Role of angiotensin II in tubulointerstitial injury

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in tubulointerstitial injury in a range of clinical and experimental settings. Angiotensin II, the major effector molecule of the RAS, in addition to its effects on systemic blood pressure and intrarenal hemodynamics, also acts as a local hormone and growth factor to modulate renal function and pathology. There is increasing evidence for a pivotal role of this hormone in influencing renal tubular and interstitial function and structure including regulation of multiple cytokines and chemokines, promoting infiltration of monocytes/macrophages, promoting cellular proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. Pathologic actions of angiotensin II lead to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation via a range of cytokines and chemokines including transforming growth factor (TNF)-β1, osteopontin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and RANTES (regulated on activation normal T-cell expression and secreted). Blockade of production of angiotensin II by an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonism with an angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist has been shown to attenuate tubulointerstitial injury and reduce expression of cytokines and matrix proteins. The role of angiotensin II in tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation is addressed in this article. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.