Lercanidipine effect on circulating CD34+ progenitor cells in elderly patients: a randomized study

Abstract

Objective: This randomized study evaluates the effects of lercanidipine – as well as its antihypertensive efficacy – on the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in elderly patients with hypertension.

Research design and methods: In total, 61 patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to lercanidipine 10 mg/day or to other antihypertensive treatments (control group).

Main outcome measures: Cytometry analysis was conducted at baseline, at 12 weeks and at 24 weeks. Routine clinical examination was also performed.

Results: Overall, the number of circulating EPCs had already significantly increased with lercanidipine, compared with baseline values, after 12 weeks; this increase was sustained until the end of the study. On the other hand, the number of circulating EPCs remained stable in the control group throughout the study period. At 12 weeks, a significant reduction in blood pressure, compared with baseline values, was observed in both groups. Regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and the number of circulating EPCs.

Conclusions: Although the limited number of patients and the short follow-up hamper the analysis, this study suggests that lercanidipine may increase EPC concentration independently from its anti-hypertensive effect.

Keywords:

• Aging
• CD34+ progenitor cells
• Hematopoietic progenitor cells
• Hypertension
• Lercanidipine

Transparency

Declaration of funding

Editorial assistance was supported by Recordati.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

P.S., H.W., and N.F. have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article.

CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have received an honorarium for their review work but have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgments

Editorial assistance for the preparation of this manuscript was provided by Luca Giacomelli PhD and Sara Parodi PhD of Content Ed Net.