β-CM7干预对糖尿病大鼠心肌肾素-血管紧张素系统的影响及其保护机制

本文旨在探究β-CM7对糖尿病大鼠心肌组织肾素-血管紧张素系统(Renin angiotensin system,RAS)的影响及其保护机制。32只雄性SD大鼠通过相应处理被分为正常对照组、模型对照组、胰岛素治疗组(3.7×10~(–8) mol/d)及β-CM7干预组(7.5×10~(–8) mol/d)。连续饲养30 d后,处死大鼠取心肌。β-CM7在干预糖尿病模型后,组织中AngⅡ含量显著降低,Ang1-7含量极显著升高;AT1受体和Mas受体mRNA表达均显著升高;ACE和ACE2的mRNA表达均显著升高,且酶活均显著升高。综上可得,β-CM7可以通过激活RAS的负性调节通路"ACE2-Ang1-7-Mas轴"显著抑制大鼠心肌ACE mRNA和蛋白的强表达,缓解AngⅡ对心肌组织的损伤,提示β-CM7抑制心肌损伤的作用可能与ACE/ACE2通路有关。     

血管紧张素转换酶2-血管紧张素1-7-Mas轴对血管作用的研究进展

血管紧张素转换酶2（ACE2）和Mas受体的发现使人们对肾素-血管紧张素（RAS）有了更全面的认识。ACE2可水解血管紧张素Ⅰ和血管紧张素Ⅱ直接或间接生成血管紧张素1-7（Ang 1-7）,并与高血压的形成密切相关。Ang 1-7主要通过Mas受体引起血管舒张、抑制细胞增殖。ACE2-Ang1-7-Mas轴的发现为RAS的研究、高血压等心血管疾病的防治和新药开发提供了新的思路和方向。     

RAS对各肝病影响的研究进展

肾素-血管紧张素系统(rennin angiotensin system,RAS)是机体内重要的具有调节血压、水钠平衡等功能的内分泌调节系统。近年在各肝病的研究中发现,RAS失衡与各种肝病的发生与发展均有密切关系。肝组织内存在局部的完整RAS系统,当肝细胞或肝组织受到某种致病因素的刺激时,局部RAS被激活,各成分活性增强并重新分布,继而影响肝病的发展。早期研究已证实ACE-AngⅡ-AT1R轴表达上调可加重肝脏损伤,促进各肝病的进展。新近研究发现的ACE2-Ang(1-7)-Mas轴被不断证明是ACE-AngⅡ-AT1R轴的反向调节轴,被称为"替代RAS经典轴",发挥拮抗ACE-AngⅡ-AT1R轴的作用,对肝病的进展起一定的缓解或逆转作用。本研究就近年来关于RAS对各肝病的影响的相关研究做一综述,为找到更有效的缓解和治愈肝病的新方法提供新思路。     

血管紧张素转换酶2激动剂三氮脒减轻小鼠肢体缺血再灌注引发的肺损伤

本文旨在探讨血管紧张素转换酶2(angiotensin converting enzyme 2,ACE2)激动剂三氮脒(diminazene aceturate,DIZE)对小鼠肢体缺血再灌注(limb ischemia-reperfusion,LIR)引发的急性肺损伤(acute lung injury,ALI)的作用。雄性8周龄野生型和人ACE2(hACE2)转基因ICR小鼠随机分为:野生对照组(W组)、野生模型组(WL组)、野生模型DIZE干预组(WLD组)、hACE2转基因对照组(T组)、hACE2转基因模型组(TL组)和hACE2转基因模型DIZE干预组(TLD组),每组6只。采用常规止血带套扎双侧后肢的方法复制小鼠LIR模型。各DIZE干预组在LIR前预先腹腔注射DIZE(15 mg/kg),持续4周。LIR结束时,计算肺组织脏器系数和湿干质量比(wet/dry weight ratio,W/D);计数肺泡灌洗液细胞并检测蛋白浓度;HE染色后观察肺组织形态变化并进行病理损伤评分;用ELISA法测定肺组织中血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensin Ⅱ,Ang Ⅱ)和Ang(1-7)水平;用Western blot检测肺组织血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1(angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor,AT1)和Mas受体蛋白表达变化。结果显示:(1)WL和TL组小鼠均有明显的肺损伤,TL组小鼠肺损伤轻于WL组,而DIZE可减轻WL和TL组小鼠肺损伤。(2)WL组小鼠肺组织Ang Ⅱ水平升高,Ang(1-7)水平降低,TL组小鼠这两种蛋白没有明显变化,而DIZE可降低WL和TL组Ang Ⅱ水平,升高WL组Ang(1-7)水平。(3)WL和TL组小鼠肺组织AT1和Mas受体蛋白表达升高,而DIZE可逆转WL和TL组AT1蛋白表达的变化,并进一步上调这两组Mas受体蛋白表达。以上结果提示,DIZE可能通过调控局部肺组织ACE2-Ang(1-7)-Mas轴改善肾素-血管紧张素系统稳态失衡,减轻LIR所致小鼠ALI,从而发挥保护作用。     

有氧运动上调Agtr1a基因甲基化改善高血压肠系膜动脉ACE1-AT1R收缩轴功能

血管紧张素Ⅱ 1A受体(angiotensin Ⅱ type 1A receptor, AT1aR)是Ang Ⅱ的主要受体亚型。AT1aR基因(Agtr1a)启动子区DNA甲基化水平的变化是调控AT1aR表观遗传的重要机制。为明确运动是否通过调节Agtr1a基因启动子区甲基化水平而减弱ACE1-AT1R收缩轴功能,从而起到改善高血压血管功能的作用,本研究选用3月龄自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneously hypertensive rat, SHR)和正常血压对照组大鼠(Wistar-Kyoto, WKY),随机分为正常血压安静组WKY-C、正常血压有氧运动组WKY-E、高血压安静组SHR-C、高血压有氧运动组SHR-E,各组n=24。12周跑台运动结束后,有氧运动显著减低运动组大鼠血压和体重(P0.05);采用微血管环张力测定技术测定肠系膜动脉对去甲肾上腺素(norepinephrine, NE)、血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensin Ⅱ, Ang Ⅱ)的反应性。结果显示,有氧运动显著减弱高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉对血管收缩因子NE、AngⅡ的收缩反应(P0.05);高效液相色谱法(high performance liquid chromatography, HPLC)测定血浆中ACE1-AT1R收缩轴主要活性肽血管紧张素原(angiotensinogen, AGT)、AngⅡ的水平。结果显示,有氧运动显著减弱高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉对血管收缩因子NE、AngⅡ的收缩反应(P0.05);免疫印迹法和q-PCR技术测定肠系膜动脉ACE1、AT1R蛋白质和AT1aR的mRNA水平相对含量。结果显示,有氧运动显著降低高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉ACE1、AT1R蛋白质和AT1aR mRNA水平(P0.05);亚硫酸氢盐测序BSP法测定Agtr1a基因的启动子区甲基化水平。结果显示,有氧运动显著上调高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉Agtr1a基因启动子区甲基化水平(P0.05)。本研究表明,有氧运动通过上调高血压肠系膜动脉Agtr1a基因启动子区甲基化水平,即而减弱RAS系统ACE1-AT1R收缩轴功能,从而抑制高血压血管张力增高,缓解血压增高。     

自发性高血压大鼠心脏中ACE,AT1R,ACE2和MasR表达变化的研究

目的：通过观察血管紧张素转化酶（ACE）和血管紧张素转化酶2（ACE2）在Wistar-京都种大鼠（WKY）和自发性高血压（SHR）大鼠心脏组织中表达的差异,探讨ACE与ACE2在自发性高血压大鼠高血压形成中的作用。方法：自由饲喂14周龄WKY和SHR雄性大鼠一周后,用BSN-II多通道无创测压系统测定大鼠收缩压（SBP）、舒张压（DBP）、心率（HR）并称重;放免法测定血浆中血管血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngII）含量;Real-time PCR测定心脏组织中ACE,ATI受体（ATIR）,ACE2和Mas受体（MasR）mRNA的表达水平;Western blot法检测心脏组织中ACE2的蛋白表达。结果：SHR大鼠SBP和DBP均显著高于WKY大鼠（P〈0.01）;两组大鼠心率和体重无显著差异（P〉0.05）;SHR大鼠血浆中AngII含量显著升高（P〈0.05）;与WKY大鼠相比,SHR大鼠心脏中ACE mRNA表达均显著升高（P〈0.05）,ACE2的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均显著下降（P〈0.05）;心脏组织中AT1R和MasR的mRNA表达没有显著性变化（P〉0.05）。结论：ACE与ACE2表达失调是SHR大鼠高血压形成的主要原因之一,其机理可能与局部组织RAS系统ACE-AngII-AT1R通路过度活跃,ACE2-Ang（1-7）-MasR通路相对不足有关。     

血管紧张素转换酶2调节肺肾素血管紧张素系统减轻肢体缺血再灌注诱导的急性肺损伤

目的探讨血管紧张素转换酶2(angiotensin converting enzyme 2,ACE2)对小鼠肢体缺血再灌注诱导的急性肺损伤的保护作用和机制。方法雄性野生型和ACE2转基因(过表达ACE2基因) ICR小鼠随机分为6组(n=18):野生对照组、野生模型组、ACE2对照组、ACE2模型组、ACE2模型+A779干预组和ACE2模型+MLN-4760干预组。采用橡皮筋结扎双侧后肢根部的方法建立急性肺损伤模型(缺血2 h,再灌注4 h)。HE染色观察肺组织病理学变化;肺组织脏器系数、湿/干重比、支气管肺泡灌洗液(bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,BALF)细胞计数和蛋白浓度检测肺组织含水量和肺泡毛细血管通透性;酶联免疫吸附法检测BALF中白介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α),以及肺组织血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensin Ⅱ,Ang Ⅱ)/Ang-(1-7)的浓度。qRT-PCR法分析肺组织ACE/ACE2的mRNA表达。Western Blot法检测肺组织ACE/ACE2和AT1/Mas受体的蛋白表达。结果与野生模型组相比,过表达ACE2基因可减轻肺组织病变,降低肺泡毛细血管通透性,降低BALF炎性细胞因子表达,逆转肺组织肾素-血管紧张素系统(renin angiotensin system,RAS)稳态失衡。而且ACE2的这些保护作用被特异性ACE2抑制剂MLN-4760和Mas受体阻断剂A779所消除。结论 ACE2可通过ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas轴改善肺组织局部RAS稳态失衡减轻急性肺损伤。     

RAAS与肝纤维化的研究进展

肝纤维化是多种慢性肝病进展至肝硬化的中间过程,其特征是以胶原蛋白为主的细胞外基质(extracellular matrix,ECM)的合成与降解失衡,导致大量ECM沉积。在肝纤维化发生、发展过程中,常伴有肾素–血管紧张素–醛固酮系统(renin-angiontensin-aldosterone system,RAAS)的激活,血管紧张素转换酶–血管紧张素II-血管紧张素II受体1(angiotensin-converting enzymeangiotensin IIangiotensin II type 1 repector,ACE-Ang II-AT1R)轴和血管紧张素转换酶2-血管紧张素(1-7)-Mas受体[angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin(1-7)-Mas,ACE2-Ang(1-7)-Mas]轴是调节肝纤维化的两大重要因素。     

不同年龄自发性高血压大鼠心脏AT2R的表达与心肌纤维化

目的观察不同年龄自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）心脏AT2R的表达水平及心肌胶原含量,探讨AT2R在高血压发生、发展过程中的作用。方法 1月龄组（S1）、2月龄组（S2）、3月龄组（S3）、6月龄组（S6）和9月龄组（S9）雄性SHR共五组,每组各6只,各组均有相应月龄的Wistar-Kyoto大鼠（WKY）作对照。采用RBP-I型大鼠血压心率测定仪测量大鼠动脉收缩压（SBP）;放免法（RIA）测定血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）;免疫组化染色结合计算机图像分析方法测定心脏AT2R的表达水平,天狼星红胶原染色大鼠的心脏切片。结果 1.SHR SBP随着月龄的增加呈持续上升（P〈0.05）,SHR的SBP均高于相应配对的WKY组（P〈0.05）。2.一个月后SHR血浆AngⅡ浓度均高于S1（P〈0.05）,一个月后SHR血浆AngⅡ浓度均高于相应配对的WKY组（P〈0.05）。3.SHR心脏AT2R免疫染色阳性面积比随着月份的增加而降低,SHR心脏AT2R免疫染色阳性面积比均低于相应配对的WKY组（P﹤0.05）4.SHR心肌中的胶原含量随着月龄的增加而增加。结论 SHR心脏AT2R表达水平比WKY低,并随着年龄的增加而降低。SHR心肌中的胶原含量随着月龄的增加而增加,而WKY无类似趋势。     

ACE2及其特殊功能

血管紧张素转换酶2（angiotensin—converting enzyme 2,ACE2）是新发现的与血管紧张素转换酶（ACE）相关的羧肽酶,在肾素-血管紧张素系统（rennin-angiotensin system,RAS）中ACE2可以使AngⅡ转换为Ang1-7,从而产生与血管紧张素Ⅱ相反的效应,同时ACE2还可使Ang I转换为Ang1-9。研究发现：ACE2与高血压、SARS以及肾脏、生殖等系统的疾病有着密切的关系。     

Control of Adipogenesis by the Autocrine Interplays between Angiotensin 1–7/Mas Receptor and Angiotensin II/AT1 Receptor Signaling Pathways

Angiotensin II (AngII), a peptide hormone released by adipocytes, can be catabolized by adipose angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to form Ang(1–7). Co-expression of AngII receptors (AT₁ and AT₂) and Ang(1–7) receptors (Mas) in adipocytes implies the autocrine regulation of the local angiotensin system upon adipocyte functions, through yet unknown interactive mechanisms. In the present study, we reveal the adipogenic effects of Ang(1–7) through activation of Mas receptor and its subtle interplays with the antiadipogenic AngII-AT1 signaling pathways. Specifically, in human and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, Ang(1–7)-Mas signaling promotes adipogenesis via activation of PI3K/Akt and inhibition of MAPK kinase/ERK pathways, and Ang(1–7)-Mas antagonizes the antiadipogenic effect of AngII-AT₁ by inhibiting the AngII-AT₁-triggered MAPK kinase/ERK pathway. The autocrine regulation of the AngII/AT₁-ACE2-Ang(1–7)/Mas axis upon adipogenesis has also been revealed. This study suggests the importance of the local regulation of the delicately balanced angiotensin system upon adipogenesis and its potential as a novel therapeutic target for obesity and related metabolic disorders.     

High Na intake increases renal angiotensin II levels and reduces expression of the ACE2-AT(2)R-MasR axis in obese Zucker rats

High sodium intake is known to regulate the renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and is a risk factor for the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension. The complex nature of the RAS reveals that its various components may have opposing effects on natriuresis and blood pressure regulation. We hypothesized that high sodium intake differentially regulates and shifts a balance between opposing components of the renal RAS, namely, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-ANG II-type 1 ANG II receptor (AT(1)R) vs. AT(2)-ACE2-angiotensinogen (Ang) (1-7)-Mas receptor (MasR), in obesity. In the present study, we evaluated protein and/or mRNA expression of angiotensinogen, renin, AT(1A/B)R, ACE, AT(2)R, ACE2, and MasR in the kidney cortex following 2 wk of a 8% high-sodium (HS) diet in lean and obese Zucker rats. The expression data showed that the relative expression pattern of ACE and AT(1B)R increased, renin decreased, and ACE2, AT(2)R, and MasR remained unaltered in HS-fed lean rats. On the other hand, HS intake in obese rats caused an increase in the cortical expression of ACE, a decrease in ACE2, AT(2)R, and MasR, and no changes in renin and AT(1)R. The cortical levels of ANG II increased by threefold in obese rats on HS compared with obese rats on normal salt (NS), which was not different than in lean rats. The HS intake elevated mean arterial pressure in obese rats (27 mmHg) more than in lean rats (16 mmHg). This study suggests that HS intake causes a pronounced increase in ANG II levels and a reduction in the expression of the ACE2-AT(2)R-MasR axis in the kidney cortex of obese rats. We conclude that such changes may lead to the potentially unopposed function of AT(1)R, with its various cellular and physiological roles, including the contribution to the pathogenesis of obesity-related hypertension.     

Upregulation of ACE2-ANG-(1-7)-Mas axis in jejunal enterocytes of type 1 diabetic rats: implications for glucose transport

The inhibitory effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-ANG II-angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptor axis on jejunal glucose uptake and the reduced expression of this system in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have been documented previously. The ACE2-ANG-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis is thought to oppose the actions of the ACE-ANG II-AT(1) receptor axis in heart, liver, and kidney. However, the possible involvement of the ACE2-ANG-(1-7)-Mas receptor system on enhanced jejunal glucose transport in T1DM has yet to be determined. Rat everted jejunum and Caco-2 cells were used to determine the effects of ANG-(1-7) on glucose uptake and to study the ACE2-ANG-(1-7)-Mas receptor signaling pathway. Expression of target gene and protein in jejunal enterocytes and human Caco-2 cells were quantified using real-time PCR and Western blotting. T1DM increased jejunal protein and mRNA expression of ACE2 (by 59 and 173%, respectively) and Mas receptor (by 55 and 100%, respectively) in jejunum. One millimolar ANG-(1-7) reduced glucose uptake in jejunum and Caco-2 cells by 30.6 and 30.3%, respectively, effects that were abolished following addition of 1 μM A-779 (a Mas receptor blocker) or 1 μM GF-109203X (protein kinase C inhibitor) to incubation buffer for jejunum or Caco-2 cells, respectively. Finally, intravenous treatment of animals with ANG-(1-7) significantly improved oral glucose tolerance in T1DM but not control animals. In conclusion, enhanced activity of the ACE2-ANG-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis in jejunal enterocytes is likely to moderate the T1DM-induced increase in jejunal glucose uptake resulting from downregulation of the ACE-ANG II-AT(1) receptor axis. Therefore, altered activity of both ACE and ACE2 systems during diabetes will determine the overall rate of glucose transport across the jejunal epithelium.     

Counteraction between angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) via activating angiotensin type I and Mas receptor on rat renal mesangial cells

In the updated concept of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), it contains the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-angiotensin (Ang) II-angtiogensin type 1 receptor (AT1) axis and the angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase (ACE2)-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis. The former axis has been well demonstrated performing the vasoconstrictive, proliferative and pro-inflammatory functions by activation of AT1 receptors, while the later new identified axis is considered counterbalancing the effects of the former. The present study is aimed at observing the interaction between Ang-(1-7) and Ang II on cultured rat renal mesangial cells (MCs). RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy results showed that both AT1 and Mas receptor were co-distributed in rat renal MCs. Ang-(1-7) showed similar effects on Ang II in cultured MCs that stimulated phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation and transforms growth factor-β1 synthesis, and cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Co-treatment of the cell with Ang-(1-7) and Ang II, Ang-(1-7) counteracted AngII-induced effects in a concentration dependent manner, but failed to alter the changes induced by endothelin-1. The stimulating effect of Ang II was mediated by AT1 receptor while all the effects of Ang-(1-7) were blocked by Mas receptor antagonist A-779, but not by AT1 receptor antagonist losartan or AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319. These results suggest that Ang-(1-7) and Ang II specifically interact with each other on rat renal MCs via activation of their specific receptors, Mas and AT1 receptor respectively.     

Role of brain renin angiotensin system in neurodegeneration: An update

Renin angiotensin system (RAS) is an endocrine system widely known for its physiological roles in electrolyte homeostasis, body fluid volume regulation and cardiovascular control in peripheral circulation. However, brain RAS is an independent form of RAS expressed locally in the brain, which is known to be involved in brain functions and disorders. There is strong evidence for a major involvement of excessive brain angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/Angiotensin II (Ang II)/Angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT-1R) axis in increased activation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and neuroinflammation causing neurodegeneration in several brain disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated strong neuroprotective effects by blocking AT1R in these brain disorders. Additionally, the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Angiotensin (1–7)/Mas receptor (MASR), is another axis of brain RAS which counteracts the damaging effects of ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis on neurons in the brain. Thus, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and activation of ACE2/Angiotensin (1–7)/MASR axis may serve as an exciting and novel method for neuroprotection in several neurodegenerative diseases. Here in this review article, we discuss the expression of RAS in the brain and highlight how altered RAS level may cause neurodegeneration. Understanding the pathophysiology of RAS and their links to neurodegeneration has enormous potential to identify potentially effective pharmacological tools to treat neurodegenerative diseases in the brain.     

Dual deficiency of angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 and Mas receptor enhances angiotensin II‐induced hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) and Mas receptor are the major components of the ACE2/Ang 1‐7/Mas axis and have been shown to play a protective role in hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy individually. However, the effects of dual deficiency of ACE2 and Mas (ACE2/Mas) on Ang II‐induced hypertensive nephropathy remain unexplored, which was investigated in this study in a mouse model of hypertension induced in either ACE2 knockout (KO) or Mas KO mice and in double ACE2/Mas KO mice by subcutaneously chronic infusion of Ang II. Compared with wild‐type (WT) animals, mice lacking either ACE2 or Mas significantly increased blood pressure over 7‐28 days following a chronic Ang II infusion (P < .001), which was further exacerbated in double ACE2/Mas KO mice (P < .001). Furthermore, compared to a single ACE2 or Mas KO mice, mice lacking ACE2/Mas developed more severe renal injury including higher levels of serum creatinine and a further reduction in creatinine clearance, and progressive renal inflammation and fibrosis. Mechanistically, worsen hypertensive nephropathy in double ACE2/Mas KO mice was associated with markedly enhanced AT1‐ERK1/2‐Smad3 and NF‐κB signalling, thereby promoting renal fibrosis and renal inflammation in the hypertensive kidney. In conclusion, ACE2 and Mas play an additive protective role in Ang II‐induced hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy. Thus, restoring the ACE2/Ang1‐7/Mas axis may represent a novel therapy for hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy.     

The Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor Axis Is Expressed in Sinoatrial Node Cells of Rats

The authors’ previous studies have indicated that angiotensin(Ang)-(1-7) protects the heart against reperfusion arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to determine whether a functional angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2)/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis is present in the sinoatrial node (SAN) of Wistar rats. SAN cells were identified by Masson’s trichrome staining, HCN4 expression, and lack of connexin43 expression. Immunohistochemistry technique was used to detect the expression of ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and Mas in the SAN. To evaluate the role of this axis in the SAN function, atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs) were induced in isolated rat atria perfused with Krebs-Ringer solution (KRS) alone (control) or KRS containing Ang-(1-7). The specific Mas antagonist, A-779, was used to evaluate the role of Mas in the Ang-(1-7) effects. The findings showed that all components of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas branch are present in the SAN of rats. Importantly, it was found that this axis is functional because perfusion of atria with Ang-(1-7) significantly reduced the duration of ATs. Additionally, this anti-arrhythmogenic effect was attenuated by A-779. No significant changes were observed in heart rate, contractile tension, or ±dT/dt. These observations demonstrate that the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis is expressed in SAN cells of rats. They provide the morphological support to the anti-arrhythmogenic effect of Ang-(1-7).     

Casein-derived tripeptide Ile-Pro-Pro improves angiotensin-(1-7)- and bradykinin-induced rat mesenteric artery relaxation

AimsMilk casein-derived bioactive tripeptides isoleucine–proline–proline (Ile–Pro–Pro) and valine–proline–proline (Val–Pro–Pro) lower blood pressure in animal models of hypertension and humans. In some studies, their angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory effect has been demonstrated. Besides classical ACE-angiotensin II-AT₁-receptor pathway (ACE-Ang II- AT₁), the significance of ACE2-angiotensin-(1–7)-Mas-receptor (ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-Mas) axis in the blood pressure regulation has now been acknowledged. The present study was aimed to further evaluate the renin–angiotensin system (RAS)-related vascular effects of Ile–Pro–Pro in vitro using rat mesenteric arteries.Main methodsSuperior mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were isolated, cut into rings and mounted in standard organ bath chambers. Endothelium-intact arterial rings were incubated in Krebs solution either with Ile–Pro–Pro, proline–proline (Pro–Pro), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro) or captopril for 6 h at + 37 °C and vascular reactivity was measured.Key findingsIn the presence of AT₁-antagonist valsartan, Ang II induced vasodilatation, which was more pronounced in the arteries incubated with Ile–Pro–Pro (P < 0.05) compared to the other compounds. Ang-(1–7)-induced vasodilatation was augmented by Ile–Pro–Pro or Pro (P < 0.001 vs. control). Mas-receptor antagonist A-779 did not alter the responses. Ile–Pro–Pro and Pro augmented also bradykinin-induced relaxations (P < 0.001 vs. control). Control arteries and arteries incubated with captopril showed only slight relaxations at higher bradykinin concentrations.SignificanceCasein-derived tripeptide Ile–Pro–Pro and amino acid Pro enhance the vasodilatory effect of Ang-(1–7) and bradykinin. The role of ACE2-Ang–(1–7)-Mas axis in the modulation of vascular tone by these compounds seems probable.     

Effects of Exercise Training on Circulating and Skeletal Muscle Renin-Angiotensin System in Chronic Heart Failure Rats

Background

Accumulated evidence shows that the ACE-AngII-AT1 axis of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is markedly activated in chronic heart failure (CHF). Recent studies provide information that Angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7), a metabolite of AngII, counteracts the effects of AngII. However, this balance between AngII and Ang-(1–7) is still little understood in CHF. We investigated the effects of exercise training on circulating and skeletal muscle RAS in the ischemic model of CHF.

Methods/Main Results

Male Wistar rats underwent left coronary artery ligation or a Sham operation. They were divided into four groups: 1) Sedentary Sham (Sham-S), 2) exercise-trained Sham (Sham-Ex), sedentary CHF (CHF-S), and exercise-trained CHF (CHF-Ex). Angiotensin concentrations and ACE and ACE2 activity in the circulation and skeletal muscle (soleus and plantaris) were quantified. Skeletal muscle ACE and ACE2 protein expression, and AT1, AT2, and Mas receptor gene expression were also evaluated. CHF reduced ACE2 serum activity. Exercise training restored ACE2 and reduced ACE activity in CHF. Exercise training reduced plasma AngII concentration in both Sham and CHF rats and increased the Ang-(1–7)/AngII ratio in CHF rats. CHF and exercise training did not change skeletal muscle ACE and ACE2 activity and protein expression. CHF increased AngII levels in both soleus and plantaris muscle, and exercise training normalized them. Exercise training increased Ang-(1–7) in the plantaris muscle of CHF rats. The AT1 receptor was only increased in the soleus muscle of CHF rats, and exercise training normalized it. Exercise training increased the expression of the Mas receptor in the soleus muscle of both exercise-trained groups, and normalized it in plantaris muscle.

Conclusions

Exercise training causes a shift in RAS towards the Ang-(1–7)-Mas axis in skeletal muscle, which can be influenced by skeletal muscle metabolic characteristics. The changes in RAS circulation do not necessarily reflect the changes occurring in the RAS of skeletal muscle.