Hossein Eidizadeh, Seyed Mohsen Avandi, Abdosalleh Zar, Hamid Reza Sadeghipour,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background: Resistance training and protein supplementation are known to increase protein synthesis and hypertrophy, primarily through the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway. However, mTORC1 activation in the kidneys can potentially lead to kidney disease. This study investigates the effects of eight weeks of resistance training combined with Spirulina platensis supplementation on the RAGs/Rheb/mTOR/S6K pathway in male rat kidneys.
Methods: In this study, 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control (Co; n = 8), Spirulina platensis (SP; n = 8), resistance training (RE; n = 8), and Spirulina platensis + resistance training (SP+RE; n = 8). The resistance training group engaged in five sessions per week over eight weeks. Spirulina was administered at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day to the supplement and SP+RE groups. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time PCR following the last training session.
Results: The mTOR gene expression significantly increased in the SP group (p = 0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the RE and SP+RE groups. Rheb gene expression did not show significant changes across any groups. Significant changes were noted in the RAGs gene in the SP group (p = 0.001), RE group (p = 0.047), and SP+RE group (p = 0.025). The S6K gene showed significant changes in the SP group (p = 0.01) but not in the other groups.
Conclusion: Spirulina supplementation may activate the mTORC1 signaling pathway in the kidneys, potentially contributing to kidney disease progression. However, combined resistance training and Spirulina supplementation did not show changes in mTORC1 expression, suggesting that this combination might prevent further kidney tissue damage in athletes.
Samira Juibari, Anna Rashedi, Mohammad Mojerloo, Zeinab Mohammadi, Saeid Amirkhanlou,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients under maintenance hemodialysis are at higher risk for COVID-19 and severe outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between ESRD patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis at 5th Azar and Sayad Shirazi Hospital in Golestan Province in 2019 and their risk of acquiring and experiencing severe outcomes from COVID-19. Furthermore, this study aimed to provide insights into the epidemic status of COVID-19 in this specific population, contributing to better insight into the unique challenges faced by ESRD patients on hemodialysis during the pandemic.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis. The diagnosis was made based on diagnostic criteria and COVID-19 PCR test. Medical information of all participants was collected. Medical information including clinical, laboratory, and radiological data as well as morbidity and mortality were collected and analyzed by experts. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Normality was evaluated using Shapiro-Wilk test and comparison between groups was analyzed using student T-test and Mann-Whitney U tests (P-Value < 0.05).
Results: The most prevalent radiological findings were ground glass opacities, observed in 46.7% of cases, followed by linear opacities, noted in 26.7% of cases. Most patients (86.6%) were discharged and four of them (13.4%) passed away. WBC, serum creatinine, and age were significantly associated with ESRD patients’ mortality (P-Value < 0.05). The patients who passed away were old and had higher levels of WBC and creatinine (P-Value > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the age and BMI of passed away and discharged patients. None of the other laboratory parameters in the two groups of passed away and discharged patients with COVID-19 showed a significant difference (P-Value > 0.05).
Conclusion: ESRD patients who underwent hemodialysis due to their underlying problems and the crowded environment of dialysis wards more than the general population are at risk of getting COVID-19.
