Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Pharmacology
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
• Hypercholesterolemia is a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis development.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antiatherosclerotic effects of ACE inhibitors.
• To investigate the impact of captopril and fosinopril on atherosclerosis in a mini-pig model.
• To assess the influence of ACE inhibitors on arterial function and lipid profiles.

Main Methods:

• Experimental hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis were induced in Göttingen mini-pigs over 52 weeks.
• Animals were treated with captopril (80 mg/kg/day) or fosinopril (8 mg/kg/day) or served as controls.
• Atherosclerotic lesions, arterial cholesterol content, and endothelium-dependent relaxation were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Both captopril and fosinopril significantly reduced visible atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta.
• Arterial cholesterol accumulation in the thoracic and abdominal aorta was significantly decreased by ACE inhibitors.
• ACE inhibitors modulated serum ACE activity, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone concentration with minor effects on plasma lipids.

Conclusions:

• ACE inhibitors captopril and fosinopril exhibit significant antiatherosclerotic properties.
• These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for ACE inhibitors in preventing or treating atherosclerosis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed antiatherosclerotic effects.