e0052 Valsartan reversed vascular fibrosis through the blockade of the AT1-mediated TGF-β/Smad signal pathway in the fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated rats

Objective Angiotensin II (AII) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are closely involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of AII in the regulation of the TGF-β system in diabetic vascular dysfunction. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups : normal control, diabetic rats and valsartan group. Diabetes was induced by high-calorie diet for 4 weeks and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) thereafter. The expression of TGF-β1/Smads signalling was analysed by real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR and immunohistochemistry in aorta of three groups. Results Compared with control group, the expression of both TGF-β I (27.4013±10.49256 vs 15.1254±6.64343, p Conclusions Our results suggest that AT1 receptor antagonist has reversed vascular fibrosis through the blockade of the AT1-mediated TGF-β/Smad signal pathway in the diabetic rats with vascular dysfunction. These observations may del support additional, beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor antagonists observed during del diabetic vascular complications.