22 Nov UVA Studies Effect of RAS Inhibitors for Blood Pressure on the Kidneys
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Sequeira Lopez
Maria Luisa S. Sequeira Lopez, MD, FAHA
Harrison Distinguished Professor in Pediatrics and Biology
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22908
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors are widely used as first-line medications for hypertension. The RAS inhibitors are highly effective and may prevent some of the complications of hypertension including cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Our previous experimental work showed that inhibition of the RAS lowers blood pressure and over time leads to damage of the renal arterial tree. However, the mechanism of this vascular disease is still largely unknown.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: We found that long-term RAS inhibition leads to stimulation of renin cells, hyperinnervation of the renal arterial tree together with hypertrophy of renal arteries and immune inflammatory cell infiltration. This suggests that neuro-immune-endocrine interactions may cooperate to worsen the arterial disease.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: RAS inhibitors are used to decrease blood pressure and prevent its deleterious effects in the heart and brain such as stroke.
Thus, patients should not stop taking their medications.
The blood pressure should be kept normal, and not lower it more than the necessary while monitoring kidney function. There is a need to perform studies in humans to find out how prevalent the condition may be in humans and develop biomarkers to predict who may be at risk or in need of an adjustment of meds.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: In the future, as the whole picture of neuro-immune-endocrine interaction is further clarified, we hope to be able to target and prevent this arterial disease and preserve kidney function as well as cardiovascular health.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: How to detect and prevent this renal vascular disease at an early stage will have a great impact on future hypertension treatment strategies.
We have no disclosures.
Citation:
Transformation of the Kidney into a Pathological Neuro-Immune-Endocrine Organ
Manako Yamaguchi, Lucas Ferreira de Almeida, Hiroki Yamaguchi, Xiuyin Liang, et al.
Circulation Research Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Oct 1, 2024
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325305
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Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD