Renin inhibition reduces hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis in mice.

ABSTRACT: The role of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in atherosclerosis is complex because of the involvement of multiple peptides and receptors. Renin is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of all angiotensin peptides. To determine the effects of renin inhibition on atherosclerosis, we administered the novel renin inhibitor aliskiren over a broad dose range to fat-fed LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr(-/-)) mice. Renin inhibition resulted in striking reductions of atherosclerotic lesion size in both the aortic arch and the root. Subsequent studies demonstrated that cultured macrophages expressed all components of the RAS. To determine the role of macrophage-derived angiotensin in the development of atherosclerosis, we transplanted renin-deficient bone marrow to irradiated Ldlr(-/-) mice and o

SUBMITTER: Lu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2242618 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature