The renin–angiotensin system in 2011: new avenues for translational research

Abstract

As pointed out by Nishimura [1], angiotensin II (Ang II) is an ancient peptide, even found in some primitive vertebrates and most probably evolved as a regulator of salt and water balance. Since the discovery of a pressor agent emanating from the mammalian kidney [2,3] focus on the rennin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been pivotal in fostering our understanding of the pathogenesis of a variety of cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this issue of Current Opinion in Pharmacology the emphasis is on novel mechanisms that involve the RAS and the mechanisms of its diverse functions. In a recent Pub Med search (1/28/2011) the term ‘angiotensin’ found 94,836 papers published since 1945. The impact of the physiology and pharmacology surrounding this peptide and its receptors is enormous. The treatment of hypertension and chronic heart failure has been revolutionized by drugs that target the production of Ang II and the blockade of its primary membrane target, the AT1 receptor. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors and Ang II receptor blockers result in significant reductions in mortality and cardiovascular events for patients with hypertension and heart failure [4,5].