Table of contents
October 2006 Volume 2 No 10
Viewpoint
The benefits of renin–angiotensin blockade in hypertension are dependent on blood-pressure lowering
542These authors present their controversial opinion that the evidence for a specific renoprotective effect of renin–angiotensin blockade, independent of blood-pressure control, is more ambiguous and the magnitude of any such effect much smaller than is often claimed. Data from several large trials of renin–angiotensin blockers and elegant renal cross-transplantation experiments in mice are proffered in support of their theory.
Research Highlights
First-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors is associated with congenital malformations
544HIV-infected patients are suitable candidates for renal transplantation
544Long-term steroid therapy preserves renal function in sarcoid tubulointerstitial nephritis
544Valsartan plus cilnidipine reduces albuminuria more effectively than valsartan alone
545Tacrolimus not superior to ciclosporin in pediatric steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome
545Meta-analysis of ACE inhibitor plus ARB combination therapy for proteinuric renal disease
546Variation in PTH measurements with different immunoassays
546Hand-carried ultrasound determines volume status of hemodialysis outpatients
547Practice Points
'Renal-dose' fenoldopam for early-stage renal dysfunction in critically ill patients
548A prospective comparison of prednisone plus ciclosporin and prednisone alone in pediatric nephrotic syndrome
550Intravenous vitamin C can improve anemia in erythropoietin-hyporesponsive hemodialysis patients
552Does stenting prolong the patency of arteriovenous grafts after thrombectomy and angioplasty?
554Is living-donor kidney volume an independent determinant of post-transplantation graft performance?
556Mycophenolate mofetil versus sirolimus as an adjunct to calcineurin inhibition after renal transplantation
558Reviews
Hypertension and antihypertensive treatment of diabetic nephropathy
562Authors from the University of Heidelberg present a provocative and comprehensive Review of the issues involved in management of hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. After examining the relationships between the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), proteinuria and hypertension, Ritz and Dikow focus on controversies such as the effect of RAS blockade beyond blood-pressure reduction, and optimal doses of drugs that inhibit RAS.
doi:10.1038/ncpneph0298 | Full Text | PDF (140K)
Renal Toll-like receptors: recent advances and implications for disease
568When stimulated by pathogens or endogenous ligands, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiate production of myriad cytokines. Long known to reside on cells of the innate immune system, 10 of 11 TLRs have now been shown to be expressed in human kidney. Data supporting a role for these renal TLRs in a variety of conditions, including sepsis-induced acute renal failure, ischemic injury, and rejection of allografts, are presented.
doi:10.1038/ncpneph0300 | Full Text | PDF (313K)
Mechanisms of Disease: oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of hypertension
582Here, the concept of a self-perpetuating cyclical interaction between outcomes of oxidative stress (such as production of reactive oxygen species and depletion of antioxidants) and inflammatory mediators (such as cytokines), driving initiation and progression of hypertension, is presented. Experimental evidence to support operation of such a cycle is outlined, and the therapeutic implications of targeting the interactions therein are discussed.
doi:10.1038/ncpneph0283 | Full Text | PDF (248K)
Case Study
Acute renal failure associated with immune restoration inflammatory syndrome
594doi:10.1038/ncpneph0282 | Full Text | PDF (337K)
