The development of kidney failure is a complication suffered by many patients with heart failure (HF), where failure of one organ worsens the function of the other. Thus, further accelerating the progressive failure of both organs, ultimately leading to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Importantly, when these two conditions occur simultaneously, patients can develop fluid retention leading to poor survival. Yet, there are no specific treatments for HF-related renal dysfunction. The mechanism that leads to the onset of renal failure in HF is complex and involves a combination of renal fibrosis and poor blood supply to the kidney. Novel strategies are urgently required to improve mortality, morbidity, and quality of life.
We are currently investigating the cause of renal fibrosis in a clinically relevant mouse model of HF. We will also test whether a novel drug intervention can improve renal function in these mice and in HF patients with severe kidney impairment.