The Influence of Telmisartan on Metabolic Parameters in Hypertensive Patients of Metabolic Syndrome- A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, has a higher affinity for AT1 receptors. It has also been recognized as partial agonist of the nuclear hormone receptor PPAR-gamma. The present study is conducted to study the effect of telmisartan on various metabolic parameters in hypertensive patients who have satisfied the standards of metabolic syndrome. Methods: This is a prospective and randomised study done on twenty hypertensive patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. All the patients underwent following investigations like Fasting plasma glucose, post prandial plasma glucose, HbA1c levels, lipid profile including total triglyceride, LDL, total cholesterol and HDL, C-peptide level, blood pressure, body mass index and weight were also measured. All the patients were recommended 40 mg of telmisartan orally every day. The above mentioned investigations were repeated after 4 months. Data was tabulated and compared with the previous readings by using paired t-test and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The change in both weight and body mass index is statistically insignificant. All the three haemodynamic parameters (SBP, DBP, MAP) showed significant decrease after intake of 40 mg telmisartan for four months. All the parameters (Total cholesterol, LDL, Triglycerides) of lipid profile of the patients except HDL demonstrated decrease in value. Regarding glucose metabolism, fasting c-peptide level, glycosylated haemoglobin concentration showed no difference in the value, whereas both fasting and post prandial blood glucose decreased significantly. Conclusion: The present study proves that telmisartan has agonistic and modulating action on PPAR Gamma receptor and is thus associated with lipid and glucose metabolism.