ABSTRACT
Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) have become keystones of therapy for hypertension but there are very few studies where they have been compared with each other. This study attempted to compare the effect of Ramipril and Telmisartan on Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance in Hypertensive patients (JNC 8).Methods: An open label, randomized, prospective and comparative study of twelve- week duration was conducted on 60 patients of hypertension (JNC-8), with the collaboration of Department of Pharmacology and Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Amritsar. Group A and B were given Telmisartan 40mg and Ramipril 2.5 mg OD respectively. Blood Pressure was recorded on every visit, whereas, fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR values were recorded at the baseline and at the end of the study. Fasting blood sugar was done at 0, 4 and 12 weeks.Results: At the end of 12 weeks, a significant reduction in Systolic/Diastolic blood pressure was observed in group A with a drop of ~14/9 mmHg (p<0.001) and in group B too, the fall of ~11.6/7.2 mmHg was significant (p<0.001). However, in inter-group comparison only SBP difference was significant between two groups (p<0.05). Change in HOMA-IR value was also significant in both the groups (p<0.001). The inter-group difference for HOMA-IR between both the groups (A vs B) was also statistically significant (p<0.01).Conclusions: Telmisartan 40 mg OD was more effective than Ramipril 2.5 mg OD in controlling the SBP and improving Insulin resistance at the end of 12 weeks.
ABSTRACT
Background: There are limitations of currently recommended stepwise treatment for Type 2 diabetes, especially failure with monotherapies to achieve the strict glycemic control. This has prompted the intensification of therapy with such combinations which have additive efficacy and complimentary mechanisms of action. Vildagliptin is one such agent with the above potential which does not increase the risk of hypoglycemia and does not promote weight gain. Methods: It was a prospective, open-label, randomized, and parallel group study involving 90 patients, divided into three Groups A, B, and C. Group A given vildagliptin/metformin (50/500 mg), Group B vildagliptin/pioglitazone (50/15 mg)and Group C metformin/pioglitazone (500/15 mg) combinations twice daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was estimated biweekly while hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, insulin, and C-peptide levels at 0 and 12th week. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Student’s t-test. Results: At the end, mean percentage of age fall in HbA1c and FBG from baseline was maximum in Group B, which was found out to be more efficacious than Group A and C (p<0.001) on glycemic parameters. Mean percentage of age decrease in triglyceride from baseline was maximum in Group C, which was found out to be more efficacious than Group A and B (p<0.001) on lipid parameters. The adverse effects were low in all the groups. However, the incidence of peripheral edema and weight gain was more with the use of Group C while nausea, vomiting, and nasopharyngitis was more with the use of Group A. Conclusion: Vildagliptin/pioglitazone combination is of choice in patients with uncontrolled hyperglycemia but normal lipid profile while metformin/pioglitazone combination in diabetic patients with dyslipidemia.
ABSTRACT
A debate on the continuation or discontinuation of animal experiments in pharmacological practical teaching of medical undergraduates is still in progress.The present study has been done to know the current status of animal experiments in medical education in India using structured questionary. 81.25% pharmacologists and 74% of the medical graduates and clinicians favour the continuation of animal experiments, preferably with the refinement or reduction of use of animals.Animal based experiments play a pivotal role in pharmacological teaching and research in India. However the pattern of practical pharmacology teaching is not uniform and specific guidelines should be framed to ensure uniformity.