A machine learning approach for quantifying age-related histological changes in the mouse kidney

Abstract

The ability to quantify aging-related changes in histological samples is important, as it allows for evaluation of interventions intended to effect health span. We used a machine learning architecture that can be trained to detect and quantify these changes in the mouse kidney. Using additional held out data, we show validation of our model, correlation with scores given by pathologists using the Geropathology Research Network aging grading scheme, and its application in providing reproducible and quantifiable age scores for histological samples. Aging quantification also provides the insights into possible changes in image appearance that are independent of specific geropathology-specified lesions. Furthermore, we provide trained classifiers for H&E-stained slides, as well as tutorials on how to use these and how to create additional classifiers for other histological stains and tissues using our architecture. This architecture and combined resources allow for the high throughput quantification of mouse aging studies in general and specifically applicable to kidney tissues.