Angiotensin II: a key mediator in the development of liver fibrosis and cancer

Abstract

BackgroundLiver fibrosis and its outcomes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are major worldwide health problems and due to the complicated molecular pathogenesis, the options for effective systemic cure are relatively restricted. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers, having well established safety profiles and low economic costs, may provide synergistic effects to existing chemotherapies by reducing angiotensin II-mediated angiogenesis, fibrogenesis, mitogenesis, metastasis, and oxidative stress.ConclusionThese effects suggest angiotensin II inhibitors as promising agents for further clinical trials in the management of patients with fibrotic diseases.