Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
A multinational qualitative study examined the perspectives and experiences of women with a kidney transplant on
Uyen A Tran1, Oliver Wessely2, Bianca Davidson3
1Division of Renal Medicine, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Insights
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) involves kidney cyst formation. A new study reveals cellular senescence in ADPKD, offering a novel therapeutic target via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cellular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by kidney cyst formation and interstitial fibrosis.
- Current therapeutic options for ADPKD are limited, highlighting the need for novel treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting senescence-associated pathways in ADPKD.
Main Methods:
- The study likely involved analyzing kidney tissue from ADPKD patients or models to identify markers of cellular senescence.
- Investigating the characteristics and impact of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in cystic kidney epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Cellular senescence was identified as a key feature in epithelial cells affected by ADPKD.
- The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) was observed in these cystic kidney epithelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Cellular senescence presents a new perspective on ADPKD progression and the paracrine influence of cystic cells.
- Targeting the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in ADPKD offers a promising novel therapeutic avenue.
Introduction:
Women are less likely to receive a kidney transplant compared with men and may face specific barriers in accessing health care. Here, we describe the perspectives of women with a kidney transplant on access to transplantation and healthcare.
Methods:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with women with a kidney transplant, aged 18 years or over, from August 2022 to January 2024, in English, Spanish and Tamil languages. Transcripts were analyzed thematically.
Results:
Forty women from 16 countries, aged 27 to 72 years, participated. Twenty-one individuals were from high, seven from upper-middle and 12 were from lower-middle income countries. We identified four themes: 1- frustrated by limitations of the health system (with subthemes of disempowered by lacking information, unresolved distress, exhausted from self-advocating and organizing logistics, and without continuity and cohesiveness of care); 2- stigma around gender-sensitive topics (unprepared for changing body image, loss of intimacy and femininity, shame of seeking mental health services, burdened by unexpected continence challenges, unforeseen menstrual changes, devastation of having human papillomavirus); 3- struggling to achieve motherhood (confronting irreversible consequences, grieving lost opportunities for parenthood, medicalization of the journey to motherhood, avoiding burdening children); and 4- social vulnerability exacerbating barriers (forced financial dependence, fear of relinquishing decision-making).
Conclusions:
Women with a kidney transplant face social, financial and cultural barriers to accessing health care. Providing gender-specific education, empowering women with the agency to self-advocate, addressing stigma, and financial resources for women requiring a kidney transplant may help to improve gender-sensitive and responsive care for better health and equity outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management