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BACKGROUND:Minimal Change Disease (MCD) is the most common type of nephrotic syndrome in children. Angiopoietin-like-4 (Angplt4) has been proposed as mediator of proteinuria in MCD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Angptl4 as a biomarker in MCD. METHODS:Patients with biopsy-proven primary MCD, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy (60, 52 and 52 respectively) and 18 control subjects had urinary and serum Angptl4 measured by Elisa. Frozen kidney tissue sections were stained for Angptl4. RESULTS:Angptl4 was not identified in glomeruli of MCD patients in relapse. Urinary Angptl4 levels were elevated in MCD in relapse as well as in patients with massive proteinuria due to other glomerular diseases. CONCLUSION:Neither serum nor urine Angptl4 appear to be good biomarkers in MCD. Elevated urinary Angptl4 n glomerular disease appears to reflect the degree of proteinuria rather than any specific disease.

BACKGROUND:Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Cinacalcet could be a therapeutic option although its use is controversial in patients not receiving dialysis. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of cinacalcet in patients with CKD and SHPT without renal replacement treatment (RRT) and without renal transplantation (RT). METHODS:A retrospective observational study was conducted. Patients were included if they had collected cinacalcet, under off-label use, during 2010 and 2011. Patients selected were followed from the beginning of cinacalcet therapy for one year of treatment. RESULTS:A total of 37 patients were included with CKD stage 3 (38%), 4 (51%) and 5 (11%). Baseline mean PTH value was 400.86 ± 168.60 mg/dl. At 12 months, a 67% of patients achieved at least a 30% reduction in their PTH value (p