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Background: Overactivation of renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system (RAS) is part of the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension. Evidences have shown that weight loss can result in reduction in blood pressure and RAS. This study was aim to investigate changes of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) after bariatric surgery. Methods: A prospective study was done in 14 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients who were taking medications that can interfere with PAC and renin levels were excluded. Collection of blood samples were done at baseline and at 3 and 6-month post-bariatric surgery. Results: Four out of 14 patients had hypertension at baseline. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 56.7 ± 13.5 kg/m2. PAC were significantly decreased at 3-and 6-month post-bariatric surgery from 14.3 ± 8.0 to 7.5 ± 5.5 [reduction of 36% from baseline (P < 0.01)] and 8.0 ± 6.6 ng/dl [reduction of 32% from baseline (P < 0.05)] respectively. The reduction of PAC at 3-month post-surgery was correlated with the reduction of body weight (r = 0.46, P < 0.05), waist circumference (r = 0.73, P < 0.05) and percent of body fat (r = 0.58, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Maximal reduction of PAC in obese patients underwent bariatric surgery occurred during the first 3 months after bariatric surgery. The reduction of PAC was associated with the reduction of body weight, waist circumference and percent of body fat suggesting the link between RAS and obesity-mediated hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The average salt intake of people in Canada, the United States, and Europe is about 3,400mg of sodium per day, which exceeds the recommended intake levels set by various health organizations. The World Health Organization recommends a worldwide reduction of sodium intake to less than 2,000mg per day. Most research to date has focused on the negative effects of high-sodium intake; however, little information is available on the metabolic effects of low-sodium intakes. This review focuses on the hormonal changes associated with low-sodium diets, specially the hormones involved in metabolism and cardiovascular and renal function. Based largely on rodent studies, low-sodium diets have been associated with changes in glycemic control, energy metabolism, cardiovascular disease risk, cholesterol concentrations, inflammation, and functioning of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Overall, research has revealed mixed results regarding the impact of dietary sodium intake on various hormones. Further research is required to assess the effects of sodium reduction on hormones and their associated pathways in order to determine the likelihood of any unintended effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]