The synthetic triterpenoid RTA dh404 (CDDO-dhTFEA) restores endothelial function impaired by reduced Nrf2 activity in chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and accelerated cardiovascular disease, which are largely driven by systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation in CKD are associated with and, in part, due to impaired activity of the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. RTA dh404 is a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid compound which potently activates Nrf2 and inhibits the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB.

Iron sucrose promotes endothelial injury and dysfunction and monocyte adhesion/infiltration.

Background/aims: Intravenous (IV) iron preparations are widely used in the management of anemia in ESRD populations. Recent changes in reimbursement policy have dramatically increased the use of IV iron to lower the use of costly erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. These preparations are frequently administered with insufficient attention to the total body iron stores or presence of inflammation which is aggravated by excess iron.

A novel ex-vivo ureteral apparatus for assessing the impact of intraluminal pharmaceutical agents on ureteral physiology.

Background And Purpose: Safe intraluminal access to the ureter and kidney is essential for endourologic procedures. Pharmacologic manipulation of ureteral smooth muscle could conceivably ease access and decrease morbidity. To minimize systemic effects, local intraluminal administration would be optimal, but the urothelium presents a barrier to the passage of medications.

First prize: Chitosan and the urothelial barrier: effects on ureteral intraluminal drug penetration and peristalsis.

Introduction: Relaxing the ureter prior to endourologic procedures could ease instrument access. In an ex-vivo model, intraluminal nifedipine has been shown to relax the ureter. Chitosan is the deacetylation product of chitin and can alter bladder urothelium.

Effect of exercise training on aortic tone in chronic renal insufficiency.

Background: Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is associated with a high incidence of hypertension (HTN), endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Sedentary life style increases, whereas regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to test the effect of regular exercise on vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive responses of the thoracic aorta in rats with renal mass reduction.