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Local Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Systems and Cardiovascular Diseases
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, UPR, San Juan, PR 00936, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 26, 2016
Summary
Local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems (RAAS) impact cardiovascular and renal health. Epigenetic factors may alter RAAS in utero, influencing cardiovascular cell function and disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Renal Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems (RAAS) are present in cardiovascular and renal tissues.
- RAAS plays a critical role in regulating cardiovascular and renal function and disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the presence and influence of local RAAS in cardiovascular and renal tissues.
- To emphasize the roles of ACE/Ang II/AT1 and ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor axes.
- To discuss the impact of local RAS on hypertension and present a novel hypothesis on epigenetic influence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on local RAAS.
- Discussion of the physiological and pathological roles of RAAS components.
- Presentation of a hypothesis regarding epigenetic modifications and RAAS expression.
Main Results:
- Local RAAS activation (ACE/Ang II/AT1 axis) is fundamental to cardiovascular and renal function.
- Counterregulatory activation (ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor axis) modulates RAAS effects.
- Local RAS influences hypertension, with a proposed link to in utero epigenetic changes.
Conclusions:
- Local RAAS is a key regulator in cardiovascular and renal systems.
- Epigenetic factors may establish long-term RAAS alterations in utero, affecting cardiovascular health.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the epigenetic hypothesis of RAAS dysregulation.
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