We are an international research consortium of medical and scientific investigators from academic and research centers in The Netherlands and Brazil. Our aim is to illuminate the effect of particulate matter (PM) in polluted air on processes underlying
renal aging

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Premature kidney ageing is a risk factor for cardio-vascular adverse events, development of chronic kidney disease and progression towards end stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is associated with poor quality of life, high morbidity and mortality, and tremendous health care expenses. The incidence of ESRD varies greatly among countries with 6% in The Netherlands compared to 11% in São Paulo. One of the factors likely contributing to the heterogeneity in renal ageing is the exposure to particulate matter in polluted air. The Dutch team aims to cooperate with the Brazilian one in researching how air pollution induces molecular and biological changes in the kidney and how it influences premature renal ageing.