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Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
Aging in the Canine Kidney
R E Cianciolo1, S L Benali2, L Aresu2
1Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA cianciolo.14@osu.edu.
Abstract:
Given the irreversible nature of nephron loss, aging of the kidney is of special interest to diagnostic and toxicologic pathologists. There are many similarities among histologic lesions in aged human and canine kidneys, including increased frequency of glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy. Unfortunately, there are few studies in which renal tissue from aged healthy dogs was adequately examined with advanced diagnostics-namely, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence-so age-associated changes in canine podocytes and glomerular basement membranes are poorly characterized. An age-associated decrease in the glomerular filtration rate in humans and dogs (specifically small breed dogs) has been documented. Although lesions in aged rats and mice differ somewhat from those of aged dogs and humans, the knowledge gained from rodent models is still vital to elucidating the pathogenesis of age-associated renal disease. Many novel molecules implicated in renal aging have been identified through genetically modified rodent models and transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of human kidneys. These molecules represent intriguing therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Likewise, influencing critical pathways of cellular aging, such as telomere shortening, cellular senescence, and autophagy, could improve renal function in the elderly.
Insights
Kidney aging shares similarities in humans and dogs, with common lesions like glomerulosclerosis. Further research using advanced diagnostics is needed to fully understand age-associated canine kidney changes and identify new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Nephrology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Kidney aging is critical due to irreversible nephron loss.
- Aged human and canine kidneys exhibit similar histologic lesions, including glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy.
- Limited advanced diagnostic studies (TEM, immunofluorescence) exist for aged healthy canine kidneys, leaving podocyte and glomerular basement membrane changes poorly characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the similarities in age-associated kidney lesions between humans and canines.
- To emphasize the need for advanced diagnostic examination of aged canine renal tissue.
- To discuss the relevance of rodent models and molecular pathways in understanding renal aging.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of aged human and canine kidneys.
- Review of existing literature on age-associated renal disease in humans, canines, rats, and mice.
- Discussion of advanced diagnostic techniques like transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence.
- Mention of transcriptomic, proteomic, and genetic analyses in rodent models.
Main Results:
- Histologic similarities observed in aged human and canine kidneys.
- Documented age-associated decrease in glomerular filtration rate in humans and dogs.
- Rodent models provide insights into renal aging pathogenesis despite some species-specific differences.
- Identification of novel molecules and cellular aging pathways (telomere shortening, senescence, autophagy) implicated in renal aging.
Conclusions:
- Understanding canine kidney aging is vital for diagnostic and toxicologic pathology.
- Advanced diagnostics are crucial for characterizing age-associated changes in canine podocytes and glomerular basement membranes.
- Novel molecular targets and cellular aging pathways offer potential for therapeutic interventions and diagnostic biomarkers for renal aging.
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