Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

The Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in the adult population of developed countries and has been widely associated with the metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk. The pathogenesis of NAFLD remains unclear and its pharmacological treatment undefined. The activation of the renin?angiotensin system appears to be involved in the pathological process of NAFLD. Experimental models have suggested that angiotensin II plays an important role in oxidative stress, inflammatory response and hepatic fibrogenesis. Also, the relationship between the activation of the renin?angiotensin system and insulin resistance has been shown experimentally. Furthermore, results of experiments using angiotensin II receptor blockers suggest positive effects of this therapeutic class in NAFLD. We conducted these studies to assess if candesartan, telmisartan and olmesartan, AT1 receptor blockers have preventive action on NAFLD in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In these studies, the three drugs significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis and olmesartan prevented the development of lobular inflammation and liver fibrosis. The NAFLD activity score was significantly lower in olmesartan group compared to control group.

Biography

M?rio Cl?udio Soares Sturzeneker, has completed the master's course at the Pontif?cia Universidade Cat?lica do Paran?, Brazil. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the State University of Ponta Grossa.