title: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a therapeutic target for heart failure.
abstract: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disorders. Angiotensin II (Ang-II), the final product of this pathway, is known for its vasoconstrictive and proliferative effects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a newly discovered homolog of ACE, plays a key role as the central negative regulator of the RAS. It diverts the generation of vasoactive Ang-II into the vasodilatory and growth inhibiting peptide angiotensin(1-7) [Ang(1-7)], thereby providing counter-regulatory responses to neurohormonal activation. There is substantial experimental evidence evaluating the role of ACE2/Ang(1-7) in hypertension, heart failure, and atherosclerosis. In this review, we aim to focus on the conceptual facts of the ACE2-Ang(1-7) axis with regards to clinical implications and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disorders, with emphasis on the potential therapeutic role in cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Mohammed A R
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chamsi-Pasha
authors.forename: Zhili
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.forename: W H Wilson
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000803:Angiotensin I / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology; D020257:Ventricular Remodeling / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D000803:Angiotensin I; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; C000705307:ACE2 protein, human; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; C118790:angiotensin I (1-7)