Angiotensin-II behaves as an endogenous pro-inflammatory molecule

J Assoc Physicians India. 2005 May:53:472-6.

Abstract

Angiotensin-II regulates vascular tone, stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activates NF-kappaB, increases oxidant stress, and suppresses nitric oxide synthesis, and thus, it functions as an inflammatory molecule. Since ACE is present in many tissues, this suggests that angiotensin-II may play a significant role in atherosclerosis, congestive cardiac failure, stroke, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, psoriasis, atopic and non-atopic dermatitis, eczema, several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer, conditions in which inflammation is an aetiopathogenic factor. Thus, ACE inhibitors and/or angiotensin-II receptor blockers could be of benefit in these conditions. Furthermore, structural analogues of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers could be developed that possess anti-inflammatory actions without significant action on the cardiovascular system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin II / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Angiotensin II / metabolism
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Cytokines*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / enzymology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Receptors, Angiotensin / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Cytokines
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Receptors, Angiotensin
  • Angiotensin II