Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Understanding the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in pets
By Ames, Marisa K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2019·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its suppression.
Plain-English summary
This research looks at a system in the body called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which can become overactive and contribute to serious health problems like heart failure, high blood pressure, and kidney disease in pets. When certain substances in this system, like angiotensin II and aldosterone, are too high, they can cause harmful changes in the heart and kidneys. While there are treatments designed to lower the activity of this system, many pets still suffer from these conditions. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research to better understand how to manage this system, which could lead to improved health and longer lives for dogs and cats affected by these diseases.
Abstract
Chronic activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) promotes and perpetuates the syndromes of congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Excessive circulating and tissue angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone levels lead to a pro-fibrotic, -inflammatory, and -hypertrophic milieu that causes remodeling and dysfunction in cardiovascular and renal tissues. Understanding of the role of the RAAS in this abnormal pathologic remodeling has grown over the past few decades and numerous medical therapies aimed at suppressing the RAAS have been developed. Despite this, morbidity from these diseases remains high. Continued investigation into the complexities of the RAAS should help clinicians modulate (suppress or enhance) components of this system and improve quality of life and survival. This review focuses on updates in our understanding of the RAAS and the pathophysiology of AngII and aldosterone excess, reviewing what is known about its suppression in cardiovascular and renal diseases, especially in the cat and dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30806496/