Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Metabolic Aging: A Drosophila Perspective.

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological function that impairs performance and increases vulnerability to disease and mortality. Delaying this deterioration is key to promoting healthy aging. Age-associated functional decline is closely linked to alterations in intermediary metabolism, including disrupted lipid metabolism and impaired mitochondrial function. Counteracting these metabolic changes, particularly those affecting basal metabolic rate and energy utilization, may be a feasible strategy to extend healthspan. The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), which controls blood pressure through Angiotensin II, an octapeptide hormone generated from Angiotensin I by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE), has been identified as a potential target for aging therapies. ACE inhibitors, such as the commonly prescribed vasodilator lisinopril, have been shown to exert beneficial effects on healthspan. Disentangling their systemic effects from direct cellular actions on intermediary metabolism is challenging in humans but can be pursued in model organisms.