The aging kidney exhibits a spectrum of structural and functional changes that can compromise its efficiency. Notable alterations include a reduction in nephron number, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. These changes are often accompanied by a decline in renal blood flow and alterations in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to impaired homeostasis and increased susceptibility to aging-related kidney diseases.
Fig. 1 Schematic structural and functional changes in the aging kidney. (Noronha IL, et al., 2022)
CD BioSciences has established platforms to characterize the complex hallmarks of renal aging. Our services enable evaluation of cellular senescence, structural changes, and functional decline in validated animal models, accelerating the development of anti-aging therapeutics.
Analysis of Cellular Senescence in the Aging Kidney
Cellular senescence is a key aspect of kidney aging, contributing to fibrosis, inflammation, and loss of regenerative capacity. CD BioSciences offers comprehensive services to assess senescent phenotypes in renal cells, including tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and interstitial fibroblasts.
We provide multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and RNA sequencing to quantify senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors such as IL-6, MCP-1, MMP-3, and TGF-β1 in senescent cells of the aging kidney. We offer senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining to detect senescent cells. Our company evaluates molecular markers of cellular senescence, including key cell cycle inhibitors and DNA damage response markers.
Analysis of Structural Changes of the Aging Kidney in Animal Models
CD BioSciences specializes in anatomical and histological analysis of aging kidneys using rodent and non-rodent models.
Analysis of glomerular aging
We quantify glomerular tuft area, Bowman's space volume, and sclerosis index across cortical zones to assess glomerular aging. Additionally, we evaluate mesangial expansion, basement membrane thickening, and sclerosis in glomeruli using Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining.
Analysis of the structural integrity of nephron segments
The structural integrity of nephron segments deteriorates with age. We provide staining for LTL (proximal tubules), THP (thick ascending limb), and AQP2 (collecting duct) to assess nephron segment loss or deformation. Using fluorescence microscopy, we assist clients in visualizing nephron architecture and detecting global patterns of shrinkage or deformation in aged renal tissue.
Analysis of Functional Changes of the Aging Kidney in Animal Models
Functional changes in the aging kidney are characterized by a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and altered tubular function. CD BioSciences provides advanced physiological and biochemical testing to quantify kidney function in animal models.
Analysis of age-related decline in GFR
Using intravenous infusion of exogenous markers like inulin, sinistrin, or iohexol and timed urine collection, we offer inulin clearance assays for GFR measurement, enabling functional assessment in animal models.
Analysis of tubular function
We measure urinary sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate excretion to evaluate tubular reabsorption efficiency in aging kidneys. We conduct standardized protocols to assess vasopressin response and urine concentrating capacity, both of which decline with age.
The analysis of structural and functional changes in the aging kidney reveals critical insights into the mechanisms underlying aging. Understanding these changes is essential for developing targeted therapeutic strategies that can mitigate aging-related kidney diseases. CD BioSciences offers end-to-end solutions to help clients investigate aging kidneys using comprehensive techniques across histopathology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
References
- Noronha IL, et al. Glomerular filtration in the aging population. Front Med (Lausanne), 2022, 9: 769329.
- Denic A, et al. Structural and Functional Changes With the Aging Kidney. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis, 2016, 23 (1): 19-28.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
