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The kinin system in hypertensive pathophysiology

Jagdish N Sharma1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110, Safat, Kuwait. j.n.sharma@hsc.edu.kw

Inflammopharmacology
|April 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The kallikrein-kinin system plays a key role in cardiovascular health. Reduced activity of this system is linked to cardiovascular diseases, but enhancing it shows therapeutic promise.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality.
  • The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is implicated in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac function.
  • Reduced KKS activity is associated with various cardiovascular conditions including hypertension, ischemia, and hypertrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

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

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical and experimental data linking KKS activity to disease states.
  • Analysis of the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
  • Evaluation of kallikrein gene delivery and kinin agonists as potential therapies.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests reduced KKS activity contributes to cardiovascular disease development.
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors' benefits are partly mediated by preserving kinin-forming components.
  • Kallikrein gene delivery demonstrates a broad range of beneficial effects.

Conclusions:

  • Restoring or enhancing kallikrein-kinin system activity holds significant therapeutic potential for hypertension, cardiovascular, and renal diseases.
  • Kallikrein gene therapy and future kinin agonists represent promising strategies for managing these conditions.

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