Antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina y protección frente al desarrollo de enfermedad renal

The kidney plays a central role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure through the effects of angiotensin II on the regulation of renal hemodynamics and glomerular and tubular function. Angiotensin II participates in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension of diverse etiologies, in part due to its effects on the kidneys. Furthermore, angiotensin II is the main humoral factor involved the progression of chronic renal insufficiency. Most of these effects of angiotensin II are mediated by attachment to its specific AT1 receptors. Pharmacological blockage of these receptors can offset some of the deleterious effects of angiotensin II. This review describes the main body of evidence about the nephroprotective effects of angiotensin receptor blockage, both with respect to drugs to administer and to different possible combinations and dosages.