Pharmacology of Aldosterone and the Effects of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockade on Cardiovascular Systems.

UNLABELLED: It is well-known that aldosterone plays an important role in reabsorption of sodium and fluid, and in potassium excretion in kidneys via epithelial mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Recent studies have shown that aldosterone causes cardiovascular remodeling not only in a blood pressure-dependent manner, but also in a blood pressure-independent manner by decreasing nitric oxide bioavailability and modulating oxidative stress, leading to vascular inflammation. In addition, MR blockade does provide beneficial effects associated with cardiovascular protection, resulting in a reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A growing body of evidence suggests that MR blockade is a promising therapeutic target to help prevent cardiovascular events. KEY WORDS: Aldosterone; Mineralocorticoid receptor; Nitrix oxide; Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.