Endogenous Vasoactive Peptides and Vascular Aging-Related Diseases

Figure 2

The mechanisms of Ang-(1-7) in protecting against vascular damage. Most cardiovascular effects of Ang-(1-7) are likely to be mediated by the Mas receptor. However, Ang-(1-7) also has a weak affinity for AT2R. By binding to its receptors, Ang-(1-7) exerts a wide range of effects on blood vessels, such as antisenescence, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and vasodilative effects. Abbreviations: Ang-(1-7): angiotensin-(1-7); AT2R: angiotensin type 2 receptor; cGMP: cyclic guanosine monophosphate; EC: endothelial cell; ERK: extracellular regulated protein kinases; eNOS: endogenous nitric oxide synthase; HO-1: heme oxygenase-1; MKP-1: mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1; NADPH: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa-B; NO: nitric oxide; Nrf2: nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2; PKG: protein kinase G; VSMC: vascular smooth muscle cell.