Vascular benefits of angiotensin receptor blockers.
There is convincing evidence that angiotensin II, through activation of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, is involved in the atherosclerotic process. Similarly, angiotensin receptor blockers decrease vascular inflammation, hypertrophy and thrombosis, which are the key components of the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, in several animal models, angiotensin receptor blockade was able to inhibit atherosclerosis. However, the effects of angiotensin receptor blockers on clinical outcome in cardiovascular patients remains to be established. Contradictory results have been found on the reduction of the risk on myocardial infarctions and in-stent restenosis, although there is solid evidence for cerebroprotective effects of these receptor blockers. These differences may be related to the role of the AT2 receptor. This review discusses the role of angiotensin II and angiotensin receptor blockers in the atherosclerotic process and its translation into clinical practice.
Voors
Adriaan A
AA
University Medical Center Groningen, Thoraxcenter, Department of Cardiology, Groningen, The Netherlands. a.a.voors@thorax.umcg.nl
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D044139:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D044139:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2