Pollution is the motor of premature ageing of the kidney

• Grant number: 22/11110-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Pathological Anatomy and Clinical Pathology
• Agreement: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva
• Grantee: Leticia Urbano Cardoso de Castro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/19433-0 - Pollution is the motor of premature ageing of the kidney, AP.TEM

Abstract

Premature renal aging is a risk factor for cardio-vascular adverse events, the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progression towards end stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is associated with low quality of life, high morbidity and mortality, and tremendous health care expenses. The incidence of ESRD varies greatly among countries, with 6% in The Netherlands compared to 11% in São Paulo. One of the neglected factors possibly underlying heterogeneity in renal aging is the exposure to environmental factors. Recently, epidemiological studies have linked exposure to Particulate Matter in aerodynamic air (PM2.5) to an increased risk of CKD. Epigenetic changes, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are among the mechanisms mediating the adverse health effects of PM2.5. We hypothesize that exposure to PM2.5 forms an accelerator of renal aging, enhancing the risk of CKD. To unravel these molecular and biological changes induced by exposure to PM2.5 in the kidney, we will or will not expose animals to particulate matter 2.5 during the natural aging process. (AU)