Aging and Chronic Kidney Disease: Epidemiology, Therapy, Management, and the Role of immunity

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now an unquestionable progressive condition that affects more than 10% of the general population worldwide, and has emerged as one of the most important causes of global mortality. It is clear that the prevalence of CKD among aging population is significantly elevated. It involves a board range of complex and poorly understood concerns in older adults such as frailty, malnutrition, sarcopenia, and even cognitive and mental dysfunction. In kidneys, renal function such as glomerular filtration, urine concentration and dilution, and homeostasis of sodium and potassium, can be influenced by the aging process. In addition, it's worth noting that CKD and end stage of kidney disease (ESRD) patients are often accompanied by an activation of immune system and inflammation. It involves both the innate and adaptive immune system. Based on these backgrounds, in this review article, we attempt to summarize the epidemiological characteristics of CKD in aging population, discuss the immunological mechanisms in aging-related CKD, and furnish the reader with the process in therapy and management for elderly patients with CKD.