Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: implications for blood... : Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension (original) (raw)

Circulation and hemodynamics: Edited by Roland C. Blantz and Matthew R. Weir

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: implications for blood pressure and kidney disease

Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Senior Consultant in Pediatric Nephrology, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Correspondence to Julie R. Ingelfinger, MD, Pediatric Nephrology, Yawkey 6C, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA Tel: +1 617 726 2908; fax: +1 617 739 9864; e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Purpose of review

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2), the main product of which is Ang 1–7, which binds to its receptor, Mas, is an important member of the renin–angiotensin system.

Recent findings

A substantial body of research indicates that ACE2 is cardioprotective and renoprotective. ACE2 participates in a pathway that is counterregulatory to the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II). The mechanisms by which the protective effects of ACE2 occur are just beginning to be elucidated.

Summary

As ACE2 appears to exert protective effects within the kidney and vasculature, recent data indicate that how it is expressed, what regulates it, and how it interacts with other biological systems may ultimately have clinical implications.