Influence of hypophysectomy on renal proteoglycans and their modulation by insulin-like growth factor-I and its receptor

Hypophysectomy leads to growth retardation of the animals, which is believed to be related to the deficiency of certain growth factors influencing the metabolism and synthesis of glycoproteins. Conceivably, the extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) are also affected, in particular the sulfated proteoglycans (PGs). In this study, we investigated the status of the ECM proteins and sulfated PGs, and the expression and de novo synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR) in hypophysectomized (Hx) rats. The studies were extended to ascertain the effect of IGF-I on the de novo synthesis of glomerular ECM glycoproteins in Hx rats. An organ perfusion system was used in which isolated rat kidneys were radiolabeled with either [35S]sulfate or [35S]methionine, after which IGF-IR and ECM macromolecules were isolated and characterized by biochemical and tissue autoradiographic procedures. Hypophysectomy resulted in a fall in IGF-I levels in serum and isolated renal glomeruli. Reduced synthesis of ECM proteins, i.e. type IV collagen, laminin, and sulfated PGs, and reduced synthesis and mRNA expression of IGF-IR were observed in the glomeruli of the Hx rats. Tissue autoradiographic studies revealed a reduced grain density (concentration of radiation) over various cell types of the glomerulus. After inclusion of IGF-I in the perfusion medium not only was synthesis restored to normal in Hx rats, but it far exceeded the control basal values in the intact animals. Under the influence of IGF-I, the magnitude of increased synthesis of the ECM proteins, in particular the sulfated PGs, was highly accentuated in the kidneys of the Hx group compared to the controls. Also, a remarkably increased [35S]sulfate incorporation was observed in the glomerular mesangial cells. The analysis of IGF-IR by specific binding studies revealed a decreased concentration of the receptors, but an increased IGF-I-binding affinity, the latter of which probably contributed to the IGF-I-induced accentuated synthesis of renal glomerular PGs in the Hx group.     

Evaluation of the condition of the peri-infarct zone in acute myocardial infarct according to 35 precordial leads

The condition of the peri-infarction and the necrotic zones was assessed by cartographic analysis of ECG recorded from 35 precordial leads. During a 4-week follow-up functional mobility of indices characterising the prenecrotic zone and the stability of the zone of necrosis was noted. The indices sigma ST (overall index of ST segment elevation), AST (area of ST segment elevation), and AQS (area of QS recording), as well as the AST/AQS ratio possess definite prognostic significance: the lower the value of sigma ST, AST, and AQS and AQS and the greater the AST/AQS coefficient, the more favourable is the prognosis in myocardial infarction.     

Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in adult patients with chronic kidney failure

Diabetic nephropathy is a frequent cause of end-stage renal failure in patients admitted for renal replacement therapy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of DN, as the underline disease, in patients with ESRF. METHODS: 1,303 [male (M) = 767 and female (F) = 536] patients with ESRF who were on a waiting list for cadaver kidney transplant at Nephrology Unit-University Hospital (HC-UNICAMP), from August/90 to June/93--group 1--and 193 (M = 112 and F = 81) patients admitted for renal replacement therapy in a year period (April/92 to March/93), in the city of Campinas, State of S?o Paulo, Brazil, were studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of DN was 10.1% in group 1 and 17.6% in group 2 (x2 = 7.15; p = 0.007), being the third cause of ESRF in both groups, and it was preceded by glomerulonephritis and arterial hypertension. In group 1 the reduction of number of patients with increase in duration of dialysis was significantly greater in patients with diabetic nephropathy (x2 = 30.9; p < 0.001). Among patients with DN 35 (26%) in group 1 and 6 (18%) in group 2 had less than 35 years when they were admitted for renal replacement therapy and are likely to be type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: In our studied groups DN was a frequent cause of ESRF.     

Retinoscopy after excimer laser photorefractive treatments

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is capable of changing the refractive power of the human cornea. Retinoscopy is an objective method of measuring the refractive power of the eye. The authors performed PRK in 28 myopic eyes with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 ArF excimer laser. During a prospective study, the subjective and objective refractive power of the eyes were assessed and compared 6 months after PRK. The average preoperative refractive error was: -5.11 +/- 2.51 D and -5.08 +/- 2.20 D on the right side (n = 16) and on the left side (n = 12), respectively. In order to obtain the best corrected visual acuity 6 months after PRK, the right and left eyes needed an average of -0.09 +/- 0.26 D and -0.33 +/- 0.64 D postoperative correction, respectively. The postoperative refractive change could be verified with the retinoscopy at +/-0.5 D accuracy. The authors describe a double refractive corneal ring after PRK, which may disturb retinoscopy. The post-PRK refractive change can be verified by retinoscopy. Postoperative funduscopy, fundus photography and possible future retinal procedures were not disturbed by the double corneal refractive rings in myopic eyes.