Angiotensin II in inflammation, immunity and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

SummaryRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that is characterized by increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independent of the traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Although classically known for its role in the regulation of circulatory homeostasis, angiotensin II (Ang II) is recognized to act as a powerful proinflammatory mediator. Some research has showed that Ang II plays important roles in autoimmune diseases, including RA, systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Ang II blockers prove effective in reducing inflammation and autoimmunity in rheumatic diseases and their relative safety, together with their effects for reducing the cardiovascular disease risk, suggest that Ang II blockers may at least act as effective adjunctive therapy for disease control in patients with RA. The present review focuses systematically on the potential impact of Ang II and its receptors on inflammation and immunomodulation in patients with RA.

Suppressive effect of mycolactone-containing fraction from Mycobacterium ulcerans on antibody production against co-administered antigens

“…AT2R blockers inhibit Th 1 and Th 2 immune responses in mice [29,30]. Additionally, mycolactone affects RAW267.4, a macrophage-like mouse cell line, to cause hyperpolarization through AT2R signal inhibition [28].…”

Ramipril and haloperidol as promising approaches in managing rheumatoid arthritis in rats

“…Angiotensin II produced from ACE in the activated RAS was reported to exert pro-inflammatory potential, at least via stimulation of angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT-1 receptor) in leukocytes (da Silveira et al, 2010;Chang and Wei, 2015). Earlier, Walsh et al (1994) stated that locally generated angiotensin II may act on synovial AT-1 receptors, thus modulating synovial perfusion and growth.…”

Angiotensin-converting enzyme in innate and adaptive immunity

“…These findings are consistent with Ace −/− mice having a less vigorous immune response to MRSA infection 68 . In humans, there is little information on the effectiveness of RAS blockade in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, though one small-cohort study ( n = 15) suggests a positive effect of ACE inhibition in 66% of patients 86,87 . Additional progress in human disease probably awaits a better mechanistic understanding of how exactly ACE affects the immune response.…”