The ACE2 gene maps to defined quantitative trait loci on the X chromosome in three different rat models of hypertension, suggesting ACE2 as a candidate gene for hypertension.
This will be accomplished by discussion of the following: (i) summary of our current understanding of the RAS with a focus on the systemic versus tissue counterparts as they relate to hypertension and other cardiovascular pathologies; (ii) the newly discovered ACE2 enzyme with its physiological and pathophysiological implications; (iii) summary of the current antihypertensive pharmacotherapy and its limitations; (iv) the discovery and design of ACE inhibitors; (v) the emerging concepts for ACE2 drug design; (vi) the current status of genetic targeting of the RAS; (vii) the potential of ACE2 as a therapeutic target for hypertension and cardiovascular disease treatment; and (viii) future perspectives for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Our data suggest that ACE2 might play an important role in maintaining a balanced status of local renin-angiotensin system synergistically with ACE by counterregulatory effects confounded by the presence of hypertension.
Our data suggest that ACE2 might play an important role in maintaining a balanced status of local renin-angiotensin system synergistically with ACE by counterregulatory effects confounded by the presence of hypertension.
Taken together, our results show that ACE2 plays a pivotal role in the central regulation of blood pressure and volume homeostasis, offering a new target for the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene, which is located on the X chromosome, have been associated with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in previous studies.