Effects of Losartan on Hepatic Fibrogenesis in Chronic Hepatitis C

Effect of Long-Term Administration of Oral Losartan on Hepatic Fibrogenesis and Gene Expression in Chronic Hepatitis C With Significant Liver Fibrosis.

There is evidence on the beneficial effects of the administration of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors antagonists on liver fibrosis in hepatic stellate cells, experimental models of liver fibrosis in rodents and limited information in chronic hepatitis C with mild fibrosis.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of long-term administration of oral Losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, on liver fibrogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis C and fibrosis F2-F3 (METAVIR score).

Inclusion Criteria:

• age between 35 and 65 years
• chronic hepatitis C with intermediate fibrosis (F2-F3 in Metavir score).
• non-responder or contraindication to antiviral therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• any other cause of liver disease
• HIV positive
• alcohol consumption
• arterial hypertension
• creatinine > 1.5mg/dL
• treatment with AT1 receptor antagonists or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the past 12 months.
• antiviral therapy in the past 12 months
• contraindications to oral losartan