Pharmacology of valsartan,an angiotensin II receptor antagonist

Valsartan is the second orally-active, non-peptide angiotensin II receptor blocker to reach the market in Europe and the USA for the treatment of hypertension. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that this blocker is specific for the AT₁ receptor and has no affinity for the angiotensin II AT₂ receptor. Experimentally, valsartan dose-dependently inhibits the vasoconstriction induced by angiotensin II and lowers blood pressure in renin-dependent models of hypertension. Pharmacologically, oral valsartan is characterised by a low bioavailability but a rapid absorption and distribution with a half-life in keeping with once-daily administration. Thus, after oral administration, the maximal plasma concentration is reached 2 h after dosing and the elimination half-life is about 6 h. Clinically, several dose-finding and comparative studies have demonstrated that valsartan is an effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive drug in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Valsartan has also been shown to be effective in severe hypertension. Valsartan is at least as effective as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium antagonists. However, none of the side-effects observed with these latter agents, including cough and lower limb oedema, has been observed with the administration of valsartan. Three large clinical trials are now underway to demonstrate whether valsartan can reduce morbidity and mortality: one in hypertensives with a high cardiovascular risk profile (VALUE), one in patients with heart failure previously treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (VAL-HeFT) and one in post-myocardial infarct patients (VALIANT). These studies will further define the place of valsartan beyond the treatment of hypertension.     

新型血管紧张肽受体拮抗药依普罗沙坦

依普罗沙坦是一个新型、高选择性血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体1拮抗药,尚具有改善血管内皮功能、延迟动脉粥样硬化、抗炎症等作用。依普罗沙坦不经CYP450系统代谢,故很少发生药物-药物相互作用。在降压治疗同时,依普罗沙坦尚有减少心脑血管事件发生率的作用。     

Angiotensin II receptor blockers for the treatment of hypertension

The rising incidence of stroke, congestive heart failure (CHF) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) has signalled a need to increase awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. There continues to be a need for effective antihypertensive medications since hypertension is a major precursor to various forms of cardiovascular disease. The renin-angiotensin (AT) aldosterone system (RAAS) is a key component to the development of hypertension and can be one target of drug therapy. Angotensin II (ATII) receptor blockers (ARBs) are the most recent class of agents available to treat hypertension, which work by by inhibiting ATII at the receptor level. Currently, national consensus guidelines recommend that ARBs should be reserved for hypertensive patients who cannot tolerate angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs). ARBs, however, are moving to the forefront of therapy with a promising role in the area of renoprotection and CHF. Recent trials such as the The Renoprotective Effect of the Angiotensin-Receptor Antagonist Irbesartan in Patients with Nephropathy Due to Type 2 Diabetes Trial (IDNT), the Effect of Irbesartan on the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (IRMA2), and The Effects of Losartan on Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy (RENAAL) study have demonstrated the renoprotective effects of ARBs in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The Valsartan Heart Failure Trial (Val-HeFT) adds to the growing body of evidence that ARBs may improve morbidity and mortality in CHF patients. As a class, ARBs are well tolerated and have a lower incidence of cough and angioedema compared to ACEIs. This article reviews the differences among the ARBs, existing efficacy data in hypertension, and explores the role of ARBs in CHF and renal disease.     

Pharmacology of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, eprosartan

The non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists represent a new class of drugs with demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of hypertension. Eprosartan is a potent, orally active AT(1) receptor antagonist which is chemically distinct from losartan and other non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Eprosartan has a high affinity for the angiotensin II AT(1) receptor, but does not interact with the AT(2) receptor, adrenergic receptors or other receptors involved in cardiovascular regulation. In contrast to most other angiotensin II antagonists, eprosartan is a true competitive antagonist of the AT(1) receptor. Eprosartan is effective in antagonising the cardiovascular and renal effects of exogenous angiotensin II in both experimental animals and humans. Furthermore, it is an effective antihypertensive agent when administered to renin-dependent hypertension animal models, and in patients with mild to severe hypertension. The antihypertensive effect of eprosartan is maintained over a 24-h interval following a single dose with no reported dose-dependent adverse side-effects.     

血管紧张肽转换酶抑制剂与血管紧张肽II受体拮抗剂的联合应用

血管紧张肽转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张肽II受体拮抗剂是临床上已证实的非常有效的抗高血压药物 ,在近年来的研究中发现它们在降压的同时还具有显著的心、肾保护作用 ,并且已有一定数量的临床试验结果显示 ,将 2类药物联合应用可以获得更强大的靶器官保护作用 ,并不会增加不良反应。我们需要更多的大规模临床试验来进一步确证血管紧张肽转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张肽II受体拮抗剂联合用药在这方面的有效性和安全性 ,使心、肾功能不全及有蛋白尿的病人获得最有益的治疗。     

Effect of age and gender on the pharmacokinetics of eprosartan

Aims To compare the pharmacokinetics of eprosartan between young (18–45 years) and elderly (65 years) men and between young men and young, premenopausal women (18–45 years).
Methods Twenty-four subjects (eight subjects/group) received a single 200  mg eprosartan oral dose followed by serial blood sampling over 24  h.
Results Eprosartan was safe and well tolerated. There were no apparent differences in the pharmacokinetics of eprosartan between young females and young males or in the plasma protein binding of eprosartan (≈98%) for the three groups. On average, AUC (0,∞) and C _max values were ≈2-fold higher in elderly men than young men [AUC (0,∞) 95% CI: 1.22, 4.34; C _max 95% CI: 0.98, 4.00]. Similarly, unbound AUC (0,∞) and C _max values were, on average, ≈2-fold higher in elderly men than young men [unbound AUC (0,∞) 95% CI: 1.29, 4.44; unbound C _max 95% CI: 1.02, 4.12]. t _max was delayed in the elderly men compared with young men, with a median difference of 2.5  h (95% CI: 1.00, 3.01  h).
Conclusions No gender differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of eprosartan. There were ≈  two fold higher AUC and C _max values for eprosartan observed in elderly men as compared with young men, most likely due to increased bioavailability of eprosartan in the elderly. Based on the excellent safety profile in the elderly in Phase III clinical trials (doses up to 1200  mg eprosartan) eprosartan can be safely administered to elderly hypertensive patients without an initial dose adjustment. Subsequently, the dose of eprosartan, as for other antihypertensive agents, may be individualized based on tolerability/response.     

Therapeutic potential of angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertension

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system plays a key role in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) inhibit angiotensin II type 1 receptors and large clinical trials have shown that they are effective in many cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction and diabetic nephropathy. They lower blood pressure effectively, are very well tolerated and can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other drug classes for the treatment of hypertension. ARBs are particularly suitable for hypertensive patients with co-morbities such as diabetes, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. Unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ARBs do not cause persistent dry cough. For patients in whom angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are indicated but not tolerated, an ARB should be considered. Periodic monitoring of renal function and electrolytes is required in patients treated with an ARB.     

Therapeutic potential of angiotensin II receptor antagonists

The circulating renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in cardiovascular homeostasis. More importantly, the local tissue renin angiotensin plays a pivotal role in cell growth and remodelling of cardiomyocytes and on the peripheral arterial vasculature. In addition, the renin angiotensin system is related to apoptosis, control of baroreflex and autonomic responses, vascular remodelling and regulation of coagulation, inflammation and oxidation. The cardioprotective and vascular protective effects of the angiotensin receptive blockade appears to be related to selective blockade of the angiotensin II (A-II) Type I (AT₁) receptors. However, there is now growing evidence showing that some of the effects of AT-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are related to the activation of the kinin pathways. This paper will review some of the recent mechanisms related to the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin and more specifically of ARBs. This paper will present the novel data on the role of ARB in the development of atherosclerosis, vascular remodelling, coagulation balance and autonomic regulation. Finally, the role of ARBs, used alone or in combination with ACE inhibitor in patients with heart failure, will be discussed.     

Pilot study of the uricosuric effect of DuP-753, a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist,in healthy subjects

Summary The uricosuric effect of DuP-753, a novel, specific angiotensin II receptor antagonist, has been explored in a healthy male Japanese volunteers, given single oral doses of 25, 50, 100 or 200 mg (n=6), or 100 mg (n=6) or placebo (n=3) once daily for 7 consecutive days.In the single-dose study, serum uric acid measured at 4 h after dosing showed a dose dependent decrease; the reductions from the corresponding pre-dose values were: 0.32 (25 mg), 0.77 (50 mg), 1.25 (100 mg) and 1.33 mg dl^–1 (200 mg). The urinary excretion of uric acid within the first 4 h after treatment was also increased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the urinary excretion of creatinine remained unchanged.In the multiple-dose study, DuP-753 significantly decreased the serum uric acid concentration measured 4 h both after the first (pre-dose value: 5.68 vs 4 h after: 4.48 mg·dl^–1) and last administrations (4.42 mg·dl^–1). Simultaneously, the ratio of urinary uric acid to creatinine excretion was significantly increased within the first 4 h both after the first (DuP-753: 1.190 vs placebo: 0.576) and last administrations (1.02 vs 0.576).The findings suggest that DuP-753 posesses a uricosuric effect both after single and multiple doses in healthy subjects. The effect should be further examined in hypertensive patients.     

Lack of effect of eprosartan on the single dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered digoxin in healthy male volunteers

Aims To study the effect of eprosartan, a nonbiphenyl tetrazole angiotensin II receptor antagonist, on digoxin pharmacokinetics in a randomized, open-label, two period, period balanced crossover study in 12 healthy men.
Methods Each subject received a single 0.6  mg oral dose of digoxin (Lanoxicaps^® 0.2  mg/capsule, Glaxo Wellcome) alone or following 4 days of dosing with eprosartan 200  mg orally every 12  h. Each study period was separated by a 14 day washout interval. Serial blood samples were obtained for up to 96  h after each digoxin dose for determination of digoxin pharmacokinetics. The effect of eprosartan on digoxin pharmacokinetics was assessed through an equivalence-type approach using AUC(0, t ') as the primary endpoint.
Results For AUC(0, t '), the ratio of digoxin+eprosartan:digoxin alone was 0.99 with a 90% confidence interval (CI) of [ 0.90, 1.09]. For C _max, the ratio was 1.00 with a 90% CI of [0.86, 1.17]. t _max was similar for both regimens. Both regimens were safe and well tolerated.
Conclusions Based on AUC and C _max data, it can be concluded that eprosartan has no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of digoxin.     

Role of angiotensin II receptor subtype activation in cognitive function and ischaemic brain damage

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1) ) receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce the onset of stroke, stroke severity and the incidence and progression of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We can expect that ARBs exert these effects by both AT(1) receptor blockade and angiotensin II type 2 (AT(2) ) receptor stimulation. Moreover, recent experimental results support the notion that AT(2) receptor stimulation with AT(1) receptor blockade could contribute to protection against ischaemic brain damage at least partly due to an increase in cerebral blood flow and decrease in oxidative stress, and prevent cognitive decline. Cellular therapy has been focused on as a new therapeutic approach to restore injured neurons. In this context, it has been reported that AT(2) receptor stimulation enhances neurite outgrowth and decreases neural damage, thereby enhancing neurogenesis. Moreover, additional beneficial effects of ARBs with an AT(1) receptor blocking action with a partial peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonistic effect have been reported, and interaction of AT(2) receptor activation and PPAR-γ might be involved in these ARBs' effects. This article reviews the effects of regulation of activation of angiotensin II receptor subtypes on ischaemic brain damage and cognitive function, focusing on the effects of AT(2) receptor stimulation.     

血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体拮抗剂的药动学与临床用药

血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体拮抗剂 (ARB)是一类在血管紧张肽Ⅱ 1型受体 (AT1受体 )水平拮抗血管紧张肽Ⅱ (ATⅡ )的降压药物。它们的药动学各具特色 ,因而具有不同的临床用药特点。氯沙坦 (losar tan)经细胞色素P 450 (CYP) 3A4及 2C9介导转化成其活性代谢物EXP31 74,故在肝功能不全时应减半量使用。替米沙坦 (telmisartan)的T1 / 2 最长 ,谷 /峰比最大 ,与地高辛合用时应动态监测地高辛血浓度 ,以免洋地黄中毒。由于ARB存在降压作用的平台反应 ,单一用药无法控制血压时 ,可联合应用利尿剂或钙拮抗剂。本文就ARB的药动学、降压治疗用药、联合用药 ,肝、肾功能不全时用药及药物相互作用作一综述     

Valsartan, a new angiotensin II antagonist for the treatment of essential hypertension: efficacy and safety compared to hydrochlorothiazide

Objective: To compare the antihypertensive efficacy of a new angiotensin II antagonist, valsartan, with a reference therapy, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Methods: In this double-blind study, 167 adult outpatients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension were randomly allocated in equal number to receive valsartan 80 mg or HCTZ 25 mg for 12 weeks. In patients whose blood pressure (BP) remained uncontrolled after 8 weeks of monotherapy, atenolol 50 mg was added to the initial treatment. Patients were assessed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was change from baseline in mean sitting diastolic BP (SDBP) at 8 weeks. Secondary variables included change in sitting systolic BP (SSBP) and responder rates (percentage of patients with SDBP <90 mmHg or drop ≥10 mmHg compared to baseline) at 8 weeks. Results: Valsartan and HCTZ were both effective at lowering diastolic and systolic blood pressure at all time points. Similar falls were seen in both groups with no significant differences between treatments. For the primary variable (decrease in SDBP) there was no significant difference between treatments. For SSBP there was also no significant difference observed. Responder rates at 8 weeks were 74% for valsartan and 62% for HCTZ (P = 0.10). Both treatments were well tolerated, both as monotherapy, and when combined with atenolol 50 mg per day. Conclusion: The data show valsartan 80 mg to be as effective as HCTZ in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension. The results also show valsartan to be well tolerated when taken alone or in combination with atenolol. Received: 7 March 1996 / Accepted in revised form: 29 July 1996     

奥美沙坦:一种新的血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体拮抗剂

奥美沙坦 (olmesartan)是最新的血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体 (AT1)拮抗剂 ,对不同程度的高血压均有很好的降压作用 ,病人对其亦有很好的耐受性。本文对该药的药效学、药动学和临床应用等研究作一综述     

Losartan: a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist for the treatment of heart failure

Losartan (COZAARΟχιρχ^?) is the prototype of a new class of potent and selective angiotensin II (AII) type 1 (AT₁) receptor antagonists with the largest published preclinical and clinical data base. Since all of the AII antagonists are selective for the AT₁ receptor, these drugs should exhibit similar cardiovascular effects. However, since the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles of these agents and their degree of affinity for the AT₁ receptor differ, it is likely that differences in clinical profiles between these drugs exist and will require investigation. Losartan (parent compound), has moderate affinity for the AT₁ receptor (competitive inhibition). Losartan is well-absorbed orally as an active drug and is rapidly converted via oxidation in the human liver to a more potent metabolite (designated E3174) with an affinity 20- to 30-times greater for the AT₁ receptor (non-competitive inhibition). E3174 has a half-life of 6 - 9 h; elimination is via renal and hepatic routes. Antihypertensive and, in heart failure patients, haemodynamic activity is observed over a 24 h period with once daily dosing. Over 6 million patients have been treated for hypertension with continued excellent tolerability. Clinical experience in heart failure is growing, and recent data suggest an improved survival with losartan versus captopril, a drug from the angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor class with proven benefit in this population. The current comprehensive losartan clinical end-point programme (4 large scale morbidity/mortality trials) should provide evidence regarding the efficacy of direct blockade of the AT₁ receptor with losartan compared to standard therapy: 1) The Losartan Heart Failure Survival Study - ELITE II, 2) The Losartan Post-Myocardial Infarction Survival Study - OPTIMAAL, 3) The Losartan Hypertension Survival Study - LIFE and 4) The Losartan Renal Protection Study - RENAAL.     

血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体拮抗药厄贝沙坦在高血压治疗中的应用

厄贝沙坦是一种新型的选择性血管紧张肽Ⅱ受体1拮抗药。通过抑制血管紧张肽Ⅱ与其受体1的结合,厄贝沙坦可对心血管系统发挥多种保护作用。厄贝沙坦具有明确的降压作用,并有抑制左室肥厚的作用。厄贝沙坦另有重要的肾脏保护作用,可延迟糖尿病肾病的发生。     

Pharmacokinetics of intravenously and orally administered eprosartan in healthy males: absolute bioavailability and effect of food

Eighteen healthy males received a single 300 mg oral dose of eprosartan as the commercial wet granulation formulation under fasting conditions and following a high-fat breakfast and a single 20 mg intravenous (i.v.) dose. The pharmacokinetics of i.v. eprosartan (mean±S.D.) were characterized by a low systemic plasma clearance (131.8±36.2 mL min⁻¹) and a small steady-state volume of distribution (12.6±2.6 L). Oral bioavailability averaged 13.1%, due to incomplete absorption. In vitro dynamic flow cell dissolution data showed that pH-dependent aqueous solubility of eprosartan is one factor which limits absorption. Eprosartan terminal half-life was shorter after i.v. (approximately 2 h) versus oral (approximately 5–7 h) administration, which may be due to detection of an additional elimination phase or absorption rate-limited elimination following oral administration. Oral administration of eprosartan following a high-fat meal compared with fasting conditions resulted in a similar extent of absorption (based on AUC), but a decreased absorption rate. C_max was approximately 25% lower, and a median delay of 1.25 h in time to C_max was observed when eprosartan was administered with food. These minor changes in exposure are unlikely to be of clinical consequence; therefore, eprosartan may be administered without regard to meal times. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Valsartan: a novel angiotensin Type 1 receptor antagonist

Valsartan is a highly selective, orally available antagonist of the angiotensin Type 1 (AT₁)receptor. It is indicated for treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension. Experimental studies have confirmed the abolition or attenuation of angiotensin II (AII)-related effects, such as vasoconstriction, cell growth promotion and aldosterone release. In humans, valsartan is rapidly absorbed with maximal plasma concentrations occurring 1 - 2 h after oral administration. The elimination half-life comes to about 7 - 8 h, valsartan is metabolised to a negligible extent and most of the drug is excreted via the faeces. There is no dose adjustment required for patients with a creatinine clearance >> 10 ml/min. The dose should not exceed 80 mg o.d. in patients with hepatic dysfunction, valsartan is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic dysfunction and/or biliary cirrhosis. At present, no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug interactions have been observed. Valsartan produces persistent blood pressure reductions in patients with mild to moderate hypertension, the recommended starting dose is 80 mg o.d. If required, the dose may either be increased to 160 mg o.d. or hydrochlorothiazide may be added. In comparison to other antihypertensive drugs valsartan therapy leads to similar blood pressure reductions, while exhibiting a favourable tolerability profile. Preliminary studies suggest beneficial effects in patients with hypertensive end-organ damage such as renal disease and left ventricular hypertrophy. Furthermore, the drug is evaluated for its efficacy in heart failure and patients post-myocardial infarction.     

血管紧张素受体及其拮抗剂与肾脏病关系

肾素血管紧张素系统（RAS）在肾脏病变及其慢性进展中起着非常重要的作用，体内血管紧张素水平升高，可引进血液动力学变化及肾脏分泌众多细胞因子，促进并加重肾脏损害。如何阻断RAS一直是肾脏病学界关注的焦点。近年来随着血管紧张素受体拮抗剂的出现，其与肾脏疾病的关系也日益受到人们的重视。     

氯沙坦治疗原发性高血压并高尿酸血症

目的:观察氯沙坦治疗原发性高血压并高尿酸血症的降压和降尿酸作用.方法:68例原发性高血压并高尿酸血症患者,随机分为治疗组与对照组,观察给药前后血压和血尿酸变化.结果:两组均降压效果明显,治疗组能明显降低血尿酸,两组差异具有显著性.结论:氯沙坦降压同时可降尿酸.