Metadherin facilitates podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Apoptosis, one of the major causes of podocyte loss, has been reported to have a vital role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) pathogenesis, and understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulation of podocyte apoptosis is crucial. Metadherin (MTDH) is an important oncogene, which is overexpressed in most cancers and responsible for apoptosis, metastasis, and poor patient survival. Here we show that the expression levels of Mtdh and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are significantly increased, whereas those of the microRNA-30 family members (miR-30s) are considerably reduced in the glomeruli of DN rat model and in high glucose (HG)-induced conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes (MPC5).

Corrigendum to "Irbesartan Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Suppressing the RANKL-RANK-NF-B Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/1405924.].

Cyclopropanyldehydrocostunolide LJ attenuates high glucose-induced podocyte injury by suppressing RANKL/RANK-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of cyclopropanyldehydrocostunolide (also named LJ), a derivative of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), on high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury and the associated molecular mechanisms.

Methods: Differentiated mouse podocytes were incubated in different treatments. The migration and albumin filtration of podocytes were examined by Transwell filters.

Irbesartan Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Suppressing the RANKL-RANK-NF-κB Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice.

The receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and its receptor RANK are overexpressed in focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and membranous nephropathy (MN). However, the expression and the potential roles of RANKL and RANK in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remain unclear. Irbesartan (Irb) has beneficial effects against diabetes-induced renal damage, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.

Difunctionalization of Alkenes via the Visible-Light-Induced Trifluoromethylarylation/1,4-Aryl Shift/Desulfonylation Cascade Reactions.

A novel visible-light-induced trifluoromethylarylation/1,4-aryl shift/desulfonylation cascade reaction using CF3SO2Cl as CF3 source was described. The protocol provides an efficient approach for the synthesis of α-aryl-β-trifluoromethyl amides and/or CF3-containing oxindoles as well as the isoquinolinediones under benign conditions.

[Effect of nitrotyrosine on renal expressions of NF-κB, MCP-1 and TGF-β1 in rats with diabetic nephropathy].

Objective: To observe the effect of nitrotyrosine on renal expressions of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: Rat DN models established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) were randomly allocated into model group, nitrotyrosine group and ebselen group, with untreated rats as the normal control group. The rats were given the corresponding drugs for 8 weeks, and after the last administration, the 24-h urinary protein level was measured and the kidneys of the rats were harvested for detecting the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB, MCP-1 and TGF-β1 with immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively.

[Effects of Shenkangwan on renal expressions of angiotensin II and its type I receptor in rats with early diabetic nephropathy].

Objective: To investigate the effects of Shenkangwan on the expressions of angiotensin II (AngII) and its type I receptor (AT(1)R) and the renalprotection mechanism of Shenkangwan in rats with early diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: The rat models of DN established by a single injection of streptozotocin were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely the model group, Shenkangwan treatment group, irbesartan treatment group, and Shenkangwan and irbesartan treatment group, with normal rats as the control. All the rats received daily gavage for 8 weeks.

[Effects of angiotensin II receptor antagonist on rat podocyte injury in early diabetic nephropathy].

Objective: To investigate nephrin and desmin expression in rat podocytes in early diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the rale of angiotensin II receptor antagonist in renal protection.

Methods: Rat models of DN established by a injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) were randomized into model group and irbesartan group, with rats without STZ injection as the normal control group. The rats in irbesartan group were subjected to daily intragastric irbesartan administration for 8 consecutive weeks, while those in the model group received only saline in the same manner.

[A digital tongue image analysis instrument for Traditional Chinese Medicine].

A digital tongue image analysis instrument (TIAI) based on computer for Traditional Chinese Medicine is introduced. Some of the key techniques, including the image acquiring condition and method, the evaluation of tongue characters, and the management of tongue image data, are discussed as well. TIAI can provide a non-invasive, quantitative, and objective analysis approach and enhance the theory level and practical ability of the Traditional Chinese tongue diagnosis.