Renin angiotensin system Inhibition attenuates neuroinflammatory processes in high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, and aging

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has historically been recognized for its role in regulating blood pressure, water-salt balance, and extracellular fluid volume. However, over the past few decades, evidence has shown the existence of a functional RAS within the central nervous system (CNS), known as the brain RAS, which performs functions independent of the peripheral system. This system is involved in processes such as sympathetic tone regulation, energy metabolism, and modulation of brain inflammation. The brain RAS contains all the necessary components for its local function, including renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II (Ang II), and its receptors AT1 and AT2, as well as the counter-regulatory pathway ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR. Activation of the Ang II/AT1R pathway has been linked to proinflammatory effects in the brain, whereas the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR pathway appears to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective functions.