Potent Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Research Articles

Whey peptide Isoleucine-Tryptophan inhibits expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in rat aorta

Aortic stiffness is an independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases. Activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity leads to overproduction of angiotensin II (ANGII) from its precursor angiotensin I (ANGI). ANGII leads to overexpression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), which is critically associated with pathophysiology of aortic stiffness. We previously reported that the whey peptide Isoleucine-Tryptophan (IW) acts as a potent ACE inhibitor. Herein, we critically elucidate the mechanism of action by which IW causes inhibition of expression and activity of MMP2 in aortic tissue. Effects of IW on expression and activity of MMP2 were assessed on endothelial and smooth muscle cells (ECs and SMCs) in vitro and ex vivo (isolated rat aorta). As controls we used the pharmaceutical ACE inhibitor – captopril and the ANGII type 1 receptor blocker – losartan. In vitro, both ANGII and ANGI stimulation significantly (P<0.01) increased expression of MMP2 assessed with western blot. Similarly, to captopril IW significantly (P<0.05) inhibited ANGI, but not ANGII mediated increase in expression of MMP2, while losartan also blocked effects of ANGII. Signaling pathways regulating MMP2 expression in ECs and SMCs were similarly inhibited after treatment with IW or captopril. In ECs IW significantly (P<0.05) inhibited JNK pathway, whereas in SMCs JAK2/STAT3 pathway, assessed with western blot. In vitro findings were fully consistent with results in isolated rat aorta ex vivo. Moreover, IW not only inhibited the MMP2 expression, but also its activation assessed with gelatin zymography. Our findings demonstrate that IW effectively inhibits expression and activation of MMP2 in rat aorta by decreasing local conversion of ANGI to ANGII. Thus, similar to pharmaceutical ACE inhibitor captopril the dipeptide IW may effectively inhibit ACE activity and prevent the age and hypertension associated rise of aortic stiffness.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-butyl-4-chloroimidazole derived peptidomimetics as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

A series of novel 2-butyl-4-chloro-1-methylimidazole derived peptidomimetics were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor activity. 2-Butyl-4-chloro-1-methylimidazole-5-carboxylic acid 2 obtained after oxidation of respective carboxaldehyde 1, was condensed with various amino acid methyl esters 3a–k to give imidazole–amino acid conjugates 4a–k in very good yields. Ester hydrolysis of 4a–k with aqueous LiOH gave the desired peptidomimetics 5a–k. Screening all the new compounds 4a–k and 5a–k using ACE inhibition assay, resulted five compounds 4i, 4k, 5e, 5h and 5i as potent ACE inhibitors with IC50 of 0.647, 0.531, 1.12, 0.657 and 0.100μM with minimal toxicity. Among them, 5i emerged as most active ACE inhibitor with greater potency than marketed drugs Lisinopril, Ramipril and relatively equipotent to Benazepril, Quinapril and Enalapril.

RISK-BENEFIT ANALYSIS AND RISK MINIMIZATION OF QUINAPRIL: A REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to give the readers an insight about the risks and benefits of ’quinapril’, a potent Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI). Quinapril is a highly effective novel drug indicated for treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension. Despite of the fact that safety profile is quite well with low incidence of adverse effects, an attempt has been made to minimize the risks and subsequently minimizing the adverse consequences of this competitive inhibitor, thereby increasing the benefits of this enzyme inhibitor in day to day clinical practice.

Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside (SDG) Isolated from Flaxseed, an Alternative to ACE Inhibitors in the Treatment of Hypertension

Secoisolariciresionol diglucoside (SDG) is a plant lignan isolated from flaxseed and is phytoestrogen. SDG is a potent and long-acting hypotensive agent. Plant phytoestrogens have inhibitory effects on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The hypotensive effects of SDG, a phytoestrogen, may be mediated through inhibition of ACE. The objective of this study was to investigate if SDG-induced hypotension is mediated through inhibition of ACE. The Sprague Dawley male rats were anesthetized and trachea was cannulated. The right jugular vein was cannulated to administer the drug and the carotid artery was cannulated to record arterial pressures using PIOEZ-1 miniature model transducer (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Franklin Lakes, NJ) and Beckman dynograph (Beckman Instruments, Inc., Schiller Park, IL). The effects of angiotensin I (0.2 µg/kg, intravenously [IV]) in the absence and presence of SDG (10 mg/kg, IV), and SDG alone on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were measured before and after 15, 30, and 60 minutes of drug administration. SDG decreased the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure by 37, 47, and 43%, respectively, at 15 minutes and 18.8, 21.2, and 20.3%, respectively, at 60 minutes. Angiotensin I increased the arterial pressure. SDG decreased angiotensin I-induced rise in the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures by 60, 58, and 51%, respectively, at 15 minutes and 48, 46, and 30%, respectively, at 60 minutes. The data suggest that SDG reduced the angiotensin I-induced rise in the arterial pressures and hence SDG is a potent ACE inhibitor.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-hydroxypyrrolobenzodiazepine-5,11-dione analogues as potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

A series of novel 10-substituted 2-hydroxypyrrolobenzodiazepine-5,11-diones designed through structure based rational hybridization approach, synthesized by the cyclodehydration of isotonic anhydride with (2S,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid followed by N-substitution, were evaluated as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Among all the new compounds screened (2R,11aS)-10-((4-bromothiophen-2-yl)methyl)-2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepine-5,11(10H,11aH)dione, 5v (IC50: 0.272μM) emerged as most active non-carboxylic acid ACE inhibitor with minimal toxicity comparable to clinical drugs Lisinopril, Benazepril and Ramipril. Favorable binding characteristics in docking studies also supported the experimental results.

Synthesis and characterization of captopril derivatives

To develop more potential angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a series of captopril (Cap) derivatives were synthesized, including Cap-glycine methyl ester, Cap-l-alanine methyl ester, Cap-l-aspartic acid dimethyl ester, Cap-l-lysine methyl ester, Cap-O-acylisourea, acetyl captopril, and benzoyl captopril. The resulting products were characterized by IR and UV–visible spectroscopy and MS, which showed the desired products were successfully synthesized. This could serve as a guide for rational design of highly potent ACE inhibitors.

Capturing the dynamics of systemic Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System (RAAS) peptides heightens the understanding of the effect of benazepril in dogs

In dogs, activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is an important feature of congestive heart failure (CHF). Long-term increases in angiotensin II (AII) and aldosterone (ALD) lead to the progression of heart failure to its end stage. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are the foremost therapeutic option in the management of CHF. Recent literature has challenged the efficacy of ACEIs, based on modest reduction in urinary aldosterone (UALD) excretion despite marked inhibition of ACE activity. This study was designed to heighten the understanding of the effect of benazepril, a potent ACEI, on the RAAS, using a low-sodium diet as an experimental model of RAAS activation. Time course profiles of RAAS peptides and related areas under the curve (AUC) were used for comparison between benazepril and placebo groups. Results indicated substantial changes in the dynamics of these biomarkers. At presumed benazeprilat steady state, significant differences in AUC of plasma renin activity (+90%), angiotensin I (+43%), and AII (-53%) were found between benazepril and placebo-treated dogs. ALD decreased by 73% in plasma but only by 5% in urine. In conclusion, despite modest reduction in UALD excretion, benazepril markedly influences RAAS dynamics in dogs.

Rational design of small modified peptides as ACE inhibitors

Computer-assisted techniques and the strategy of combining chemical substructures were used to derive small modified peptides as potent angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In addition to high potency, some of the predicted compounds are also shown to exhibit satisfactory pharmacokinetic parameters.

Purification and identification of ACE inhibitory peptides from Haruan (Channa striatus) myofibrillar protein hydrolysate using HPLC–ESI-TOF MS/MS

Haruan myofibrillar protein was hydrolysed with proteinase K and thermolysin to isolate Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides. The thermolysin hydrolysate of myofibrillar protein with the highest ACE inhibition activity (IC50=0.033mg/ml) was fractionated by ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography to three fractions. Fraction F2 with higher ACE inhibitory activity was separated into five fractions (A–E) using reversed-phased high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Fraction C showed 81% inhibition activity and was subjected to HPLC coupled to electrospray ionisation-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF MS/MS). Two peptide sequences for the most abundant fragments were identified as VPAAPPK (IC50=0.45μM) at 791.155m/z and NGTWFEPP (IC50=0.63μM) at 1085.841m/z. The presence of two proline residues at the C-terminal sequence is responsible for the high ACE inhibitory activity of these peptides. The results suggest that Haruan meat protein hydrolysate is a potent ACE inhibitor and may be used to decrease blood pressure.

Squid gelatin hydrolysates with antihypertensive, anticancer and antioxidant activity

Gelatin obtained from giant squid ( Dosidicus gigas) inner and outer tunics was hydrolyzed by seven commercial proteases (Protamex, Trypsin, Neutrase, Savinase, NS37005, Esperase and Alcalase) to produce bioactive hydrolysates. The Alcalase hydrolysate was the most potent angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (IC 50 = 0.34 mg/mL) while the Esperase hydrolysate showed the highest cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, with IC 50 values of 0.13 and 0.10 mg/mL for MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma) and U87 (glioma) cell lines, respectively. The radical scavenging capacity of gelatin increased approximately 3-fold for Protamex, Neutrase and NS37005 hydrolysates and between 7 and 10-fold for Trypsin, Savinase, Esperase and Alcalase hydrolysates. Trypsin, Savinase, Esperase and Alcalase hydrolysates had a metal chelating capacity above 80% whereas Protamex, Neutrase and NS37005 hydrolysates registered less than 25%. The antioxidant activity measured by FRAP (ferric ion reducing power) was largely unaffected by the enzyme used, increasing approximately 2-fold for all hydrolysates. The most active hydrolysates (Alcalase and Esperase) were comprised mostly of peptides with molecular weights ranging from 500 to 1400 Da, however, a clear relationship between bioactive properties and molecular weight distribution of all the hydrolysates was not fully established.

Structure and physiological importance of angiotensin converting enzyme domains

Somatic angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) consists of two homologous catalytic domains (N- and C-domain), each of which bears an active site exhibiting different biochemical properties. The ACE isoforms consisted of one domain were also detected in mammals. Substantial progress in ACE domain research was achieved during the last years, when crystal their structures were determined. The crystal structures of domains in complex with diverse potent ACE inhibitors provided new insights into structure-based differences of the domain active sites. Physiological functions of ACE are not limited by regulation of the cardiovascular system. Recent evidence suggests that the ACE domains may be also involved into control distinct physiological functions. The C-terminal catalytic domain, playing important role in regulation of blood pressure, catalyzes angiotensin I cleavage in vivo. The N-domain contributes to processing of other bioactive peptides for which it exhibits high affinity. Domain-selective inhibitors able to block selectively either the N- or C-domain of ACE have been developed.

Limited Availability of Anti-Hypertensive Medications in Primary Care in Kuwait

Aim: The objective of the study is to determine the availability of anti-hypertensive medications in primary care clinics in Kuwait, and the impact of such problem on the hypertensive patients, since hypertension is a major chronic illness with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted during January 2006. The study included almost all (71) primary care clinics in Kuwait; 19 (27%) family care centers and 52 (73%) non-family centers. A specially designed data form was developed containing all anti-hypertensive medications available in the Ministry of Health (M.O.H). Results: The results showed that none of the centers surveyed had potent Calcium channel blockers like felodipine, amlodipine or trimetazidine . In addition, none of the centers had Angiotensin II receptor antagonists . Less effective medications like propranolol, methyldopa and furosamide 40 mg were found in all centers. Potent Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors like lisinopril was available in all centers of Capital health area (HA), 12/13 centers in Ahmadi HA, 4/9 in Jahra HA and 9/17 in Farwania HA . Captopril 25 was available in almost all centers (70/71), captopril 50 was found in all centers of Hawalli, Jahra, and Ahmadi HA, while it was found in 14/20 centers in Capital HA and 7/9 centers in Jahra HA. potent Beta blockers like metoprolol & Diltiazem 60 mg were found in only 12 centers in the Capital HA . Verapamil 40 was found in only 9 centers. Amiloride/hydrochlorthiazide was available in 66 centers. Indapamide was found in 59 centers, mostly in Capital and Ahmadi HA. The test of proportion showed significant difference between the family and non-family centers in terms of the availability of some medications like metoprolol and lisinopril (p<0.001 & p<0.05 respectively). Conclusion: Most of primary care centers in Kuwait lack essential effective hypertension medications. This creates over-reliance on secondary and tertiary care departments. This problem has a significant impact on the hypertensive patients if these medications r not available, (medical ,social, financial problems)

Stability of new potential ACE inhibitor in the aqueous solutions of different pH

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a group of active substances binding to an active site of ACE. Many authors who studied the structure activity relationship suggested the structural elements needed for a potent ACE inhibitor. While many authors studied the activity of ACE inhibitor substances only a few structure stability studies have been presented. In this paper the stability properties of molecule xPRIL were studied by determination of degradation path and rate of degradation in aqueous solutions with different pH (2.0, 6.8 and 12.0) and temperatures (40, 60 and 80 °C). The degradation of molecule through two main degradation paths was identified and confirmed by liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LC–MS). Stability properties of xPRIL were determined in a stability study evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The first order kinetics of degradation reaction of xPRIL and Arrhenius equations for each pH were determined at observed conditions. xPRIL showed the highest stability at pH 2 solution. The degradation kinetics of xPRIL was compared to the degradation kinetics of enalapril maleate (EM) and perindopril (PER) in bio relevant solutions with pH 2.0 and 6.8. In addition to the stability study of xPRIL the forced degradation study of all three molecules at rigorous conditions was conducted. From the obtained results the structural element having the highest influence on stability properties of the studied molecules was identified. The fragmentation paths of xPRIL, its cyclization degradation product and its hydrolysis degradation product were identified and confirmed by MS/MS method.

Identification and Quantification of Inhibitors for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Hypoallergenic Infant Milk Formulas

The potential of hypoallergenic (HA) infant milk formulas containing hydrolyzed milk proteins as main constituents to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro was investigated. Seven commercially available HA products designed for babies up to 4 months showed a potent inhibition of ACE in vitro, with IC 50 values ranging between 3.2 and 68.5 mg of nitrogen/L. For six samples of conventional milk-based infant formulas and three breast milk samples, no inhibition was observed. Inhibitory potential did not correlate with the degree of hydrolysis. Using reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS), 15 peptides known to inhibit ACE were identified. Among them, the highly potent ACE inhibitor Ile-Trp (IC 50 = 0.7 microM) was detected and quantified for the first time in the HA samples, representing the most effective ACE-inhibiting peptide that has ever been detected in food items. The overall inhibitory potential of the HA infant milk formulas could partly be explained by Ile-Trp.

Identification of ACE pharmacophore in the phosphonopeptide metabolite K-26

The naturally occurring phosphonotripeptide K-26 is a potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor containing an α-amino phosphonic acid analogue of tyrosine. Previous studies have demonstrated that canonical peptide analogues of K-26 are micromolar inhibitors of ACE. To ascertain the structure–activity relationships in this class of ACE inhibitory natural products, K-26 and eight analogues were chemically synthesized and evaluated. Phosphonyl substitution was found to be the critical determinant of activity, resulting in a 1500-fold increase in ACE inhibition versus carboxyl analogues. Secondarily, the absolute configuration of the terminal α-amino phosphonate and N-acetylation were found to significantly modulate ACE inhibitory activity.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and receptor tyrosine kinases in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression is regulated by hypoxia and cytokines, including insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. We examined the influence of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) on IGF-1, VEGF, fetal liver kinase (flk-1), fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (flt-1), and laminin using an isolated hemoperfused working porcine heart model of acute ischemia (2 h) and reperfusion (4 h). Twenty-three porcine hearts were randomized into the following groups: five nonischemic control hearts (Group C), five I/R hearts with occlusion of the ramus circumflexus; three I/R hearts treated with quinaprilat, a potent angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (Group Q); five I/R hearts treated with angiotensin I (Group Ang I), and 5 I/R hearts treated with Ang I and quinaprilat (Group QA). Compared to C, VEGF mRNA and protein contents were significantly increased in I/R and Ang I hearts. flk-1 and flt-1 were increased in I/R (2.2-/1.95-fold) and further elevated by Ang I (3.2-/3.4-fold) compared with C. Quinaprilat application attenuated the amount of VEGF significantly and of flk-1 slightly but not that of flt-1. In contrast, IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) proteins were elevated in I/R hearts (3-/1.4-fold vs. C) and further increased in the presence of Q. These findings were accompanied by an elevation of laminin mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, we observed an increase in collagen Type IV and chondroitin sulfate content in I/R (2.9-/1.4-fold) and Ang I (3.5-/1.5-fold) hearts. Quinaprilat significantly reduced laminin and chondroitin sulfate proteins. These data suggest that the VEGF/VEGF receptor and IGF-1-IGF-1R systems are activated by I/R. The benefits of ACE inhibition in attenuation of cardiac remodeling may be mediated by IGF-1.

Anti-inflammatory Actions of Quinapril

The role of angiotensin II (Ang-II) in inflammation and the mechanisms through which it exerts this role are explored. Signaling through angiotensin stimulation of inflammatory cells often amplifies inflammation. Formation of Ang-II from tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been shown to be of greater importance in the development and progression of inflammatory diseases than plasma ACE. Quinapril, which is a potent and selective inhibitor of both plasma and tissue ACE, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in many disease states such as atherosclerosis, nephritis, scleroderma, diabetes and arthritis, and, thus, offers new therapeutic possibilities for disease treatment.

Delapril plus Indapamide

Although many data indicate that the management of hypertension has improved over the last two decades, there is still a large proportion of hypertensive individuals who do not receive adequate management of their blood pressure (BP). Combination therapy with two or more antihypertensive agents from different drug classes is increasingly being recognised as the most effective means of achieving target BP values by pharmacological means, particularly in the large number of patients in whom monotherapy proves to be ineffective. Use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor combined with a diuretic is a well established antihypertensive combination that is very effective because of the different, yet synergistic, mechanisms of actions of agents from these two drug classes. Delapril is a potent antihypertensive ACE inhibitor, and indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic with additional antihypertensive properties. The combination of delapril and indapamide provides renoprotective effects, and indapamide is also cardioprotective. Use of these two drugs together is therefore a rational selection for combination therapy, and one that has consistently demonstrated lowering of BP to target values with a level of efficacy that is at least as good as other combinations of ACE inhibitors and diuretics. This combination has also been found to provide favourable effects on haemodynamic parameters, including left ventricular mass index and ejection fraction. Furthermore, combining an ACE inhibitor and a thiazide-type diuretic has been associated with a decreased risk of stroke and is recommended for patients with cerebrovascular disease, a setting in which the combination of delapril and indapamide has therapeutic potential. Because of the additive mechanisms of delapril and indapamide, the dose required for an effective antihypertensive effect is relatively low, and the combination is well tolerated at such doses. In particular, metabolic effects normally associated with diuretics are rare at the therapeutic dose of indapamide used in combination with delapril, making the combination suitable for patients with metabolic disorders in whom diuretic therapy would otherwise not be recommended. Delapril 30 mg and indapamide 2.5mg have been combined in a fixed combination, offering the convenience of a one-tablet-per-day antihypertensive drug regimen for most patients, which, along with good tolerability, helps to address the issue of noncompliance.

Fixed combination of zofenopril plus hydrochlorothiazide in the management of hypertension: a review of available data.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors effectively interfere with the renin-angiotensin system and exert various beneficial actions on vascular structure and function beyond their blood pressure-lowering effects. Zofenopril, a potent sulphydryl ACE inhibitor, is characterized by high lipophilicity, sustained cardiac ACE inhibition, and antioxidant and tissue protective activities. Its ancillary properties, such as antioxidant activity and cardiovascular (CV) protection, make this drug potentially suitable for the treatment and prevention of certain CV diseases. The Survival of Myocardial Infarction Long term Evaluation trials have demonstrated that the early administration of zofenopril to patients with acute myocardial infarction is associated with a significant reduction in the 6-week occurrence of major CV events in high-risk patients with anterior non-thrombolyzed myocardial infarction. The fixed combination of zofenopril-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 30/12.5 mg/day is approved for the management of mild-to-moderate hypertension in different European countries. In clinical trials comparing zofenopril-HCTZ with each agent administered as monotherapy, combination therapy was clearly more effective in normalizing blood pressure (BP). In addition, combination therapy provided sustained and consistent BP control over the entire 24 hour dosing interval. The efficacy and safety profile of zofenopril-HCTZ highlights that this combination is a potentially useful addition to currently available therapy for patients with BP inadequately controlled by monotherapy, as well as for patients who require more rapid and intensive BP control.

Effect of β-lactoglobulin hydrolysis with thermolysin under denaturing temperatures on the release of bioactive peptides

In this study, bovine β-lactoglobulin A (β-Lg A) was hydrolysed with thermolysin under non-denaturing and heat-denaturing conditions. The peptides released during hydrolysis were identified by HPLC–MS/MS. A total of 25 peptides were identified in the hydrolysate obtained at 37 °C for 5 min. Some of these peptides survived to further proteolysis even at higher incubation temperatures. Furthermore, novel cleavage sites localised in the most buried zones of β-Lg and available for thermolysin were recognised when the incubation temperature increased in the range between 60 and 80 °C. Three new peptides, LDA, LKPTPEGD, and LQKW, appeared after 30 min hydrolysis at these incubation temperatures, but they were not identified in the 30-min hydrolysates obtained at 37 and 50 °C. Of special interest was the peptide LQKW, corresponding to the fragment f(58–61) that had been previously described as a potent angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor (IC 50 value of 34.7 μM).