[Significance of renin-angiotensin system in diabetes mellitus with hypertension]

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension frequently occur in the same individual, based upon 'insulin resistance', which is caused by obesity and impairment of secretion of several adipocyte-derived hormones(adipocytokines), including leptin and adiponectin. Insulin resistance and activation of tissue renin-angiotensin system mutually affect each other to promote diabetes mellitus/hypertension and their complications. Especially, renin-angiotensin system in the adipose tissue modulate adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue mass. Vascular renin-angiotensin system causes endothelial dysfunction and promotes inflammatory process to accelerate atherosclerosis. Blockade of renin-angiotensin system is reasonable for prevention and suppression of diabetes mellitus/hypertension and their complications.