Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:3.4.15.1 (ACE)
18,300 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The placental endothelium contributes to regulating transplacental exchange and maintaining the immunological maternofetal barrier. We characterized the endothelial phenotype in human normal term placentae with a panel of antibodies to endothelial antigens using a standardized immunofluorescence method. Placental endothelium strongly expressed vWF, PAL-E, H-antigen, thrombomodulin, PECAM-1, CD34, CD36, ICAM-1, CD44, thy-1, A10/33-1, VE-cadherin, caveolin-1 and HLA-G, whereas occludin, claudin-1, eNOS, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ICAM-2, endoglin and integrin-alphathetabeta(3)were weakly expressed. PGI(2)synthase, tissue factor, E-selectin and VCAM-1 were not detected. Some antigens were heterogenously expressed along the vascular tree or within individual villi. Expression of ACE, eNOS, vWF, P-selectin, E-selectin, integrin alpha(v)beta(3)and endoglin was stronger in the maternal decidual vessels, while PECAM-1, CD44, thy-1 and caveolin-1 expression was stronger in fetal vessels. Some endothelial markers were present in trophoblasts and stroma. Endothelial proliferation was apparent in mature intermediate and terminal villi. There was limited inflammatory response to TNFalpha in explants, characterized by upregulation of vWF, P-selectin, PECAM-1 and CD44, downregulation of thrombomodulin, but no increase in ICAM-1 expression, nor induction of E-selectin, VCAM-1 or tissue factor. These patterns of heterogeneity, proliferative activity and inflammatory activation may underlie the specific physiological roles of the placental endothelium.
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PMID:Phenotype of the endothelium in the human term placenta. 1116 50

Omapatrilat represents a new class of drugs capable of inhibiting both ACE and neutral endopeptidase 24.11, the so-called vasopeptidase inhibitors. It therefore contributes to neurohumoral modulation, which might improve endothelial function in cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effect of omapatrilat in comparison to the ACE inhibitor captopril on systolic blood pressure and endothelial function in salt-induced hypertension. Dahl salt-sensitive rats (n=6/group) on standard or salt-enriched (4% NaCl) chow were treated for 8 weeks with either omapatrilat (36+/-4 mg/kg per day), captopril (94+/-2 mg/kg per day), or placebo. Aortic rings were then isolated and suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Systolic blood pressure of salt-fed, placebo-treated animals increased to 196+/-6 mm Hg, which was prevented by omapatrilat (162+/-5 mm Hg, P<0.05) and captopril (164+/-7 mm Hg, P<0.05) to a comparable degree. In control rats, acetylcholine (10(-10) to 10(-5) mol/L) induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (97+/-4%), which was reduced by high-salt diet to 30+/-5% (P<0.005; n=6). Omapatrilat improved relaxation to a greater extent (86+/-5%) than did captopril (57+/-6%; P<0.05). eNOS protein expression and aortic nitrite/nitrate content were reduced in hypertensive rats and improved by both omapatrilat and captopril. Aortic endothelin-1 levels were increased in salt-fed animals and unaffected by omapatrilat or captopril. These data suggest that despite comparable blood pressure, omapatrilat is superior to captopril in improving endothelium-dependent relaxation in salt-sensitive hypertension.
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PMID:Vasopeptidase inhibition exhibits endothelial protection in salt-induced hypertension. 1130 11

The benefit effects of nitric oxide (NO) donors in acute heart failure have led to the development of vasodilators as treatment of chronic heart failure. However, the mechanisms involved in the effects of NO are complex and still discussed. In chronic heart failure, the eNOS downregulation in vascular endothelium explains the alteration of endothelial function. In addition, in the myocardium, cytokines induce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) which increase NO production by myocytes and surrounding cells. This excess of NO production, associated with anion superoxide synthesis, limits the inotropic properties of catecholamines and exert proapoptotic effects. The role of NO donors in heart failure treatment is still controversial but by reducing preload they improve patient's symptoms. Beside blockade of the renin-angiotensin system, the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors act via the inhibition of bradykinin degradation which increase NO levels. Finally, vascular endothelial NO expression is improved by exercise training and participates in the improvement of exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure involved in cardiac readaptation program.
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PMID:[Role of nitric oxide in heart failure]. 1132 16

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by improving coronary perfusion, reducing ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling, and preventing progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of ACEi are not fully understood. We studied the in vivo effects of ACE inhibition with perindopril on cellular expression of ACE, AT(1) receptors and 2 nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, endothelial (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS), in human blood vessels using quantitative in vitro autoradiography and immunocytochemistry. Seven patients with ischemic heart disease were treated with perindopril (4 mg/d) for up to 5 weeks before elective coronary bypass surgery, whereas controls did not receive the ACEi (n=7). Perindopril decreased plasma ACE by 70% and the plasma angiotensin II to angiotensin I ratio by 57% and reduced vascular ACE to approximately 65% of control levels in both endothelium and adventitia. By contrast, AT(1) receptor binding in vascular smooth muscle cells was increased by 80% in patients treated with perindopril as confirmed by immunocytochemistry. eNOS was expressed primarily in endothelial cells, whereas little iNOS expression occurred in vascular smooth muscle cells of untreated patients. Both eNOS and iNOS expression seemed to increase during perindopril treatment. These results suggest that suppression of angiotensin II formation in the vascular wall and increased expression of eNOS and iNOS during ACE inhibition may be beneficial in reversing endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease. Because vascular AT(1) receptor expression is increased during chronic ACE inhibition, more clinical studies are required to determine whether it is necessary to combine ACE inhibitors and AT(1) receptor antagonists in clinical management of heart failure, coronary heart disease, and hypertension
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PMID:Perindopril alters vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme, AT(1) receptor, and nitric oxide synthase expression in patients with coronary heart disease. 1236 66

The influence of estrogen on the regulation of cardiovascular function remains a controversial and complex area of investigation. We assessed the effects of estrogen depletion in the congenic mRen(2). Lewis rat, established from the back-cross of the original (mRen2)-27 transgenic onto the Lewis inbred strain. Ovariectomy of heterozygous mRen(2). Lewis at 4 to 5 weeks resulted in a progressive increase in blood pressure compared with the sham surgery congenics at weeks 6 to 11. At 11 weeks, the ovariectomized mRen(2). Lewis (OVX) systolic blood pressure averaged 195+/-3.7 mm Hg versus 141+/-4.0 mm Hg for sham. Plasma Angiotensin (Ang) II, serum ACE activity, plasma renin concentration, as well as urinary excretion of Ang II, 8-isoprostane F2alpha, and endothelin-1 were elevated; however, renal mRNA levels of eNOS were suppressed after ovariectomy. Estrogen replacement reduced blood pressure below both the sham and OVX by 11 weeks (125+/-2.9 mm Hg, n=7, P<0.01 versus OVX and sham). Moreover, the AT1 receptor antagonist olmesartan (CS866; week 12 to 16) essentially normalized blood pressure to 113+/-5.4 mm Hg (n=6, P<0.01 versus OVX and sham). The attenuation of the hypertension was still evident 7 weeks after complete withdrawal of treatment (124+/-4.1 mm Hg at week 23). In summary, the OVX mRen.2. Lewis exhibited a rapid and sustained increase in blood pressure. Estrogen or olmesartan lowered pressure by a similar extent. We conclude that the ovary exerts considerable influence on the regulation of the blood pressure in the mRen2. Lewis strain, possibly by limiting activation of the renin-angiotensin system.
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PMID:Estrogen or the AT1 antagonist olmesartan reverses the development of profound hypertension in the congenic mRen2. Lewis rat. 1287 87

High-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) is a potentially fatal condition affecting fit and previously well individuals at altitudes in excess of 3000 m. This article discusses the mechanisms of HAPE, considers the contribution of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and alterations in sodium transport to the pathological process. It discusses the various biochemical mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) that may be involved and considers possible oxygen-sensing mechanisms involved in hypoxic adaptation such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Those who have had HAPE once run an unpredictable but significant risk of recurrence; therefore, there may be a constitutional or genetic component in its aetiology. This paper considers the possible involvement of genes that may be involved in physiological adaptation to hypoxia (e.g., angiotensin-1 [AT(1)]-converting enzyme [ACE], tyrosine hydroxylase, serotonin transporter [5-HTT], and endothelial NO synthase [eNOS] genes). As yet, no formal association has been identified between an identified genetic polymorphism and HAPE, but genetic variation provides a possible mechanism to explain interindividual variation in response to hypoxia and enhanced or reduced performance at altitude.
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PMID:The genetic basis of high-altitude pulmonary oedema. 1476 4

In diabetes oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications, and an early step of such damage is considered the development of an endothelial dysfunction. Hyperglycemia directly promotes an endothelial dysfunction inducing process of overproduction of superoxide and consequently peroxynitrite that damages DNA and activates the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. This process, depleting NAD+, slowing glycolysis, ATP formation and electron transport, results in acute endothelial dysfunction in diabetic blood vessels and contributes to the development of diabetic complications. Classic antioxidants, like vitamin E, failed to show beneficial effects on diabetic complications probably due to their only "symptomatic" action. It is now evident that, statins, ACE inhibitors, AT-1 blockers, calcium channel blockers and thiazolinediones have a strong intracellular antioxidant activity, and it has been suggested that many of their beneficial ancillary effects are due to this property. Statins increase NO bioavailability and decrease superoxide production, probably interfering with NAD(P)H activity and modulating eNOS expression. ACE inhibitors and AT-1 blockers prevent hyperglycemia-derived oxidative stress modulating angiotensin action and production. This effect is of particular interest because hyperglycemia is able to directly modulate cellular angiotensin generation. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the peroxidation of cell membrane lipids and their subsequent intracellular translocation. Thiazolinediones bind and activate the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, a nuclear receptor of ligand-dependent transcription factors. The inhibition of this receptors lead to inhibition of the inducible nitric oxide synthase and consequently reduction of peroxynitrite generation. This preventive activity against oxidative stress generation can justify a large utilization and association of this compound for preventing complications in diabetic patients, where antioxidant defences have been shown to be defective.
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PMID:Antioxidant therapy in diabetic complications: what is new? 1532 Aug 13

ACE inhibitors are known to ameliorate cardiovascular complications in aging; however, their effects on the coronary circulation in relation to aging and eNOS dependence remain to be examined. Coronary flow responses to bradykinin with or without ACE inhibitors were examined in Langendorff-perfused hearts from young (16-20 weeks) and aged (16-20 months) control and eNOS mice. Western blot analysis was performed for cardiac eNOS, nNOS, and ACE. Baseline coronary flow was comparable between young and aged mice of both strains. Aging did not affect bradykinin-induced coronary flow in either strain. Interestingly, both acute and chronic treatment with an ACE inhibitor markedly augmented the flow response in aged control and eNOS mice. Aged eNOS mice were markedly hypertensive and had larger ventricular mass than control mice. The antihypertensive effect of temocapril was greater in aged eNOS mice, associated with reduction in the ventricular weight in both strains. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increased expression of eNOS in aged control mice, and ACE expression was increased in eNOS mice. These results indicate that coronary flow response to bradykinin is preserved in aged mice even in the absence of eNOS, and an ACE inhibitor augments this response by both eNOS-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
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PMID:Endothelial nitric oxide synthase-independent effects of an ACE inhibitor on coronary flow response to bradykinin in aged mice. 1550 92

Cardiological syndrome X (CSX) is defined as effort anginal pain, positive exercise tolerance test and absence of angiographically documented stenosis in coronary arteries. Some genetic predispositions and metabolic disturbances can participate in development of this syndrome. The aim of our study was to investigate the associations between some biochemical parameters and polymorphism of ACE and eNOS (VNTR and Glu298Asp) genes in patients with CSX. 36 patients with CSX and a control group of 30 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction. Our study revealed that patients with CSX exerted lower fasting NOx levels, tended to have higher insulin values measured at 1 h of oral glucose tolerance test and higher levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids during oral lipid tolerance test. Patients with genotype T/T Glu298Asp of eNOS and 4/4 VNTR of eNOS revealed lower levels of NOx compared to patients with genotypes G/G and 5/5, respectively (30.5 +/- 7.2 vs 13.2 +/- 4.5; 28.6 +/- 8.4 vs 14.2 +/- 7.4; p<0.05). Thus, we conclude that disturbances in free fatty acid utilization, estimated by postprandial lipaemic test play important roles in the development of endothelial injury in CSX.
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PMID:[Relations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiotensin-converting gene polymorphisms and certain biochemical parameters in patients with cardiac syndrome X]. 1572 77

Recent studies have shown that angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor-mediated Akt activation induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dedifferentiation in vitro. However, the critical signal transductions affecting the VSMC phenotype remain unclear in vivo. We examined whether signal transduction through AT1 receptor-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) could regulate the VSMC phenotype in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). Male SHRSPs were randomized and treated for 6 weeks with a vehicle, an ACE inhibitor cilazapril, or an AT1 receptor antagonist E4177. The 2 drugs showed equipotent effects on the blood pressure, aortic morphology, and collagen deposition. Both drugs also significantly reduced aortic NAD(P)H oxidase activity and p38MAPK and ERK expression, whereas p-Akt, eNOS, and SM2 were significantly increased in SHRSP aortas. Furthermore, E4177 was more effective than cilazapril at inducing VSMC differentiation by reducing NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and up-regulating p-Akt, eNOS, and SM2. Thus, an ACE inhibitor and an AT1 receptor antagonist inhibited VSMC dedifferentiation through inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase activity and up-regulation of eNOS and Akt in SHRSP aortas, suggesting that in contrast to the in vitro experiments, AT1 receptor-mediated NAD(P)H oxidase-generated ROS, eNOS, and Akt might be crucial determinants for the VSMC phenotype in hypertension in vivo.
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PMID:Up-regulation of Akt and eNOS induces vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation in hypertension in vivo. 1577 27


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