Cellular senescence and kidney aging

The mechanism underlying of Zuoguiyin on liver and kidney in D-gal-induced subacute aging female rats: A perspective on SIRT1-PPARγ pathway regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aging is a complex biological metabolic process. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory posits that deficiencies in the liver and kidneys in women is closely associated with aging. Zuoguiyin (ZGY), originating from the Jing Yue Quan Shu (A.D. 1624), is renowned for its efficacy in nourishing Yin and tonifying the kidneys. Pharmacological studies have confirmed that ZGY could enhance liver and kidney functions in aging females, but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of ZGY on the liver and kidneys in female subacute aging model rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A combination of network pharmacology and animal experiments was employed to identify the active components and potential targets of ZGY. A subacute aging model was established in female rats using D-galactose (D-gal) injection. After intervention with ZGY, its effects and mechanisms on the liver and kidney were evaluated using behavioral tests, ELISA, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and molecular docking.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the effects of ZGY on subacute aging female rats might be associated with the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)- peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) pathway. Compared to female subacute aging model rats, ZGY significantly improved behaviors in model rats. It notably reduced levels of MDA, NF-κB, and IL-6 in serum, liver, and kidney tissues, while increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, and IL-10. Furthermore, ZGY enhanced liver and kidney functions, alleviated pathological damage to these organs, decreased BAX expression, increased Bcl-2 expression, and inhibited apoptosis in liver and kidney cells. Western blot analysis further validated that ZGY activates the expression of proteins in the SIRT1-PPARγ pathway. Molecular docking implicated that 65 enter blood components of ZGY might be the active components.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that ZGY exerts positive effects on the liver and kidney in D-gal-induced subacute aging female rats. Its mechanisms are associated with the activation of the SIRT1-PPARγ pathway, which regulates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways.

Identification of potential anti aging drugs and targets in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent, incurable, and lacks effective treatments. Aging is closely linked to various kidney diseases. In this study, we combined CKD and aging using bioinformatics approaches to identify potential anti aging drugs and therapeutic targets for CKD. We analyzed datasets GSE37171 and GSE66494 from the GEO database, identifying 317 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By intersecting these DEGs with aging related genes, we identified 23 aging associated differential genes (ARDEGs). A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the top 10 hub ARDEGs were identified using Cytoscape software. Potential anti aging drugs, including Cinnamaldehyde, were identified through the ceRNA and transcription factor regulatory networks, as well as the DGldb database. Among the key regulatory genes identified in CKD patient samples were SOD2, FGF21, FOS, RELA, DDIT4, BMI1, DUSP6, LGALS3, CXCR2, and CEBPB. Cinnamaldehyde and other drugs were found to target aging associated pathways, suggesting their potential to delay CKD progression through modulating these pathways. Finally, we verified the low-expression of DDIT4 and DUSP6, the two targets of Cinnamaldehyde, in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) animal model. Additionally, Cinnamaldehyde was shown to reduce the expression of fibrosis markers such as fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in HK2 cells under TGF-β1 stimulation. This study provides a foundational understanding of aging related molecular targets in CKD and offers new directions for developing anti aging therapies to treat CKD.

The boundaries of normal kidney tissue for biomedical research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we highlight the importance of understanding the inherent biological variability in normal kidney, or healthy reference tissue, to establish an accurate reference point for biomedical research. We explore this and the advantages and limitations of various sources of healthy reference tissue suitable for structural and omics-level studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several large consortia are employing omic technologies for diseased and normal kidney tissue, underscoring the importance of utilizing healthy reference tissue in these studies. Emerging approaches, such as artificial intelligence and multiomic analyses, are expanding our understanding of structural and molecular heterogeneity in healthy reference kidney tissue and uncovering new insights.

SUMMARY

Biological variability in healthy reference tissue at the functional, structural, and molecular level is complex and remains an active area of study. Thoughtful selection of healthy reference tissue sources is critical, providing the greatest potential for producing high-quality research outcomes.

Investigating the renoprotective effects of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP) on D-galactose-induced aging mice: insights from gut microbiota and metabolomics analyses

Introduction

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP) have been suggested to possess various health benefits, including anti-aging and renoprotective effects. However, the mechanisms underlying PSP's protective effects on kidney function, particularly in the context of aging, remain unclear. This study explores how PSP protects against D-galactose (D-gal)-induced kidney damage in aging mice, focusing on gut microbiota and metabolomics.

Methods

Mice were assigned to five groups: control, model (D-gal), vitamin C, low-dose PSP, and high-dose PSP, and treated for 8 weeks. Kidney pathology was assessed via H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. 16S rRNA sequencing analyzed gut microbiota, and non-targeted metabolomics identified metabolic changes. Correlations between gut bacteria and metabolites were examined.

Results

PSP alleviated renal damage, reducing tubular atrophy, epithelial swelling, and collagen deposition. It increased beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and altered 23 metabolites linked to pathways such as amino acid and sphingolipid metabolism. Gut microbiota and metabolites were strongly correlated, indicating PSP's role in regulating the gut-kidney axis.

Conclusion

PSP protects against age-related kidney damage by modulating gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, highlighting its therapeutic potential for kidney aging through the gut-kidney axis.

Sendotypes predict worsening renal function in chronic kidney disease patients

BACKGROUND

Senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) contributes to age-related pathology, however the role of SASP in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is unclear. Here, we employ a variety of omic techniques to show that senescence signatures can separate CKD patients into distinct senescence endotypes (Sendotype).

METHODS

Using specific numbers of senescent proteins, we clustered CKD patients into two distinct sendotypes based on proteomic expression. These clusters were evaluated with three independent criteria assessing inter and intra cluster distances. Differential expression analysis was then performed to investigate differing proteomic expression between sendotypes.

RESULTS

These clusters accurately stratified CKD patients, with patients in each sendotype having different clinical profiles. Higher expression of these proteins correlated with worsened disease symptomologies. Biological signalling pathways such as TNF, Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) and NFKB were differentially enriched between patient sendotypes, suggesting potential mechanisms driving the endotype of CKD.

CONCLUSION

Our work reveals that, combining clinical features with SASP signatures from CKD patients may help predict whether a patient will have worsening or stable renal trajectory. This has implications for the CKD clinical care pathway and will help clinicians stratify CKD patients accurately.

KEY POINTS

Senescent proteins are upregulated in severe patients compared to mild patients Senescent proteins can stratify patients based on disease severity High expression of senescent proteins correlates with worsening renal trajectories.

A Network Meta-Analysis of Different Psychological Therapies for Death Anxiety in Older Adults

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess and contrast the impact of psychosocial therapies on older individuals' death anxiety and to offer evidence-based recommendations to both older adults and healthcare professionals. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected through a thorough search of multiple databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, etc. Review Manager 5.4 was employed to evaluate the caliber of the included studies, and STATA (15.1) was used for data analysis. Results: This study included seven randomized controlled trials with a total of 266 older adults, and the search time ranged from the earliest possible date to July 2024. The results of the Network Meta-Analysis (NMA) showed that the teaching the components of spiritual intelligence therapy significantly reduced death anxiety in the elderly (SUCRA: 99.6%). Conclusion: The network ranking chart showed that the teaching the components of spiritual intelligence therapy as a psychotherapeutic method, had the most superior efficacy in reducing death anxiety in the elderly.

Fucoidan Oligosaccharide Supplementation Relieved Kidney Injury and Modulated Intestinal Homeostasis in D-Galactose-Exposed Rats

Background/Objectives: A fucoidan oligosaccharide (FOS), a potent compound derived from algae, is known for its diverse biological activities, including prebiotic activity, anticancer activity, and antioxidative properties, and has demonstrated supportive therapeutic effects in treating kidney ailments. This study was conducted to explore the protective influence of FOS on kidney damage due to aging induced by D-galactose in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: The low-dose FOS group was administered FOS (100 mg/kg) by gavage, and the high-FOS group received FOS (200 mg/kg) by gavage. Results: The findings showed that FOS could effectively mitigate kidney damage and improve the pathological condition of kidney tissues caused by D-gal and enhance kidney function. Intervention with FOS significantly reduced serum creatinine, serum uric acid, and serum urea nitrogen levels, compared to the model group. The protective mechanism of FOS on D-gal-induced kidney injury may be to inhibit oxidative stress and improve impaired mitochondrial function by downregulating the AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway. FOS could also modulate the expression of mitochondrial autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, P62, and LC3II/LC3I), thereby mitigate D-gal-induced excessive mitophagy in the kidney. Furthermore, FOS may protect against kidney injury by preserving intestinal homeostasis. FOS decreased serum lipopolysaccharide levels and enhanced intestinal mucosal barrier function. FOS upregulated the abundances of Bacteroidota, Muribaculaceae, and Lactobacillus, while it decreased the abundances of Firmicutes, NK4A136_group, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. FOS supplementation modulated gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing detrimental ones, potentially contributing to improved kidney function. Conclusions: FOS may safeguard against renal injury in D-gal-exposed rats by inhibiting kidney excessive mitophagy, preserving mitochondrial function, and regulating intestinal homeostasis.

Phosphoproteomic analysis reveals the mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal aging

Aging is a critical biological process, with particularly notable impacts on the kidneys. Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are capable of transferring various bioactive molecules, which exhibit beneficial therapeutic effects on kidney diseases. This study demonstrates that exosomes derived from hUC-MSCs ameliorate cellular senescence in the kidneys of naturally aging mice. These exosomes reduce the protein expression of senescence markers and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) leading to fewer DNA damage foci and increased expression of the proliferation indicator Ki67. During the aging process, many proteins undergo phosphorylation modifications. We utilized data-independent acquisition (DIA) phosphoproteomics to study kidneys of naturally aging mice and those treated with hUC-MSC-derived exosomes. We observed elevated phosphorylation levels of the differentially phosphorylated proteins, Lamin A/C, at Ser390 and Ser392 sites, which were subsequently verified by western blotting. Overall, this study provides a new molecular characterization of hUC-MSC-derived exosomes in mitigating cellular senescence in the kidneys. SIGNIFICANCE: DIA phosphoproteomics was employed to investigate phosphorylated proteins in the kidney tissues of naturally aging mice with hUCMSC-exos treated. The results demonstrated that the DIA technique detected a higher abundance of phosphorylated proteins. We identified 24 significantly differentially phosphorylated proteins, and found that the phosphorylation of specific Lamin A/C sites is crucial for preventing cellular senescence. This study will help to better reveal the related phosphorylated proteins involved in hUCMSC-exos intervention in the kidneys of naturally aging mice, providing a foundation for future research on specific phosphorylation sites of proteins as potential therapeutic targets for renal aging-related diseases.

Proteomics analysis reveals age-related proteins in the urine of chronic kidney disease patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely linked to the aging process, making the identification of protein biomarkers that reflect aging in specific organs and tissues crucial for a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. This study aimed to identify potential aging-related proteins present in the urine of CKD patients. Utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic analysis, we identified a total of 1,712 proteins in the urine samples from both healthy controls and CKD patients in our discovery cohort. Among the 845 proteins that overlapped, we found that 161 proteins were associated with aging. By applying a threshold of p < 0.05 and |log2 (fold change) | > 1.5, we classified 114 proteins as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The analyzes conducted using the Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed that DEPs were significantly enriched in several clusters related to aging. In the validation cohort, we demonstrated that patients with CKD exhibited lower urinary levels of L-selectin (SELL), uromodulin (UMOD), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between age and EGF levels. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed a significant positive correlation with SELL, UMOD, and EGF, while 24-h proteinuria showed a significant negative correlation with both UMOD and EGF. Furthermore, both UMOD and EGF were significantly negatively correlated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and EGF was significantly negatively correlated with glomerulosclerosis. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the promise of LC-MS/MS-based urine proteomics analysis in identifying aging-related protein markers. Specifically, SELL, UMOD, and EGF have been recognized as promising indicators of aging in patients with CKD.

The Dual Role of Cellular Senescence in Macrophages: Unveiling the Hidden Driver of Age-Related Inflammation in Kidney Disease

Aging is a complex biological process that involves the gradual decline of cellular, tissue, and organ functions. In kidney, aging manifests as tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, and progressive renal function decline. The critical role of senescence-associated macrophage in diseases, particularly kidney diseases, is increasingly recognized. During this process, macrophages exhibit a range of pro-damage response to senescent tissues and cells, while the aging of macrophages themselves also significantly influences disease progression, creating a bidirectional regulatory role between aging and macrophages. To explore this bidirectional mechanism, this review will elucidate the origin, characteristic, phenotype, and function of macrophages in response to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), extracellular vesicles from senescent cells, and the senescence cell-engulfment suppression (SCES), particularly in the context of kidney disease. Additionally, it will discuss the characteristics of senescent macrophage, such as common markers, and changes in autophagy, metabolism, gene regulation, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and exosome secretion, along with their physiological and pathological impacts on renal tissue cells. Furthermore, exploring therapies and drugs that modulate the function of senescent macrophages or eliminate senescent cells may help slow the progression of kidney aging and damage.

Complex Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Aging: Epigenetic Regulation, Matrix Remodeling, and the Healing Effects of H2S

The kidney is an essential excretory organ that works as a filter of toxins and metabolic by-products of the human body and maintains osmotic pressure throughout life. The kidney undergoes several physiological, morphological, and structural changes with age. As life expectancy in humans increases, cell senescence in renal aging is a growing challenge. Identifying age-related kidney disorders and their cause is one of the contemporary public health challenges. While the structural abnormalities to the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur, in part, due to changes in MMPs, EMMPRIN, and Meprin-A, a variety of epigenetic modifiers, such as DNA methylation, histone alterations, changes in small non-coding RNA, and microRNA (miRNA) expressions are proven to play pivotal roles in renal pathology. An aged kidney is vulnerable to acute injury due to ischemia-reperfusion, toxic medications, altered matrix proteins, systemic hemodynamics, etc., non-coding RNA and miRNAs play an important role in renal homeostasis, and alterations of their expressions can be considered as a good marker for AKI. Other epigenetic changes, such as histone modifications and DNA methylation, are also evident in AKI pathophysiology. The endogenous production of gaseous molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was documented in the early 1980s, but its ameliorative effects, especially on kidney injury, still need further research to understand its molecular mode of action in detail. H2S donors heal fibrotic kidney tissues, attenuate oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and GFR, and also modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In this review, we discuss the complex pathophysiological interplay in AKI and its available treatments along with future perspectives. The basic role of H2S in the kidney has been summarized, and recent references and knowledge gaps are also addressed. Finally, the healing effects of H2S in AKI are described with special emphasis on epigenetic regulation and matrix remodeling.

mTOR and SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Their Synergistic Effect on Age-Related Processes

The aging process contributes significantly to the onset of chronic diseases, which are the primary causes of global mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs. Numerous studies have shown that the removal of senescent cells from tissues extends lifespan and reduces the occurrence of age-related diseases. Consequently, there is growing momentum in the development of drugs targeting these cells. Among them, mTOR and SGLT-2 inhibitors have garnered attention due to their diverse effects: mTOR inhibitors regulate cellular growth, metabolism, and immune responses, while SGLT-2 inhibitors regulate glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in various beneficial metabolic effects. Importantly, these drugs may act synergistically by influencing senescence processes and pathways. Although direct studies on the combined effects of mTOR inhibition and SGLT-2 inhibition on age-related processes are limited, this review aims to highlight the potential synergistic benefits of these drugs in targeting senescence.

BRD4 plays an antiaging role in the senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells

Background

Age-related kidney failure is often induced by a decrease in the bioavailability of tubular epithelial cells in elderly chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. BRD4, an epigenetic regulator and a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein family, acts as a super-enhancer (SE) organizing and regulating genes expression during embryogenesis and cancer development. But the physiological function of BRD4 in normal cells has been less studied. This study aimed to research certain biological roles of BRD4 in the process of normal cell aging and discuss the potential mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the biological functions of BRD4 proteins in the aging of renal tubular cells. At first, we used a D-galactose (D-gal) and BRD4 inhibitor (Abbv-075) to replicate kidney senescence in vivo. D-gal and Abbv-075 were then used to measure the aging-related changes, such as changes in cell cycle, β-galactosidase activity, cell migration, and p16 protein expression in vitro. At last, we knocked down and over-expressed BRD4 to investigate the aging-related physiological phenomena in renal tubular cells.

Results

In vitro, D-gal treatment induced noticeable aging-related changes such as inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, increasing β-galactosidase activity as well as up-regulating p16 protein expression in primary human tubular epithelial cells. In the aging mice model, D-gal significantly induced renal function impairment and attenuated BRD4 protein expression. At the same time, the BRD4 inhibitor (Abbv-075) was able to mimic D-gal-induced cell senescence. In vivo, Abbv-075 also decreased kidney function and up-regulated p21 protein expression. When we knocked down the expression of BRD4, the senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity increased dramatically, cell migration was inhibited, and the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased. Additionally, the knockdown also promoted the expression of the senescence-related proteins p16. When the renal tubular cells were overexpressed with BRD4, cell aging-related indicators were reversed in the D-gal-induced cell aging model.

Conclusions

BRD4 appears to have an active role in the aging of renal tubular cells in vivo and in vitro. The findings also suggest that BRD4 inhibitors have potential nephrotoxic effects for oncology treatment. BRD4 may be a potential therapeutic biomarker and drug target for aging-related kidney diseases, which warrants additional studies.

Kidney Aging and Chronic Kidney Disease

The process of aging inevitably leads to an increase in age-related comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). In many aspects, CKD can be considered a state of accelerated and premature aging. Aging kidney and CKD have numerous common characteristic features, ranging from pathological presentation and clinical manifestation to underlying mechanisms. The shared mechanisms underlying the process of kidney aging and the development of CKD include the increase in cellular senescence, the decrease in autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the alterations of epigenetic regulation, suggesting the existence of potential therapeutic targets that are applicable to both conditions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the common characteristics between aging kidney and CKD, encompassing morphological changes, functional alterations, and recent advancements in understanding the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting senescent cells in both the aging process and CKD.

The redox-sensitive GSK3β is a key regulator of glomerular podocyte injury in type 2 diabetic kidney disease

Emerging evidence suggests that GSK3β, a redox-sensitive transducer downstream of insulin signaling, acts as a convergent point for myriad pathways implicated in kidney injury, repair, and regeneration. However, its role in diabetic kidney disease remains controversial. In cultured glomerular podocytes, exposure to a milieu of type 2 diabetes elicited prominent signs of podocyte injury and degeneration, marked by loss of homeostatic marker proteins like synaptopodin, actin cytoskeleton disruption, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and stress-induced premature senescence, as shown by increased staining for senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, amplified formation of γH2AX foci, and elevated expression of mediators of senescence signaling, like p21 and p16INK4A. These degenerative changes coincided with GSK3β hyperactivity, as evidenced by GSK3β overexpression and reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β, and were averted by tideglusib, a highly-selective small molecule inhibitor of GSK3β. In agreement, post-hoc analysis of a publicly-available glomerular transcriptomics dataset from patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy revealed that the curated diabetic nephropathy-related gene set was enriched in high GSK3β expression group. Mechanistically, GSK3β-modulated nuclear factor Nrf2 signaling is involved in diabetic podocytopathy, because GSK3β knockdown reinforced Nrf2 antioxidant response and suppressed oxidative stress, resulting in an improvement in podocyte injury and senescence. Conversely, ectopic expression of the constitutively active mutant of GSK3β impaired Nrf2 antioxidant response and augmented oxidative stress, culminating in an exacerbated diabetic podocyte injury and senescence. Moreover, IRS-1 was found to be a cognate substrate of GSK3β for phosphorylation at IRS-1S332, which negatively regulates IRS-1 activity. GSK3β hyperactivity promoted IRS-1 phosphorylation, denoting a desensitized insulin signaling. Consistently, in vivo in db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy, GSK3β was hyperactive in glomerular podocytes, associated with IRS-1 hyperphosphorylation, impaired Nrf2 response and premature senescence. Our finding suggests that GSK3β is likely a novel therapeutic target for treating type 2 diabetic glomerular injury.

CD4+ T-Cell Senescence in Neurodegenerative Disease: Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Targets

With the increasing proportion of the aging population, neurodegenerative diseases have become one of the major health issues in society. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration associated with aging, leading to a gradual decline in cognitive, emotional, and motor functions in patients. The process of aging is a normal physiological process in human life and is accompanied by the aging of the immune system, which is known as immunosenescence. T-cells are an important part of the immune system, and their senescence is the main feature of immunosenescence. The appearance of senescent T-cells has been shown to potentially lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage, with some studies indicating a direct link between T-cell senescence, inflammation, and neuronal damage. The role of these subsets with different functions in NDs is still under debate. A growing body of evidence suggests that in people with a ND, there is a prevalence of CD4+ T-cell subsets exhibiting characteristics that are linked to senescence. This underscores the significance of CD4+ T-cells in NDs. In this review, we summarize the classification and function of CD4+ T-cell subpopulations, the characteristics of CD4+ T-cell senescence, the potential roles of these cells in animal models and human studies of NDs, and therapeutic strategies targeting CD4+ T-cell senescence.

Is Chronic Kidney Disease Due to Cadmium Exposure Inevitable and Can It Be Reversed?

Cadmium (Cd) is a metal with no nutritional value or physiological role. However, it is found in the body of most people because it is a contaminant of nearly all food types and is readily absorbed. The body burden of Cd is determined principally by its intestinal absorption rate as there is no mechanism for its elimination. Most acquired Cd accumulates within the kidney tubular cells, where its levels increase through to the age of 50 years but decline thereafter due to its release into the urine as the injured tubular cells die. This is associated with progressive kidney disease, which is signified by a sustained decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. Generally, reductions in eGFR after Cd exposure are irreversible, and are likely to decline further towards kidney failure if exposure persists. There is no evidence that the elimination of current environmental exposure can reverse these effects and no theoretical reason to believe that such a reversal is possible. This review aims to provide an update on urinary and blood Cd levels that were found to be associated with GFR loss and albuminuria in the general populations. A special emphasis is placed on the mechanisms underlying albumin excretion in Cd-exposed persons, and for an accurate measure of the doses-response relationships between Cd exposure and eGFR, its excretion rate must be normalised to creatinine clearance. The difficult challenge of establishing realistic Cd exposure guidelines such that human health is protected, is discussed.

Vitamin C and/or garlic can antagonize the toxic effects of cadmium on growth performance, hematological, and immunological parameters of growing Japanese quail

This study used 300 1-day-old, sexless, developing chicks of Japanese quail to estimate the ability of vitamin C and/or garlic to antagonize the venomous influence of cadmium (Cd) on the hematological, immunological, and performance characteristics of developing Japanese quail. The quail was separated into 5 similar groups of 60 chicks apiece, and 6 duplicates (10 each) were given to each sub-group. The control group received a basal diet without any supplements. The Cd group was nourished with a basal diet of + 80 mg cadmium chloride (CdCl2)/kg diet. The 3rd group was fed a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet and complemented with a 200 mg Vitamin C (Cd + C)/kg diet. The 4th group was nourished with a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet and complemented by a 500 mg dried garlic powder (Cd + G)/kg diet. The 5th group was fed a basal diet + 80 mg CdCl2/kg diet, complemented by a 200 mg vitamin C/kg diet + 500 mg dried garlic powder (Cd + CG)/kg diet. Results showed that in the 5th group in which cadmium was added together with Vit C + garlic, there was an improvement in both live weight gain (1-42 d) and feed consumption (1-21 and 1-42 d ) compared to the group in which Cd was added alone. The addition of Vit C alone and together with garlic seems to completely improve the cadmium-related increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels when compared to the control. Compared to cadmium-polluted diets, quail that got cadmium and feed additives significantly reduced cadmium residue. In addition, the cadmium group's serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) level decreased significantly. These data imply that dietary supplementation with (C) or (G) may be beneficial in retrogressing the drop in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM caused by Cd and minimizing Cd's deleterious influence on immunity.