Effect of microcystin on leukocyte viability and function.

Microcystin (MC) has been found in several areas of the world. In addition to its hepatotoxicity, microcystin may have an immunomodulatory effect. Considering that patients receiving hemodialysis may be chronically exposed to variable concentrations of MC, and that they present important changes in this immune response, we have assessed the effect of MC on the function of leukocytes.

Effect of temporary catheter and late referral on hospitalization and mortality during the first year of hemodialysis treatment.

Late referral (LR) to dialysis therapy has been associated with poor outcomes in people with end-stage renal disease. This had been ascribed to the frequent use of temporary vascular catheters (TVCs) in LR patients. The effects of LR and TVC on the outcomes of an incident hemodialysis population (n = 101) were investigated.

[Elevated cyclosporine A trough levels in HCV positive kidney transplant recipients].

Objective: Compare the CsA trough levels of HCV+ kidney transplant recipients to a control group

Methods: All anti-HCV positive patients that received a renal allograft between January 1992 and April 1996 were initially included as cases. Patients with diabetes mellitus, HBsAg+, who were taking medication that could modify CsA pharmacokinetics and those with elevated aminotransferases were excluded. For each anti-HCV positive index case the following transplanted anti-HCV negative patient was included as a control.

The role of growth factors on renal tubular cells submitted to hypoxia and deprived of glucose.

Background: In acute renal failure (ARF) renal tubular cell death and detachment can be induced by necrotic and apoptotic mechanisms. Several studies have demonstrated some benefits of the use of growth factors in experimental models of ARF.

Methods: MDCK cells were cultured in a glucose-free medium for 24h and were submitted to hypoxia (PO2 around 35 mmHg) for additional 24 h.