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Biomedical subjects

M Buchler

Publications and source records attributed to M Buchler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Urinary albumin excretion and the risk of graft loss and death in proteinuric and non-proteinuric renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria constitute risk factors for ESRD and death in non-transplanted populations. Whether microalbuminuria (especially in non-proteinuric patients) and macroalbuminuria constitute risk factors for graft loss and death is presently unknown in renal transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the association between urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and ESRD and death in renal transplantation. RESULTS: UAE was measured in 616 (397 proteinuric; 219 non-proteinuric patients) renal transplant recipients. They were grafted for 62 months (range: 6-192). During the 40 months (3.7-99) thereafter, 31 patients underwent dialysis and 32 died. Microalbuminuria (vs. normoalbuminuria) and macroalbuminuria (vs. microalbuminuria) were powerful risk factors for graft loss [OR: 14.25 (2.88-52.3) and 16.41 (7.46-36.0), respectively, both p < 0.0001], even after adjustments on renal function and diabetes. Among the 219 non-proteinuric patients, microalbuminuria (vs. normoalbuminuria) was a significant risk factor for graft loss [OR: 23.09 (1.93-276.4), p = 0.0132]. Both microalbuminuria (vs. normoalbuminuria) [OR: 5.55 (2.43-12.66), p < 0.0001] and macroalbuminuria (vs. microalbuminuria) [OR: 4.12 (1.65-10.29), p = 0.0024] were predictive of death. CONCLUSIONS: Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria are powerful independent predictors of ESRD and death. Microalbuminuria is a risk factor for graft loss even in non-proteinuric patients. UAE provides additional information on renal and patient prognosis as compared to proteinuria and renal function.

Adult↗

Early proteinuria is a strong indicator of donor renal lesions, ischemia-reperfusion injury and immunological aggression.

BACKGROUND: Early proteinuria is associated with reduced long-term graft survival. However, the determinants and mechanisms of proteinuria early after transplantation have not been identified. METHODS: Parameters associated with proteinuria within the first 3 months following transplantation were retrospectively assessed among 484 renal transplant recipients. RESULTS: Proteinuria was more abundant in patients with a history of two or more rejection episodes (0.42 +/- 0.68 vs 0.18 +/- 0.39 g/d; P = .02). Proteinuria was greater when donor age was 60 or more (OR: 4.43; P = .003), when recipient death was due to cardiovascular causes (OR: 1.98; P = .002), or when cold (OR: 1.77; P = .006) or warm (1.21; P = .09) ischemia times were prolonged. CONCLUSIONS: Proteinuria early after transplantation was related to pretransplant renal lesions, ischemia-reperfusion, and immunologic injuries.

Biomarkers↗

Desmoplastic reaction in pancreatic cancer: role of pancreatic stellate cells.

OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis, largely due to its propensity for early local and distant spread. Histopathologically, most pancreatic cancers are characterized by a prominent stromal/fibrous reaction in and around tumor tissue. The aims of this study were to determine whether (1) the cells responsible for the formation of the stromal reaction in human pancreatic cancers are activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and (2) an interaction exists between pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs that may facilitate local and distant invasion of tumor. METHODS: Serial sections of human pancreatic cancer tissue were stained for desmin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (stellate cell selective markers) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), a marker of activated PSC activation, by immunohistochemistry, and for collagen using Sirius Red. Correlation between the extent of positive staining for collagen and alphaSMA was assessed by morphometry. The cellular source of collagen in stromal areas was identified using dual staining methodology, ie, immunostaining for alphaSMA and in situ hybridization for procollagen alpha1I mRNA. The possible interaction between pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs was assessed in vitro by exposing cultured rat PSCs to control medium or conditioned medium from 2 pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2) for 24 hours. PSC activation was assessed by cell proliferation and alphaSMA expression. RESULTS: Stromal areas of human pancreatic cancer stained strongly positive for the stellate cell selective markers desmin and GFAP (indicating the presence of PSCs), for alphaSMA (suggesting that the PSCs were in their activated state) and for collagen. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a close correlation (r = 0.77; P < 0.04; 8 paired sections) between the extent of PSC activation and collagen deposition. Procollagen mRNA expression was localized to alphaSMA-positive cells in stromal areas indicating that activated PSCs were the predominant source of collagen in stromal areas. Exposure of PSCs to pancreatic cancer cell secretions in vitro resulted in PSC activation as indicated by significantly increased cell proliferation and alphaSMA expression. CONCLUSIONS: Activated PSCs are present in the stromal reaction in pancreatic cancers and are responsible for the production of stromal collagen. PSC function is influenced by pancreatic cancer cells. Interactions between tumor cells and stromal cells (PSCs) may play an important role in the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer.

Actins↗

Population pharmacokinetic modeling of oral cyclosporin using NONMEM: comparison of absorption pharmacokinetic models and design of a Bayesian estimator.

There have been very few population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) studies and Bayesian forecasting methods dealing with cyclosporin (CsA) so far, probably because of the difficulty of modeling the particular absorption profiles of CsA. The present study was conducted in stable renal transplant patients treated with Neoral and employed the NONMEM program. Its goals were (1) to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for CsA based on an Erlang frequency distribution (which describes asymmetric S-shaped absorption profiles) combined with a 2-compartment model; (2) to compare this model with models combining a time-lag parameter and either a zero-order or first-order rate constant and with a model based on a Weibull distribution; and (3) to develop a PK Bayesian estimator for full AUC estimation based on that "Erlang model." The PopPK model was developed in an index set of 70 patients, and then individual PK parameters and AUC were estimated in 10 other patients using Bayesian estimation. The "Erlang" model best described the data, with mean absorption time (MAT), apparent clearance (CL/F), and apparent volume of the central compartment (Vc/F) of 0.78 hours, 26.3 L/h, and 76 L, respectively (interindividual variability CV = 33, 30, and 48%). Bayesian estimation allowed accurate prediction of systemic exposure using only 3 samples collected at 0, 1, and 3 hours. Regression analysis found no significant difference between the predicted and observed concentrations (10 per patient), and AUC(0-12) were estimated with a nonsignificant bias (0.6 to 8.7%) and good precision (RMSE = 5.3%). In conclusion, the Erlang distribution best described CsA absorption profiles, and a Bayesian estimator developed using this model and a mixed-effect PK modeling program provided accurate estimates of CsA systemic exposure using only 3 blood samples.

Area Under Curve↗

[Microalbuminuria in hypertensive, non-proteinuric renal transplant recipients: role of previous acute rejection episodes and sodium intake].

UNLABELLED: Microalbuminuria (Malb: albuminuria: 30-299 mg/24 h) is associated with many cardiovascular parameters (high systolic (SAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose and body weight, low HDL-cholesterol) and may be a marker of cardiovascular and renal risk in the general population. Whether MAlb could be an integrated marker of cardiovascular and renal risk in transplant recipients is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 75 hypertensive non-proteinuric renal transplant recipients were selected. Antihypertensive medications were stopped for a month prior to the studies. MAlb (on a 24-hour urine collection), cyclosporine trough levels (CsA-L), fasting glucose and lipids were measured. SAP and DAP were determined with a semi-automatic device. RESULTS: 29 patients (12 W/17M) had normal levels of albuminuria (Nalb: albuminuria < 30 mg/24 h) and 46 had MAlb. As compared to Nalb patients, those with Malb were younger (M +/- SD: 44.3 +/- 13 vs 51.2 +/- 9.7 respectively, p = 0.009), had higher SAP (152 +/- 16 vs 146 +/- 15 mmHg, p = 0.09) et DAP (86 +/- 11 vs 81 +/- 10 mmHg, p = 0.01). No difference in smoking habits, serum creatinine (125 +/- 27 vs 119 +/- 28 mumol/L), total-, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, CsA-L (142 +/- 29 vs 144 +/- 26 ng/mL), 24 h-urine urea excretion was observed. History of acute rejection episodes (45.7% vs 17.2%, p = 0.01) was more frequent and 24-hour natriuresis (192 +/- 70 vs 152 +/- 79 mmol/24 h, p < 0.01) was higher in Malb than in Nalb. CONCLUSION: The determinants of microalbuminuria in renal transplant recipients are different from those found in the general population. History of acute rejection episodes was more frequent in renal transplant recipients with Malb than in those with NAlb despite similar renal function, suggesting that Malb may a marker of subclinical renal lesions due to immunological aggression. The relationship between natriuresis and Malb suggests that sodium intake modulates target-organ damage associated with hypertension.

Adult↗

Modulation imaging in reflection-mode near-field scanning optical microscopy

A simple implementation of modulation of the near-field optical signal of near-field probes based on the shear-force feedback system is demonstrated in a reflection-mode near-field optical microscope. The modulation exhibits a derivative type of dependence on the near-field signal and no sensitivity to topography. It is shown that the modulation image can be calculated directly from the derivative of the conventional near-field scattering image. This type of near-field modulation is an excellent way to reject far-field artifacts from the near-field signal.

Journal Article↗

Transplant renal artery stenosis: potential role of ischemia/reperfusion injury and long-term outcome following angioplasty.

PURPOSE: We assess long-term arterial pressure, renal function, and patient and graft survival in recipients of cadaveric kidney transplant with or without transplant renal artery stenosis. We also evaluate the risk factors for transplant renal artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed and analyzed baseline clinical, immunological and outcome data for 26 patients with transplant renal artery stenosis before and after angioplasty, and 72 without stenosis on angiography. We also analyzed graft and patient survival in 304 cases in which angiography was not performed. RESULTS: The incidence of transplant renal artery stenosis was 6.6% (26 of 402 patients). Acute rejection episodes (42 versus 22%, p <0.05) and delayed graft function (50 versus 32%, p <0.10) were more frequent, and mean cold ischemia time plus or minus standard error (29.2+/-1.7 versus 24.8+/-1.3 hours, p <0.01) was longer in patients with than without transplant renal artery stenosis. The technical success of angioplasty was 92.3%. Restenosis was documented in 6 of 26 patients (23.1%). Revascularization resulted in a decrease in arterial pressure and better renal function. The 8-year patient (100, 98.6 and 95.7%, respectively) and graft (88.1, 88.9 and 89.3%, respectively) actuarial survival rates were similar among patients with or without transplant renal artery stenosis, and those who did not undergo angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant renal artery stenosis had no detectable influence on long-term arterial pressure control, renal function, and patient and graft survival rates, which were similar to those in patients without stenosis. Long cold ischemia time may have a role in the development of transplant renal artery stenosis through ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Adult↗

[Transplant renal artery stenosis: long term effect of angioplasty on arterial pressure control and renal function].

We assessed the long-term (M +/- SE: 68 +/- 3 months) arterial pressure and renal function of cadaveric kidney transplant recipients with and without significant (> 70% diameter reduction) transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) at angiography. Baseline clinical, immunological and outcome data for 26 patients with TRAS (incidence of TRAS: 6.6%) before and following angioplasty and 72 patients without stenosis at angiography were reviewed and analyzed. The 2 groups were similar with respect to recipient sex ratio and age (45 vs 46), duration of transplantation (7 months), cause of renal failure, donor sex and age, HLA-antigen mismatches and titers of anti-HLA antibodies, CMV infection and anti-CMV antibodies in donors and recipients. The technical success of angioplasty was 92.3%. Restenosis was documented in 6/26 patients (23.1%). Revascularization resulted in a decrease of arterial pressure and number of antihypertensive medications and a lower serum creatinine compared to baseline values. The long-term arterial pressure and serum creatinine levels were similar in patients with and without stenosis. In conclusion, TRAS after revascularization had no detectable influence on the long-term arterial pressure control and renal function within a follow-up period of 68 +/- 3 months.

Angioplasty↗

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with increased concentrations of epidermal growth factor receptor, transforming growth factor alpha, and phospholipase C gamma.

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is a transmembrane protein that binds EGF and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha), and that stimulates phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) activity. In this study the role of the EGF receptor in chronic pancreatitis was studied. By immunohistochemistry, the EGF receptor, TGF alpha, and PLC gamma 1 were found to be expressed at high concentrations in pancreatic ductal and acinar cells from chronic pancreatitis patients. Northern blot analysis showed that, by comparison with normal controls, 19 of 27 chronic pancreatitis tissues exhibited a 5.7-fold increase in EGF receptor mRNA concentrations, and 20 of 27 chronic pancreatitis tissues exhibited a sixfold increase in TGF alpha mRNA concentrations. In situ hybridisation confirmed that overexpression occurred in ductal and acinar cells, and showed that both mRNA moieties colocalised with their respective proteins. These findings suggest that TGF alpha may act through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to excessively activate the overexpressed EGF receptor in the two major cell types of the exocrine pancreas, thereby contributing to the pathobiology of this disorder.

Adult↗

[Long-term prognosis of short bowel syndrome: analysis of 30 cases].

To determine the influence of the underlining disease on the duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and on the long-term prognosis, data from 30 admitted patients with permanent (n = 23) and temporary (n = 7 short bowel syndrome were retrospectively analyzed and the present status of all living patients evaluated. Patients with "permanent short bowel" after thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery (group I, n = 13) or malignant tumours (group II, n = 3) had a decreased survival compared to patients with other causes such as ileus, intestinal volvulus-thrombosis of mesenteric veins or benign tumors (group III, n = 7). Within the first six postoperative months, all patients in group I and all patients in group II died of the underlying disease whereas none died in group III. One patient in group I and one patient in group III died as a result of complications related to TPN. The different underlying diseases had no influence on the adaptation of the small intestine or on the duration of TPN in the surviving patients. Return to enteral autonomy seems to mainly depend on the length of the remaining small and large bowel and early enteral feeding. Complications of parenteral nutrition and possible options for the surgical treatment of the short bowel syndrome are discussed.

Adult↗

Overexpression of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors in human pancreatic cancer correlates with advanced tumor stage.

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and basic FGF (bFGF) are mitogenic polypeptides that may contribute to cancer cell proliferation. In the present study we examined aFGF and bFGF expression in human pancreatic cancer. Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from 12 pancreatic cancers revealed elevated aFGF and bFGF mRNA levels in 12 and 10 samples, respectively, by comparison with the normal human pancreas. Immunostaining demonstrated the presence of aFGF and bFGF in many cancer cells and in the atrophic acini and ducts adjacent to the cancer cells, but to a much lesser extent in the surrounding fibroblasts. By in situ hybridization, both mRNA moieties colocalized with their respective proteins and were abundant in many cancer cells. Immunoblotting confirmed that cancer tissues with increased aFGF and bFGF immunoreactivity contained elevated levels of both proteins. To determine the significance of aFGF and bFGF expression in the pancreatic cancer cells, immunohistochemical analysis of 78 human pancreatic carcinomas was performed. aFGF and bFGF immunoreactivity was present in the cancer cells in 47 (60%) and 44 (56%) of the tumors, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the presence of either aFGF or bFGF in the cancer cells and advanced tumor stage, and the presence of bFGF and shorter patient survival. These data suggest that aFGF and bFGF are overexpressed in a significant proportion of human pancreatic carcinoma cells and that this overexpression may contribute to disease progression.

Adult↗