Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
07:36

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice

Published on: September 26, 2018

Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in the protection of target organ damage

Paolo Mulatero1, Alberto Milan, Tracy Ann Williams

  • 1Ospedale San Vito, Strada San Vito 34, 10133 Torino, Italy. paolo.mulatero@libero.it

Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
|March 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Aldosterone contributes to cardiovascular diseases through kidney and non-epithelial effects. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, like spironolactone and eplerenone, show protective effects against organ damage.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Endocrinology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Aldosterone classically regulates sodium reabsorption in the kidney.
  • Emerging evidence highlights aldosterone's non-epithelial roles in cardiovascular pathogenesis, including inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis.
  • These effects contribute to target organ damage in cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review experimental evidence on the protective effects of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade.
  • To examine the role of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in preventing and treating cardiovascular target organ damage.
  • To discuss pharmacological and clinical distinctions between spironolactone and eplerenone.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental studies in animal models.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data in humans.
  • Comparative discussion of spironolactone and eplerenone.

Main Results:

  • Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade demonstrates protective effects against target organ damage in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Evidence supports the use of these blockers in both prevention and treatment.
  • Pharmacological and clinical differences exist between spironolactone and eplerenone.

Conclusions:

  • Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade is a key therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular target organ damage.
  • Understanding the differences between available blockers is crucial for clinical application.
  • Further research may elucidate optimal use in various cardiovascular conditions.

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