Professor, Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
Education and Career
PhD (Tohoku University, 1986)
Senior Staff at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan USA, 1987
Associate Professor, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1995
Professor of Medicine and Head, Nephrology, Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1997-present
Main research theme
We currently study the mechanisms of cardio-renal associations, with particular emphasis on salt, obesity and hypertension. We have developed unique methods of microdissenting and perfusing nephron segments, and demonstrated for the first time the intrinsic mechanisms by which salt-intake regulates renin release and glomerular hemodynamics. We also study the mechanisms regulating intrarenal hemodynamics using Laser methods. We propose that cardio-renal association is based on the unique micro-circulatory systems that are designed evolutionally to cope with hypoperfuiosn of vital organ such as brain, heart and kidney (Strain vessel hypothesis). We are currently investigating unique features of these circulatory systems. In addition to basic studies, we perform clinical studies assessing the roles of blood pressure management and various medications in the treatment of chronic kidney diseases, in particular, diabetic nephropathy.
Major achievements
Haller H, Ito S, Izzo JL Jr, Januszewicz A, Katayama S, Menne J, Mimran A, Rabelink TJ, Ritz E, Ruilope LM, Rump LC, Viberti G; ROADMAP Trial Investigators. Olmesartan for the delay or prevention of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2011 Mar 10;364(10):907-17.
Established Investigator Award (American Heart Association, 1994)
Young Investigator Award (First Prize, Inter-American Society of Hypertension, 1993)
Young Scholar Award (American Society of Hypertension, 1993)
Academy Award from The Kidney Foundation of Japan(2010)
