Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 alleviates liver fibrosis through the renin-angiotensin system

The present letter to the editor is related to the study titled‘Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves liver fibrosis in mice by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells’.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 can alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy of hepatic stellate cells and affecting the renin-angiotensin system.

Association between renin-angiotensin system inhibitor and the risk of CMV pneumonia:a Mendelian randomization study

Background:Cytomegalovirus(CMV)reactivation is linked to a high mortality rate,especially among the elderly.Prior research suggests that renin-angiotensin system(RAS)inhibitors may influence both the onset and prognosis of pneumonia.This study aims to examine the causal relationship between RAS inhibitor use and the risk of CMV pneumonia using Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.Methods:We conducted an analysis using data from two genome-wide association studies(GWAS)involving individuals of European ancestry.This dataset included individuals treated with RAS inhibitors and those with CMV pneumonia.We assessed the relationship between RAS inhibitor use and CMV pneumonia risk using the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method.The results were further evaluated for pleiotropy,heterogeneity,and robustness.Results:The Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis revealed a causal relationship between RAS inhibitor use and an increased risk of CMV pneumonia(IVW:odds ratio[OR]=2.73;95%confidence interval[CI]=1.11-6.73;P=0.028).Conclusions:Our finding indicate a positive causal relationship between the use of RAS inhibitors and the onset of CMV pneumonia.

Renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis is considered a common response to many chronic hepatic injuries. It is a multifunctional process that involves several cell types, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors leading to a disruption of homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the liver ecosystem. In spite of many studies regarding the development of fibrosis, the understanding of the pathogenesis remains obscure. The hepatic tissue remodeling process is highly complex, resulting from the balance between collagen degradation and synthesis. Among the many mediators that take part in this process, the components of the Renin angiotensin system （RAS） have progressively assumed an important role. Angiotensin （Ang） II acts as a profibrotic mediator and Ang-（1-7）, the newly recognized RAS component, appears to exert a counter-regulatory role in liver tissue. We briefly review the liver fibrosis process and current aspects of the RAS. This review also aims to discuss some experimental evidence regarding the participation of RAS mediators in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, focusing on the putative role of the ACE2-Ang-（1-7）- Mas receptor axis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the renin-angiotensin system:Implications for treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is the commonest liver disease in Western countries.Treatment of NAFLD is currently based on lifestyle measures and no effective pharmacologic treatment is available so far.Emerging evidence,mainly from animal studies,suggests that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may be of major importance in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and indicates that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs) as a potentially useful therapeutic approach.However,data from human studies are limited and contradictory.In addition,there are few randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on the effects of ACE-I or ARB in patients with NAFLD and most data are from retrospective studies,pilot prospective studies and post hoc analyses of clinical trials.Accordingly,more and larger RCTs are needed to directly assess the effectiveness of ACE-I and ARBs in NAFLD.

What have we learned about the kallikrein-kinin and renin-angiotensin systems in neurological disorders?

The kallikrein-kinin system(KKS) is an intricate endogenous pathway involved in several physiological and pathological cascades in the brain. Due to the pathological effects of kinins in blood vessels and tissues, their formation and degradation are tightly controlled. Their components have been related to several central nervous system diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and others. Bradykinin and its receptors(B1R and B2R) may have a role in the pathophysiology of certain central nervous system diseases. It has been suggested that kinin B1R is up-regulated in pathological conditions and has a neurodegenerative pattern, while kinin B2R is constitutive and can act as a neuroprotective factor in many neurological conditions. The renin angiotensin system(RAS) is an important blood pressure regulator and controls both sodium and water intake. AngⅡ is a potent vasoconstrictor molecule and angiotensin converting enzyme is the major enzyme responsible for its release. AngⅡ acts mainly on the AT1 receptor, with involvement in several systemic and neurological disorders. Brain RAS has been associated with physiological pathways, but is also associated with brain disorders. This review describes topics relating to the involvement of both systems in several forms of brain dysfunction and indicates components of the KKS and RAS that have been used as targets in several pharmacological approaches.

Calcium channel blocker monotherapy versus combination with reninangiotensin system inhibitors on the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus in hypertensive Korean patients

Background In real practice, two or more antihypertensive drugs are needed to achieve target blood pressure. We investigated the comparative beneficial actions of combination therapy of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI), with calcium channel blockers (CCB) over CCB monotherapy on the development of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) in Korean patients during four-year follow-up periods. Methods A total of 3208 consecutive hypertensive patients without a history of diabetes mellitus who had been prescribed CCB were retrospectively enrolled from January 2004 to December 2012. These patients were divided into the two groups according to the additional use of RASI (the RASI group, n = 1221 and the no RASI group, n = 1987). Primary endpoint was NODM, defined as a fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. Secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as total death, myocardial infarction (MI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Results After propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis, two propensity- matched groups (939 pairs, n = 1878, C-statistic = 0.743) were generated. The incidences of NODM (HR = 1.009, 95% CI: 0.700–1.452, P = 0.962), MACE (HR = 0.877, 95% CI: 0.544–1.413, P = 0.589), total death, MI, PCI were similar between the two groups after PSM during four years. Conclusions The use of RASI in addition to CCB showed comparable incidences of NODM and MACE compared to CCB monotherapy in non-diabetic hypertensive Korean patients during four-year follow-up period. However, large-scaled randomized controlled clinical trials will be required for a more definitive conclusion.

Systematic review: Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors in chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Neoangiogenesis is one of the key pathogenetic mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Modulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) seems to be a possible adjuvant therapy for HCC, due to the antiangiogenic and anti-fibrogenic activity of these drugs. AIM To elucidate the role of ARBs and ACE-Is in HCC. METHODS We performed an electronic search of the literature using the most accessed online databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, Scopus and Web of Science), entering the query terms "angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors" OR "ACE inhibitors" OR "ACE-I" AND "hepatocarcinoma*" OR "hepatocellular carcinoma;moreover "angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers" OR "ARBs" AND "hepatocarcinoma*" OR "hepatocellular carcinoma". Eligibility criteria were:(1) prospective or retrospective clinical studies;(2) epidemiological studies;and (3) experimental studies conducted in vivo or in vitro. Abstracts, conference papers, and reviews were excluded a priori. We limited our literature search to articles published in English, in peer-reviewed journals.RESULTS Thirty-one studies were selected. Three interventional studies showed that ACEIs had a significant protective effect on HCC recurrence only when used in combination with vitamin K or branched chain aminoacids, without a significant increase in overall survival. Of six retrospective observational studies, mainly focused on overall survival, only one demonstrated a prolonged survival in the ACE-Is group, whereas the two that also evaluated tumor recurrence showed conflicting results. All experimental studies displayed beneficial effects of RAS inhibitors on hepatocarcinogenesis. Numerous experimental studies, conducted either on animals and cell cultures, demonstrated the anti-angiogenetic and antifibrotic effect of ACE-Is and ARBs, thanks to the suppression of some cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor, hypoxia-inducible factor-1a, transforming growth factor-beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha. All or parts of these mechanisms were demonstrated in rodents developing fewer HCC and preneoplastic lesions after receiving such drugs. CONCLUSION In humans, RAS inhibitors - alone or in combination - significantly suppressed the cumulative HCC recurrence, without prolonging patient survival, but some limitations intrinsic to these studies prompt further investigations.

The Beneficial Effect of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Blockade in Treatment of Hypertension, Resistant to Conventional Antihypertensives, in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is present in up to 90% of end stage kidney disease (ESRD) patients irrespective of the etiology of their kidney disease. Moreover, it is an important modifiable risk factor for progression to ESRD and its overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objective: to evaluate, prospectively, the role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System blockade (RAAS) in HTN, resistant to 3 conventional antihypertensives, in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Patients and methods: A total of 52 such patients were treated with Ramipril and 5 with Losartan after intolerable cough/shortness of breath following Ramipril-use. None of the patients had fluid depletion, renal artery stenosis and primary endocrinopathy. The study group was compared to a matched control group of MHD patients with normal blood pressure following 3 drugs-combination therapies. Results: All patients, with resistant HTN, had significant activation of RAAS system prior to treatment compared to inactive one in the control group. In those with resistant HTN, control of HTN, was established within 2 weeks of therapy and was associated with suppression of the RAAS. Such therapy was associated with minor side effects. Conclusion: Our study has shown that RAAS blockade is safe and effective in controlling such resistant HTN in MHD patients.

Biological function of miRNA-145-5p in angiotensin II induced renal inflammation

Objective:Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a progressive disorder characterized by intricate structural and functional alterations in the kidneys,attributable to diverse causative factors.Notably,the therapeutic promise of miR-145-5p in addressing renal pathologies has been discerned.This investigation seeks to elucidate the functional role of miR-145-5p in injured kidneys by subjecting human glomerular mesangial cells(HGMCs)to stimulation with Angiotensin II(AngII).Materials and Methods:Cellular viability and the levels of inflammatory mediators were evaluated utilizing Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8),quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and western blot methodologies,both in the presence of AngII incubation and in scenarios of miR-145p overexpression and downregulation.Furthermore,the cell cycle dynamics were elucidated through Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting(FACS)analysis.Results:AngII incubation induced an upregulation of miR-145-5p and inflammatory factors including Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1(ICAM-1),Interleukin 6(IL-6),Interleukin 8(IL-8),and Interleukin 1β(IL-1β).Additionally,it elevated the expression of Cyclin A2,Cyclin D1,and the G2/M cell cycle ratio.Conversely,inhibition of miR-145-5p heightened the levels of inflammatory factors and cell cycle regulators induced by AngII incubation.Reduced expression of miR-145-5p correlated with a downregulation of Interleukin 10(IL-10)expression,concurrently promoting HGMC proliferation under AngII stimulation.Moreover,ectopic miR-145-5p expression demonstrated a reduction in inflammatory factors,cell cyclin regulators,G2/M cell cycle ratio,and overall proliferation.Conclusion:MiR-145-5p exhibited inhibitory effects on the inflammatory response and proliferation induced by Angiotensin II in HGMCs,showcasing its potential as a therapeutic avenue for the treatment of kidney injury.

Effects of highly potent atrial natriuretic peptide on circulating reninangiotensin-aldosterone system and cardiac function in dogs with ischemic heart failure

The effects of highly-potent atrial natriuretic peptide (HPANP) on circulating re nin-angiotensin-aldos-terone system (RAAS) and cardiac function were studied in an acute ischemic heart failure model. HPANP (6 μg/kg and 3 μg/kg) was infused intracoronarily. It was found that both doses of HPANP could cause significant decrease in plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AII) and aldosterone (Ald). After the administraticn of HPANP, PRA, AII and Ald in the coronary sinus were decreased by 73. 2% (P<0.01), 68. o% (P<0.01) and 73. 6% (P<0.01), and the hormones in peripheral venous blood by 63. 3% (P<0.01), 53. 3% (P<0.01) and 64. 9% (P<0.01), respectively at the dose of 6 μg/kg. While PRA, AII and Ald in the coronary sinus and in peripheral venous blood decreased by 55. 9%, 55. 3%, 61. 9%, and 54. 0%, 42. 3%, 53, 3%, respectively at the 3μg/kg dose level. At the higher dose, HPANP increased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP, +13. 1%, P<0. 05), +dP/dtmax(+24.1 %, P<0.01), -dp/dtmax (+35.9%, P<0.01), and VCE(+28.9%, P<0.05). Mean arterial pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were decreased (-15.0%, P<0.01, and 29. 6%, P<0.01, respectively). In contrast, the lower dose caused no significant changes of LVSP, +dp/dtmex,dp/dtmax and VCE(not including LVEDP, - 20. 5 %, P<0.05). Neither of the doses caused significant changes in heart rate and T value- Normal saline infusion has no effects on cardiac function and circulating RAAS- We conclude that in ischemic heart failure, intracoronary administration of HPANP can significantly suppress the activity of circulating RAAS, and improve cardiac function by reducing pre- and after-load of the heart, but has no direct myocardial effects.

Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Cardiovascular Mortality in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION: Since the outcomes associated with the use of renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors (RASi) by hemodialysis (HD) patients are not fully known, we investigated their effect on the cardiovascular mortality of chronic HD patients. METHODS: Data from 388 HD patients (237 men and 151 women) who were routinely treated for at least 6 months were analyzed. Treatment with a RASi was the major predictor variable. The main outcome measure was cardiovascular mortality. Cox regression analysis was used to assess for the use of RASi and risk of death. RESULTS: Hypertension was diagnosed in 320 patients (82.5%), and 197 (50.8%) of them were treated with a RASi (treated group) and 191 (49.2%) were not (untreated group). The treated group had a higher prevalence of hypertension, history of congestive heart failure, and presence of ST-T changes. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a reduction in risk of cardiovascular death in the treated group during the follow-up period (fig. 2;log-rank: p=0.0379). The multivariate analysis showed that treatment with a RASi was also independently associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio= 0.184;p=0.0161). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest a possible association between the treatment with RASi and reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality, independent of their effect of lowering blood pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin System and Thrombosis

Considerable evidence has accumulated to support the concept that the effects of the renin-agniotensin system can be mediated through two modes: endocrine and paracrine modes.

Renin-angiotensin system blockade: Effect on renal mRNA expression in 5/6 nephrectomized rats

The aim of this study was to determinate the gene expression levels of angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme, renin, (pro)renin receptor, and the final rennin-angiotensin system (RAS) products Angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang 1-7 inthe remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomized rats and its response to RAS pharmacological blockade. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: sham operated (SO), 5/6 nephrectomized (NFX), NFX + captopril (50 mg/ kg/day), NFX + losartan (10 mg/kg/day), and NFX + aliskiren (10 mg/kg/day). Animals were followed up for 60 days and protein urine excretion was measured. Systolic blood pressure, renal tissue RAS mRNA expression levels, plasma Ang II, and plasma Ang 1-7 were evaluated at day 60 after nephrectomy. Blood pressure and urine protein were increased after 5/6 nephrectomy. Ang II levels were increased 9.4 fold, whereas Ang 1-7 decreased 72.9% in NFX animals compared with SO rats. 5/6 nephrectomy increased renal angiotensinogen and (pro)renin receptor mRNA expression but down-regulated renin mRNA expression. RAS blockade restored the systolic blood pressure to normal values and slowed down urinary protein excretion, and also prevented changes in Ang II and Ang 1-7. RAS blockade reduced (pro)renin receptor, ACE, and AGT mRNA expression in the remnant kidney. However, renin mRNA expression increased compared with NFX rats. In conclusion these results suggest that inhibition of Ang II synthesis by RAS blockade is associated with renal regulation of RAS mRNA expression and this may be through a mechanism related with the Ang II/Ang 1-7 balance.

Ocular renin-angiotensin system with special reference in the anterior part of the eye

The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) regulates blood pressure(BP) homeostasis, systemic fluid volume and electrolyte balance. The RAS cascade includes over twenty peptidases, close to twenty angiotensin peptides and at least six receptors. Out of these, angiotensin Ⅱ, angiotensin converting enzyme 1 and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AngⅡ-ACE1-AT1R) together with angiotensin(1-7), angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and Mas receptor(Ang(1-7)-ACE2-Mas R) are regarded as the main components of RAS. In addition to circulating RAS, local RA-system exists in various organs. Local RA-systems are regarded as tissue-specific regulatory system accounting for local effects and long term changes in different organs. Many of the central components such as the two main axes of RAS: AngⅡ-ACE1-AT1 R and Ang(1-7)-ACE2-Mas R, have been identified in the human eye. Furthermore, it has been shown that systemic antihypertensive RAS- inhibiting medications lower intraocular pressure(IOP). These findings suggest the crucial role of RAS not only in the regulation of BP but also in the regulation of IOP, and RAS potentially plays a role in the development of glaucoma and antiglaucomatous drugs.

肾素-血管紧张素系统在血管性痴呆大鼠心肌损伤中的作用

目的探讨肾素-血管紧张素系统在实验性血管性痴呆大鼠心肌损伤中的作用。方法24只成年雄性SD大鼠分为正常组、假手术组和模型组。Morris水迷宫用于评估大鼠学习记忆功能;免疫染色法观察心肌细胞横截面积和间质胶原蛋白分数以评估实验性血管性痴呆引起的心肌改变。检测血清中血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)和血管紧张素1-7(Ang1-7)的浓度,以及心肌中血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)、血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)、AngⅡ、Ang1-7、血管紧张素1型(AT1)受体和Mas受体的蛋白表达水平。结果与假手术组和正常组比较,模型组大鼠存在明显的认知功能障碍(P<0.01)和心肌损伤(P<0.0001)。此外,模型组大鼠心肌中肾素-血管紧张素系统的ACE/AngⅡ/AT1轴上调(P<0.01),而ACE2/Ang1-7/Mas轴下调(P<0.05)。结论实验性血管性痴呆大鼠心肌损伤可能与肾素-血管紧张素系统失调有关。

补充血管紧张素(1-7)联合运动疗法对肾性高血压大鼠心脏重塑的作用与机制

背景:肾素-血管紧张素系统在高血压发生发展中起关键作用,其中血管紧张素(1-7)具有降压作用并反向调节血管紧张素Ⅱ的不良效应。运动康复疗法是防治高血压的重要非药物手段,然而血管紧张素(1-7)与运动是否具有协同效应尚未明确。目的:观察补充血管紧张素(1-7)联合运动疗法对肾性高血压大鼠心脏重塑的影响,并探讨血管紧张素(1-7)及其受体信号轴在其中的可能作用机制。方法:60只雄性SD大鼠随机选取12只作为正常血压组,其余48只利用两肾一夹法制作肾性高血压模型并随机分为高血压对照组、高血压运动组、血管紧张素(1-7)组、联合治疗组。造模成功1周后,各组分别给予不同干预(为期6周):高血压运动组在电动跑台上进行跑步训练,血管紧张素(1-7)组通过植入大鼠背部皮下的Alzet微渗透泵灌流血管紧张素(1-7),联合治疗组在跑步训练后灌流血管紧张素(1-7),正常血压组和高血压对照组在鼠笼内安静饲养。末次训练后48 h,通过无创血压仪测定尾动脉血压;超声心动图检测心脏结构与功能;取左心室心肌,利用苏木精-伊红和马松染色进行心肌组织病理学观察,通过图像分析软件获取心肌细胞横截面积和胶原容积分数分别作为心肌肥大和心肌纤维化标志物;高效液相色谱法检测心脏血管紧张素(1-7)含量;qRT-PCR检测心脏胚胎基因心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量;免疫印迹法测定心脏Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量。结果与结论:①与正常血压组比较,高血压对照组血压升高(P<0.05),心功能差异无显著变化(P>0.05),心肌细胞横截面积和胶原容积分数增加(P<0.05),心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量上调,血管紧张素(1-7)含量以及Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量下调(P<0.05)。②与高血压对照组比较,运动组血压下降(P<0.05),心功能提高(P<0.05),胶原容积分数下降(P<0.05),心肌细胞横截面积和血管紧张素(1-7)含量无显著变化(P>0.05),心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量下调(P<0.05),Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量上调(P<0.05);血管紧张素(1-7)组除心肌血管紧张素(1-7)含量升高(P<0.05)外,其他各参数差异均无显著性意义(P>0.05)。③与运动组比较,联合治疗组血压下降(P<0.05),心肌细胞横截面积和心功能无显著变化(P>0.05),胶原容积分数下降(P<0.05),血管紧张素(1-7)含量升高(P<0.05),心钠素和β-肌球蛋白重链mRNA表达量下调(P<0.05),Mas受体、血管紧张素2型受体和内皮型一氧化氮合成酶蛋白表达量上调(P<0.05)。④提示单独补充血管紧张素(1-7)并不能改善肾性高血压大鼠心脏重塑,但却能够增强运动的疗效,其机制与血管紧张素(1-7)受体缺陷改善并恢复其信号通路功能有关。

灵芝调脂茶对高血压合并高脂血症患者代谢指标及肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统的影响探讨

目的 观察灵芝调脂茶对高血压合并高脂血症患者代谢指标及肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统(RAAS)的影响。方法 101例高血压合并高脂血症患者为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为治疗组(57例)和对照组(54例)。两组均指导健康生活方式,对照组口服苯磺酸氨氯地平、瑞舒伐他汀治疗,治疗组在对照组基础上饮用灵芝调脂茶。比较两组治疗前后空腹血糖(FPG)、血脂指标[总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)]、尿酸(UA)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)、胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、RAAS[肾素活性(PRA)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)、醛固酮(ALD)]。结果 两组治疗后TC、TG、LDL-C水平均较治疗前明显下降, HDL-C水平上升,且治疗组FPG、UA水平较治疗前明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);对照组治疗后FPG、UA水平与治疗前比较无明显统计学意义(P>0.05);相比对照组,治疗组治疗后TC、TG、LDL-C水平下降更为显著, HDL-C水平上升更为明显,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组治疗后FPG、UA组间比较无明显统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组治疗后FINS及HOMA-IR较治疗前均有下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗组治疗后FINS(89.51±33.00)pmol/L、HOMA-IR(3.16±1.44)均低于对照组的(104.09±38.76)pmol/L、(3.81±1.67),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗组治疗后PRA、AngⅡ、ALD均较治疗前明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);对照组治疗前后PRA无显著性差异(P>0.05);对照组治疗后AngⅡ、ALD均较治疗前明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗组治疗后PRA(1.61±0.74)ng/(ml·h)、AngⅡ(87.19±10.05)pg/ml、ALD(112.08±30.85)pg/ml均低于对照组的(2.02±0.32)ng/(ml·h)、(93.08±14.80)pg/ml、(128.25±25.25)pg/ml,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者治疗期间均未发生严重不良反应。结论 灵芝调脂茶治疗高血压合并高脂血症疗效确切,能有效控制血脂,改善HOMA-IR,调节RAAS系统,安全性好,是值得临床广泛使用的中药制剂。

Inflammation, oxidative stress and renin angiotensin system in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with cardiovascular dysfunction including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, stroke and peripheral thromboses. It has been predicted that atherosclerosis will be the primary cause of death in the world by 2020. Atherogenesis is initiated by endothelial injury due to oxidative stress associated with cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The impairment of the endothelium associated with cardiovascular risk factors creates an imbalance between vasodilating and vasoconstricting factors, in particular, an increase in angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ) and a decrease in nitric oxide. The renin-angiotensin system(RAS), and its primary mediator Ang Ⅱ, also have a direct influence on the progression of the atherosclerotic process via effects on endothelial function, inflammation, fibrinolytic balance, and plaque stability. Anti-inflammatory agents [statins, secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 inhibitor, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, chemokine motif ligand-2, C-C chemokine motif receptor 2 pathway inhibitors, methotrexate, IL-1 pathway inhibitor and RAS inhibitors(angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)], Ang Ⅱ receptor blockers and ranin inhibitors may slow inflammatory processes and disease progression. Several studies in human using anti-inflammatory agents and RAS inhibitors revealed vascular benefits and reduced progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable angina pectoris; decreased vascular inflammatory markers, improved common carotid intima-media thickness and plaque volume in patients with diagnosed atherosclerosis. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy of vitamin D analogs paricalcitol in Apo E-deficient atherosclerotic mice.

Role of the renin angiotensin system in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy has been the cause of lot of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population. The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is considered to be involved in most of the pathological processes that result in diabetic nephropathy. This system has various subsystems which contribute to the disease pathology. One of these involves angiotensin II (Ang II) which shows increased activity during diabetic nephropathy. This causes hypertrophy of various renal cells and has a pressor effect on arteriolar smooth muscle resulting in increased vascular pressure. Ang II also induces inflammation, apoptosis, cell growth, migration and differentiation. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 production responsible for renal fibrosis is also regulated by RAS. Polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and Angiotensinogen has been shown to have effects on RAS. Available treatment modalities have proven effective in controlling the progression of nephropathy. Various drugs (based on antagonism of RAS) are currently in the market and others are still under trial. Amongst the approved drugs, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used in clinical practice. ARBs are shown to be superior to ACE inhibitors in terms of reducing proteinuria but the combined role of ARBs with ACE inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy is under debate.

Renin angiotensin system in liver diseases: Friend or foe?

In the last three decades,the understanding of the renin angiotensin system(RAS)has been changed by the discoveries of functional local systems,novel biologically active peptides,additional specific receptors,alternative pathways of angiotensin(Ang)?Ⅱ?generation,and new roles for enzymes and precursor components other than those in Ang?Ⅱ?synthesis.In this regard,the discovery that Ang-(1-7)opposes the pressor,proliferative,pro-fibrotic,and pro-inflammatory effects mediated by Ang?Ⅱ?has contributed to the realization that the RAS is composed of two axes.The first axis consists of the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE),with Ang?Ⅱ?as the end product,and the angiotensin type 1(AT1)receptor as the main effector mediating the biological actions of Ang?Ⅱ.The second axis results from ACE2-mediated hydrolysis of Ang?Ⅱ,leading to the production of Ang-(1-7),with the Mas receptor as the main effector conveying the vasodilatory,antiproliferative,anti-fibrotic,and anti-inflammatory effects of Ang-(1-7).Experimental and clinical studies have shown that both axes of the RAS may take part in the pathogenesis of liver diseases.In this manuscript,we summarize the current evidence regarding the role of RAS in hepatic cirrhosis and its complications,including hemodynamic changes and hepatorenal syndrome.The therapeutic potential of the modulation of RAS molecules in liver diseases is also discussed.