Journal Article Summary
This article investigates the circulating renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) markers in cats suffering from non-hypertensive chronic kidney disease (NHT-CKD) and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Understanding the RAAS is crucial because it plays a significant role in regulating kidney function and can influence the progression of kidney diseases. Previous research on RAAS activity in cats has shown inconsistent results, particularly regarding its activation in chronic kidney disease. The study aims to clarify these inconsistencies by comparing serum levels of angiotensin peptides and aldosterone in healthy cats versus those with NHT-CKD or untreated SAH.
The study involved a group of 40 client-owned cats, categorized into three groups: those with NHT-CKD, those with untreated SAH, and healthy controls. The researchers measured serum concentrations of various angiotensin peptides and aldosterone, both before and after treatment with amlodipine in hypertensive cats. The findings revealed that cats with untreated SAH had significantly lower levels of angiotensin I, II, and III compared to healthy controls, while the NHT-CKD group showed no significant differences in RAAS markers when compared to healthy cats. Additionally, treatment with amlodipine increased the levels of most angiotensin peptides in hypertensive cats, indicating a response to the medication.
However, the study has limitations, including a small sample size, particularly in the SAH group, which may affect the reliability of the results. The timing of sample collection was not standardized, which could influence RAAS activity due to its circadian nature. Furthermore, the study only assessed circulating RAAS markers and did not explore the intrarenal RAAS, which may also play a role in kidney disease. Pet owners should discuss these findings with their veterinarians, especially if their cats have kidney disease or hypertension, to better understand the implications for their pets' health and treatment options.
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Article Cited
- Lourenço Bianca N, Huang Jane H C, Reno Lisa, Toborowsky Carl, Coleman Amanda E. Circulating renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system markers in cats with non-hypertensive chronic kidney disease or systemic arterial hypertension. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2026. DOI: 10.1093/jvimsj/aalag079. PMID: 42117720. PMCID: PMC13162236.
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