Analysis of systems influencing renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion. I. Biochemical systems theory.

In this article we present a new methodology--Biochemical Systems Theory and Analysis--as an alternative to traditional parametric statistical procedures for investigating differences between risk groups in a population. We review the systems theory and how it can be used to represent a model of processes influencing renal hemodynamics and sodium (Na+) excretion. We also discuss the potential for new measures of the biology of common diseases that can emerge from a synergism between systems theory and population-based statistical approaches.