Blockage of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is now recognized as an effective approach to the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Today, it is possible to antagonize the effects of angiotensin II (AT-II) more specifically by blocking its receptors by using nonpeptide receptor antagonists. AT-II-receptor antagonists were developed as agents that would more completely block...

Bilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS) causing recurrent hypertensive emergency and pulmonary oedema is difficult to manage. Use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) II receptor blockers (ARB) usually contraindicated. We present a systematic review literature case vignette which highlights the useful properties this mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRAs) in scenario.

in this paper, a general introduction is given, presenting the overactive bladder syndrome (oab) and its impact on the quality of life and economical burden in patients affected. moreover, the anatomy, physiology and histology of the lower urinary tract are discussed, followed by a brief overview on the possible role of prostaglandin (pg) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (pde5) in the urinary bladd...

We compared the effects of two long-term antihypertensive treatments (ACE inhibitors vs. Ca antagonists) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and LV function in patients with essential hypertension and LVH. After a washout period of at least 4 wk, ceronapril or delapril was administered to 18 patients and nifedipine or nicardipine to 15 patients for 6 months. Mean blood pressure (MBP), LV mass...

Atherothrombosis is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in Western countries. Several clinical conditions are characterized by increased incidence of cardiovascular events and enhanced thromboxane (TX)-dependent platelet activation. Enhanced TX generation may be explained by mechanisms relatively insensitive to aspirin. More potent drugs possibly overcoming aspirin efficacy may be desira...

Background: The prostate gland is surrounded by periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) that can release mediators interfere in function. In this study, we examined the effect of supernatant obtained from obese mice on reactivity vitro and viability human prostatic epithelial cell lines. Methods: Male C57BL/6 were fed a standard or high-fat diet after which PPAT was isolated, incubated Krebs-Hensel...

Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) has evolved from surgical therapy to medical monotherapy to combination therapy. First-line medical therapy for men with LUTS remains agents that decrease outlet resistance: alpha-adrenergic antagonists and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. Alpha-adrenergic agents decrease smooth muscle tone in the prostate and ...

One possible intervention to interrupt the deleterious effects of the renin-angiotensin system is suppression of angiotensin II (Ang II) formation by inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). However, ACE inhibition incompletely suppresses Ang II formation and also leads to accumulation of bradykinin. Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors are believed to promote the known deleterious e...