ACE2 ACTIVATION IMPROVES THE CARDIAC CONSEQUENCES OF KIDNEY DISEASE

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of kidney disease is increasing worldwide with cardiovascular disease being the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) in rats leads to impaired kidney function, activation of the traditional renin angiotensin system (RAS) pathway and adverse cardiac remodelling. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is an important modulator of the RAS through its role to degrade angiotensin II, and tissue ACE2 depletion may contribute to disease progression. We investigated the cardiac effects of the ACE2 activator diminazene aceturate (DIZE) in STNx rats compared to RAS blockade using the ACE inhibitor ramipril. Design and Method: Female Sprague Dawle..