Long term treatment with ACE inhibitor enalapril decreases body weight gain and increases life span in rats

Abstract

Renin-angiotensin system is involved in homeostasis processes linked to renal and cardiovascular system and recently has been linked to metabolic syndrome. We analyzed the influence of long term angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril treatment in normotensive adult Wistar rats fed with standard or palatable hyperlipidic diets. Our results show that long term enalapril treatment decreases absolute food intake, serum leptin concentration and body weight gain. Moreover, in adipose tissue, enalapril treatment led to decreased ACE activity, enhanced the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, adiponectin, hormone-sensitive lipase, fatty acid synthase, catalase and superoxide dismutase resulting in prolonged life span. On the other hand, the ACE inhibitor was not able to improve the transport of leptin through the blood brain barrier or to alter the sensitivity of this hormone in the central nervous system. The effect of enalapril in decreasing body weight gain was also observed in older rats. In summary, these results extend our previous findings and corroborate data from the literature regarding the beneficial metabolic effects of enalapril and show for the first time that this ACE inhibitor prolongs life span in rats also fed with palatable hyperlipidic diet, an action probably correlated with adipose tissue metabolic modulation and body weight reduction.

Circulating ACE is a predictor of weight loss maintenance not only in overweight and obese women, but also in men

“…A possible effect of ACE in the brain on food intake has been described, 35 mediated by the reduction of the ACE product angiotensin II and the consequent increase of anorexic corticotrophin-releasing hormone, 36 a mechanism that does not seem to involve the transportation of leptin into the brain and the sensitivity of leptin. 29 Based on interaction analysis, we previously postulated that the hydrolyzing activity of ACE could influence various bio-active peptides/proteins involved in food intake and weight regulation. 14 Another possible mechanism may involve the remodeling of the extracellular matrix of adipocytes.…”

Aging and the Renin-Angiotensin System

“…AT 1A −/− mice have normal physical activity and outlive their wild-type littermates by 26%, in line with previous data that long-term treatment with the ACEi enalapril results in increased life span in rats. 47 Prolongation of life span in AT 1A −/− mice is associated with fewer aortic atherosclerotic lesions and lower propensity to develop heart failure compared with wild-type mice, possibly as a consequence of reduced production of peroxynitrite in the heart and aorta. 46 Lesser oxidative damage in AT 1A -deficient animals is accompanied by the protection of proximal tubular cells from the loss of mitochondria during aging.…”

Haematopoietic effects of Angelica sinensis root cap polysaccharides against lisinopril-induced anaemia in albino rats

“…In a study, it has been shown that long-term ACEI treatment reduces serum leptin concentration, food intake and body weight gain. In adipose tissue, ACEI treatment reduces ACE activity that increases the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, hormone-sensitive lipase, adiponectin, fatty acid synthase, superoxide dismutase and catalase resulting in body weight reduction (Santos et al 2009). …”