Brain angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis: A new target to reduce the cardiovascular risk to emotional stress

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Stress Response Mechanisms

Background:

• Emotional stress is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like arrhythmias and hypertension.
• Neuroendocrine and autonomic mechanisms mediate the body's response to emotional stress.
• The precise links between stress, cardiovascular health, and regulatory pathways require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in emotional stress responses.
• To highlight the counterregulatory angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/(Ang)iotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of the angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis in managing stress-related cardiovascular risks.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating the RAS and emotional stress.
• Analysis of research on the ACE/angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis in stress.
• Examination of evidence supporting the anxiolytic and antihypertensive effects of the ACE2/(Ang)iotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis.

Main Results:

• The ACE/angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis is implicated in facilitating emotional stress responses.
• The ACE2/(Ang)iotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis demonstrates anxiolytic properties.
• This counterregulatory axis attenuates physiological reactions to emotional stress.

Conclusions:

• The angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis represents a potential therapeutic target.
• Modulating this axis may help reduce the physiological impact of emotional stress.
• Targeting the angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas axis could lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with stress.