The citrus flavonoid, nobiletin inhibits neuronal inflammation by preventing the activation of NF-κB.

Nobiletin (5,6,7,8,3',4'-hexamethoxyflavone) is one of the flavonoids found in shikuwasa, a popular citrus fruit in Okinawa, Japan. It exerts various pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. We herein investigated whether nobiletin attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in the murine microglial cell line BV-2 and neuroinflammation in mice induced by an intracerebral injection of LPS.

CD4 + and CD8 + T-lymphocyte number as predictive marker of relapse after rituximab treatment in childhood-onset refractory nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Rituximab is a promising option for refractory idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. However, no simple predictive markers for relapse after rituximab have been established. To determine such markers, we investigated the relationship between CD4 + and CD8 + cell counts and relapse after rituximab administration.

Risks and renal outcomes of severe acute kidney injury in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Risks and renal outcomes of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), particularly those who require dialysis, have not been fully explored.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled children who had been diagnosed with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome at the National Center for Child Health and Development between March 2002 and December 2018. Children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome or SRNS-related gene mutations were excluded.

Glucocorticoid discontinuation in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-center experience.

Background: Glucocorticoid discontinuation, a challenge in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), might be achievable with the advent of new therapeutic options.

Methods: This single-center study included 31 children with newly diagnosed pediatric SLE between 2002 and 2021, after the exclusion of patients who were followed for less than 1 year after treatment initiation and those lost to follow-up. Patient characteristics, clinical course including flares, treatment, glucocorticoid discontinuation, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Mycobacterium avium complex peritonitis in a pediatric patient on peritoneal dialysis: A case report.

Introduction: Peritonitis due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a rare but life-threatening complication in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). However, optimal therapeutic regimen, treatment duration, and appropriate timing of kidney transplantation (KT) after treatment are unknown.

Symptoms: We herein report a 4-year-old boy on PD due to end-stage kidney disease resulting from bilateral hypoplastic kidneys.

Risk factors for post-nephrectomy hypotension in pediatric patients.

Background: Although hypotension is a life-threatening complication of nephrectomy in children, risk factors for its development remain unknown. We evaluated the incidence, clinical course, and associated risk factors of pediatric post-nephrectomy hypotension in an observational study.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included the clinical data of children who underwent nephrectomy in our center between 2002 and 2020.

Valganciclovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus infection in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: a single-center experience.

Background: There are two approaches for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection occurring after kidney transplantation (KTx). One is preemptive therapy in which treatment is started after confirming positive CMV antigenemia using periodic antigenemia assay. The other approach is prophylactic therapy in which oral valganciclovir (VGCV) is started within 10 days after KTx and continued for 200 days.

Morphologic Analysis of Urinary Podocytes in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Background: The development of glomerulosclerosis in FSGS is associated with a reduction in podocyte number in the glomerular capillary tufts. Although it has been reported that the number of urinary podocytes in FSGS exceeds that of minimal-change nephrotic syndrome, the nature of events that promote podocyte detachment in FSGS remains elusive.

Methods: In this study, we provide detailed, morphologic analysis of the urinary podocytes found in FSGS by examining the size of the urinary podocytes from patients with FSGS, minimal-change nephrotic syndrome, and GN.

Prophylactic rituximab administration in children with complicated nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Rituximab is effective for maintaining remission in patients with complicated nephrotic syndrome, although a history of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a risk factor for early relapse. We investigated the efficacy of prophylactic rituximab treatment for maintaining remission after B cell recovery.

Methods: Patients with complicated steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome with history of SRNS who received a single dose of rituximab (375 mg/m) and continued immunosuppressive agents were enrolled in this retrospective study.

Oral intake of α‑glucosyl‑hesperidin ameliorates selenite‑induced cataract formation.

Hesperetin is a natural flavonoid with robust antioxidant properties. Our previous study reported that hesperetin can prevent cataract formation. However, an important consideration regarding hesperetin consumption is the limited bioavailability due to its poor solubility.

Association between the clinical presentation of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and gene mutations: an analysis of 66 patients at a single institution.

Background: The association between the clinical presentation of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and gene mutations has yet to be fully explored.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we examined patients with CAKUT who underwent gene analysis. The analysis was performed in patients with bilateral renal lesions, extrarenal complications, or a family history of renal disease.