Donna Krupa
(301) 634-7253
dkrupa@the-aps.org
Female Gender Provides An Advantage In Renal Diseases
Women with certain renal diseases progress at slower rate than men
Austin, TX – Gender influences the prevalence and progression rate of many renal diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The physiology behind gender differences and renal disease is still uncertain, but the distinct characteristics of male and female kidney size, along with diet and the presence of hypertension, have all been thought to play a part. Sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone) have also thought to contribute to the differences, as hormones may influence the body’s responses to renal injury. Estrogen especially may exert certain cellular effects on the kidney because it can suppress the growth of scar tissue as well as affect various growth factors which impact the kidney.
Research Update: Estrogen in Renal Disease
Previous studies using animal models have used hormonal manipulation to explore the effects of sex hormones on renal disease. In these studies, researchers either added supplemental levels of estrogen/testosterone to rats or castrated/performed ovariectomies in males and females rats, respectively. The studies found that estrogen helped to protect against kidney disease while testosterone proved to be detrimental to kidney health.
More recently, Dr. Sharon Silbiger of the Department of Medicine/Division of Nephrology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY and her colleagues examined the direct effects of estrogen on the production of collagens (proteins that contribute to kidney scarring) in the cells located around the small blood vessels of the kidneys (cultured mesangial cells). She and her colleagues found that:
- the female hormone estradiol inhibited the activity of transforming growth factor (TGF-β); TGF-β promotes scarring of the kidney in many renal diseases.
- estradiol does this by preventing TGF-β from activating the enzyme (casein kinase 2) which affects collagen production.
- in this way estrogen reduces the production of collagen in these cultured cells and may reduce scarring in renal disease.
Looking Ahead: Raloxifene and Renal Disease
Silbiger’s group is currently analyzing data from a clinical study of the osteoporosis prevention drug, raloxifene. As raloxifene has estrogen-like properties, the researchers hypothesized that raloxifene may affect the progression of renal disease in these women. Broad-based preliminary data from this study will be presented at the APS meeting, but more specific data will be held until the study results are published.
Presentation in Austin, TX
Dr. Silbiger is discussing her work at the conference, Sex and Gender in Cardiovascular-Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology, being held August 9-12, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Austin on Town Lake, Austin, TX. The meeting is the second scientific event to be sponsored by the American Physiological Society (APS; www.The-APS.org) this year.
Obese Post-Menopausal Women Outperform Normal Weight Counterparts in Key Tasks
Released October 13, 2011 - Obesity has been associated with cognitive decline, characterized by a deterioration of mental abilities that involve memory, language, and thought-processing speed. But in a study of 300 post-menopausal women, obese participants performed better on three cognitive tests than participants of normal weight, leading researchers to speculate about the role of sex hormones and cognition.
Gender Differences In Renal And Other Genes Contribute To BP
Released August 8, 2007 - In a new study, researchers examined the differential contribution of genetic factors involved in regulating blood pressure based on samples drawn from a large community. They found significant differences in genetic contributors to blood pressure in males versus females.
Why Do Men And Women Respond Differently To The Same Disease?
Released August 8, 2007 - More than 100 research scientists will examine hormones, gender and how they can interact to cause heart and kidney disease. The conference, entitled Sex and Gender in Cardiovascular-Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology, being held August 9-12, 2007 in Austin, TX, is hosted by the American Physiological Society.
The “Female Advantage” In Kidney Disease Doesn't Extend To Diabetic Women
Released August 8, 2007 - Women have a “female advantage” when it comes to chronic kidney disease. When compared to men, they have fewer and less severe episodes throughout most of their lives. That advantage disappears, however, when the woman is diabetic. For reasons still unclear, diabetic women are diagnosed with kidney and heart diseases almost as frequently as men. What is it about diabetes that predisposes a woman to develop renal disease at levels generally associated with her male counterpart? Researchers at Georgetown University’s Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease have identified a novel observation to help explain why.
Estrogen Deficiency Can Lead To Obesity-Induced Hight BP After Menopause
Released August 8, 2007 - At menopause, women lose hormone protection against heart (cardiovascular) and kidney diseases, and are likely to become obese. A research team has tested the idea that estrogen deficiency in aged females may trigger the development of high blood pressure and obesity. The results of their study, using an animal model, suggest that estrogen depletion can have these effects.