Candesartan antagonizes pressure overload-evoked cardiac remodeling through Smad7 gene-dependent MMP-9 suppression

► We uncover the potential mechanism for ARB mediated effect on cardiac remodeling. ► Candesartan prevents cardiac fibrosis via upregulation of Smad7 gene. ► Candesartan induced Smad7 activation inhibits MMP-9 signal and MMP-9 dependent EMT. ► In vivo knock-down Smad7 model confirms the protective role of Candesartan.