Short-term effect of sacubitril/valsartan on endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with chronic...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is linked to endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and myocardial damage.
• Sacubitril/Valsartan is a key therapeutic agent for HFrEF, known to reduce cardiovascular disease progression and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of Sacubitril/Valsartan on endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, oxidative stress, and platelet activation in HFrEF patients.
• To evaluate changes in these parameters after six months of treatment.

Main Methods:

• 100 Caucasian HFrEF patients were enrolled, with assessments at baseline and after 6 months.
• Endothelial function was measured using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI).
• Arterial stiffness was assessed via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AI).
• Oxidative stress, platelet activation, and inflammatory biomarkers were quantified.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in hemodynamic, clinical, and metabolic parameters after 6 months.
• A marked reduction in oxidative stress markers (8-isoprostane, Nox-2) and platelet activation biomarkers (sP-selectin, Glycoprotein-VI) was noted.
• Significant enhancements in arterial stiffness and endothelial function indices were recorded.

Conclusions:

• Six months of Sacubitril/Valsartan treatment effectively improves endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in HFrEF patients.
• The therapeutic benefits are attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress, platelet activation, and circulating inflammatory biomarkers.
• The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no adverse effects observed.