Primary Aldosteronism, Aldosterone, and Extracellular Vesicles

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an endocrine related condition leading to arterial hypertension due to inappropriately high and unregulated aldosterone concentration. Recently, a broad spectrum of PA has been recognized, which brings new challenges associated with early identification of this condition that affect renal epithelial and extrarenal tissues. Reports have shown the potential role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and EV cargo as novel and complementary biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis of PA. In vivo and in vitro studies have identified specific EV surface antigens, EV-proteins, and EV microRNAs that can be useful to develop novel diagnostic algorithms to detect, confirm, or follow up the PA. Moreover, the study of EVs in the field of PA provides further insight in the pathophysiological mechanism of the PA disease.

Automated summary

Primary aldosteronism is an endocrine related condition that causes arterial hypertension due to inappropriately high and unregulated aldosterone concentration. Recent studies have recognized a broad spectrum of this condition, posing new challenges in early identification. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo have shown potential as novel biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in primary aldosteronism.