title: Renin-angiotensin system blockade: a novel therapeutic approach in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) are already widely used for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and their potential role in other disease states has become increasingly recognized. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is characterized by pathological inflammatory processes involving the lung parenchyma, airways and vascular bed. The aim of the present review is to outline the role of the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) in the pathogenesis of COPD, including reference to results from fibrotic lung conditions and pulmonary hypertension. The review will, in particular, address the emerging evidence that ACE inhibition could have a beneficial effect on skeletal muscle function and cardiovascular co-morbidity in COPD patients. The evidence to support the effect of RAS blockade as a novel therapeutic approach in COPD will be discussed.
authors: NIHR Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College London, London, U.K. dinesh.shrikrishna@nhs.net
authors: Dinesh
authors: D
authors: Shrikrishna
authors: Ronan
authors: R
authors: Astin
authors: Paul R
authors: PR
authors: Kemp
authors: Nicholas S
authors: NS
authors: Hopkinson
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000503:physiopathology; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A