[Modulation of renin-angiotensin system for vascular protection in hypertensive patients and in patients with diabetic nephropathy]

Angiotensin II intervenes in the genesis of arterial hypertension and in the organic damage associated to arterial hypertension and to diabetes mellitus. Because of its proinflammatory effects, angiotensin II participates in the process of atherogenesis. Hemodynamic mechanisms and several citokines whose production is promoted by angiotensin II participate in left ventricular hypertrophy associated to arterial hypertension. Angiotensin II also contributes to renal damage secondary to diabetes mellitus by its actions in the intraglomerular hemodynamics and by its glomerular and interstitial fibrogenic effects. The intervention on the renin-angiotensin system should be part of therapy of patients with high cardiovascular risk with hypertensive disease and/or diabetes mellitus.