Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025
09:40
Isolation, Characterization, And High Throughput Extracellular Flux Analysis of Mouse Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Published on: June 20, 2018
17.9K
Renal tubular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients
Gustavo Aroca-Martínez1,2,3, Lil Avendaño-Echavez1, Carlos Garcia1
1Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Simón, Barranquilla, Colombia.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|April 15, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 can impact kidney function, specifically affecting the renal tubules. This study found evidence of tubular dysfunction in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, even without acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection extends beyond the respiratory system, affecting organs like the kidneys.
- COVID-19 associated kidney injury encompasses various conditions, from proteinuria and hematuria to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Renal tubular damage in COVID-19 is a potential precursor to AKI, necessitating an evaluation of tubular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of COVID-19 on renal tubular function.
- To assess tubular dysfunction in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without pre-existing kidney conditions.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated serum inflammatory markers, urinalysis, and urinary indexes in COVID-19 patients.
- Included patients with no history of AKI or CKD.
- Statistical analysis utilized the Student t-test.
Main Results:
- Studied 41 COVID-19 patients (mean age 56, 79% male) with normal creatinine and eGFR.
- Observed mild hypocalcemia.
- Detected increased fractional excretion of sodium, calcium, and phosphorus, elevated calcium-creatinine index, higher urinary osmolarity, and alkaline urine pH.
Conclusions:
- Documented evidence of renal tubular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
- Highlights the kidney as a target organ in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Suggests potential for subclinical tubular damage even in the absence of overt kidney injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
67
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
67
01:29Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
115
Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...
115
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
122
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
122
01:28Renal Drug Excretion: Tubular Secretion
390
Active tubular secretion is a robust, energy-demanding process that utilizes carrier systems to transport drugs into renal tubules. The active renal secretion systems include the organic anion transporter (OAT) for weak acids and the organic cation transporter (OCT) for weak bases. Structurally similar drugs can compete for the same transporter, potentially leading to drug accumulation and toxicity. However, this principle can be exploited therapeutically. One example is probenecid (Probalan),...
390
01:24Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
1.6K
The renal tubule is divided into three parts: the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), the Loop of Henle (LOH), and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT).
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
1.6K
01:10Nephrons
3.6K
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
3.6K