Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate renal histological changes by stereology and morphometry and analyze the main markers of oxidative stress in rats undergoing natural aging.MethodsSeventy two Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 12 rats each, which were euthanized at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. Right kidney was stereologically and morphometrically analyzed to calculate the volumetric density (Vv[glom]), numerical density (Nv[glom]) and glomerular volume (Vol[glom]). Left kidney was used to determine the levels of nonprotein thiols, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation, as well as the activities of superoxide-dismutase and catalase enzymes.ResultsBoth Vv[glom] and Nv[glom] values showed gradual decreases between groups. Activity of superoxide-dismutase was elevated at 24 months of age, and the levels of nonprotein thiols were higher in older animals. Greater catalase activity and protein carbonylation were observed in animals between 6 and 12 months of age but lessened in older rats. Lipid peroxidation decreased in the older groups.ConclusionsMorphometric and stereological analyses revealed a gradual decrease in the volume and density of renal glomeruli during aging, as well as kidney atrophy. These findings related to oxidative stress clarify many changes occurring in kidney tissues during senescence in rats.
Highlights
Aging is an inevitable process that results in the functional decay of multiple systems, as well as increased morbidity and mortality
As the rats aged during this study, they started to show changes compatible with the aging process, including a reduction in general activity and increased of body hair rarefaction, which was mainly seen in the animals of the 24-month-old group
Morphometric and stereological analyses showed that significant renal atrophy occurred during aging, which was associated with progressive reductions in the Vol[glom] and Nv[glom]
Summary
Aging is an inevitable process that results in the functional decay of multiple systems, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. In Brazil, which had a population of 210 million in 2018, it was estimated that the number of individuals older than 60 years would reach 32 million in 20201 In light of this demographic aging and its impact on the human body, it has been shown that the repercussions of kidney senescence are associated with progressive sclerosis, which is linked to a decreased number of functioning nephrons, resulting in decreased renal blood flow and glomerular filtration[2]. This process is accelerated in the presence of comorbidities, resulting in the development of chronic renal failure. The prevalence of chronic renal disease has progressively increased in epidemic proportions in Brazil and throughout the world, creating great concern to governments, due to the high cost of maintaining large patient populations in ongoing renalreplacement therapies[3]
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