Potential adverse interaction between aspirin and lisinopril in hypertensive rats

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Toxicology

Background:

• The concurrent use of aspirin (ASA) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors presents a clinical dilemma.
• Previous research suggests ASA may diminish the therapeutic benefits of ACE inhibitors in conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.
• Concerns exist regarding the safety of combining ASA with ACE inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between aspirin (ASA) and ACE inhibitors in a rat model of hypertension.
• To evaluate the impact of concurrent ASA administration on the efficacy and safety of Lisinopril (LS) in hypertensive rats.

Main Methods:

• Hypertension was induced in male Wistar rats using Methylprednisolone (MP).
• Rats were treated with Lisinopril (LS) alone or in combination with two different doses of ASA (100 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg).
• Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored noninvasively, and histopathological examination assessed cardiac and renal tissues.

Main Results:

• Concurrent ASA treatment did not impede the blood pressure-lowering effects of LS at either dose.
• High-dose ASA (100 mg/kg) led to significant mortality, cardiac necrosis, and renal damage.
• Lower-dose ASA (25 mg/kg) resulted in reduced mortality but showed variable effects on cardiac and renal tissues.
• ASA attenuated the survival benefits of ACE inhibitors in hypertensive rats, with a more pronounced effect at the higher dose.

Conclusions:

• Aspirin (ASA) does not interfere with the antihypertensive efficacy of ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril) in this rat model.
• High-dose ASA poses significant risks, including increased mortality and severe organ damage (cardiac and renal).
• Aspirin may counteract the survival advantages conferred by ACE inhibitors in hypertensive conditions, particularly at higher dosages.