The research in the laboratory is focused on the mechanisms underlying renal disease progression to end-stage kidney failure.
Key areas of interest are the following:
- the relationship between structural and functional alteration of specialized renal cells, the podocytes, and the development of proteinuria
- epigenetics in glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage
- the role of the renin angiotensin system and its modulation in the progression of proteinuric nephropathies toward end stagerenal disease
The experimental approach includes themorphologic analysis of the kidney through the use of a high-power resolution technique, i.e. the micro computed tomography, and appropriate software for image processing and 3D reconstruction of renal structures.
RESEARCH AREAS
Vascular rarefaction and progression of chronic nephropathies
Vascular rarefaction plays an important role in the progression of renal fibrosis and in the onset of kidney failure. In an experimental model of chronic nephropathy, we have documented that angiotensin inhibitors can repair injured kidneys through the regeneration of renal vessels. So far, this class of anti-hypertensive drugs is the only therapeutic strategy able to retard chronic kidney disease progression in humans. Mechanistic understanding of kidney vascular rarefaction in chronic kidney disease and regeneration after treatment could help to identify novel pharmacological targets for more tailored therapeutic approaches in patients with diabetic nephropathies, who partially respond to angiotensin inhibitor treatment.
International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
