title: Angiotensin II as a pro-inflammatory mediator.
abstract: Angiotensin II (Ang II), the most important component of the renin-angiotensin system, is usually associated with hypertension and renal failure. Through its pro-inflammatory actions, it also plays an important role in each step of the development of atherosclerotic plaques and plaque rupture. Ang II stimulates the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB), a transcription factor which regulates gene expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are dramatically increased in atherosclerotic plaques, particularly in monocytes at the fibrous cap. Thus, in multiple ways, Ang II is a critical factor in atherosclerotic plaque formation, inflammation and plaque stability. ACE inhibitors and AT1R inhibitors could therefore be appropriate therapeutic agents in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. MIP@ufl.edu
authors.forename: M Ian
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Shuntaro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kagiyama
mesh_terms: D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002633:Chemotaxis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin / Q000378:metabolism; D012083:Renin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances; D016328:NF-kappa B; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; D011945:Receptors, Angiotensin; D000804:Angiotensin II; D012083:Renin