investigated, and a role of CTV on prediction for RRF was assessed. RESULTS: The median age and the preoperative eGFR were 58 years and 80.7 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. Each factor measured by CTV showed an association with RRF. The ratio of remnant renal volume to body surface area (RRV/BSA) could predict RRF. In addition, RRV/BSA could predict RRF more accurately when used together with age and 24-h creatinine clearance (CrCl). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that RRV/BSA measured by CTV can play an important role in predicting RRF, and a comprehensive assessment including age and CrCl is important to determine the kidney to be procured.

Usefulness of the mayo adhesive probability score as a predictive factor for renal function deterioration after partial nephrectomy: a retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: Whether the Mayo adhesive probability score, an index of the perinephric fat environment, could be a predictive factor for renal function deterioration after partial nephrectomy was investigated. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of 78 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed. An estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation rate at ≤ 90% at 3 months after surgery was defined as postoperative renal function deterioration. These patients were divided into two groups (non-deterioration and deterioration groups). Patient factors including Mayo adhesive probability scores (both tumor and unaffected sides) and surgical factors were evaluated to identify the predictors for postoperative renal function deterioration. The statistical analysis used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (47.4%) patients had postoperative renal function deterioration after partial nephrectomy. Univariate analysis identified Mayo adhesive probability score on the unaffected side (p = 0.02), and warm ischemia time (p < 0.01) as predictors of postoperative renal function deterioration. On multivariate analyses, Mayo adhesive probability score on the unaffected side (odds ratio: 1.38 [1.05-1.79], p = 0.02) and warm ischemia time (odds ratio: 1.04 [1.01-1.07], p < 0.01) were significantly associated with postoperative renal function deterioration as same as univariate analysis. On receive operating characteristic curve analysis, Mayo adhesive probability score on the unaffected side (cutoff value 1.5; p = 0.02) and warm ischemia time (cutoff value 26.5 min; p = 0.01) were significant predictors of renal function deterioration 3 month after surgery. CONCLUSION: The Mayo adhesive probability score on the unaffected side and warm ischemia time are useful predictors for renal function deterioration after partial nephrectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2019-249, January 21st, 2019, retrospectively registered.

Validation of 2d ultrasound and volume estimation formulae for volume assessment of kidneys and spleens: an in-vitro study / alidación de la fórmula de estimación de volumen y ultrasonido 2D para la evaluación del volumen de los riñones y el bazo: un estudio in vitro

The accuracy of internal organ volume estimation done with ultrasound (US) was found to be multifactorial. Hence, we aimed to describe and validate the volume assessment of ultrasound and standard volume estimation formulae for different shaped intra-abdominal organs using spleens and kidneys.Dissected cadaveric kidneys (n=25) and spleens (n=29) were scanned to obtain linear measurements and ultrasound auto-generated volumes (USV). Linear measurements were used to calculate the volumes manually with ellipsoid, prolate, and Lambert volume estimating formulae. The actual volumes (AV) of organs were obtained by the water displacement method. Volume assessment accuracy of USV and different formulae were compared by comparing bias, precision and Bland-Altman plot analysis. The US linear and volume measurement procedure was reliable with high inter and intra-observer agreements (linear: Chronbach's α=0.983 to 0.934; volumes: Chronbach's α=0.989). USV estimates were accurate with a high correlation to AV and low estimation bias (-5.9%). Also, prolate (bias=-0.75%) and ellipsoid formulae (bias=-3.75%) were reliable with a negligible bias in estimated volumes. Contrary, the Lambert formula was unreliable due to a high bias (41.6%). For all evaluated methods, the estimation error found to be related to the organ size (T=3.483; p=0.001), mainly when the assessed organ is larger than 50 ml. Also, the shape related estimation error found to be related to the volume estimation formula used.This study has validated the USV for kidney and splenic volume assessments while describing volume-calculating formula employed, organ size and shape as significant contributors for volume estimation accuracy.

Se encontró que la precisión de la estimación del volumen de órganos internos realizada con ultrasonido (US) es multifactorial. El objetivo fue describir y validar la evaluación de volumen mediante ecografía y las fórmulas estándar de estimación de volumen para órganos intraabdominales de diferentes formas utilizando bazos y riñones.Se evaluaron riñones cadavéricos disecados (n = 25) y bazos (n = 29) para obtener medidas lineales y volúmenes autogenerados por ultrasonido (USV). Se utilizaron medidas lineales para calcular los volúmenes manualmente con fórmulas de estimación de volumen elipsoide, prolate y Lambert. Los volúmenes reales (AV) de los órganos se obtuvieron mediante el método de desplazamiento de agua. Se comparó la precisión de la evaluación del volumen de USV y diferentes fórmulas comparando el sesgo, la precisión y el análisis de la gráfica de Bland-Altman. El procedimiento de medición lineal y de volumen mediante US fue confiable con alta concordancia inter e intraobservadores (lineal: α de Chronbach = 0,983 a 0,934; volúmenes: α de Chronbach = 0,989). Las estimaciones de USV fueron precisas con una alta correlación con AV y un bajo sesgo de estimación (-5,9%). Además, las fórmulas prolate (sesgo= -0,75%) y elipsoide (sesgo = -3,75%) fueron confiables con un sesgo insignificante en los volúmenes estimados. Por el contrario, la fórmula de Lambert no fue confiable debido a un alto sesgo (41,6%). Para todos los métodos evaluados, se encontró que el error de estimación estaba relacionado con el tamaño del órgano (T = 3.483; p = 0.001), principalmente cuando el órgano evaluado es mayor de 50 ml. Además, se encontró que el error de estimación de forma está relacionado con la fórmula de estimación de volumen utilizada.Este estudio ha validado el USV para evaluaciones de volumen renal y esplénico al mismo tiempo que describe la fórmula de cálculo de volumen empleada, el tamaño y la forma de los órganos como contribuyentes significativos de la precisión de la estimación de volumen.

Vitrification and Nanowarming of Kidneys.

Vitrification can dramatically increase the storage of viable biomaterials in the cryogenic state for years. Unfortunately, vitrified systems ≥3 mL like large tissues and organs, cannot currently be rewarmed sufficiently rapidly or uniformly by convective approaches to avoid ice crystallization or cracking failures. A new volumetric rewarming technology entitled "nanowarming" addresses this problem by using radiofrequency excited iron oxide nanoparticles to rewarm vitrified systems rapidly and uniformly. Here, for the first time, successful recovery of a rat kidney from the vitrified state using nanowarming, is shown. First, kidneys are perfused via the renal artery with a cryoprotective cocktail (CPA) and silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (sIONPs). After cooling at -40 °C min-1 in a controlled rate freezer, microcomputed tomography (µCT) imaging is used to verify the distribution of the sIONPs and the vitrified state of the kidneys. By applying a radiofrequency field to excite the distributed sIONPs, the vitrified kidneys are nanowarmed at a mean rate of 63.7 °C min-1 . Experiments and modeling show the avoidance of both ice crystallization and cracking during these processes. Histology and confocal imaging show that nanowarmed kidneys are dramatically better than convective rewarming controls. This work suggests that kidney nanowarming holds tremendous promise for transplantation.

A morphological, histological and histochemical study of the sexual segment of the kidney of the male Chamaeleo calyptratus (veiled chameleon) / Un estudio morfológico, histológico e histoquímico del segmento sexual del riñón del macho Chamaeleo calyptratus (camaleón velado)

SUMMARY: This study aimed to describe the morphology, histology, and histochemistry of the kidneys and the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) in Chamaeleo calyptratus (Yemen chameleons or veiled chameleons) collected during the active reproductive season. To achieve this objective, a total of 7 mature male Chamaeleo calyptratus were captured from their natural habitats from different areas in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia and transferred to the reptilian laboratory where their kidneys were dissected out. Next, a morphological examination was conducted on the kidneys and the SSK was processed for light microscopic examinations with the primary focus placed on the morphology and histology of the SSK. The results of the study showed that Chamaeleo calyptratus possess two, reddish-brown, attenuated kidneys divided into lobes and lobules (lobulated). The histological study showed that the chameleons had no distinct limits between the cortex and medulla of the kidneys. In general, similar with other reptiles, this lizard demonstrated that the kidneys have few nephrons, do not show any nephron loop (loop of Henle), and display few glomeruli. The nephron is generally composed of standard components: renal corpuscle, glomerulus surrounded by a double-walled, the glomerular capsule (Bowman's capsule) and renal tubules (six renal tubular segments differentiated as the ciliated neck segment [between the glomerulus and the proximal segment], proximal segment, ciliated intermediate segment instead of nephron loop that connects proximal and distal, distal segment, terminal segment or sexual segment, and all segments emptying into the collecting ducts. The epithelial tissues lining the lumen of these segments vary from simple cuboidal cells to columnar and tall columnar cells in the SSK. Mature male Chamaeleo calyptratus possess hypertrophied parts of the distal renal segments, which are called the SSK. Histologically, the active SSK consists of simple tall columnar epithelial cells with rounded basal nuclei with clear centralized nucleoli and numerous apical coarse secretory granules which are released from the cells by an apocrine process. Histochemically, the secretory granules stain positively for proteins with mercuric bromophenol blue and react intensely to periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) for neutral carbohydrates. This is the first report about the histology of the SSK of the Chamaeleo calyptratus, and this study adds to the knowledge of the reproductive biology, biodiversity, and reproductive strategies of chameleons. Further studies are required to investigate the ultrastructure of the kidneys and SSK.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la morfología, histología e histoquímica de los riñones y el segmento sexual en el riñón (SSK) del Chamaeleo calyptratus (camaleones de Yemen o camaleones con velo) recolectados durante la temporada reproductiva. Un total de 7 machos maduros de Chamaeleo calyptratus fueron capturados en su hábitat natural de diferentes áreas en la región de Aseer de Arabia Saudita y transferidos al laboratorio de reptiles donde fueron disecados los riñones. Posteriormente, se llevó a cabo un examen morfológico de los riñones y se procesó la SSK para exámenes con microscopio óptico con el enfoque principal puesto en la morfología y la histología. Los resultados del estudio mostraron que Chamaeleo calyptratus posee dos riñones atenuados de color marrón rojizo divididos en lóbulos (lobulados). En el estudio histológico se observó que los riñones de los camaleones no tenían límites definidos entre la corteza y la médula. En general, y similar a otros reptiles, este lagarto demostró que los riñones tienen pocas nefronas, no muestran ningún asa de Henle y presentan pocos glomérulos. La nefrona está compuesta por componentes estándar: corpúsculo renal (glomérulo rodeado por una pared de doble pared). Cápsula de Bowman y túbulos renales (seis segmentos tubulares renales diferenciados como el segmento del cuello ciliado [entre el glomérulo y el segmento proximal], segmento proximal, segmento intermedio ciliado en lugar del asa de Henle que conecta proximal y distal, segmento distal, segmento terminal o segmento sexual y todos los segmentos que desembocan en los conductos colectores Los tejidos epiteliales que recubren la luz de estos segmentos varían desde células cuboidales simples hasta células columnares y columnares altas en la SSK. Los machos maduros de Chamaeleo calyptratus poseen partes hipertrofiadas de los segmentos renales distales, denominados SSK. Histológicamente, la SSK activa consiste en células epiteliales cilíndricas altas simples con núcleos basales redondeados, nucléolos centralizados claros y gránulos secretores gruesos apicales que se liberan de las células por un proceso apocrino. Histoquímicamente, los gránulos secretores se tiñen positivamente para las proteínas con azul de bromofenol mercúrico y reaccionan intensamente al ácido periódico-Schiff (PAS) para obtener carbohidratos neutros. Este es el primer informe sobre la histología de la SSK de Chamaeleo calyptratus, y se suma al conocimiento de la biología reproductiva, la biodiversidad y las estrategias reproductivas de los camaleones. Se requieren más estudios para investigar la ultraestructura de los riñones y la SSK.

Novel G-CSF conjugated anionic globular dendrimer: Preparation and biological activity assessment.

The most crucial role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the body is to increase the strength of immune system. In recent years, research on the use of nanoparticles in pharmaceuticals has been considered, most of which have been for drug-loading purposes. In this study, a novel G-CSF conjugated dendrimer was synthesized and characterized using different techniques. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed on A549 and L929 cells, while abnormal toxicity was studied in mice. In vitro and in vivo biological activities were assessed in NFS60 cells and rats, respectively. In addition, in vivo distribution, plasma half-life, and histopathological effect were studied in rat. The characterization tests confirmed the successful conjugation. There was no difference between G-CSF cytotoxicity before and after conjugation, and no difference with the control group. No mice showed abnormal toxicity. Although in vitro biological activity revealed both conjugated and free G-CSF promote proliferation cells, biological activity decreased significantly after conjugation about one-third of the unconjugated form. Nonetheless, in vivo biological activity of conjugated G-CSF increased by more than 2.5-fold relative to the unconjugated form, totally. Fortunately, no histopathologic adverse effect was observed in vital rat tissues. Also, in vivo distribution of the conjugate was similar to the native protein with an enhanced terminal half-life. Our data revealed that G-CSF conjugated dendrimer could be considered as a candidate to improve the in vivo biological activity of G-CSF. Moreover, multivalent capability of the dendrimer may be used for other new potentials of G-CSF in future perspectives.

Parallel comparison of R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and C-index scoring systems in predicting outcomes after partial nephrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To parallelly compare the applicability of the radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness, anterior/posterior, location nephrometry score (R.E.N.A.L.), the Preoperative Aspects and Dimensions Used for an Anatomical (PADUA), and the centrality index (C-index) scoring systems in predicting clinical outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: We searched EMBASE, PubMed, Ovid, and Web of Science to perform a meta-analysis examining the correlation coefficients between three nephrometry scores (NSs) and warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss (EBL), operation time (OT), length of stay (LOS), and absolute change in eGFR (ACE) up to 25 January 2021. RESULTS: In total, 13 studies including 1496 patients met the criteria for further analysis. Overall, all scoring systems had statistically significant correlations with the WIT, EBL, OT, ACE and LOS and ACE, except for the correlation between PADUA and LOS (r = 0.16 [-0.00, 0.31], p > 0.05). The C-index had the strongest correlation with WIT (r = -0.35 [-0.43, -0.26], p < 0.05) and ACE (r = -0.29 [-0.48, -0.10], p < 0.05). Weak correlations were observed between OT as well as EBL and each scoring system. Publication bias was observed in PADUA score predicting ACE (p = 0.04) and high heterogeneity was found in some of our results. CONCLUSION: Until now, this is the first meta-analysis that parallelly compares these three scoring systems in predicting outcomes after PN. We found that all NSs showed a statistically significant correlation with WIT, EBL, OT, and ACE. Moreover, the C-index scoring system is the best predictor of WIT and ACE. Due to the existence of publication bias and high heterogeneity, more well-designed and large-scale studies are warranted for validation.

The lymphatics in kidney health and disease.

The mammalian vascular system consists of two networks: the blood vascular system and the lymphatic vascular system. Throughout the body, the lymphatic system contributes to homeostatic mechanisms by draining extravasated interstitial fluid and facilitating the trafficking and activation of immune cells. In the kidney, lymphatic vessels exist mainly in the kidney cortex. In the medulla, the ascending vasa recta represent a hybrid lymphatic-like vessel that performs lymphatic-like roles in interstitial fluid reabsorption. Although the lymphatic network is mainly derived from the venous system, evidence supports the existence of lymphatic beds that are of non-venous origin. Following their development and maturation, lymphatic vessel density remains relatively stable; however, these vessels undergo dynamic functional changes to meet tissue demands. Additionally, new lymphatic growth, or lymphangiogenesis, can be induced by pathological conditions such as tissue injury, interstitial fluid overload, hyperglycaemia and inflammation. Lymphangiogenesis is also associated with conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration failure and transplant rejection. Although lymphangiogenesis has protective functions in clearing accumulated fluid and immune cells, the kidney lymphatics may also propagate an inflammatory feedback loop, exacerbating inflammation and fibrosis. Greater understanding of lymphatic biology, including the developmental origin and function of the lymphatics and their response to pathogenic stimuli, may aid the development of new therapeutic agents that target the lymphatic system.

Effect of 2-year caloric restriction on organ and tissue size in nonobese 21- to 50-year-old adults in a randomized clinical trial: the CALERIE study.

BACKGROUND: Sustained calorie restriction (CR) promises to extend the lifespan. The effect of CR on changes in body mass across tissues and organs is unclear. OBJECTIVES: We used whole-body MRI to evaluate the effect of 2 y of CR on changes in body composition. METHODS: In an ancillary study of the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) trial, 43 healthy adults [25-50 y; BMI (kg/m2): 22-28] randomly assigned to 25% CR (n = 28) or ad libitum (AL) eating (n = 15) underwent whole-body MRI at baseline and month 24 to measure adipose tissue in subcutaneous, visceral, and intermuscular depots (SAT, VAT, and IMAT, respectively); skeletal muscle; and organs including brain, liver, spleen, and kidneys but not heart. RESULTS: The CR group lost more adipose tissue and lean tissue than controls (P < 0.05). In the CR group, at baseline, total tissue volume comprised 32.1%, 1.9%, and 1.0% of SAT, VAT, and IMAT, respectively. The loss of total tissue volume over 24 mo comprised 68.4%, 7.4%, and 2.2% of SAT, VAT, and IMAT, respectively, demonstrating preferential loss of fat vs. lean tissue. Although there is more muscle loss in CR than AL (P < 0.05), the loss of muscle over 24 mo in the CR group comprised only 17.2% of the loss of total tissue volume. Changes in organ volumes were not different between CR and AL. The degree of CR (% decrease in energy intake vs. baseline) significantly (P < 0.05) affected changes in VAT, IMAT, muscle, and liver volume (standardized regression coefficient ± standard error of estimates: 0.43 ± 0.15 L, 0.40 ± 0.19 L, 0.55 ± 0.17 L, and 0.45 ± 0.18 L, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four months of CR (intended, 25%; actual, 13.7%) in young individuals without obesity had effects on body composition, including a preferential loss of adipose tissue, especially VAT, over the loss of muscle and organ tissue. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02695511.

Histological architectures and biometric characteristics of indigenously plastinated organs of goat / Arquitectura histológica y características biométricas de órganos de cabra plastinados localmente

SUMMARY: The histo-morphology and biometry of liver, lung and kidney of goat were studied. The obtained samples were divided into two groups. One set of tissue was processed for paraffin embedding after formalin fixation. The other set was indigenously plastinated. The plastinates were embedded with paraffin without deplastination. Both the non plastinated and plastinated tissues were sectioned and processed for routine staining. The tissues were examined under light microscope for histological architectures and quantitatively assessed the biometric parameters. The non plastinated and plastinated samples yielded mostly similar histological architectures. But plastinated liver showed alterations and artifacts with enlargement of the central vein and hepatic sinusoidal space. Plastinated lung revealed enlarged alveolar sac. Lack of nuclear clarity was observed for all the plastinated samples. The plastinated kidney revealed compactness of the cellular structures and shrinkage induced artifacts with clear renal corpuscles structure and obvious glomerular capsule (Bowman's capsule). The biometric measurements of central vein of liver, alveolar sac of lung, glomerulus and glomerular space of kidney of both plastinated and non plastinated tissue were also performed using calibrated stage micrometer. Comparison was done between the biometric data for both plastinated and non plastinated tissue. No significant difference was found in the obtained biometric data of liver and lung. Only a significant difference was observed between the width of glomerulus of non plastinated kidney and width of glomerulus of plastinated kidney. The morphological and biometric study of non plastinated and plastinated organs of goat can conclude that histological slides can be made from indigenously plastinated organs with well preserved histological architectures of the tissues with some rare exceptions. Plastination does not affect the biometric characteristics of the organs. In addition, the comparative morphologic and biometric study of plastinated and non plastinated organs of goat will be useful in education and research.

RESUMEN: En este estudio se analizó la histomorfología y biometría de hígado, pulmón y riñón de cabra. Las muestras obtenidas se dividieron en dos grupos: una cohorte de tejido fue procesada para su inclusión en parafina después de la fijación con formalina. La siguiente cohorte fue plastinada localmente. Tanto los tejidos no plastinados como los plastinados fueron seccionados y procesados para tinción de rutina. Los tejidos se examinaron con un microscopio óptico en busca de arquitecturas histológicas y se evaluaron cuantitativamente los parámetros biométricos. Las muestras no plastinadas y plastinadas produjeron arquitecturas histológicas en su mayoría similares. El hígado plastinado mostró alteraciones y artefactos con un aumento de la vena central y del espacio sinusoidal hepático. El pulmón plastinado reveló aumento del saco alveolar. Se observó falta de claridad nuclear en todas las muestras plastinadas. El riñón plastinado reveló compacidad de las estructuras celulares y artefactos inducidos por contracción con estructura clara de corpúsculos renales y obvia cápsula glomerular (cápsula de Bowman). Las mediciones biométricas de la vena central del hígado, el saco alveolar del pulmón, el glomérulo y el espacio glomerular del riñón de tejido plastinado y no plastinado también se realizaron utilizando un micrómetro de platina calibrado. Se realizó una comparación entre los datos biométricos del tejido plastinado y no plastinado. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los datos biométricos obtenidos de hígado y pulmón. Se observó una diferencia significativa entre el ancho del glomérulo del riñón no plastinado y el ancho del glomérulo del riñón plastinado. En el estudio morfológico y biométrico de órganos de cabra no plastinados y plastinados se puede concluir que es posible hacer portaobjetos histológicos a partir de órganos plastinados naturales con arquitecturas histológicas de los tejidos bien conservadas, con algunas excepciones. La plastinación no afecta las características biométricas de los órganos. Además, el estudio comparativo morfológico y biométrico de órganos plastinados y no plastinados de cabra será de utilidad en la educación y la investigación.