Agt, short for angiotensinogen, is a key component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This system is crucial for regulating blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance, and cardiovascular function [1,5]. The genetic variations of Agt are often studied to understand its role in related physiological and pathological processes.

Targeting Agt may offer a new way to inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system pathway. Clinical trials with IONIS-AGT-LRx, an antisense inhibitor of Agt, showed it could significantly reduce Agt levels, with a favorable safety profile, and there were trends in blood pressure reduction [1]. In terms of disease associations, some studies found that Agt gene polymorphisms like M235T and T174M may be related to the risk of diseases such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura in certain populations [2,3,6,9]. Agt may also serve as a biomarker in gastric and colorectal cancers, with its overexpression related to poorer prognosis in gastric cancer and promoting tumor progression in colorectal cancer [4,7]. Additionally, a specific Agt mutation causing autosomal recessive renal tubular dysgenesis was studied, and hydrocortisone was found to have a potential therapeutic effect through enhancing the stability and interaction of the truncated Agt protein [8].

In conclusion, Agt plays a vital role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, impacting blood pressure regulation and fluid-electrolyte balance. Studies on Agt gene polymorphisms and its expression changes contribute to understanding the susceptibility and progression of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The research on Agt provides insights into potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for these diseases.