Author/Authors :
Rashno Mohammad نويسنده School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, P.O. Box 61355-145, Ahvaz, I.R. Iran , Hemmati Ali Asghar نويسنده Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran , Khodadadi Ali نويسنده Department of Immunology, School of Medicine , Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran , Assarehzadegan Mohammad-Ali نويسنده Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Assarehzadegan Mohammad-Ali , Mojiri Forushani Hoda نويسنده Pharmacology Department ,School of Pharmacy and Physiology
Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,
Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract :
Background Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is among the world’s most
prevalent and common respiratory system diseases. Several previous
studies have revealed the contribution of angiotensin in the
pathogenesis of PF; subsequently, angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARDs) have been
proposed for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis using therapeutic
approaches. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic
effect of valsartan as an angiotensin receptor blocker. Methods Rats
were given a single intratracheal administration of bleomycin (7.5
IU/kg); valsartan (20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day) was administrated to the rats
orally, starting seven days before the induction of lung fibrosis and
continuing until the end of the study. The control group received a
vehicle. Results The rats that received valsartan exhibited decreased
hydroxyprolin content and pulmonary index values. Pathological
examination showed that valsartan could prevent inflammation and
fibrotic scarring induced by bleomycin. Conclusions Valsartan displayed
an anti-fibrotic and protective effect against bleomycin-induced lung
fibrosis in an animal model.
