Gosset Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 Overview
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 is a zinc- and chloride-dependent metalloprotease that plays a central role in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system by converting the inactive precursor angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, thereby regulating blood pressure, electrolyte homeostasis, and vascular tone. ACE1 is a type I membrane-bound glycoprotein mainly expressed in vascular endothelial, renal, and pulmonary tissues, and is targeted therapeutically in cardiovascular and renal diseases by ACE inhibitors, which lower blood pressure and decrease cardiovascular risk. It also degrades bradykinin, a vasodilator, and thus modulates pathways implicated in both blood pressure and inflammatory responses. Excess ACE activity is associated with hypertension, heart failure, and renal pathologies, making ACE1 inhibition a widely used therapeutic intervention in these diseases.
Mechanism of Action
Inhibition of conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; Inhibition of degradation of bradykinin; Decrease in vasoconstriction, leading to vasodilation; Reduction of aldosterone secretion; Lowering of blood pressure and reduced cardiac workload.
Biological Functions
Disease Associations
Safety Considerations
- Cough (related to bradykinin accumulation)
- Angioedema
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypotension
- Renal impairment (especially in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis)
- Teratogenicity (contraindicated in pregnancy)
Interacting Drugs
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| Plasma ACE activity (for sarcoidosis, not typically for efficacy monitoring) |
| Plasma renin activity |
| Blood pressure (clinical biomarker of pharmacodynamic effect) |