Angiotensin-converting enzymes play a dominant role in fertility

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Oct 21;14(10):21071-86. doi: 10.3390/ijms141021071.

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, infertility, associated with metabolic syndrome, has become a global issue with a 10%-20% incidence worldwide. An accumulating body of evidence has shown that the renin-angiotensin system is involved in the fertility problems observed in some populations. Moreover, alterations in the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-1, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, and angiotensin-converting enzyme-3 might be one of the most important mechanisms underlying both female and male infertility. However, as a pseudogene in humans, further studies are needed to explore whether the abnormal angiotensin-converting enzyme-3 gene could result in the problems of human reproduction. In this review, the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzymes and fertile ability is summarized, and a new procedure for the treatment of infertility is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fertility / genetics*
  • Fertility / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / genetics*
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism*

Substances

  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A