[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.

[Hydrosodium balance in aging]. / La balance hydrosodée au cours du vieillissement.

One of the kidney's major functions is to adjust the water and sodium balance in order to maintain a state of equilibrium. In the course of aging, even in the absence of renal pathology, changes are observed not only in renal macrostructure (reduction in kidney size, increase in the number of cysts), but also in microstructure (arteriosclerosis, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis and tubular atrophy). All these changes can disrupt the homeostasis of water and sodium balances. The aim of this article is to review the physiology of water and sodium stores, and to assess the impact of aging on the regulatory loops of these different systems.

[Acute renal failure in geriatrics]. / Insuffisance rénale aiguë en gériatrie.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a frequent medical problem, affecting 20% of hospitalized patients. Aging leads to functional changes in the kidney, disruptions to hydrosodium homeostasis, and is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease due to the impact of numerous chronic illnesses (diabetes, arterial hypertension, benign prostatic hypertrophy, etc.). All these age-related impairments hamper the kidney's ability to adapt to acute events. While elderly subjects can develop all types of AKI, they are particularly at risk of iatrogenic AKI due to polymedication, functional AKI due to a change in their ability to maintain hydrosodium homeostasis, and obstructive AKI linked to urological pathologies.

[Chronic kidney disease in geriatrics]. / La maladie rénale chronique en gériatrie.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects almost 10% of the world's population, and over 30% of people aged over 70 [1,2]. The overall incidence of treated CKD is stable in France, but continues to rise sharply in people aged over 85 [3]. In its advanced stages, CKD is associated with numerous complications linked to disturbances in water, acid-base and phosphocalcium balance, as well as anemia and increased cardiovascular risk. A better understanding of risk factors, improved practices to promote nephroprotection, and progress in therapeutic education and preparation for suppletive techniques would help reduce this risk.

Total clipless laparoscopic nephrectomy carried out with the LigaSure device: Preliminary experience.

BACKGROUND: Total laparoscopic nephrectomy has become the standard method for the removal of diseased kidneys. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the LigaSure vessel closure system during laparoscopic nephrectomy. METHODS: From January 2018 to June 2018, the LigaSure device was used in 5 patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy for non functional kidney. Nephrectomy was carried out without the use of clips or sutures for vessel closure. We report intraoperative findings, conversion rates, blood loss, operative time, morbidity, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Median operative time was 45minutes (range 25 to 60min). Median blood loss was 30mL (range 10 to 50mL). No conversions to open surgery were necessary. No patients experienced major bleeding intraoperatively or postoperatively. All patients left the hospital one day after the procedure. Histopathological examination of the removed kidneys was in favor of chronic non specific pyelonephritis. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of the renal pedicle during total laparoscopic nephrectomy of a destroyed kidney, the LigaSure device appears to be feasible and effective. Our experience is the first to demonstrate the advantages of LigaSure® in laparoscopic nephrectomy: reduction in operating time, blood loss, transfusions and length of stay in hospital.

2022 Recommendations of the AFU Lithiasis Committee: Specific cases - chronic kidney disease, bilateral stones, and solitary kidney.

Chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hypertension are risk factors of kidney function impairment. The relative risk of kidney failure is 1.52 in patients with urinary stone disease. The various techniques used to remove upper urinary tract stones generally do not alter kidney function in patients with normal kidney function and may sometimes improve kidney function or slow its deterioration in patients with kidney disease. Compared to the asynchronous treatment of bilateral renal and ureteral stones, concomitant treatment is associated with higher risk of anuria and the need of additional interventions, in the absence of postoperative stenting. For the treatment of solitary kidney stones, the absence of postoperative stenting increases the risk of postoperative anuria. Moreover, the multiplication of percutaneous nephrolithotomy access tracts increases the risk of bleeding and that of kidney function impairment. METHODOLOGY: These recommendations were developed according to two methods: the Clinical Practice Recommendations (CPR) method and the ADAPTE method, depending on whether the question was considered in the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommendations (https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis) [EAU Guidelines on urolithiasis. 2022] and their adaptability to the French context.

[Results of the management of kidney cancer with extension into the inferior vena cava: A retrospective, single-center, observational study]. / Résultats de la prise en charge des cancers du rein avec extension dans la veine cave inférieure : étude observationnelle rétrospective monocentrique.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the morbidity and mortality, as well as the oncogical results of patients who had undergone surgical procedure for a kidney cancer with thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and April 2020, 57 patients were operated by enlarged nephrectomy with thrombectomy for kidney cancer with thrombus extension in the inferior vena cava. Twelve patients (21%) with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass because the thrombus was upper than the sus-hepatic veins. Twenty-three patients (40.4%) were metastatic at diagnosis. RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was 10.5%, without difference according to surgical technique. Morbidity during hospitalization was 58%, without difference according to surgical technique. Median follow-up was 40.8±40.1months. Overall survival at 2 and 5years was 60% and 28%, respectively. At 5years, the principal prognostic factor was the metastatic status at diagnosis, in multivariate analysis (OR: 0.15, P=0.03). Progression free survival mean was 28.2±40.2months. Progression free survival at 2 and 5years was 28% and 18%, respectively. All the patients who were metastatic at diagnosis had a recurrence in an average time of 5.7months (median of 3months). Thirteen percent of patients can be considered cured at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality of this surgery remain important. The metastatic status at diagnosis has appeared to be the principal prognostic factor on the survival of these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4: retrospective study.

2022 Recommendations of the AFU Lithiasis Committee: Endoscopic description of renal papillae and stones.

Endoscopic observation is performed during treatments by flexible ureteroscopy to differentiate in situ between renal papillary abnormalities and stones based on their concordance with Daudon's morphological/composition descriptions adapted to endoscopy. These intraoperative visual analyses are now an integral part of the urinary stone disease diagnostic approach in addition to the morphological/structural and spectrophotometric analysis that remains the reference exam, but that loses information on the stone component representativeness due to the development of in situ laser lithotripsy. These are the first practical recommendations on the endoscopic description of renal papillae and stones. METHODOLOGY: These recommendations were developed using two methods: the Clinical Practice Recommendations (CPR) and the ADAPTE method, depending on whether the question was considered in the European Association of Urology (EAU) recommendations (https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis [EAU Guidelines on urolithiasis. 2022]) and their adaptability to the French context.

Volumetric and functional outcomes at 1-year between percutaneous-ablation and partial-nephrectomy for T1b renal tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Indication for percutaneous-ablation (PA) is gradually expanding to renal tumors T1b (4-7cm). Few data exist on the alteration of renal functional volume (RFV) post-PA. Yet, it is a surrogate marker of post partial-nephrectomy (PN) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) impairment. The objective was to compare RFV and GFR at 1-year post-PN or PA, in this T1b population. METHODS: Patients with unifocal renal tumor≥4cm treated between 2014 and 2019 were included. Tumor, homolateral (RFVh), contralateral RFV, and total volumes were assessed by manual segmentation (3D Slicer) before and at 1 year of treatment, as was GFR. The loss of RFV, contralateral hypertrophy, and preservation of GFR were compared between both groups (PN vs. PA). RESULTS: 144 patients were included (87PN, 57PA). Preoperatively, PA group was older (74 vs. 59 years; P<0.0001), had more impaired GFR (73 vs. 85mL/min; P=0.0026) and smaller tumor volume(31.1 vs. 55.9cm3; P=0.0007) compared to PN group. At 1 year, the PN group had significantly more homolateral RFV loss (-19 vs. -14%; P=0.002), and contralateral compensatory hypertrophy (+4% vs. +1,8%; P=0.02, respectively). Total-RFV loss was similar between both (-21.7 vs. -19cm3; P=0.07). GFR preservation was better in the PN group (95.9 vs. 90.7%; P=0.03). In multivariate analysis, age and tumor size were associated with loss of RFVh. CONCLUSION: For renal tumors T1b, PN is associated with superior compensatory hypertrophy compared with PA, compensating for the higher RFVh loss, resulting in similar ΔRFV-total between both groups. The superior post-PN GFR preservation suggests that the preserved quantitative RFV factor is insufficient. Therefore, the underlying quality of the parenchyma would play a major role in postoperative GFR.

p-Chloro-diphenyl diselenide modulates Nrf2/Keap1 signaling and counteracts renal oxidative stress in mice exposed to repeated dexamethasone administrations.

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that has been associated with oxidative stress in central and peripheral tissues. p-Chloro-diphenyl diselenide ((p-ClPhSe)2) is an antioxidant organoselenium compound. The present study evaluated whether nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) signaling contributes to the (p-ClPhSe)2 antioxidant effects in the kidney of mice exposed to dexamethasone. Adult Swiss mice received dexamethasone (intraperitoneal) at a dose of 2 mg/kg or its vehicle for 21 days. After that, mice were treated with (p-ClPhSe)2 (intragastric) (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg) for 7 days. Samples of kidneys were collected for biochemical assays. (p-ClPhSe)2 at a dose of 1 mg/kg reversed the renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and carbonyl protein (CP) levels increased by dexamethasone. (p-ClPhSe)2 at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg was effective against the increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, ROS, and CP, as well as the decrease of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity and nonprotein sulfhydryl levels induced by dexamethasone. At 5 mg/kg, (p-ClPhSe)2 reduced the renal levels of 4-OH-2-HNE and heme oxygenase (HO-1), as well as modulated the Nrf2/Keap-1 signaling in mice exposed to dexamethasone. The present findings revealed that (p-ClPhSe)2 antioxidant effects were associated with the modulation of Nrf2/Keap-1 signaling pathway in the kidney of mice exposed to dexamethasone.

Mechanisms of action of SGLT2 inhibitors and their beneficial effects on the cardiorenal axis.

Large clinical studies conducted with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have demonstrated their ability to achieve both cardiac and kidney benefits. Although there is huge evidence on SGLT2i-mediated clinical benefits both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their efficacy are still poorly understood. Some favorable mechanisms are likely due to the prompt glycosuric action which is associated with natriuretic effects leading to hemodynamic benefits as well as a reduction in glomerular hyperfiltration and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation. In addition to the renal mechanisms, SGLT2i may play a relevant role in cardiorenal axis protection by improving the cardiomyocyte metabolism, by exerting anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory actions, and by increasing cardioprotective adipokine expression. New studies will be needed to better understand the specific molecular mechanisms that mediate the SGLT2i favorable effects in patients suffering diabetes. Our aim is to first discuss about the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2i in each of the main organs involved in the cardiorenal axis. Furthermore, we update on the most recent clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of SGLT2i in treatment of both diabetic and non-diabetic patients suffering heart failure.

Comparison of diet quality tools to assess nutritional adequacy for adults living with kidney disease.

There is no specific diet quality tool recommended for adults living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identifying how diet quality tools assess nutritional adequacy and correlate with potassium and phosphorus (nutrients of interest in CKD) is warranted. Our aim was to compare Mediterranean Diet Scores (MDS), Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and Healthy Food Diversity (HFD) to determine their correlation with nutrient intake in adults living with diabetes and CKD. Using data from a longitudinal study of 50 participants with diabetes and CKD, diet quality was assessed at baseline and 1 or more times at annual visits up to 5 years (complete diet records n = 178). Diet quality was investigated for correlation with nutrient intake. Compared with HEI and HFD, MDS was poorly correlated with nutrient intake (all r values <0.40). HFD and HEI were moderately correlated with potassium (r = 0.66, P < 0.01 and r = 0.57, P < 0.01, respectively). HEI was weakly correlated with phosphorus (r = 0.365, P < 0.01). MDS recommends moderation of dairy and meat, this may have specific benefits for CKD as these are both sources of phosphorus, as such high MDS were associated with lower phosphorus intake. This study suggests that development of a renal specific diet quality assessment tool may be useful; however, further studies are needed.

[The prognostic value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma]. / Signification pronostique du rapport préopératoire neutrophiles-lymphocytes dans le cancer du rein non métastatique.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma who were operated between 2004 and 2020 at our institution. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to graphically display survivor functions. Univariate and multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression models were utilized to analyze the association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: We included 202 patients. Patients with higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio had larger tumors (P=0.03), higher ASA score (P=0.014), clinical symptoms (P=0.04), sarcomatoid differentiation (P=0.03) and tumor necrosis (P=0.02). The rates of recurrence-free survival and metastasis-free survival were significantly lower in patients with a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio than in those with a low ratio (P=0.017; P=0.036 respectively). Multivariate analysis identified the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as an independent predictor of recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival (P=0.021; P=0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: A higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has been associated with a symptomatic renal cancer with a significant prognostic factor for both recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival. LEVEL OF PROOF: 3.

Impact of blood transfusion on survival after nephrectomy for localized or locally advanced renal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have reported blood transfusion were associated with a decrease of survival after oncological surgery. For kidney cancer, the effect of blood transfusion is still debated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of blood transfusion after oncological nephrectomy on overall, specific and recurrence-free survival in a retrospective cohort of localized or locally advanced kidney cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a monocentric retrospective analysis of all patients managed by surgery for localized or locally advanced renal cancer between January 2000 and December 2016. We compared overall and specific survival and recurrence-free survival between two groups: patients transfused and not transfused. Demographic, surgical and tumor characteristics were compared. Survival analyses were performed using univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox proportional regression test. RESULTS: We included 382 patients in this study: 320 (83.8%) were not transfused and 62 (16.2%) were transfused. Transfused patients were significantly older (P=0.001) and had a lower pre-operative hemoglobin level (P=0.008). Operative and oncological characteristics were also different between both groups. In univariate analysis, we showed that blood transfusion was associated with lower overall survival (P<0.001), specific survival (P<0.001), and recurrence-free survival (P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, we found that blood transfusion was not associated with overall survival, or specific survival, but it was associated with lower recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.967, CI95% [1.024-3.780], P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative blood transfusion is an independent risk factor that increases tumor recurrence among patients treated with nephrectomy for renal cancer.

[Results of radiofrequency on small renal masses: Complications, effects on renal fonction and oncological outcomes]. / Résultats périopératoires de la radiofréquence sur les petites tumeurs du rein : complications, impact sur la fonction rénale et résultats oncologiques.

INTRODUCTION: Finding of small renal masses and their ablative treatment has increased in patients unfit for surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of Radiofrequency on those lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective monocentric study of radiofrequency between 2009 and 2017 on small renal masses was undertaken. Complications, effects on renal function and oncological outcomes, were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and three tumors were treated over 96 patients. Two patients (2%) had major complications (Clavien Dindo>=3). Glomerular filtration rate was 66ml/min (±21ml/min) before procedure versus 59ml/min (±21ml/min) after (P<0,001). Ninety-five patients (99%) did not present recurrence with a median follow up of 22,8 months {9,6 ; 37,2}. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency is a safe technique with low impact on renal function and good oncological outcomes. Selection of patients based on comorbidities, renal status, tumoral data (RENAL score) must be specified to evaluate at long term efficacy of RF.

Renal tumor biopsy does not increase the risk of surgical complications of minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: For patients with cT1 renal lesions, Partial Nephrectomy (PN) is the gold standard treatment. However, 20% of small renal masses are benign, situation in which the PN is an overtreatment. The percutaneous Renal Tumor Biopsy (RTB) may lower the risk of overtreatment as there is a 90% concordance rate on histotype between the RTB and the final pathology. It has been suggested that the RTB could increase the difficulty of the PN and increase the risk of surgical complications. OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes and complications of PN with or without previous RTB. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: monocentric retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic-assisted PN between January 2012 and December 2019. MEASUREMENTS: perioperative complications were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification, peroperative data included operative time, clamping time and blood loss, and histological outcomes of RTB and PN. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: In total, 163 patients were included in our study. There were significantly less benign lesions in PN with prior RTB: 7% (4/56) vs. 20% (22/107) without prior RTB (P=0.03). There were no significant differences regarding Clavien-Dindo>2 perioperative complications with respectively 7% (4/56) vs. 10% (11/107) (P=0.57). Same goes for peroperative data such as duration of surgery (P=0.81), warm ischemia (P=0.07) and blood loss (P=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: RTB does not increase the risk of surgical complications of PN and may reduce the risk of small renal masses overtreatment.

French AFU Cancer Committee Guidelines - Update 2022-2024: Upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC).

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to propose an update of the French Urology Association Cancer Committee (ccAFU) Recommendations on the management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT-UC). METHODS: A systematic Medline search was performed between 2020 and 2022, taking account of the diagnosis, treatment options and follow-up of UUT-UC, while evaluating the references with their levels of evidence. RESULTS: The diagnosis of this rare pathology is based on CTU acquisition during excretion and flexible ureterorenoscopy with histological biopsies. Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the gold standard for surgical treatment. Nevertheless conservative treatment can be discussed for low risk lesions: tumour of low-grade, with no infiltration on imaging, unifocal<2cm, eligible for full treatment therefore requiring close endoscopic surveillance by flexible ureteroscopy in compliant patients. After RNU, postoperative instillation of chemotherapy is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence in the bladder. Adjuvant chemotherapy has shown clinical benefits compared to surveillance after RNU for tumours (pT2-T4 N0-3 M0). CONCLUSION: These updated recommendations should contribute to improving not only patients' level of care, but also the diagnosis and decision-making concerning treatment for UUT-UC.

French AFU Cancer Committee Guidelines - Update 2022-2024: management of kidney cancer.

AIM: To update the recommendations for the management of kidney cancers. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted from 2015 to 2022. The most relevant articles on the diagnosis, classification, surgical treatment, medical treatment and follow-up of kidney cancer were selected and incorporated into the recommendations. Therefore, the recommendations were updated while specifying the level of evidence (high or low). RESULTS: The gold standard for the diagnosis and evaluation of kidney cancer is contrast-enhanced chest and abdominal CT. MRI and contrast-enhanced ultrasound are indicated in special cases. Percutaneous biopsy is recommended in situations where the results will influence the therapeutic decision. Renal tumours should be classified according to the pTNM 2017 classification, the WHO 2022 classification and the ISUP nucleolar grade. Metastatic kidney cancer should be classified according to the IMDC criteria. Partial nephrectomy is the gold standard treatment for T1a tumours and can be performed by an open approach, by laparoscopy or by robot-guidance. Active surveillance of tumours less than 2cm in size can be considered regardless of the patient's age. Ablative therapies and active surveillance are options in elderly patients with comorbidity. T1b tumours should be treated by partial or radical nephrectomy depending on the complexity of the tumour. Radical nephrectomy is the first-line treatment for locally advanced cancers. Adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab should be considered in patients at intermediate and high risk for recurrence after nephrectomy. In metastatic patients: Immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy may be offered to oligometastatic patients in combination with local treatment of metastases if this can be complete and delayed cytoreductive nephrectomy can be proposed for patients with a complete response or a significant partial response. Medical treatment should be proposed as first-line therapy for patients with a poor or intermediate prognosis. Surgical or local treatment of metastases can be proposed in case of single or oligo-metastases. The recommended first-line drugs for metastatic patients with clear cell renal carcinoma are the combinations axitinib/pembrolizumab, nivolumab/ipililumab, nivolumab/cabozantinib and lenvatinib/pembrolizumab. Cabozantinib is the recommended first-line treatment for patients with metastatic papillary carcinoma. Cystic tumours should be classified according to the Bosniak classification. Surgical removal should be proposed as a priority for Bosniak III and IV lesions. It is recommended that patient monitoring be adapted to the aggressiveness of the tumour. CONCLUSION: These updated recommendations are a reference that will allow French and French-speaking practitioners to improve kidney cancer management.

Posterior transperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in the treatment of renal tumors: Feasibility of a hybrid approach.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for posterior renal tumors may be performed through anterior (transperitoneal) or posterior (retroperitoneal) approach depending on surgeon's expertise. We propose herein a surgical artifice using daVinci Xi system to combine advantages of both approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2019 to November 2020, patients with posterior renal mass, candidate for RAPN were prospectively included after informed consent. After positioning patient in lateral position, daVinci Xi system was docked on tumor side, to initiate transperitoneal procedure. Posterolateral dissection of perinephric space along fascia retrorenalis was conducted until psoas major muscle was exposed. Three additional robotic ports were then inserted in lumbar space, and RAPN was resumed after rotating daVinci Xi boom. Demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative outcomes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients underwent RAPN with the modified technique. All cases were performed robotically, without modification of port placement. Median (range) tumor diameter was 37 (21-48mm) with median RENAL score of 8 (4-10) Median operative time and warm ischemia time were respectively 128min (70-180min) and 19min (14-22). One patient had a Clavien-Dindo grade II complication. At median follow-up of 13 months (6-18), all patients had eGFR comparable to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: We report the feasibility and safety of a new hybrid posterior transperitoneal approach for RAPN using daVinci Xi system. Limitations include the absence of RENAL score>10 and pT2 tumors. Greater experience is needed to assess learning curve for surgeons untrained to robotic lomboscopy.

Ethanol and cyclophosphamide induce similar nephrotoxic effects: possible role for Nox4 and superoxide.

We tested the hypothesis that ethanol consumption would aggravate the renal damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Male C57BL/6 J mice from control (n = 8) and CYP (n = 12) groups had free access to filtered water and standard rodent chow for 12 weeks. Then, 24 h before euthanasia mice received an intraperitoneal injection of saline or CYP (300 mg/kg). Mice from ethanol (n = 8) and CYP + ethanol (n = 12) groups had free access to increasing doses of ethanol for 12 weeks. Twenty-four hours before euthanasia, mice from ethanol and CYP + ethanol groups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline or CYP, respectively. Ethanol, CYP, or the association of both drugs augmented serum levels of creatinine and increased the levels of superoxide ([Formula: see text]) generation and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the renal cortex. Upregulation of Nox4 and increased activity of superoxide dismutase were detected in the renal cortex of mice treated with ethanol, CYP, or the combination of these drugs; however, these molecular alterations induced by CYP were not potentiated by ethanol consumption. Our findings revealed that chronic ethanol consumption had no potentiating effect on the nephrotoxic effects displayed by CYP. It is possible that the combination of these drugs showed no synergistic effect because they share the same molecular mechanisms of renal toxicity.