A new concept for an old system: the anti-inflammatory paradigm of the renin-angiotensin system

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is classically known as a regulator of arterial pressure, which is accomplished by regulating the balance of water and sodium. This has led to the successful development of drugs such as anti-hypertensives that block the system. In addition, this system has a fundamental role in the mechanisms of inflammation and of defense for the cells and tissues of organisms. This last function is fulfilled by regulating oxidative stress at the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial level. From an evolutionary standpoint, this effect came before it began its role as a regulator of arterial pressure. If we were to consider cardiovascular disease as being inflammatory, then beyond its anti-hypertensive effect, RAS's blockade of this phenomenon could be seen as an etiologic treatment of cardiovascular disease.