In this review, diuretics and their immunomodulatory functions are described. The effects on the immune response of this group of drugs are reported in patients suffering from hypertension and under experimental conditions involving animal models and cell line studies. The pathogenesis of hypertension is strongly connected to chronic inflammation. The vast majority of diuretics modulate the immune response, changing it in favor of the anti-inflammatory response, but depending on the drug, these effects may differ. This topic is significantly important in medical practice regarding the treatment of patients who have coexisting diseases with chronic inflammatory pathogenesis, including hypertension or chronic heart failure. In patients with metabolic syndrome, allergies, or autoimmune disorders, the anti-inflammatory effect is favorable, because of the overstimulation of their immune system. Otherwise, in the geriatric population, it is important to find the proper anti- and pro-inflammatory balance to avoid an enhancement of immune response suppression, which can result in reducing the risk of serious infections that can occur due to the age-diminished function of the immune system. This article is intended to facilitate the selection of an antihypertensive drug that depends on the patient's immune situation.
Keywords: antihypertensive drugs; cellular response; diuretics; humoral response; immunology; immunomodulatory effect.