Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Metabolic Syndrome: From Physiology to Disease

Publication date: Available online 14 December 2019Source: Trends in Endocrinology & MetabolismAuthor(s): Alessandra Feraco, Vincenzo Marzolla, Angelo Scuteri, Andrea Armani, Massimiliano CaprioOver the past decade, several studies have shown that activity of extra-renal mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) regulates vascular tone, adipogenesis, adipose tissue function, and cardiomyocyte contraction. In mice, abnormal activation of MR in the vasculature and in adipose tissue favors the occurrence of several components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), such as hypertension, obesity, and glucose intolerance. Accordingly, high levels of aldosterone are associated with obesity and MetS in humans, suggesting that altered activation of aldosterone-MR system in extra-renal tissues leads to profound metabolic dysfunctions. In this context, in addition to the classical indications for heart failure and hypertension, MR antagonists (MRAs) nowadays represent a promising approach to tackle cardiovascular and metabolic disorders occurring in the MetS.
Source: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research