ENAC blockade reduces blood pressure and arterial stiffness in adults with obesity and insulin resistance

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Jaume Padilla, Francisco Ramírez-Pérez, James A Smith, Rogerio N. Soares, Mya Burken, Emma Uptergrove, Suhwon Lee, Luis A. Martinez-Lemus, Camila Manrique-Acevedo
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00084.2026
Cited by: 3
References: 40

Abstract

Obesity and insulin resistance accelerate arterial stiffening and hypertension, increasing cardiovascular risk. Activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENAC) contributes to vascular stiffening in preclinical models, yet the vascular effects of ENAC inhibition in adults with obesity and insulin resistance remain poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that low-dose amiloride reduces blood pressure and improves arterial stiffness in adults with overweight or obesity and features of metabolic syndrome, without major safety concerns.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ion Transport and Channel Regulation Sodium Intake and Health Cardiovascular Health and Disease Prevention

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
H1274–H1282
Publication date
12 March 2026
Language
EN