Abstract
It has been shown that a statin (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme reductase inhibitor) enhances a suppressive effect of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT 1-R) blocker (ARB) on injury-induced transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression in kidneys. We have shown that TGF-β plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis. In this study, we tested whether a combinatory use of a statin (pitavastatin) and an ARB (candesartan) may further inhibit liver fibrogenesis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. Candesartan (8 mg/kg/day) significantly suppressed injury-induced TGF-β1 expression in livers, and attenuated fibrogenesis, as evaluated by masson-trichrome staining and hydroxyproline content in livers. Pitavastatin (2 mg/kg/day) alone did not affect liver fibrogenesis. However, it enhanced significantly the suppressive effects of candesartan on TGF-β1 expression and fibrogenesis. Although we do not know the underlying molecular mechanisms at this moment, these results suggest that a combinatory use of a statin and an ARB may confer beneficial effects on human liver fibrogenesis.
