[Membrane-destabilizing processes as the universal basis of inflammation]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Active pyelonephritis and surgical stress induce significant structural and functional changes in erythrocytic membranes.
• These changes include alterations in cholesterol, oxidized phospholipids, and cation adenosine triphosphatase activity.
• The observed changes are more pronounced during the active phase of chronic pyelonephritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of active pyelonephritis and operative stress on erythrocytic membrane properties.
• To explore the potential role of bacterial kidney inflammation in these membrane alterations.
• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of dimephosphone as a membrane-stabilizing agent.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of structural and functional changes in erythrocytic membranes.
• Assessment of lipid composition, including cholesterol and phospholipids.
• Measurement of cation adenosine triphosphatase activity.
• Clinical evaluation of inflammation and renal function.

Main Results:

• Elevated cholesterol and oxidized phospholipids, along with altered cation adenosine triphosphatase activity, were observed in erythrocytic membranes during active pyelonephritis and operative stress.
• Minor lipid structural changes in surgical patients correlated with an uneventful postoperative period.
• Adjuvant dimephosphone therapy exhibited a significant membrane-stabilizing effect.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial inflammation in the kidneys and urinary tracts may be linked to observed shifts in erythrocytic membrane composition and function.
• Dimephosphone demonstrates a clear membrane-stabilizing effect, clinically manifesting as reduced inflammation and improved renal function.
• These findings suggest dimephosphone as a potential therapeutic agent for managing kidney inflammation and associated renal dysfunction.