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Published on: December 9, 2018
Is the mineralocorticoid receptor a potential target for stroke prevention?
Jessica M Osmond1, Christine' S Rigsby, Anne M Dorrance
1Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Insights
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism may prevent strokes by protecting cerebral blood vessels. This effect may involve the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and collagen levels in vessel walls.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Aldosterone has significant extra-renal effects contributing to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
- Stroke is a major cause of mortality globally.
- Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism is being investigated as a stroke preventative therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of MR antagonism in preventing both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of MR antagonism in the cerebral vasculature.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the cerebral vasculature.
- Investigates the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and activation.
- Examines the impact on vessel wall collagen deposition.
Main Results:
- MR antagonism demonstrates a protective effect against stroke.
- This protection is linked to actions within the cerebral vasculature.
- Potential mechanisms involve EGFR signaling and collagen accumulation.
Conclusions:
- MR antagonism represents a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke prevention.
- The protective effects are mediated through the cerebral vasculature.
- EGFR and collagen deposition are identified as key factors in this protective mechanism.
Abstract:
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the extra-renal effects of aldosterone play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the Western world, and MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) antagonism is a potential preventative therapy for patients at risk of both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. This protective effect of MR antagonism appears to occur at the level of the cerebral vasculature and may be related to the expression and activation of the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and the degree of vessel wall collagen deposition.
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