Editors: Dulce Elena Casarini, Danielle Yuri Arita, Juliana Almada Colucci, Tatiana Sousa Cunha

New Aspects of the Renin Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases

eBook: US $129 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $236
Printed Copy: US $171
Library License: US $516
ISBN: 978-1-68108-314-8 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-68108-313-1 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2016
DOI: 10.2174/97816810831311160101

Introduction

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a hormonal system that is responsible for regulating plasma sodium ion concentration and arterial blood pressure in the body. The system involves several peptides such as angiotensin I and II as well as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to enable the constriction of arterial blood vessels in the lung. Angiotensin II also stimulates the production of the hormone aldosterone in the kidneys which brings sodium ions into the bloodstream in exchange for potassium ions. Malfunctions of the RAS can lead to hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and renal complications. Thus the biochemical components of this system serve as important targets for therapeutic drugs.

This monograph is a compilation of updated reviews on the RAS. The monograph covers describes the components of the system to explaining its physiological and clinical features in the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. This is followed by sections explaining the biochemistry of the RAS system in cardiovascular and renal disease and the pharmacology of relevant therapeutic drugs. Additional information on the effect of exercise states and methods to quantify angiotensins for molecular diagnosis is also presented in the concluding sections.

Information in the monograph will be of interest to physiologists and endocrinologists involved in medical studies or clinical practice. Readers will be able to understand the RAS with a holistic frame of reference.

Preface

The idea of publishing a book on the new aspects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cardiovascular and renal diseases has been developed during the past few years. The need for a book that describes the new approaches of the RAS in the development of cardiovascular and renal diseases and the trend of future research became apparent. The book describes the important role of systemic and local RAS in the development of heart and kidney diseases and its relationship with the immune system, stress and exercise; as well as provides data on the biochemical and pathological changes in these diseases.

Understanding the mechanisms of participation of this system in cardiovascular and intrarenal modulation can lead us to better understand the pathogenesis of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and chronic renal failure. Even knowing the therapeutic interventions for these diseases, there are many challenges in integrating traditional medical literature and increased information of new technologies that facilitate the comprehension of the molecular and cellular mechanisms.

We have been very fortunate to enlist a group of renowned experts in RAS research for this book, and very grateful to the dedication and contribution of our authors. We hope that book will be useful for researchers working in the field of the RAS.

Danielle Yuri Arita
Tatiana Sousa Cunha
Juliana Almada Colucci
Dulce Elena Casarini

Federal University of São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil

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