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Regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model with the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan
Author(s) -
Cakmak Bulent,
Cavusoglu Turker,
Ates Utku,
Meral Ayfer,
Nacar Mehmet Can,
Erbaş Oytun
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/jog.12558
Subject(s) - losartan , medicine , endometriosis , vascular endothelial growth factor , endocrinology , angiogenesis , angiotensin ii , cytokine , tumor necrosis factor alpha , implant , urology , receptor , surgery , vegf receptors
Aim Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age, and many different treatments have been developed, although none has provided a cure. In this study, the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker and an antiangiogenic and anti‐inflammatory agent, on regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model was investigated. Methods Peritoneal endometriosis was surgically induced in 16 mature female S prague– D awley rats. The peritoneal endometriotic implant was confirmed after 28 days, and the animals were divided randomly into two groups. The control group ( n = 8) was given 4 mL/day tap water by oral gavage, and the losartan group ( n = 8) was given 20 mg/kg per day losartan p.o. We compared endometriotic implant size, extent and severity of adhesion, as well as plasma and peritoneal lavage fluid cytokine levels including vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) and tumor necrosis factor ( TNF )‐α, plasma inflammatory factor pentraxin‐3 ( PTX ‐3) and C ‐reactive protein ( CRP ) between the treatment groups. Results Mean surface endometriotic area, histological score of implants, adhesion formation, plasma VEGF , TNF , PTX ‐3 and CRP levels were significantly lower in the losartan group compared with control ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the peritoneal VEGF level was lower in the losartan group than in the control group ( P < 0.001), but peritoneal TNF ‐α was similar in both groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Losartan suppressed the implant surface area of experimental endometriosis in rats and reduced the levels of plasma VEGF , TNF ‐α, PTX ‐3 and CRP .