Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
07:52
A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy
Published on: November 7, 2017
Cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in nephrotic syndrome.
M Moreira-Rodrigues1, R Roncon-Albuquerque, T Henriques-Coelho
1Unit of Research and Development of Nephrology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Kidney International
|April 26, 2007
Summary
Chronic nephrotic syndrome (NS) leads to heart disease due to malnutrition and inflammation. This study shows protein wasting and inflammation in NS rats cause cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Patients with chronic nephrotic syndrome (NS) exhibit a higher incidence of heart disease.
- Malnutrition and systemic inflammation associated with sustained proteinuria in NS are potential contributors to cardiac complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of nephrotic syndrome on renal function, cardiac structure, contractile function, and myocardial gene expression.
- To elucidate the mechanisms linking NS-induced wasting and inflammation to cardiac dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) rat model to induce nephrotic syndrome.
- Assessed renal function (creatinine clearance, sodium balance), cardiac morphometry, and left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic function.
- Analyzed myocardial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and calcium handling proteins (PLN, SERCA2a) via real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- PAN-induced NS rats displayed massive proteinuria, reduced creatinine clearance, and negative sodium balance.
- Significant skeletal and cardiac muscle atrophy was observed, correlating with impaired LV contractile function.
- Elevated myocardial expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and phospholamban (PLN), alongside decreased cardiac sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2a) protein levels.
Conclusions:
- Protein wasting and systemic inflammation in nephrotic syndrome contribute to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
- Altered expression of inflammatory cytokines and calcium handling proteins in the myocardium are key molecular events in NS-associated heart disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:18Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...