Aldosterone breakthrough during ras blockade: A role for endothelins and their antagonists?

Aldosterone breakthrough with benazepril in furosemide-activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in normal dogs

Pilot studies in our laboratory revealed that furosemide-induced renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation was not attenuated by the subsequent co-administration of benazepril. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of benazepril on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and furosemide-induced circulating RAAS activation. Our hypothesis was that benazepril suppression of ACE activity would not suppress furosemide-induced circulating RAAS activation, indicated by urinary aldosterone concentration. Ten healthy hound dogs were used in this study. The effect of furosemide (2 mg/kg p.o., q12h; Group F; n = 5) and furosemide plus benazepril (1 mg/kg p.o., q24h; Group FB; n = 5) on circulating RAAS was determined by plasma ACE activity, 4-6 h posttreatment, and urinary aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) on days -1, -2, 1, 3, and 7. There was a significant increase in the average UAldo:C (μg/g) after the administration of furosemide (Group F baseline [average of days -1 and -2] UAldo:C = 0.41, SD 0.15; day 1 UAldo:C = 1.1, SD 0.56; day 3 UAldo:C = 0.85, SD 0.50; day 7 UAldo:C = 1.1, SD 0.80, P < 0.05). Benazepril suppressed ACE activity (U/L) in Group FB (Group FB baseline ACE = 16.4, SD 4.2; day 1 ACE = 3.5, SD 1.4; day 3 ACE = 1.6, SD 1.3; day 7 ACE = 1.4, SD 1.4, P < 0.05) but did not significantly reduce aldosterone excretion (Group FB baseline UAldo:C = 0.35, SD 0.16; day 1 UAldo:C = 0.79, SD 0.39; day 3 UAldo:C 0.92, SD 0.48, day 7 UAldo:C = 0.99, SD 0.48, P < 0.05). Benazepril decreased plasma ACE activity but did not prevent furosemide-induced RAAS activation, indicating aldosterone breakthrough (escape). This is particularly noteworthy in that breakthrough is observed at the time of initiation of RAAS suppression, as opposed to developing after months of therapy.

The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (2013 Grover Conference series)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with aberrant pulmonary vascular remodeling that leads to increased pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right ventricular dysfunction. There is now accumulating evidence that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated and contributes to cardiopulmonary remodeling that occurs in PAH. Increased plasma and lung tissue levels of angiotensin and aldosterone have been detected in experimental models of PAH and shown to correlate with cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular remodeling. These processes are abrogated by treatment with angiotensin receptor or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. At a cellular level, angiotensin and aldosterone activate oxidant stress signaling pathways that decrease levels of bioavailable nitric oxide, increase inflammation, and promote cell proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix remodeling, and fibrosis. Clinically, enhanced renin-angiotensin activity and elevated levels of aldosterone have been detected in patients with PAH, which suggests a role for angiotensin and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the treatment of PAH. This review will examine the current evidence linking renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation to PAH with an emphasis on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are modulated by aldosterone and may be of importance for the pathobiology of PAH.

Suppression of aldosterone synthesis and secretion by ca(2+) channel antagonists

Aldosterone, a specific mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) agonist and a key player in the development of hypertension, is synthesized as a final product of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Hypertension can be generally treated by negating the effects of angiotensin II through the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs). However, the efficacy of angiotensin II blockade by such drugs is sometimes diminished by the so-called "aldosterone breakthrough" effect, by which ACE-Is or ARBs (renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors) gradually lose their effectiveness against hypertension due to the overproduction of aldosterone, known as primary aldosteronism. Although MR antagonists are used to antagonize the effects of aldosterone, these drugs may, however, give rise to life-threatening adverse actions, such as hyperkalemia, particularly when used in conjunction with RAS inhibitors. Recently, several groups have reported that some dihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel blockers (CCBs) have inhibitory actions on aldosterone production in in vitro and in the clinical setting. Therefore, the use of such dihydropyridine CCBs to treat aldosterone-related hypertension may prove beneficial to circumvent such therapeutic problems. In this paper, we discuss the mechanism of action of CCBs on aldosterone production and clinical perspectives for CCB use to inhibit MR activity in hypertensive patients.

Angiotensin III stimulates aldosterone secretion from adrenal gland partially via angiotensin II type 2 receptor but not angiotensin II type 1 receptor

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang III stimulate aldosterone secretion by adrenal glomerulosa, but the angiotensin receptor subtypes involved and the effects of Ang IV and Ang (1-7) are not clear. In vitro, different angiotensins were added to rat adrenal glomerulosa, and aldosterone concentration in the medium was measured. Ang II-induced aldosterone release was blocked (30.3 ± 7.1%) by an Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist, PD123319. Candesartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist, also blocked Ang II-induced aldosterone release (42.9 ± 4.8%). Coadministration of candesartan and PD123319 almost abolished the Ang II-induced aldosterone release. A selective AT2R agonist, CGP42112, was used to confirm the effects of AT2R. CGP42112 increased aldosterone secretion, which was almost completely inhibited by PD123319. In addition to Ang II, Ang III also induced aldosterone release, which was not blocked by candesartan. However, PD123319 blocked 22.4 ± 10.5% of the Ang III-induced aldosterone secretion. Ang IV and Ang (1-7) did not induce adrenal aldosterone secretion. In vivo, both Ang II and Ang III infusion increased plasma aldosterone concentration, but only Ang II elevated blood pressure. Ang IV and Ang (1-7) infusion did not affect blood pressure or aldosterone concentration. In conclusion, this report showed for the first time that AT2R partially mediates Ang III-induced aldosterone release, but not AT1R. Also, over 60% of Ang III-induced aldosterone release may be independent of both AT1R and AT2R. Ang III and AT2R signaling may have a role in the pathophysiology of aldosterone breakthrough.

Regulation of blood pressure and salt homeostasis by endothelin

Endothelin (ET) peptides and their receptors are intimately involved in the physiological control of systemic blood pressure and body Na homeostasis, exerting these effects through alterations in a host of circulating and local factors. Hormonal systems affected by ET include natriuretic peptides, aldosterone, catecholamines, and angiotensin. ET also directly regulates cardiac output, central and peripheral nervous system activity, renal Na and water excretion, systemic vascular resistance, and venous capacitance. ET regulation of these systems is often complex, sometimes involving opposing actions depending on which receptor isoform is activated, which cells are affected, and what other prevailing factors exist. A detailed understanding of this system is important; disordered regulation of the ET system is strongly associated with hypertension and dysregulated extracellular fluid volume homeostasis. In addition, ET receptor antagonists are being increasingly used for the treatment of a variety of diseases; while demonstrating benefit, these agents also have adverse effects on fluid retention that may substantially limit their clinical utility. This review provides a detailed analysis of how the ET system is involved in the control of blood pressure and Na homeostasis, focusing primarily on physiological regulation with some discussion of the role of the ET system in hypertension.

The RAAS in the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Angiotensin II and other components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic renal disease. A study in patients with type 1 diabetes and overt nephropathy found that RAAS inhibition with angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors was associated with a reduced risk of progression to end-stage renal disease and mortality compared with non-RAAS-inhibiting drugs. Blood-pressure control was similar between groups and proteinuria reduction was responsible for a large part of the renoprotective and cardioprotective effect. ACE inhibitors can also prevent microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes who are hypertensive and normoalbuminuric; in addition, ACE inhibitors are cardioprotective even in the early stages of diabetic renal disease. Angiotensin-II-receptor blockers (ARBs) are renoprotective (but not cardioprotective) in patients with type 2 diabetes and overt nephropathy or microalbuminuria. Studies have evaluated the renoprotective effect of other RAAS inhibitors, such as aldosterone antagonists and renin inhibitors, administered either alone or in combination with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. An important task for the future will be identifying which combination of agents achieves the best renoprotection (and cardioprotection) at the lowest cost. Such findings will have major implications, particularly in settings where money and facilities are limited and in settings where renal replacement therapy is not available and the prevention of kidney failure is life saving.

Renal protective effect of RAAS blockade across the renal continuum, with a review of the efficacy and safety of valsartan

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this report is to review key data on the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan, along with data from several pivotal studies with other ARBs and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, to highlight the beneficial class effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade throughout the renal continuum.

METHODS

The selection of articles was based on a search of PubMed for clinical trials published between 1997 (the year in which valsartan was approved for sale in the US) and 2009 that involved valsartan and reported effects on renal function, plus a select range of articles on other agents acting on the RAAS, including key guidance documents issued during this time.

SUMMARY

Valsartan has been studied extensively and is widely used for the management of hypertension. Data from clinical studies involving valsartan and other ARBs and ACE inhibitors provide evidence of an additional renal protective effect. This renal protection apparently arises from hemodynamic, endothelial, and anti-inflammatory actions.

LIMITATIONS

Given the extent of the available literature on this topic, this review included only a subset of available publications. This report may reflect inherent heterogeneity between patient populations from these studies and also incorporate the limitations of these individual publications. The inclusion of guidance documents from several organizations may have resulted in apparent minor conflicts in the approaches of the different groups.

Dynamic changes of the renin-angiotensin and associated systems in the rat after pharmacological and dietary interventions in vivo

To address the multiplicity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with particular interest in its local, synergistic regulation, we investigate dynamic changes of the RAS and associated systems in response to external stimuli in the rat. We tested influences of the RAS blockade (candesartan and enalapril), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), high lipid diet, and salt loading on tissue mRNA level of 12 principal genes. Under the hemodynamic conditions appropriately predetermined, we quantitatively evaluated mRNA level changes with and without each intervention in five organs-the brain, heart, kidney, liver, and adipose tissues-of male rats (n = 5 each). A total of 250 tissues were examined by real-time PCR. Significant changes in mRNA level (P < 0.05) were found in a drug-, diet- and tissue-specific manner. For instance, 29% of genes (14 out of 48 tissues showing detectable mRNA levels) were differentially regulated by candesartan and enalapril, although both drugs reduced blood pressure to similar extents. When the overall interactions among 12 genes were compared between interventions, the RAS and associated systems appeared to change in the opposite direction between candesartan and high lipid diet in the adipose tissue and between candesartan and salt loading in the heart. Enalapril, however, induced unique patterns of perturbation in the local RAS under the corresponding conditions. Thus, this study provides a fundamental picture of gene expression profile in vivo in the RAS and associated systems. In particular, our data highlight differential regulation between candesartan and enalapril, which may reflect the individual pharmacological properties regarding clinical implications.

Aldosterone breakthrough caused by chronic blockage of angiotensin II type 1 receptors in human adrenocortical cells: possible involvement of bone morphogenetic protein-6 actions

Circulating aldosterone concentrations occasionally increase after initial suppression with angiotensin II (Ang II) converting enzyme inhibitors or Ang II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs), a phenomenon referred to as aldosterone breakthrough. However, the underlying mechanism causing the aldosterone breakthrough remains unknown. Here we investigated whether aldosterone breakthrough occurs in human adrenocortical H295R cells in vitro. We recently reported that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-6, which is expressed in adrenocortical cells, enhances Ang II- but not potassium-induced aldosterone production in human adrenocortical cells. Accordingly, we examined the roles of BMP-6 in aldosterone breakthrough induced by long-term treatment with ARB. Ang II stimulated aldosterone production by adrenocortical cells. This Ang II stimulation was blocked by an ARB, candesartan. Interestingly, the candesartan effects on Ang II-induced aldosterone synthesis and CYP11B2 expression were attenuated in a course of candesartan treatment for 15 d. The impairment of candesartan effects on Ang II-induced aldosterone production was also observed in Ang II- or candesartan-pretreated cells. Levels of Ang II type 1 receptor mRNA were not changed by chronic candesartan treatment. However, BMP-6 enhancement of Ang II-induced ERK1/2 signaling was resistant to candesartan. The BMP-6-induced Smad1, -5, and -8 phosphorylation, and BRE-Luc activity was augmented in the presence of Ang II and candesartan in the chronic phase. Chronic Ang II exposure decreased cellular expression levels of BMP-6 and its receptors activin receptor-like kinase-2 and activin type II receptor mRNAs. Cotreatment with candesartan reversed the inhibitory effects of Ang II on the expression levels of these mRNAs. The breakthrough phenomenon was attenuated by neutralization of endogenous BMP-6 and activin receptor-like kinase-2. Collectively, these data suggest that changes in BMP-6 availability and response may be involved in the occurrence of cellular escape from aldosterone suppression under chronic treatment with ARB.