Pharmacological evaluation of pioglitazone and candesartan cilexetil in a novel mouse model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, modified choline‐deficient, amino acid‐defined diet fed low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice

Abstract

Pioglitazone showed anti-fibrotic effects accompanied by improving hepatic transaminase activity and hepatic lipid accumulation, but the effect of candesartan cilexetil was only limited, unlike previous reports for angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers. As the pharmacological effects of pioglitazone in the current animal model are similar to those reported in patients with NASH, this model may represent some aspects of the pathophysiology of NASH. Further profiling using other agents or mechanisms that have been tested in the clinic will better clarify the utility of the animal model.