Medicine Essay Examples

Cardiovascular quiz

“What are the novel findings in the manuscript “Angiotensin II- and Salt-Induced Kidney Injury”?”
Novel finding was that in highly producing Ang II Tsukuba hypertensive mice (THM), which is a model of enhanced renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), the Ang II/salt can enhance injury of the kidney through Rac1-stimulated mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) rather than Ang II receptor-stimulated pathway.

“What is the effect of low and high salt on blood pressure and kidney function in normal mice (C57)?”

Low-salt intake as well as high-salt intake has no effect on the systolic blood pressure of the normal mice (C57). On the other hand, kidney function can be determined by the urinary albumin excretion that is usually kept low by glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption. Studies have also shown that low-salt intake as well as high-salt intake presents no significant difference in urinary albumin excretion, i.e. the kidney function in normal mice (C57).

“What is the mechanism of actions of hydralazine and eplerenone?”

Eplerenone binds to mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and significantly inhibits its functioning, thereby reducing renal impairment. Hydralazine reduces blood pressure as a result of binding to and activating gated potassium channels. After binding with these channels, direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and peripheral vasodilation take place.

“Why there is an increase level of plasma aldosterone in THM mouse model?”

Plasma aldosterone concentrations are significantly higher in THM mouse model as compared to control model as it is Ang II-overproducing transgenic model. It has to be considered that Ang II increases the secretion of aldosterone (hormone) from the adrenal cortex.

“What are the mechanisms involved in Ang II/salt-induced nephropathy?”

Ang II/salt-induced nephropathy (kidney damage) is caused by the action of Ang II/Ang II receptor signaling on the kidney. This action is supported by some hemodynamic factors such as hypertension, hyperfiltration, and glomerular hypertension.

“What did you find most difficult or interesting regarding the assignment?”

In this study, paradoxical MR activation through salt as a result of Rac1 is an interesting finding. Usually, salt reduces plasma aldosterone levels and MR activation requires high aldosterone levels. So, it is much interesting to know that even with low aldosterone levels, MR activation is taking place in high-salt intake.