The selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone prevents decompensation of the liver in cirrhosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) contributes to fibrosis in various tissues, and MR antagonists, like eplerenone, are used to prevent fibrosis. The role of MR antagonists in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of MRs and eplerenone in cirrhosis development.

Experimental approach

Liver fibrosis (5 weeks) and cirrhosis, without (8 weeks) and with ascites (12 weeks), were induced by CCl₄ in rats and comprehensively analysed. The effect of eplerenone on the development of cirrhosis with ascites was assessed. MR expression, cellular and subcellular distribution and impact of hypoxia were investigated in vivo and ex vivo. Primary rat hepatocytes and cell lines were used to investigate MR trafficking and tra

SUBMITTER: Schreier B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6016674 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature