Effects of Losartan vs. Enalapril on the Markers of Metabolic Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of losartan and enalapril on the markers of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: One hundred and twenty six newly diagnosed hypertensive patients having other markers of metabolic syndrome participated in this study. The study was performed in the department of pharmacology, college of medicine at Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospital in Mosul city, Iraq, during the period between December 2007 and June 2009. The patients were divided into 2 main groups: 1) Losartan group: consisted of 60 patients, and 2) enalapril group: Consisted of 66 patients. Waist circumference, weight, Body mass index, blood pressure, serum glucose concentration, triglyceride and HDL-cholestrol were measured before and after administration of therapy. The effects of therapy were assessed by statistically comparing the results before and after the drug administration. RESULTS: Comparison of waist circumference, blood pressure, FSG, triglycerides of the patients before drug administration (baseline data), with those of the controls showed a significant elevation, while HDL-cholesterol showed a significant reduction. A significant reduction of waist circumference, BP, FSG and a significant elevation of HDL-cholesterol were also noted after therapy with both losartan and enalapril. CONCLUSION: Both losartan and enalapril produced a significant reduction of markers of metabolic syndrome and may be regarded as effective drugs for treatment of hypertension in patients with markers of metabolic syndrome.