Protective effects of angiotensin II interruption: Evidence for antiinflammatory actions

Angiotensin 11, the major effector molecule produced from the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, is a vasoconstrictor contributing to hypertension. Evidence indicates, however, that angiotensin 11 also is a potent proinflammatory mediator with growth and remodeling effects. in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that angiotensin 11 blockade significantly reduces concentrations of proinflammatory mediators and oxidative stress products in numerous inflammatory models. Interruption of angiotensin 11 activity with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin 11 receptor blockers has been beneficial for patients with inflammatory diseases. Much of this benefit occurs independent of the antihypertensive effect of angiotensin 11 interruption, suggesting a distinctive protective mechanism. Angiotensin 11 receptor blockers may represent a novel class of antiinflammatory drugs with indications far beyond cardiovascular diseases.