Pleiotropic Effects of Angiotensin II Receptor Signaling in Cardiovascular Homeostasis and Aging

Int Heart J. 2015 May 13;56(3):249-54. doi: 10.1536/ihj.14-429. Epub 2015 Apr 27.

Abstract

Most of the pathophysiological actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) are mediated through the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor, a member of the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor family. Essentially, AT1 receptor signaling is beneficial for organismal survival and procreation, because it is crucial for normal organ development, and blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis. On the other hand, AT1 receptor signaling has detrimental effects, such as promoting various aging-related diseases that include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and cancer. Pharmacological or genetic blockade of AT1 receptor signaling in rodents has been shown to prevent the progression of aging-related phenotypes and promote longevity. In this way, AT1 receptor signaling exerts antagonistic and pleiotropic effects according to the ages and pathophysiological conditions. Here we review the pleiotropic effects of AT1 receptor signaling in cardiovascular homeostasis and aging.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Biological Evolution
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Homeostasis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Angiotensin / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Angiotensin