Description
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a vital counter-regulatory carboxypeptidase within the renin-angiotensin hormone system, playing a critical role in regulating blood volume, systemic vascular resistance, and thus maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. It converts angiotensin I into angiotensin 1-9, a peptide with anti-hypertrophic effects on cardiomyocytes, and angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7, which serves as a beneficial vasodilator and anti-proliferative agent, counteracting the effects of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. In mice, ACE2 has a variety of physiological functions, including blood pressure regulation, kidney protection, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, immune modulation, and metabolic regulation