Discovery explains kidney damage caused by blood pressure drugs

Researchers at the University of Virginia found that prolonged use of RAS inhibitors, common high blood pressure medications, can severely damage kidneys. These drugs can cause kidneys to stop filtering blood and instead produce renin, turning them into "pathological neuro-immune endocrine organs." This discovery may improve high blood pressure treatment and kidney protection. The study showed that overstimulation of renin-producing cells causes them to revert to an embryonic state, leading to harmful kidney changes.