Contrast media administration can lead to acute deterioration in renal function particularly in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease. This prospective, randomized controlled open-label parallel group study was undertaken at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, from June to December 2015. A total of 95 patients were included, of which 35 received n-acetylcysteine (NAC) + normal saline (NS), 30 patients received allopurinol (ALL) + NS, and 30 patients received placebo. In our study, the overall incidence of CIN was 24%. Incidence of CIN in NAC + NS, ALL + NS, and placebo group were 20%, 16%, and 36%, respectively. The major finding of this study was there was no significant difference between NAC and allopurinol in the prevention of contrast nephropathy. However, only allopurinol was superior to placebo. In our study, hyperuricemia and baseline serum creatinine were the only risk factors associated with CIN.

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Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGE) are heterogeneous groups of molecules formed from the nonenzymatic reaction of reducing sugars with free amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) by ligands in a variety of cell types and tissues may play a role in oral-systemic associations. The aim of the study is to estimate the salivary-soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels in betel chewers and compare with salivary sRAGE levels of chronic periodontitis and normal healthy controls. Methods: Detailed case history and clinical examination was done for the study participants based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study participants were grouped as Group I (chewers), Group II (chronic periodontitis), and Group III (normal controls). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and salivary sRAGE levels were calculated using the sandwich ELISA technique. Results: Individuals with pan chewing habits have demonstrated increase in salivary sRAGE compared to chronic periodontitis and normal controls. Conclusions: Understanding AGE formation and biochemistry, cellular receptors for AGE, and AGE-induced effects on extracellular and intracellular functions will serve to expedite the process of finding effective therapies that block the excessive accumulation of these species and their interaction with the signal transduction receptor RAGE.

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