title: Targeting the angiotensin pathway in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The angiotensin pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of many fibrotic diseases and in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis an innate overexpression of angiotensin II, a potent TGF-beta1 inductor has been demonstrated. Angiotensin II therapeutic blockade could be therefore a promising antifibrotic approach.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Discussion of the results of a preclinical study assessing the antifibrotic efficacy of olmesartan and PD123319 in an experimental lung fibrosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study demonstrated that in belomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis both compounds had significant anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Targeting the angiotensin pathway with specific blocking agents could represent a promising antifibrotic treatment.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr.T.Popa Iasi, Romania Division of Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Disease University Hospital 30 Dr I Cihac Str, 700115 Iasi, Romania. sabina.antonela.antoniu@pneum.umfiasi.ro
authors.forename: Sabina A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Antoniu