Gender and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Premenopausal women are protected to some extent from cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Because this protection weakens after menopause, sex hormones are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The cardiovascular system and the kidneys are regu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fundamental & clinical pharmacology 2010-12, Vol.24 (6), p.687-698
Main Authors: Komukai, Kimiaki, Mochizuki, Seibu, Yoshimura, Michihiro
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
androgens
angiotensin receptor
Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology
Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control
Estrogens - physiology
Female
Humans
Kidney Diseases - physiopathology
Kidney Diseases - prevention & control
Male
natriuretic peptides
oestrogen
Renin-Angiotensin System - physiology
Sex Factors
Testosterone - physiology
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Summary:Premenopausal women are protected to some extent from cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Because this protection weakens after menopause, sex hormones are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The cardiovascular system and the kidneys are regulated by the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), which in turn, appears to be regulated by sex hormones. In general, oestrogen increases angiotensinogen levels and decreases renin levels, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, AT1 receptor density, and aldosterone production. Oestrogen also activates counterparts of the RAAS such as natriuretic peptides, AT2 receptor density, and angiotensinogen (1‐7). Progesterone competes with aldosterone for mineralocorticoid receptor. Less is known about androgens, but testosterone seems to increase renin levels and ACE activity. These effects of sex hormones on the RAAS can explain at least some of the gender differences in cardiovascular and kidney diseases.
ISSN:0767-3981
1472-8206
DOI:10.1111/j.1472-8206.2010.00854.x