Influence and mechanism of Angiotensin 1-7 on biological properties of normal prostate epithelial cells

Highlights: • Ang1-7 inhibit proliferation and EMT of prostate epithelial cells by inactivation of PI3K axis. • Ang1-7 can counteract oxidant stress in prostate by inhibition of VEGF and upregulation of NOS3. • Ang1-7 increase the mRNA level of antiapoptotic genes: BIRC5 and BCL-2 in PNT1A cells. • Ang1-7 can upregulate not only AT1-7/MAS expression but also classic angiotensin receptors. • Ang1-7 can upregulate the AR and ESR2 receptor but dowregulate ESR1 in PNT1A. The ACE2/Ang1-7/MAS axis was involved in the cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis of many types of reproductive tissues. The research was conducted on prostate epithelial cells, immortalized by Simian Virus 40. We examined the influence of Ang 1–7 on biological properties of PNT1A cells after 24- or 48-h treatment. The employed selective antagonists of angiotensin receptors allowed evaluation of the receptor mediating Ang1-7 action. Our data clearly indicate that Ang1-7 can decrease cell proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of PNT1A cells via inactivation of PI3K axis and modulation of expression of the NF-kB gene family. Furthermore, it counteracts oxidant stress and inflammation in prostate cells by inhibition of VEGF expression and MMPs activation as well as by modulating the level of ERα and ERβ. On the other hand, this heptapeptide can promote cell survival by alteration of expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic members as well as compensatory up-regulation of AR expression. Summary, the results confirm the existence of a complicated dependence networks between the various elements of the local RAS and steroid hormone receptor pathways in prostate gland. Furthermore, shows the chances of using ACE2/Ang1-7/MAS pathway as a novel therapeutic target in prevention and treatment of prostate diseases.