Protective Effect of Valsartan on Beleomycine-Induced Fibrosis

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.
This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of valsartan as an angiotensin receptor blocker.
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.
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.
Valsartan displayed an anti-fibrotic and protective effect against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in an animal model.