Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2–Angiotensin 1‐7/1‐9 system: novel promising targets for heart failure treatment.

Abstract: Cardiac remodeling (cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis) is a hallmark of heart failure (HF). It can be induced by the abnormal elevation of several endogenous factors including angiotensin II (Ang II), which is generated from its precursor angiotensin I (Ang I) by the action of angiotensin‐converting enzyme. The inhibition of this enzyme or the blockade of the Ang II receptors demonstrated a high clinical value against the progression of HF. Ang I and Ang II may also be converted into angiotensin 1‐7 (Ang 1‐7) and angiotensin 1‐9 (Ang 1‐9), respectively, by the action of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2. Both derivatives demonstrated a promising anticardiac remodeling activity especially against the detrimental effects of Ang II. This manuscript thoroughly reviews the available in vitro and in vivo data on Ang 1‐7 and Ang 1‐9 in the context of the treatment of HF and discusses the associated molecular mechanisms and the trials to clinically utilize Ang 1‐7 mimetics for the treatment of that disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]