Potential Usefulness of Losartan as an Antifibrotic Agent and Adjunct to Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy to Improve Muscle Healing and Cartilage Repair and Prevent Adhesion Formation

Abstract

Postoperative tissue fibrosis represents a major complication in orthopedics. Transforming growth factor beta 1 is a key molecule in the development of postoperative fibrosis. High concentrations of transforming growth factor beta 1 have also been implicated in various diseases. Agents that counteract the actions of transforming growth factor beta 1 have been investigated as potential antifibrotic medications and as adjunct treatment to platelet-rich plasma injections (increased amounts of transforming growth factor beta 1) to improve their effectiveness and/or safety profile. Losartan blocks transforming growth factor beta 1 action and has attracted special interest in orthopedic research that focuses on how to reduce the risk of postoperative fibrosis. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(5):e591-e597.].