Abstract: SA-PO1111
SGLT2 Inhibition Ameliorates Age-Dependent Renovascular Rarefaction
Session Information
- Geriatric Nephrology
November 08, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Geriatric Nephrology
- 1300 Geriatric Nephrology
Authors
- Paulmann, Anastasia, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, NDS, Germany
- Cox, Matthew, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Boewer, Tom Jannek, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, NDS, Germany
- Somers, Hannah, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Fuqua, Jeremy Heath, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Seaman, Ryan P, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Graber, Joel H, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Mahajan, Anchal, Colby College, Waterville, Maine, United States
- Johnson, Cory P., Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Beverly-Staggs, Laura L., Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove, Maine, United States
- Sandhi, Sonia, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, NDS, Germany
- Schenk, Heiko Joachim, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, NDS, Germany
- Haller, Hermann, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hanover, NDS, Germany
Background
Aging is associated with progressive loss of renal function and vascular structure, with and without chronic kidney disease. However, the mechanisms driving renal vascular aging and potential therapeutic interventions remain poorly understood.
Methods
To model this state-of-affairs, we used African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), a naturally short-lived vertebrate. We then inhibited the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibition (SGLT2i) to test a potential therapeutic intervention. Histological, immunofluorescent, and 3D vascular imaging were used to evaluate glomerular, tubular, and vascular changes. Single-nuclei transcriptomic profiling was performed on whole kidneys to identify age- and treatment-associated molecular signatures.
Results
Aged killifish kidneys exhibited hallmark features of human renal aging, including glomerulosclerosis, tubular fibrosis, and vascular rarefaction. Functional changes included increased proteinuria and altered tubular transporter expression. Transcriptomic profiling revealed a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and upregulation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Aged vasculature also displayed a marked reduction in tight junctions and cell–cell contacts. Dapagliflozin attenuated age-related vascular rarefaction, preserved functional peritubular capillary networks, and reduced albuminuria by restoring a youthful transcriptional profile and enhancing intercellular signaling. However, fish lifespan was not extended.
Conclusion
This study establishes the killifish as a translational model for investigating renal vascular aging. We show that SGLT2i preserves renal microvascular structure and function, reduces proteinuria, and reprograms the aged transcriptome. These results support a vascular-protective role of SGLT2i in mitigating age-related renal deterioration.
Funding
- Other NIH Support – AstraZeneca