Description
Losartan is an inhibitor of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor that exhibits antihypertensive, anti-fibrotic, and nephroprotective activities. In animal models of obstructive nephropathy, losartan decreases levels of α-SMA and collagen type 1 and inhibits phosphorylation of STAT3, suppressing renal tubular fibrosis. Losartan also inhibits the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition through indirect inhibition of ERK activation, potentially showing anti-fibrotic benefit after myocardial infarction.