[ noun ] a proteolytic enzyme secreted by the kidneys; catalyzes the formation of angiotensin and thus affects blood pressure <noun.substance>
One reason researchers think blacks are less responsive to ACE inhibitors, for instance, is that blacks typically already have low levels of renin, the enzyme the drug blocks.
Other major drug makers are thought to also be working on renin inhibitors.
Such "high renin" people are at a high risk of a heart attack.
Researchers at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Upjohn Co., SmithKline Beecham PLC. and elsewhere have been racing for several years to create drugs that would block the action of renin, a kidney hormone.
The Cornell cardiologist has argued that in many people with high blood pressure the activity of the renin in the blood is much higher than is warranted by the amount of salt in the blood.
Only 12% of the patients had high renin "profiles."
On the other hand, in other patients with high blood pressure, the activity of the renin is much lower than is warranted by the degree of salt in the blood.