Kidney international. Supplement
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Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a cytokine that participates in the inflammatory response. The nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) is involved in the regulation of many immune and inflammatory factors. Different works have shown that both angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors are involved in the NFkappaB pathway; however, some aspects remain mysterious. AT1 antagonists increased plasma Ang II levels that could bind to AT2, so understanding the clinical importance of AT2 stimulation or inhibition is an interesting unresolved point. ⋯ Ang II, via AT1 and AT2 stimulation, leads to NFkappaB activation that was only blocked by combined therapy with both antagonists. The participation of AT2 receptors in the recruitment of inflammatory cells underscores the need of future studies that evaluate the clinical usefulness of this strategy.