ABSTRACT:We investigated whether genetic polymorphisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-␤1 (TGF-␤1), potential candidate genes in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), are associated with the susceptibility to UTI and VUR, and renal scarring. We recruited 89 controls and 86 UTI and 58 VUR children. The UTI group was subdivided into two groups according to renal scarring. Two polymorphisms of VEGF and three of TGF-␤1 genes were investigated by using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In both UTI and VUR groups, there was an increase in frequency of the VEGF -460 CC (control, 4.3; UTI, 15.9; VUR, 17.8%; p Ͻ 0.05), TGF-␤1 -509 CC (control, 8.7; UTI, 34.6; VUR, 35.1%; p Ͻ 0.001), and TGF-␤1 -800 GG genotypes (control, 19.1; UTI, 40.5; VUR, 40.4%; p Ͻ 0.05). An increase in the TGF-␤1 ϩ869 CC (scar-positive, 35.4; scar-negative, 10.3%; p Ͻ 0.05) and a decrease in the ϩ869 TC genotype (scar-positive, 29.2; scarnegative, 55.2%; p Ͻ 0.05) were observed in the scar-positive subjects. There were no differences in ϩ405 VEGF genotype frequencies. The VEGF T-460C and the TGF-␤1 C-509T, G-800A, and T869C polymorphisms could be genetic markers of the process of UTI and VUR. (Pediatr Res 62: 183-187, 2007)

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Background:We evaluated the influence of postnatal early overnutrition on renal pathophysiological changes in aging rats. Methods: Three or 10 male pups per mother were assigned to either the small litter (SL) or normal litter (control) groups, respectively, during the first 21 d of life. The effects of early postnatal overnutrition were determined at 12 mo. results: SL rats weighed more than controls between 4 d and 6 mo of age (P < 0.05). However, between 6 and 12 mo, body weights in both groups were not different. In the SL group, at 12 mo, systolic blood pressure was higher and creatinine clearance was lower than the same in controls (P < 0.05). Numbers of CD68 (ED1)-positive macrophages and apoptotic cells in renal cortex were higher in SL rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, index scores for glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were higher in the SL group (P < 0.05). Significantly less glomeruli per section area were found in aging SL rats (P < 0.05). Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry showed decreased intrarenal renin expression in SL rats (P < 0.05). conclusion: Early postnatal overnutrition can potentiate structural and functional abnormalities in the aging kidney and can lead to systolic hypertension with reduced intrarenal renin activity.

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