Potassium Metabolism and Management in Patients with CKD

Potassium (K), the main cation inside cells, plays roles in maintaining cellular osmolarity and acid–base equilibrium, as well as nerve stimulation transmission, and regulation of cardiac and muscle functions. It has also recently been shown that K has an antihypertensive effect by promoting sodium excretion, while it is also attracting attention as an important component that can suppress hypertension associated with excessive sodium intake. Since most ingested K is excreted through the kidneys, decreased renal function is a major factor in increased serum levels, and target values for its intake according to the degree of renal dysfunction have been established. In older individuals with impaired renal function, not only hyperkalemia but also hypokalemia due to anorexia, K loss by dialysis, and effects of various drugs are likely to develop. Thus, it is necessary to pay attention to K management tailored to individual conditions. Since abnormalities in K metabolism can also cause lethal arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death, it is extremely important to monitor patients with a high risk of hyper- or hypokalemia and attempt to provide early and appropriate intervention.

Transcriptome analysis reveals that multiple metabolic pathways operate in Zea mays roots subjected to graphene

Background: To explore the effects and molecular mechanism of graphene on the growth and development of Zea mays L., the seeds were randomly divided into the control and experimental groups in this study, the roots of Zea mays L. seedlings were watered by different concentrations (0~100 mg/L) graphene. Results: By evaluating the root growth indices of maize, 50 mg/L graphene increased significantly the total root length, root volume, the number of root tips and root forks of maize seedlings compared with the control group. The contents of nitrogen and potassium in the soil around the roots were elevated after the treatment of 50 mg/L graphene. Then, we compared the transcriptome changes of Zea mays roots in response to 50 mg/L graphene treatment. Transcriptional factor regulation, plant hormone signal transduction, nitrogen and potassium metabolism as well as secondary metabolism in maize roots subjected to graphene showed significant up-regulated expressions, all of which might be related to mechanisms underlying graphene response. Based on qPCR validations, we proposed several candidate genes that might be responded to the graphene treatment in maize roots. Conclusion: The transcriptional profiles presented here provide a foundation for deciphering the mechanism between the graphene and maize roots interaction.