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[Is hypotensive effectiveness of amlodipine therapy in smokers connected with endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentration?]

Hanna Kara-Perz1, Teresa Kosicka, Stanisław Perz

  • 1Katedra Chemii i Biochemii Klinicznej, Zakład Biochemii Klinicznej, Uniwersytetu Medycznego im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu.

Przeglad Lekarski
|April 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Smokers with hypertension showed higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels, but amlodipine

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Investigating the interaction between endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictor, and nicotine.
  • Exploring the potential link between elevated ET-1 levels in smokers and reduced effectiveness of antihypertensive medications.
  • Understanding the impact of smoking on hypertension management and cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the hypotensive effectiveness of amlodipine in hypertensive smokers versus non-smokers.
  • To assess plasma ET-1 concentrations in both groups before and after amlodipine therapy.
  • To determine if elevated ET-1 levels in smokers contribute to amlodipine's reduced efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 31 patients with essential hypertension (Grade I and II).
  • Participants were divided into two groups: smokers (Group A) and non-smokers (Group B).
  • Amlodipine (5 mg/day) was administered for 30 days, with assessment of blood pressure and plasma ET-1 levels.

Main Results:

  • Amlodipine significantly reduced systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in non-smokers (Group B).
  • Smokers (Group A) exhibited a non-significant reduction in SBP and DBP.
  • Plasma ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in smokers (Group A) compared to non-smokers (Group B).

Conclusions:

  • The study does not support the hypothesis that higher ET-1 levels in smokers explain amlodipine's reduced hypotensive effectiveness.
  • Amlodipine therapy did not significantly alter plasma ET-1 concentrations in either group.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between smoking, ET-1, and antihypertensive drug efficacy.

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