Angiotensin receptor blockers: a panacea for Marfan syndrome and related disorders?

Abstract

The study of mouse models for Marfan syndrome, an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in fibrillin-1 (FBN1), has shifted our understanding of the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm significantly. Multiple lines of evidence support the notion that dysregulation of canonical and noncanonical transforming growth factor (TGF)β signaling is the responsible pathway in this and related thoracic aortic aneurysm conditions. This exciting knowledge has opened numerous new treatment options, including antagonism of the angiotensin II receptor blocker type 1 (AT1R). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge, the first human losartan Marfan trial results and future therapeutic perspectives for aortic disease in Marfan patients.

• Authors: Bart L Loeys
• Journal: Drug discovery today (Drug Discov Today) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 262-6 (Feb 2015) ISSN: 1878-5832 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25281853 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
• Losartan

Topics

• Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Humans
• Losartan (therapeutic use)
• Marfan Syndrome (drug therapy)