Candesartan: A new-generation angiotensin II AT(1) receptor blocker: Pharmacology, antihypertensive efficacy, renal function, and renoprotection

Candesartan, which is the active compound formed during adsorption of cande sartan cilexetil, is one of the new generation of angiotensin II AT(1) rece ptor blockers. Candesartan is an insurmountable blocker with a slow dissoci ation from the AT(1) receptor, and it has been shown to effectively reduce BP in humans and in a variety of genetic and experimental models of hyperte nsion. Possible mechanisms for a better effect in BP reduction compared wit h losartan may be the insurmountable characteristics of binding or more pro nounced renal effects, but these need further evaluation. Candesartan has f avorable effects on renal function demonstrated in both humans and animals, and has also been shown to protect the kidney in several models of renal i njury. The beneficial effects exerted by candesartan could oven be demonstr ated in experimental models of hypertension in which BP is affected little, if at all. The renoprotective effects have been observed in the regulation of gene expression, as well as in biochemical and histologic evaluations.