Effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in proteinuric kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Hyperkalemia in Chronic Kidney Disease in the New Era of Kidney Protection Therapies

Despite recent therapeutic advances, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the fastest growing global causes of death. This illustrates limitations of current therapeutic approaches and, potentially, unidentified knowledge gaps. For decades, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers have been the mainstay of therapy for CKD. However, they favor the development of hyperkalemia, which is already common in CKD patients due to the CKD-associated decrease in urinary potassium (K⁺) excretion and metabolic acidosis. Hyperkalemia may itself be life-threatening as it may trigger potentially lethal arrhythmia, and additionally may limit the prescription of RAAS blockers and lead to low-K⁺ diets associated to low dietary fiber intake. Indeed, hyperkalemia is associated with adverse kidney, cardiovascular, and survival outcomes. Recently, novel kidney protective therapies, ranging from sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have shown efficacy in clinical trials. Herein, we review K⁺ pathophysiology and the clinical impact and management of hyperkalemia considering these developments and the availability of the novel K⁺ binders patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, recent results from clinical trials targeting metabolic acidosis (sodium bicarbonate, veverimer), and an increasing understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease.

The Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers on Clinical Outcomes of Acute Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality. However, the impact of exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) in patients experiencing AKI/acute kidney disease (AKD) is still unclear. Methods: In this systematic review, we searched all relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Medline, Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov until July 21, 2020. We evaluated whether the exposure to ACEi/ARB after AKI onset alters recovery paths of AKD and impacts risks of all-cause mortality, recurrent AKI, or incident CKD. We rated the certainty of evidence according to Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach. Results: A total of seven articles, involving 70,801 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. The overall patient mortality rate in this meta-analysis was 28.4%. Among AKI patients, all-cause mortality was lower in ACEi/ARB users than in ACEi/ARB nonusers (log odds ratio (OR) -0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.42--0.32, p < 0.01). The risk of recurrent adverse kidney events after AKI was lower in ACEi/ARB users than in nonusers (logOR -0.25, 95% CI: -0.33--0.18, p < 0.01). The risk of hyperkalemia was higher in ACEi/ARB users than in nonusers (logOR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27-0.59, p < 0.01). Patients with continued use of ACEi/ARB after AKI also had lower mortality risk than those prior ACEi/ARB users but who did not resume ACEi/ARB during AKD (logOR -0.36, 95% CI: -0.4--0.31, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Exposure to ACEi/ARB after AKI is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality, recurrent AKI, and progression to incident CKD. Patients with AKI may have a survival benefit by continued use of ACEi/ARB; however, a higher incidence of hyperkalemia associated with ACEi/ARB usage among these patients deserves close clinical monitoring.

The Forgotten Antiproteinuric Properties of Diuretics

BACKGROUND

Although diuretics are one of the most widely used drugs by nephrologists, their antiproteinuric properties are not generally taken into consideration.

SUMMARY

Thiazide diuretics have been shown to reduce proteinuria by >35% in several prospective controlled studies, and these values are markedly increased when combined with a low-salt diet. Thiazide-like diuretics (indapamide and chlorthalidone) have shown similar effectiveness. The antiproteinuric effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone, and finerenone) has been clearly established through prospective and controlled studies, and treatment with finerenone reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease progression in type-2 diabetic patients. The efficacy of other diuretics such as amiloride, triamterene, acetazolamide, or loop diuretics has been less explored, but different investigations suggest that they might share the same antiproteinuric properties of other diuretics that should be evaluated through controlled studies. Although the inclusion of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) among diuretics is a controversial issue, their renoprotective and cardioprotective properties, confirmed in various landmark trials, constitute a true revolution in the treatment of patients with kidney disease. Recent subanalyses of these trials have shown that the early antiproteinuric effect induced by SGLT2i predicts long-term preservation of kidney function. Key Message: Whether the early reduction in proteinuria induced by diuretics other than finerenone and SGLT2i, as summarized in this review, also translates into long-term renoprotection requires further prospective and observational studies. In any case, it is important for the clinician to be aware of the antiproteinuric properties of drugs so often used in daily clinical practice.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists-Evidence for Kidney Protection, Trials With Novel Agents

The area of aldosterone blockade has exploded in the last decade with the development of four new compounds of a different class referred to as nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Their chemistry and clinical charatcteristics are distinctly different from their steroidal cousins. Apart from blocking aldosterone activity, albeit in a different way than the steroidal MRAs, they have much less blood pressure (BP) effects and are better tolerated. The spectrum of nonsteroidal MRAs includes one agent with significant BP reduction, KBP-5074, to agents with minimal BP effects yet have demonstrated significant cardiorenal risk reduction in diabetic kidney disease, finerenone. The paper reviews the development and pharmacology of these different agents and tries to provide a perspective as to their place in the spectrum of aldosterone excess disorders.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: Ushering in a new era of nephroprotection beyond renin-angiotensin system blockade

The therapeutic options for preventing or slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been thus far limited. While angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are, without a doubt, safe and effective drugs, a significant proportion of patients with CKD still progress to end-stage kidney disease. After decades of negative trials, nephrologists have finally found cause for optimism with the introduction of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). Recent trials such as EMPA-REG OUTCOME and CREDENCE have provided evidence of the renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, which have now found widespread acceptance as first-line agents for diabetic CKD, in addition to ACEi/ARBs. Considering results from the DAPA-CKD study, it is expected that their use will soon be expanded to other causes of albuminuric CKD as well, although confirmation from further trials, such as the EMPA-KIDNEY study is awaited. Likewise, although the role of mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation in CKD progression has been known for decades, it is only now with the FIDELIO-DKD study that we have evidence of benefits of MRAs on hard renal endpoints, specifically in patients with diabetic CKD. While further research is ongoing, given the evidence of synergism between the three drug classes, it is foreseeable that a combination of two or more of these drugs may soon become the standard of care for CKD, regardless of underlying aetiology. This review describes pathophysiologic mechanisms, current evidence and future perspectives on the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and novel MRAs in CKD.

The Non-Steroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist KBP-5074 Limits Albuminuria and has Improved Therapeutic Index Compared With Eplerenone in a Rat Model With Mineralocorticoid-Induced Renal Injury

The therapeutic indices (TIs) and efficacy of the non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) KBP-5074 and steroidal MRA eplerenone were evaluated in a uninephrectomized Sprague Dawley rat model of aldosterone-mediated renal disease. In two parallel studies, rats were placed on a high-salt diet and received aldosterone by osmotic mini-pump infusion over the course of 27 days. The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was evaluated after 7, 14, and 26 days of treatment. Serum K⁺ was evaluated after 14 and 27 days of treatment. Urinary Na⁺, urinary K⁺, and urinary Na⁺/K⁺ ratio were evaluated after 7, 14, and 26 days of treatment. The TI was calculated for each drug as the ratio of the concentration of drug producing 50% of maximum effect (EC₅₀) for increasing serum K⁺ to the EC₅₀ for lowering UACR. The TIs were 24.5 for KBP-5074 and 0.620 for eplerenone, resulting in a 39-fold improved TI for KBP-5074 compared with eplerenone. Aldosterone treatment increased UACR, decreased serum K⁺, and decreased urinary Na⁺ relative to sham-operated controls that did not receive aldosterone infusion in both studies, validating the aldosterone/salt renal injury model. KBP-5074 prevented the increase in UACR at 0.5, 1.5, and 5 mg/kg BID while eplerenone did so only at the two highest doses of 50 and 450 mg/kg BID. Both KBP-5074 and eplerenone blunted the reduction in serum K⁺ seen in the aldosterone treatment group, with significant increases in serum K⁺ at the high doses only (5 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg BID, respectively). Additionally, the urinary Na⁺ and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio significantly increased at the middle and high doses of KBP-5074, but only at the highest dose of eplerenone. These results showed increased TI and efficacy for KBP-5074 compared with eplerenone over a wider therapeutic window.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue and main cause of chronic kidney disease. Both diseases are also linked through high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is present in up to 40% of diabetic patients; therefore, prevention and treatment of DKD are of utmost importance. Much research has been dedicated to the optimization of DKD treatment. In the last few years, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) have experienced a renaissance in this field with the development of non-steroidal MRA. Steroidal MRA have known cardiorenal benefits, but their use is limited by side effects, especially hyperkalemia. Non-steroidal MRA still block the damaging effects of mineralocorticoid receptor overactivation (extracellular fluid volume expansion, inflammation, fibrosis), but with fewer side effects (hormonal, hyperkalemia) than steroidal MRA. This review article summarizes the current knowledge and newer research conducted on MRA in DKD.

Cardiovascular Protection With Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Milestone Achieved

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease are intimately linked. They share major risk factors, including age, hypertension, and diabetes, and common pathogenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, reduced renal function and kidney injury documented with albuminuria are independent risk factors for cardiovascular events and mortality. In major renal outcome trials and subsequent meta-analyses in patients with CKD, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) were shown to effectively retard CKD progression but not to significantly reduce cardiovascular events or mortality. Thus, a high residual risk for cardiovascular disease progression under standard-of-care treatment is still present for patients with CKD. In contrast to the above, several outcome trials with SGLT-2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitors and MRAs (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) clearly suggest that these agents, apart from nephroprotection, offer important cardioprotection in this population. This article discusses existing evidence on the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors and MRAs on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD that open new roads in cardiovascular protection of this heavily burdened population.

Patiromer and Spironolactone in Resistant Hypertension and Advanced CKD: Analysis of the Randomized AMBER Trial

Background

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists reduce mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and have become a standard of care in those with resistant hypertension (rHTN). Yet, their use is limited among patients with CKD, primarily due to hyperkalemia.

Methods

AMBER was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study that reported that the use of the potassium-binding drug patiromer allowed a more persistent use of spironolactone in patients with CKD and rHTN. In this report, we compare the safety and efficacy of patiromer in advanced CKD as a prespecified analysis.

Results

Of the 295 patients randomized, 66 fell into the eGFR 25 to <30 subgroup. In this subgroup, persistent use of spironolactone was seen in 19 of 34 (56%) in the placebo group and 27 of 32 (84%) in the patiromer group (absolute difference 29%; P<0.02). In the eGFR 30-45 subgroup, persistent use of spironolactone was seen in 79 of 114 (69%) in the placebo group and 99 of 115 (86%) in the patiromer group (absolute difference 17%; P=0.003). There was no significant interaction between eGFR subgroups (P=0.46). Systolic BP reduction with spironolactone in the eGFR 25 to <30 subgroup was 6-7 mm Hg; in the eGFR 30-45 subgroup, it was 12-13 mm Hg. There was no significant interaction between eGFR subgroups on BP reduction (P=0.79). Similar proportions of patients reported adverse events (59% in the eGFR 25 to <30 subgroup; 53% in the eGFR 30-45 subgroup).

Conclusions

Patiromer facilitates the use of spironolactone among patients with rHTN, and its efficacy and safety are comparable in those with eGFR 25 to <30 and 30-45 ml/min per 1.73 m².

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03071263.

Steroidal and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in cardiorenal medicine

This review covers the last 80 years of remarkable progress in the development of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists (MRAs) from synthesis of the first mineralocorticoid to trials of nonsteroidal MRAs. The MR is a nuclear receptor expressed in many tissues/cell types including the kidney, heart, immune cells, and fibroblasts. The MR directly affects target gene expression-primarily fluid, electrolyte and haemodynamic homeostasis, and also, but less appreciated, tissue remodelling. Pathophysiological overactivation of the MR leads to inflammation and fibrosis in cardiorenal disease. We discuss the mechanisms of action of nonsteroidal MRAs and how they differ from steroidal MRAs. Nonsteroidal MRAs have demonstrated important differences in their distribution, binding mode to the MR and subsequent gene expression. For example, the novel nonsteroidal MRA finerenone has a balanced distribution between the heart and kidney compared with spironolactone, which is preferentially concentrated in the kidneys. Compared with eplerenone, equinatriuretic doses of finerenone show more potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on the kidney in rodent models. Overall, nonsteroidal MRAs appear to demonstrate a better benefit-risk ratio than steroidal MRAs, where risk is measured as the propensity for hyperkalaemia. Among patients with Type 2 diabetes, several Phase II studies of finerenone show promising results, supporting benefits on the heart and kidneys. Furthermore, finerenone significantly reduced the combined primary endpoint (chronic kidney disease progression, kidney failure, or kidney death) vs. placebo when added to the standard of care in a large Phase III trial.

Salt-sensitive hypertension in chronic kidney disease: distal tubular mechanisms

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes salt-sensitive hypertension that is often resistant to treatment and contributes to the progression of kidney injury and cardiovascular disease. A better understanding of the mechanisms contributing to salt-sensitive hypertension in CKD is essential to improve these outcomes. This review critically explores these mechanisms by focusing on how CKD affects distal nephron Na+ reabsorption. CKD causes glomerulotubular imbalance with reduced proximal Na+ reabsorption and increased distal Na+ delivery and reabsorption. Aldosterone secretion further contributes to distal Na+ reabsorption in CKD and is not only mediated by renin and K+ but also by metabolic acidosis, endothelin-1, and vasopressin. CKD also activates the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system, generating intratubular angiotensin II to promote distal Na+ reabsorption. High dietary Na+ intake in CKD contributes to Na+ retention by aldosterone-independent activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor mediated through Rac1. High dietary Na+ also produces an inflammatory response mediated by T helper 17 cells and cytokines increasing distal Na+ transport. CKD is often accompanied by proteinuria, which contains plasmin capable of activating the epithelial Na+ channel. Thus, CKD causes both local and systemic changes that together promote distal nephron Na+ reabsorption and salt-sensitive hypertension. Future studies should address remaining knowledge gaps, including the relative contribution of each mechanism, the influence of sex, differences between stages and etiologies of CKD, and the clinical relevance of experimentally identified mechanisms. Several pathways offer opportunities for intervention, including with dietary Na+ reduction, distal diuretics, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and K+ or H+ binders.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and ischemic heart disease. In addition, these agents have been used in patients with diabetic nephropathy to control proteinuria and slow down chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Current guidelines recommend against the use of MRAs in patients with advanced CKD. However, there is growing interest on their use in this population that has unmet needs (high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality) and unique challenges (risk of acute kidney injury or hyperkalemia). This narrative review discusses the emerging role of MRAs for the management of cardiovascular disease and/or the prevention of CKD progression, highlighting results from randomized controlled trials and presenting real-world data from available registries. Results from recent trials in patients on maintenance dialysis are also discussed.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists: a Comprehensive Review of Finerenone

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to review the mechanism of action and safety profile of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and discuss the differences between selective and non-selective MRAs. More specifically, finerenone is a new medication that is currently under investigation for its promising cardiovascular and nephrological effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

MRAs are well known for their utility in treating heart failure, refractory hypertension, and diverse nephropathies, namely, diabetic nephropathy. As their name denotes, MRAs inhibit the action of aldosterone at the mineralocorticoid receptor, preventing receptor activation. This prevents remodeling, decreases inflammation, and improves proteinuria. There are not significant differences in outcomes between selective and non-selective MRAs. A new selective MRA named finerenone (originally BAY 94-8862) has shown promising results in several trials (ARTS-HF and ARTS-DN) and smaller studies. Finerenone may have a dose-dependent benefit over older MRAs, decreasing rates of albuminuria and levels of BNP and NT-ProBNP without causing a significant increase in serum potassium levels. This medication is not yet approved as it is still in phase 3 clinical trials (FIGARO-DKD and FIDELIO-DKD trials). MRAs are beneficial in several disease states. Newer medications, such as finerenone, should be considered in patients with heart failure and diabetic nephropathy who may benefit from a reduction in albuminuria and BNP/NT-ProBNP. Data surrounding finerenone are limited to date. However, results from ongoing clinical trials, as well as new trials to evaluate use in other pathologies, could validate the implementation of this medication in daily practice.

Resistant Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Prevalence, Treatment Particularities, and Research Agenda

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore the prevalence, treatment particularities, and research agenda in the management of resistant hypertension among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of resistant hypertension is reported to be 2-3 times higher in patients with CKD than in the general hypertensive population. Based in part on the results of the PATHWAY-2 trial showing add-on spironolactone to be superior to placebo or active treatment with an α- or β-blocker in reducing BP, international guidelines recommend the use of spironolactone as fourth-line agent in pharmacotherapy of resistant hypertension. Despite the several-fold higher burden of resistant hypertension among patients with stage 3b-4 CKD, the use of spironolactone in this population has been restricted, mainly due to the risk of hyperkalemia. The recently reported AMBER trial showed that among patients with uncontrolled resistant hypertension and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 25-45 ml/min/1.73m², the newer potassium-binder patiromer prevented the development of hyperkalemia and increased the proportion of participants who remained on add-on spironolactone over 12 weeks of follow-up. Administration of spironolactone was associated with a clinically meaningful reduction of 11-12 mmHg in unattended automated office systolic blood pressure (BP) over the course of the AMBER trial. Newer potassium-binding therapies overcome the barrier of hyperkalemia and facilitate the persistent use of spironolactone, which is an effective add-on therapy to control BP in patients with resistant hypertension and advanced CKD. Future trials are now warranted to explore whether this strategy confers benefits on "hard" clinical outcomes in this high-risk population.

SGLT-2 inhibitors and nephroprotection: current evidence and future perspectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health issue and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Diabetic kidney disease develops in 30-50% of diabetic patients and it is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the Western world. Strict blood pressure control and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blocker use are the cornerstones of CKD treatment; however, their application in everyday clinical practice is not always ideal and in many patients CKD progression still occurs. Accumulated evidence in the past few years clearly suggests that sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors present potent nephroprotective properties. In clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, these agents were shown to reduce albuminuria and proteinuria by 30-50% and the incidence of composite hard renal outcomes by 40-50%. Furthermore, their mechanism of action appears rather solid, as they interfere with the major mechanism of proteinuric CKD progression, i.e., glomerular hypertension and hyperfiltration. The present review summarizes the current evidence from human trials on the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on nephroprotection and discusses their position in everyday clinical practice.

Blood pressure reduction and RAAS inhibition in diabetic kidney disease: therapeutic potentials and limitations

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects approximately one-third of patients with diabetes and taking into consideration the high cardiovascular risk burden associated to this condition a multifactorial therapeutic approach is traditionally recommended, in which glucose and blood pressure control play a central role. The inhibition of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone RAAS system represent traditionally the cornerstone of DKD. Clinical outcome trials have demonstrated clinical significant benefit in slowing nephropathy progression mainly in the presence of albuminuria. Thus, international guidelines mandate their use in such patients. Given the central role of RAAS activity in the pathogenesis and progression of renal and cardiovascular damage, a more profound inhibition of the system by the use of multiple agents has been proposed in the past, especially in the presence of proteinuria, however clinical trials have failed to confirm the usefulness of this therapeutic approach. Furthermore, whether strict blood pressure control and pharmacologic RAAS inhibition entails a favorable renal outcome in non-albuminuric patients is at present unclear. This aspect is becoming an important issue in the management of DKD since nonalbuminuric DKD is currently the prevailing presenting phenotype. For these reasons it would be advisable that blood pressure management should be tailored in each subject on the basis of the renal phenotype as well as related comorbidities. This article reviews the current literature and discusses potentials and limitation of targeting the RAAS in order to provide the greatest renal protection in DKD.

Non-steroidal mineralocorticoid antagonists: Prospects for renoprotection in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major cause of kidney failure in the world and the combination of DKD and diabetes mellitus contributes to an additive incidence of worsening cardiovascular mortality rates. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) remain the mainstay of therapy and have reduced kidney function decline in DKD from 8 to 10 to ~4 mL/min/y. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, in the presence of ACE inhibitors or ARB agents, further slowdown DKD progression by an additional 58% to 1.8 mL/min/y. Moreover, SGLT2 inhibitors reduce heart failure risk. However, the normal rate of kidney function decline in humans is between 0.7 and 0.9 mL/min/y, hence, there is still room for improvement. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) already have a track record of benefit in heart failure risk reduction, and efficacy in reducing albuminuria and treating resistant hypertension; however hyperkalaemia and other adverse effects preclude their routine use in DKD. Novel non-steroidal MRAs offer a reduced risk of hyperkalaemia, and yet have many benefits that they share with their steroidal cousins. This paper reviews the data for both steroidal and non-steroidal MRAs in DKD and presents some data from soon-to-be-completed ongoing renal and cardiovascular outcome trials in DKD.

Pharmacotherapy of hypertension in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is the most common co-morbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with prevalence gradually increasing across CKD Stages to the extent that about 90% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are hypertensives. Several factors contribute to blood pressure (BP) elevation and guide the therapeutic interventions that should be employed in these patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the existing data for the management of hypertension, regarding optimal BP targets and the use of major antihypertensive classes in patients with CKD.

EXPERT OPINION

Management of hypertension in CKD requires both lowering BP levels and reducing proteinuria to minimize the risk of both CKD progression and cardiovascular disease. In this respect, aggressive control of office BP to levels <130/80 mmHg has long been proposed for patients with proteinuric nephropathies. Following evidence from recent studies that confirmed significant reductions in renal and cardiovascular outcomes with strict BP control, most, but not all, of international guidelines, suggest such BP goals for all hypertensive patients, including those with CKD. Use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers is the treatment of choice for patients with proteinuric nephropathies, while, in most patients with CKD, combination treatment with two, three, or more antihypertensive agents is often required to control BP.

The expanding class of mineralocorticoid receptor modulators: New ligands for kidney, cardiac, vascular, systemic and behavioral selective actions

This paper reviews the class of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) modulators, especially new nonsteroidal antagonists. MR is a nuclear receptor expressed in many tissues and cell types. Aldosterone, the most important mineralocorticoid hormone and MR agonist, has many unfavorable effects, especially on the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, by promoting fibrosis and tissue remodelling. Classical synthetic MR antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone) have proven useful in clinical practice through their antihypertensive effects in resistant forms, and through benefits on morbidity and mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. These benefits are associated with important side effects, hyperkalemia being the main limitation. In the latest years, a new generation of MR modulators with a nonsteroidal structure has emerged. These compounds are more selective than classical MR antagonists, with much higher affinity for the MR than for the glucocorticoid, androgen, or progesterone receptors. Recent clinical and experimental observations suggest that nonsteroidal MR antagonists, especially finerenone, have proven superior renoprotective properties, antiproteinuric efficacy, inhibition of inflammation and heart fibrosis in animal models, without sharing the side effects of steroidal MR antagonists. Nonsteroidal MR modulators represent an interesting new therapeutic approach for the prevention and progression of chronic kidney disease and for patients with heart failure and renal disease. Despite these promising data, there are still many issues to be clarified and it is necessary to accumulate solid evidence from studies on larger numbers of patients and from head-to-head clinical trials.