Targeting the angiotensin pathway in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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.
Antoniu
Sabina A
SA
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