Gaetano Montalto

Cold Pressor Test Raises Serum Concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-Selectin in Normotensive and Hypertensive Patients

In patients with essential hypertension, elevated soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) levels may indicate endothelial cell injury or activation. We therefore sought to ascertain whether arterial blood pressure increased by the cold pressor test can modify serum concentrations of sE-selectin and other soluble forms of adhesion molecules, such as soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), or the expression of any adhesion molecules in circulating monocytes and lymphocytes. Our findings show that levels of sE-selectin, sVCAM-1, and sICAM-1 are higher in patients with essential hypertension than in normotensive subjects (sICAM-1, 380 +/- 52 versus 262 +/- 96 ng/mL, P<.05; sVCAM-1, 720 +/- 52 versus 625 +/- 38 ng/mL, P<.05; and sE-selectin, 75 +/- 21 versus 61 +/- 22 ng/mL, P<.05). Furthermore, in normotensive and hypertensive patients, the cold pressor test caused an increase in serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin, but it did not cause changes in the expression of adhesion molecules in circulating monocytes and lymphocytes. High arterial blood pressure may therefore increase the production of serum adhesion molecules, probably through endothelial activation.

Role of Paricalcitol in Modulating the Immune Response in Patients with Renal Disease

Introduction. The aim was to highlight the existence of a relationship between vitamin D deficiency, chronic inflammation, and proteinuria, by measuring neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and common inflammatory markers after administration of paricalcitol, a vitamin D analog, in vivo and in vitro. Methods. 40 patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondary hyperparathyroidism and 40 healthy subjects were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)-vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin- (IL-) 17, IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), plasmatic and urinary NGAL, and 24 h albuminuria and proteinuria were measured before and 24 h after an intravenous bolus of paricalcitol (5 mcg). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin. NGAL, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured in the culture medium and in the 24 h urine collection. Results. 25(OH)-vitamin D was lower in CKD than in controls (p < 0.0001), while inflammatory markers were higher in CKD group (p < 0.0001). In vivo and in vitro studies showed a downregulation of NGAL, IL-17, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ after paricalcitol administration (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. 25(OH)-vitamin D regulates immune and inflammatory processes. Further studies are needed to confirm these data in order to improve the treatment of CKD patients.

Sclerostin levels in uremic patients: a link between bone and vascular disease.

Abstract Sclerostin is a marker of low-turnover bone disease in end stage renal disease patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum sclerostin in uremic patients, analyzing its behavior during a single hemodialysis session. Twenty-one adult patients on intermittent hemodialysis treatment were enrolled. Acetate Free Bio-filtration (AFB) was the technique employed. Uremic patients were characterized by higher levels of serum sclerostin when compared with values observed in healthy subjects. Sclerostin assessed in pre-dialysis samples was 1.4 ± 1.02 ng/mL, whereas, in post dialysis samples, a reduction of sclerostin values was observed (0.8 ± 0.6 ng/mL; p: 0.008). Sclerostin correlated with parameters of dialysis adequacy, such as creatinine levels and Kt/V values, and it was significantly associated with atherosclerotic disease. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed a good diagnostic profile in identifying atherosclerotic disease. Sclerostin, a full dialyzable substance during AFB dialysis, is closely associated with atherosclerotic disease. Its reduction obtained through AFB could represent a defensive mechanism, improving vascular disease and renal osteodystrophy.

The relationship between coping, emotion regulation, and quality of life of patients on dialysis:

Previous studies have investigated constructs that facilitate adaptation to chronic disease and improve quality of life and constructs that lead to psychopathological complications. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of coping and emotional regulation on the quality of life of patients on dialysis. Three questionnaires were administered to 78 patients on dialysis: Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced, Short Form (36), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Regressions analyses indicated that age, Rumination, Positive Refocusing, Avoidance Strategies, Approach to the Problem, and Transcendent Orientation predicted Physical Health. With regard to Mental Health, the predictors were gender, Self-Blame, Acceptance, Rumination, Positive Reappraisal, Catastrophizing, Avoidance Strategies, and Transcendent Orientation. This study confirms the relationship between emotional regulation, coping, and quality of life. The results highlight the need for total care of the patients, including an assessment of both physical state and psychological functioning in order to promote total well-being.

Convective Dialysis Reduces Mortality Risk: Results From a Large Observational, Population-Based Analysis: Mortality and Dialysis Techniques

According to many studies, extracorporeal dialysis with convective methods is associated with better clinical outcomes and a survival benefit compared to diffusive techniques. However, there is no full agreement on the actual superiority of this kind of renal replacement therapy on hard end‐points such as mortality. We performed a retrospective epidemiological cohort study to provide “real‐world” evidence on the impact of convective and non‐convective dialysis techniques on all‐cause and cardiac mortality and biochemical outcomes among dialysis patients in Sicily, the southernmost region of Italy. Data of all incident adult patients (N = 6529) who have started chronic extracorporeal dialysis over the period 2009–2015 were retrieved from the Sicilian Registry of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation. There were 1558 patients receiving convective techniques (23.86%). Overall mortality rate was 45.21% with a significant difference between convective (31.39%) and non‐convective (49.55%) groups (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for potential confounders in multiple Cox regression models of increasing complexity, the mortality risk remained significantly lower for patients treated with convective methods (HR, 0.581; 95%CI, 0.525 to 0.643; P < 0.0001). Moreover, the convective group had a better blood chemistry profile, improved dialysis efficacy, and reduced mortality rate from cardiac diseases compared to the non‐convective group. As a sensitivity analysis, patients were categorized according to propensity score quartiles and the hazard ratio for both all‐cause and cardiac mortality was significantly lower for the convective group in each quartile. In conclusion, despite the observational and retrospective design, the results of the present study further support the use of convective therapies for the treatment of end‐stage renal disease.