Screening And Treatment Of Early Renal Damage in Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the chronic cardiovascular diseases with high incidence worldwide. Long-term hypertension will affect target organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys, increasing the risk of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and kidney damage.

Click to Cistanche for kidney disease

The kidney is not only an important organ for regulating blood pressure, but also one of the target organs for hypertension. Hypertension and kidney disease can be said to be in a relationship of "mutually promoting and injuring each other." High blood pressure will cause the renal arterioles to constrict, resulting in insufficient blood supply, leading to impaired kidney function. In addition, the filtration function of the glomerulus is closely related to changes in blood pressure levels. Long-term elevation of blood pressure will reduce the filtration function, and affect the physiological function of the kidney, thereby damaging its structure and causing varying degrees of renal dysfunction. Once kidney damage occurs, it will have adverse effects on blood pressure control. If timely and effective intervention is not performed, kidney function will be further damaged and the disease will progress.

Early renal damage in hypertension is reversible, and early and effective treatment can promote the recovery of renal function. The main damage caused by high blood pressure to the kidneys is renal microvascular disease. Kidney damage caused by high blood pressure is progressive. In the early stages, the symptoms of kidney disease are insidious and lack specificity. Once the symptoms are obvious, they will be accompanied by damage to kidney function. Chronic renal insufficiency then develops, and the best opportunity for treatment is missed. Therefore, attention should be paid to the screening and treatment of early renal damage in hypertension.

Screening for early kidney damage in hypertension

1. Serum cystatin C

Serum cystatin C is the metabolic end product of creatine, most of which will not be reabsorbed and can directly reflect the glomerular filtration function. Its advantage lies in its reabsorption rate. Even if it is reabsorbed, it will be completely metabolized without considering the impact on the test results. Moreover, serum cystatin C is not affected by objective factors such as gender, age, type of inflammation, etc., and can be used as a renal drug in the early stage of hypertension. Ideal indicator of damage.

2.β2-Microglobulin

β2-microglobulin is a small molecule polypeptide synthesized by the liver. It can freely pass through the glomerular filtration membrane and 99.9% will be reabsorbed by the renal tubules. If there is damage or necrosis of the renal tubules, infection of the urinary tract, etc., the content of β2-MG in the urine will increase. Some data show that when the proximal renal tubular function decreases by 1%, the β2-microglobulin in urine can increase 30 times [1], which is a landmark indicator of early renal tubular damage.

3. Urinary microalbumin

Urinary microalbumin is an early and sensitive indicator of renal damage in patients with hypertension. Microalbuminuria means that the albumin content in urine exceeds the reference range of healthy people. For patients with negative routine urine protein, more sensitive methods such as ELISA or RIA can be used to detect low-concentration albuminuria. Early studies have shown that urinary microalbumin excretion increases in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure is not fully controlled and whose disease progresses acutely. After blood pressure is controlled, urinary microalbumin excretion can be reduced. Therefore, it is believed that albuminuria can be used as a symptom of hypertension. Blood pressure signals early kidney damage.

Treatment of early renal damage in hypertension

1. Control blood pressure

Early hypertensive renal injury requires comprehensive management. Strict control of blood pressure is key, and appropriate antihypertensive drugs can be used, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, etc. Medication needs to be individualized and selected according to the patient's specific conditions, and blood pressure must be monitored regularly to adjust drug dosage. If necessary, combined medications can be used. For example, the combined use of valsartan and nicorandil can more effectively improve kidney function, reduce urinary protein excretion and serum creatinine levels, further reduce blood pressure levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events [ 2]; Beraprost sodium combined with valsartan can significantly improve the clinical efficacy and improve the patient's renal function and coagulation function in the treatment of patients with hypertensive renal injury (chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 3) [3].

2. Adjust your lifestyle

Lifestyle adjustments are also crucial, including low-salt and low-fat diets, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, and ensuring adequate sleep.

3. Avoid nephrotoxic drugs

Nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided as they can cause additional damage to the kidneys and further worsen the severity of the injury. For over-the-counter medicines, please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them. For some common nephrotoxic drugs, such as certain antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc., extra caution should be used when using them.

4. Regular follow-up visits

Hypertensive patients need regular follow-up visits, routine urine tests, and renal function tests to keep abreast of possible renal function abnormalities caused by hypertension, so that "clues" of kidney damage can be detected early and treated in a timely manner.

How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?

Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.

Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.

Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.

Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.

Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.

In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.

In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.