Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine researchers have found a new way for the treatment of hypertension involving an enzyme known as ACE2(Angiotensin Converting enzyme 2).This enzyme inhibits the formation of angiotensin. Angiotensin II is a protein that affects the cardiovascular system in many ways.It causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure within the vessels causing high blood pressure (hypertension).It also starts the release of a hormone that increases the amount of sodium and water in your body, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I in the blood by the enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). ACE inhibitors are medications that slow (inhibit) the activity of the enzyme ACE, which decreases the production of angiotensin II. As a result, the blood vessels enlarge or dilate, and blood pressure is reduced. This lower blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve the function of a failing heart. In addition, the progression of kidney disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes is slowed.
Most of the current therapies for hypertension are ACE inhibitors that aim to block the synthesis of angiotensin II. But this therapy is different in this aspect by the fact that it causes the breakdown of angiotensin II already present in the system which provides a effective treatment for hypertension.This research is being carried out in mice under the initiative of Daniel Batlle, M.D., professor of medicine at the Feinberg School and staff nephrologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
