Aquaretic agents: what's beyond the treatment of hyponatremia?
Unlike the more commonly used diuretics, aquaretic agents can induce an increase in urinary volume without incurring a loss of electrolytes. These molecules belong to a family of vasopressin receptor antagonists, V2 in particular, that regulate optional renal water re-absorption via the synthesis and expression of aquaporin-2. In view of their properties, they have become the agent of choice in the treatment of hyponatremic states with water retention, and different studies have demonstrated that they are more effective and practical to use than other traditional approaches in the treatment of diseases such as cirrhosis-related ascites, SIADH and, above all, heart failure. However, the future probably holds the promise of new and unexpected applications for this type of drug in the treatment of several conditions, including polycystic kidney and glomerular disease, glaucoma and Meniere's syndrome.
Bolignano
Davide
D
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
Coppolino
Giuseppe
G
Criseo
Manila
M
Campo
Susanna
S
Romeo
Adolfo
A
Buemi
Michele
M
D000818:Animals; D065092:Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists; D001552:Benzazepines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004231:Diuresis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D007690:Polycystic Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000077602:Tolvaptan
D065092:Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists; D001552:Benzazepines; D004232:Diuretics; D000077602:Tolvaptan