Brazilian Journal of Nephrology (Jun 2018)

Inappropriate activity of local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system during high salt intake: impact on the cardio-renal axis

  • Sabrina Ribeiro Gonsalez,
  • Fernanda Magalhães Ferrão,
  • Alessandro Miranda de Souza,
  • Jennifer Lowe,
  • Lucienne da Silva Lara Morcillo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-3661
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 40, no. 2
pp. 170 – 178

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Although there is a general agreement on the recommendation for reduced salt intake as a public health issue, the mechanism by which high salt intake triggers pathological effects on the cardio-renal axis is not completely understood. Emerging evidence indicates that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the main target of high Na+ intake. An inappropriate activation of tissue RAAS may lead to hypertension and organ damage. We reviewed the impact of high salt intake on the RAAS on the cardio-renal axis highlighting the molecular pathways that leads to injury effects. We also provide an assessment of recent observational studies related to the consequences of non-osmotically active Na+ accumulation, breaking the paradigm that high salt intake necessarily increases plasma Na+ concentration promoting water retention

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