New Components of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System andOxidative Stress

Hypertension is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and a most important health problem in developed countries. The rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a pivotal role in controlling blood pressure or hydro-electrolyte balance. Superoxide production by angiotensinâ…i (Angâ…i) of the classical RAAS pathway is one of the important mechanisms in pathogenesis of CVDs. But in the past decade, many new components of RAAS, such as novel axis consisting of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), and the G protein-coupled receptor Mas, has emerged and complicated classical concept of RAAS and pathophysiology of CVDs. In this review we will summarize the recent findings about these new components of RAAS mainly from the viewpoint of molecular mechanism and oxidative stress.