Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
08:53
Analysis of Nephron Composition and Function in the Adult Zebrafish Kidney
Published on: August 9, 2014
45.7K
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.
Veterinary Pathology
|October 29, 2015
Summary
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
316
In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
316
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
1.1K
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
1.1K
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
950
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
950
01:20Renal Corpuscle
8.9K
The glomerulus and Bowman's capsule are two essential components of the nephron, which is the functional unit of the kidney. These microscopic structures play a critical role in the process of blood filtration to produce urine.
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
8.9K
01:10Nephrons
8.8K
The kidneys are intricate organs with millions of working units known as nephrons. Each nephron features two major structures: the renal corpuscle, which facilitates blood plasma filtration, and the renal tubule, which handles the glomerular filtrate. Blood supply is directly linked to the nephrons. The renal corpuscle consists of the glomerulus, a capillary network, and the Bowman's capsule, a double-walled epithelial structure that encases the glomerulus. The filtering of blood plasma...
8.8K
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
621
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
621