A commonly used anti-hypertensive drug may prevent some of the complications of Marfan’s syndrome, including the weakening of the aorta that can lead to fatal aneurysms, according to researchers here. In mice genetically engineered to have Marfan’s, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor inhibitor Cozaar (losartan) prevented two separate clinical manifestations of the syndrome -- weakening and lengthening seen in the aorta and flawed development of the lungs, according to Harry Dietz, M.D., of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins. (April 7, journal Science)
