• Applied Microscopy
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.431-446
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• 1996

This experiment was performed to study the ultrastructural changes of the juxtaglomerular cell of mice following subcutaneous injection of heavy metallic agents. Male mice were divided into normal and experimental groups. The mice were subcutaneouly injected with $HgCl_2$ (2mg, 5mg or 10 mg/Kg/BW) or with $K_{2}Cr_{2}O_7$(5 mg, 10 mg or 20 mg/Kg/BW). Mice were sacrificed on 6 hours, 3 days and 14 days after the injection. Kidneys were fixed in the 2.5% glutaraldehyde-1.5% paraformaldehyde solution, followed by refixation in the 1% osmium tetroxide solution. Dehydrated blocks were embedded in araldite mixture. The sections were cut on a LKB-V ultratome, and ultrathin sections stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate were observed with JEM 100CX II electron microscope. The results were as follow: 1. Juxtaglomerular cell of the experimental groups showed some alterations, especially in the structures of protein synthesis including dilations and degradations of granular endoplasmic reticula, atrophy of Golgi complex, and numerous free ribosomes in the cytoplasm. 2. Juxtaglomerular cells treated groups showed a number of vacuoles, protogranules and some myelin figures in the cytoplasm, especially in the earlier groups. 3. Juxtaglomerular cells of treated groups, contained a large number of secretory granules showing variable electron densities and pleomorphism in later groups (2 weeks). From the above results, it was concluded that, the mercuric chloride or potassium bichromate induces acute renin release from juxtaglomerular cells of the mice, but many juxtaglomerular cells may secrete prematured secretory granules, or the synthetic system of the cell can not perform normal function.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.9 no.1_2
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• pp.25-35
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• 1994

Many nephrotoxic agents exert their effect primarily on the cells of the proximal tubules. We used the LLC-$PK_1$, kidney epithelial cell line as a model system for studies on nephrotoxicity and investigated whether the uptake of $\alpha$-methylglucose($\alpha$-MG) could serve as a parameter to assess effects of nephrotoxicants on the functional integrity of the cells at an early time of toxicity. The enzyme leakage test which has been used to be as a conventional cytotoxic parameter in vitro, was conducted to compare with $\alpha$-MG uptake. Treatment with cisplatin for 24 and 48 hours significantly increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase and $\gamma$-glutamyltransferase in culture medium at a concentration of 50$\mu$M. However, above 100$\mu$M of concentration, activities of these enzymes in media were dramatically decreased by cisplatin. These observations indicate that cisplatin has direct inhibitory effect on the activities of these enzymes and make it doutful to use enzyme leakage test to demonstrate damage of kidney cells by chemicals such as cisplatin over the appropriate range of concentration. Cisplatin inhibited $\alpha$-MG uptake at a low concentration which enzymes were not leaked. Also cadmium chloride and mercuric chloride which are acutely nephrotoxic in vivo, significantly inhibited $\alpha$-MG uptake at a low concentration. These results indicate that the uptake of $\alpha$-methylglucose in LLC-$PK_1$cell line is a useful biomarker for the study of nephrotoxicity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.11
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• pp.339-347
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• 2018

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by abrupt deterioration of renal function, and its diagnosis relies on creatinine measurements and urine output. AKI is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and is a risk factor for development of chronic kidney disease. There is no proven medication for AKI. Therefore, prevention and early detection are important. Physicians should be aware of the risk factors for AKI and should monitor renal function in high-risk patients. Management of AKI includes optimization of volume status and renal perfusion, avoidance of nephrotoxic agents, and sufficient nutritional support. Continuous renal replacement therapy is widely available for critically ill children, and this review provides basic information regarding this therapy. Long-term follow-up of patients with AKI for renal function, blood pressure, and proteinuria is recommended.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.168-180
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• 2010

Acute renal failure (ARF) is common in the neonatal period, however, there are no uniform treatment strategies of ARF. The main treatment strategies are conservative management including medical treatment and the renal replacement therapy. Because ARF in the newborn is commonly acquired by hypoxic ischemic injury and toxic insults, removal of all the offending causes is important. Aminoglycoside, indomethacin, and amphotericin-B are the most common nephrotoxic drugs of ARF. To relieve the possible prerenal ARF, initial fluid challenge can be followed by diuretics. If there is no response, fluid restriction and correction of electrolyte imbalance should begin. Adequate nutritional support and drug dosing according to the pharmacokinetics of such drugs will be difficult problems. Renal replacement therapies may be provided by peritoneal dialysis, intermittent hemodialysis, or hemofiltration. New promising agents, bioartificial kidney, and stem cell will enable us to extend our therapeutic repertoire.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.28-49
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• 2020

The efficacy and side effects associated with anticancer drugs have attracted an extensive research focus. Onconephrology is an evolving field of nephrology that deals with the study of kidney diseases in cancer patients. Most renal diseases in cancer patients are unique, and management of renal disease can be challenging especially in the presence of continuing use of the nephrotoxic drugs. Cisplatin is one of the most important chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of various malignancies, such as head, neck, ovarian, and cervical cancers. The major limitation in the clinical use of cisplatin is its tendency to induce adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity. Recently, plant-derived phytochemicals have emerged as novel agents providing protection against cisplatin-induced renal cytotoxicity. Owing to the diversity of phytochemicals, they cover a wide spectrum of therapeutic indications in cancer and inflammation and have been a productive source of lead compounds for the development of novel medications. Of these agents, the effectiveness of triterpenoids, isolated from various medicinal plants, against cisplatin-induced renal cytotoxicity has been reported most frequently compared to other phytochemicals. Triterpenes are one of the most numerous and diverse groups of plant natural products. Triterpenes ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal damage through multiple pathways by inhibiting reactive oxygen species, inflammation, down-regulation of the MAPK, apoptosis, and NF-κB signaling pathways and upregulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense mechanisms. Here, we reviewed recent findings on the natural compounds with protective potential in cisplatin-induced renal cytotoxicity, provided an overview of the protective effects and mechanisms that have been identified to date, and discussed strategies to reduce renal cytotoxicity induced by anticancer drugs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6061-6066
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• 2015

Methotrexate (Mtx), used for its anticancer and immunsuppresive properties, is known to be a nephrotoxic agent. We aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene (Lyc) alone or combined with melatonin (Mel) on Mtxinduced nephrotoxicity since both of these agents have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of methotrexate at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Treatment both with Lyc alone and Lyc combined with Mel provided significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1-beta and ceruloplasmin levels in Mtx administered rats. Hovewer, Lyc combined with Mel provided a significant reduction also in NO levels. Hstopathological examination showed that there was an obvious improvement in the degenerative changes compared to Mtx administrated group with the Lyc combined Mel group giving best protection. In conclusion Lyc alone and combined with Mel provided significant improvement against renal damage caused by Mtx, preseumably via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.63-67
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• 2012

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is a relatively common bacterial infection in children. In previously healthy children, acute kidney injury (AKI) is very rare in the course of APN without urinary tract obstruction, renal hypoperfusion due to hypotension or exposure to nephrotoxic agents. We describe a case of AKI secondary to APN and renal abscess in a child with vesicoureteral reflux. With antibiotic treatment and adequate hydration, the patient was improved. APN should be included in the differential diagnosis of AKI and adequate treatment by proper antibiotics is crucial for full recovery of renal function.

• Kidney Research and Clinical Practice
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.347-355
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• 2018

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is the most common glomerulopathy in children. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of NS, caused by severe intravascular volume depletion, acute tubular necrosis, interstitial nephritis, or progression of NS. However, the incidence and risk factors of childhood-onset NS in Korea are unclear. Therefore, we studied the incidence, causes, and risk factors of AKI in hospitalized Korean patients with childhood-onset NS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with childhood-onset NS who were admitted to our center from January 2015 to July 2017. Patients with decreased renal function or hereditary/secondary NS, as well as those admitted for management of other conditions unrelated to NS, were excluded. Results: During the study period, 65 patients with idiopathic, childhood-onset NS were hospitalized 90 times for management of NS or its complications. Of these 90 cases, 29 met the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria for AKI (32.2%). They developed AKI in association with infection (n = 12), NS aggravation (n = 11), dehydration (n = 3), and intravenous methylprednisolone administration (n = 3). Age ${\geq}9$ years at admission and combined use of cyclosporine and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors were risk factors for AKI. Conclusion: AKI occurred in one-third of the total hospitalizations related to childhood-onset NS, owing to infection, aggravation of NS, dehydration, and possibly high-dose methylprednisolone treatment. Age at admission and use of nephrotoxic agents were associated with AKI. As the AKI incidence is high, AKI should be considered during management of high-risk patients.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.109-121
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• 2023

Thioacetamide (TAA) exposure and hepatitis C virus infection are usually associated with renal dysfunction. Sofosbuvir (SFV) and daclatasvir (DAC) drugs combination has great value in the treatment of hepatitis C. The study aimed to identify the nephrotoxic effects of TAA and to evaluate the ameliorative role of SFV and DAC in this condition. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into eight groups and received saline (control), SFV, DAC, SFV+DAC, TAA, TAA+SFV, TAA+DAC and TAA+SFV+DAC for eight weeks. Kidney and blood samples were retrieved and processed for histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome), immunohistochemical (α-smooth muscle actin), and biochemical analysis (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Examination revealed marked destruction of renal tubules on exposure to TAA with either hypertrophy or atrophy of glomeruli, increase in collagen deposition, and wide expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Also, significant disturbance in kidney functions, oxidative stress markers, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Supplementation with either SFV or DAC produced mild improvement in the tissue and laboratory markers. Moreover, the combination of both drugs greatly refined the pathology induced by TAA at the cellular and laboratory levels. However, there are still significant differences when compared to the control. In conclusion, SFV and DAC combination partially but greatly ameliorated the renal damage induced by TAA which might be enhanced with further supplementations to give new hope for those with nephropathy associated with hepatitis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2017

Objective: Infection is very common in the elderly, so there is a high prevalence of antibiotics use among this population. Especially, due to the emergence of resistant bacteria, the use of vancomycin is growing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in elderly patients. Methods: The subjects of this study were patients over 18 years old who received intravenous vancomycin in a general hospital located in Gangneung-si, Korea between August 1, 2013 and July 31, 2015. Data collection regarding vancomycin use and baseline characteristics was conducted using computerized hospital database. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity. Results: A total of 290 patients were finally included, and 191(66%) out of these patients were age 65 or older. The incidence of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity was 11.0%, 12.6%, and 7.0% in the all adult patients, the elderly patients, and the non-elderly patients, respectively. There were significant differences in comorbidities between patients with nephrotoxicity and patients without nephrotoxicity in the all adult patients, and there were significant differences in vancomycin duration, comorbidities, and number of nephrotoxic agents between patients with nephrotoxicity and patients without nephrotoxicity in the elderly patients. However, according to the logistic regression analysis, there was no significant risk factor that increases the incidence of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in all three age groups. Conclusion: There were no differences in risk factors that increase the incidence of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity between all adult patients, elderly patients, and non-elderly patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes to identify risk factors associated with vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in the elderly to improve the outcome of pharmacotherapy are required.