Effects of olmesartan vs irbesartan on metabolic parameters and visfatin in hypertensive obese women.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II regulates the production of adipokines. The objective was to study the effect of treatment with irbesartan versus olmesartan in obese hypertensive women.

SUBJECTS: A sample of 34 obese hypertensive women was analyzed in a prospective way with a randomized trial. Patients were randomized to irbesartan (300 mg/day) or olmesartan (40 mg/day) for 3 months. Weight, body mass index, blood pressure, basal glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, HOMA and visfatin were determined at basal time and after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS: Thirty four patients gave informed consent and were enrolled in the study. A significative decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressures was reached without changes in weight. Patients treated with olmesartan had a significative decrease of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, insulin, HOMA and visfatin levels. Decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was similar with both angiotensin receptor blockers. Decrease in insulin (2.28 +/- 2.77 vs 0.66 +/- 4.4 mUI/L: p < 0.05), HOMA (0.69 +/- 1.1 vs 0.48 +/- 1.6 units: p < 0.05) and visfatin (5.16 +/- 13 vs 1.85 +/- 9.1 ng/ml: p < 0.05) levels was higher in olmesartan than irbesartan group.

CONCLUSION: The administration of olmesartan improved blood pressure, insulin, HOMA, visfatin and lipid profile in hypertensive obese women. Irbesartan improved blood pressure and lipid levels.