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The Angiotensin-melatonin axis

Luciana A Campos1, Jose Cipolla-Neto, Fernanda G Amaral

  • 1Center of Innovation, Technology and Education-(CITE), Camilo Castelo Branco University (UNICASTELO), São José dos Campos Technology Park, Presidente Dutra Road Km 138, 12247-004 São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.

International Journal of Hypertension
|February 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Disrupted circadian rhythms are linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Angiotensin II and melatonin may regulate these rhythms, offering potential for new chronotherapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Science

Background:

  • Circadian rhythm disruptions are implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
  • The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and melatonin are key neurohormones involved in circadian regulation.
  • Existing treatments for hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) target the RAS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of angiotensin II and melatonin in modulating circadian rhythms.
  • To explore the potential of combined RAS blockade and melatonin therapy for metabolic disorders.
  • To examine the interaction between neurohormones and clock genes in circadian regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of accumulating evidence on circadian rhythms, RAS, and melatonin.
  • Analysis of the impact of central nervous system angiotensin production on blood pressure circadian rhythms.
  • Consideration of melatonin's effects on metabolic abnormalities in DM and insulin resistance.

Main Results:

  • The brain RAS may modulate melatonin synthesis, influencing circadian rhythms.
  • Angiotensin II in the central nervous system affects both hypertension and blood pressure circadian rhythms.
  • Melatonin can ameliorate metabolic abnormalities in DM and insulin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Combined RAS blockade and melatonin therapy may enhance treatment efficacy for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
  • Understanding the interaction between neurohormones and clock genes is crucial for advancing chronotherapeutics.
  • Further research into these interactions could reveal new pathophysiological insights and treatment strategies.

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