The Differential Effects of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers on Microalbuminuria in Relation to Low-Grade Inflammation in Metabolic Hypertensive Patients

Background A dual angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist telmisartan may be more useful for microalbuminuria reduction than ARBs with no PPARγ agonistic action. We investigated whether there is a difference between the effects of telmisartan and valsartan with respect to microalbuminuria reduction, and the association with improvement of metabolic features or suppression of the inflammatory state. Methods Fifty-three patients who had metabolic syndrome and had been taking valsartan were recruited. All of these patients were randomly assigned to replace valsartan by telmisartan (telmisartan group; n = 30) or to keep taking valsartan (control group; n = 21). Various parameters were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after randomization. Results There were no significant changes in blood pressure (BP), glucose, and lipid parameters between baseline and 12 weeks after randomization in either group. There was a significant increase in high molecular weight adiponectin in the telmisartan group (4.6 v 5.0 μg/mL, P = .024), whereas there was no significant change in the control group. The reductions of microalbuminuria and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were significant in the telmisartan group (28.1 v 18.9 mg/g • Cr and 0.77 v 0.60 mg/L, respectively, P = .001 and P = .022), whereas there was no significant change in the control group. The reductions of microalbuminuria and hs-CRP were significantly correlated with each other (γ = 0.413, P = .003). Conclusions The dual ARB/PPARγ agonist telmisartan achieved more microalbuminuria reduction than an ARB with no PPARγ agonistic action, possibly through suppression of the inflammatory state in metabolic hypertensive patients.