The ACE2-Angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas Axis Protects Against Pancreatic Cell Damage in Cell Culture

Objective: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), its product angiotensin-(1-7), and its receptor Mas have been shown to moderate the adverse effects of the ACE-angiotensin II-AT1 axis in many diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis could have similar effects in a cell culture model of pancreatic damage. Methods: AR42J cells were stimulated with 10 nmol/L cerulein to simulate acute pancreatitis. ACE2, Ang-(1-7), Mas receptor, and PI3K/AKT pathway were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Results: ACE2 and Mas receptor protein levels in AR42J cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05) between 30 minutes and 6 hours postdisease induction compared with the control group. Mas receptor gene expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 2 hours postdisease induction, and Ang-(1-7) was increased at 6 hours. Treatment with Ang-(1-7) in AR42J cells increased IL-10, decreased IL-6 and IL-8, and reduced the damage to pancreatic cells. Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in AR42J cell culture were increased significantly after treatment with A779. Moreover, Ang-(1-7) increased the concentration of PI3K/AKT pathway and eNOSin AR42J cells. Conclusions: ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis significantly inhibits pancreatitis in response to decreased inflammatory factors by the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and NO signaling pathways.