Renin-angiotensin system blockade attenuates brain mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation associated with hypertension, metabolic disorders, and aging

Abstract

Although aging is an inherent part of life, it represents a process of progressive dysfunction rather than a fixed biological outcome. Consequently, highly prevalent conditions such as cardiorenal-metabolic syndrome-which encompasses obesity, hypertension (HTN), and metabolic disorders-can accelerate age-related changes. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a critical role in pathophysiology and affects multiple organs, including the brain. The central nervous system contains both RAS branches: The ACE/Ang II/AT1 and AT2 receptor axis, as well as the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis. Neuroinflammation is a chronic process characterized by glial cell activation triggered by increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, resulting in oxidative stress. Mitochondria are the primary cellular sites where these processes occur. Under conditions such as metabolic disorders, obesity, HTN, and aging, these reactions are markedly accelerated. Associated mechanisms include insulin resistance, elevated levels of advanced glycation end-products, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. The consequences of these alterations may include brain dysfunction, cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. This review focuses on the primary effects of therapeutic interventions on mitochondrial function, with particular attention to the modulation of oxidative stress, chronic neuroinflammation, and glial dysregulation. We highlight the strategic use of angiotensin receptor blockers and ACE2 activators as promising tools that may redefine the prevention and treatment of vascular dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases of inflammatory origin.

Keywords: Renin-angiotensin system blockade; Oxidative stress; Central nervous system inflammation; Neurodegeneration; Hypertension; Metabolic disorders; Mitochondria; Aging

Core Tip: This study highlights renin-angiotensin system blockade as a promising strategy for preventing brain damage associated with hypertension, metabolic disorders, and aging. These conditions accelerate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Our work focuses on the strategic use of angiotensin receptor blockers and ACE2 activators, demonstrating their potential to mitigate these pathological processes and offering a novel avenue for the prevention and treatment of vascular dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.