Targeting TGF-beta and the extracellular matrix in Marfan's syndrome.
Marfan's syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues, and it can lead to death due to aortic defects if left untreated. beta-blocker therapy has been used to slow the progression of this disease. Brooke et al. (2008) now report that combining angiotensin II receptor blockade by losartan with beta-blocker treatment is an effective treatment combination therapy for this disorder.
Kalluri
Raghu
R
Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. rkalluri@bidmc.harvard.edu
Han
Yuchi
Y
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D018450:Disease Progression; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D000071837:Fibrillins; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D006801:Humans; D019808:Losartan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008382:Marfan Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation; D011859:Radiography; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000071837:Fibrillins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D019808:Losartan