Background Gut inflammation is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and likely contributes to systemic inflammation via disruption of the epithelial tight junction with subsequent endotoxin and bacterial translocation. Aims To study the expression profile of inflammatory and tight junction proteins in the colon from CKD rats compared to healthy controls, and demonstrate the role of Nrf2 (transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) using a potent Nrf2 activator. Methods CKD was induced via 5/6 nephrectomy in Sprague-Dawley rats, and dh404 (2 mg/kg/day) was used to study the effects of systemic Nrf2 activation. The experimental groups included sham, CKD and CKD? dh404 rats. Blood and colon tissues were analyzed after a 10-week study period. Results Colon from CKD rats showed histological evidence of colitis, depletion of epithelial tight junction proteins, significant reduction of Nrf2 and its measured target gene products (NQO1, catalase, and CuZn SOD), activation of NFkB, and upregulation of pro-inflammatory molecules (COX-2, MCP-1, iNOS, and gp91 phox ). Treatment with dh404 attenuated colonic inflammation, restored Nrf2 activity and levels of NQO1, catalase and CuZn SOD, decreased NFkB and lowered expression of COX-2, MCP-1, iNOS, and gp91 phox . This was associated with restoration of colonic epithelial tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-1). Conclusions CKD rats exhibited colitis, disruption of colonic epithelial tight junction, activation of inflammatory mediators, and impairment of Nrf2 pathway. Treatment with an Nrf2 activator restored Nrf2 activity, attenuated colonic inflammation, and restored epithelial tight junction proteins.

Carotid Ultrasound is a safe and available non invasive diagnostic tool that provides information about the carotid arteries’ characteristics and may be used for early detection of coronary artery disease as well as cardiovascular and stroke event risk stratifications. We performed a systematic search of the articles discussing carotid ultrasound in English literature, published in PubMed from the year2010 to September 2012. Generally, the studies showed that Internal carotid artery intima media thickness is a more powerful variable than common carotid artery intima media thickness. Moreover, the presence of carotid plaque and plaque volumes are more reliable and accurate estimators of coronary artery disease and risk of a stroke or cardiovascular event than intima media thickness.