Senescence marker activin A is increased in human diabetic kidney disease: association with kidney function and potential implications for therapy

What is it about?

Activin A is an inflammatory mediator that contributes to adipose tissue dysfunction and kidney injury, therein promoting kidney failure. This study reveals that activin A is elevated in the blood and urine of individuals with diabetic kidney disease. Activin A levels were highest in those with lower kidney function and higher amounts of urine protein or other markers of kidney damage. Thus, in persons with diabetic kidney disease and other chronic kidney diseases, activin A detected in the blood or urine may help identify persons with high cellular senescence burden and/or kidney fibrosis. Importantly, these findings may help target new processes for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease.

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