Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonism Reduces Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Smad Signaling in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Abstract

Increased TGF-β and Smad3 expression in aneurysm tissue and cultured VSMCs is consistent with aberrant TGF-β expression and the activation of Smad3 signaling. Losartan-mediated reduction in TGF-β expression and the cytoplasmic localization of Smad3 support a role for AT1R antagonism in the inhibition of aneurysm progression.