Mineralocorticoid receptor side effects

ACE inhibitors do not completely block aldosterone synthesis. Since this steroid hormone is a potent inducer of fibrosis in the heart, specific antagonists, such as spironolactone and eplerenone, have recently been very successfully used in clinical trials in addition to ACE inhibitors to treat congestive heart failure [5]. Formerly, these drugs have only been applied as potassium-saving diuretics in oedematous diseases, hypertension, and hypokalemia as well as in primary hyperaldosteronism. Possible side effects of aldosterone antagonists include hyperkalemia and, in case of spironolactone, which is less specific for the mineralocorticoid receptor than eplerenone, also antiandrogenic and progestational actions. 

Inhibitors of Na+channels in the collecting ducts Mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists Side effects of diuretics INTRODUCTION... 

The steroid receptor superfamily comprises the glucocorticoid (GR), progesterone (PR), mineralocorticoid (MR), androgen (AR), thyroid hormone (TR),and vitamin Dg (VDR) receptors (60). These receptors bind to steroid hormones and are translocated to the nucleus where they bind to hormone responsive elements on DNA promoter regions to alter gene expression. While steroids are very effective anti-inflammatory agents, they have a multiplicity of serious side effects that limit their full use. 

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