Participation of kallikrein–kinin system in different pathologies

The general description of kinins refers to these peptides as molecules involved in vascular tone regulation and inflammation. Nevertheless, in the last years a series of evidences has shown that local hormonal systems, such as the kallikrein–kinin system, may be differently regulated and are of pivotal importance to pathophysiological control. The combined interpretations of many recent studies allow us to conclude that the kallikrein–kinin system plays broader and richer roles than those classically described until recently. In this review, we report findings concerning the participation of the kallikrein–kinin system in inflammation, cancer, and in pathologies related to cardiovascular, renal and central nervous systems.