Losartan Reduces Mortality and Preserves Heart Function in Dystrophic Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Bish Lawrence T., Yarchoan Mark, Sleeper Meg M., Gazzara Jeffrey A., Morine Kevin J., Acosta Pedro, Barton Elisabeth R., Sweeney H. Lee
Primary Institution: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does long-term losartan treatment improve cardiac and skeletal muscle function in mdx mice?
Conclusion
Losartan treatment significantly reduced mortality and preserved cardiac function in mdx mice, but did not affect skeletal muscle function or fibrosis.
Supporting Evidence
- 88% of treated mice survived compared to 44% of untreated mice.
- Cardiac function was significantly better in losartan-treated mice.
- No significant differences in skeletal muscle function were observed.
Takeaway
Giving a medicine called losartan to sick mice helped their hearts stay healthy and live longer, but it didn't help their muscles get better.
Methodology
Mdx mice were given either losartan or standard water for two years, followed by assessments of cardiac and skeletal muscle function.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of blinding in some assessments.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and focused only on male mdx mice.
Participant Demographics
Male mdx mice, aged 24 months at the study endpoint.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p=0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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