Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in the protection of target organ damage

Over the last decade a wealth of studies have shed new light on the role of aldosterone in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. It is now evident that in addition to its classical role in increasing sodium re-absorbtion in the kidney , aldosterone also exhibits several nonepithelial effects such as the induction of inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis in various organs. Herein we review the experimental evidences for the protective effects of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade in the prevention and treatment of target organ damage, both in animals and in humans. We also discuss the pharmacological and clinical differences between the two available mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, spironolactone and eplerenone.