Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pseudohyperaldosteronism
Introduction
Pseudohyperaldosteronism is a condition caused by the chronic excessive ingestion of licorice. Licorice inhibits the 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (Protein:HSD11B2) enzyme resulting in inappropriate stimulation of the mineralocorticoid receptor by cortisol.
This condition is characterized by hypertension, kaliuresis and reduced plasma renin.
References
1: Armanini D, Calo L, Semplicini A. Pseudohyperaldosteronism: pathogenetic mechanisms. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. Jun;40(3):295-335, 2003
2: Takeuchi K, Abe K, Sato M, Yasujima M, Omata K, Murakami O, Yoshinaga K. Plasma aldosterone level in a female case of pseudohyperaldosteronism (Liddle’s syndrome). Endocrinol Jpn. Feb;36(1):167-73, 1989
Editor-In-Chief: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.