Age-Related Histomorphological Changes in Human Kidneys: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

Background: As people become older, their kidneys change in both structure and function, which makes them less able to do their job and raises the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in older people. Even though a lot of research has been done on Western cultures, there isn't much information about how kidneys age in South Asian populations, like Bangladesh. Objective: The goal of this study was to look at how the structure of human kidneys varies with age in different age groups using cadaver samples from Bangladesh. Methodology: At Dhaka Medical College, researchers did a descriptive cross-sectional study on 100 kidneys from unclaimed bodies. The bodies were divided into four age groups: 10–19, 20–39, 40–59, and 60 years or older. We assessed morphometric characteristics such kidney weight, length, width, thickness, and volume. We also used hematoxylin and eosin staining to look at the number and size of glomeruli. ANOVA and unpaired t-tests were used to do the statistical analysis. Results: The size and volume of the kidneys were highest in the 20–39 years group and dropped a lot in older age groups (≥60 years). As people got older, the number of glomeruli per mm² went down, but the diameter of the glomeruli went up. This is a sign of compensatory hypertrophy. Histological results also showed that older kidneys had more interstitial fibrosis and thicker blood vessels. These findings support global patterns of kidney aging and draw attention to unique structural changes in South Asia. Conclusion: The work gives important baseline histomorphological information about how kidneys age in a South Asian population, showing that the structure of kidneys starts to break down after age 60. To find and treat age-related kidney disorders early, it's important to understand these changes, especially in places like Bangladesh where resources are limited.