Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to E N Wardle.
The characteristics of pentoxifylline(Trental) suggest that it is an ideal agent to be used as adjunct in the therapy of chronic proliferative glomerulonephritides. Theoretical considerations suggest that pentoxifylline should also protect against and even ameliorate tubulo-interstitial fibrosis of affected kidneys.
Diabetic nephropathy is preceded by 'hyperfiltration' mediated by dilatation of the afferent arterioles to the glomeruli by means of IGF-1, prostaglandins, bradykinin, nitric oxide and atrial natriuretic peptide, together with constriction of the efferent arterioles by local thromboxane A2. Raised glomerular intracapillary pressures might then contribute to glomerulosclerosis, but in any case there is permeability of the vascular endothelium. AGEPs and lipid peroxides can explain this. AGEPs, or simply intermittently high levels of glucose, also account for synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins that lead to thickening of the basement membrane and glomerulosclerosis. Another glucose product, glucosamine-6-phosphate, is formed when there is hexosamine flux along with insulin resistance in tissues, and is implicated in glomerulosclerosis, since it also stimulates TGF-beta transcription. In seeking to explain proteinuria, depletion of heparan sulphates from the endothelial cells and GBM is now established as a principal cause. In addition to a high glucose reducing the synthesis of heparan sulphates, it has now been shown that high glucose may depress the synthesis of heparin sulphate proteoglycan.
The rationale behind a proposed use of heparins for the control of proliferative nephritides is presented. Heparins stop adhesion of leucocytes to endothelial cells, they are anti-complementary, they modulate the activities of phagocytes and they stop the proliferation of mesangial cells or vascular smooth muscle cells. Heparins prevent the release of endothelin-1 and potentiate the action of constitutive nitric oxide. Low-molecular-weight heparins or pentosan polysulphate are now favoured.
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The role of eicosanoids as mediators of inflammation in the course of renal allograft rejection is reviewed. Elucidation of their particular roles has come from the use of specific inhibitors, and one looks forward to their application in human transplant management. As illustrated by the experience with the use of fish oils, additional benefit over that of standard immunosuppression is anticipated but quantitating that benefit in individuals may not be easy.
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Several factors contribute to increased vascular permeability in diabetes mellitus, namely hyperglycaemia leading to increased production of diacylglycerol and thence protein kinase C, non-enzymatic glucosylation generating free radicals and lipid peroxides, sorbitol formation, loss of endothelial cell surface heparan sulphates, and the action of arachidonate derivatives that affect endothelial cell contractility. In view of the importance of oxidative damage, serious consideration must be given to therapeutic regimens that utilise vitamin E or ascorbic acid or D-myoinositol. Probucol is an available antioxidant whose properties have received insufficient attention. The oleate of monounsaturated oil diets is likewise anti-oxidant. Furthermore there is a possibility of replacing lost surface heparan sulphates.
Early morning urine specimens were obtained from two groups of non-insulin dependent diabetic patients and a group (43 subjects) of normal controls. The diabetic patients were divided into two subgroups according to the degree of diabetic control as judged by their glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1) levels (well-controlled, 47 subjects; poorly controlled, 51 subjects). The concentration of the low-molecular-weight enzyme (lysozyme) was determined in each urine specimen and related to the concentration of creatinine (lysozyme/creatinine). The mean urinary lysozyme concentration was higher in each of the two diabetic groups as compared with the control group. However, it was not significantly different between the two diabetic groups. These result suggest that there is no association between the degree of glycaemic control and tubular proteinuria.
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The burgeoning literature on glomerulosclerosis makes frequent review of the literature necessary. At this stage, the key processes involved have surely been defined. It is now appropriate to make deductions about possible therapies and to plan experiments and trials.
Acute renal failure is often seen in the context of multiorgan failure, and thus there is likely to be a common mechanism based on septicaemia or endotoxaemia. The role of gut mucosal dysfunction during shock or in infected ICU patients is a potential common factor. With that in mind the probable role of endotoxin as a causative agent in acute renal failure is addressed.