Search Results (856)

Pannexins are transmembrane glycoproteins that share structural and functional similarities with the gap junction proteins innexins and connexins. They play a critical role in paracrine and intracellular signalling, including purinergic signalling via the release of extracellular ATP. The role of pannexins in renal function and the pathophysiology of renal diseases is being intensely studied. However, there are no data on the subcellular localization of pannexin 1 expression in the rat kidney. We studied the distribution of pannexin 1 in the rat kidney, combining light microscopy with immunofluorescent immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy with immunogold pannexin labelling. We found strong expression of pannexin in glomerular podocytes, proximal tubules and collecting ducts; moderate expression in the endothelium of glomerular and peritubular capillaries; thin descending and thick ascending limbs of the loop of Henle; and weaker pannexin 1 expression in the distal tubular epithelium. We described the detailed ultrastructural localization of pannexin 1 expression. This is the first study describing the ultrastructural distribution of pannexin 1 in the rat kidney, one of the most used preclinical models in renal physiology and pathology research. These results provide previously missing data on the precise distribution of pannexin 1 in the rat kidney, which is a prerequisite for a proper understanding of its role in renal physiology and pathophysiology. Full article

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent, yet its clinical utility is limited by dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) has cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, but its therapeutic potential in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. A murine cisplatin–AKI model was used to evaluate whether AAT (80 mg/kg) ameliorates renal injury. Renal function, oxidative stress, NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms, mitochondrial metabolism, inflammatory mediators, apoptosis, and fibrosis-related markers were assessed using biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses. Cisplatin markedly impaired renal function and induced tubular injury; meanwhile, AAT significantly reversed these changes. Cisplatin also induced severe oxidative stress and disrupted the balance of NOX isoforms; AAT restored redox homeostasis. Cisplatin upregulated CPT1A/PDK4 and suppressed CPT2, UCP3, PGC1α, and DRP1, inducing maladaptive mitochondrial changes, indicating impaired β-oxidation and defective mitochondrial dynamics; AAT reversed these alterations, restoring normal mitochondrial metabolism. IL-1β, IL-6R, OPN, and F4/80 expression, recovery of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and MAPK activation were reduced, indicating decreased inflammation and apoptosis; profibrotic markers were also reduced. AAT confers multifaceted protection against cisplatin-induced AKI by restoring redox balance, mitochondrial homeostasis, and inflammatory and apoptotic signaling. These findings support AAT as a promising therapeutic agent for preventing cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Full article

Fluorinated greenhouse gases (FGGs) are classified as worldwide pollutants and have a high global warming potential compared to other greenhouse gases. Detecting the existence and concentration of new and older refrigerant gases is crucial for assessing system functionality and determining whether they can be recycled or need to be disposed of. Additional justifications for the necessity of quantitative measurements of these gases include the manufacturing of air conditioning components; leak detection is conducted to ensure they are free of leaks. Classical laboratory Fast Fourier transform spectrometers enable the detection and measurement of substances while being delicate, unwieldy, and costly, and typically requiring a skilled technician to operate them. For the estimation of refrigerants in the field, a portable, user-friendly, and cost-effective detection device must be deployed. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the categorization of refrigerant gases using an Internet of Things (IoT) gas detection device. The functionality in effectively differentiating between important refrigerant gases, like R-32 and R-134a, with low delay, is demonstrated through practical tests. With the portable device, this study utilizes Fourier-Transformed infrared spectra measured from the refrigerants R-32 and R-134a, collected using a custom-made 3D-printed tubular reactor equipped with two BaF₂ windows, suitable for use in the beamline of a Bruker IR Spectrometer. Calibration was performed by exposing the infrared sensor to controlled gas environments with varying amounts of refrigerant gases using accurately produced gas mixtures. Following the on-field analysis of the reclaimed refrigerants, the obtained data was immediately processed, and both the data and the results were uploaded to an IoT platform, making them available to business-to-business (B2B) clients. The functionality of the device is demonstrated. Full article

Advances in kidney organoid technologies have expanded opportunities to model human renal development, disease, and therapeutic response. Yet pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids remain limited by cellular heterogeneity, incomplete tubular maturation and low scalability, restricting their translational relevance. Tubular-specific organoids, derived from adult kidney epithelium, address many of these constraints by providing stable, reproducible cultures enriched for functional proximal and distal tubular cells. Their polarized transport, metabolic activity and patient-specific phenotypes enable high-fidelity modeling of acute and chronic tubular disorders, nephrotoxicity, and inherited tubulopathies—areas where conventional animal and cell-line models often fall short. In this Perspective, we outline recent advances that position tubuloids as a versatile platform for drug screening, toxicity testing and personalized disease modeling. We highlight emerging integration with microfluidics, biomaterials, and gene-editing strategies that promise greater physiological realism and precision therapeutics. We also discuss persistent barriers that impede broader adoption and clinical translation. We propose a roadmap for advancing tubuloid technologies toward precision nephrology and their future incorporation into diagnostic, pharmacological and regenerative pipelines. Full article

In livestock farming, the reproductive function and breeding performance of Tan sheep are crucial for enhancing farming efficiency. Despite advances in research on sheep germ cells, studies on the identification of markers for spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa in Tan sheep remain limited and inadequate. In this study, Tan sheep were used as research subjects to investigate the morphological characteristics of testicular tissues, the developmental status of germ cells, and potential novel markers for spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa across different ages (0 days, 60 days, 180 days, and 365 days). Homology of the SMC3, G3BP1, and AKAP4 genes was analyzed via NCBI alignment. The localization and expression characteristics of these genes in the testis tissues of Tan sheep were investigated using HE staining, qPCR, and immunofluorescence double staining. The results showed that from 0 to 365 days of age, with increasing age, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids exhibited an orderly distribution, and mature spermatozoa appeared in the tubular lumen, marking the initial establishment of the spermatogenic process. The homology of SMC3, G3BP1, and AKAP4 was 90%, 85%, and 81%. The mRNA levels of SMC3 and G3BP1 in the testes of 60-day-old Tan sheep were significantly increased, while AKAP4 expression showed a gradual increase with advancing age. SMC3 was co-localized with PLZF in undifferentiated spermatogonia, G3BP1 was co-expressed with SYCP2 in spermatocytes, and AKAP4 was co-expressed with PNA in spermatozoa. The findings of this study provide further supportive evidence for novel markers of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatozoa in Tan sheep. Full article

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a frequent and life-threatening condition, characterized by rapid functional decline, which is followed by intense inflammation and tissue injury. Experimental lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis reproduces functional and morphological features of human S-AKI and enables investigation of melatonin which has numerous beneficial properties, such as antioxidant properties. In this study, the effects of melatonin (50 mg/kg) on kidney dysfunction, oxidative damage, inflammation, apoptosis, and histopathological alterations in a rat model of S-AKI induced by LPS application (10 mg/kg) were studied. Acute LPS exposure caused statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) marked renal dysfunction, increased lipid and protein oxidation, suppression of antioxidant enzymes, enhanced NO/iNOS signaling, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), activation of apoptotic pathways, and pronounced tubular and glomerular injury. Co-administration of melatonin statistically significantly (p ≤ 0.05) attenuated oxidative stress, reduced production of inflammatory cytokines, suppressed apoptosis, and ameliorated structural kidney damage, leading to partial restoration of renal function. These findings suggest that melatonin exerts renoprotective effects in S-AKI through combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions, likely involving modulation of different signaling pathways. Full article

Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapeutic, is constrained by its nephrotoxicity, characterized by endothelial injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in the kidney serves a dual function. Under normal conditions, it supports the survival of glomerular endothelial cells and maintains vascular stability, but when excessively activated, it disrupts angiogenesis and contributes to kidney injury. In this context, we hypothesize that Nanocurcumin (CUR-NP), a nano-formulated curcumin derivative with enhanced bioavailability, can modulate the VEGF pathway and restore regular renal activity. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential protective effect of CUR-NP on DOX-induced renal injury in male rats. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were used and distributed into four groups. CUR-NP (80 mg/kg dissolved in 1% CMC) was administered by oral gavage for two weeks. A single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg) (i.p.) was injected on day seven of the study. Results showed that DOX increased the circulating creatinine, urea, and urea-nitrogen levels, while pretreatment with CUR-NP markedly alleviated kidney function. In addition, CUR-NP treatment significantly normalized oxidative stress markers in renal tissues, such as NO, GSH, and SOD, and improved renal pro-inflammatory mediators, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB-p65. DOX caused degeneration of glomeruli and tubules with degenerated epithelial lining and casts in their lumens. Conversely, CUR-NP maintained standard tubular and glomerular structure. Immunohistochemistry showed that DOX strongly upregulated VEGF and AhR, while CUR-NP markedly reduced their expression, countering VEGF/AhR pathway disruption and helping restore physiological signaling. Full article

Background: Early recognition of renal allograft dysfunction requires biochemical markers capable of detecting molecular injury before functional decline becomes apparent. Serum creatinine, a late and nonspecific indicator of renal function, has limited value for early diagnosis. Protein biomarkers implicated in tubular injury, inflammation, and immune activation—including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), β2-microglobulin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)—have emerged as promising alternatives. This study evaluated early post-transplant serum profiles of these biomarkers and their prognostic relevance for long-term graft outcomes. Methods: Nineteen adult recipients undergoing primary kidney transplantation were prospectively enrolled. Serum creatinine and protein biomarkers were measured 24 h post-transplant using validated immunochemical assays. Biomarker concentrations were compared with values from healthy controls, and correlations with renal function at 12 months were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate predictive performance. Results: Significant biochemical alterations were observed at 24 h post-transplant. KIM-1 levels were markedly elevated compared with controls (74.50 ± 98.45 vs. 10.54 ± 17.19 ng/mL; p = 0.01), consistent with early tubular injury. IL-1β and NGAL showed upward trends without reaching statistical significance. β2-microglobulin and TNF-α levels did not differ substantially from control values. Serum KIM-1 correlated with serum creatinine both at 24 h (r = 0.35) and at 12 months (r = 0.40). ROC analysis identified a KIM-1 threshold of 24.5 ng/mL (AUC = 0.68) as a potential indicator of future graft dysfunction, outperforming serum creatinine (AUC = 0.64). Six patients experienced graft dysfunction at 12 months post-transplant, five of whom had serum creatinine values > 5 mg/dL at 24 h. Based on early creatinine levels, patients were stratified into low-risk (creatinine < 5 mg/dL; n = 10) and high-risk groups (creatinine > 5 mg/dL; n = 9). Mean KIM-1 concentrations were significantly higher in the high-risk group (110.68 ± 115.29 vs. 26.67 ± 18.05 ng/mL; p = 0.05), consistent with more severe early tubular injury. Conclusions: Among the evaluated biomarkers, KIM-1 demonstrated the strongest potential as an early biochemical indicator of renal allograft dysfunction. Its rapid post-transplant elevation underscores its sensitivity to early tubular injury. Further prospective validation in larger, multicenter cohorts is warranted. Full article

Metabolic acidosis is common after kidney transplantation and has been linked to adverse renal outcomes. However, its relationship with histological injury in kidney allografts remains poorly characterized. We aimed to explore the association between metabolic acidosis and histopathological features in kidney allograft biopsies. This single-center, cross-sectional observational study included 63 adult kidney transplant recipients who underwent clinically indicated allograft biopsies. Metabolic acidosis was defined as a serum bicarbonate level < 22 mmol/L at the time of biopsy. Histological lesions were assessed according to the Banff classification. Lesion severity was evaluated using descriptive statistics, nonparametric comparisons, ordinal logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for renal function, proteinuria, and time from transplantation. Sensitivity analyses additionally adjusted for hemoglobin and donor-related variables. Patients with metabolic acidosis exhibited numerically higher severity scores for both acute inflammatory lesions and chronic histological changes, including total inflammation and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA). Across ordinal analyses and multivariable regression models, consistent directional trends toward a greater histological injury burden were observed among acidotic patients; however, none of these associations reached statistical significance, and confidence intervals were wide. Sensitivity analyses yielded directionally consistent effect estimates. In this biopsy-based analysis, metabolic acidosis showed consistent directional trends toward a higher burden of inflammatory and chronic histological lesions, although these findings did not reach statistical significance. Full article

Efficient mixing in stirred tanks is essential for chemical and biochemical processes. Tubular baffles offer potential energy savings and multifunctionality (e.g., as heat exchangers); however, their interaction with common impeller types is not well understood. This study uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance of a novel tubular baffle design compared to conventional flat baffles with three impellers: a Rushton turbine (RT), a pitched blade turbine (PBT), and a hydrofoil (HE3). Dimensionless analysis (power number, N_P; and pumping number, N_Q), flow visualization, and vorticity dynamics were employed. The results show that, by attenuating large-scale recirculation, tubular baffles reduce power consumption by 64%, 13%, and 23% for the HE3, PBT, and RT, respectively. However, the HE3 impeller experienced a 30% decrease in pumping capacity, which confined the flow to the lower tank. The PBT showed a 10% increase in N_Q and intensified bottom circulation. The RT uniquely generated distributed, high-intensity turbulence along the baffle height while maintaining its characteristic dual-loop structure. The analysis critiques the local pumping efficiency metric and advocates for a global flow assessment. The HE3 is optimal for efficient bulk blending at low power; the PBT is optimal for strong bottom circulation processes; and the RT is optimal for applications requiring enhanced interfacial processes, where baffles serve a dual function. This work provides a framework for selecting energy-efficient agitation systems by coupling impeller performance with global tank hydrodynamics. Full article

Cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder characterized by defective cystine transport and progressive multi-organ damage, with the kidney being the primary site of pathology. In addition to the traditional perspective on lysosomal dysfunction, recent studies have demonstrated that cystinosis exerts a substantial impact on cellular energy metabolism, with a particular emphasis on oxidative pathways. Mitochondria, the central hub of ATP production, exhibit structural abnormalities, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and increased reactive oxygen species. These factors contribute to proximal tubular cell failure and systemic complications. This review highlights the critical role of energy metabolism in cystinosis and supports the emerging idea of organelle communication. A mounting body of evidence points to a robust functional and physical association between lysosomes and mitochondria, facilitated by membrane contact sites, vesicular trafficking, and signaling networks that modulate nutrient sensing, autophagy, and redox balance. Disruption of these interactions in cystinosis leads to defective mitophagy, accumulation of damaged mitochondria, and exacerbation of oxidative stress, creating a vicious cycle of energy failure and cellular injury. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms has the potential to reveal novel therapeutic avenues that extend beyond the scope of cysteamine, encompassing strategies that target mitochondrial health, enhance autophagy, and restore lysosome–mitochondria communication. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial waste could be a strategy to improve organic waste management. The production of activated carbon (AC) is a path to use for this waste, with the aim of reducing its negative effects. AC is characterized by a high internal surface area, chemical stability, and oxygen-containing functional groups in its structure. This work is focused on the valorization of agro-industrial waste such as pineapple peel and coconut shells. These are made up of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and other essential nutrients, as well as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Activated Carbon was obtained with slow pyrolysis at 400 °C, for 4 h in a stainless-steel tubular reactor with physical activation. The obtained samples were analyzed using SEM, TGA, FTIR, and BET to verify the morphology, thermal degradation, functional groups and pores ratio of the AC, highlighting the presence of materials pore >10 µm. The TGA residual materials gave 16.3% of pineapple peel AC ashes and 0.2% of coconut AC. A C=C, C-H_X, CO, and OH stretching were observed in 400–4000 cm⁻¹. The peak intensity decreased once the biodiesel was treated with AC, because the traces of water and functional groups interacted actively, resulting a high content of bases. Activated carbon was used for dry cleaning of the obtained biodiesel from residual oil, which was effective in reducing pH and moisture levels in the biodiesel samples. Pore distribution was determined by BET, 5.6 nm for pineapple peel and 39.8243 nm for coconut shells. The obtained activated carbon offers a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon sources and contributes to the circular economy by recycling waste biomass. Full article

Niclosamide has been the primary molluscicide for schistosomiasis control for over 50 years, but its chronic effects on inter-organ interactions in non-target mollusks remain poorly understood. Cipangopaludina cathayensis, a dominant species in East Asian schistosomiasis-endemic regions, was chronically exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of niclosamide to assess its toxic effects. Digestive glands accumulated more niclosamide than the foot tissues. Prolonged exposure was associated with metabolic impairment of the digestive glands, characterized by tubular atrophy, inflammatory reactions, and depletion of nutrient components. Foot tissues exhibited epithelial lesions and muscle fiber atrophy. Alterations in foot structure were associated with changes in digestive gland nutrient status. Niclosamide exposure may weaken the metabolic coupling between these organs, thereby impairing locomotor function. At the population level, persistent niclosamide exposure may destabilize mollusk trophic-level populations, ultimately leading to ecological consequences. Our findings demonstrate the toxicological risks of niclosamide to freshwater mollusks. Full article

Background/Objectives: A stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) is experimentally available but only to those few humans in whom the use of systemic immunosuppression can be justified. For others with T1D, a means to deliver the islets needs to be perfected. We have previously bioengineered a removable device for this purpose and now wish to test the effect of adding extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from decellularised human pancreas to it. Methods: The complete device consists of encapsulated pluripotent stem cell differentiated islets seeded into tubular scaffolds of polycaprolactone made by melt electrospin writing and to which ECM was added. The seeded device was implanted either subcutaneously (SC) or intraperitoneally (IP) into streptozotocin diabetic immunodeficient mice. The outcome over the next few months was compared with that achieved in diabetic mice implanted IP with encapsulated islets alone. Results: The device seeded with encapsulated islets but not containing ECM functioned less well than encapsulated islets implanted alone, with lower human C-peptide production. However, when ECM was added to the seeded device and whether implanted SC or IP, islets functioned as efficiently as those implanted without use of a scaffold. Conclusions: These data provide optimism for the use of seeded scaffolds in diabetic humans in whom a single scaffold seeded with multiple encapsulated islets can more readily be removed if needed for safety reasons than can multiple encapsulated islets not seeded into a scaffold. Full article

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction through utilizing renewable electricity under mild conditions is a promising pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality. In this work, we designed a tubular graphyne functionalized with isolated Co single atom and lowered the activation energy barrier of its rate-determining step to as low as 0.46 eV. The catalytic performance was systematically evaluated through density functional theory calculations. Compared with the planar graphyne functionalized with isolated Co single atom, the tubular one not only significantly improves the utilization efficiency of Co single atoms by exposing them more thoroughly, but also increases the catalytic activity of Co single atom by enhancing electron density of states at the Fermi level, which causes a higher level of activation state for the adsorbed CO₂ molecules. Furthermore, it brought about the CO₂-to-CH₄ reduction reaction pathway, resulting in remarkable catalytic activity and high methane selectivity. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of curvature engineering in enhancing the intrinsic activity of single-atom catalysts, offering a novel strategy for designing advanced carbon cycle catalysts. Full article