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Endothelin receptor antagonists as antihypertensives: the next frontier

Benjamin J Epstein1, Shawn Anderson

  • 1Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, 101 S. Newell Drive, HPNP Building. 212, Room 3315, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0486, USA. epstein@cop.ufl.edu.

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|June 10, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) show significant blood pressure lowering effects, particularly for resistant hypertension. These drugs also offer cardiovascular protection beyond blood pressure control.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The endothelin system plays a critical role in cardiovascular disease.
  • It contributes to blood pressure regulation and end-organ damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving role of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) in hypertension treatment.
  • To highlight the potential benefits of ERAs beyond blood pressure reduction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies on ERAs in hypertension.
  • Analysis of pharmacological properties and clinical trial data.

Main Results:

  • ERAs demonstrate a potent antihypertensive effect, especially in resistant hypertension.
  • ERAs offer protective effects on endothelial function, atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, renal function, and proteinuria.

Conclusions:

  • ERAs represent a promising therapeutic class for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
  • Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate the potential of ERAs in various cardiovascular conditions.

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