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Barta A, Cebova M, Kovac A, Koneracka M, Zavisova V, Pechanova O. Aliskiren-Loaded Nanoparticles Downregulate (Pro)renin Receptor and ACE Gene Expression in the Heart of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Effect on NADPH Oxidase. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:846. [PMID: 38255922 PMCID: PMC10815459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine effects of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, loaded onto polymeric nanoparticles on the (pro)renin receptor (Atp6ap2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Agtr1), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression in the heart of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Twelve-week-old male SHRs were divided into an untreated group and groups treated with powdered aliskiren or aliskiren-loaded nanoparticles (25 mg/kg/day). After three weeks, the accumulation of aliskiren, distribution of polymeric nanoparticles, gene expression of Atp6ap2 and Agtr1 receptors and ACE, and protein expression of NADPH oxidase along with the conjugated diene (CD) concentration were analyzed. The accumulation of aliskiren in the heart was higher in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group than in the powdered group. The fluorescent signals of nanoparticles were visible in cardiomyocytes, vessel walls, and erythrocytes. Aliskiren-loaded nanoparticles decreased the gene expression of Atp6ap2 and ACE, while not affecting Agtr1. Both forms of aliskiren decreased the protein expression of NADPH oxidase, with a more pronounced effect observed in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group. CD concentration was decreased only in the aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle group. We hypothesize that aliskiren-loaded nanoparticle-mediated downregulation of Atp6ap2 and ACE may contribute to a decrease in ROS generation with beneficial effects in the heart. Moreover, polymeric nanoparticles may represent a promising tool for targeted delivery of aliskiren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Barta
- Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 813 71 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Cebova
- Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 813 71 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrej Kovac
- Institute of Neuroimunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 813 71 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Martina Koneracka
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (V.Z.)
| | - Vlasta Zavisova
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia; (M.K.); (V.Z.)
| | - Olga Pechanova
- Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 813 71 Bratislava, Slovakia; (A.B.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Islam MR, Dhar PS, Akash S, Syed SH, Gupta JK, Gandla K, Akter M, Rauf A, Hemeg HA, Anwar Y, Aljohny BO, Wilairatana P. Bioactive molecules from terrestrial and seafood resources in hypertension treatment: focus on molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2023; 13:45. [PMID: 37902881 PMCID: PMC10616036 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-023-00411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN), a complex cardiovascular disease (CVD), significantly impacts global health, prompting a growing interest in complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches. This review article seeks to provide an up-to-date and thorough summary of modern therapeutic techniques for treating HTN, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action found in substances found in plants, herbs, and seafood. Bioactive molecules have been a significant source of novel therapeutics and are crucial in developing and testing new HTN remedies. Recent advances in science have made it possible to understand the complex molecular mechanisms underlying blood pressure (BP)-regulating effects of these natural substances better. Polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and peptides are examples of bioactive compounds that have demonstrated promise in influencing several pathways involved in regulating vascular tone, reducing oxidative stress (OS), reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function. The article explains the vasodilatory, diuretic, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) modifying properties of vital plants such as garlic and olive leaf. Phytochemicals from plants are the primary in traditional drug development as models for novel antihypertensive drugs, providing diverse strategies to combat HTN due to their biological actions. The review also discusses the functions of calcium channel blockers originating from natural sources, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and nitric oxide (NO) donors. Including seafood components in this study demonstrates the increased interest in using bioactive chemicals originating from marine sources to treat HTN. Omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, and minerals obtained from seafood sources have anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and antioxidant properties that improve vascular health and control BP. Overall, we discussed the multiple functions of bioactive molecules and seafood components in the treatment of HTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Puja Sutro Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Sabeena Hussain Syed
- School of Pharmacy, Vishwakarma University, Survey No 2, 3,4, Kondhwa Main Rd, Laxmi Nagar, Betal Nagar, Kondhwa, Pune, Maharashtra, 411048, India
| | | | - Kumaraswamy Gandla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Chaitanya (Deemed to Be University), Himayath Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500075, India
| | - Muniya Akter
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23561, Pakistan.
| | - Hassan A Hemeg
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Medinah Al-Monawara, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Anwar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21441, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassam Oudh Aljohny
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21441, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Ramya K, Suresh R, Kumar HY, Kumar BRP, Murthy NBS. Decades-old renin inhibitors are still struggling to find a niche in antihypertensive therapy. A fleeting look at the old and the promising new molecules. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115466. [PMID: 32247750 PMCID: PMC7112834 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a diverse illness interlinked with cerebral, cardiovascular (CVS) and renal abnormalities. Presently, the malady is being treated by focusing on Renin- angiotensin system (RAS), voltage-gated calcium channels, peripheral vasodilators, renal and sympathetic nervous systems. Cardiovascular and renal abnormalities are associated with the overactivation of RAS, which can be constrained by angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II (Ang-II) -AT1 receptor blockers (ARBs) and renin inhibitors. The latter is a new player in the old system. The renin catalyzes the conversion of angiotensinogen to Angiotensin I (Ang-I). This can be overcome by inhibiting renin, a preliminary step, eventually hinders the occurrence of the cascade of events in the RAS. Various peptidomimetics, the first-generation renin inhibitors developed six decades ago have limited drug-like properties as they suffered from poor intestinal absorption, high liver first-pass metabolism and low oral bioavailability. The development of chemically diverse molecules from peptides to nonpeptides expanded the horizon to achieving direct renin inhibition. Aliskiren, a blockbuster drug that emerged as a clinical candidate and got approved by the US FDA in 2007 was developed by molecular modeling studies. Aliskiren indicated superior to average efficacy and with minor adverse effects relative to other RAS inhibitors. However, its therapeutic use is limited by poor oral bioavailability of less than 2% that is similar to first-generation peptidic compounds. In this review, we present the development of direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) from peptidic to nonpeptidics that lead to the birth of aliskiren, its place in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and its limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnappa Ramya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Oxbridge College of Pharmacy, Mahadeshwara Nagara, Bengaluru 560091, Karnataka, India; Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar, Chidambaram 608002, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Ramalingam Suresh
- Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar, Chidambaram 608002, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Honnavalli Yogish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), SS Nagara, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - B R Prashantha Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), SS Nagara, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - N B Sridhara Murthy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Oxbridge College of Pharmacy, Mahadeshwara Nagara, Bengaluru 560091, Karnataka, India
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Protective Effects of Nanoparticle-Loaded Aliskiren on Cardiovascular System in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24152710. [PMID: 31349653 PMCID: PMC6695910 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, has been shown to have cardioprotective and blood pressure (BP) lowering effects. We aimed to determine the effects of nanoparticle-loaded aliskiren on BP, nitric oxide synthase activity (NOS) and structural alterations of the heart and aorta developed due to spontaneous hypertension in rats. Twelve week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into the untreated group, group treated with powdered or nanoparticle-loaded aliskiren (25 mg/kg/day) and group treated with nanoparticles only for 3 weeks by gavage. BP was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. NOS activity, eNOS and nNOS protein expressions, and collagen content were determined in both the heart and aorta. Vasoactivity of the mesenteric artery and wall thickness, inner diameter, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the aorta were analyzed. After 3 weeks, BP was lower in both powdered and nanoparticle-loaded aliskiren groups with a more pronounced effect in the latter case. Only nanoparticle-loaded aliskiren increased the expression of nNOS along with increased NOS activity in the heart (by 30%). Moreover, nanoparticle-loaded aliskiren decreased vasoconstriction of the mesenteric artery and collagen content (by 11%), and CSA (by 25%) in the aorta compared to the powdered aliskiren group. In conclusion, nanoparticle-loaded aliskiren represents a promising drug with antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects.
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Yan K, Shen Y. Aliskiren has chondroprotective efficacy in a rat model of osteoarthritis through suppression of the local renin-angiotensin system. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:3965-3973. [PMID: 28765966 PMCID: PMC5646976 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been reported to have an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of metabolic bone diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). Aliskiren is the first in a new class of orally effective direct renin inhibitors and is approved for the treatment of hypertension in humans. However, its efficacy in patients with OA is unknown. A rat model of OA was induced to investigate the potential efficacy of aliskiren. Effects of aliskiren on the cartilage structure were detected by safranin O staining and its effects on the widths of the proliferation zone and hypertrophic zone (HZ) of chondrocytes were analyzed by Masson's staining. Tartate-resistant acid phosphatase staining was used to evaluate the effects of aliskiren on osteoclasts in the chondrocytes. Relative histological analyses were performed. Additionally, the expression levels of factors associated with osteoclast differentiation (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and osteoprotegerin), articular cartilage destruction [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinase 9] and osteoblast differentiation [runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2)], along with RAS components (renin, renin-receptor, angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), AT2R, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II (Ang II)] were detected in samples from the proximal tibias. Aliskiren did not fully suppress the inflammatory reaction in OA model animals and had marginal regulatory effects on biochemical bone markers induced by OA. However, aliskiren attenuated cartilage destruction, abnormal cartilage cellularity and the expansion of the HZ of chondrocytes, and significantly attenuated the expression of interleukin-1, TNF-α, Runx2 and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide. These chondroprotective properties were accompanied by reductions in the levels of RAS components (renin, Ang II, ACE and AT1R), indicating that aliskiren exerts multiple effects of on bone formation, osteoblast differentiation and articular cartilage protection via the RAS. OA activates the local bone RAS, inhibits bone formation and stimulates bone resorption. Aliskiren, a renin inhibitor, demonstrated chondroprotective efficacy in a rat model of OA through suppression of the local RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhong Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Yixin Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
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Chang TT, Wu TC, Huang PH, Lin CP, Chen JS, Lin LY, Lin SJ, Chen JW. Direct Renin Inhibition with Aliskiren Improves Ischemia-Induced Neovasculogenesis in Diabetic Animals via the SDF-1 Related Mechanism. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136627. [PMID: 26305217 PMCID: PMC4549314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor which is suggested to modify proangiogenic cells in addition to lower blood pressure. Given that angiogenesis is impaired in the presence of diabetes mellitus, we would like to investigate whether and how aliskiren enhances endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and improves ischemic-induced neovasculogenesis by an effect independent of blood pressure reduction in diabetic animals. Methods Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were administered with either aliskiren (5 or 25 mg/kg/day) using an osmotic pump or hydralazine (2 or 10 mg/kg/day) given in drinking water for two weeks prior to a hind-limb ischemia surgery. Laser Doppler imaging and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the degree of neovasculogenesis and the circulating levels of EPCs, respectively. Results In streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, aliskiren enhanced the recovery of limb perfusion and capillary density, increased the number of circulating Sca-1+/Flk-1+ EPC-like cells, and elevated the levels of the plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α in a dose-dependent manner, whereas there were no such effects in hydralazine-treated mice. Intraperitoneal administration of anti-SDF-1 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies abolished the effects of aliskiren. Conclusions Independent of the reduction of blood pressure, aliskiren enhanced ischemia-induced neovasculogenesis in a dose-dependent manner via VEGF/SDF-1α related mechanisms in diabetic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Chang
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tao-Cheng Wu
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chih-Pei Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jia-Shiong Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Liang-Yu Lin
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shing-Jong Lin
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jaw-Wen Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- * E-mail:
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The Renin-Angiotensin-aldosterone system in vascular inflammation and remodeling. Int J Inflam 2014; 2014:689360. [PMID: 24804145 PMCID: PMC3997861 DOI: 10.1155/2014/689360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAAS through its physiological effectors plays a key role in promoting and maintaining inflammation. Inflammation is an important mechanism in the development and progression of CVD such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. In addition to its main role in regulating blood pressure and its role in hypertension, RAAS has proinflammatory and profibrotic effects at cellular and molecular levels. Blocking RAAS provides beneficial effects for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Evidence shows that inhibition of RAAS positively influences vascular remodeling thus improving CVD outcomes. The beneficial vascular effects of RAAS inhibition are likely due to decreasing vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and positive effects on regeneration of endothelial progenitor cells. Inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TNFα, IL-6, and CRP have key roles in mediating vascular inflammation and blocking RAAS negatively modulates the levels of these inflammatory molecules. Some of these inflammatory markers are clinically associated with CVD events. More studies are required to establish long-term effects of RAAS inhibition on vascular inflammation, vascular cells regeneration, and CVD clinical outcomes. This review presents important information on RAAS's role on vascular inflammation, vascular cells responses to RAAS, and inhibition of RAAS signaling in the context of vascular inflammation, vascular remodeling, and vascular inflammation-associated CVD. Nevertheless, the review also equates the need to rethink and rediscover new RAAS inhibitors.
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Potential of RAS inhibition to improve metabolic bone disorders. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:932691. [PMID: 23971050 PMCID: PMC3736485 DOI: 10.1155/2013/932691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic bone disorder is usually caused by abnormalities of minerals and hormones metabolism. Recently, it has been proved by several studies that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in local bone tissue is directly involved in bone metabolism. Activation of skeletal RAS plays an important role in bone metabolic disorders. Based on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, this review explains the roles of RAS in bone metabolism and also covers the potential approaches and beneficial effects of RAS inhibition on bone health. Differential strategies for inhibiting RAS can be employed to maintain bone health, which are attributed primarily to the reduced level of angiotensin II (AngII) and suppressed stimulation of the AngII signaling pathway. The use of renin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and AngII receptor blockers either individually or in combination with each other could have promising results in fighting bone metabolic disorders associated with other cardiovascular diseases as well as independent bone injuries.
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Tabassum N, Ahmad F. Role of natural herbs in the treatment of hypertension. Pharmacogn Rev 2011; 5:30-40. [PMID: 22096316 PMCID: PMC3210006 DOI: 10.4103/0973-7847.79097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Revised: 09/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN) is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), besides increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. HTN can also lead to other conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness. Conventional antihypertensives are usually associated with many side effects. About 75 to 80% of the world population use herbal medicines, mainly in developing countries, for primary health care because of their better acceptability with human body and lesser side effects. In the last three decades, a lot of concerted efforts have been channeled into researching the local plants with hypotensive and antihypertensive therapeutic values. The hypotensive and antihypertensive effects of some of these medicinal plants have been validated and others disproved. However, ayurvedic knowledge needs to be coupled with modern medicine and more scientific research needs to be done to verify the effectiveness, and elucidate the safety profile of such herbal remedies for their antihypertensive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahida Tabassum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, J & K-190 006, India
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