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Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of a Mouse Model for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 2, 2024
Aortic aneurysm: pathophysiology and therapeutic options
Guang Yang1,2,3,4, Abbas Khan5, Wei Liang1,4
1Division of Renal Medicine Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Shenzhen China.
Abstract:
Aortic aneurysm (AA) is an aortic disease with a high mortality rate, and other than surgery no effective preventive or therapeutic treatment have been developed. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important endocrine system that regulates vascular health. The ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis can antagonize the adverse effects of the activation of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis on vascular dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and the development of aneurysms, thus providing an important therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of AA. However, products targeting the Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway still lack clinical validation. This review will outline the epidemiology of AA, including thoracic, abdominal, and thoracoabdominal AA, as well as current diagnostic and treatment strategies. Due to the highest incidence and most extensive research on abdominal AA (AAA), we will focus on AAA to explain the role of the RAS in its development, the protective function of Ang-(1-7)/MasR, and the mechanisms involved. We will also describe the roles of agonists and antagonists, suggest improvements in engineering and drug delivery, and provide evidence for Ang-(1-7)/MasR's clinical potential, discussing risks and solutions for clinical use. This study will enhance our understanding of AA and offer new possibilities and promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
Insights
Aortic aneurysms are deadly, but the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway shows promise for treatment. This review explores its potential to combat aortic disease and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a significant cause of mortality with limited treatment options beyond surgery.
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) critically regulates vascular health.
- The ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis counteracts detrimental RAS activation, offering a potential therapeutic target for AA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of aortic aneurysms, focusing on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
- To elucidate the role of the RAS in AAA development and the protective mechanisms of the Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway.
- To evaluate the clinical potential of targeting the Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway for AA prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on aortic aneurysm epidemiology and RAS.
- Focus on AAA to detail the role of RAS and the Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis.
- Analysis of current and potential therapeutic strategies involving agonists and antagonists of the Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway.
Main Results:
- The ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis promotes vascular dysfunction and aneurysm development.
- The ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis demonstrates protective effects against AA.
- Clinical validation of Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway targeting agents is currently lacking.
Conclusions:
- The Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway represents a promising therapeutic target for aortic aneurysms.
- Further research and clinical validation are needed to develop effective treatments targeting this pathway.
- Optimizing drug delivery and addressing clinical risks are crucial for therapeutic success.
