Antagonistic effects of finerenone and spironolactone on the aldosterone-regulated transcriptome of human kidney cells

Mechanisms of ligand-mediated modulation of mineralocorticoid receptor signaling

The mineralocorticoid receptor plays a central role in homeostasis, mediating the regulation by aldosterone of epithelial sodium transport. In addition, it regulates a range of responses in other tissues where it is likely responding to both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Structural, functional and evolutionary studies have provided insights into the mechanisms of receptor activation by agonist ligands and how interactions within the domains of the mineralocorticoid receptor may modulate the response to individual ligands including the mechanisms of antagonism. This review will discuss the current understanding, including recent insights into these interactions, with implications for an emerging array of novel non-steroidal compounds targeting the mineralocorticoid receptor; and highlight their relevance to ligand- or tissue-specificity as well as their suitability as therapeutic agents.

Role and application prospective of non-steroidal MRA in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has diverse etiologies and complex pathogenesis, and is prone to recurrent episodes and prolonged illness. In recent years, the prevalence of CKD has been increasing year by year, and the global prevalence in the general population has reached 14.3%. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and about 20-40% of DM patients have combined DKD, which is also the main cause of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DM catalyzes CKD in approximately 30-50% of global cases, affecting around 285 million individuals. It primarily triggers diabetic nephropathy (DN), the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Research indicates that activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays a role in the onset and progression of DKD. Counteracting MR overactivation offers antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic benefits, thereby ameliorating target organ damage. MR antagonists (MRAs) such as spironolactone and eplerenone have been validated for renal protection. However, their clinical application is hindered by adverse effects including hyperkalemia, gynecomastia in males, erectile dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities in females. Finerenone, a novel non-steroidal MRA, exhibits a unique mechanism of action, binding to MR and inhibiting the recruitment of transcription co-factors involved in gene expression, effectively slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). In addition, finerenone demonstrates improved safety and efficacy in treating heart failure and chronic kidney disease. It also plays a significant role in the management of atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction. This article reviews recent studies on finerenone, summarizing its mechanism of action in treating DN, evidence from clinical trials, adverse reactions, combined use with other inhibitors, and future prospective, aiming to provide insights for the prevention and treatment of DN.

Finerenone in Heart Failure-A Novel Therapeutic Approach

This review will discuss heart failure, introduce a new drug finerenone, and discuss clinical studies with a focus on its effects on heart failure. Heart failure is a condition or syndrome characterized by an impairment of the pumping ability of the heart, thus no longer keeping up with the demands of the body. There are several types of heart failure; among them are heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with mildly reduced ejection fraction and with preserved ejection fraction. Heart failure can be caused by several factors including lifestyle factors and diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular diseases. Chronic kidney disease is also a risk factor of heart failure, as it leads to a state of inflammation that can impair the cardiovascular system over time. The novel nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone antagonizes the mineralocorticoid receptor and thereby decreases the amount of fibrosis and inflammation that is observed in many heart failure patients. It shows an equal tissue distribution among heart and kidney, a high affinity and selectivity for the mineralocorticoid receptor and little risk of hyperkalemia and feminization. It also exhibits a reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes among patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, finerenone has been proposed as a beneficial medication for reducing heart failure, especially in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Further studies are to be conducted to clarify the effects of finerenone alone and in combination with other drugs.

Control of sodium appetite by hindbrain aldosterone-sensitive neurons

Mineralocorticoids play a key role in hydromineral balance by regulating sodium retention and potassium wasting. Through favoring sodium, mineralocorticoids can cause hypertension from fluid overload under conditions of hyperaldosteronism, such as aldosterone-secreting tumors. An often-overlooked mechanism by which aldosterone functions to increase sodium is through stimulation of salt appetite. To drive sodium intake, aldosterone targets neurons in the hindbrain which uniquely express 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2). This enzyme is a necessary precondition for aldosterone-sensing cells as it metabolizes glucocorticoids - preventing their activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor. In this review, we will consider the role of hindbrain HSD2 neurons in regulating sodium appetite by discussing HSD2 expression in the brain, regulation of hindbrain HSD2 neuron activity, and the circuitry mediating the effects of these aldosterone-sensitive neurons. Reducing the activity of hindbrain HSD2 neurons may be a viable strategy to reduce sodium intake and cardiovascular risk, particularly for conditions of hyperaldosteronism.

A comprehensive review of finerenone-a third-generation non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist

Multiple studies have shown that finerenone (BAY 94-8862), a third-generation non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), possesses different or superior mechanisms of action to traditional MRAs. Specifically, animal and cell-based experiments have demonstrated that this compound exerts multiple effects including fibrosis inhibition, reduced pulmonary artery pressure, improved diabetic retinopathy, enhanced endothelial functions, metabolic optimization as well as reduced oxidative stress, thereby exerting overall positive effects on renal and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, clinical research, such as the FIGARO-DKD and FIDELIO-DKD trials, has demonstrated dual benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (T2DM-CKD), especially by validating MRAs' potential in reducing risks of renal and cardiovascular composite endpoints. Currently, cardiovascular indications for finerenone are limited to patients with T2DM-CKD, while its use in non-T2DM CKD patients remains at clinical trial stages. Despite showing good safety and efficacy in T2DM-CKD patients, there are insufficient corresponding data for those presenting chronic kidney disease without diabetes (ndCKD). Furthermore, the application of this compound in diseases such as primary aldosteronism and its association with cancer risk need to be further validated through larger-scale and longer-term clinical studies. Nevertheless, the development of finerenone provides an additional option for treating cardiovascular and renal diseases. With further research, it is expected that finerenone will be relevant to a broader range of CKD patient populations by addressing current knowledge gaps to comprehensively evaluate its clinical value and potentially alter existing treatment strategies. The current review aims to comprehensively analyze the basic research and clinical advancements involving finerenone in order to explore its prospects for treating cardiovascular and renal diseases, while addressing unmet needs in current treatment strategies. Additionally, through a comprehensive analysis of relevant research findings, a deeper understanding of finerenone's drug characteristics will be provided alongside scientific guidance for future treatment strategies and their clinical significance.

The role of a novel mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, finerenone, in chronic kidney disease: mechanisms and clinical advances

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant health risk in contemporary society. Current CKD treatments primarily involve renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, albeit associated with hyperkalemia risks. A novel selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, finerenone, offers a promising, safer alternative for CKD therapy. This review comprehensively assesses the role and efficacy of finerenone in CKD treatment by analyzing clinical and animal studies. Emerging evidence consistently supports finerenone's ability to effectively slow the progression of CKD. By targeting the mineralocorticoid receptor, finerenone not only mitigates renal damage but also exhibits a favorable safety profile, minimizing hyperkalemia concerns.

CONCLUSION

Finerenone emerges as a valuable addition to CKD therapy, demonstrating potential benefits in delaying CKD progression while minimizing side effects. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of its safety and efficacy.

Molecular pharmacology of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: The role of co-regulators

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists have shown remarkable benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, their underutilization in clinical practice may be attributed to concerns regarding the risk of hyperkalemia. An ideal selective MR modulator would inhibit the detrimental effects of MR in non-epithelial cells of the cardiovascular system while sparing its physiological function in kidney epithelial cells, thereby reducing the risk of adverse events. To address this issue, a new generation of non-steroidal MR antagonists, including esaxereneone, balcinrenone, ocedurenone, and finerenone, has been developed with distinct molecular structures and pharmacology. They share a mechanism of action that is different from the previously developed steroidal MR antagonists, leading to altered co-regulator interaction, potentially involving conformational changes of the receptor. Interfering with MR co-regulator interaction or the co-regulator itself may enable selective targeting of downstream signaling cascades and - in the long term - lead to more personalized medicine. In this review article, we summarize what is currently known about the mechanisms of action of the different MR antagonists with a focus on MR co-factor interaction and what may be inferred from this for future developments.

[Finerenone cardiorenal effects and its placement in treatment of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite guideline-directed therapy of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes, the risk of renal failure and cardiovascular events still remains high. To date, current medications for CKD haven't reduced enough the residual risk associated with inflammation and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, in this review we present the results of FIDELIO-DKD, FIGARO-DKD trials and their pooled analysis FIDELITY, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetes with wide range stages of CKD. Modern pathophysiological aspects of mineralocorticoid receptor hyperactivation and features of their blockade by steroidal and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are considered, differences in pharmacological effects between them are also discussed, finerenone benefits and its adverse events, demonstrated in randomized clinical trials are considered here. The probable mechanisms of early and delayed action of finerenone, which were realized in beneficial cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes with CKD, are presented here. Practical points for finerenone initiation and titration are indicated, aimed to minimize the hyperkalemia risk. Current guidelines for CKD treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes are analyzed, the finerenone placement in combined nephroprotective therapy is determined.

Structure-function relationships of the aldosterone receptor

The cellular response to the adrenal steroid aldosterone is mediated by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors. The MR binds more than one physiological ligand with binding at the MR determined by pre-receptor metabolism of glucocorticoid ligands by 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. The MR has a wide tissue distribution with multiple roles beyond the classical role in electrolyte homeostasis including cardiovascular function, immune cell signaling, neuronal fate and adipocyte differentiation. The MR has three principal functional domains, an N-terminal ligand domain, a central DNA binding domain and a C-terminal, ligand binding domain, with structures having been determined for the latter two domains but not for the whole receptor. MR signal-transduction can be best viewed as a series of interactions which are determined by the conformation conferred on the receptor by ligand binding. This conformation then determines subsequent intra- and inter-molecular interactions. These interactions include chromatin, coregulators and other transcription factors, and additional less well characterized cytoplasmic non-genomic effects via crosstalk with other signaling pathways. This chapter will provide a review of MR structure and function, and an analysis of the critical interactions involved in MR-mediated signal transduction, which contribute to ligand- and tissue-specificity. Understanding the relevant mechanisms for selective MR signaling in terms of these interactions opens the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of MR-mediated diseases.

Evolution of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most frequent complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a nuclear receptor expressed in many tissue types, including kidney and heart. Aberrant and long-term activation of MR by aldosterone in patients with T2DM triggers detrimental effects (eg, inflammation and fibrosis) in these tissues. The suppression of aldosterone at the early stage of T2DM has been a therapeutic strategy for patients with T2DM-associated CKD. Although patients have been treated with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers for decades, RAS blockers alone are not sufficient to prevent CKD progression. Steroidal MR antagonists (MRAs) have been used in combination with RAS blockers; however, undesired adverse effects have restricted their usage, prompting the development of nonsteroidal MRAs with better target specificity and safety profiles. Recently conducted studies, Finerenone in Reducing Kidney Failure and Disease Progression in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIDELIO-DKD) and Finerenone in Reducing Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (FIGARO-DKD), have reported that finerenone, a nonsteroidal MRA, improves both renal and cardiovascular outcomes compared with placebo. In this article, we review the history of MRA development and discuss the possibility of its combination with other treatment options, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and potassium binders for patients with T2DM-associated CKD.

Finerenone: a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist for the treatment of chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 40% of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) also have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which substantially increases their risk of cardiovascular (CV)-related complications and mortality. Until recently, no approved therapies have directly targeted inflammatory and fibrotic pathways that drive disease progression and organ damage in patients with CKD associated with T2D.

AREAS COVERED

Finerenone is a potent, selective, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) that targets fibrosis and inflammation by blocking overactivation of the MR in the kidneys and heart. Finerenone has been associated with significant reductions in kidney- and CV-related endpoints compared with placebo and minimal effects on serum potassium and kidney function in phase III trials involving >13,000 patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In addition to reviewing the clinical data, this review compares the properties of finerenone with those of the older steroidal MRAs spironolactone and eplerenone.

EXPERT OPINION

Unlike spironolactone and eplerenone, finerenone has demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile offering an effective new treatment for patients with CKD associated with T2D. Increases in serum potassium are predictable and manageable and should not discourage the use of finerenone in clinical practice. It is important to discuss where finerenone 'fits best' within the current DKD management landscape.

Non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in cardiorenal disease

Despite existing treatments, patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain at high risk for adverse outcomes and progression to end-stage disease. Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) such as spironolactone and eplerenone reduce mortality but remain under-prescribed due to the perceived risk of hyperkalaemia and hormonal side effects. The discovery of non-steroidal MRAs represents a major new dimension in cardiorenal disease therapy. Non-steroidal MRAs have high affinity and specificity for the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and differ from both steroidal agents and each other with respect to important physiochemical, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic parameters. Similar to their steroidal counterparts, they have beneficial anti-inflammatory, anti-remodelling, and anti-fibrotic properties in the kidneys, heart, and vasculature. There are several non-steroidal MRAs under development and clinical assessment; of these, only esaxerenone and finerenone are approved for treatment globally. In Japan, esaxerenone is approved for essential hypertension and has been studied in diabetic nephropathy. Compared with steroidal MRAs, finerenone more potently inhibits MR co-regulator recruitment and fibrosis and distributes more evenly between the heart and kidneys. The landmark Phase III trials FIGARO-DKD and FIDELIO-DKD demonstrated that finerenone-reduced major kidney and cardiovascular events on top of maximally tolerated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition in patients with CKD associated with Type 2 diabetes. Non-steroidal MRAs are currently under evaluation in heart failure and for synergistic treatment with sodium-glucose contransporter 2 inhibitors. These ground-breaking agents could become an important therapy across the spectrum of cardiorenal disease.

Finerenone: a new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist to beat chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clinical trials of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) finerenone published recently suggest that they improve outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This review summarises key research from the last two years to provide clinicians with a synopsis of recent findings.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large international trials, such as Finerenone in Reducing Kidney Failure and Disease Progression in Diabetic Kidney Disease (5674 participants) and Finerenone in Reducing Cardiovascular Mortality and Morbidity in Diabetic Kidney Disease (7437 participants), suggest that in proteinuric patients with DKD and estimated glomerular filtration rate >25 ml/min/1.73 m2, already on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, addition of finerenone provided modest further improvement in composite renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Proteinuria was reduced; there was also a small drop in systolic blood pressure. Hyperkalaemia remained a concern, although the incidence is lower with finerenone. Emerging data suggest that newer potassium binding agents may mitigate this risk. Preclinical studies suggest additive benefits when MRA and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are used in combination.

SUMMARY

The nonsteroidal MRA finerenone could improve renal and cardiac outcomes further in diabetics with kidney disease when added to renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Hyperkalaemia is probably less worrisome, but real-world data is needed. Combinations with other new nephroprotective agents (such as SGLT2i inhibitors) has the potential to provide increasing benefit. Benefits of finerenone in chronic kidney disease without diabetes remains to be seen.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays an important role in the development of DKD. A series of preclinical studies revealed that MR is overactivated under diabetic conditions, resulting in promoting inflammatory and fibrotic process in the kidney. Clinical studies demonstrated the usefulness of MR antagonists (MRAs), such as spironolactone and eplerenone, on DKD. However, concerns regarding their selectivity for MR and hyperkalemia have remained for these steroidal MRAs. Recently, nonsteroidal MRAs, including finerenone, have been developed. These agents are highly selective and have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties with a low risk of hyperkalemia. We herein review the current knowledge and future perspectives of MRAs in DKD treatment.

Approaches towards tissue-selective pharmacology of the mineralocorticoid receptor

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are highly effective therapies for cardiovascular and renal disease. However, the widespread clinical use of currently available MRAs in cardiorenal medicine is hampered by an increased risk of hyperkalemia. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a nuclear receptor responsible for fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in epithelial tissues, whereas pathophysiological MR activation in nonepithelial tissues leads to undesirable pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects. Therefore, new strategies that selectively target the deleterious effects of MR but spare its physiological function are needed. In this review, we discuss recent pharmacological developments starting from novel non-steroidal MRAs that are now entering clinical use, such as finerenone or esaxerenone, to concepts arising from the current knowledge of the MR signaling pathway, aiming at receptor-coregulator interaction, epigenetics, or downstream effectors of MR.