Alpha-tocopherol modulates lipoprotein cytotoxicity in obstructive nephropathy.

Oxidative stress in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) contributes to the development of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions. The present study investigated whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oLDL) contributes to the pathogenesis of kidney injury in UUO, and whether alpha-tocopherol modulates such cytotoxicity and promotes repair. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 100-125 g were assigned to three groups of 6 animals each: (1) sham, regular chow; (2) UUO, regular chow; and (3) UUO, alpha-tocopherol supplementation.

Transplantation for primary hyperoxaluria in the United States.

Background: Transplantation (TX) has become an acceptable treatment for renal failure in primary hyperoxaluria (PH). We have analyzed data from three U.S.

Vitamin E suppresses oxidative stress and glomerulosclerosis in rat remnant kidney.

Previous studies have shown that reduction of renal mass in the rat remnant kidney model induces overproduction of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1). We investigated whether an antioxidant, vitamin E, administered before the renal mass reduction, could prevent oxidative stress, reduce the overproduction of TGFbeta1, and mitigate against the subsequent glomerulosclerosis. Our results revealed that the oxidative stress, as measured by the change in plasma malondialdehyde, is significantly reduced by prior vitamin E dietary supplementation.

Increased heat shock protein-70 in unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats.

Our previous studies noted the oxidative stress of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Now, we seek to explore whether UUO affects the intrinsic cellular antioxidants and triggers heat shock protein (HSP-70) and whether these are still highly expressed after reversal of the UUO (R-UUO). In addition, we designed the experiment to determine whether this expression of HSP-70 is a localized or a generalized response.

Glomerulosclerosis in the remnant kidney rat is modulated by dietary alpha-tocopherol.

Glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury are characteristic features seen in the subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy remnant kidney model in the rat. Oxidative stress from renal mass reduction contributes to the glomerular and tubular injury. Previous studies have clearly demonstrated the prevention or inhibition of such injury by an antioxidant such as alpha-tocopherol.

Chronic renal failure: an overview from a pediatric perspective.

We present data on the costs and impact of chronic renal failure, the primary renal diseases leading to end-stage renal disease in children, and review the adaptive responses and the pathophysiology and complications of uremia in experimental animals and in man. A treatment strategy is summarized.

[Snake bite accidents in children in Costa Rica: epidemiology and determination of risk factors in the development of abscess and necrosis].

A retrospective epidemiological analysis is presented of 80 snakebites in children admitted to the Pediatrics Service of Tony Facio Hospital in Limón, Costa Rica, between 1985 and 1995. An overall incidence rate of 20 snakebite accidents per 100,000 inhabitants per year was calculated for the region in that period. However, a higher incidence was described in some counties (36 and 30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Talamanca and Siquirres, respectively).

Genetic renal disease.

Many genetic renal disease now have specific genetic definitions, allowing prognostication. Several glomerular basement membrane defects include Alport's syndrome and benign familial hematurias. Genetic tubular or interstitial structural defects likely include familial juvenile nephronophthisis, as well as the polycystic diseases.

Pathophysiology of growth retardation in chronic renal failure.

Data concerning the transcription of growth hormone and the various interactions between growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in uremia, acidosis and nutrition are presented. The recent evidence of tissue resistance to growth hormone in uremia provided the medical rationale for the use of growth hormone in chronic renal failure. The growth hormone receptor resistance in uremia and the decreased IGF-I by acidosis are additional rationale for the use of growth hormone.

Bartter syndrome in Costa Rica: a description of 20 cases.

Bartter syndrome involves an overlapping set of closely related renal tubular disorders which can be subdivided into at least three clinical phenotypes: (1) classic Bartter syndrome (2) Gitelman syndrome, and (3) a neonatal variant of Bartter syndrome. In contrast to classic Bartter syndrome and Gitelman syndrome, the neonatal variant of Bartter syndrome has both the features of renal tubular hypokalemic alkalosis as well as profound systemic manifestations. Specifically, neonatal Bartter syndrome is characterized by intrauterine polyhydramnios, premature delivery, and life-threatening episodes of fever and dehydration.

Paragonimus mexicanus pericarditis: report of two cases and review of the literature.

The cases of two Costa Rican children with pericarditis due to Paragonimus mexicanus are reported. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory tests are consistent with the disease. Treatment with praziquantel and bitheonol was associated with clinical cure.