Ramipril Improves Endothelial Function and Increases the Number of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Autor(es)

Diniz Oliveira, Ana Cecilia ; Arismendi, Maria Izabel ; Gomes Machado, Luiz Samuel ; Sato, Emilia Inoue

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: JCR-JOURNAL OF CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY; v. 28, n. 7, p. 5-pg., 2022-10-01.

Resumo

Background/Objectives Endothelial dysfunction and reduced number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood are contributing factors to cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Endothelial progenitor cell proliferation is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods This was a randomized trial including 37 female SLE patients without cardiovascular risk factors allocated into 2 groups: 19 patients received ramipril 10 mg/d for 12 weeks (IG) and 18 patients maintained without ramipril (CG). Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery ultrasound measuring flow-mediated dilation, and EPCs were quantified by flow cytometry and cell culture, at baseline and after 12 weeks. Serum VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis was intention to treat. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results After 12 weeks, higher flow-mediated dilation (6.17% vs. 11.14%, p < 0.001) was observed in IG, without change in CG (5.37% vs. 5.02%, p = 0.630). Higher number of EPC colony-forming units was also observed in IG (21.3 +/- 10.4 vs. 31.6 +/- 8.5, p < 0.001), without difference in CG (p = 0.714). No difference was found in EPCs evaluated by flow cytometry. Vascular endothelial growth factor level increased after 12 weeks in IG (p = 0.048), with no difference in CG (p = 0.661). Conclusion Ramipril improved endothelial function and increased the numbers of EPCs evaluated by cell culture and VEGF levels in SLE patients without cardiovascular risk factors. These data suggest that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor bring an extra benefit beyond the hypotensive action and should be considered as a preferred antihypertensive drug in SLE patients. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 11/05699-7 - Efeito do ramipril sobre a função endotelial e células progenitoras endoteliais em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico
• Beneficiário: Emilia Inoue Sato
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular