A New Understanding of Potassium's Influence Upon Human Health and Renal Physiology.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2023

Publication Title

Advances in Kidney Disease and Health

Abstract

Potassium channels are expressed in virtually all cell types, and their activity is the dominant determinant of cellular membrane potential. As such, potassium flux is a key regulator of many cellular processes including the regulation of action potentials in excitable cells. Subtle changes in extracellular potassium can initiate signaling processes vital for survival (insulin signaling) while more extreme and chronic changes may lead to pathological states (acid-base disturbances and cardiac arrhythmia). While many factors acutely influence extracellular potassium levels, it is principally the role of the kidneys to maintain potassium balance by matching urinary excretion with dietary intake. When this balance is disrupted, human health is negatively impacted. In this review, we discuss evolving views of dietary potassium intake as means of preventing and mitigating diseases. We also provide an update on a molecular pathway called the potassium switch, a mechanism by which extracellular potassium regulates distal nephron sodium reabsorption. Finally, we review recent literature describing how several popular therapeutics influence potassium homeostasis.

Volume

30

Issue

2

First Page

137

Last Page

147

DOI

10.1053/j.akdh.2023.01.001

ISSN

2949-8139

PubMed ID

36868729

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