Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. At the molecular and cellular levels, angiotensin II, the main effector peptide of the system, stimulates key components of atherosclerosis. Trials in animals and humans indicate that blocking renin-angiotensin system pathways decreases atherosclerotic plaque progression and ischemic events. This review provides a broad overview of the entire role of the renin-angiotensin system in atherothrombotic disease, ranging from molecular pathways to human genetics to the latest clinical trials.
MeSH terms
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Angiotensin II / genetics
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Angiotensin II / physiology
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
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Animals
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Arteriosclerosis / drug therapy
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Arteriosclerosis / etiology*
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Arteriosclerosis / genetics
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
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Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
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Growth Substances / physiology
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Humans
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Inflammation
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Lipoproteins, LDL / drug effects
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Lipoproteins, LDL / physiology
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Oxidative Stress / drug effects
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Oxidative Stress / physiology
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Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects
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Renin-Angiotensin System / genetics
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Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology*
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Risk Factors
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Signal Transduction
Substances
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
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Growth Substances
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Lipoproteins, LDL
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Angiotensin II