title: An evolving story of angiotensin-II-forming pathways in rodents and humans.
abstract: Lessons learned from the characterization of the biological roles of Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] in opposing the vasoconstrictor, proliferative and prothrombotic actions of AngII (angiotensin II) created an underpinning for a more comprehensive exploration of the multiple pathways by which the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) of blood and tissues regulates homoeostasis and its altered state in disease processes. The present review summarizes the progress that has been made in the novel exploration of intermediate shorter forms of angiotensinogen through the characterization of the expression and functions of the dodecapeptide Ang-(1-12) [angiotensin-(1-12)] in the cardiac production of AngII. The studies reveal significant differences in humans compared with rodents regarding the enzymatic pathway by which Ang-(1-12) undergoes metabolism. Highlights of the research include the demonstration of chymase-directed formation of AngII from Ang-(1-12) in human left atrial myocytes and left ventricular tissue, the presence of robust expression of Ang-(1-12) and chymase in the atrial appendage of subjects with resistant atrial fibrillation, and the preliminary observation of significantly higher Ang-(1-12) expression in human left atrial appendages.
authors: Carlos Maria
authors: CM
authors: Ferrario
authors: Sarfaraz
authors: S
authors: Ahmad
authors: Sayaka
authors: S
authors: Nagata
authors: Stephen W
authors: SW
authors: Simington
authors: Jasmina
authors: J
authors: Varagic
authors: Neal
authors: N
authors: Kon
authors: §Birmingham Veterans Affair Medical Center, University of Alabama Medical Center, Alabama, AL 35294, U.S.A.
authors: Louis Joseph
authors: LJ
authors: Dell'italia
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000502:physiology*; D000808:Angiotensinogen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012377:Rodentia
chemical_list: D000808:Angiotensinogen; D000804:Angiotensin II