Complement C3 deficiency ameliorates aging related changes in the kidney

Xiaoting Wu1, Liyu Lin1, Jiong Cui1

  • 1Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.

Life Sciences
|September 4, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Complement C3 (C3) contributes to kidney aging and age-related kidney disorders in mice. Reducing C3 levels in mice lessened inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting a therapeutic target for aging kidneys.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • Complement C3 (C3) is implicated in aging processes.
  • The specific role of C3 in kidney aging remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of C3 on age-related kidney disorders in a mouse model.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying C3's involvement in renal aging.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of C3-deficient (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice at young, middle-aged, and aging stages (2, 8, 16 months).
  • Analysis of renal, blood, and urine samples using histological staining (HE, Masson), immunohistochemistry (IHC), ELISA, and Western blotting.

Main Results:

  • C3 levels increased with age in WT mice, correlating with elevated glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
  • Renal function showed no significant age-dependent decline.
  • KO mice exhibited reduced inflammation and fibrosis, and increased CD31 expression compared to WT mice.

Conclusions:

  • Age-related structural kidney changes precede functional decline.
  • Complement C3 plays a significant role in the development of aging-related kidney disorders.

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