Renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis

Figure 1 Diagram of activated hepatic stellate cell actions and interactions in liver fibrosis process. HSC: Hepatic stellate cell; KC: Kupffer cell; APR: Acute phase response; ECM: Extracellular matrix; TGFβ: Transforming growth factor-β.

Figure 2 View of the main metabolic pathways of Ang II and Ang-(1-7). ACE: Angiotensin converting enzyme; ACE2: Angiotensin converting enzyme 2; PEP: Prolyl-endopeptidase; NEP: Neutral endopeptidase; CBP: Carboxypeptidase.

Figure 3 A schematic diagram of both RAS arms. The counter-regulatory arm of the RAS, ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis, produces effects that oppose those of the ACE-Ang II-AT₁ receptor axis. Ang: Angiotensin; Mas: G-protein coupled receptor of Ang-(1-7); AT₁: Type 1 receptor of Ang II.