Effect of nebivolol on endothelial dysfunction in patients with Behçet’s disease; a prospective single-arm controlled study

Abstract

Objective: Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis, capable of involving all types of vessels. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has been previously documented in BD. Previous studies showed that nebivolol might improve endothelial functions in endothelial dysfunction. The aim of our study is to assess the effects of nebivolol on endothelial dysfunction in patients with Behçet's disease. Methods: This study was designed as prospective single-arm controlled study. We prospectively studied 35 Behçet's patients who were diagnosed according to the International Study Group criteria. Patients received 5 mg nebivolol per day for 3 months. Endothelial dysfunction was evaluated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) method using high-resolution vascular ultrasound device at baseline and after for 3-month therapy. The paired samples t test, Wilcoxon test, Pearson, Spearman correlation analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results: A significant improvement was observed in FMD after therapy period (4.23±1.19 vs 7.95±2.21%, p<0.001). The correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between post-treatment high-sensitive C-reactive protein and FMD (r=-0.435, p=0.009). No adverse effects were observed in treatment period. Conclusion: Nebivolol improved endothelial dysfunction in Behçet's patients. However, further comprehensive studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of nebivolol. (Anadolu Kardiyol Derg 2013; 13: 115-20

The effect of nebivolol on P wave duration and dispersion in patients with Behçet’s disease; a prospective single-arm controlled study

“…CRP decreases NO release by showing effects on the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. Increased hs-CRP levels have been shown in BD and CRP levels may decrease with nebivolol therapy (14). Studies have demonstrated that CRP is interrelated and associated with interatrial electromechanical delay and AF (48,49).…”

“…The inclusion criteria were ultrasonographically documented endothelial dysfunction evaluated with flow-mediated dilatation method and a stable condition (14,15). Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) impaired cardiopulmonary function, defined as the occurrence of respiratory failure, pulmonary infection or congestive heart failure; (2) coronary artery disease, defined as having a typical angina pectoris, history of a prior myocardial infarction, presence of a positive stress test or positive coronary angiographic findings; (3) valvular disease, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block or congenital heart disease; (4) hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol >160 mg/dL, total cholesterol >240 mg/dL, triglyceride >200 mg/dL), using antihypertensives, antidiabetics and lipid-lowering treatment; (5) chronic alcoholism and smoking; (6) malignancy, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; (7) use of any vasoactive drug; (8) renal and liver insufficiency; (9) vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency; (10) active phase of BD clinically.…”