Angiotensin II type I receptor blocker, Losartan, inhibits fibrosis in liver by suppressing TGF-beta1 production

Abstract

Renin-angiotensin system is involved in liver fibrogenesis through activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Losartan, which is an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, could function as a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor c activator. Here we studied the effect of losartan on liver fibrosis in vivo. In vivo study, we used the Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mouse liver fibrosis model through T cell activation and upregulation of TGF-β1. The mice were administrated ConA for 4 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and then co-administrated with losartan. Losartan prevented liver fibrogenesis and downregulated TGF-β1 expression. Also, Losartan inhibited HSCs activation and proliferation. These results suggested that Losartan prevent liver fibrosis through suppressing TGF-β1 expression.