Excess of Glucocorticoid Induces Cardiac Dysfunction via Activating Angiotensin II Pathway

Background: Glucocorticoid is widely used as an anti-inflammatory drug in various diseases however excess of it often causes cardiovascular complications. The present study was undertaken to understand the molecular mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced cardiac dysfunction. Methods: Rats were treated daily with synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone with or without mifepristone or losartan up to 15 days. Hemodynamic parameters were measured by PV-loop method using Millar\u27s instrument. Cardiac remodelling, fibrosis and oxidative stress were monitored after 15 days. Results: The systolic blood pressure was increased whereas the heart beat and cardiac output (n=6) were decreased by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone caused increase in the heart weight to body weight ratio (