[Renin as a target of direct pharmacological block in arterial hypertension]

Renin is a basic component of renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system which contributes much to the activity of this system. Renin and its precursor prorenin can interact with prorenin receptors thus inducing hypertrophy and fibrogenesis in target tissues. Many variants of arterial hypertension are associated with plasmic renin activation suggesting high efficacy of direct renin inhibitors. Large controlled clinical trials demonstrated that one of such inhibitors, aliskiren, reduces high blood pressure and damage to target organs.