EFFECTS OF SEX-HORMONES ON MESANGIAL CELLS

Male gender is associated with a more rapid progression of chronic ren al disease. In various experimental models of renal injury, manipulati on of the hormonal milieu can replicate the effects of gender on the c ourse of renal disease. These observations suggest that sex hormones p er se may be important determinants of the greater susceptibility of t he male kidney to progressive renal injury. Sex hormones may influence many of the processes implicated in the pathogenesis of renal disease progression, including cell proliferation and the synthesis and degra dation of collagen and proteoglycans. In addition, sex hormones may in directly influence these processes by modulating the synthesis and rel ease of vasoactive agents, cytokines, and other growth factors, which in turn are capable of altering mesangial cell function. Finally, estr ogens also exert potent antioxidant effects that may contribute to the protective effect of female gender on the course of renal disease. (C ) 1995 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.