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Published on: June 7, 2016

Circulating rather than cardiac angiotensin-(1-7) stimulates cardioprotection after myocardial infarction

Yong Wang1, Cheng Qian, Anton J M Roks

  • 1Centre for Biomedical Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom.

Circulation. Heart Failure
|January 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Subcutaneous Angiotensin (1-7) peptide therapy benefits heart failure by stimulating cardiovascular progenitor cells. This promotes cardiac regeneration and improves heart function after myocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Angiotensin (1-7) peptide is known to attenuate heart failure development.
  • Beyond cardiovascular tissue, Angiotensin (1-7) stimulates bone marrow cells, potentially complementing its therapeutic effects.
  • The study investigates Angiotensin (1-7)'s role in heart failure, considering both local cardiac production and systemic administration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Angiotensin (1-7) on cardiovascular progenitor cells during heart failure induced by myocardial infarction.
  • To compare the therapeutic efficacy of locally produced versus subcutaneously injected Angiotensin (1-7).
  • To explore the role of cardiovascular progenitor cells in mediating the beneficial effects of Angiotensin (1-7).

Main Methods:

  • In vitro and in vivo studies using rodent models, including Mas receptor-deficient and Angiotensin (1-7) overexpressing mice.
  • Myocardial infarction was induced via permanent coronary artery occlusion.
  • Effects of Angiotensin (1-7) on endothelial progenitor cell proliferation and cardiac function were assessed post-infarction.

Main Results:

  • Angiotensin (1-7) significantly stimulated endothelial progenitor cell proliferation, an effect dependent on the Mas receptor.
  • Subcutaneous Angiotensin (1-7) infusion post-myocardial infarction increased progenitor cell numbers in the heart, reduced cardiac hypertrophy, and improved cardiac function.
  • Locally produced Angiotensin (1-7) within the heart did not yield similar beneficial effects.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating Angiotensin (1-7) demonstrates therapeutic benefits following myocardial infarction, superior to cardiac-derived Angiotensin (1-7).
  • The pro-regenerative effects are linked to Angiotensin (1-7)'s ability to stimulate cardiac progenitor cells.
  • Angiotensin (1-7) represents a promising therapeutic agent for cardiovascular regeneration in pathological conditions.
Abstract

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