Prorenin and the (Pro)renin Receptor in Retinal Pathology

Abstract

Blockade of angiotensin II (Ang II) has potential therapeutic benefit for ocular diseases including diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Perhaps the most studied is diabetic retinopathy where angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin type 1 receptor blockade (AT1-RB) is beneficial. The importance of Ang II has recently been highlighted with DIRECT (DIabetic REtinopathy Candesartan Trial) reporting that the AT1-RB, candesartan, reduced the incidence of retinopathy in type 1 diabetic patients and enhanced regression in type 2 diabetic patients. Prorenin may also be a causative factor in diabetic retinopathy in humans, with early studies reporting that prorenin is..