Angiotensin II Type-I Receptor Blocker, Candesartan, Improves Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Independent of Its Blood Pressure Lowering Effects in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background Hypertension in diabetic patients has been shown to accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis and angiotensin II type-I (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) has been shown to have anti-atherosclerosis action independent of its action on blood pressure. Methods and Results Type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension received either ARB (candesartan), or a calcium channel blocker (CCB; amlodipine or nifedipine) for 12 weeks. Though clinical parameters such as blood glucose, HbA1c, and systolic and diastolic pressure were not significantly changed between the two groups, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was significantly reduced in the candesartan group when compared to CCB groups. Moreover, candesartan treatment exhibited a tendency of reduction in inflammation markers such as high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Conclusion We conclude that candesartan may improve vascular inflammation independent of its effect on hypertension in diabetes, thus suggesting its efficacy in diabetic patients.