Comparative effects of telmisartan and valsartan on insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that includes hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension and increased waist circumference. Individuals with this syndrome are at increased risk for development of cardiovascular disease. Since an insulin-resistance state has a critical role in the development of MetS, there is growing concern about insulin-sensitizing effects of antihypertensives, including angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Telmisartan has been reported to have an effect on the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, a well-known target for insulin-sensitizing antidiabetic drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of administration of two different ARBs at low doses (telmisartan at 20 mg/day and valsartan at 40 mg/day) on insulin sensitivity.


METHODS
Patients with MetS meeting the Japanese criteria were treated with telmisartan or valsartan for 4 weeks in combination with lifestyle modification.


RESULTS
A significant reduction in blood pressure was found after 4 weeks of both treatments. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-R) was significantly reduced by telmisartan compared to the baseline value (3.11+/-2.06 vs 2.56+/-1.48, p=0.031) but was not significantly changed by valsartan. A statistically significant correlation was found between HOMA-R at baseline and changes in HOMA-R after 4 weeks of treatment only in telmisartan-treated subjects. Body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile were not changed by either treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data revealed that treatment with telmisartan even at a low dose improves insulin sensitivity in hypertensive patients with MetS. This ameliorating effect of telmisartan on glucose metabolism clinically deserves to be considered.
Ichikawa
Yoshihiko
Y
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Otaru Municipal Second Hospital. yichikawa@sapmed.ac.jp
D000368:Aged; D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001565:Benzoates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077333:Telmisartan; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068756:Valsartan