Open AccessOpposite effects of testosterone and estrogens on chronic allograft nephropathy
Author(s) -
Antus Balazs,
Yao Yousheng,
Song Erwei,
Liu Shanying,
Lutz Jens,
Heemann Uwe
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
transplant international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1432-2277
pISSN - 0934-0874
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2002.tb00205.x
Subject(s) - medicine , testosterone (patch) , nephrology , urology , nephropathy , endocrinology , physiology , gynecology , diabetes mellitus
In the present study we investigated whether donor gender of the effects of sex hormones play the greater role in the development of chronic allograft nephropathy. Kidneys of male and female Fisher rats were orthotopically transplanted into castrated male Lewis recipients. Animals were treated with testosterone, estradiol, or vehicle and the kidneys were harvested 20 weeks after transplantation for histological, immunohistological, and molecular analysis. Testosterone treatment resulted in increased proteinuria and profound glomerulo‐sclerosis, irrespective of donor gender. In addition, mRNA levels of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and platelet‐derived growth factor‐A and B (PDGF‐A and B) chains were enhanced in these allografts. Estradiol reduced glomerulosclerosis and mononuclear cell infiltration in allografts of both genders that paralleled a decreased mRNA expression of TGF‐β1, PDGF‐A and B. No donor gender‐related differences were noted in vehicle‐treated animals. Our findings demonstrate that sex hormones rather than donor gender have a significant impact on chronic allograft nephropathy.