Reversibility of organ damage in primary aldosteronism: role of salt-dependent mechanisms (B14)

• Subject Area: Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 314061271

B14 investigates end-organ injuries in primary aldosteronism (PA) and their enhancement by high salt diet and hybrid steroids. Using a mouse model which closely mimics the human steroid hypersecretion pattern, we found that high salt and aldosterone plus high salt induce distinct pro-fibrotic kidney endothelial phenotypes. Building on this, B14 will examine how dietary salt and aldosterone interact in fibrosis and define the pathogenic role of PA-associated hybrid steroids like 18-oxocortisol. Finally, B14 will evaluate pragmatic antifibrotic strategies with a low barrier to clinical translation, including SGLT2 inhibitors, to optimize end-organ protection in PA.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 205: The Adrenal: Central Relay in Health and Disease
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Dresden
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Felix Beuschlein; Professor Dr. Thomas Gudermann, since 7/2021; Professor Dr. Martin Reincke, until 6/2021; Dr. Holger Schneider