Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, A Promising Therapeutic Target for Prevention of Hypertension

Abstract: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 （ACE2） is a new component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system （RAAS）, which functions as a key enzyme in modulating blood pressure through metabolizing angiotensin Ⅱ（AngⅡ）.The abnormal expression or catalytic activity of ACE2 may not only contribute to the development of hypertension, but also correlate with the curative effects of RAAS inhibitors.Based on these observations, ACE2 may be considered as a novel therapeutic tool for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.This review summarizes the regulatory mechanism of ACE2, and discusses its therapeutic role for the prevention of hypertension.