Activated tissue renin-angiotensin systems add to the progression of heart failure.
In this paper, we review the hypothesis that activated tissue renin-angiotensin systems play a detrimental role in heart failure. The main arguments for this idea are discussed: a) tissue renin-angiotensin systems behave functionally distinct from the circulating renin-angiotensin system; b) tissue renin-angiotensin systems are activated in heart failure; c) activated tissue renin-angiotensin systems induce cardiovascular dysfunction. Finally, this hypothesis predicts that optimal treatment in heart failure requires the inhibition of tissue renin-angiotensin systems. However, studies pertaining to this prediction are still lacking, particularly in human subjects.
Pinto
Y M
YM
Dept. of Cardiology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Buikema
H
H
van Gilst
W H
WH
Lie
K I
KI
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D018450:Disease Progression; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors