Renin Angiotensin System and Its Therapeutic Approaches

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has an important role in the control of blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, and in the regulation of salt and volume homeostasis of organisms as well as in the heart failure, and other related renal dysfunctions. Renin is the main protease enzyme of the RAS. In kidney, Juxtaglomerular (JG) cells are most important site for renin production. Renin act on Angiotensinogen (AOG) and cleave Angiotensin I and form different Angiotensins-ANG II, ANG 1-7, ANG 1-9 using Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and Angiotensin receptors (AT-R). RAS inhibition using βBlockers, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), Direct Renin Inhibitors are proven important for the study of prevention of several renal diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, several drugs such as vitamin D receptor activators, endothelin antagonists, Aldosterone antagonists, or monocyte chemotactic protein-1 antagonists are also used in controlling blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and heart failure. Aliskiren, Enalapril and other inhibitors has proved a valuable therapeutic approach in different diseases.