[RAS blockade]

Abstract

Angiotensin II (AII), the biologically active component of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), acts through two receptor subtypes, the AT1 and AT2 receptor. All classic physiological effects of AII, such as vasoconstriction, aldosterone and vasopressin release, sodium and water retention and sympathetic facilitation, are mediated by the AT1 receptor. The majority of pilot studies demonstrated the renoprotective effect of RAS blockers via antihypertensive, antiproteinuric, antifibrotic action. In order to establish whether RAS blocker causes antiproteinuric effects or long-term renoprotection in the non-diabetic nephrotic disease, larger prospective, randomized controlled trials are required in the future.