| First Author | Ajalbert G | Year | 2023 |
| Journal | Int J Mol Sci | Volume | 24 |
| Issue | 13 | PubMed ID | 37446405 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:354241 | Mgi Id | MGI:7508233 |
| Doi | 10.3390/ijms241311228 | Citation | Ajalbert G, et al. (2023) Elevation of Arginase-II in Podocytes Contributes to Age-Associated Albuminuria in Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 24(13) |
| abstractText | One of the manifestations of renal aging is podocyte dysfunction and loss, which are associated with proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Studies show a male bias in glomerular dysfunction and chronic kidney diseases, and the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Recent studies demonstrate the role of an age-associated increase in arginase-II (Arg-II) in proximal tubules of both male and female mice. However, it is unclear whether Arg-II is also involved in aging glomeruli. The current study investigates the role of the sex-specific elevation of Arg-II in podocytes in age-associated increased albuminuria. Young (3-4 months) and old (20-22 months) male and female mice of wt and arginase-II knockout (arg-ii(-/-)) were used. Albuminuria was employed as a readout of glomerular function. Cellular localization and expression of Arg-II in glomeruli were analyzed using an immunofluorescence confocal microscope. A more pronounced age-associated increase in albuminuria was found in male than in female mice. An age-associated induction of Arg-II in glomeruli and podocytes (as demonstrated by co-localization of Arg-II with the podocyte marker synaptopodin) was also observed in males but not in females. Ablation of the arg-ii gene in mice significantly reduces age-associated albuminuria in males. Also, age-associated decreases in podocyte density and glomerulus hypertrophy are significantly prevented in male arg-ii(-/-) but not in female mice. However, age-associated glomerulosclerosis is not affected by arg-ii ablation in both sexes. These results demonstrate a role of Arg-II in sex-specific podocyte injury in aging. They may explain the sex-specific differences in the development of renal disease in humans during aging. |
