Renin-angiotensin system and atherosclerosis

Abstract

Based upon literature the renin-angiotensin system involvement in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been discussed. Angiotensin II leads to the increased production of growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-beta, FGF and extracellular matrix proteins. There are evidences that angiotensin II stimulates expression of egr-1, c-jun, c-fos and c-myc oncogenes in vascular smooth muscle cells. Proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells in response to the injury can be reduced by inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system what supports the hypothesis that angiotensin II can contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.