Fibrosis and renal aging.

Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis increase in the aging kidney, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases with increasing age. Decreases in stem cell number and function contribute to renal aging. High-dose angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) not only slows the progression of glomerular and vascular sclerosis in aging but can also induce regression of these processes independently of its hemodynamic actions. By using new interventions, such as peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist, we can manipulate the process of renal aging by regulating stem cells and other mechanisms.