Effects of captopril vs amlodipine on blood pressure, serum glucose and lipid profile in overweight and obese hypertensive patients

To investigate the effects of captopril vs amlodipine on blood pressure, BMI, serum glucose concentration and lipid profile in overweight and obese hypertensive patients. This study was conducted on two groups of overweight and obese newly diagnosed stage 1 hypertensive patients; captopril group included 42 patients who were kept on captopril monotherapy and amlodipine group included 41 patients who were kept on amlodipine monotherapy. Another 40 apparently healthy normotensive individuals were used as a control group. The patients were placed on captopril or amlodipine for 8 weeks. Systolic and diastolic BP, body weight, BMI, fasting serum glucose and lipid profile were measured before and at the end of trial. After 8 weeks of treatment with captopril or amlodipine the measured parameters are significantly reduced but comparison of each group revealed no significant differences except Fasting Glucose, where a higher reduction was seen with captopril. Both captopril and amlodipine were effective in the treatment of hypertension in overweight and obese patients. In addition, both drugs had beneficial effects on body weight, serum glucose concentration and lipid profile

Effects of blocking of angiotensin system on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients

To evaluate prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients treated with antihypertensive drugs that inhibit renin angiotensin system. Two groups of patients were included in this study. The first group involved 130 hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients taking enalapril, captopril [Converting Enzyme inhibitors], valsartan or telmisartan [Angiotensin II receptor blockers] as monotherapy whereas group 2 involved 92 type 2 diabetic patients with normal blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to criteria made by the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Serum glucose concentration, serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were measured by using special kits. The percentage of patients having metabolic syndrome was lower in group 1 [58.47%] as compared with group 2 [73%]. Waist circumferences, triglycerides and FBS were significantly lower in group 1 as compared with group 2. BP and HDL-cholesterol were significantly higher in group 1 as compared with group 2. Inhibition of RAS by converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers captopril, enalapril, valsartan or telmisartan produce beneficial effects on the markers of metabolic syndrome and can reduce the frequency of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients

Effects of glibenclamide and metformin on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients

To investigate the effects of glibenclamide or metformin on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients. One hundred type 2 diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups of equal number [Glibenclamide group and metformin group]. Another group consist of 30 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were also involved as a control group. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to criteria made by the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult treatment Panel III. Waist circumference in [cm] was determined as the point midway between the costal margin and iliac crest in the mid-axillary's line. Serum glucose concentration, serum triglycerides and HDL-Cholesterol were measured using special Kits. One hundred thirty patients had metabolic syndrome in three group and the markers of metabolic syndrome were significantly lowered in the metformin group as compared with the glibenclamide group and control group. Females have metabolic syndrome greater than men. Higher age group patients were more prone to develop metabolic syndrome. Metformin was found to have favorable effects on the frequency of metabolic syndrome and its markers as compared with glibenclamide

Comparative effects of bromocriptine and cabergoline on serum prolactin levels, liver and kidney function tests in hyperprolactinemic women

To compare the effects of cabergoline and bromocriptine on serum prolactin levels and liver and renal functions in hyperprolactinemic women. This study involved one hundred women, who had symptoms of hyperprolactinemia and elevated serum prolactin concentration. They were divided into two groups of 50 women. The first group received 0.5 mg of cabergoline weekly and the second group received bromocriptine up to a maximum of 2.5 mg twice daily. Serum prolactin, total bilirubin, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, AST activity, ALT activity, serum creatinine and serum urea concentrations and creatinine clearance were determined at baseline and at 8 week interval [at the end of the trial]. The efficacy of treatment was assessed with the regular menstrual cycle, absence of galactorrhea, oligomenorrhea and normalization of serum prolactin levels. Normalization of serum prolactin level was achieved in 28 of 50 [56%] women taking bromocriptine and in 40 of 50 [80%] women taking cabergoline. Cabergoline group showed a higher percent of improvement of the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia. Figures of 83.33% for amenorrhea, 71.4% for galactorrhea and 95.45% for oligomenorrhea have been noted with cabergoline versus 55.5%, 33.33% and 72%, respectively for bromocriptine. Sixty six percent of the women taking bromocriptine were reported to have adverse effects as compared with 30% of those taking cabergoline therapy. No significant adverse effects on liver and kidney functions have been reported in the study. The present study demonstrated that both bromocriptine and cabergoline are effective in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia but cabergoline has the advantage over bromocriptine in terms of both efficacy and tolerability. Therefore it is preferred in the treatment of women with hyperprolactinemia. However, both drugs showed no abnormality in liver function as well as kidney function tests

Total antioxidant status in women with breast cancer

To measure the concentration of total antioxidant status [TAS] in women with breast cancer. This is a case control study conducted in Al-Salam Hospital and Department of Pharmacology in Mosul Medical College. Twenty women having histologically confirmed breast cancer and twenty age-matched healthy volunteer women participated in the study. Serum total antioxidant status [TAS] was measured in both groups. Mean TAS of the patient group [0.91 +/- 0.32 mmol/l] was significantly lower [P<0.001] than that of the control group [1.82 +/- 0.14 mmol/l]. The present study demonstrated that women with breast cancer have a low level of TAS as compared to those of healthy women. It further emphasizes the growing concern that oxidative damage may occur in those patients that exhaust the antioxidant defense of the body leading to a low levels of TAS. Administration of antioxidant supplements such as a combination of vitamins A, C and E are necessary in women at high risk of developing breast cancer or after surgery or with anticancer drugs

effects of captopril and amlodipine on C-reactive protein concentrations in type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients

To compare the effects of the ACE inhibitor captopril with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on serum CRP concentrations in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. This is a case control study conducted in Al-Wafa Diabetic Center in Mosul. Serum CRP concentrations were measured in two groups of hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients before and after drug administration [group 1 on captopril therapy, group two on amlodipine therapy]. A significant reduction of serum CRP level was demonstrated after treatment with captopril but not with amlodipine. Mean CRP concentration of the control group was statistically lower than those of captopril and amlodipine groups. The present study showed that hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients are associated with increased level of CRP and therapy with captopril but not amlodipine significantly reduced CRP, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory action of captopril in addition to its BP lowering effects thus captopril may be regarded as the drug of choice in the treatment of BP in diabetic hypertensive patients

Antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic neuropathy

To measure the concentration of total antioxidant status [TAS] in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients complicated with peripheral neuropathy. Case-control study. The College of Medicine and Al-Wafaa Center of Diabetes, Mosul. Thirty type 2 diabetic patients, having evidence of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and thirty sex and age-matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. Serum glucose concentration and total antioxidant status [TAS] was measured in both groups. Mean fasting blood sugar of the patient group [11.31 +/- 2.84 mmol/L] was significantly higher [p<0.001] than that of the control group [4.97 +/- 0.95 mmol/L]. Mean TAS of the patient group [1.31 +/- 0.42 mmol/L] was significantly lower [p<0.001] than that of the control group [1.98 +/- 0.16 mmol/L]. The present study demonstrated that type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathic complications have lower levels of TAS. This low value of TAS may be due to oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia that reduce the concentration of the antioxidant status of the body

Antioxidant status in schizophrenic patients

To measure the concentration of total antioxidant status [TAS] in a number of chronic schizophrenic patients and to compare the results with those of healthy controls. Case-control study. The College of medicine and Al-Salam hospital in Mosul. Twenty patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, and twenty age and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Total antioxidant status [TAS] was measured in both groups. Mean antioxidant status of the schizophrenic group was 1.15 +/- 0.39 mmol/l [Range 0.5 to 1.8 mmol/l] while those of the control group, mean was 1.96 +/- 0.13 mmol/ l [Range 1.76 to 2.26 mmol/l]. The difference between the two means was statistically significant [P<0.001]. The present study demonstrated that schizophrenic patients have low levels of TAS. It further emphasizes the growing consideration that oxidative damage may occur in schizophrenic patients that exhaust the antioxidant defense of the body leading to low levels of TAS

Comparative effects of lovastatin and simvastatin on liver function tests in hyperlipidaemic patients

To evaluate the effect of lovastatin and simvastatin on liver function tests in a number of hyperlipidaemic patients. case control study. The study was conducted in Al-Salam Hospital in Mosul during the period from July 2003 to July 2004. Forty-two patients taking lovastatin and fifty-three patients taking simvastatin. Another fifty, apparently healthy subjects, were also involved as a control group. ALT, AST and ALP activities and bilirubin concentrations of patients on lovastatin, simvastatin and control group were compared. measurement of serum of ALT, AST and ALP activities and serum bilirubin concentration in lovastatin, simvastatin and control groups. results of the study revealed a minor elevation of ALT, AST and ALP activities and bilirubin concentrations above the upper normal limit values in a number of participants taking lovastatin or simvastatin therapy. A significant elevation of ALT, AST and bilirubin in the lovastatin group compared with the control group and a significant elevation of ALT and bilirubin in the simvastatin group when also compared with the control group were found. Stratification of the patients according to age, duration of treatment and dose, revealed a good correlation between some of the hepatic parameters and the age, duration of treatment and dose, though some of these elevations were not statistically significant. Therapy with lovastatin or simvastatin is associated with a mild effect on the liver and the effect is related to the variables of age, duration of therapy and dose. Periodic monitoring of biochemical hepatic parameters during therapy with lovastatin and simvastatin may be of value to observe any serious elevation of these parameters

total antioxidant status in cigarette smoking individuals

Active smokers are exposed to reactive free radicals that are present in cigarette smoke. Oxygen free radicals, including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radical hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen, are highly reactive species that can cause a wide spectrum of cell damage including enzyme inactivation, lipid peroxidation, protein and lipoprotein oxidation, and DNA damage. Free radicals are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The purpose of the present study was to measure the total antioxidant status [TAS] in active cigarette smoking individuals in Mosul city. Twenty active smokers and twenty nonsmokers participated in the study. Blood sample was taken from each individual and the TAS had been measured in the sera using the Cayman chemical antioxidant assay kit [USA]. The results obtained from the study revealed a significant [P<0.001] reduction of the TAS in the smoker's group as compared with the non-smoker's group. In conclusion, smokers possess low TAS than non smokers which may be due to the presence of high amounts of free radicals in cigarette smoke that generate an oxidative stress in the smoker's body that may cause exhaustion of antioxidants of the body

Comparison of the effects of cabergoline and bromocriptine in women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea

Dopamine agonists are the preferred treatment for most patients with hyperprolactinemic disorders, these agents are extremely effective in lowering serum prolactin levels, eliminating galactorrhea, restoring regular menses and decreasing tumor size. Dopamine agonists, including bromocriptine, quinagolide and cabergoline are differ in their efficacy and tolerability. However, there are relatively few reports in the world comparing the beneficial and adverse effects of bromocriptine and cabergoline in the treatment of hyperprolactinemic patients and there is also lack of such studies in Iraq. Therefore, this study sets out to compare the efficacy and safety of cabergoline with those of bromocriptine in women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea in Mosul city. One hundred and thirty women with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea were treated with either cabergoline [0.5 mg weekly] or bromocriptine [2.5 mg twice daily] administerd randomly for 8 weeks. Clinical and biochemical status was assessed at baseline and at the end of trial. Amenorrhea persisted in 9 women of the cabergoline-treated women and 20 of the bromocriptine-treated women. Galactorrhea disappeared in the cabergoline group and persisted in 12 of the bromocriptine group. Normoprolactinemia was achieved in 87.7% women treated with cabergoline and in 67.7% of women treated with bromocriptine. The reduction of prolactin level is statistically higher in the cabergoline group compared with the bromocriptine group. cabergoline and bromocriptine are effective in the treatment of hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea .Cabergoline has the advantage over bromocriptine in terms of both efficacy and tolerability and therefore it is preferred in the treatment of hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea

Serum uric acid concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during diet or glibenclamide therapy

To investigate serum uric acid concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is a case control study conducted in Al-Wafa Diabetic Center in Mosul over a period of one year starting from January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2006. Serum glucose concentration and uric acid concentration were measured in both control and patient's groups [group 1 patients on diet therapy, group 2 patients on glibenclamide therapy and group 3 involve naturopathic patients]. Serum glucose concentration was high in the diabetic groups as compared with the control group [P<0.001]. Serum uric acid concentration was lower in the diabetic groups as compared with the control group but do not reach a significant level [P>0.2] except in group-3 [P<0.05]. A negative correlation was reported between hyperglycemia and uric acid concentration of the different groups. Serum uric acid concentration is slightly reduced in type 2 diabetic patients particularly in the complicated patients with peripheral neuropathy and this may be due to the oxidative stress that decreases the antioxidant capacity of the body involving uric acid