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Blutwerte · Marker

Renin

Plasma Renin Activity · PRA · Renin

Hormone — StressachseZeitabhängig
Einheit:
ng/mL/hr

Renin test quantifies the enzyme renin, which initiates the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I in the RAAS.

Reference Ranges

Reference
0.2–3.3ng/mL/hr
0.2
3.3
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mL/hr

Renin levels can vary by age and are affected by posture and sodium intake.

Overview

Übersicht

Renin is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. It is secreted by the kidneys in response to low blood pressure or low sodium levels and acts by converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, a precursor to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. Clinically, renin levels are important in diagnosing conditions such as primary hyperaldosteronism, where low renin levels alongside high aldosterone levels indicate the condition. Elevated renin activity is also associated with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and vasoplegia, where it reflects pathological activation of the RAAS. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, renin levels can indirectly affect cardiovascular efficiency and fluid balance, although direct interventions are not commonly targeted. Researchers have observed that renin levels can be influenced by factors such as age, with a decline noted from newborns to adolescents, and by medications, particularly antihypertensives. Accurate measurement requires careful sample handling to avoid alterations in renin activity, and there is variability in assay methods across laboratories, which necessitates standardization for reliable interpretation.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated renin levels can indicate heart failure, renal artery stenosis, or vasoplegia. Low renin levels often suggest primary hyperaldosteronism.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising renin levels may suggest worsening heart failure or renal artery stenosis. Re-test in 4 weeks if clinically indicated.

Falling Values

Falling renin levels might indicate effective treatment of hypertension or resolution of underlying causes.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Heart failure
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Dehydration
  • Low sodium intake
  • Use of diuretics
Cause

Low Levels

  • Primary hyperaldosteronism
  • High sodium intake
  • Use of beta-blockers
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular cardiovascular exercise
  • Stress management techniques
  • Adequate hydration
Lever

Nutrition

  • Balanced sodium intake
  • Potassium-rich foods
  • Adequate protein intake

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if on medication.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

Renin levels can vary throughout the day; morning samples are preferred.

Testing Frequency

Annually for those with hypertension or heart failure, more frequently if clinically indicated.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Antihypertensive medications
  • Posture changes

Related Peptides & Hormones

Aldosterone

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference ranges and optimal targets for renin levels, particularly in pediatric populations, remain poorly defined, with significant variability in measurement methodologies. Researchers have not yet established standardized protocols for assessing renin in diverse clinical contexts, such as vasoplegia, where its role as a biomarker is promising but inconsistently validated. Unanswered clinical questions include how to best utilize renin levels for risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in heart failure and vasoplegic patients.

46 Research Publications

494

Total Citations

13

Human/RCT

3.4

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.

UnknownInfluence7.0
151
This study focused on laboratory methods for diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, but did not specifically address renin levels or their implications.
View on PubMed
#02

Laboratory challenges in primary aldosteronism screening and diagnosis.

ReviewInfluence6.0
74
This review highlighted the laboratory's role in screening for primary aldosteronism, focusing on the measurement of aldosterone and renin. Researchers noted that the lack of standardized methodologies has hindered diagnosis. New methods have improved the reliability of renin testing, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
View on PubMed
#03

Cellular mechanism of renin release.

ReviewInfluence3.0
74
View on PubMed
#04

Physiologic homeostasis after pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation.

HumanInfluence4.0
49
In a study of pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation, researchers measured components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, finding that pig kidneys secreted renin and maintained blood pressure in the human model. This suggests the potential for xenotransplantation to support human physiological balance.
View on PubMed
#05

Renin as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease in clinical practice.

ReviewInfluence1.0
25
Researchers critically evaluated renin as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk and prognosis. They noted that elevated plasma renin activity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular disease. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation into renin's role in risk stratification.
View on PubMed
#06

Circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity in cats with systemic hypertension or cardiomyopathy.

AnimalInfluence1.0
24
Researchers examined the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in cats with systemic hypertension and cardiomyopathy. They found that cats with cardiomyopathy had significantly higher plasma renin activity compared to healthy cats. Additionally, treatment with amlodipine increased RAAS biomarker concentrations in treated cats.
View on PubMed
#07

Voriconazole-associated salt-losing nephropathy.

Case Report
13
Researchers found that a patient developed salt-losing nephropathy after being treated with voriconazole, leading to elevated levels of plasma renin activity. The patient's condition improved after discontinuation of the medication and fluid replacement. This case highlights the potential impact of voriconazole on renal function and the importance of monitoring renin levels.
View on PubMed
#08

Approaches and Challenges for Biosensors for Acute and Chronic Heart Failure.

Review
13
Researchers discussed the importance of biomarkers, including renin, for diagnosing heart failure. They noted that renin is associated with neurohormonal pathways and emphasized the need for fast, portable biosensors to improve diagnostic processes. The review highlights the potential of biomarkers in enhancing heart failure management.
View on PubMed
#09

The Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor in Health and Diseases: Foe or Friend?

Review
13
View on PubMed
#10

Clinical features, laboratory findings and treatment of juxtaglomerular cell tumors: a systemic review.

ReviewInfluence2.0
9
Researchers summarized clinical features and laboratory findings in patients with juxtaglomerular cell tumors, noting that elevated plasma renin activity was a common finding. The study emphasized the importance of surgical intervention in restoring normal blood pressure and renin levels.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (25)

25

Total Trials

2,103

Total Enrolled

Single and Twice-daily Dosing of Ramipril on Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction Heart Failure

NCT07259512Phase 4RECRUITING
Sponsor

Evi Liliek Wulandari

Enrollment

80

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Change in Plasma Renin Activity (PRA)

Chronic Kidney DiseaseHeart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)

Effect of Ciprofol on Intraoperative Hypotension in Elderly Patients Receiving Renin-angiotensin System Inhibitors

NCT06952608Phase 4RECRUITING
Sponsor

Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine

Enrollment

140

Started

2025

Primary outcome

The time-weighted average of hypotension

Intraoperative HypotensionCiprofolRenin-angiotensin System Inhibitors

Renin Levels as Prognostic Indicators of Septic Shock Severity and Outcome

NCT06545838RECRUITING
Sponsor

Federal Research and Clinical Centre of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology

Enrollment

50

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Correlation between blood renin concentration and norepinephrine dosage

SepsisSeptic Shock

HT-ENDO: A Multiomics-based Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Endocrine Hypertension: a Pragmatic, Diagnostic, Randomized, Outcome-based Trial

Sponsor

JDeinum

Enrollment

250

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Potency of antihypertensive medication

Hypertension

REnin-guided TherApy With MinEralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Primary Aldosteronism - Feasibility Study

NCT06108427RECRUITING
Sponsor

Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal

Enrollment

58

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Proportion of participants with unsuppressed renin

Primary Aldosteronism

Use of Renin Versus Lactic Acid as Tissue Perfusion Biomarkers for Mortality Prediction in Hypotensive Critically Ill Patients

Sponsor

Al-Azhar University

Enrollment

84

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Evaluation of serum renin level as a marker of tissue perfusion and prediction of mortality of critically ill patients in intensive care unit in comparison with serum lactate.

SepsisObstructive ShockCritical IllnessHypotensiveCritically Ill

Assessing the Effects of a Cannabidiol Derived From Hemp Supplement in Healthy Adults

NCT05212402COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of South Carolina

Enrollment

56

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Changes in angiotensin-renin converting enzyme (ACE)

HealthySafety Issues

Establishment of Aldosterone and Renin Reference Range

Sponsor

University Malaysia Sarawak

Enrollment

300

Started

2021

Primary outcome

Aldosterone and renin reference intervals

Aldosteronism

Pediatric Hypertension and the Renin-Angiotensin SystEm (PHRASE)

NCT04752293RECRUITING
Sponsor

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Enrollment

125

Started

2021

Primary outcome

Baseline Urine Angiotensin-(1-7)/Creatinine Ratio

HypertensionLeft Ventricular HypertrophyLeft Ventricular DysfunctionLeft Atrial DilatationLeft Ventricular Diastolic DysfunctionKidney DiseasesKidney InjuryKidney DysfunctionSodium Urine HighBlood Pressure DisordersUric Acid RetentionAngiotensin HypertensionAutonomic DysfunctionAutonomic ImbalancePediatric Kidney DiseasePediatric ObesityProteinuriaAlbuminuria

Renin and Renal Biomarker Response to Angiotensin II

NCT04558359Phase 4COMPLETED
Sponsor

Alexander Flannery

Enrollment

30

Started

2020

Primary outcome

Change in Plasma Renin Levels

Septic ShockAcute Kidney Injury

Study of Renin-angiotensin System in Mechanically Ventilated Subjects

NCT03212690TERMINATED
Sponsor

GlaxoSmithKline

Enrollment

57

Started

2018

Primary outcome

Renin-angiotensin System Cascade Biomarker to Include Angiotensin (Ang) II Level

Acute Lung Injury

Determination of Threshold Values of Aldosterone in HPLC-MS/MS, of Renin and of the Aldosterone / Renin Ratio for the Diagnosis of Primary Hyperaldosteronism

NCT05640128COMPLETED
Sponsor

University Hospital, Caen

Enrollment

105

Started

2018

Primary outcome

Aldosterone values in LC-MS/MS (and renin) and RAR calculation and calculation of an RAR threshold for PAH screening which differentiates between essential hypertension and PAH.

Hyperaldosteronism; Primary

Effect of Renin-Angiotensin System on Platelet in Patient With Sepsis

NCT03952390COMPLETED
Sponsor

Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Enrollment

53

Started

2018

Primary outcome

Platelet Count of Blood Sample

Sepsis

Clarifying Optimal Sodium Intake Project

NCT02738736Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

University College Hospital Galway

Enrollment

269

Started

2016

Primary outcome

Change in cardiovascular biomarkers (Renin)

Blood PressureHypertensionKidney DiseaseCardiovascular Disease

Renal Transplant Injury and the Renin-Angiotensin System in Kids (RETASK)

NCT03317925COMPLETED
Sponsor

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Enrollment

29

Started

2014

Primary outcome

Acute graft injury

Renal TransplantRenin-Angiotensin SystemRejection Acute RenalRejection Chronic RenalRejection of Renal Transplant

Cardiovascular Disease Protection Tissue

NCT02348515COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Florida

Enrollment

8

Started

2013

Primary outcome

Imbalance of vasoprotective and vasodeleterious axes of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) is associated with dysfunction of CPC isolated from diseased tissue

Myocardial Ischemia

Effect of Renin-angiotensin-system Blockade on Urinary Free Light Chains in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

NCT02046395Phase 4COMPLETED
Sponsor

Tulane University School of Medicine

Enrollment

28

Started

2012

Primary outcome

Change in Urine Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio

Type 2 DiabetesHypertension

Additive Renoprotective Effects of Oral Calcitriol in IgA Nephropathy Patients Taking Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers

NCT01237028COMPLETED
Sponsor

Yonsei University

Enrollment

168

Started

2011

Primary outcome

changes in proteinuria

IgA Nephropathy

Albuminuria Reduction With Renin Angiotensin System Inhibitors in SCA Patients

NCT01195818COMPLETED
Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrollment

53

Started

2010

Primary outcome

Comparison of albuminuria/ urinary creatinin ratio before and after a 6 months RAS inhibitor treatment period

Sickle Cell Disease

Direct Renin Inhibition and the Kidney

NCT01217736Phase 1COMPLETED
Sponsor

Vitae Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Enrollment

22

Started

2010

Primary outcome

renal plasma flow

Renal Function

Compare the Effect of Aliskiren Plus Valsartan Versus Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEi) Plus Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) [Ramipril Plus Telmisartan] on the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) in Hypertensive Patients

NCT00939588Phase 2COMPLETED
Sponsor

Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Enrollment

88

Started

2009

Primary outcome

Compare the effects of aliskiren + valsartan vs ramipril + telmisartan on 24-hour urinary aldosterone

Hypertension

Aliskiren and Renin Inhibition in Diastolic Heart Failure

NCT00773084WITHDRAWN
Sponsor

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Enrollment

0

Started

2008

Primary outcome

Compare the baseline level of RAAS dysregulation between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites with stable diastolic HF by measuring established biomarkers.

Diastolic Heart Failure

Direct Renin Inhibition Effects on Atherosclerotic Biomarkers

NCT00818779Phase 4COMPLETED
Sponsor

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Enrollment

38

Started

2008

Primary outcome

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1

Coronary Artery DiseaseType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Effects of Vitamin D on Renin Expression in Hypertensive Patients

NCT00585442Early Phase 1TERMINATED
Sponsor

University of Utah

Enrollment

12

Started

2007

Primary outcome

Compare plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma renin concentration (PRC) in hypertensive patients (JNC VII stage I) following 14 days treatment with calcitriol (1α, 25-[OH]2 vitamin D3) or matched placebo.

HypertensionVitamin D Deficiency

Optimalization of Nephroprotection Using Agents Inhibiting Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System

NCT00528385COMPLETED
Sponsor

Medical University of Gdansk

Started

2005

Primary outcome

Investigate the antiproteinuric effect of adding aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone to the combination therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and AT-1 receptor blocker in maximal recommended doses.

Chronic Kidney DiseaseProteinuria

Publication Trend

Research publications about Renin over time

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1
'04
1
'12
1
'21
1
'22
1
'25

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