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Bourgeois S, Houillier P. State of knowledge on ammonia handling by the kidney. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:517-531. [PMID: 38448728 PMCID: PMC11006756 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02940-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The disposal of ammonia, the main proton buffer in the urine, is important for acid-base homeostasis. Renal ammonia excretion is the predominant contributor to renal net acid excretion, both under basal condition and in response to acidosis. New insights into the mechanisms of renal ammonia production and transport have been gained in the past decades. Ammonia is the only urinary solute known to be produced in the kidney and selectively transported through the different parts of the nephron. Both molecular forms of total ammonia, NH3 and NH4+, are transported by specific proteins. Proximal tubular ammoniagenesis and the activity of these transport processes determine the eventual fate of total ammonia produced and excreted by the kidney. In this review, we summarized the state of the art of ammonia handling by the kidney and highlighted the newest processes described in the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soline Bourgeois
- Institut of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Houillier
- Centre de Recherche Des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), EMR 8228, Paris, France
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2
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McDonough AA, Harris AN, Xiong LI, Layton AT. Sex differences in renal transporters: assessment and functional consequences. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:21-36. [PMID: 37684523 PMCID: PMC11090267 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian kidneys are specialized to maintain fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. The epithelial transport processes along the renal tubule that match output to input have long been the subject of experimental and theoretical study. However, emerging data have identified a new dimension of investigation: sex. Like most tissues, the structure and function of the kidney is regulated by sex hormones and chromosomes. Available data demonstrate sex differences in the abundance of kidney solute and electrolyte transporters, establishing that renal tubular organization and operation are distinctly different in females and males. Newer studies have provided insights into the physiological consequences of these sex differences. Computational simulations predict that sex differences in transporter abundance are likely driven to optimize reproduction, enabling adaptive responses to the nutritional requirements of serial pregnancies and lactation - normal life-cycle changes that challenge the ability of renal transporters to maintain fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Later in life, females may also undergo menopause, which is associated with changes in disease risk. Although numerous knowledge gaps remain, ongoing studies will provide further insights into the sex-specific mechanisms of sodium, potassium, acid-base and volume physiology throughout the life cycle, which may lead to therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A McDonough
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Autumn N Harris
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lingyun Ivy Xiong
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anita T Layton
- Departments of Applied Mathematics and Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Xiong L, Liu J, Han SY, Koppitch K, Guo JJ, Rommelfanger M, Miao Z, Gao F, Hallgrimsdottir IB, Pachter L, Kim J, MacLean AL, McMahon AP. Direct androgen receptor control of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the mammalian kidney. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2338-2358.e5. [PMID: 37673062 PMCID: PMC10873092 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian organs exhibit distinct physiology, disease susceptibility, and injury responses between the sexes. In the mouse kidney, sexually dimorphic gene activity maps predominantly to proximal tubule (PT) segments. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data demonstrated that sex differences were established from 4 and 8 weeks after birth under gonadal control. Hormone injection studies and genetic removal of androgen and estrogen receptors demonstrated androgen receptor (AR)-mediated regulation of gene activity in PT cells as the regulatory mechanism. Interestingly, caloric restriction feminizes the male kidney. Single-nuclear multiomic analysis identified putative cis-regulatory regions and cooperating factors mediating PT responses to AR activity in the mouse kidney. In the human kidney, a limited set of genes showed conserved sex-linked regulation, whereas analysis of the mouse liver underscored organ-specific differences in the regulation of sexually dimorphic gene expression. These findings raise interesting questions on the evolution, physiological significance, disease, and metabolic linkage of sexually dimorphic gene activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Xiong
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Seung Yub Han
- Graduate Program in Genomics and Computational Biology, Biomedical Graduate Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kari Koppitch
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jin-Jin Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan Rommelfanger
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Zhen Miao
- Graduate Program in Genomics and Computational Biology, Biomedical Graduate Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fan Gao
- Caltech Bioinformatics Resource Center at Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Ingileif B Hallgrimsdottir
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Lior Pachter
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adam L MacLean
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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McDonough AA, Layton AT. Sex differences in renal electrolyte transport. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2023; 32:467-475. [PMID: 37382185 PMCID: PMC10526720 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Women experience unique life events, for example, pregnancy and lactation, that challenge renal regulation of electrolyte homeostasis. Recent analyses of nephron organization in female vs. male rodent kidneys, revealed distinct sexual dimorphisms in electrolyte transporter expression, abundance, and activity. This review aims to provide an overview of electrolyte transporters' organization and operation in female compared with the commonly studied male kidney, and the (patho)physiologic consequences of the differences. RECENT FINDINGS When electrolyte transporters are assessed in kidney protein homogenates from both sexes, relative transporter abundance ratios in females/males are less than one along proximal tubule and greater than one post macula densa, which is indicative of a 'downstream shift' in fractional reabsorption of electrolytes in females. This arrangement improves the excretion of a sodium load, challenges potassium homeostasis, and is consistent with the lower blood pressure and greater pressure natriuresis observed in premenopausal women. SUMMARY We summarize recently reported new knowledge about sex differences in renal transporters: abundance and expression along nephron, implications for regulation by Na + , K + and angiotensin II, and mathematical models of female nephron function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A. McDonough
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Anita T. Layton
- Departments of Applied Mathematics and Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Mallén A, Rodriguez-Urquia R, Alvarez R, Dorca-Duch E, Navarro E, Hueso M. Sex Differences in Glomerular Lesions, in Atherosclerosis Progression, and in the Response to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in the ApoE -/- Mice Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13442. [PMID: 37686247 PMCID: PMC10487579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzes sex-based differences in renal structure and the response to the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Eight weeks old ApoE-/- mice received enalapril (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) or PBS (control) for an additional 14 weeks. Each group consisted of six males and six females. Females exhibited elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, while males presented higher creatinine levels and proteinuria. Enalapril effectively reduced blood pressure in both groups, but proteinuria decreased significantly only in females. Plaque size analysis and assessment of kidney inflammation revealed no significant sex-based differences. However, males displayed more severe glomerular injury, with increased mesangial expansion, mesangiolysis, glomerular foam cells, and activated parietal epithelial cells (PECs). Enalapril mitigated mesangial expansion, glomerular inflammation (particularly in the female group), and hypertrophy of the PECs in males. This study demonstrates sex-based differences in the response to enalapril in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Males exhibited more severe glomerular injury, while enalapril provided renal protection, particularly in females. These findings suggest potential sex-specific considerations for ACE inhibitor therapy in chronic kidney disease and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism behind these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Mallén
- Experimental Nephrology Laboratory, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (A.M.); (E.N.)
| | - Ronny Rodriguez-Urquia
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.R.-U.); (R.A.)
| | - Rafael Alvarez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.R.-U.); (R.A.)
| | - Eduard Dorca-Duch
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain;
| | - Estanis Navarro
- Experimental Nephrology Laboratory, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (A.M.); (E.N.)
| | - Miguel Hueso
- Experimental Nephrology Laboratory, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge-IDIBELL, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (A.M.); (E.N.)
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; (R.R.-U.); (R.A.)
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Xiong L, Liu J, Han SY, Koppitch K, Guo JJ, Rommelfanger M, Gao F, Hallgrimsdottir IB, Pachter L, Kim J, MacLean AL, McMahon AP. Direct androgen receptor regulation of sexually dimorphic gene expression in the mammalian kidney. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.06.539585. [PMID: 37205355 PMCID: PMC10187285 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.06.539585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian organs exhibit distinct physiology, disease susceptibility and injury responses between the sexes. In the mouse kidney, sexually dimorphic gene activity maps predominantly to proximal tubule (PT) segments. Bulk RNA-seq data demonstrated sex differences were established from 4 and 8 weeks after birth under gonadal control. Hormone injection studies and genetic removal of androgen and estrogen receptors demonstrated androgen receptor (AR) mediated regulation of gene activity in PT cells as the regulatory mechanism. Interestingly, caloric restriction feminizes the male kidney. Single-nuclear multiomic analysis identified putative cis-regulatory regions and cooperating factors mediating PT responses to AR activity in the mouse kidney. In the human kidney, a limited set of genes showed conserved sex-linked regulation while analysis of the mouse liver underscored organ-specific differences in the regulation of sexually dimorphic gene expression. These findings raise interesting questions on the evolution, physiological significance, and disease and metabolic linkage, of sexually dimorphic gene activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Xiong
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Seung Yub Han
- Graduate Program in Genomics and Computational Biology, Biomedical Graduate Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kari Koppitch
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jin-Jin Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan Rommelfanger
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Fan Gao
- Caltech Bioinformatics Resource Center at Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - Lior Pachter
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adam L. MacLean
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Andrew P. McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Lead Contact
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7
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Azurmendi PJ, Toro AR, Celía AF, Guevara D, Solerno MR, Di Ciano LA, Toledo JE, Ibarra FR, Arrizurieta EE, Oddo EM. Behavior of the renal kallikrein in spontaneously hypertensive rats: Influence of sexual hormones and aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron ion channels. Peptides 2023; 160:170925. [PMID: 36549423 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The renal kallikrein-kinin system (RKKS) has been related to blood pressure control and sodium and water balance. We have previously shown that female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have high urinary kallikrein activity (UKa) and lower blood pressure (BP) than males whereas ovariectomy stimulates UKa and diminishes BP. We also showed that high K+ intake and prepuberal gonadectomy (Gx) diminish BP with a concomitant increase in UKa and plasma aldosterone levels. Since kallikrein co-localize in the same distal nephron segments of aldosterone effectors, we explored the effect of pharmacological blockage of aldosterone receptor, epithelial Na+ (ENaC) and the rectifying outer medulla K+ (ROMK) channels in different gonad contexts on the gene expression, renal tissue content and urine release of kallikrein. Klk1 gene expression was determined by real-time PCR and enzymatic activity of kallikrein by the amidolytic method. We found that the inhibition of the aldosterone receptor by spironolactone increases kallikrein renal tissue storage and decreases its urinary activity, especially in Gx rats. Moreover, ENaC blockade by benzamil increases the renal content of kallikrein without affecting synthesis or excretion, especially in females and Gx animals, while the inhibition of ROMK by glibenclamide increases the synthesis and renal content of kallikrein only in intact male animals. We concluded that RKKS regulation showed sexual dimorphism and seemed to be modulated by sex hormones throughout a process involving aldosterone and the aldosterone-sensitive ion channels..
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Javier Azurmendi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ayelén Rayen Toro
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Fabián Celía
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Guevara
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Rogelio Solerno
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis Alberto Di Ciano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Eduardo Toledo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Raúl Ibarra
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO Houssay)-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elvira Emilia Arrizurieta
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisabet Mónica Oddo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Verlander JW, Lee HW, Wall SM, Harris AN, Weiner ID. The proximal tubule through an NBCe1-dependent mechanism regulates collecting duct phenotypic and remodeling responses to acidosis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2023; 324:F12-F29. [PMID: 36264886 PMCID: PMC9762982 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00175.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The renal response to acid-base disturbances involves phenotypic and remodeling changes in the collecting duct. This study examines whether the proximal tubule controls these responses. We examined mice with genetic deletion of proteins present only in the proximal tubule, either the A variant or both A and B variants of isoform 1 of the electrogenic Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter (NBCe1). Both knockout (KO) mice have spontaneous metabolic acidosis. We then determined the collecting duct phenotypic responses to this acidosis and the remodeling responses to exogenous acid loading. Despite the spontaneous acidosis in NBCe1-A KO mice, type A intercalated cells in the inner stripe of the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCDis) exhibited decreased height and reduced expression of H+-ATPase, anion exchanger 1, Rhesus B glycoprotein, and Rhesus C glycoprotein. Combined kidney-specific NBCe1-A/B deletion induced similar changes. Ultrastructural imaging showed decreased apical plasma membrane and increased vesicular H+-ATPase in OMCDis type A intercalated cell in NBCe1-A KO mice. Next, we examined the collecting duct remodeling response to acidosis. In wild-type mice, acid loading increased the proportion of type A intercalated cells in the connecting tubule (CNT) and OMCDis, and it decreased the proportion of non-A, non-B intercalated cells in the connecting tubule, and type B intercalated cells in the cortical collecting duct (CCD). These changes were absent in NBCe1-A KO mice. We conclude that the collecting duct phenotypic and remodeling responses depend on proximal tubule-dependent signaling mechanisms blocked by constitutive deletion of proximal tubule NBCe1 proteins.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study shows that the proximal tubule regulates collecting duct phenotypic and remodeling responses to acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill W Verlander
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Hyun-Wook Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Susan M Wall
- Renal Division, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Autumn N Harris
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Deparment of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - I David Weiner
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Nephrology and Hypertension Section, Gainesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida
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9
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Almutlaq RN, Newell-Fugate AE, Evans LC, Fatima H, Gohar EY. Aromatase inhibition increases blood pressure and markers of renal injury in female rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 323:F349-F360. [PMID: 35900340 PMCID: PMC9423724 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00055.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatase is a monooxygenase that catalyzes the rate-limiting step of estrogen biosynthesis from androgens. Aromatase inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, the effects of aromatase inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal health in females are understudied. Given that estrogen is protective against cardiovascular and kidney diseases, we hypothesized that aromatase inhibition elevates blood pressure and induces kidney injury in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Twelve-week-old female rats were implanted with radiotelemetry transmitters to continuously monitor blood pressure. After baseline blood pressure recording, rats were randomly assigned to treatment with the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (ASZ) or vehicle (Veh) in drinking water. Twenty days after treatment initiation, rats were shifted from a normal-salt (NS) diet to a high-salt (HS) diet for an additional 40 days. Rats were euthanized 60 days after treatment initiation. Body weight increased in both groups over the study period, but the increase was greater in the ASZ-treated group than in the Veh-treated group. Mean arterial pressure increased in ASZ-treated rats during the NS and HS diet phases but remained unchanged in Veh-treated rats. In addition, urinary excretion of albumin and kidney injury marker-1 and plasma urea were increased in response to aromatase inhibition. Furthermore, histological assessment revealed that ASZ treatment increased morphological evidence of renal tubular injury and proximal tubular brush border loss. In conclusion, chronic aromatase inhibition in vivo with ASZ increases blood pressure and markers of renal proximal tubular injury in female Sprague-Dawley rats, suggesting an important role for aromatization in the maintenance cardiovascular and renal health in females.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aromatase enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting step in estrogen biosynthesis. Aromatase inhibitors are clinically used for the treatment of patients with breast cancer; however, the impact of inhibiting aromatization on blood pressure and renal function is incompletely understood. The present findings demonstrate that systemic anastrozole treatment increases blood pressure and renal tubular injury markers in female rats fed a high-salt diet, suggesting an important role for aromatization in preserving cardiovascular and renal health in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan N Almutlaq
- Cardiorenal Physiology and Medicine Section, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Annie E Newell-Fugate
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Louise C Evans
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Huma Fatima
- Division of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Eman Y Gohar
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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10
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Xue Z, Zhuang J, Bai H, Wang L, Lu H, Wang S, Zeng W, Zhang T. VDR mediated HSD3B1 to regulate lipid metabolism and promoted testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:583-592. [PMID: 35254654 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates the pleiotropic biological actions that include osteoporosis, immune responses and androgen synthesis wherein the VDR transcriptionally regulates expression of the genes involved in this complex process. 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (HSD3B1) is an absolutely necessary enzyme for androgen synthesis. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to explore the molecular mechanism of VDR mediated HSD3B1 regulation of lipid metabolism and testosterone synthesis. METHODS The levels of VDR, HSD3B1 and lipid metabolism associated protein were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or western blot. The levels of testosterone concentrations in cell culture media serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Targeted relationship between VDR and Hsd3b1 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Based on the data analysis of mouse testicular proteome, we found that the expression of HSD3B1 was significantly reduced after VDR deletion. Here, we identified that Hsd3b1 was widely expressed in different tissues of mice by RT-qPCR, and was highly expressed in testis, and mainly located in testicular Leydig cells. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed that VDR could bind candidate vitamin D responsive elements (VDREs) in upstream region of Hsd3b1, and enhance gene expression. Furthermore, over-expression VDR and HSD3B1 significantly increased testosterone synthesis in mice Leydig cells. Meanwhile, Lpl expression was significantly down-regulated and Angptl4 expression was significantly up-regulated in the present of HSD3B1 overexpression. Both LPL and ANGPTL4 play important roles in regulating lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS The present study unveiled VDR mediated HSD3B1 to regulate lipid metabolism and promoted testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells. These findings will greatly help us to understand the roles of VDR and HSD3B1 in testosterone synthesis and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xue
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Jianan Zhuang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Hao Bai
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C., Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Hongzhao Lu
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C., Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C., Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
- QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C., Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
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11
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Lee HW, Verlander JW, Shull GE, Harris AN, Weiner ID. Acid-base effects of combined renal deletion of NBCe1-A and NBCe1-B. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 322:F208-F224. [PMID: 35001662 PMCID: PMC8836747 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00358.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms regulating ammonia metabolism are fundamental to acid-base homeostasis. Deletion of the A splice variant of Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter, electrogenic, isoform 1 (NBCe1-A) partially blocks the effect of acidosis to increase urinary ammonia excretion, and this appears to involve the dysregulated expression of ammoniagenic enzymes in the proximal tubule (PT) in the cortex but not in the outer medulla (OM). A second NBCe1 splice variant, NBCe1-B, is present throughout the PT, including the OM, where NBCe1-A is not present. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of combined renal deletion of NBCe1-A and NBCe1-B on systemic and PT ammonia metabolism. We generated NBCe1-A/B deletion using Cre-loxP techniques and used Cre-negative mice as controls. As renal NBCe1-A and NBCe1-B expression is limited to the PT, Cre-positive mice had PT NBCe1-A/B deletion [PT-NBCe1-A/B knockout (KO)]. Although on a basal diet, PT-NBCe1-A/B KO mice had severe metabolic acidosis, yet urinary ammonia excretion was not changed significantly. PT-NBCe1-A/B KO decreased the expression of phosphate-dependent glutaminase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and increased the expression of glutamine synthetase, an ammonia-recycling enzyme, in PTs in both the cortex and OM. Exogenous acid loading increased ammonia excretion in control mice, but PT-NBCe1-A/B KO prevented any increase. PT-NBCe1-A/B KO significantly blunted acid loading-induced changes in phosphate-dependent glutaminase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glutamine synthetase expression in PTs in both the cortex and OM. We conclude that NBCe1-B, at least in the presence of NBCe1-A deletion, contributes to PT ammonia metabolism in the OM and thereby to systemic acid-base regulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of the present study show that combined deletion of both A and B splice variants of electrogenic Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter 1 from the proximal tubule impairs acid-base homeostasis and completely blocks changes in ammonia excretion in response to acidosis, indicating that both proteins are critical to acid-base homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Wook Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jill W Verlander
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Gary E Shull
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Autumn N Harris
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Deparment of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - I David Weiner
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Nephrology and Hypertension Section, Gainesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida
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12
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Harris AN, Castro RA, Lee HW, Verlander JW, Weiner ID. Role of the renal androgen receptor in sex differences in ammonia metabolism. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 321:F629-F644. [PMID: 34605272 PMCID: PMC8616601 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00260.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There are sex differences in renal ammonia metabolism and structure, many of which are mediated by testosterone. The goal of the present study was to determine the role of renal expression of testosterone's canonical receptor, androgen receptor (AR), in these sexual dimorphisms. We studied mice with kidney-specific AR deletion [KS-AR-knockout (KO)] generated using Cre/loxP techniques; control mice were Cre-negative littermates (wild type). In male but not female mice, KS-AR-KO increased ammonia excretion, which eliminated sex differences. Although renal structural size typically parallel ammonia excretion, KS-AR-KO decreased kidney size, cortical proximal tubule volume density, and cortical proximal tubule cell height in males-neither were altered in females and collecting duct volume density was unaltered in both sexes. Analysis of key protein involved in ammonia handling showed in male mice that KS-AR-KO increased both phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC2) expression and decreased Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) and electrogenic Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter 1 (NBCe1)-A expression. In female mice, KS-AR-KO did not alter these parameters. These effects occurred even though KS-AR-KO did not alter plasma testosterone, food intake, or serum Na+, K+, or [Formula: see text] significantly in either sex. In conclusion, AR-dependent signaling pathways in male, but not female, kidneys regulate PEPCK and NKCC2 expression and lead to the sexual differences in ammonia excretion. Opposing effects on NHE3 and NBCe1-A expression likely limit the magnitude of ammonia excretion changes. As AR is not present in the thick ascending limb, the effect of KS-AR-KO on NKCC2 expression is indirect. Finally, AR mediates the greater kidney size and proximal tubule volume density in male compared with female mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sexual dimorphisms in ammonia metabolism involve androgen receptor (AR)-dependent signaling pathways in male, but not female, kidneys that lead to altered proximal tubule (PT), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and thick ascending limb Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter expression. Adaptive responses in Na+/H+ exchanger 3 and electrogenic Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter 1-A expression limit the magnitude of the effect on ammonia excretion. Finally, the greater kidney size and PT volume density in male mice is the result of PT androgen signaling through AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn N Harris
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Rebeca A Castro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Hyun-Wook Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jill W Verlander
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - I David Weiner
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Nephrology and Hypertension Section, Gainesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida
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13
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Abstract
Kidney pathophysiology is influenced by gender. Evidence suggests that kidney damage is more severe in males than in females and that sexual hormones contribute to this. Elevated prolactin concentration is common in renal impairment patients and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. However, PRL is involved in the osmoregulatory process and promotes endothelial proliferation, dilatation, and permeability in blood vessels. Several proteinases cleavage its structure, forming vasoinhibins. These fragments have antagonistic PRL effects on endothelium and might be associated with renal endothelial dysfunction, but its role in the kidneys has not been enough investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe the influence of sexual dimorphism and gonadal hormones on kidney damage, emphasizing the role of the hormone prolactin and its cleavage products, the vasoinhibins.
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14
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Harris AN, Weiner ID. Sex differences in renal ammonia metabolism. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F55-F60. [PMID: 33308019 PMCID: PMC7847052 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00531.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphic variations are present in many aspects of biology and involve the structure and/or function of nearly every organ system. Acid-base homeostasis is critical for optimal health, and renal ammonia metabolism has a major role in the maintenance of acid-base homeostasis. Recent studies have shown sex-dependent differences in renal ammonia metabolism with regard to both basal ammonia excretion and the response to an exogenous acid load. These sexual dimorphisms are associated with structural changes in the proximal tubule and the collecting duct and variations in the expression of multiple proteins involved in ammonia metabolism and transport. Studies using orchiectomy-induced testosterone deficiency and physiological testosterone replacement have shown that testosterone underlies much of the sex-dependent differences in the proximal tubule. This parallels the finding that the canonical testosterone target receptor, androgen receptor (AR), is present exclusively in the proximal tubule. Thus testosterone, possibly acting through AR activation, regulates multiple components of renal structure and ammonia metabolism. The lack of detectable AR in the remainder of the nephron and collecting duct suggests that some dimorphisms in renal structure and ammonia transporter expression are mediated through mechanisms other than direct testosterone-dependent AR activation. A better understanding of the mechanism and biological implications of sex's effect on renal structure and ammonia metabolism is critical for optimizing our ability to care for both men and women with acid-base disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn N Harris
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - I David Weiner
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Renal Transplantation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
- Nephrology and Hypertension Section, Gainesville Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida
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15
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Sultanova RF, Schibalski R, Yankelevich IA, Stadler K, Ilatovskaya DV. Sex differences in renal mitochondrial function: a hormone-gous opportunity for research. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 319:F1117-F1124. [PMID: 33135479 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00320.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences (biological distinctions between males and females) present a complex interplay of genetic, developmental, biological, and environmental factors. More and more studies are shedding light on the importance of sex differences in normal physiology and susceptibility to cancer, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases. This mini-review is devoted to the role of sex dimorphisms in renal function, with a focus on the distinctions between male and female mitochondria. Here, we cover the aspects of renal mitochondrial bioenergetics where sex differences have been reported to date, for instance, biogenesis, reactive oxygen species production, and oxidative stress. Special attention is devoted to the effects of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, on mitochondrial bioenergetics in the kidney in physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina F Sultanova
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ryan Schibalski
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Irina A Yankelevich
- Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Insitute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Daria V Ilatovskaya
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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