Introduction: Monocytes are key elements in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and inflammation. The data regarding associations between antihypertensive treatment and monocytes' function are still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of antihypertensive drugs (bisoprolol, perindopril or both) in patients suffering from mild to moderate hypertension.
Patients and methods: The study population consisted of 67 patients divided into 3 groups (2 consisted of patients with Grade I essential hypertension and one consisted of patients with Grade II essential hypertension). At baseline and 1 month after treatment we performed 24-h ambulatory noninvasive blood pressure monitoring and measured IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha in a medium derived from LPS-stimulated monocytes' culture.
Results: Both monotherapies with bisoprolol or perindopril were equally effective in lowering blood pressure (reduction in mean 24-h systolic blood pressure 12.07 vs. 15.91 mmHg, p = 0.678). Antihypertensive treatment led to significant decrease in IL-1b, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha concentration and significant rise in IL-10 level compared to the baseline levels and the decrease was associated with reduction in blood pressure.
Conclusions: Bisoprolol and perindopril effectively reduced elevated blood pressure. As a result, an alteration in cytokine net was observed at the end of the study. These results support the concept of possible anti-inflammatory effects of antihypertensive drugs (e.g., perindopril and bisoprolol).