Hyperaldosteronism in pregnancy

Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Apr;3(2):123-32. doi: 10.1177/1753944708100180. Epub 2009 Jan 26.

Abstract

Aldosterone is a key regulator of electrolyte and water homeostasis and plays a central role in blood pressure regulation. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, among them increased progesterone and aldosterone production, lead to the required plasma volume expansion of the maternal body as an accommodation mechanism for fetus growth. This review discusses the regulation of aldosterone production by aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2); the impact on aldosterone secretion due to the presence of a chimeric gene originating from a crossover between CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 in glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism (GRA) - the inherited form of hypertension; enhanced aldosterone production in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA); and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). Features of hyperaldosteronism are also found in patients with apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME), in which glucocorticoids exacerbate activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) because of a defect in the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme. Regulation of aldosterone production and tissue-specific activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor are prerequisites for optimal control of body fluids and blood pressure during pregnancy and contribute largely to the wellbeing of the mother-to-be.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / genetics
  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / metabolism
  • Aldosterone / biosynthesis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperaldosteronism / genetics
  • Hyperaldosteronism / metabolism
  • Hyperaldosteronism / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / genetics
  • Pregnancy Complications / metabolism
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology*
  • Renin-Angiotensin System
  • Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase / metabolism
  • Water-Electrolyte Balance

Substances

  • Aldosterone
  • 11-beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases
  • Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase