Physical Exercise and ACE2-Angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas Receptor Axis of the Renin Angiotensin System.

BACKGROUND

Many physiological responses of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) are associated with two opposite pathways: (1) a classical one formed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor, which is associated to vasoconstriction, cell proliferation, organ hypertrophy, sodium retention and aldosterone release and (2) a counter-regulatory or vasodilator pathway comprising angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and Mas receptor, which is involved in vasodilation, antiproliferation, anti-hypertrophy, cardioprotective and renoprotective actions.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to bring up-to-date on the interactions between physical exercise and the vasodilator axis of the RAS (ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis). We also investigated the relation of acute and chronic exercise with blood pressure regulation and components of the vasodilator axis of the RAS.

METHODS

We searched studies with animal models and humans in PUBMED, LILACS and IBECS.

RESULTS

Experimental studies showed that physical training can stimulate ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis in parallel with the inhibition of ACE-Ang II-AT1 receptor pathway. However, up to now, the interaction between the counter-regulatory RAS axis and physical training is not investigated in humans.

CONCLUSION

The activation of ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis may have a role in the beneficial effects of physical training in experimental models. Further studies with humans are necessary.