Endothelin receptor antagonists as antihypertensives: the next frontier.
The endothelin system is a pivotal player along the continuum of cardiovascular disease. There is convincing evidence that the system not only exerts a potent pressor effect but also promotes end-organ damage independent from blood pressure changes. The role of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) in the treatment of hypertension is rapidly evolving. Recent studies demonstrate a formidable antihypertensive effect. Utility of ERAs is likely to be greatest in patients with resistant hypertension. Beyond blood pressure lowering, ERAs exert several properties that may confer additional protection, including effects on endothelial function, atherosclerosis, arterial stiffening, renal function and proteinuria. The full potential of this class will only be realized when the results of ongoing and future studies in hypertension, heart failure and other forms of cardiovascular disease are completed.
Epstein
Benjamin J
BJ
Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, 101 S. Newell Drive, HPNP Building. 212, Room 3315, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0486, USA. epstein@cop.ufl.edu.
Anderson
Shawn
S
D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D065128:Endothelin Receptor Antagonists