Haemodynamical variables versus endothelial hormones in hypertensive and type 2 diabetic patients with endothelial...

Leptin is a 167 aminoacid peptidic hormone secreted by adipose tissue. It works mainly in the hypothalamus at thirst signal, but given its closed connections with inflammatory and endothelial systems, also has been postulated that it may exert a regulatory control over blood pressure (BP), interacting with nitric oxide (NO) and C reactive protein (CRP). The cold pressor test (CPT) is a simple test that indirectly determines endothelial dysfunction. In this work, biochemical indicators (CRP, leptin, and NO) and hemodynamic indicators (systolic and diastolic BP) were performed and evaluated in hypertensive, type 2 diabetic, and control subjects during a single CPT for assessment of endothelial dysfunction. A total of 43 subjects, males and females aged 25 to 60 years and divided in three groups, 15 healthy volunteers, 13 hypertensive patients, and 15 patients with type 2 diabetes, were included in the study. A complete clinical history was obtained from each subject, and a complete physical examination, including an electrocardiogram was carried out. During the assay of 30 minutes, 0.9% saline was infused intravenously. CPT was performed to assess the cardiovascular reactivity at minute 15. The cardiovascular variables (systolic and diastolic BP) were measured in minute 0, 16, and 30. In addition, serum variables were obtained at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and statistical analysis was performed. CPT caused in all subjects a significant increase of BP and pulse. There were no significant differences to CPR and leptin in any group, although we observed significant differences for NO (P < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity for all biochemical variables resulted in nonsignificant statistical or clinical importance as markers of endothelial dysfunction; however, a positive association was found when leptin and NO were evaluated together (sensitivity: 0.2; specificity. 0.8). CRP, leptin, and NO did not shown any direct and significant association with the hemodynamic variables in this study, although a relationship was noted between NO according to group and biochemical variables when studied altogether.