Gender-dependent mechanisms of injury and repair

This chapter explores the role that sex hormones play in the development and progression of renal disease. Possible pathogenic mechanisms are described including the effects of sex hormones on cell biology and on the synthesis and release of vasoactive factors and inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines. Next, the role of sex hormones in influencing repair and regeneration following renal injury is discussed and possible pathogenic mechanisms explored. In light of the paucity of data that examine interactions between sex hormones and regeneration in the kidney, this chapter also draws on data which examine the role of sex hormones in the regeneration of nonrenal tissue to suggest avenues for future translational research involving the kidney.