Fibroblast growth factor 21 in chronic kidney disease.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a member of the endocrine FGF family that acts as a metabolic regulator of both glucose and lipid metabolism. Similar to fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), serum FGF21 levels rise progressively with the loss of renal function, reaching 20 times normal values in end-stage renal disease. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), higher serum FGF21 levels correlate with poorer metabolic profile, higher inflammatory markers, more comorbidities, and higher mortality.

Standardization of renal function evaluation in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora's colony.

Introduction: There is great interest in the use of animal models in the study of renal pathophysiology requires standardization of parameters.

Objective: Standardize assessment of renal function in rats from in the Center for Reproductive Biology of Federal University of Juiz de Fora's colony.

Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were used and performed measurements of creatinine (serum and urine), serum urea and proteinuria.

Intermittent doses of statin in hemodialysis patients with spontaneous low LDL cholesterol levels.

Background: Mortality in dialysis patients remains high and is due mainly to cardiovascular causes. Inflammation has a role in the genesis of accelerated atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, malnutrition and anemia, and a huge impact on the survival of these patients. The pleiotropic effects of statins can be a therapeutic option for reducing chronic inflammatory processes of patients undergoing hemodialysis.