Modifications by Olmesartan medoxomil treatment of the platelet protein profile of moderate hypertensive patients.

ABSTRACT

Olmesartan medoxomil is a new angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) which exhibits pleiotropic effects that are not fully understood. Our aims were i) to determine the effect of Olmesartan medoxomil on blood pressure, lipid profile and renal functionality in moderately hypertensive patients with non-controlled blood pressure, ii) to determine if Olmesartan medoxomil may exert anti-inflammatory effects and modify the expression profile of platelet proteins. Thirteen moderate hypertensive patients with non-controlled systolic blood pressure (SBP) and renal function classified as Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative stage 2-3 were included. Patients were treated with Olmesartan medoxomil (20 mg/day) for 6 months. SBP, proteinuria and the plasma levels of cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were reduced after the treatment. Olmesartan medoxomil did not modify the circulating plasma levels of a number of proteins associated with inflammation, but reduced the expression level of different platelet proteins including tropomyosin-ß chain isotypes 3 and 4, serotransferrin isotypes 1 to 5, the leukocyte elastase inhibitor and the chloride intracellular channel-protein isotype 1. The expression of the gelsolin precursor isotype 4 was increased in the platelets after the treatment. In summary, Olmesartan medoxomil reduced SBP, total and LDL-cholesterol plasma levels and urinary protein excretion and induced changes in the expression of platelet proteins which may be related to some action of the drug at the megakaryocyte level.