**Current Research of the Renin-Angiotensin System Effect on Stem Cell Therapy**

Elham Ahmadian, Aziz Eftekhari and Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67726

### **Abstract**

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a chief regulator of the cardiovascular system and body fluid homeostasis. Stem/progenitor cell therapy has pointed towards a novel tool for medical and therapeutic intervention. In addition to the physiological and pathological role of the RAS and its pharmacological inhibitors, the proliferation, differentiation in stem cells is mediated through various cell-signalling pathways. This book chapter reviews the new role of RAS components, distinct from other common roles by considering its regulating impact on the several signalling pathways involved in different body tissues, as well as in stem cell therapy.

**Keywords:** stem cell, progenitor cell, renin-angiotensin system, pancreatic stem cells, cardiac stem cells

## **1. Introduction**

The concept that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the regulation of stem (progenitor) cell function is novel. This is beyond the conventional notion of the RAS acting as a potent vasoconstrictor responsible for blood pressure regulation and body fluid homeostasis. The expression of RAS components during human embryonic development has been addressed in the literature. The existence of RAS components in different organs and tissues suggests the presence of local RAS in addition to the circulating common RAS, which has paracrine effects mediating stem (progenitor) cell function. Moreover, recent evidence has shown the expression of major RAS components such as angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin receptors type 1 and 2 and angiotensin-(1–7)

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during growth, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Improvement of the stem cell functionality and making them ideal candidates in different kinds of disorders has been a new research field in the last decade. Meanwhile, the effect of RAS on stem cell growth, proliferation and function is an emerging attempt among researchers. Ang II receptor activation increases the proliferation of several progenitor cells, such as mouse bone marrow-derived stem cells and human cord blood cells. Accordingly, manipulation of the RAS may alter and/or have beneficial effects on the efficacy of stem cell therapy.
