title: Biochemical evaluation of the renin-angiotensin system: the good, bad, and absolute?
abstract: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) constitutes a key hormonal system in the physiological regulation of blood pressure through peripheral and central mechanisms. Indeed, dysregulation of the RAS is considered a major factor in the development of cardiovascular pathologies, and pharmacological blockade of this system by the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or antagonism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) offers an effective therapeutic regimen. The RAS is now defined as a system composed of different angiotensin peptides with diverse biological actions mediated by distinct receptor subtypes. The classic RAS comprises the ACE-ANG II-AT1R axis that promotes vasoconstriction; water intake; sodium retention; and increased oxidative stress, fibrosis, cellular growth, and inflammation. In contrast, the nonclassical RAS composed primarily of the ANG II/ANG III-AT2R and the ACE2-ANG-(1-7)-AT7R pathways generally opposes the actions of a stimulated ANG II-AT1R axis. In lieu of the complex and multifunctional aspects of this system, as well as increased concerns on the reproducibility among laboratories, a critical assessment is provided on the current biochemical approaches to characterize and define the various components that ultimately reflect the status of the RAS.
authors.affiliation: The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina mchappel@wakehealth.edu.
authors.forename: Mark C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chappell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: ACE; angiotensin; heart; renin