Prevention of atherosclerosis by specific AT1-receptor blockade with candesartan cilexetil
Several studies indicate that blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) can prevent atherosclerosis and vascular events, but the precise mechanisms involved are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of the AT 1-receptor blocker, candesartan, in the prevention of...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi - SAGE Publishing
2001-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/14703203010020011301 |
| Summary: | Several studies indicate that blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) can prevent atherosclerosis and vascular events, but the precise mechanisms involved are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of the AT 1-receptor blocker, candesartan, in the prevention of atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic (WHHL) rabbits and also the effect of AT1-receptor blockade in the uptake of oxidised LDL by macrophage cell cultures. In the first set of experiments, 12 WHHL rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: placebo, atenolol 5 mg/kg daily or candesartan 2 mg/kg daily for six months. Compared with controls and atenolol-treated rabbits, candesartan treatment resulted in a significant 50—60% reduction of atherosclerotic plaque formation and a 66% reduction in cholesterol accumulation in the thoracic aorta. Studies in macrophage cultures indicated that candesartan prevented uptake of oxidised LDL-(oxLDL)-cholesterol by cultured macrophages. Candesartan inhibited the uptake of oxLDL in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a maximum inhibition of 70% at concentrations of 5.6 µg/ml. Further studies in other animal models and well-designed trials in humans are warranted to further explore the role of AT1-receptor blockade in the prevention of atherosclerosis. |
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| ISSN: | 1470-3203 1752-8976 |