Korean Circ J.  2009 May;39(5):180-184. 10.4070/kcj.2009.39.5.180.

The Effect of Telmisartan on Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness in Patients With Essential Hypertension

• Jung AD
• Kim W
• Park SH
• Park JS
• Cho SC
• Hong SB
• Hwang SH
• Kim W

• KMID: 1826016
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4070/kcj.2009.39.5.180

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have shown that angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) improve endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Telmisartan is a highly selective ARB that activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of telmisartan, such as endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and insulin sensitivity, in patients with essential hypertension.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Thirty-nine patients with essential hypertension were administered telmisartan (80 mg once daily) using an open-labeled and prospective protocol. The patients were examined before and 8 weeks after treatment to assess changes in flow mediated-vasodilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and adiponection.
RESULTS
The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) decreased from 153+/-15 mmHg and 90+/-13 mmHg to 137+/-16 mmHg and 84+/-10 mmHg after telmisartan treatment, respectively (p<0.01). Telmisartan therapy increased the FMD from 7.6+/-3.5 to 9.0+/-2.8% (p<0.01). The following parameters of arterial stiffness were significantly improved after telmisartan therapy: brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), from 17.2+/-3.1 to 15.9+/-2.6 m/sec; heart-carotid PWV (hcPWV), from 9.7+/-1.8 to 9.0+/-1.9 m/sec; and heart-femoral PWV (hfPWV), from 11.3+/-1.9 to 10.7+/-1.9 m/sec (p<0.01). There were no changes in QUICKI, the HOMA level, and plasma adiponectin (p=NS).
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that telmisartan is effective in improving endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with essential hypertension.

Keyword

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers; Endothelium, vascular; Arteriosclerosis

MeSH Terms

Adiponectin
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
Arteriosclerosis
Benzimidazoles
Benzoates
Blood Pressure
Endothelium, Vascular
Homeostasis
Humans
Hypertension
Insulin Resistance
Plasma
PPAR gamma
Prospective Studies
Pulse Wave Analysis
Vascular Stiffness
Adiponectin
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
Benzimidazoles
Benzoates
PPAR gamma

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Effects of telmisartan on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). P<0.05 vs. baseline value.

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  Fig. 2 Change of flow mediated-dilation (FMD) at baseline and 8 weeks after telmisartan treatment. P<0.01 vs. baseline value.

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