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Biomedical subjects

T Risler

Publications and source records attributed to T Risler.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Mechanisms and clinical significance of cell volume regulation.

A wide variety of factors challenge constancy of cell volume. Alterations of cell volume activate diverse cell volume regulatory mechanisms including ion transport, osmolyte accumulation, metabolism and expression of appropriate genes. A wealth of cellular signalling pathways link cell volume to the respective regulatory mechanisms. Cell volume emerges as a pathophysiologically important parameter in several diseases including diabetes mellitus, uraemia, hepatic insufficiency and hypercatabolic states. The role of altered cell volume in disease is a challenge which requires more experimental research and clinical investigation.

Animals↗

Endothelin-1 and endothelin-3 levels in different types of glomerulonephritis.

There is evidence that an activated renal endothelin (ET) system is involved in development of glomerulosclerosis. However it is still unknown if different ETs are involved in the pathogenesis of various types of glomerulonephritis (GN). This study characterized ET-1 and ET-3 levels in patients suffering from chronic GN. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the ET-1 and ET-3 levels in 19 patients with biopsy-proven GN, including four minimal-change nephropathies (MCN), six perimembraneous GN (PM-GN), and nine mesangioproliferative GN (MP-GN). Twelve healthy subjects matched for age and sex served as controls. ET-1 and ET-3 were measured in plasma (p) and in urine [spontaneous urine (sp.urine) and urine over 24 h (24-h urine)] using a specific radioimmunoassay. Patients and controls were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. In MCN, ET-1 levels were enhanced in sp. urine (p = 0.03) and 24-h urine (p = 0.01), whereas ET-3 levels did not differ from controls. In comparison, in PM-GN we found an increased ET-3 level in 24-h urine (p = 0.004). In MP-GN, ET-3 levels were also elevated in p (p = 0.0002) and urine specimens (sp. urine p = 0.05; 24-h urine p = 0.03). No positive correlation to C3 or C4 complement fractions was found. Age, blood pressure or renal function did not correlate with ET-1 or ET-3 levels. In MP-GN and PM-GN, ET-3 is elevated whereas ET-1 is not. In contrast ET-1 is increased in MC-GN. These data indicate an important role for the ET-1 and ET-3 systems in the pathophysiology of different forms of GN. This is significant with regard to an early preservation of renal function at the onset of GN by the use of selective ET antagonists.

Adult↗

Therapeutic immunoadsorption--its role in clinical practice.

Extracorporeal immunoadsorption onto staphylococcal protein A replaces conventional plasmapheresis because its elimination efficiency is higher while less adverse reactions are seen. Experience in immunoadsorption is limited to specialized centers although recent technical developments make the procedure simple and safe to use. During a workshop held in Munich, September 1996, the application of immunoadsorption in various diseases was discussed. Goodpasture's syndrome, acquired autoimmune coagulopathy, HLA-sensitized transplantation and treatment-resistant life-threatening autoimmune diseases were accepted indications for immunoadsorption. Immunoadsorption in other immunoglobuline and immune complex mediated diseases is still under discussion.

Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease↗

[Renal hemodynamics and proteinuria in chronic glomerulonephritis treated with beta-receptor blockers or ace inhibitors].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In patients with chronic glomerular nephropathy associated arterial hypertension and proteinuria are considered to be cardinal risk factors in the progressive deterioration of renal function. Treatment regimens which reduce proteinuria and hypertension improve prognosis. The effect of the new beta-receptor blockers compared to common ACE-Inhibitors is of special interest. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The studied cohort consisted of 11 patients with CGN, hypertension and proteinuria > 400 mg/24 h. Four drugs were given for 4 weeks, doubly blinded and randomized according to a "Latin-square design": Celiprolol (beta-1-antagonist, beta-2-agonist, 200 mg/d), Atenolol (selective beta-1-antagonist, 50 mg/d), Ramipril (ACE-inhibitor, 2.5 mg/d) and placebo. There was a two-week wash-out phase between each of the four treatment phases. At the end of each treatment phase glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured by inulin and para-amino-hippuric acid (PAH) clearance. Proteinuria was determined in the course of a three-day collection period at the end of each treatment phase. During this period blood pressures were measured with a continuous 24-hour blood pressure monitor. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was significantly reduced, compared with placebo, by all three antihypertensives (108 +/- 9 mm Hg with placebo, 98 +/- 12 mg Hg with atenolol, 101 +/- 11 mm Hg with celiprolol and 98 +/- 8 mm Hg with ramipril; P < 0.01). Celiprolol produced a significant rise In ERPF (322 +/- 109 ml/min with placebo, 391 +/- 110 ml/min with celiprolol: P < 0.05). GFR was slightly, but not significantly, reduced by celiprolol and atenolol. Filtration fraction remained unchanged with atenolol and celiprolol, while it was slightly, but not significantly, reduced with ramipril. Compared with the placebo, all three drugs significantly reduced proteinuria (P < 0.05): 1.8 +/- 1.3 g/24 h with placebo, 1.2 +/- 1.2 g/24 h with atenolol, 1.2 +/- 1.1 g/24 h with celiprolol and 1.4 +/- 1.4 g/24 h with ramipril. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that, in addition to ACE inhibitors, the new generation of beta-receptor blockers in particular, because of their vasodilator action, favourably influence proteinuria and renal blood flow in patients with CGN and arterial hypertension.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Prevention of radiocontrast-induced nephropathy by adenosine antagonists in rats with chronic nitric oxide deficiency.

To evaluate therapeutic options for the prevention of radiocontrast media (RCM)-induced nephropathy, a model was developed in which rats received NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) for 10 wk in order to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) synthetase. This study tests the hypothesis that infusion of an adenosine antagonist before RCM application may avoid the vasoconstrictive response in NO-depleted rats. Rats received L-NAME for 10 wk orally (50 mg/L drinking water) to achieve NO depletion. Renal function was determined by [3H]inulin clearance for analysis of the GFR and by flowmetry for assessing renal blood flow (RBF). After a control clearance period (baseline clearance period), the renal response to RCM application (sodium diatrizoate, 2 ml/kg body wt) was measured two times every 30 min starting 30 min after RCM application (clearance periods 1 and 2). L-NAME rats and control rats received two adenosine antagonists. The nonselective adenosine antagonist theophylline was given as an initial bolus of 50 mumol/kg body wt within 10 min, followed by continuous infusion of 100 mumol/kg body wt per h, and the specific adenosine A1-receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) was given as a bolus of 100 micrograms/kg body wt before RCM application. Results were compared with vehicle infusion. In the control group, no significant change of GFR or RBF could be detected after application of RCM with or without prior infusion of DPCPX or theophylline. In L-NAME rats, RBF decreased significantly after RCM application (baseline, 5.6 +/- 0.2 ml/min; first clearance period, 4.6 +/- 0.3 ml/min [P < 0.05]; second clearance period, 4.3 +/- 0.3 [P < 0.01]). GFR was also reduced in L-NAME rats without previous infusion of theophylline or DPCPX (baseline, 0.95 +/- 0.1 ml/min; first clearance period, 0.83 +/- 0.1 ml/min; second clearance period, 0.69 +/- 0.1 ml/min [P = 0.058]). Prior treatment with either theophylline or DPCPX resulted in complete protection against a decline of RBF and GFR induced by RCM in L-NAME rats. Rats with chronic NO blockade showed a significant increase of the renal vasoconstrictive effect of contrast media. Application of L-NAME in rats seems to constitute a suitable animal model to study the pathophysiology of radiocontrast media-induced nephropathy. In this animal model, administration of adenosine antagonists prevented the decline of GFR and RBF.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Quantitation of pentisomide and its metabolite by high-pressure liquid chromatography in human serum.

A rapid, inexpensive, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of pentisomide and its major mono-N-dealkylated metabolite has been developed. After a simple and inexpensive solvent extraction procedure, the unchanged drug, its metabolite, and the internal standard are separated using a C18 reversed-phase column with a 5-microns particle size. The eluent is monitored with ultraviolet detection at 260 nm. Endogenous substances or a variety of drugs do not interfere with the assay. The mean recoveries of pentisomide and its metabolite are 92.6% and 92.2%, respectively. The limit of detection of the assay is 28 ng/mL for both drugs. Serum levels of pentisomide and its metabolite in patients on oral therapy for supraventricular tachycardia are reported.

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents↗

The German Glomerulonephritis Therapy Study: 10 years of controlled randomized trials for the treatment of idiopathic glomerulonephritis.

The German Collaborative Glomerulonephritis Therapy Study, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1996, has collected data on more than 1,000 patients with biopsy-proven glomerulonephritis. 929 patients could be evaluated and 500 were treated according to at least one of various protocols developed for a randomized controlled trial. Current results show that prednisolone is effective in minimal-change nephropathy, and in combination with other immunosuppressants it can reduce proteinuria in individual cases of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis and nephrotic IgA nephropathy. The majority of tested treatment protocols did not prove to be superior to symptomatic therapy for long-term outcome.

Adolescent↗

Randomized controlled trial of ACE-inhibitors and beta-blockers with and without vasodilating activity in chronic glomerulonephritis.

A prospective double-blind, randomized study was conducted to compare the effects of the beta 1 antagonist, beta 2 agonist celiprolol (200 mg daily) on renal hemodynamics and protein excretion with those of the beta 1 antagonist atenolol (50 mg daily), the ACE-inhibitor ramipril (2.5 mg daily), and placebo in 11 patients with proteinuria > 400 mg/24 h due to chronic glomerulonephritis. All 4 substances were given in a double-blind, randomized manner according to a latin-square design over a period of 4 weeks with a wash-out period of 2 weeks in between. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were measured by inulin and PAH clearance. Proteinuria was assessed by urine sampling at the end of each treatment period. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was reduced significantly (p < 0.01) by all 3 drugs compared to placebo (108 +/- 9 mmHg placebo, 98 +/- 12 mmHg atenolol, 101 +/- 11 mmHg celiprolol, and 98 +/- 8 mmHg ramipril). Celiprolol induced a significant increase in ERPF compared to placebo (322 +/- 109 ml/min under placebo versus 391 +/- 110 ml/min under celiprolol, p < 0.05). GFR was slightly but insignificantly increased under atenolol and celiprolol. Filtration fraction (FF) remained unchanged in case of atenolol and celiprolol treatment and was slightly but not significantly reduced by ramipril. Proteinuria was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced compared to placebo by all 3 drugs (1.8 +/- 1.3 g/24 h under placebo, 1.2 +/- 1.2 g/24 h under atenolol, 1.2 +/- 1.1 g/24 h under celiprolol, and 1.4 +/- 1.4 g/24 h under ramipril). These data demonstrate that new beta-blocking agents show favorable effects on proteinuria and renal blood flow in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and arterial hypertension. This may be attributed to their vasodilating properties.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists↗

Subpressor doses of angiotensin II do not increase albumin excretion in humans.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of subpressor doses of angiotensin II and mild physical stress on renal hemodynamics and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in a group of young patients with essential hypertension compared to normotensive subjects. Eleven patients (26 +/- 6 years) and ten healthy control persons (25 +/- 2 years) were enrolled in the study. Secondary forms of hypertension had been excluded. Angiotensin II was infused at a dose of 0.3 and 1.0 ng/kg/min and physical stress testing was done with a cycle ergometer (50 W at 10 min for hypertensives, 100 W at 10 min for normotensives). Renal hemodynamics were assessed by clearance techniques (continuous insulin and p-aminohippurate clearance). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and UAE were significantly higher in the hypertensive group than in normotensive control persons at any time of measurement. There was no significant increase in MAP or UAE under angiotensin II infusion either in the hypertensive group or in the normotensive group. MAP increased significantly under physical stress in the normotensive group only (83 +/- 7 mmHg baseline vs. 108 +/- mmHg during physical stress, p < 0.05). Angiotensin II infusion resulted in a significant change concerning renal hemodynamics in the hypertensive group only. The filtration fraction increased (18 +/- 3% baseline vs. 25 +/- 7% under infusion of 1.0 ng/kg/min angiotensin II, p < 0.05) due to a decline in ERPF and an increase in GFR in the hypertensive group. The amount of UAE correlated with the magnitude of the MAP in both groups. No correlation was found between renal hemodynamic parameters and the UAE. A significant correlation was found between the norepinephrine levels and the UAE in the control group. We could not demonstrate an albuminuric effect of subpressor doses of angiotensin II in normotensive or hypertensive subjects despite its well known effects on renal hemodynamics with an increase of the filtration fraction. These data provide evidence against a predominant role of angiotensin II and renal hemodynamics concerning the elevated urinary albumin excretion in young patients with arterial hypertension.

Adult↗

[Etiology and treatment of diuretic resistance].

Basically the cause of the resistance to diuretics can be found out. Essential is a detailed knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of volume regulation as well as renal water and electrolyte excretion. To get diagnostic and therapeutic access to diuretic resistance main efforts have to be put into the work up of current diagnostics and therapy of the main disease (heart failure, liver failure, nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure) as well as the symptomatic, drug related volume regulation (exact balancing of fluid intake and excretion with and without diuretics) in these severely ill patients. Has the underlying cause for resistance to diuretic medication been found, therapy is generally easy and effective. It might be unsuccessful in patients with severe impairment of renal function. Then the only way may be extracorporeal fluid removal.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

The renin-angiotensin system--a possible neuromodulator in the human retina?

Morphology studies imply a possible contribution of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) to neurotransmission in the mammalian retina. To investigate further the functional role of the RAS in the visual system of humans, we tested the effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor Captopril (Capt; 25 mg) on electroretinogram (ERG) recordings, the cone flicker threshold (CFT), the FM-28-HUE test, and the psychophysical rod threshold in healthy volunteers. The parameters of renin, angiotensin, and blood pressure were controlled. We obtained the following results. First, Capt induced a significant decrease in amplitudes of the scotopic b-wave, oscillatory potentials, and the a-wave. The latency of responses to 30-Hz flicker was increased. Second, the CFT was reduced to a lower intensity, whereas the final rod threshold remained unchanged. These results are in accordance with previous immunocytochemical and electrophysiological data. They cannot be explained exclusively by the observed changes in systemic blood pressure. We conclude that the RAS may possibly be involved in retinal neurotransmission in humans in addition to its vascular effects.

Administration, Oral↗

Does L-arginine alter proteinuria and renal hemodynamics in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and hypertension?

Endogenous nitric oxide (EDRF) plays an important role in the regulation of systemic and renal blood pressure by an alteration of vascular tone. To assess the effect of L-arginine (160 mumol/min i.v. for 3 hours), the precursor of EDRF, on blood pressure, protein-excretion and renal function (GFR = glomerular filtration rate, RPF = renal plasma flow) we performed a prospective, double blind, placebo controlled study. 18 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (51.3 +/- 11.5 years), renal insufficiency (GFR < 65 ml/min) and hypertension were investigated for changes in GFR and RPF by continuous inulin- and PAH-clearances and for changes in permselectivity by determination of protein-excretion. L-arginine infusion results in a reduction of proteinuria (p < 0.05, t-test). There is no significant effect on renal hemodynamics and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Comparing the excretion of the endogenous proteins, only albuminuria is decreased significantly (p < 0.01), whereas IgG-excretion is reduced slightly (p < 0.05). This can be considered as an indicator of a special influence on the mesangial cells or the basement membrane of the glomerulum itself by EDRF. In conclusion L-arginine reduces protein-excretion without significant alterations in renal hemodynamics and so might prevent a decline in renal failure.

Adult↗

Renal hemodynamics in essential hypertensives treated with losartan.

ACE-inhibitors are known to have special renal effects, i.e. they increase ERPF, decrease the filtration fraction and lower proteinuria. These effects can be due to a decrease in angiotensin II (AII) levels as well as an increase in bradykinin. New and more specific AII-receptor antagonists may help to distinguish between effects exerted by angiotensin II and those exerted by bradykinin. We investigated the effects of losartan in 9 patients with essential hypertension (sitting mean diastolic blood pressure 95-120 mmHg). Renal hemodynamics were measured by continuous inulin-and PAH-clearance (GFR and RPF) after stopping antihypertensive therapy for 1 week, followed by a 2-week placebo period and after a 4-week treatment phase with losartan (50 mg/die) followed by a therapy with an ACE-inhibitor (ramipril 5mg/die). Additionally, urine albumin excretion (UAE) was measured. Treatment of patients with essential hypertension with losartan resulted in a significant decrease of MAP after three weeks of treatment (121 +/- 8 mmHg under placebo and 114 +/- 10 mmHg under losartan; * = p < 0.05). MAP after four weeks of losartan treatment was 115 +/- 11 mmHg. Regarding changes in renal hemodynamics we could not demonstrate a significant change for neither losartan nor the ACE-inhibitor. Urine albumin excretion was reduced by both treatment regimens in correlation to the magnitude of blood pressure reduction. Our data indicate that losartan induced a significant reduction in MAP in patients with essential arterial hypertension with only moderate effects on renal hemodynamics.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

[The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on proteinuria in chronic glomerulonephritis].

The effect of two angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, lisinopril and captopril, on proteinuria and renal haemodynamics was investigated in 11 hypertensives (9 men, 2 women; mean age 46 +/- 16 years) with proteinuria (> 1.5 g/24 h) due to chronic glomerulonephritis and impaired renal function (glomerular filtration rate < 75 ml/min). In a randomized and double-blind cross-over trial the patients received, each time for six weeks, either lisinopril (5 mg/d, sometimes increased to 10 mg/d after 3 weeks) or captopril (twice daily 12.5 mg, sometimes increased to twice 25 mg after 3 weeks). Initially and between the individual treatment phases they were on a placebo phase for 4 weeks. The following were measured: protein excretion, including fractional clearance of albumin and IgG, plasma-renin activity and renal haemodynamics. Protein excretion was not significantly reduced by either drug (placebo: 7.1 +/- 4.0 g/d; lisinopril: 5.1 +/- 2.8 g/d; captopril: 5.4 +/- 3.0 g/d). Albumin excretion and fractional albumin clearance were significantly decreased only by lisinopril (P < 0.05), not by captopril. Plasma-renin activity was increased more by lisinopril than captopril (Placebo: 1.0 +/- 0.9 ng/ml.h; lisinopril: 5.2 +/- 2.8 ng/ml.h [P < 0.05]; captopril: 1.8 +/- 1.3 ng/ml.h [P < 0.05]). The renal haemodynamics was only slightly influenced by either drug, but captopril significantly decreased the filtration fraction in the presence of chronic glomerulonephritis and renal failure. - Resulting from their influence on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, ACE inhibitors have, in addition to their known action on renal haemodynamics, an independent effect on the loading barrier of the basal membrane of the kidney.

Adult↗

[Therapeutic bilateral renal artery embolization in the nephrotic syndrome].

Amyloidosis with renal involvement was diagnosed in a 52-year-old man with Crohn's disease for 15 years. A severe nephrotic syndrome developed (proteinuria 40 g daily) with oedema and arterial hypotension (80/60 mm Hg). As adequate substitution treatment was not possible an attempt at medical renal ablation was made with a combination of captopril (25 mg daily), frusemide (80 mg daily) and indomethacin (200 mg daily). The proteinuria decreased to 18 g daily, but serum creatinine concentration rose to 5.8 mg/dl so that chronic haemodialysis had to be undertaken. Yet the patient's clinical state hardly improved and, because of his poor general condition, bilateral nephrectomy was contraindicated. In consequence bilateral catheter embolization of the renal arteries was performed. The urinary protein loss fell at once to 0.5 g daily. Serum protein rose from 3.1 g/dl under substitution to 5.7 g/dl without. During the following six months, while on chronic haemodialysis, the nephrotic syndrome did not recur. However, cardiac involvement in the amyloidosis was demonstrated so that the prognosis is poor. Permanent bilateral embolization of the renal arteries is a feasible method of managing a treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome in selected patients.

Amyloidosis↗

Primary systemic amyloidosis leading to advanced renal and cardiac involvement in a 30-year old man.

The case of a 30-year-old man with primary systemic amyloidosis is reported. Three months prior to admission the patient developed fever, night sweats, dyspnea, and bilateral ankle swelling. Recurrent left-sided pleural effusion led to further investigation when massive proteinuria with free monoclonal lambda chains in the urine became evident. Abdominal subcutaneous fat aspiration and renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis. Bone marrow biopsy and bone scan did not reveal multiple myeloma. Echocardiography showed a sparkling texture of the interventricular septum. Pulsed-wave Doppler recording of the left ventricular inflow profile showed the pattern of advanced cardiac amyloidosis consistent with markedly impaired diastolic heart function. Electrocardiogram-gated magnetic resonance imaging was carried out for noninvasive evaluation of cardiac function. The patient was started on repeated courses of melphalan, prednisone, and colchicine therapy. Despite increasing deterioration of renal function the therapy was tolerated quite well, and the patient is still alive 10 months after initial diagnosis. Although very rare in this age, primary systemic amyloidosis should be considered as a cause of pleural effusion, proteinuria, and congestive heart failure and should lead to further investigation.

Adult↗