Microphysiological systems have potential as test systems in studying the intestinal barrier, in which shear stress is critical for the differentiation of Caco-2 cells into enterocytes. The most commonly used gut model for intestinal barrier studies is based on trans-well cultures. Albeit useful, these culture systems lack physiological shear stress which is believed to be critical for the differentiation of Caco-2 cells into enterocytes and to form tight monolayers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProtein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) are predominantly excreted by renal tubular secretion and hardly removed by traditional hemodialysis (HD). Accumulation of PBUTs is proposed to contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Preserved PBUT excretion in patients with residual kidney function (RKF) and/or increased PBUT clearance with improved dialysis techniques might improve the prognosis of patients with ESKD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Distal diuretics are considered less effective than loop diuretics in CKD. However, data to support this perception are limited.
Methods: To investigate whether distal diuretics are noninferior to dietary sodium restriction in reducing BP in patients with CKD stage G3 or G4 and hypertension, we conducted a 6-week, randomized, open-label crossover trial comparing amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (5 mg/50 mg daily) with dietary sodium restriction (60 mmol per day).