Effects of six months losartan administration on liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients: a pilot study.

Abstract

AIM:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of chronic administration of losartan on hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients.

METHODS:

Fourteen patients with chronic hepatitis C non-responders (n = 10), with contraindications (n = 2) or lack of compliance (n = 2) to interferon plus ribavirin therapy and liver fibrosis were enrolled. Liver and renal function test, clinical evaluation, and liver biopsies were performed at baseline and after losartan administration at a dose of 50 mg/d during the 6 mo. The control group composed of nine patients with the same inclusion criteria and paired liver biopsies (interval 6-14 mo). Histological activity index (HAI) with fibrosis stage was assessed under blind conditions by means of Ishak's score. Subendothelial fibrosis was evaluated by digital image analyses.

RESULTS:

The changes in the fibrosis stage were significantly different between losartan group (decrease of 0.5+/-1.3) and controls (increase of 0.89+/-1.27; P<0.03). In the treated patients, a decrease in fibrosis stage was observed in 7/14 patients vs 1/9 control patients (P<0.04). A decrease in sub-endothelial fibrosis was observed in the losartan group. No differences were found in HAI after losartan administration. Acute and chronic decreases in systolic arterial pressures (P<0.05) were observed after the losartan administration, without changes in mean arterial pressure or renal function.

CONCLUSION:

Chronic AT-II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade may reduce liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

• Authors: Silvia Sookoian, María Alejandra Fernández, Gustavo Castaño
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 11 Issue 48 Pg. 7560-3 (Dec 28 2005) ISSN: 1007-9327 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16437678 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Losartan

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (complications, drug therapy, pathology)
• Humans
• Liver (pathology)
• Liver Cirrhosis (etiology, prevention & control)
• Losartan (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects