Novel therapeutics for the treatment of hypertension and its associated complications: peptide- and nonpeptide-based strategies

Abstract

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is responsible for maintaining blood pressure and vascular tone. Modulation of the RAAS, therefore, interferes with essential cellular processes and leads to high blood pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Consequently, these conditions cause fatal cardiovascular and renal complications. Thus, the primary purpose of hypertension treatment is to diminish or inhibit overactivated RAAS. Currently available RAAS inhibitors have proven effective in reducing blood pressure; however, beyond hypertension, they have failed to treat end-target organ injury. In addition, RAAS inhibitors have some intolerable adverse effects, such as hyperkalemia and hypotension. These gaps in the available treatment for hypertension require further investigation of the development of safe and effective therapies. Current research is focused on the combination of existing and novel treatments that neutralize the angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor-mediated action of the angiotensin II peptide. Preclinical studies of peptide- and nonpeptide-based therapeutic agents demonstrate their conspicuous impact on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in animal models. In this review, we will discuss novel therapeutic agents being developed as RAAS inhibitors that show prominent effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, we will also highlight the need for improvement in the efficacy of existing drugs in the absence of new prominent antihypertensive drugs.

Introduction

Hypertension is a severe medical condition and a significant risk factor for the occurrence of associated cardiovascular and renal ailments [1]. Worldwide, ~1.13 billion people have hypertension, according to 2010 data [2]. In addition to lifestyle factors, several genetic factors have also been linked with hypertension [3, 4]. Despite the availability of diverse treatment strategies, fewer than one in five patients have their blood pressure (BP) under control; hence, the management of hypertension has become an important healthcare goal.

Deregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays a fundamental role in the regulation of BP, is one of the critical reasons for the progression of hypertension (Fig. 1) [5]. The primary role of renin is the cleavage of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (Ang I), which is then converted to angiotensin II (Ang II) by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) [6]. The physiological effects of Ang II on the RAAS are exerted by its interaction with the Ang II type 1 (AT1) and Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptors. In the classic system, the AT1 receptor has a central role in the progression of hypertension. Ang II, through the AT1 receptor, leads to vasoconstriction, sodium-water retention, inflammation, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and secretion of aldosterone [7]. In addition, Ang II also activates NADPH oxidase, leading to ROS-induced oxidative stress by causing mitochondrial dysfunction [8].

Fig. 1.

RAAS components involved in hypertension pathophysiology. The natriuretic peptide system plays a beneficial role in the control of hypertension. Bradykinin and natriuretic peptides are potent vasodilatory peptides that help normalize the harmful effects of Ang-II. The vasoconstrictor peptide Ang-II, through the AT1 receptor, leads to harmful effects such as fibrosis, aldosterone secretion and sodium-water retention. However, Ang-II, through the AT2 receptor, counteracts the action of the AT1 receptor. The novel protective axis ACE2/Ang(1–7)/MasR regulates BP and opposes the actions of Ang-II. Downstream ofthe RAAS, aminopeptidase A (APA) and aminopeptidase N (APN) inhibitors also contribute to antihypertensive properties. All vasoactive peptides mediate their physiologic actions through a variety of receptors (AT1R, AT2R, BKR, NPR-A, and MasR). Note: New emerging targets with vasodilator properties are shown in yellow, enzymes are denoted in blue, and the dotted red line indicates inhibition. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R), angiotensin type 4 receptor (AT4R), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (ANP), Natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A), Guanylyl cyclase A (GCA), Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), protein kinase G (PKG), neprilysin (NEP), neprilysin inhibitor (NEPi), aminopeptidase A (APA), aminopeptidase N (APN)

The introduction of RAAS inhibitors in the 1980s was a breakthrough at a time when hypertension and associated diseases were considerable health risks. Several antihypertensive drugs are commercially available that help maintain BP and improve the quality of life of patients with hypertension. In addition, comprehensive remedial approaches are used in the management of cardiovascular and renal diseases. The current hypertension treatment regimen includes diuretics, renin inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, Ang II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists [9]. These medications principally halt the harmful after-effects of excess Ang II and aldosterone release, which are mediated through AT1 and MR, respectively [10]. However, these drugs, even though they are effective in curing hypertension, have limited ability to prevent end-organ damage. Moreover, inhibition of ACE is insufficient in some cases, as it results in increased Ang I levels and the activation of non-ACE-dependent pathways that convert Ang I to Ang II [11]. In addition, ARBs increase plasma renin activity (PRA), which in turn increases Ang II levels and thus results in competition between Ang II and ARB for the AT1 receptor [12].

The inadequate capabilities of RAAS blockers prompted scientists to explore alternative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hypertension and to develop drug combinations to improve the effectiveness of the existing drugs. The primary purpose of this research was to develop better and safer antihypertensive treatment that not only controls BP but also reduces the risk of associated fatal complications. The expanding knowledge of RAAS in terms of the identification of new peptides, their action, and receptors has led to the development of several potential therapeutics superior to the available treatments. This review is an attempt to discuss the recent developments in the area of novel targets of the RAAS that might improve the function of organs burdened by hypertension. Our main emphasis is a discussion of the experimental and clinical evidence of the effects of emerging RAAS targets in hypertension and the associated pathological conditions.

Novel therapeutic approaches targeting RAAS in hypertension treatment

Several novel peptide- and nonpeptide- based therapeutic agents are currently at different stages of development, with some already approved by the USFDA for cardiovascular treatment (Supplementary Table 1). The chemical structures of some of these peptides and nonpeptides are shown in Supplementary Fig. 1. Preclinical (Table 1) and clinical studies (Table 2) have demonstrated a conspicuous impact on hypertension and its associated complications of these novel agents, namely, ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis activators, dual inhibition with neprilysin, soluble guanylyl cyclase A (sGC) stimulation, dual activating bispecific peptides, antioxidants, nonsteroidal MR antagonists, and aminopeptidase A (APA) inhibitors, which are in different phases of clinical trials. Below, we will discuss the outcome of these ongoing preclinical and clinical trials.

Table 1.

Some recent preclinical findings related to novel therapeutics in hypertension and its associated diseases

Sr. no.	Class	Drug	Dose/route	Animal model	Result	Reference
1.	AT2 agonist	C21	0.03 mg/kg/day, ip	Bleomycin-induced lung injury	Effective in the treatment of cardio-pulmonary pathology	[109]
2.		C21	0.03 mg/kg/day, ip	Zucker diabetic fatty rats	Attenuation of myocardial hypertrophy	[110]
3.		C21	0.03 mg/kg/day, ip	High salt diet-induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats	Effective in the treatment of hypertrophy and fibrosis	[111]
4.	ACE2/Ang(1–7)/MasR axis	Ang (1–7)	600 μg/kg/d, ip	Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced early pulmonary fibrosis in Sprague Dawley rats	Reduced LPS induced pulmonary fibrosis	[112]
5.		DIZE with Ang (1–7)	DIZE 1 mg/kg, ip Ang (1–7) 24 μg/kg/h Subcutaneous	Pregnant female SHRs	Control hypertension and cardiac remodeling	[113]
6.		Ang (1–7)	25 μg/kg/h, Subcutaneous	Human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) cells	Prominent antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic action	[114]
7.	Natriuretic peptide receptor stimulator	C53: pGC-B activator	(10−8, 10−7 and 10−6 M) for 10 min	HEK293 cells	Antifibrotic actions	[115]
8.		C53 and CU32	(10–8 M) for 10 min	HEK293 cells	cGMP generating action in heart failure	[116]
9.		CNP-22	(10-8 M) for 10 min	normal rats, HEK293 cells	Activating cGMP	[117]
10.		BNP and BAY 58–2667	BNP (50 ng/kg/min) in combination with BAY (0.3 ug/kg/min).	Heart failure induced by tachypacing in dogs	Improved renal function, protective in heart failure	[118]
11.	sGC stimulator	Praliciguat (IW-1973)	10 mg/kg/Day, oral	Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rat	Attenuated hypertension and NO deficiency-related diseases	[119]
12.		Praliciguat (IW-1973)	10 mg/kg/Day, oral	carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated fibrotic livers model	Prominent antifibrotic effects by inhibition of TGFβ1	[120]
13.		Praliciguat (IW-1973)	1 or 10 mg/kg/day, oral	DSS rat, Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) Model, LPS Inducedinflammation model	Significant renoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects	[121]
14.		Olinciguat	10 mg/kg/Day, oral	Pre-clinical Models of Cardiovascular, Renal, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Disease	Protection of cardiac and renal system	[122]
15		Cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667)	1000 ppm, oral	DSS rat	Protective in renal diseases	[123]
16	Nonsteroidal mineralocorticoide receptor antagonist	Finerenone (BAY 94–8862)	100 ppm, oral	Neonatal cardiac fibroblasts (in-vitro)	Potential Antifibrotic effects	[124]
		Esaxerenone (CS-3150)	1 mg/kg/day, oral	DSS hypertensive rats	antihypertensive, renal protective effects	[125]
		Esaxerenone (CS-3150)	3 mg/kg, oral	DOCA salt-induced hypertensive rats	Protective effects in hypertension and renal injury	[126]

ACE2 angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, AT2 Ang-II type 2, BNP B-type natriuretic peptide, CNP C-type natriuretic peptide, DIZE diminazene aceturate, MasR Mas receptor, sGC soluble guanylyl cyclase.

Table 2.

List of peptide and non-peptide drugs entered a clinical trial for the management of hypertension and its related diseases

Class	Drug	Clinical trial Identifier	Disease condition	Treatment	Clinical trial status	Phase	Duration
AT2R	AT2R activation/expression	NCT03806283	Preeclampsia Vascular Diseases	Omental Biopsy	Not recruiting	NA	Nov 2018 Jul 2022
ACE2	GSK2586881	NCT03177603	Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension	iv.	Completed	II	Feb 2018 May 2019
	RhACE2 APN01	NCT04335136	COVID-19	iv.	Recruiting	I	Apr 2020 Nov 2020
Angiotensin 1-7	Angiotensin 1–7	NCT03604289	Obesity, Hypertension	iv.	Recruiting	I	Apr 2019 Jun 2022
	Angiotensin 1–7	NCT03240068	Peripheral artery disease	iv.	Recruiting	I	Sep 2017 Dec 2021
NP (ANP)	ANP	NCT02665377	Acute kidney injury	iv.	Recruiting	III	Sep 2016 Dec 2021
NP (BNP)	Nesiritide	NCT02608996	Hypertension	SQ	Recruiting	I	Dec 2015 Dec 2030
Designer NP, pGC-A activator	ANX042	NCT03019653	Heart Failure Cardiorenal Disease Renal Dysfunction	iv.	Enrolling by invitation	I	Jan 2017 Sep 2023
	MANP	NCT03781739	Hypertension Metabolic Syndrome	SQ	Completed	I	Aug 2017 Dec 2019
Dual inhibition with NEPi	Valsartan/sacubitril (LCZ 696)	NCT03771729	CKD	Oral	Not recruiting	I	Dec 2018 Jun 2019
	Valsartan/Sacubitril (LCZ 696)	NCT03832660	Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy	Oral	Recruiting	II	May 2019 Nov 2021
Dual acting bispecific peptide	Cenderitide	NCT02603614	Heart Failure Renal Insufficiency	SQ	completed	I/II	Dec 2015 Mar 2016
Stimulation of guanylyl cyclase A	Roiciguat (BAY63-2521)	NCT02562235	Pulmonary Hypertension	Oral	Not recruiting	III	Oct 2015 Nov 2031
	Roiciguat (BAY63-2521)	NCT02117791	Pulmonary Hypertension	Oral	Recruiting		Jul 2014 Jan 2024
	Vericiguat (BAY 1021189)	NCT03547583	Heart Failure	Oral	Completed	II	Jun 2018 Nov 2019
	Ataciguat (HMR1766)	NCT02481258	Aortic Valve Stenosis	Oral	Completed	II	Jun 2015 Dec 2019
	Olinciguat (IW-1973)	NCT03254485	Heart Failure	Oral	Completed	II	Nov 2019 Aug 2019
	Praliciguat (IW-1973)	NCT03254485	Heart Failure	Oral	Completed	II	Nov 2017 Aug 2019
	Praliciguat (IW-1973)	NCT03217591	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Diabetic Nephropathy	Oral	Completed	II	Aug 2017 Aug 2019
Antioxidant	Vitamine D	NCT01653678	Hypertension	oral	Active, not recruiting	NA	Nov 2011 Nov 2020
	Tempol	NCT03680638	Cardiovascular diseases	iv.	Completed	I	Sep 2016 Oct 2017
	Tempol	NCT03680404	Cardiovascular diseases	iv.	recruiting	I	Oct 2018 Oct 2019
Non-steroidal MRA	Finerenone (BAY 94-8862)	NCT02540993	Diabetic Kidney Disease	Oral	Completed	III	Sep 2015 Apr 2020
	Esaxerenone (cs-3150)	NCT02722265	Essential hypertension	Oral	Completed	III	march 2016 Jul 2017
	Apararenone (MT 3995)	NCT02676401	Diabetic Nephropathy	Oral	Completed	II	Feb 2016 Aug 2017
	AZD-9977	NCT03843060	Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction	Oral	Completed	I	Feb 2019 Apr 2019
	KBP-5074	NCT03574363	Chronic Kidney Diseases Hypertension	Oral	Active, not recruiting	II	Apr 2018 Nov 2020
APA inhibitor	Firibastat	NCT04277884	Hypertension	Oral	Not yet recruiting	III	March 2020 Dec 2021
	Firibastat	NCT03715998	Myocardial infarction	Oral	Recruiting	II	Jun 2019 Sep 2020
APN inhibitor	Ubenimex (bestatin)	NCT02736149	Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension	Oral	Terminated	II	Dec 2016 Aug 2018
IRAP	IRAP	NCT04028895	Insulin Resistance Syndrome	Dosage of IRAP during OGTT	Not yet recruiting	NA	Feb 2020 Feb 2022

ACE2 angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ANP atrial natriuretic peptide, APA aminopeptidase A, APN aminopeptidase N, AT2R angiotensin II receptor, BNP B-type natriuretic peptide, CNP C-type natriuretic peptide, IRAP insulin resistant aminopeptidase, iv intravenous, MRA mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, NA not applicable, NEPi neprilysin inhibitor, NP natriuretic peptides, pGC particulate guanylyl cyclase.

The angiotensin II receptor (AT2R)

Ang II is the central hormone of the RAAS that produces vasoconstriction and vasodilatory effects through AT1 and AT2 receptors, respectively (Fig. 1). The expression of the AT2 receptor is maintained at low levels under healthy conditions; however, under disease conditions such as renal failure, vascular injury and myocardial infarction, its expression is drastically upregulated for endogenous protection [13]. AT2 receptor stimulation demonstrates a significant effect on tissue repair and cell differentiation and promotes diuresis and natriuresis; [14] moreover, it has proven beneficial to the brain, lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidney, pancreas, and skin [15, 16]. Ang II-mediated vasorelaxation is believed to occur through the AT2 receptor and is facilitated by nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (NOS/NO) signaling pathways [17]. The natriuresis and defensive actions of the AT2 receptor are mediated through the production of renal vasodilatory peptides such as bradykinin, nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) (Fig. 2) [18]. Currently, four AT2 receptor agonists are under preclinical investigation. Among these, one is a nonpeptide agonist compound 21 (C21), and three are peptidergic agonists: β-Tyr4-Ang II, β-Ile5-Ang II, and LP2-3. Details of ongoing preclinical studies involving C21 are given in Table 2. Treatment with C21 for 7 days resulted in a significant improvement in heart function [19]. The protective effect of C21 on renal damage was shown to occur through a reduction in inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) [20]. In 2015, Kemp et al. reported that activation of the systemic AT2 receptor induces natriuretic effects in both acute and chronic conditions in rats and mice, respectively. The selectivity of C21, an AT2 receptor agonist, was confirmed with the administration of the AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319 and by using AT2 receptor knockout mice [14]. These selective nonpeptide AT2 receptor agonist findings could potentially lead to the therapeutic management of salt/water retention disorders and their possible application in the management of hypertension in the near future.

Fig. 2.

Detailed layout of promising pathways in hypertension. AT2R, MasR, and pGC-A receptor-mediated downstream pathways in the management of hypertension to prevent end-organ damage. Sarcoma Homology 2 Domain Phosphatase-1 (tyrosine phosphatase) (SHP-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase), Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1, MAPK), Protein phosphatase 2 (PP2), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), Phospholipase A2 (PLA2), arachidonic acid (AA), Bradykinin receptor (B2R), Protein Kinase A (PKA), Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Protein kinase C (PKC), Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), transforming growth factor beta (TGFB), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Caspase-3 (Casp-3), Collagen type I (Col-1), Protein Kinase G (PKG), phosphodiesterase (PDE), Adenosine monophosphate (AMP), Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

Other peptide Ang II analogs, such as 5 β-Tyr4-Ang II and β-Ile5-Ang II, are responsible for weak, NO-dependent AT2 receptor-mediated vasorelaxation in the mouse aorta [21]. In addition, the β-Ile5-Ang II analog also lowers high BP in combination with candesartan [22]. Currently, an ongoing clinical trial (NCT03806283) is evaluating the role of the AT2 receptor in the modulation of vascular dysfunction using vessels isolated from omental biopsies. This trial could provide evidence of fetal vascular dysfunction mediated by decreased expression of the AT2 receptor in preeclampsia using vessels isolated from the placenta.

Another AT2 receptor agonist, CGP42112, exerts anti-inflammatory action by reducing the activation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) activation [23]. In addition, there is evidence that physical interactions of the AT2 receptor and Mas receptor (MasR) are involved in regulating BP and antihypertensive activity [24]. AT2 receptor agonists are expanding their role in hypertension and associated diseases.

The ACE2/Ang(1–7)/MasR protective axis

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a member of the carboxypeptidase family and is similar to ACE. ACE2 has a high affinity toward the peptide Ang II and cleaves it to angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7). Similarly, ACE2 also converts Ang I into angiotensin 1–9 (Ang 1–9); subsequently, Ang (1–9) is converted to Ang (1–7) by the enzyme ACE. The peptide Ang (1–7) acts through the proto-oncogene MasR, a G protein-coupled receptor. The ACE2/Ang(1–7)/MasR axis demonstrates protective action, as it minimizes the harmful actions of the classic ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis (Fig. 2) [25]. The details of various ongoing preclinical and clinical trials involving these peptides are given in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

Previously, it was reported that in animals with healthy kidneys, the expression of ACE2 was significantly increased. In contrast, the expression of ACE remains low, whereas under severe pathological conditions of the heart and kidney, the expression of ACE2 is significantly reduced and that of AT1 and ACE is significantly increased [26]. Existing evidence supports diverse roles for ACE2 in severe pathological conditions, notably in the regulation of cardiac and renal function. Significant progression of fibrosis and inflammatory mediators has been observed in the Ang II-induced model of ACE2 knockout mice [27]. In addition, ACE2 disruption in mice contributes to increased Ang II expression, contractility defects and increased levels of hypoxia-induced genes [28]. These data highlight the essential role of ACE2 in the regulation of cardiac and renal function.

The ACE2 activator diminazene aceturate (DIZE) suppresses hemodynamic and morphological alterations in a myocardial infarction rat model [29]. It also has a protective effect on cardiac and histopathological manifestations in rats and is beneficial in arrhythmias, such as electrophysiological dysfunction [30]. Conversely, an ongoing clinical trial (NCT00886353) is testing the recombinant form of ACE2 for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In a diabetic mouse model, recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) showed promising results in reducing the progression of diabetic nephropathy [31]. It also lowered high BP and reduced the progression of cardiac fibrosis in hypertensive animal models [28]. The beneficial role of ACE2 in chronic kidney disease was demonstrated in a preclinical model of Ang II induced hypertension and diabetes mellitus [32]. Since bulk production of rhACE2 is quite expensive, research is now focused on bacteria-derived carboxypeptidases that require B38-CAP and are easily prepared in E. coli. B38-CAP activity contributes to the cleavage of Ang I and Ang II to Ang (1–7) and downregulates Ang III levels in mice [33]. B38-CAP treatment can also suppress the progression of Ang II-induced hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Furthermore, bacteria derived from human ACE2-like enzymes might indicate a new direction for a cost-effective treatment strategy.

Peptide Ang (1–7), which acts through MasR, significantly suppresses inflammation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis and elevates BP by dilating blood vessels in hypertensive animal models [34]. Ang (1–7) also shows promising effects in cardiovascular diseases, including antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic effects and inhibition of cardiac remodeling [35]. The nonpeptide agonist of MasR, AVE-0991, mimics the action of endogenous peptide Ang (1–7) by vasodilation and natriuresis in many tissues. AVE-0991 is more stable than Ang (1–7) and has a longer biological half-life [36]. Treatment with AVE-0991 is effective in cardiorenal diseases, possibly via improvement of the metabolism of glucose and lipids [37]. Genetic deletion of MasR contributes to increased glomerular filtration, renal fibrosis and proteinuria in C57Bl/6 mice [38]. Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that increasing/activating ACE2/Ang (1–7) results in the prevention of heart diseases such as heart failure (Tables 1 and 2). Ang (1–7) increases NO production in the ascending loop of Henle via activation of MasR, which in turn minimizes the harmful effects of Ang II in renal segments, such as the thick ascending loop of Henle [39]. This ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR protective axis showed promising beneficial outcomes in hypertension and peripheral artery disease clinical trials; therefore, it represents a prominent therapeutic alternative strategy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis also shows noticeable effects in noncardiac diseases such as cancer and chronic pain syndromes, as well as in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 [40, 41]. The recently reported increased expression of the ACE2 receptor in animals administered ACE inhibitors and ARBs has led to a debate on the safe use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients with COVID-19 [42]. Although the evidence gathered so far from observational studies has weighed against any positive correlation between the use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs and increased risk for COVID-19, more conclusive evidence is required to rule out any such correlation [42].

Natriuretic peptide and neprilysin

The function of the heart is not only to pump blood but also to act as an endocrine system that produces hormones participating in the regulation of BP, cardiac structure and water balance [43]. The best example is natriuretic peptides (NPs), an assembly of hormones with diverse effects. The different NPs secreted by the human heart are atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). These NPs act through specific receptors known as natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs) and are classified as NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C [44]. These NPs interact with membrane-bound particulate guanylyl cyclase (pGC), which consists of a ligand-binding cytoplasmic guanylyl cyclase domain. The NPR-A and NPR-B receptors are also known as guanylyl cyclases A and B (GC-A and GC-B). ANP and BNP exert their physiological effects through GC-A/NPR-A and initiate intracellular signaling. Activated GC-A intensifies the intracellular concentrations of a secondary messenger, cGMP (Fig. 2). It contributes to the activation of protein kinase G (PK-G), leading to vasodilation and natriuretic and diuretic effects [45]. The potent effect of NPs through GC-A receptor signaling presents a potential therapeutic alternative in hypertension treatment by inhibiting P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ameliorating glomerular injury by protecting against podocyte injury [46]. The infusion of carperitide, a synthetic human ANP; vastiras, a recombinant pro ANP; and nesiritide, a human recombinant BNP have yielded promising results for the treatment of heart diseases. Vastiras exhibited promising physiological effects, such as vasodilation, natriuresis and diuresis [47]. Nesiritide showed beneficial effects in patients with hypertension (Table 2). Moreover, in patients with chronic kidney disease, perioperative low-dose carperitide (hANP) infusion has shown renal protective effects in nondialysis patients [48]. NPs have proven useful as a therapeutic alternative, but they are degraded quickly by tissue proteases, hence the need for continuous intravenous infusion during treatment. This problem is overcome via modification of native NPs [49].

Guanylate cyclase exists in cells in a membrane-spanning form (pGC) and soluble form (sGC). Innovative research in peptide engineering contributed to enhanced pGC-A stimulator activity and improved the short half-lives of endogenous peptides. A novel pGC-A activator/designed natriuretic peptide CRRL269 demonstrated vasorelaxation and antihypertensive effects on the renal and cardiac system model of ischemia-induced acute kidney injury in canines [50]. The latest designer NP that recently entered a clinical trial for hypertension treatment is MANP (ZD100), which also acts as a prominent pGC-A activator. ZD100 was demonstrated to be safe and highly efficacious in reducing BP with a single subcutaneous administration in a human study with significant renal protective function and reduced aldosterone levels [51]. Another pGC-A activator, ANX-042, was proven to be safe in healthy volunteers, and it was shown to activate the secondary messenger cGMP [52].

Neprilysin (NEP) is a membrane-bound zinc endopeptidase present in various organs. NEP contributes to the breakdown of vasoactive peptides such as bradykinin and NPs. Therefore, a neprilysin inhibitor (NEPi) prevents the degradation of vasoactive peptides, including bradykinin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin, and endothelin-1 [53]. The favorable effects of NEPi are vasodilation, enhanced diuretic action, natriuresis, reduced sympathetic activity and long-term stimulation of anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and antihypertrophic effects on cardiomyocytes invitro [54]. However, treatment with NEPi alone fails to challenge the available therapies owing to the absence of safety and efficacy data. These events provoked investigations on the beneficial, potent and safe combinations of the NEPi-ARB and NEPi-ACE classes. Inhibition of NEP, along with RAAS blockers, also improves the bioavailability of protective NPs and supports treatment against cardiorenal diseases [55]. Recently, studies were successful in demonstrating the significant effects of this combination therapy, and it might represent a novel treatment for preventing the development of cardiac and renal complications. A combination of ACEi-NEPi, named vasopeptidase inhibitors (VPi), has been developed and examined for cardiovascular diseases. Omapatrilat is the most studied VPi, but it has failed in clinical trials due to the side effects of angioedema [56]. Ilepatril (AVE 7688) VPi has entered a phase 3 clinical trial. Chronic dual NEP-endothelial converting enzyme (ECE) inhibition contributed to significant improvement in endothelial function and exerted protective effects against renovascular hypertension [57]. LCZ696 is the prototype of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) class, a combination of the ARB moiety valsartan and the NEPi prodrug sacubitril. LCZ696 was proven to be devoid of any severe side effects of angioedema, as it halts the metabolism of bradykinin. LCZ696 was found to be superior to the ARB enalapril in cardioprotection. The ARNi LCZ696 improved outcomes in cardiac dysfunction and suppressed cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and vasculopathy [58]. In another randomized double-blind clinical trial, LCZ696 was shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders [59]. In 2015, LCZ696 was approved by the USFDA for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders (Supplementarty Table 1).

Stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase A

Similar to the NP/pGC/cGMP signaling cascade, the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway plays a prominent role in the maintenance of the physiological functions of major organs. sGC stimulators initiate cardiorenal protection with the help of cardiac hormones and their endogenous ligands by directly binding to sGC and activating cGMP production [60]. The details of various ongoing clinical trials are given in Table 2. The NO/sGC/cGMP signaling transduction pathway regulates various pathological conditions of the cardiac and renal systems [61]. There are two main reasons: one is the gaseous signaling molecule NO, which is mainly responsible for critical processes such as vasorelaxation, cell proliferation, neurotransmission, immunity, platelet aggregation and mitochondrial respiration. The downregulation of NO signaling leads to cardiovascular diseases, renal injury, sepsis, pulmonary injury and major organ failure [62]. The second and most important reason is oxidative stress, which interferes with the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway. It is also a plausible threat to many severe pathological conditions.

A strategy for increasing the secondary messenger cGMP is via NO donors, the use of sGC stimulators and sGC activators or the prevention of cGMP degradation by blocking the cGMP-degradation enzymes phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) and 9 (PDE9) [63]. The first compound introduced was riociguat, a sGC stimulator used in the treatment of different forms of pulmonary hypertensive conditions. It improves clinical outcomes in pulmonary hypertension following complete surgical repair of chronic heart disease [64]. Several preclinical reports suggest that sGC stimulators could become a widely used treatment choice for cardiovascular and renal disorders (Table 1). In cholestatic cirrhosis conditions, riociguat ameliorated portal hypertension, reduced liver fibrosis, and inhibited hepatic inflammation [65]. In experimental chronic heart failure conditions, heme-free BAY 58-2667, a sGC activator, has effective systemic and renal vasorelaxant actions. It also significantly improves cardiac output, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), natriuresis and diuresis in chronic heart failure conditions [66]. Promising sGC stimulators such as riociguat (BAY 41-2272), vericiguat (BAY 60-4552), 2-[1-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]-5(4-morpholinyl)-4,6-pyrimidinediamine (BAY 41–8543) and sGC activators such as BI 703704, cinaciguat, GSK2181236A, and ataciguat have also shown prominent protective action in severe pathological conditions. In addition, sGC stimulators have promising antifibrotic, antihypertrophic and anti-inflammatory effects [66]. In summary, the unique mechanism of action of sGC stimulators might be beneficial, leading to enhanced renal and cardiac function in hypertension and combatting the progression of associated diseases.

Dual-acting bispecific peptides

Expansion in peptide engineering with a multivalent strategy as a new promising therapeutic approach is needed to prevent the burden of vital organ diseases. After the successful experimental demonstration of the dual inhibitory properties of LCZ696 in 2010, scientists developed a class of novel bispecific peptides. The details of various dual-acting bispecific peptides that are currently being investigated in preclinical models are shown in Table 1. The primary function of bispecific peptides is to mimic the action of an endogenous peptide, which acts on two separate signaling pathways that contribute to amplifying the final effects of individual pathway activation. Cenderitide was the first dual-acting peptide that activates the NP receptors pGC-A and pGC-B. The biological action of NPs mediated through pGC-A and pGC-B results in natriuresis, vasodilation, renin and aldosterone inhibitionand antiapoptotic, antihypertrophic, and antifibrotic effects [67]. Cenderitide successfully showed natriuretic properties and cardiorenal protective effects [68], as well as antifibrotic properties, in a rat model of early cardiac fibrosis [69]. NPA7, a combination of an amino acid sequence of BNP (an endogenous ligand for a pGC-A receptor) and an Ang (1–7) amino acid sequence (an endogenous activator of MasR),is another novel dual-acting peptide that activates pGC-A and MasR. As discussed above, stimulation with pGC-A activates the secondary messenger cGMP pathway, which leads to natriuresis, diuresis, and antihypertensive and antihypertrophic effects. On the other hand, independent MasR activation contributes to antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and antithrombotic effects through its secondary messenger cAMP (Tables 1 and 2). Subcutaneous administration of NPA7 mediated cardiac unloading and diuretic, natriuretic and RAAS-suppressing actions in healthy canines [70]. NPA7 proved superior in hemodynamic effects, natriuresis, diuresis and cardiorenoprotective effects in heart failure models [71]. The synergetic action of the bispecific peptide NPA7 and furosemide proved beneficial in experimental heart failure [72]. NPA7 also showed BP-lowering effects in a dose-dependent manner and protected organs from damage in SHRs [72]. However, studies need to be conducted to explore dual-acting bispecific peptides as a therapeutic option in hypertension management and prevention of target organ damage.

Antioxidant therapy

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the progression of renal, vascular and cardiac diseases, whereas the administration of antioxidants demonstrates protective effects [73]. One of the primary pathways in Ang II-induced hypertension pathophysiology involves NADPH oxidase-derived ROS. The linkage between the RAAS and progression of hypertension is through the AT1 receptor; it leads to renal and systemic vasoconstriction, which increases sodium reabsorption directly and indirectly through the action of aldosterone at the distal nephron [74]. These actions lead to the development of hypertension under pathophysiologic conditions.

Antioxidant therapy can be a useful treatment strategy for maintaining the impaired balance between oxidants and antioxidants in disease conditions. Studies have shown the management of hypertension with vitamins, antioxidants, superoxide dismutase mimetics, ROS scavengers, and apocynin-like NADPH oxidase inhibitors [75]. Among the antioxidants, vitamin D is emerging as a new antihypertensive treatment with antioxidant properties. Vitamin D treatment in pulmonary hypertensive rats enhanced the survival rate by decreasing right ventricular hypertrophy [76]. Tempol, a superoxide dismutase-mimetic drug, significantly reduced BP in SHRs and showed protective effects in a chronic renal injury model [77].

Conversely, some emerging antihypertensive drugs have antioxidant activity, which is currently attracting the attention of researchers. Among them are celiprolol, propranolol, nebivolol, and carvedilol. In a recent study, the intake of nebivolol prevented oxidative stress-mediated target organ damage [78]. Nebivolol also has a protective effect in combating hypertension and vascular oxidative stress, as shown in chronically ethanol-treated rats [79]. The clinical and preclinical data suggest the potential use of antioxidants as antihypertensive treatments (Tables 1 and 2). From a future perspective, RAAS-mediated oxidative stress can be a significant target in the management of hypertension.

Nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist

The mineralocorticoid steroid hormone aldosterone mainly acts through MR. Aldosterone performs its principal function by regulating the sodium and potassium balance, which contributes to BP control. Hence, an imbalance in aldosterone levels can lead to the progression of heart and kidney diseases by increasing oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and fibrotic factors. Extensive clinical trials support the efficacy and safety of steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), such as spironolactone and eplerenone, by reducing BP in subjects with resistant hypertension. The application of these classes of drugs is limited due to the high frequency of adverse effects such as hyperkalemia [80]. Hence, there is a need to develop novel nonsteroidal dihydropyridine to overcome the side effects of steroidal antagonists.

Conventionally, dihydropyridines are used as L-type calcium channel antagonists. Examples of this new class of antagonists are finerenone, which is currently in the advanced phase of clinical trials for cardiovascular and liver complications. Finerenone reduces albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy without causing adverse effects such as hyperkalemia or renal dysfunction [81]. In randomized clinical trials, finerenone showed significant improvement in subjects with worsening chronic cardiac and renal disease conditions compared to eplerenone (Table 2). Finerenone also proved to be more beneficial in reducing cardiac hypertrophy and proteinuria than eplerenone [82]. The development of finerenone is an essential treatment and critical step in the use of nonsteroidal MRAs for hypertension [83].

Two other nonsteroidal MRA compounds, esaxerenone and apararenone, are also currently undergoing clinical trials (Table 2). Esaxerenone demonstrated cardiac and renal protective activity in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive rats compared to spironolactone or eplerenone. In another trial, esaxerenone also exhibited significant antihypertensive and renal protective effects through inhibition of renal inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways [84]. In a phase II randomized clinical trial, esaxerenone showed superior efficacy and safety profiles to steroidal MRA in essential hypertensive conditions without any risk of unwanted side effects such as hyperkalemia [85]. Furthermore, the recently published outcomes of a long-term phase III clinical trial demonstrated that esaxerenone can effectively achieve the desired BP levels as monotherapy or in combination with antihypertensive drugs. [86]. Recently, two more nonsteroidal MRAs, AZD9977, and KBP-5074, have entered clinical trials (Table 2). AZD9977 is a novel drug with cardiorenal protection without affecting urinary electrolyte excretion, thus avoiding the risk of hyperkalaemia [87]. On the other hand, KBP-5074 demonstrated a reduction in BP, decreased albuminuria and improved cardiorenal outcomes without any severe side effects in rodent models of hypertension and nephropathy [88]. New therapeutic alternatives, such as KBP-5074 and AZD9977, may provide a safe treatment for hypertension control in subjects suffering from hypertension-associated complications without the use of a potassium-lowering agent. Undoubtedly, investigations in this area may significantly contribute to the future development of safe and effective novel MR antagonists.

Aminopeptidase inhibitors

APA metabolizes Ang II to angiotensin III (Ang III), which is further converted to angiotensin IV (Ang IV) by the enzyme aminopeptidase N (APN) (Fig. 1). Both Ang II and Ang III show an equal affinity for AT1 and AT2 receptors. As discussed above, the Ang II peptide acts through AT1 receptors and causes multiple effects, such as increased BP, increased water intake, salt appetite and pituitary arginine vasopressin (AVP) release in the brain. Ang III is an essential peptide of the brain RAAS and plays an essential role in vasopressin release and BP control [89]. Therefore, specific and selective inhibitors of Ang III might lead to a decrease in BP in hypertensive conditions. Centrally acting APA inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit the generation of Ang III, and they represent an efficient therapy for the treatment of hypertension-related diseases [90].

APA inhibition normalizes brain RAAS, promotes cardiac function, and inhibits hypertrophy and fibrosis in a myocardial infarction mouse model [91]. These findings resulted in the development of potent and safe centrally acting antihypertensive agents such as the APA inhibitor firibastat (code names RB150 and QGC001). The selective APA inhibitor EC33 does not cross the blood-brain barrier; therefore, researchers have developed systemically active prodrugs. When orally administered firibastat prodrug crosses the gastrointestinal and blood-brain barriers and enters the brain, it produces two molecules of EC33 that inhibit brain APA activity, block brain Ang III formation, and control BP. In addition, it reduced BP in preclinical models of hypertension [92]. Firibastat is useful in the downregulation of plasma AVP, increases diuresis and natriuresis, and thus promotes a decline in blood volume [93]. The findings of Ferdinand et al. support the strategy of using brain APA inhibitors to lower BP in subjects with resistant hypertension [94]. NI956/QGC006 is a new centrally acting APA inhibitor that is more effective than EC33 in lowering BP [95]. Extensive preclinical and clinical trials show the efficacy and safety of APA inhibitors, resulting in a sustained decrease in BP via downregulation of systemic AVP release and sympathetic activity and improvement in the baroreflex function of hypertensive animal models (Tables 1 and 2). Therefore, inhibition of APA initiates a new direction for hypertension treatment.

Previous reports suggest that APN may play a central role in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension [96]. Hence, APN inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic alternative in the treatment of hypertension. The APN inhibitor PC-18 significantly inhibited the natriuretic response in AT1 receptor-blocked rats [97]. Renal interstitial infusion of PC-18 also ameliorated defective AT2 receptor-mediated natriuresis and hypertension in young SHRs [98]. As we mentioned earlier, experiments were performed successfully using a combination of NEP/ACE and NEP/ARB together to treat hypertension. In recent years, the effect of the combined use of ACE, NEP and APN inhibitors in treatment has opened a new direction for hypertension research. This study showed that a combination of ACE, NEP and APN can effectively reduce cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension and fibrosis in dexamethasone-induced hypertension models [99]. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of this innovative combination with aminopeptidase inhibitors to explore their therapeutic properties in hypertension models.

IRAP inhibitor

Insulin-resistant aminopeptidase (IRAP), the Ang IV receptor, was identified in 2001 [100]. The enzyme IRAP is yet another promising target for hypertension management. Ang IV peptide is responsible for vasorelaxation in pulmonary artery endothelial cells [101]. Conversely, Ang IV acts as a vasoconstrictive agent in the rat basolateral artery through the AT4 receptor [102]. For this reason, Ang IV and its peptide analogs, as well as nonpeptide inhibitors of IRAP, are drawing interest in hypertension research. IRAP is involved in the degradation of vasopressin and oxytocin. It is also known that Ang IV elevates BP and reduces renal blood flow via the AT1 receptor [103].

The IRAP inhibitor HFI-419 provides a new treatment for well-known cardiac diseases, leading to improved target organ function [104]. HFI-419 offers improved antifibrotic efficacy and renoprotection compared to candesartan cilexetil (CAND). HFI-419 also proved safer and showed better antifibrotic efficacy than the ACE inhibitor perindopril (PERIN) in murine high salt-induced kidney damage [105]. Reports also suggest that IRAP deletion in mice attenuates lipid accumulation in the plaque area and inhibits plaque rupture. These results suggest a novel association between angiotensin signaling and atherogenesis [106]. Two IRAP inhibitors, HFI-419 and SJM4-164, proved superior to the ACE inhibitor perindopril in renoprotection and potent antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects [107]. In future studies, IRAP inhibitors might prove useful against cardiac and renal damage. Additional studies are required to prove the effectiveness of IRAP inhibitors as a novel therapeutic alternative for hypertension treatment.

Summary and perspective

The increased burden of hypertension and its associated complications has required the development of a new class of safe and effective therapeutic agents, as the currently available drugs, despite their efficacy in lowering BP, have adverse side effects after prolonged use. In addition, evidence also suggests that RAAS inhibitors, the predominant antihypertension medication currently in use, may inadequately block the RAAS. To address this unmet need, the focus of research in the recent past has shifted more toward investigations of novel peptide and nonpeptide analogs of endogenous peptides of the ACE2/Ang (1–7)/MasR axis, the protective arm of the RAAS rather than the classic arm. The new promising targets that we have discussed in this review are supportive of decreasing the burden of hypertension-associated diseases, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Several novel peptide and nonpeptide drugs have shown better efficacy and safety in clinical trials than existing drugs. In the future, peptide-based strategies may prove a better option due to a lack of adverse side effects and the prevention of end organ damage. Designer peptides of endogenous peptide origin would be a better option to avoid any serious side effects. Alternatively, the combination of classic RAAS inhibitors and drugs that upregulate hormones of the protective arm of the RAAS may also prove to be an effective treatment option, for instance, the simultaneous upregulation of secondary messenger cGMP and downregulation of the RAAS. In addition to peptide- and nonpeptide-based strategies, various other approaches are under investigation to treat hypertension and associated complications. A recent study by Ujil et al. demonstrated that angiotensinogen siRNA mediated cardioprotective effects by reducing hypertension, which is another significant step toward the development of better hypertension treatment [108]. Various AT2 receptor stimulators and IRAP inhibitors have also been developed for protective purposes. Inhibition of the RAAS with APA inhibitors at specific locations, such as the brain, can also effectively control hypertension [44]. All these novel approaches, especially bispecific peptides, are revealing new directions in the hypertension drug development arena. Furthermore, minor modifications in peptides have demonstrated enhanced efficacy and extended biological half-life compared with parental peptides. In the coming years, these new approaches may prove to be more effective and safe for hypertension treatment and associated target organ damage than existing approaches, as more studies are required to fully explore the therapeutic properties of these drugs.

Fig. 3.

Summary of RAAS overactivation. Overactivated RAAS affects various cellular processes in vital organs, which leads to the burden of hypertension-associated diseases. Commercially available drugs are associated with inadequate action and intolerable adverse effects. Hence, this prompted the investigation of new emerging targets. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),connective tissue growth factor (CTFG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), myocardial infarction (MI), end stage renal disease (ESRD), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-Kβ)

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41440-021-00643-z.