Assessment of C-Reactive Protein and Reactive Nitrogen Species in Diabetic Patients

Angiotensin receptor antagonistes named as sartans are clinically used for treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure and in certain complications of diabetes mellitus. Recently the anti-inflammatory effects of these agents was reported. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of sartans on C- reactive protein and reactive nitrogen species in patients with diabetes. A total number of 98 diabetic patients (32 males and 66 females) were enrolled in this study. The patients were subgrouped into group 1 (n=40); diabetic patients on sartans and group 2 (n=58) without sartans therapy. Blood samples were collected for determination of the C-reactive protein, Nitric oxide and peroxynitrate. The results showed that hypertension was co-existed in 23 and 13 patients of group1 and 2 respectively. There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2 in positive C-reactive protein. Serum nitric oxide level was higher and serum peroxynitrite was lower in group 1 as compared with group 2, and the differences did not reach to the significance level. It was conclude that sartans act via three arms; reducing blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II receptor and elevating nitric oxide and variable effects on the inflammatory bio-markers.