[Anti-atherosclerotic action of angiotensin converting enzyme II. Effect on metabolism of kinin, free radical reaction, sensitivity to insulin and lipid metabolism].

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system reduces the development of the atherosclerotic process after vascular injury and in hyperlipidemic animals. ACE-inhibitors inhibit vascular smooth muscle cells migration and proliferation, macrophage-foam cell accumulation and preserve the antiaggregatory and antithrombotic function of the endothelium in atherosclerotic vessels. In addition to the inhibition of angiotensin II synthesis, reduced degradation of kinins and improvement of insulin action after ACE-inhibition may be responsible for observed actions. ACE-inhibitors may have also influence on lipids metabolism, including low density lipoprotein oxidation. Despite this, ACE-inhibitors failed to prevent restenosis after coronary angioplasty in humans. One reason for the lack of ACE-inhibitors effect in human restenosis might depend on the activation of the alternative angiotensin II-generating system in human arteries after vascular injury.