Beyond the classic angiotensin-receptor-blocker profile

Antihypertensive drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been proposed to have additional benefits beyond their classic effects on the cardiovascular system, including reducing the risk of new-onset diabetes. Whether RAS inhibitors vary in ability to protect against new-onset diabetes is, however, unknown. The angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)) blocker telmisartan has been discovered to also activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), an established antidiabetic drug target. In patients with hypertension and biochemical features of the metabolic syndrome, telmisartan has had beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. As a selective modulator of PPARgamma, telmisartan does not cause the side effects of fluid retention and weight gain associated with conventional thiazolidinedione ligands of PPARgamma. These observations raise the possibility that combined AT(1) receptor blockade and selective PPARgamma modulation with molecules such as telmisartan could provide greater protection from new-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease than drugs that target either the RAS or PPARgamma alone. The cardioprotective and antidiabetic effects of telmisartan are being assessed in two large clinical trials, the ONgoing Telmisartan Alone in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) and the Telmisartan Randomised AssessmeNt Study in ACE-I iNtolerant subjects with cardiovascular Disease (TRANSCEND).