The Open Gastroenterology Journal

2012, 6 : 16-24
Published online 2012 August 15. DOI: 10.2174/1874259901206010016
Publisher ID: TOGASJ-6-16

Role of Angiotensin Peptides Precursor in Ethanol Mediated Hepato toxicity: Perspective on Angiotensinogen

Rais A. Ansari , Syed A. A. Rizvi , Kazim Husain and Natalia Osna
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S University Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.

ABSTRACT

Alcohol usage poses serious social and economical challenges. Its overuse is responsible for loss of billions of dollars due to fatal accidents and causes multiple diseases. Chronic alcoholism leads to liver disorders, including steatosis, hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Both binge and chronic alcohol drinking result in blood pressure elevation and hyperten-sion. As a significant mechanism, changes in the levels of angiotensinogen- released peptides play an important role in advanced alcohol liver disease. This review summarizes some of the studies that have demonstrated their role in liver fi-brosis, cirrhosis and hypertension. Further, the individual variants and polymorphic sites may play a role in alcohol-mediated regulation of angiotensinogen. Possible role of human angiotensinogen on alcohol hepatotoxicity is also discussed.

Keywords:

Alcohol, toxicity, fibrosis, angiotensinogen, regulation, hypertension.