The primary aim of this book is to provide a topical and timely forum for the critical appraisal of an area of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) research that is expanding rapidly. In this respect, a collection of thirteen chapters from distinguished and world-class experts in the field has been presented on the contemporary research of the RAS and their implications in human disease. This book is an indispensable tool tailor-made for specialists, non-specialists and the novice.

This book of the series on “Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease” includes state-of-the-art information on the status of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the form of 24 chapters. This book has been organized into three sections: (i) General Implications of RAS in human health and Infectious Diseases, (ii) Lung, Liver and Kidney Diseases, and (iii) Development of Cancer. Each chapter has discussed comprehensive knowledge regarding the molecular and cellular aspects of the role of RAS in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of different disease processes. Biochemical mechanisms associated with angiotensin II type 1 and type II receptors, and angiotensin (1-7) MAS receptors for the occurrence of both harmful and beneficial effects of prolonged activation of RAS in different diseases have been outlined. It is noteworthy to point out that different chapter in this book were prepared by recognized global expertise in the area of inflammation, oxidative stress and signal transduction pathways to highlight the role of RAS in different diseases. It is our sincere hope that this book will be of great interest to both biomedical investigators and health professionals as well as graduate students and postdoctoral fellows all over the world.

Recent studies have shown that the heart possesses an intrinsic renin angiotensin system that is controlled by tissue-specific parameters that are activated by biomechanical stress. This book reviews the latest information on the way in which both the plasma and cardiac renin angiotensin systems affect heart function. It covers the cell and molecular biology of these systems, with contributions on renin synthesis, uptake and the intracellular signalling pathways. Particular insight comes from transgenic mouse models in which either mouse or human genes for various components of the renin angiotensin system are expressed. Other topics covered include wound healing as well as the trophic effects of aldosterone. Contains the most recent findings on the renin angiotensin system and the heart Written by an international team of distinguished scientists Covers both the cellular and molecular basis of the renin angiotensin system and the clinical relevance of this research

The renin-angiotensin system and the mechanisms regulating this system developed during the adaptive evolution of verte brates, along with many other systems involved in the in tegrated survival of the organism. Because animal species have evolved from common ancestral populations, a basis for the comparison of body structures and physiological processes ex ists among animal groups belonging to different classifications. The comparative approach provides a better understanding of the structure and function of adaptive systems and facilitates the development of general principles governing these systems among animal groups; further, this approach reveals significant characteristics specific to certain animal groups. As the evolu tion of adaptation of animals to environmental conditions is explored, directions for future research are suggested. In this book, advances in research on the renin-angiotensin system are described with emphasis on the comparative aspects. However, since studies on the renin-angiotensin system of birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes are limited compared with those con ducted in mammals, in some chapters descriptions are con cerned primarily with mammals. It has taken a long time to write this volume, and the topic is a broad one, with new data always emerging; therefore, certain aspects, and sometimes the most recent information, may not be included. Chapters 1-3 and sections 8. 1-8. 4,8. 6, 8. 7 were written by H. K. ; Chapters 4-7 and Section 8. 5 by Y. T. ; Chapter 9 was written by both authors. H. Uemura, M. Nozaki, Y. Okawara, We are indebted to Drs.

This book on “Renin-Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular Disease” includes 25 chapters, which are organized in three sections, namely (i) modulatory aspects, (ii) pathophysiological aspects, and (iii) pharmacotherapeutic aspects. It includes an updated as well as comprehensive knowledge about molecular and cellular aspects for the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathophysiology and therapy of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure. This book emphasizes the molecular and cellular mechanisms, signaling transduction pathways involved in the development of different cardiovascular diseases due to the prolonged activation of RAS. Furthermore, biochemical mechanisms are outlined for the inhibition of this system by the blockade of angiotensin converting enzyme as well as angiotensin II type 1 receptors in patients suffering from cardiovascular abnormalities. Since cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, leading to approximately 17.9 million deaths each year, there is a keen interest in understanding the pathogenesis and improving its therapy. In this regard, we can attest that this book provides ample information about essential components of RAS and their role in the development of cardiovascular disease. From the selection of recognized global experts in their area of investigation, this book can be seen to cover diverse cardiovascular aspects and molecular and cellular mechanisms of angiotensin II action for the development of different cardiovascular abnormalities. It is our contention that this book will be most suitable for promoting knowledge in the field of RAS biology and will be of great interest to health professionals involved in both experimental and clinical cardiology as well as academic investigators and cardiovascular scientists, graduate students, and fellows worldwide.

reached full definition in the 1940s by Kempner diet. The important role of adrenal aldosterone and associates in demonstrating the beneficial ef secretion in supporting human hypertension is now fects of a low salt rice diet for treating hypertensive well recognized as are the beneficial effects of patients. It became apparent that the value of rice blockade, especially in low-renin patients who ex was wholly related to its sodium content. A rice hibit inappropriate or absolute excesses of aldoste diet, or any other stringent low sodium diet, rone secretion. Further definition of the more sub greatly improves or completely corrects the hyper tle participation of aldosterone and of the factors tension of about ~ or so of all patients with essen that control aldosterone secretion in hypertensive subjects are promising areas for further research. tial hypertension. However, what is often forgotten is that little or no benefit accrues to the remaining THE NERVOUS SYSTEM majority of patients. Parallel studies of animal models has demon Besides the endocrine and excretory functions of strated the amplifying effect of a high sodium diet the kidney and the influence of dietary sodium on blood pressure and vice versa. Strains of rats and of aldosterone secretion, there has been long were developed which are especially sensitive to standing agreement about the important role of the pressor effects of a high sodium diet. In a way, the nervous system in blood pressure control.

Until recently, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been considered a systemic endocrine hormonal system exclusively. It is now known that each component of the renin-angiotensin system is produced, synthesized and indeed, present in many organisms including the heart and vessels. This volume presents the most recent clinical and laboratory experiences of the leading physicians and investigators in the field of the local cardiac renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. Cardiovascular, renal and hypertension oriented physicians, investigators and scientists would find this book of interest. Edward D. Frohlich, M.D., M.A.C.P, F.A.C.C., is the Alton Ochsner Distinguished Scientist at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also Professor of Medicine and of Physiology at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans. He is past Editor-in-Chief of the American Heart Association journal HYPERTENSION. Richard N. Re, M.D., is the Section Head, Hypertension at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also Ochsner's Scientific Director of Research.