Cardiovascular research
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Cardiovascular research · Feb 2005
Tranilast attenuates cardiac matrix deposition in experimental diabetes: role of transforming growth factor-beta.
The pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix is a characteristic feature of diabetic cardiomyopathy that is directly related to a loss of function. Tranilast (n-[3,4-anthranilic acid), used for the treatment of fibrotic skin diseases, has also been shown to inhibit transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced matrix production in kidney epithelial cells. ⋯ These findings indicate that tranilast has antifibrotic actions in the Ren-2 model of experimental diabetic cardiac disease by mechanisms that might attributable to reduced TGF-beta activity.