Chronic Losartan Administration Reduces Mortality and Preserves Cardiac but Not Skeletal Muscle Function in Dystrophic Mice

Authors: Lawrence T. Bish, Mark Yarchoan, Meg M. Sleeper, Jeffrey A. Gazzara, Kevin J. Morine, Pedro Acosta, Elisabeth R. Barton, H. Lee Sweeney

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020856

Abstract Summary

Long-term angiotensin receptor blocker treatment in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy doubled survival rates and significantly preserved cardiac function, though it didn’t improve skeletal muscle disease. This suggests ARB therapy could be valuable for preventing heart complications in DMD patients, addressing a major cause of mortality in this condition.

Why Brain? 🧠

Losartan reduces mortality and preserves heart function in muscular dystrophy mice but doesn’t improve skeletal muscle, suggesting it may prevent cardiac complications in DMD patients.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.