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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
[Clinical utility of angiotensin II receptor antagonist]
Shiro Yokohama1, Kimihide Nakamura, Masakazu Haneda
1Second Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College.
Abstract:
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can potentially progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The causes of this disease are not well defined, and although several therapies have been tried, the optimal treatment has not been established. Recently, a role for angiotensin II in insulin resistance, oxidative stress and hepatic stellate cell activation has been reported. We treated patients who had NASH and hypertension with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist for 48 weeks. The losartan treatment improved hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis in NASH patients. Moreover, a disappearance of iron deposition in hepatocytes, and a decrease in activated hepatic stellate cells were detected after treatment. Our results suggest the therapeutic efficacy of angiotensin II receptor antagonist in patients with NASH.
Insights
Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, improved liver health in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. This study suggests its therapeutic potential for NASH treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Metabolic Diseases
Context:
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease linked to cirrhosis and cancer.
- Current NASH treatments lack established optimal protocols.
- Angiotensin II is implicated in insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hepatic stellate cell activation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, in patients with NASH and hypertension.
Summary:
- Patients with NASH and hypertension received losartan for 48 weeks.
- Treatment led to improved hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis.
- Observed were reduced iron deposition in hepatocytes and fewer activated hepatic stellate cells.
Impact:
- Losartan demonstrated therapeutic potential for NASH.
- Targeting the angiotensin II pathway may offer a new treatment strategy for NASH.
- Further research into angiotensin II receptor antagonists for NASH is warranted.
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