Effects of Smokeless Tobacco on the Histology and Functioning of Proximal Convoluted Tubules of the Kidneys of Female Albino Rats

Aims: The consumption of oral form of smokeless tobacco has increased rapidly. Its use is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, myocardial infarction, liver disorders, cerebrovascular accidents and many other health issues. Use of tobacco in any form either smoked or chewed form leads to the absorption of nicotine which spontaneously moves into the bloodstream where it is circulated throughout the body system. Hence through this study an effort is being made to evaluate the effects produced by the locally available brand of smokeless tobacco on the histology and functioning of proximal convoluted tubules of the kidneys of the female Swiss albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam and further lab work was carried out in Isra University Hyderabad. Methodology: 30 adult female Swiss albino rats were randomly selected. They were divided into three groups (n=10). Group A were taken as control. Group B&C comprised of rats which were given 5 %& 10% of smokeless tobacco respectively along with their chow diet. The feed and water were given ad libitum. Animals were sacrificed on 31st day and their kidneys were removed and weighed. The specimens were processed routinely for examination under light microscope. The sections were stained using H & E stains and examined under light microscope. Blood samples for analysis of creatinine and urea were collected. Results: A significant decrease in the weight of the kidneys, an increase in the levels of creatinine and urea were observed (P value = 0.001). Kidneys of both B & C groups showed edema, congestion and presence of cast cells when compared with the kidneys of the control group. Conclusion: From these observations, it can be inferred that the exposure of female Swiss albino rats to the smokeless form of Tobacco is associated with structural and functional damage of the kidneys.

Chronic kidney disease linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report

Background The recent COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about patient diagnosis and follow-up of chronically ill patients. Patients suffering from chronic illnesses, concomitantly infected by SARS-CoV-2, globally tend to have a worse prognosis and poor outcomes. Renal tropism and acute kidney injury following SARS-CoV-2 infection has recently been described in the literature, with elevated mortality rates. Furthermore, patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease, infected by SARS-CoV-2, should be monitored carefully. Here, we report the case of a 69-year-old patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma, suffering from longstanding chronic kidney disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case presentation A 69-year-old male patient previously diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (Splenomegaly, Matutes 2/5, CD5 negative and CD23 positive), was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath, fever and asthenia. A nasopharyngeal swab test was performed in addition to a CT-scan, which confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood creatinine increased following SARS-CoV-2 infection at 130 μmol/l, with usual values at 95 μmol/l. The patient was discharged at home with rest and symptomatic medical treatment (paracetamol and hydration), then readmitted to the hospital in August 2020. A kidney biopsy was therefore conducted as blood creatinine levels were abnormally elevated. Immunodetection performed in a renal biopsy specimen confirmed co-localization of SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid and protease 3C proteins with ACE2, Lewis x and sialyl-Lewis x antigens in proximal convoluted tubules and podocytes. Co-localization of structural and non-structural viral proteins clearly demonstrated viral replication in proximal convoluted tubules in this chronically ill patient. Additionally, we observed the co-localization of sialyl-Lewis x and ACE2 receptors in the same proximal convoluted tubules. Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction test performed on the kidney biopsy was negative, with very low Ct levels (above 40). The patient was finally readmitted to the haematology department for initiation of chemotherapy, including CHOP protocol and Rituximab. Conclusions Our case emphasizes on the importance of monitoring kidney function in immunosuppressed patients and patients suffering from cancer following SARS-CoV-2 infection, through histological screening. Further studies will be required to decipher the mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease and the putative role of sialyl-Lewis x and HBGA during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF NEPHRON TUBULES AT THE EARLY AND LATE STAGES OF THE CHRONIC OPIOID EFFECT

The aim of the study is the examination of the nephron tubules morphological changes at the early and late stages of the experimental chronic opioid effect. Varying degrees of the morphological changes of proximal convoluted tubules, loops of Henle and distal convoluted tubules under chronic nalbuphine effect in the dynamics have been detected. The materials of the study – kidneys of 56 sexually mature male-rats. The experimental animals received daily intramuscular nalbuphine injections for 98 days. From the first to the fourteenth day of the experiment the dose of nalbuphine was 0,212 mg/kg. Every next two weeks nalbuphine injections were done in increasing doses. For histological investigation was used commonly agreed method. The colouring was performed using hematoxylin and eosin as well as azan by Heidenhain's method. Varying degrees of morphological changes of proximal convoluted tubules, loops of Henle and distal convoluted tubules under continuous nalbuphine injection in the dynamics have been detected. The most vivid alterative changes can be observed in proximal convoluted tubules both: at the early and late stages of the experiment. At the early stages as of the 14th day of the experiment signs of granular dystrophy appear, as of the 28th day – necrotic changes, progressing further at the late stages of the experiment. The loops of Henle undergo sporadic destructive changes at the early stages and at the beginning of the late stage of the experiment. Distal convoluted tubules have been necrotic altered only at the late stages of the experiment.

Histomorphological effect of celecoxib on cellular diameter of proximal convoluted tubules of kidney with protective effect of lycopene in albino rats; an experimental study.

Objectives: To observe the cellular diameter of proximal convoluted tubules of kidney of albino rats on celecoxib induced kidney with protection by lycopene. Study Design: Experimental study. Setting: BMSI (Anatomy Department), JPMC, Karachi. Period: 4th May 2015 to 3rd June 2015. Materials and Methods: Ninety to one twenty days old, forty healthy adult, male Albino rats of 200-220gm were taken for the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups, Group A was control group, Group B receive Celecoxib 50 mg/kg body weight orally, Group C receive Celecoxib 50 mg/kg body weight orally along with lycopene50 mg/kg body weight orally and Group D receive lycopene 50 mg/kg body weight orally for 30 days. At the end of study rats were sacrificed and renal tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Markedly increased cellular diameter of proximal convoluted tubules was observed in rats taking celecoxib. Slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed altered and degenerative changes in the renal parenchyma of cortex and medulla. Ballooning of cells, hemorrhage and moderate edema was seen in celecoxib group. Renal interstitium showed infiltration of mononuclear cells, congested and dilated blood vessels. However, renal architecture was improved and reversed in celecoxib along with lycopene receiving group. Conclusion: This study concludes that lycopene decreased the cellular diameter of proximal convoluted tubules in celecoxib treated group.

The role of the kidneys in glucose homeostasis

Until recently, in was believed that degradation of insulin is the main function of the kidneys in maintaining glucose homeostasis. The results of numerous studies showed that the kidneys are involved in filling the energy needs of the body due to the following three key processes: gluconeogenesis, uptake and reabsorption of glucose molecules. The characteristic feature of gluconeogenesis that occurs in the kidneys lies in the fact that it depends on the time elapsed since the last meal. Thus, gluconeogenesis that occurs in the cortical substance of the kidneys provides up to 90% of the glucose entering the blood in the post-absorptive period and up to 60% in the postprandial period. Glucose reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate occurs in the proximal convoluted tubules assisted by sodium-glucose cotransporters, sodium-glucose cotransporters 2 (SGLT2) being the most important of them. It is known that the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) contain significantly more SGLT2 proteins compared to those of healthy individuals. The discovery of the important role of the kidneys in glucose homeostasis led to investigation of the new links in DM2 pathogenesis and the development of a promising approach to its treatment using SGLT2 inhibitors.

Assessment of SGLT2 inhibitors on kidney morphology and albumin excretion in rats with experimental diabetes mellitus type 1

Background. Recently, as the therapy of diabetes mellitus, have been approved several members of a new class of drugs – SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce glycemia and normalize renal perfusion. However renoprotective effect is still the subject of research.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal tissue of rats with experimental type 1 diabetes (DM).Materials and methods. This study was conducted on 22 white male rats at the age of 10 months with streptozotocin - induced diabetes. For the selection of the rats in the experiment were evaluated glycemia. The criteria for diabetes was blood glucose levels > 7 mmol / L and / or a positive glucose tolerance test. Rats were divided into 3 groups: 1 group (healthy control) - a group of 10 animals without DM, 2 group - (diabetic control) 6 animals with DM receiving insulin NPH; 3 -6 animals with DM receiving insulin NPH and dapagliflozin 0.1 mg / kg for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, animals were kept in metabolic cages and 24 hour urine was collected for estimation of albuminuria. Next animals were removed from the experiment, and kidney tissue was sampled for morphological evaluation. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and PAS reaction stains for histopathological examination. Statistical significance of differences was assessed and linkages by standard methods of nonparametric statistics.Results. Sections of kidney from control group had classical structure of renal tissue. In contrast, histological sections from rats treated with insulin had showed cortical glomerulosclerosis, proliferation of mesangial cells and narrowed Bowman's spaces. In most of the proximal convoluted tubules was observed excessive hypertrophy, vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei. The kidneys of rats treated with dapagliflozin and insulin had a lower severity of degenerative processes compared with a group of rats treated with insulin. Many glomeruli had increased cellularity with normal Bowman’s spaces, while in the proximal convoluted tubules was observed weakly pronounced vacuolization and pyknotic nuclei and some less hypertrophy of tubular epithelium. Kidney sections of insulin-treated rats were showed signs of diffuse expansion of mesangial area with proliferation of mesangial cells and its PAS-positive matrix. While signs of mesangial expansion were absent in the dapagliflozin group. Analysis of the degree of glomerulosclerosis data was showed significant differences between the group of rats treated with dapagliflozin and insulin and the group of rats treated with insulin - 0.5 (0.4 - 0.6) and 1.1 (1.0 - 1.2), respectively ( p = 0.005). Furthermore, it revealed significant difference in percentage of mesangial area between group of rats treated with dapagliflozin and insulin and the group of rats treated with insulin - 28% (23 - 32) and 37% (33 - 41), respectively (p = 0.0082). Insulin-treated rats were showed significantly higher level of albuminuria compared with dapagliflozin-treated rats - 91.8 mg / 24h. (74.1 - 108.5) and 50.9 mg / 24 hr (41.3 - 60.2), respectively, (p = 0.012).Conclusions. Administration of dapagliflozin slows the progression of glomerulosclerosis and reduces the degree of its severity and the level of albuminuria, which may suggest a renoprotective properties.