Role of adipocyte angiotensinogen or angiotensin type 1a receptors in the development of diet-induced atherosclerosis or angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms

These studies address the role of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), namely, angiotensinogen and angiotensin type 1a receptors, within adipocytes on experimental disease models of atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Adipocytes express these RAS components and dysfunctional adipose tissue in humans has been linked both to atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm severity. Our findings do not support a major role for these adipocyte RAS components in either disease model. Thus, although drugs targeting the RAS may be beneficial in the treatment of these disorders, they are likely not more effective in the obese population experiencing either of these disorders.