1,721,217 research outputs found
Adhesion molecules in renal disease
No full textAdhesion molecules are a heterogeneous class of ligands/receptors that mediate cell adhesion, either to other cells or to the extracellular matrix. Cell adhesion is of fundamental importance to an impressive number of physiological and pathological processes, including the differentiation of cells and their organization in tissues [1], the intercommunication and activation of immune cells [2], the recirculation and migration of white blood cells [3], the growth and metastatic diffusion of tumoral cells [4]. On the basis of molecular, structural and functional differences, adhesion molecules have been separated into three main groups: the integrins, the selectins and a group that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. In addition to these classic families of adhesion molecules, a recently described family of chemoattractive cytokines, termed chemokines, behave as adhesion molecules after having been released at a site of inflammation. These ligands, in fact, bind to specific receptors in the endothelium or extracellular matrix [5] and here regulate immune cell migration by haptotaxis, a process driven by the gradient of adhesive ligands affixed to the surface of cells or to the extracellular matrix [6].This article first summarizes the features that distinguish the families of adhesion molecules and gives a concise description of their most relevant members. Then, the expression of adhesion molecules in renal cells in culture and in normal renal tissue, and the pathophysiological role of adhesion molecules in renal disease, with an emphasis on nephritis, transplant rejection and the effects of hemodialysis on leukocytes will be reviewed
Functional changes in the aging kidney.
No full textThe aging process results in remarkable changes in the kidney. These changes are both anatomical and functional and have been considered the cause of the increased propensity of the elderly to acute or chronic renal failure. However, the majority of the early studies on aging enrolled institutionalized elderly patients with several comorbidities such as hypertension and heart disease which could by themselves induce renal alterations. Recently the selection of subjects lacking renal disease or processes known to affect renal function has demonstrated that aging changes are less pronounced in healthy aged subjects. Nonetheless, understanding aging-induced renal changes may help to prevent life-threatening kidney disease. This review will focus on glomerular hemodynamics, and on renal sodium and potassium handling and diluting and concentrating ability
Contributo alla programmazione di un modello di ospedale universitario
No full textThe authors describe a new model of a University Hospital, planned to allow optimal development of clinical activities, along with research and teaching, activities appropriate for a Faculty of Medicine. Utilising the standards and indices indicated by national and regional laws, we obtain a size corresponding to the one derived from estimated teaching needs, and consisting of a reference unit of bed spaces per student enrolled in the first year of studies, articulated in separate disciplinary areas and divided by medical and surgical assistance levels
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