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Effects of valsartan and indapamide on plasma cytokines in essential hypertension

Qi-ying Xie1, Yong-jin Wang, Ze-lin Sun

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical Sciences
|October 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Valsartan significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines like MCP-1 and MIP-1alpha in hypertensive patients, while indapamide showed no significant effect. Both drugs effectively lowered blood pressure, but valsartan demonstrated a superior impact on inflammatory markers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hypertension is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1alpha).
  • Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) are also implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension and vascular inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the effects of valsartan and indapamide on key inflammatory cytokines in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
  • To assess the impact of these antihypertensive agents on markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 41 untreated hypertensive patients and 20 normotensive controls.
  • Hypertensive patients were randomized to receive either indapamide (1.5 mg/d) or valsartan (80 mg/d) for 4 weeks.
  • Blood samples were analyzed for MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, sP-selectin, ADMA, angiotensin II (Ang II), and 6-keto-PGF1alpha before and after treatment.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive patients exhibited higher baseline levels of MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, sP-selectin, and ADMA compared to normotensives.
  • Both valsartan and indapamide significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • Valsartan treatment led to significant reductions in MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and sP-selectin, whereas indapamide showed only non-significant trends towards decrease. Both drugs increased 6-keto-PGF1alpha and decreased ADMA.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated levels of MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, sP-selectin, and ADMA are present in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
  • Valsartan and indapamide exhibit comparable blood pressure-lowering efficacy.
  • Valsartan demonstrates a more pronounced effect on reducing inflammatory cytokines compared to indapamide.
Abstract

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