Translational Research Business Unit, Dr. Takagahara will give a poster presentation at Kidney Week 2026

2026.10.02

Dr. Shuichi Takagahara of the Translational Research Business Unit will deliver a poster presentation at Kidney Week 2026,  to be held at  Colorado Convention Center, in Denver, CO. U.S.A.
If you plan to attend the conference, we encourage you to join the session and hear the presentation.

Conference Name: Kidney Week 2026

Date & Time: October 22, 2026, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Location: Colorado Convention Center, in Denver, CO. U.S.A.

Title: The SHC (Spontaneously Hypercholesterolemic) rat as a Translational Model of FSGS: Renoprotective Effects of Irbesartan

No: TH-PO0389

Presentation Summary
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of progressive kidney disease. However, many currently used animal models rely on chemically induced injury or surgical intervention and may not fully reflect the complex pathophysiology of human disease.
In this study, we evaluated the utility of SHC (spontaneously hypercholesterolemic) rats, which spontaneously develop proteinuria, renal dysfunction, and glomerulosclerosis associated with hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. To assess the translational relevance of SHC rats as a model of FSGS, we examined the effects of irbesartan, a clinically used renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor.
As a result, irbesartan treatment improved renal function, histopathological findings, and oxidative stress markers in SHC rats. These findings demonstrate that SHC rats not only recapitulate key features of human FSGS but also respond to a clinically effective therapy, supporting their utility as a translational model for drug discovery in chronic kidney disease.

Axcelead’s Soulution
Axcelead provides drug discovery services utilizing a broad range of renal disease models, including the SHC rat and the AXCC mouse, a model of Alport syndrome. These models enable the evaluation of chronic disease progression from proteinuria to renal dysfunction, fibrosis, and tissue injury.
In addition to conventional histopathological assessments, we integrate advanced omics approaches such as spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing to support not only efficacy evaluation but also mechanism-of-action (MOA) studies and biomarker discovery.
Through these capabilities, Axcelead offers comprehensive solutions for renal drug discovery, spanning nonclinical research to translational studies. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your research needs.