Pathophysiology of the aging kidney and therapeutic interventions

Keizo Kanasaki1, Munehiro Kitada, Daisuke Koya

  • 1Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Japan.

Insights

Kidney aging leads to scarring and reduced function, impacting overall health. This review explores kidney aging mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to slow or reverse this process.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Gerontology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The aging process significantly impacts kidney structure and function.
  • Progressive renal scarring and functional decline are hallmarks of aging kidneys.
  • Declines in renal function are linked to increased mortality across populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiology and pathogenesis of kidney aging.
  • To analyze potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating kidney aging.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on kidney aging.
  • Analysis of physiological and pathological mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of current and emerging therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Aging kidneys exhibit specific pathological changes and functional deficits.
  • Accelerated kidney aging relative to other organs presents a therapeutic target.
  • Various strategies are being investigated to modulate the kidney aging process.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding kidney aging is crucial for developing interventions.
  • Targeting kidney aging may offer a novel approach to improve healthspan.
  • Further research into therapeutic strategies holds promise for clinical application.

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