Do antagonists of angiotensin II AT1 receptors protect the kidney?

A lot of evidence points to the important role of the renin-angiotensin system in the physiopathology of hypertension and the progression of chronic renal failure. In this review, the authors report the data concerning the protective effects of antagonists of angiotensin II AT1 receptors (AT1ra). The AT1 ra have been shown to have beneficial effects in most experimental models of nephropathy in which they have been tested (renal ischaemia, essential or induced hypertension, glomerulonephritis, 5/6 nephrectomy, renal transplantation, induced diabetes, toxic and radiotherapy-induced nephropathy). Clinical trials confirm these beneficial effects. In healthy subjects and hypertensive patients, the AT1 ra have identical effects to those of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on renal haemodynamics. In hypertensives, Candesartan and Irbesartan increase renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate and decrease the filtration fraction. Two studies have also shown that Candesartan and Irbesartan reduce proteinuria in diabetic patients. Similar results have been reported in essential hypertension with renal failure. These data suggest that AT1 ra have beneficial effects on the progression of experimental kidney disease and on proteinuria in the clinical setting. Of the pharmacological agents available for use in this class, it is essential to propose molecules whose efficacy in antagonising the effects of angiotensin II lasts throughout the 24 hour period. Clinical trials are under way to evaluate the effects of AT1 ra on renal function in man over a long period.