title: Angiotensin-(1-7): new perspectives in atherosclerosis treatment.
abstract: Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is recognized as a new bioactive peptide in renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Ang-(1-7) is a counter-regulatory mediator of Ang-II which appears to be protective against cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have found that Ang-(1-7) played an important role in reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, improving endothelial function and regulating lipid metabolism, leading to inhibition of atherosclerotic lesions and increase of plaque stability. Although clinical application of Ang-(1-7) is restricted due to its pharmacokinetic properties, identification of stabilized compounds, including more stable analogues and specific delivery compounds, has enabled clinical application of Ang-(1-7). In this review, we discussed recent findings concerning the biological role of Ang-(1-7) and related mechanism during atherosclerosis development. In addition, we highlighted the perspective to develop therapeutic strategies using Ang-(1-7) to treat atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China; William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Su-Fang
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Jun-Xian
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Jing-Yi
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chen
keywords: Angiotensin-(1-7); Atherosclerosis; Endothelial function; Smooth muscle cell function