The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS): Functional Aspects and Therapeutic Implications

The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System: Functional Aspects and Therapeutic Implications is the first comprehensive publication to signal the protective role of a distinct part of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), providing readers with early insight into a complex system which will become of major medical importance in the near future. Focusing on recent research, The Protective Arm of the Renin Angiotensin System presents a host of new experimental studies on specific components of the RAS, namely angiotensin AT2 receptors (AT2R), the angiotensin (1–7) peptide with its receptor Mas, and the enzyme ACE 2, which exert significant beneficial, health-promoting actions by counterbalancing the well-known harmful arm of the RAS with its classical angiotensin AT1 receptor. This innovative concept of the protective arm of the RAS, examined in this reference, represents an indispensable background and will be a strong support for biomedical students, researchers, cardiologists, surgeons, nephrologists, diabetologists, and endocrinologists, as well as any other physician or researcher concerned with RAS physiology, pathophysiology and clinical implications.

Provides a complete understanding of the protective side of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) involving angiotensin AT2 receptor, ACE2, and Ang(1-7)/Mas receptorCombines the knowledge of editors who pioneered research on the protective renin angiotensin system including; Dr. Thomas Unger, one of the founders of AT2 receptor research; Dr. Ulrike M. Steckelings, who contributed significantly to first preclinical studies with a novel specific AT2-agonist, and Dr. Robson Santos who pioneered research on angiotensin-(1-7) and its receptor Mas.Shows that the protective RAS axes are able to ameliorate the course of several cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and neurological diseasesProvides the basis for the understanding of a novel therapeutic approach to stimulate components of the protective arm of the RAS.

Part I: The AT2 Receptor

Introduction

The AT2 receptor: from enigma to therapeutic target

AT2 receptor detection by selective ligands

Basic mechanisms and signaling

Animal models with a genetic alteration of AT2 expression

AT2 signaling: resolved and unresolved

AT1-AT2 crosstalk

(Patho)-physiological effects of AT2R stimulation

AT2R in Myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure

AT2R, vascular effects, blood pressure effects                             

AT2R in neuroprotection and -regeneration

AT2R and cognitive function

AT2R in kidney disease

AT2R and natriuresis

AT2R and vascular remodeling

AT2R and inflammation

AT2R, ATIP and cancer

AT2R and sympathetic outflow

Metabolic effects of AT2R stimulation

Gender differences in AT2R expression and actions

Future clinical application

Discovery of non-peptide selective AT2R agonists

Synthesis of peptide AT2 agonists

Potential future clinical indications for AT2-agonists

Part II: MAS Receptor / Ang(1-7) / ACE-2:

Introduction

The Mas Story

Basic mechanisms and signaling

Animal models with a genetic alteration of ACE2/MAS

MAS signaling: resolved and unresolved

MAS dimerisation and MAS/AT2 crosstalk

Basic aspects of ACE-2 regulation and function

(Patho)-physiological effects of MAS stimulation

MAS in Myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure

MAS, vascular effects, blood pressure effects                             

MAS in neuroprotection and -regeneration

MAS and cognitive function

MAS in the kidney