The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) - new pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects Part. I. Prorenin and renin and its receptors, convertase 2 of angiotensin-1-10, angiotensin-1-7 and its receptor, visceral fat tissue as a site of synthesis of RAAS components

Abstract

The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, cardiovascular abnormalities, water-electrolyte disturbances, and many other pathological settings has been known for many years. In the last ten years new functions of the RAAS were discovered which may be of essential therapeutic relevance. Among them the following are worth mentioning: discovery and function of prorenin-renin receptors, angiotensin-1-7 and its receptor, converting enzyme 2 of angiotensin-1-10, identification of visceral fat tissue as a site of RAAS components synthesis and discovery of many pathogenetic effects of aldosterone, not related to the hypertensogenic action of this hormone. In this overview potential pathogenetic and therapeutic implication of the above mentioned new facts concerning RAAS are discussed.