Effects of Tridocosahexaenoyl-Glycerol Emulsion on Proteinuria in Rats with Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and an important component of cell membrane phospholipids (PL). Nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis was a worldwide model of the Goodpasture syndrome. We investigated the effects of tridocosahexaenoyl-glycerol (DHA-TG) emulsion on proteinuria in rats with NTS nephritis. Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 g were used. Twelve rats were treated with NTS via the tail vein and divided into 3 groups (groups A, B, and C). Another 4 rats treated with saline served as controls (group D). DHA-TG and soybean oil emulsions were intraperitoneally administered to the rats in groups A and B, respectively, 24 h prior to NTS injection, and 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after the injection. Saline was administered to the rats in groups C and D in the same manner. All rats were sacrificed on day 6 to obtain plasma and kidney samples. Analyses of urinary protein levels and fatty acid composition of plasma and kidney as well as histological examination of the kidneys were performed. Results: Urinary protein levels in group A were significantly lower than those in group C (35.0 ± 13.3 vs. 79.2 ± 11.8 mg/day on day 5, means ± SE, p Conclusions: These results suggest that the DHA-TG emulsion may have beneficial effects on NTS nephritis in the rat

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is an acquired disorder of hemopoiesis and is characterized by recurrent episodes of intravascular hemolysis due to an increased sensitivity to complement-mediated hemolysis. Systemic lupus erythematosus with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is very rare. We report a case of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria that developed in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 29-year-old Mongolian woman had systemic lupus erythematosus, which manifested only as skin lesions when she was 12 years old. She had leg edema and proteinuria when she was 23 years old, and a renal biopsy revealed lupus nephritis (World Health Organization type IV). She had been treated with steroids and immunosuppressant therapy. At 29, she had headaches, nausea, general fatigue, and severe pancytopenia and was admitted to our hospital. A laboratory evaluation showed hemolytic anemia. Further examination showed a neutrophil alkaline phosphatase score of 46 points, a CD55 value of 18%, and a CD59 value of 78.6%. The results of Ham test and sugar water tests were positive. The constellation of symptoms throughout the clinical course and the laboratory findings suggested paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>To the best of our knowledge, systemic lupus erythematosus with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is very rare. Clinicians should be aware of the association between autoimmune and hematological diseases.</p

Reef rip current generated by tide and wave during summer season: Field observation conducted in Yoshiwara Coast, Ishigakijima, Okinawa, Japan

In 2004 and 2005, five drowning accidents in Ishigakijima, Okinawa were documented by Japan Coast Guard and were found to be caused by a strong offshore current commonly known as “reef current”. This type of current has been identified to be responsible in generating the circulation of water and transportation of sediment in coral reefs. In this paper, however, high-speed offshore current in coral reefs is specifically referred to as “reef rip current”. Considering that the generation mechanism of reef rip current is not revealed yet, the researchers conducted a hydrodynamic study in Yoshiwara Coast, Ishigakijima, Okinawa in two phases (normal and storm conditions) during summer season to determine the location and time of occurrence of the strong offshore current that will significantly address safe utilization of coral reef and carbonate beach thereby reducing drowning accidents. The nearshore hydrodynamic project that was undertaken included field measurement of wave, current and tide during normal and storm conditions with the implementation of bathymetry survey by laser method. The results revealed the maximum 20-minute average offshore velocity at 1.2m/s. In addition, it was observed during low tide condition that most of the water inside the lagoon is only discharged through the reef gap