Upregulation of circulating components of the alternative renin-angiotensin system in inflammatory bowel disease: A pilot study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between intestinal inflammation and circulating components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were obtained from healthy controls and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Plasma concentrations of the classical RAS components (angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II (Ang II)) and alternative RAS components (ACE2 and angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7))) were analysed by radioimmuno- and enzymatic assays. Systemic inflammation was assessed using serum C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count, platelet count and albumin, and intestinal inflammation by faecal calprote..