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Effects of olmesartan on endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and function in carotid atherosclerosis

Xin Gong1, Li Shao1, Yi-Min Fu1

  • 1Department of Health Care, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China (mainland).

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|April 28, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Olmesartan enhances endothelial progenitor cell function in atherosclerosis patients by increasing their numbers and improving migration, adhesion, and proliferation. This effect is mediated by the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, independent of patient characteristics.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor inhibitor, is known to reduce cardiovascular events.
  • The specific impact of olmesartan on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in atherosclerosis remains under investigation.
  • This study focuses on EPC mobilization and function in carotid atherosclerosis patients treated with olmesartan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of olmesartan on EPC mobilization and function in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanism of olmesartan's action on EPCs.
  • To determine if olmesartan's effects are influenced by patient clinical characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Forty carotid atherosclerosis patients received olmesartan (20 mg/day) for 3 months.
  • Flow cytometry quantified circulating EPCs; colorimetric assays measured serum endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO).
  • Assessed EPC migration, adhesion, proliferation, and related signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt/eNOS).

Main Results:

  • Olmesartan significantly increased circulating EPC numbers and serum eNOS and NO levels.
  • Improved EPC migration, adhesion, and proliferation capacities were observed.
  • No correlation was found between olmesartan's effects on EPCs and patient clinical characteristics (e.g., age, blood pressure).

Conclusions:

  • Olmesartan effectively promotes EPC mobilization and enhances their function in carotid atherosclerosis patients.
  • These beneficial effects are independent of baseline patient characteristics.
  • The mechanism involves the activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

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