Aldosterone synthase inhibitors in cardiovascular and renal diseases

Pawel Namsolleck, Thomas Unger*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Aldosterone is involved in various cardiovascular pathologies, including hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis and fibrosis. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-dependent and -independent, genomic and non-genomic processes mediate its complex effects. Spironolactone and eplerenone, both MR antagonists, are the only commercially available compounds targeting directly the actions of aldosterone. However, due to the poor selectivity (spironolactone), low potency (eplerenone) and the fact that only MR-dependent effects of aldosterone can be inhibited, these drugs have limited clinical use. An attractive approach to abolish potentially all of aldosterone-mediated pathologies is the inhibition of aldosterone synthase. This review summarizes current knowledge on the complex effects mediated by aldosterone, potential advantages and disadvantages of aldosterone inhibition and novel directions in the development of aldosterone synthase inhibitors.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)I62-I68
JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation
Volume29
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014

Keywords

  • aldosterone synthase inhibitors
  • fibrosis
  • inflammation
  • mineralocorticoid receptor
  • oxidative stress

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aldosterone synthase inhibitors in cardiovascular and renal diseases'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this