Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects over 8 million individuals in the United States
alone. This is a form of atherosclerosis in which plaques preferentially build up inside the
arteries of the legs to limit blood flow. These patients are at high risk for heart attack
and stroke, with at least half dying from coronary artery disease. Our understanding of the
causes of PAD remains incomplete. The renin-angiotensin hormone system is one mechanism known
to contribute to atherosclerosis. Pharmacologic blockade of the hormone angiotensin II is
beneficial in forms of atherosclerosis, including peripheral arterial disease, to improve
blood vessel damage and functional outcomes. These therapies also increase circulating levels
of angiotensin-(1-7), a hormone that dilates blood vessels. Angiotensin-(1-7) improves blood
vessel function and reduces inflammation to protect against atherosclerosis in animal models;
however, there are no clinical data in patients with atherosclerosis. The overall goal of
this project is to examine the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin-(1-7) in PAD.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Treatments:
Angiotensin I (1-7) Angiotensin II Angiotensinogen