Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating renal functions by measuring megsin protein in a biological specimen. Moreover, the present invention provides immunological assay reagents, as well as kits useful for the measurement of megsin protein in the biological specimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA expressed at high frequency in mesangial cells and a protein (Meg-3) encoded by this DNA. These substances are useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of mesangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to mesangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment, diagnosis, and such of diseases relating to mesangial cells.

Abstract: Carbonyl compounds generated and accumulated in the peritoneal dialysate can be inactivated or eliminated by a carbonyl compound-trapping agent such as aminoguanidine. Carbonyl compounds generated during sterilization and storage of the peritoneal dialysate can be eliminated by pre-contacting with the trapping agent. Further, it is possible to eliminate carbonyl compounds transferred from the blood to the peritoneal cavity of the patient during peritoneal dialysis treatment, by adding the trapping agent to the peritoneal dialysate or by circulating the fluid through a carbonyl compound-trapping cartridge. Intraperitoneal protein modification by carbonyl compounds is inhibited by the present invention, thereby sufficiently reducing peritoneal disorders associated with peritoneal dialysis treatment.

Abstract: Carbonyl compounds generated and accumulated in the peritoneal dialysate can be inactivated or eliminated by a carbonyl compound-trapping agent such as aminoguanidine. Carbonyl compounds generated during sterilization and storage of the peritoneal dialysate can be eliminated by pre-contacting with the trapping agent. Further, it is possible to eliminate carbonyl compounds transferred from the blood to the peritoneal cavity of the patient during peritoneal dialysis treatment, by adding the trapping agent to the peritoneal dialysate or by circulating the fluid through a carbonyl compound-trapping cartridge. Intraperitoneal protein modification by carbonyl compounds is inhibited by the present invention, thereby sufficiently reducing peritoneal disorders associated with peritoneal dialysis treatment.

Abstract: A gene expressed specifically in mesangial cells. A DNA expressed specifically in mesangial cells; a protein encoded by this DNA; an antibody binding to this protein, etc. These substances are indigenous to mesangial cells and, therefore, useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of masangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to masangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment and diagnosis of diseases relating to masangial cells.

Abstract: Genomic DNA region including the about 1.5 kb upstream region of MEGSIN gene was isolated and its nucleotide sequence was determined. In the genomic DNA region, two regulatory sequences that regulate the transcription positively were identified. Furthermore, nucleotide substitutions were introduced in the promoter regions located at the 3′ sites of the two regulatory sequences by site specific mutagenesis, and the nucleotide sequences that play important roles in the promoter activity were successfully identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA expressed at high frequency in mesangial cells and a protein (Meg-4) encoded by this DNA. These substances are useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of mesangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to mesangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment, diagnosis, and such of diseases relating to mesangial cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA expressed at high frequency in mesangial cells and a protein (Meg-4) encoded by this DNA. These substances are useful in, for example, identifying mesangial cells and detecting abnormalities in mesangial cells. Moreover, the above protein would be helpful for clarification of the functions of mesangial cells and, in its turn, for clarification of the causes of diseases relating to mesangial cells. This protein is expectedly applicable to the treatment, diagnosis, and such of diseases relating to mesangial cells.

Abstract: Carbonyl stress-ameliorating agents have been provided, which contain an enzyme having a glyoxalase I activity and a carbonyl compound-reducing agent as the active ingredients. The carbonyl stress-ameliorating agents of the present invention rapidly eliminate carbonyl compounds, and thus ameliorate carbonyl induced stress conditions.

Abstract: An impact sensor 10 has mounting pins which are strongly fixed to a housing body 11 without having to increase the outside dimensions of the housing body. The impact sensor includes the housing body 11, which has a hollow space 12 for accommodating a sensing mechanism, and a mounting arrangement 17 for fixing the housing body 11 to a wiring board 13. The mounting arrangement 17 includes a first pin portion 17a, a second pin portion 17b extending from the first pin portion at right angles with the longitudinal direction thereof, and a third pin portion 17c extending from the first pin portion 17a in the opposite direction from the extending direction of the second pin portion. On each side of the housing body 11, a press-fit recess 16 is formed into which the first and second pin portions 17a and 17b are press-fitted. The housing body 11 is fixed to the wiring board 13 by those portions of the third pin portions 17c of the mounting arrangement 17 which protrude from the housing body 11.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is disclosed having a multi-stage filter tower and a plurality of liquid reservoirs, each reservoir having an approximately horizontal filter surface at its lower surface. The reservoirs are connected to each other centrally and in a vertical direction, with such communication causing an inflow clearance between the upper surface of each reservoir and the filter surface. The multi-stage tower is provided within a tank having a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a drain spout, which are controlled by valves. The interior of the filter tower is connected with the liquid outlet of the tank and the filter tower has a head connected with a source of pressurized air via a valve arrangement. The apparatus according to the invention provides for the advantageous, economical and efficient washing of filter surfaces that become clogged during the filtration and purification process.