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Download fileThe renin-angiotensin system: a possible new target for depression
journal contribution
posted on 2017-08-01, 00:00 authored by J Vian, C Pereira, V Chavarria, C Köhler, B Stubbs, J Quevedo, S-W Kim, A F Carvalho, Michael BerkMichael Berk, Brisa Simoes FernandesDepression remains a debilitating condition with an uncertain aetiology. Recently, attention has been given to the renin-angiotensin system. In the central nervous system, angiotensin II may be important in multiple pathways related to neurodevelopment and regulation of the stress response. Studies of drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system have yielded promising results. Here, we review the potential beneficial effects of angiotensin blockers in depression and their mechanisms of action. Drugs blocking the angiotensin system have efficacy in several animal models of depression. While no randomised clinical trials were found, case reports and observational studies showed that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers had positive effects on depression, whereas other antihypertensive agents did not. Drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system act on inflammatory pathways implicated in depression. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that these drugs possess antidepressant properties. In light of these results, angiotensin system-blocking agents offer new horizons in mood disorder treatment.
History
Journal
BMC MedicineVolume
15Issue
1Pagination
144 - 156Publisher
BioMed CentralLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1741-7015eISSN
1741-7015Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2017, The AuthorsUsage metrics
Read the peer-reviewed publication
Categories
Keywords
depressionpsychiatryinflammationrenin–angiotensin systemangiotensinATR1ATR2Masangiotensin receptor blockersangiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineMedicine, General & InternalGeneral & Internal MedicineRenin-angiotensin systemCONVERTING-ENZYME GENEQUALITY-OF-LIFEANXIETY-LIKE BEHAVIORTYPE-2 RECEPTOR AGONISTFORCED SWIMMING TESTC-REACTIVE PROTEINDOUBLE-BLINDMAJOR DEPRESSIONNEUROTROPHIC FACTORN-ACETYLCYSTEINE