The clinical efficacy of angiotensin II type1 receptor blockers on inflammatory markers in patients with hypertension: a multicenter randomized-controlled trial; MUSCAT-3 study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of irbesartan on the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effect in patients with hypertension compared to other ARBs. Further, we assessed the effect of the ARBs on kidney function and urinary albumin excretion.

METHODS: Eighty-five outpatients with hypertension who took an ARB except irbesartan more than 3 months were assigned into 2 groups, one continued the same ARB and the other switched the ARB to irbesartan for 6 months.

RESULTS: Although blood pressures were equally controlled (Continue group: 148 ± 2/79 ± 2 mmHg to 131 ± 2/74 ± 2 mmHg; Switch group: 152 ± 2/81 ± 2 mmHg to 132 ± 2/74 ± 2 mmHg; p < 0.001 each), the inflammatory markers (hsCRP, PTX3, MCP-1) and oxidative stress marker (MDA-LDL) didn't change after 6 months in both groups. Urinary albumin excretion was significantly reduced only in the Switch group without renal function deterioration (Switch group 292.4 ± 857.9 mg/gCr to 250.6 ± 906.5 mg/gCr, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION: These results provide knowledge of the characteristics of irbesartan, suggesting appropriate choice of ARBs in the treatment for hypertension should be considered.