Rodent Models of D-Galactose Induction of Accelerated Aging: A Platform for Exploring Kidney Aging Mechanisms and Anti-Kidney Aging Strategies

D-galactose (D-gal) induced accelerated aging is a popular and widely used experimental method in the field of aging and aging-related degenerative disorders. It has been shown that the major characteristics of D-gal induced aging process are increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant enzymes, elevated cell death, increased tissue fibrosis and accumulation of inflammatory mediators. This review focuses on D-gal induced kidney aging in mice and rats with discussions on both kidney aging mechanisms and anti-kidney aging regimens using this model. It is our belief that D-gal induction of accelerated kidney aging will continue to be used as a convenient platform for elucidating kidney aging mechanisms and exploring novel anti-kidney aging targets that may slow down kidney aging and retard the development of aging related renal disorders.