Metabolic Effects of Renal Denervation

In the present review article we address the issue of the potential effect of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) on metabolic states associated with resistant hypertension. So far, there is an established pathophysiological background denoting that abnormalities in glucose metabolism especially in obese patients and in those with sleep apnea are constantly accompanied by increased sympathetic firing, as assessed by markers of sympathetic activity. Since resistant hypertension is also characterized by enhanced sympathetic activity, it seems logical and biologically plausible, that RSD might favorably influence impaired glucose metabolism, sleep disorders and increased body adiposity beyond BP lowering. Despite the limited evidence from clinical trials, there are promising data suggesting that RSD indeed ameliorates glucose metabolism-related measures in resistant hypertension. Well-designed randomized trials recruiting a larger number of patients with hypertension, and focused on metabolic parameters, may refine the role of RSD as a potential intervention to treat dysmetabolic states associated with hypertension.