Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin 1-7: novel therapeutic targets.
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has pivotal roles in the regulation of normal physiology and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, and its product angiotensin 1-7, are thought to have counteracting effects against the adverse actions of other, better known and understood, members of the RAS. The physiological and pathological importance of ACE2 and angiotensin 1-7 in the cardiovascular system are not completely understood, but numerous experimental studies have indicated that these components have protective effects in the heart and blood vessels. Here, we provide an overview on the basic properties of ACE2 and angiotensin 1-7 and a summary of the evidence from experimental and clinical studies of various pathological conditions, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial remodelling, heart failure, ischaemic stroke, and diabetes mellitus. ACE2-mediated catabolism of angiotensin II is likely to have a major role in cardiovascular protection, whereas the relevant functions and signalling mechanisms of actions induced by angiotensin 1-7 have not been conclusively determined. The ACE2-angiotensin 1-7 pathway, however, might provide a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, especially in patients with overactive RAS.
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Fan
F
Jiang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Jianmin
J
Yang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Yongtao
Y
Zhang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Mei
M
Dong
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Shuangxi
S
Wang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Qunye
Q
Zhang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Fang Fang
FF
Liu
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Kai
K
Zhang
Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
Cheng
C
Zhang
D000803:Angiotensin I / Q000378:metabolism*; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000378:metabolism*; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D015415:Biomarkers; 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)