N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline inhibits DNA synthesis in human mesangial cells via up-regulation of cell cycle modulators.

N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) was originally reported as a natural inhibitor of the proliferation of stem cells. To elucidate whether Ac-SDKP inhibits the proliferation of human mesangial cells, we examined the effect of Ac-SDKP on fetal calf serum (FCS)- or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced DNA synthesis and a cell proliferation. Ac-SDKP inhibited PDGF-BB- or FCS-induced DNA synthesis without cellular toxicity.

The medium-term results of treatment with hydroxyapatite implants.

Although the short-term results of implants with synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA), a bioactive material, have been favorable, few reports have been published concerning medium-term outcomes for this therapy. The authors recently analyzed data supplied by 37 medical facilities nationwide concerning the outcomes of synthetic HA implants [Bonfil (BF); Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Tokyo] in 138 patients followed up for at least 5 years after treatment. When the data were analyzed, the patients were divided into two groups: the disease site-filling group (62 cases where bone defects created by disease were filled with synthetic HA) and the donor site-filling group (76 cases where bone defects created by bone donation were filled with synthetic HA).

[Case of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis].

A 31-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of a low-grade fever, general malaise, nausea, vomiting, and a poor appetite. On admission his renal function was severely deteriorated (serum creatinine 16.12 mg/dl, BUN 163 mg/dl), and he had severe anemia (Hb 7.

N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline prevents renal insufficiency and mesangial matrix expansion in diabetic db/db mice.

We have previously reported that N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), which is a tetrapeptide hydrolyzed by ACE, inhibits the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced expression of extracellular matrix proteins via inhibition of the Smad signaling in human mesangial cells. To test in vivo the antifibrotic efficacy of Ac-SDKP, we examined whether long-term Ac-SDKP treatment can prevent renal insufficiency and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic db/db mice. Diabetic db/db mice or nondiabetic db/m mice were treated with Ac-SDKP for 8 weeks using osmotic minipumps.

Successful recovery of infective endocarditis-induced rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis by steroid therapy combined with antibiotics: a case report.

Background: The mortality rate among patients with infective endocarditis, especially associated with the presence of complications or coexisting conditions such as renal failure and the use of combined medical and surgical therapy remains still high. Prolonged parenteral administration of a bactericidal antimicrobial agent or combination of agents is usually recommended, however, the optimal therapy for infective endocarditis associated with renal injury is not adequately defined.

Case Presentation: Patient was a 24-years old man who presented to our hospital with fever, fatigue, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.