[Testosterone inhibits human wild-type and chimeric aldosterone synthase activity in vitro].

Background: Familial hyperaldosteronism type I is caused by the generation of a chimeric aldosterone synthase enzyme (ASCE) which is regulated by ACTH instead of angiotensin II. We have reported that in vitro, the wild-type (ASWT) and chimeric aldosterone synthase (ASCE) enzymes are inhibited by progesterone and estradiol does not affect their activity.

Aim: To explore the direct action of testosterone on ASWT and ASCE enzymes.

Eplerenone Implantation Improved Adipose Dysfunction Averting RAAS Activation and Cell Division.

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation within adipose tissue, triggers inflammation and metabolic syndrome development. The pharmacological blockade of MR provides beneficial effects for adipose tissue. Our study evaluates the impact of eplerenone implantation upon obesity.

The Aldosterone/Renin Ratio Predicts Cardiometabolic Disorders in Subjects Without Classic Primary Aldosteronism.

Background: Aldosterone has been linked with obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), pro-inflammatory, and prothrombotic states; however, most studies relate these indicators with primary aldosteronism (PA), excluding non-PA patients.

Objective: To determine whether aldosterone, renin, or the plasma aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) are associated with metabolic disorders and inflammatory/vascular biomarkers in a non-PA population.

Methods: We studied 275 patients including adolescents and adults of both genders and measured plasma and urinary aldosterone and determined the plasma renin activity.

Clinical, Biochemical, and Genetic Characteristics of "Nonclassic" Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome.

Context: Classical apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a rare recessive disorder, caused by severe 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11β-HSD2) deficiency. AME manifests as low-renin pediatric hypertension, hypokalemia and high cortisol/cortisone (F/E) ratio.

Objective: To evaluate nonclassic AME (NC-AME) due to partial 11β-HSD2 insufficiency and its association with hypertension, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation, and inflammatory parameters.

Sodium Intake Is associated With Endothelial Damage Biomarkers and Metabolic Dysregulation.

Background: Mounting evidence has associated high sodium (HS) intake with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. We investigated whether HS intake modulates the parameters of endothelial damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional study design including 223 Chilean subjects (6.

Cortisol/cortisone ratio and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity are associated with pediatric primary hypertension.

Objective: To identify novel biomarkers associated with pediatric primary hypertension.

Methods: We recruited 350 participants (4-16 years). Anthropometric parameters and aldosterone, plasma renin activity, cortisol, cortisone, Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 levels and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-9 and MMP-2) activities were measured.

Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System beyond Blood Pressure Regulation: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Involved in End-Organ Damage during Arterial Hypertension.

Arterial hypertension is a common condition worldwide and an important predictor of several complicated diseases. Arterial hypertension can be triggered by many factors, including physiological, genetic, and lifestyle causes. Specifically, molecules of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system not only play important roles in the control of blood pressure, but they are also associated with the genesis of arterial hypertension, thus constituting a need for pharmacological interventions.

Usefulness and Pitfalls in Sodium Intake Estimation: Comparison of Dietary Assessment and Urinary Excretion in Chilean Children and Adults.

Background: High sodium intake has been associated with various noncommunicable disease like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. To estimate accurately sodium intake is challenging in clinical practice. We investigate the usefulness and limitations of assessing sodium intake simultaneously by dietary assessment and urinary samples in both children and adults.

Citosine-Adenine-Repeat Microsatellite of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 Gene in Hypertensive Children.

Background: The impairment of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11βHSD2) results in an inefficient conversion of cortisol to cortisone, which triggers hypertension. Cytosine-adenine repeat (CA repeat) microsatellite has been associated with low HSD11B2 gene expression.

Aim: To determine whether the CA-repeat length in intron 1 affect the serum cortisol to cortisone (F/E) ratio and/or blood pressure (BP) levels in pediatric subjects.

Identification of novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitors by combined ligand- and structure-based virtual screening.

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) converts cortisone to cortisol in a NADPH dependent manner. Overexpression of 11β-HSD1 in key metabolic tissues is related to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Using crystal structures of human 11β-HSD1 in complex with inhibitors as source of structural information, a combined ligand and structure-based virtual screening approach was implemented to identify novel 11β-HSD1 inhibitors.

Different effects of progesterone and estradiol on chimeric and wild type aldosterone synthase in vitro.

Background: Familial hyperaldosteronism type I (FH-I) is caused by the unequal recombination between the 11beta-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) genes, resulting in the generation of a CYP11B1/B2 chimeric gene and abnormal adrenal aldosterone production. Affected patients usually show severe hypertension and an elevated frequency of stroke at a young age. Aldosterone levels rise during pregnancy, yet in pregnant women with FH-1, their hypertensive condition either remains unchanged or may even improve.