Aldosterone and progression of kidney disease

Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Apr;3(2):133-43. doi: 10.1177/1753944708100409. Epub 2009 Jan 26.

Abstract

Experimental evidence indicates that aldosterone, besides its mineralcorticoid properties, directly contributes to accelerate renal damage through promotion of cell growth, fibrosis and inflammation. As a consequence, attenuation of growth-promoting and fibroproliferative effects of aldosterone might contribute to slow progression of chronic renal injury. Preliminary clinical observations have documented that aldosterone blockers added to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor- and/or angiotensin receptor blocker-based regimens exerted significant antiproteinuric effects in patients with diabetic and nondiabetic nephropathies. Further studies in larger cohorts are now required to definitively address the safety and efficacy of aldosterone antagonism in patients with chronic kidney diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aldosterone / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / complications
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Kidney Diseases / prevention & control
  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Proteinuria / etiology
  • Proteinuria / prevention & control
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
  • Aldosterone