The Therapeutic Role of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers in Obesity- Related Renal Disorders

The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is recognized as the main biological system involved in cardiovascular and hydroelectrolyte homeostasis. It is well established in literature that RAS blockers retard the progression of renal failure in type 1 [angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors] and in type 2 [angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonists] diabetes mellitus and in non-diabetic chronic kidney diseases. More recently, it was shown that newer therapeutic agents, the renin inhibitors, also exert renoprotective actions. Obesity is recognized as a proinflammatory state often associated with kidney diseases. Recent publications have associated the RAS axis imbalance leading to a predominance of Angiotensin II effects with changes in adipokine levels and actions. In this context, the aim of the current review is to present current evidence on the potential role of RAS blockers in modulating the interaction between adipokines and obesity-related renal disorders.