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Renal protection with the calcium antagonists
1Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Calcium antagonists offer tissue protection beyond blood pressure control. Studies show they prevent acute kidney injury from ischemia and contrast agents, and may slow chronic kidney disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Calcium antagonists are primarily known as antihypertensive drugs.
- Emerging evidence suggests their potential in tissue protection and preservation.
- Their ability to affect renal hemodynamics and block intracellular calcium overload is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of calcium antagonists in renal protection.
- To explore their efficacy in preventing acute and chronic kidney injury.
- To discuss the mechanisms underlying their renoprotective effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective, controlled studies and clinical trials.
- Analysis of experimental animal data.
- Examination of mechanisms including hemodynamic effects, cellular protection, and modulation of disease progression.
Main Results:
- Calcium antagonists demonstrated protection against postischemic acute renal failure in renal transplantation.
- Prophylactic nitrendipine use reduced the decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients receiving contrast agents.
- Evidence suggests potential benefits in preventing progressive renal disease.
Conclusions:
- Calcium antagonists show promise in ameliorating acute renal insufficiency from various insults.
- They may play a beneficial role in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
- Further research into mechanisms like reduced renal hypertrophy and free radical formation is warranted.