ALDOSTERONE IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE PROGRESSION OF RENAL-DISEASE

There is compelling evidence supporting the renin-angiotensin-aldoster one system contribution in experimental and human renal disease. Inter ruption of this system by converting enzyme inhibition or angiotensin II receptor antagonism reduces injury. Angiotensin II contributes to t he progression of renal disease through its direct vascular effects an d proliferative properties. The mediators of angiotensin II induced re nal injury are many and include TGF-beta, PDGF, bFGF, and endothelin. Though the mechanisms involved in its contribution to progressive rena l disease are not well delineated, aldosterone seems to be an overlook ed contributor to the progression of kidney disease and its effects ma y also depend on both its hemodynamic and more direct cellular actions .