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Role of tissue kallikrein-kininogen-kinin pathways in the cardiovascular system

Jagdish N Sharma1

  • 1Department of Applied Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Safat, Kuwait. j.n.sharma@hsc.edu.kw

Archives of Medical Research
|March 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The kallikrein-kinin system in the heart is vital for function; its deficiency contributes to cardiovascular diseases. Therapies targeting this system show promise for treating hypertension and heart conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Renal Physiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is present in cardiac muscle, and its components are crucial for normal cardiac function.
  • Deficiency or reduced activity of the local KKS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, ischemia, and cardiac hypertrophy.
  • Observations from clinical and experimental models link KKS dysfunction to conditions like diabetes, cardiac failure, and myocardial infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the kallikrein-kinin system in cardiovascular health and disease.
  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of modulating the KKS for cardiovascular and renal disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical and experimental data on the kallikrein-kinin system in cardiovascular disease models.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms by which angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors exert cardioprotective effects, focusing on kinin release.
  • Evaluation of kallikrein gene delivery and stable kinin agonists as potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Reduced activity of the local KKS is associated with the induction of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, cardiac failure, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors demonstrate cardioprotective properties, partly mediated by the kinin-releasing pathway, which can lead to regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive states.
  • Kallikrein gene delivery exhibits a broad range of beneficial effects, suggesting its utility in treating cardiovascular and renal diseases.

Conclusions:

  • The kallikrein-kinin system plays a critical role in maintaining cardiac function and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
  • Targeting the kallikrein-kinin system, through methods like kallikrein gene delivery or stable kinin agonists, offers promising therapeutic avenues for hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and renal disorders.

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