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skos:definition |
NCI: An orally active nonpeptide renin inhibitor with antihypertensive activity. Aliskiren selectively binds to the S3 sub-pocket of renin, an enzyme in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that is responsible for converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (AT I). By inhibiting the activity of renin, the conversion to AT I is prevented, which in turn prevents the conversion of AT I to AT II. This prevents arterial vasoconstriction by AT II and inhibits the production of aldosterone by AT II. As aldosterone causes re-uptake of sodium and water and eventually an increase in extracellular volume, aliskiren is able to prevent the effects that contribute to an increase in blood pressure.
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