Gender Differences in Kidney Gene Expression
Author Information
Author(s): Si Han, Banga Ramandeep S., Kapitsinou Pinelopi, Ramaiah Manjunath, Lawrence Janis, Kambhampati Ganesh, Gruenwald Antje, Bottinger Erwin, Glicklich Daniel, Tellis Vivian, Greenstein Stuart, Thomas David B., Pullman James, Fazzari Melissa, Susztak Katalin
Primary Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to understand the molecular basis of gender disparity in kidney disease by examining sex-specific gene expression patterns in human and murine kidneys.
Conclusion
The study found that male and female kidneys respond differently to injury, with distinct gene expression patterns observed in both healthy and diseased states.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is approximately 50% higher in men than women.
- 67 genes with gender biased expression were identified in healthy human kidneys.
- 884 differentially expressed transcripts were found in diseased male and female kidneys.
- Only 9 sexually dimorphic transcripts were common to healthy human and murine kidneys.
- Statistical analysis identified 50 differentially expressed transcripts between sexes in the tubulointerstitial compartment.
Takeaway
This study shows that male and female kidneys are different, which might help doctors create better treatments for kidney disease based on gender.
Methodology
The study used Affymetrix microarray analysis to examine gene expression in microdissected kidney samples from both humans and mice.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding factors include variations in sex hormone levels among participants.
Limitations
The study's limitations include the use of a heterogeneous population and the inability to establish causality due to its cross-sectional design.
Participant Demographics
The study included a diverse population with varying ethnicities and types of renal disease, primarily consisting of adults with mild, Stage 3 chronic kidney disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website