title: Kinins as therapeutic agents in cardiovascular and renal diseases.
abstract: A fair amount of data indicates that bradykinin and lysyl-bradykinin exert arterial, cardiac and renal effects which afford protection against organ damage in diseases, especially in the settings of ischemia or diabetes. The concept of kinins acting as therapeutic agents is supported by the wide use of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These inhibitors indeed potentiate kinin action by inhibiting kinin degradation. Experimental evidence strongly suggests that the cardiac and renal effects of ACE inhibitors are due, at least in part, to kinins. Angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists act also partly through kinins. This paper reviews available evidence supporting a role for kinins in the therapeutic effect of current drugs. It then discusses the opportunity to develop new drugs based on kinin action. Direct activation of the kinin B2 receptor by pharmacological agonists might provide higher therapeutic benefit than existing kinin- potentiating drugs. Possible occurrence of side effects is however a concern.
authors: INSERM U872, Paris. francois.alhenc-gelas@inserm.fr
authors: Francois
authors: F
authors: Alhenc-Gelas
authors: Nadine
authors: N
authors: Bouby
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Richer
authors: Louis
authors: L
authors: Potier
authors: Ronan
authors: R
authors: Roussel
authors: Michel
authors: M
authors: Marre
mesh_terms: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007705:Kinins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D007705:Kinins