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Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
[Pathophysiological role of tissue renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in human atherosclerosis]
Kensuke Fukui1, Hiroyuki Yamada, Hiroaki Matsubara
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.
Abstract:
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been demonstrated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis development both in animal experiments and in clinical studies. Numerous clinical studies have shown that blockade of RAAS exerts beneficial effects to restore the impaired endothelial function and to reduce the mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases beyond their blood pressure lowering effect. However, the underlying mechanisms of stabilizing vulnerable plaque and inhibiting plaque rupture associated with acute coronary syndrome have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we summarized the characteristics of tissue RAAS expressions in human atherosclerotic lesions and assessed their therapeutic relevance in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
Insights
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is crucial in atherosclerosis. Blocking RAAS offers cardiovascular benefits beyond blood pressure reduction, but its plaque-stabilizing mechanisms require further study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Endocrinology
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is implicated in atherosclerosis development.
- RAAS blockade shows cardiovascular benefits, including improved endothelial function and reduced mortality/morbidity.
- Mechanisms for plaque stabilization and rupture inhibition by RAAS blockade are not fully understood.
Purpose:
- To summarize tissue RAAS expression in human atherosclerotic lesions.
- To assess the therapeutic relevance of RAAS in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
Summary:
- RAAS plays a significant role in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- RAAS blockade provides cardiovascular protection independent of blood pressure effects.
- Further research is needed to elucidate RAAS's role in plaque stabilization and acute coronary syndrome prevention.
Impact:
- Understanding tissue RAAS expression can guide therapeutic strategies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
- Elucidating RAAS mechanisms may lead to novel treatments for vulnerable plaque and acute coronary syndrome.
- This review highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting RAAS in cardiovascular disease prevention.
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