title: Mesoglycan improves vascular reactivity and insulin sensitivity in patients with metabolic syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of mesoglycan on the endothelial function and arterial elastic properties in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  MetS is defined by a clustering of vascular risk factors that demand both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, including body weight reductions and physical activity. The correction of endothelial dysfunction and arterial wall distensibility associated with MetS have lately received increasing interest.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty consecutive ambulatory patients affected by MetS were 2:1 randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive mesoglycan or placebo, respectively. In the first phase of the study, we evaluated the acute effects of a single i.m. administration of mesoglycan (60 mg) or placebo on vascular reactivity, as assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Then, patients were chronically treated with mesoglycan per os (50 mg twice a day) or placebo for 90 days. At the end of this period, vascular reactivity and the arterial wall elastic properties were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the mesoglycan group, FMD increased above baseline after acute administration, with a maximum increment of 52% after 2 h. FMD was also significantly greater than baseline after 90 days of chronic treatment. In the placebo group, FMD was unaffected by both acute and chronic mesoglycan administration. Moreover, after 90 days of mesoglycan treatment, a marked improvement in arterial distensibility and compliance was detected and arterial stiffness reduced significantly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This small, preliminary study shows that mesoglycan exerts relevant effects on vascular physiology, both in an acute setting as well as after prolonged, three-month treatment, in patients affected by metabolic syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Valvano
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bosso
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Apuzzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Riccone
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Saccà
authors.affiliation: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples 80131, Italy. Electronic address: ugo.oliviero@unina.it.
authors.forename: Ugo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Oliviero
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004548:Elasticity; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D059289:Vascular Stiffness / Q000187:drug effects*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D007328:Insulin; C040617:mesoglycan
keywords: Arterial physiology; Endothelial function; Mesoglycan; Metabolic syndrome