Hypertension and kidneys: unraveling complex molecular mechanisms underlying hypertensive renal damage

Hypertension and kidneys: unraveling complex molecular mechanisms underlying hypertensive renal damage

Por: S Mennuni, S Rubattu, G Pierelli, G Tocci, C Fofi y M Volpe.  Journal of Human Hypertension (2013) 28, 74–79.

Kidney damage represents a frequent event in the course of hypertension, ranging from a benign to a malignant form of nephropathy depending on several factors, that is, individual susceptibility, degree of hypertension, type of etiology and underlying kidney disease. Multiple mechanisms are involved in determination of kidney glomerular, tubular and interstitial injuries in hypertension. The present review article discusses relevant ontributory molecular mechanisms underpinning the promotion of hypertensive renal damage, such as the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and genetic and epigenetic determinants. We highlighted major pathways involved in the progression of inflammation and fibrosis leading to glomerular sclerosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, thus providing a state of the art review of the pathogenetic background useful for a better understanding of current and future therapeutic strategies toward hypertensive nephropathy.