Association of metabolic syndrome traits with urinary biomarkers in Japanese adults

Background Although metabolic syndrome traits are risk factors for chronic kidney disease, few studies have examined their association with urinary biomarkers. Methods Urinary biomarkers, including A-megalin, C-megalin, podocalyxin, albumin, α1-microglobulin, β2-microglobulin, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, were cross-sectionally assessed in 347 individuals (52.7% men) with a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) < 300 mg/g in a health checkup. Metabolic syndrome traits were adopted from the National Cholesterol Education Program (third revision) of the Adult Treatment Panel criteria modified for Asians. Results Participants had a mean body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and median ACR of 23.0 kg/m2, 74.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 7.5 mg/g, respectively. In age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis, A-megalin and albumin were significantly associated with the clustering number of metabolic syndrome traits (3 or more). After further adjustment with eGFR, higher quartiles of A-megalin and albumin were each independently associated with the clustering number of metabolic syndrome traits (adjusted odds ratio for A-megalin: 1.30 per quartile, 95% CI 1.03–1.64; albumin: 1.42 per quartile, 95% CI 1.12–1.79). Conclusions Both urinary A-megalin and albumin are associated with the clustering number of metabolic syndrome traits. Further research on urinary A-megalin is warranted to examine its role as a potential marker of kidney damage from metabolic risk factors.

Midazolam Ameliorates Hyperglycemia-Induced Glomerular Endothelial Dysfunction by Inhibiting Transglutaminase 2 in Diabetes

Midazolam is an anesthetic widely used for anxiolysis and sedation; however, to date, a possible role for midazolam in diabetic kidney disease remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of midazolam on hyperglycemia-induced glomerular endothelial dysfunction and elucidated its mechanism of action in kidneys of diabetic mice and human glomerular microvascular endothelial cells (HGECs). We found that, in diabetic mice, subcutaneous midazolam treatment for 6 weeks attenuated hyperglycemia-induced elevation in urine albumin/creatinine ratios. It also ameliorated hyperglycemia-induced adherens junction disruption and subsequent microvascular leakage in glomeruli of diabetic mice. In HGECs, midazolam suppressed high glucose-induced vascular endothelial-cadherin disruption and endothelial cell permeability via inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ elevation and subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and transglutaminase 2 (TGase2) activation. Notably, midazolam also suppressed hyperglycemia-induced ROS generation and TGase2 activation in glomeruli of diabetic mice and markedly improved pathological alterations in glomerular ultrastructure in these animals. Analysis of kidneys from diabetic Tgm2−/− mice further revealed that TGase2 played a critical role in microvascular leakage. Overall, our findings indicate that midazolam ameliorates hyperglycemia-induced glomerular endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting ROS-mediated activation of TGase2.

Associations of a healthy lifestyle score from childhood to adulthood with subclinical kidney damage in midlife: a population-based cohort study

Background The relationships of healthy lifestyle scores (HLS) of various kinds in adulthood with the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported, but little is known about the association of childhood lifestyle with later life CKD. This study examined the relationship of HLS from childhood to adulthood with subclinical kidney damage (SKD) in midlife, a surrogate measure for CKD. Methods Data were collected in an Australian population-based cohort study with 33 years follow-up. 750 participants with lifestyle information collected in childhood (ages 10–15 years) and midlife (ages 40–50 years), and measures of kidney function in midlife were included. The HLS was generated from the sum scores of five lifestyle factors (body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet). Each factor was scored as poor (0 point), intermediate (1 point), or ideal (2 points). Log-binomial regression was used to investigate the relationship of HLS in childhood and from childhood to adulthood with SKD defined as either 1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30–60 mL/min/1.73m2 or 2) eGFR> 60 mL/min/1.73m2 with urine albumin-creatinine ratio ≥ 2.5 mg/mmol (males) or 3.5 mg/mmol (females), adjusting for socio-demographic factors and the duration of follow-up. Results The average HLS was 6.6 in childhood and 6.5 in midlife, and the prevalence of SKD was 4.9% (n = 36). Neither HLS in childhood nor HLS from childhood to adulthood were significantly associated with the risk of SKD in midlife. Conclusions A HLS from childhood to adulthood did not predict SKD in this middle-aged, population-based Australian cohort.

A Prospective Study of Urinary Albumin to Creatinine Ratio and Its Associated Causes

Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio have predictive values for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction etc. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio represents the severity of proteinuria, indicates high probability of damage to glomerular filtration capacity of the kidney and is of great diagnostic relevance. Emerging data suggested that reduction of albuminuria leads to reduced risk of adverse renal and cardiovascular events but also steps should be taken to suppress albuminuria to prevent future renal and cardiovascular adverse events. This review discusses the association between albuminuria and adverse cardiovascular and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This study aimed to review the association between normal ranges of urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Case Report on Mucormycotic Osteomyelitis of Maxilla

Introduction: The upper jaw is formed by the maxilla, one of the basic bones of the face. It is a crucial viscerocranium structure that aids in the creation of the palate, nose, and orbit. The upper teeth are held in place by the alveolar process of the maxilla, which is vital for mastication and speaking. Because of its substantial vascular supply, maxillary necrosis is uncommon compared to mandible necrosis [1]. Maxillary necrosis can be caused by bacterial infections like osteomyelitis, viral infections like herpes zoster, or fungal infections like mucormycosis, as well as trauma, radiation, and other factors [2]. Long-term use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, on the other hand, may result in an opportunistic infection. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that mostly affects immunocompromised persons. These fungi are widespread in many people, although the symptoms have been linked to a weakened immune system. Mucormycosis is a life-threatening illness that frequently affects immunocompromised individuals due to diabetic ketoacidosis, neutropenia, organ transplantation, and elevated blood iron levels. Clinical Findings: The patient have a complaint of discomfort in the upper left side of the jaw was rapid in start, dull hurting, intermittent in character, and worse on mastication. A radiating headache on the left side is also a complaint. Diagnostic Evaluation: CRP - 12.48 m/ L, Calcium 8.1 mg/dl, KFT-Ser (urea – 29 mg/dl, Creatinine 0.4 mg/dl, Sodium 138 mmol/L, Potassium -4.3 mmol/L, Albumin 2.6 g/dl,) Urine exam routine Pus cells 1-2 cells, urine albumin nil, Crystal 3-4 calcium oxalate Crystal, 2D echo was done on dated 31/5/21, MRI was done, Cardiac call was done. Therapeutic Intervention: If not recognised and treated early, fungal osteomyelitis is more invasive than bacterial osteomyelitis. Treatment is given to the patient as a follow-up. Debridement of necrotic tissue on a local level. Antibiotics - Tab Augmentine 625 mg, Tab paracetamols 500 mg, Inj T. T 0.5 ml in a single dosage, Antifungal treatment, and Betadine gargle twice a day. Conclusion: On 04/06/2021, a 58-year-old male was hospitalised to AVBR Hospital's Oral Surgery Ward 35 after being diagnosed with Mucormycotic Osteomyelitis of the Maxilla. The patient is being counselled on how to proceed with his treatment.

Association of Microalbuminuria and Bevacizumab Therapy Outcomes in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a visual impairment-related eye disease developed by long-term hyperglycemic status. Diabetic condition in DR patients leads to diabetic organopathies (e.g., renal failure). Albuminuria, as a hallmark of renal failure, can be correlated with visual indicators in DR patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of albuminuria status in visual acuity (VA) and bevacizumab therapy outcomes in DR patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 48 DR patients were admitted to the Ophthalmology Center of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. The retinopathy status and VA were identified before and after treatment through 45 days of bevacizumab therapy. In addition, fast blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, urine albumin, and urine creatinine were evaluated using standard laboratory methods. Results: The VA value before treatment in microalbuminuric DR patients (0.106 ± 0.036) was significantly lower than non-microalbuminuric DR patients (0.347 ± 0.286; P < 0.001). Furthermore, VA value after treatment in microalbuminuric DR patients (0.115 ± 0.071) was significantly lower than non-microalbuminuric DR patients (0.355 ± 0.272; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the percentage of VA increase between microalbuminuric and non-microalbuminuric patients. Moreover, the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was correlated with a lower VA level before and after treatment (P < 0.001 for both). There was no correlation between the percentage of VA increase with ACR, albumin, and creatinine. Conclusions: The current study results showed that different VA before and after bevacizumab therapy status was correlated with microalbuminuria status. Additionally, microalbuminuria status did not affect the percentage of VA increase in the treatment of DR patients.

STUDY OF MICROALBUMINURIA IN SEPSIS WITH REFERENCE TO APACHE II SCORE

Sepsis has very high morbidity and mortality, which leads to major healthcare burden in the world. Though there is far from advancement in the therapeutic options, the mortality rate remains high due to the delay in the diagnosis because of lack of availability of reliable diagnostic methods. In sepsis there is potent activation of inammatory cascade leads to endothelial dysfunction and increase in systemic capillary permeability. In kidney there is loss of barrier integrity and capillary leak in the glomerulus results in increased excretion of albumin in the urine. This study was done to evaluate the degree of microalbuminuria in sepsis in correlation with APACHE II score and to test whether the degree of microalbuminuria could predict the mortality in critically ill sepsis patients. Methodology: The present study was conducted on 50 patients admitted to medical emergency/ Medical ICU in Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences Narketpally. Spot urine sample was collected within 6 hours and at 24 hours of admission to medical emergency/ICU /ward. Sample testedfor urine micro albumin by using immunoturbidometric method and for urine creatinine by Jaffee method. Urine albumin: creatinine ratio was calculated. (At 6 hours ACR-1 and at 24 hours ACR-2). APACHE II scoring was done at 24 hours of admission. Patients was followed up during hospital stay and the outcome of the patient (i.e., Death/Survival) is recorded. RESULTS: The present study included 50 patients, among which 31 were males and 19 were females. Mean age was 43.5 years. Mortality was 38%. Mortality was more among male patients than in female. APACHE II score ranges from 6 - 37, mean APACHE II among survivors were 16.35 with Standard Deviation of 6.78 and among non survivors were 25.47 with Standard Deviation of 6.93 with p value of <0.0001 for predicting mortality. Urine ACR 1 was 74.06±20.83 µgm/mg among survivors and 164.53±46.61 µgm /mg among non survivors and ACR 2 was 45.81±17.92µgm/mg among survivors and 157.84±36.96 µgm/mg among non survivors. Both were statistically signicant with p value of 0.0001 for predicting mortality. The degree of microalbuminuria correlates with disease severity. CONCLUSION: Signicant microalbuminuria is predictive of mortality which is equivalent to APACHE II score. Microalbuminuria is an inexpensive and rapid diagnostic tool. Serial measurements may help in the clinical assessment of critically ill patients at risk of worse prognosis, even in resource poor areas.

Long-Term Preservation of Renal Function in Septic Shock Burn Patients Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury

Background. The real impact of septic shock-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) on the long-term renal outcome is still debated, and little is known about AKI-burn patients. In a cohort of burn survivors treated by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and sorbent technology (CPFA-CRRT), we investigated the long-term outcome of glomerular and tubular function. Methods. Out of 211 burn patients undergoing CRRT from 2001 to 2017, 45 survived, 40 completed the clinical follow-up (cumulative observation period 4067 months, median 84 months, IR 44-173), and 30 were alive on 31 December 2020. Besides creatinine and urine albumin, in the 19 patients treated with CPFA-CRRT, we determined the normalized GFR by 99mTc-DTPA (NRI-GFR) and studied glomerular and tubular urine protein markers. Results. At the follow-up endpoint, the median plasma creatinine and urine albumin were 0.99 (0.72–1.19) and 0.0 mg/dL (0.0–0.0), respectively. NRI-GFR was 103.0 mL/min (93.4–115). Four patients were diabetic, and 22/30 presented at least one risk factor for chronic disease (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and overweight). Proteinuria decreased over time, from 0.47 g/day (0.42–0.52) at 6 months to 0.134 g/day (0.09–0.17) at follow-up endpoint. Proteinuria positively correlated with the peak of plasma creatinine (r 0.6953, p 0.006) and the number of CRRT days (r 0.5650, p 0.035) during AKI course, and negatively with NRI–GFR (r −0.5545, p 0.049). In seven patients, urine protein profile showed a significant increase of glomerular marker albumin and glomerular/tubular index. Conclusions. Burn patients who experienced septic shock and AKI treated with CRRT had a long-term expectation of preserved renal function. However, these patients were more predisposed to microalbuminuria, diabetes, and the presence of risk factors for intercurrent comorbidities and chronic renal disease.