Pathophysiology of the aging kidney and therapeutic interventions

Kidneys are among the organs affected by the aging process. Aging kidneys are characterized by progressive scarring and measurable declines in renal function. Deficiencies in renal function are associated with mortality in all populations. Therefore, if the kidneys age at an accelerated rate relative to the other organs in a particular individual, then slowing or reversing the kidney aging process may be a therapeutically useful strategy. In this review, we will discuss the physiology and pathogenesis of kidney aging and analyze potential therapeutic strategies for halting the aging process in the kidneys. Hypertension Research (2012) 35, 1121-1128; doi: 10.1038/hr.2012.159; published online 18 October 2012