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Updated: May 21, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test
06:35

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial Function: A Technical Guideline of the Flow-mediated Dilation Test

Published on: April 27, 2016

Effect of carvedilol and nebivolol on oxidative stress-related parameters and endothelial function in patients with

Ramiro J Zepeda1, Rodrigo Castillo, Ramón Rodrigo

  • 1Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. rzepeda@ciq.uchile.cl

Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
|June 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study found both carvedilol and nebivolol effectively lower blood pressure in essential hypertension (EH) patients. Carvedilol improved antioxidant capacity, while nebivolol increased nitric oxide (NO₂) levels, suggesting different mechanisms for their antihypertensive effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Essential hypertension (EH) is linked to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of antihypertensive drugs is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of carvedilol and nebivolol on oxidative stress markers and endothelial function in patients with EH.
  • To investigate the distinct mechanisms by which these beta-blockers exert their antihypertensive effects.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized study involving 57 mild-to-moderate EH patients (30-75 years).
  • Participants received either carvedilol (12.5 mg) or nebivolol (5 mg) for 12 weeks.
  • Evaluated 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, flow-mediated dilatation, plasma nitrite (NO₂), and oxidative stress markers.

Main Results:

  • Both drugs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to baseline.
  • Nebivolol and carvedilol improved endothelium-dependent dilatation by 7.3% and 8.1%, respectively.
  • Carvedilol increased plasma antioxidant capacity (FRAP, GSSH/GSH ratio), while nebivolol significantly elevated plasma nitrite (NO₂) levels.

Conclusions:

  • Both carvedilol and nebivolol demonstrate significant antihypertensive effects in EH patients.
  • Carvedilol may exert its effects through enhanced antioxidant capacity.
  • Nebivolol appears to improve endothelial function and lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability.

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