Somatostatin analogs for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis therapy.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a potentially lethal disease characterized by diffuse multifocal fibrosis. SOM230 (also known as pasireotide), a somatostatin analog, is a potential antifibrotic therapy in early evaluative phase.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of data on the role of somatostatin receptors in pulmonary fibrosis and of in vivo and in vitro SOM230 antifibrotic activities.


RESULTS
This study assessed somatostatin receptor expression in human normal and IPF lungs, and in animal lungs with bleomycin-induced fibrosis, as well as the effects of SOM230. The overall overexpression of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and the anti-inflammatory/antifibrotic activities of SOM230 were demonstrated.


CONCLUSIONS
These results are promising for further preclinical and clinical testing of SOM230 as an antifibrotic therapy.
'Gr.T.Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Division of Pulmonary Disease, Str.Universitatii nr.16, 700115 Iasi, Romania. sabina.antonela.antoniu@pneum.umfiasi.ro
Sabina A
SA
Antoniu
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013004:Somatostatin