Phillips M Ian, Kagiyama Shuntaro
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2002 Apr;3(4):569-77.
Angiotensin II (Ang II), the most important component of the renin-angiotensin system, is usually associated with hypertension and renal failure. Through its pro-inflammatory actions, it also plays an important role in each step of the development of atherosclerotic plaques and plaque rupture. Ang II stimulates the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB), a transcription factor which regulates gene expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are dramatically increased in atherosclerotic plaques, particularly in monocytes at the fibrous cap. Thus, in multiple ways, Ang II is a critical factor in atherosclerotic plaque formation, inflammation and plaque stability. ACE inhibitors and AT1R inhibitors could therefore be appropriate therapeutic agents in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
血管紧张素II（Ang II）是肾素-血管紧张素系统最重要的组成部分，通常与高血压和肾衰竭相关。通过其促炎作用，它在动脉粥样硬化斑块形成和斑块破裂发展的各个阶段也发挥着重要作用。Ang II刺激核因子-κB（NFκB）的表达，NFκB是一种转录因子，可调节炎性细胞因子如白细胞介素-6（IL-6）和单核细胞趋化蛋白-1（MCP-1）的基因表达。1型血管紧张素II受体（AT1）和血管紧张素转换酶（ACE）在动脉粥样硬化斑块中显著增加，尤其是在纤维帽处的单核细胞中。因此，Ang II以多种方式成为动脉粥样硬化斑块形成、炎症和斑块稳定性的关键因素。因此，ACE抑制剂和AT1R抑制剂可能是治疗动脉粥样硬化的合适治疗药物。
