Title:Role of Tissue Renin-angiotensin System and the Chymase/angiotensin-( 1-12) Axis in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Volume: 24
Issue: 28
Author(s): Mohammad Shamsul Ola*, Abdullah S. Alhomida, Carlos M. Ferrario and Sarfaraz Ahmad*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud, University, Riyadh 11451,Saudi Arabia
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University Health Science, Winston-Salem, NC 27157,United States
Keywords:
Angiotensin II, chymase, diabetic retinopathy, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin
system, retina.
Abstract: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major diabetes complication and the leading
cause for vision loss and blindness in the adult human population. Diabetes, being an endocrinological
disorder dysregulates a number of hormonal systems including the renin
angiotensin system (RAS), which thereby may damage both vascular and neuronal cells
in the retina. Angiotensin II (Ang II), an active component of the RAS is increased in diabetic
retina, and may play a significant role in neurovascular damage leading to the progression
of DR. In this review article, we highlight the role of Ang II in the pathogenesis
of retinal damage in diabetes and discuss a newly identified mechanism involving tissue
chymase and angiotensin-(1-12) [Ang-(1-12)] pathways. We also discuss the therapeutic
effects of potential RAS inhibitors targeting blockade of cellular Ang II formation to prevent/
protect the retinal damage. Thus, a better understanding of Ang II formation pathways
in the diabetic retina will elucidate early molecular mechanism of vision loss. These
concepts may provide a novel strategy for preventing and/or treating diabetic retinopathy,
a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
