Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene () Polymorphisms and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights from the Mennonite Population.

The regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is associated with polymorphisms and the methylation degree of the glucocorticoid receptor gene () and is potentially involved in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In order to evaluate the association between MetS with the polymorphisms, methylation, and gene expression of the in the genetically isolated Brazilian Mennonite population, we genotyped 20 polymorphisms in 74 affected (MetS) and 138 unaffected individuals without affected first-degree relatives (Co), using exome sequencing, as well as five variants from non-exonic regions, in 70 MetS and 166 Co, using mass spectrometry. The methylation levels of 11 1F CpG sites were quantified using pyrosequencing (66 MetS and 141 Co), and the expression was evaluated via RT-qPCR (14 MetS and 25 Co).

Data for serum 1,5 anhydroglucitol concentration in different populations.

1,5 anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), is a nonmetabolized 1-deoxy form of glucose, originate mainly from the diet. 1,5-AG is a biomarker to detect and magnify hyperglycemic excursions (postprandial hyperglycemia) in diabetic patients. Concentrations of 1,5-AG has been applied as supporting biomarker to diagnosis of the major forms of diabetes (type 1, type 2, and gestational).

Reference intervals for serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol in children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant women.

Background: 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a validated marker of short-term glycemic control. We determined the reference intervals of 1,5-AG in different age groups and during pregnancy.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 2303 Euro-Brazilian healthy subjects: 580 children, 496 adolescents, 922 adults matched by age and sex, and 305 pregnant women in four gestational periods.

Biomarkers of cardio-renal syndrome in uremic myocardiopathy animal model.

Introduction: Cardio-renal syndrome subtype 4 (CRS4) is a condition of primary chronic kidney disease that leads to reduction of cardiac function, ventricular hypertrophy, and risk of cardiovascular events. Objective: Our aim was to understand the mechanisms involved on the onset of CRS4.

Methods: We used the nephrectomy 5/6 (CKD) animal model and compared to control (SHAM).

Lipoic acid does not improve renal function markers in 5/6 nephrectomy model: possible role of Nrf2 inactivation.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and complications are associated with increased oxidative stress, as well as with Nrf2 inactivation. Lipoic acid (LA) has been considered an inducer of Nrf2 antioxidant response. We tested whether oral administration of LA provides beneficial effects in experimental CKD in rats.

Effects of statins on liver cell function and inflammation in septic rats.

Background: Several studies suggest that the presence of statins may be beneficial during sepsis, but this idea is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term statin treatment in the livers of septic animals, focusing on its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and metabolic properties.

Materials And Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated orally with simvastatin, atorvastatin, or vehicle once a d.

Induction of systemic inflammation and thickening of subepicardiac arteries in an animal model of uremia.

Unlabelled: Although renal dysfunction is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are few experimental studies investigating the cardiovascular consequences of this condition.

Objective: To analyze the impact of the induction of renal dysfunction on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and on the histology of subepicardial vessels.

Methods: This experimental study involved thirty Wistar male rats, which were divided into two groups.

Comparative analysis of two methodologies for the identification of urinary red blood cell casts.

Introduction: Dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine are a strong indicator of a glomerular bleeding source. RBC casts, which while generally following RBC dysmorphism are not frequently seen on routine urinalysis, are also important indicators of glomerular hematuria.

Objective: This study tested the superiority of a urine concentration technique (CT) over the standard method (SM) for RBC cast identification in a group of patients suspected of glomerular hematuria.

A gut feeling on endotoxemia: causes and consequences in chronic kidney disease.

Chronic inflammation is closely linked to several complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as vascular calcification, accelerated atherosclerosis, loss of appetite, insulin resistance, increased muscle catabolism and anemia. As a consequence, inflammation is a predictor of mortality in this group of patients. Specific causes of the activation of the immune system in CKD are largely unknown.

Sevelamer carbonate reduces inflammation and endotoxemia in an animal model of uremia.

Background: Renal failure is associated with activation of inflammatory response, but the mechanisms behind this observation and potential anti-inflammatory strategies are yet to be defined. Endotoxin (ET) translocation from the intestinal lumen can potentially trigger systemic inflammatory response, and ET binding represents a potential anti-inflammatory strategy in renal failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ET-binding capacity of sevelamer carbonate in an animal model of renal failure.

Characteristics and causes of immune dysfunction related to uremia and dialysis.

From the immunologic viewpoint, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by disorders of both the innate and adaptive systems, generating a complex and still not fully understood immune dysfunction. Markers of a chronically activated immune system are closely linked to several complications of CKD and represent powerful predictors for mortality in the CKD population. On the other hand, CKD patients respond poorly to vaccination and to challenges such as bacterial infection.