Effects of blood pressure and the renin-angiotensin system on platelet activation in type 2 diabetes.

Unlabelled: Aims/Introduction:  Platelet-derived microparticles (PDMP) are released from the platelets either after activation or in response to physical stimulation in vivo. The present study examined the association between blood pressure and PDMP, and the effects of high-dose angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) on PDMP in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials And Methods:   The study subjects consisted of 28 type 2 diabetes patients with blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg who were treated with valsartan (80 mg daily).

Effects of high sodium intake and diuretics on the circadian rhythm of blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients treated with an angiotensin II receptor blocker.

Background: The inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in the diabetic condition was reported to enhance the sodium sensitivity of blood pressure. In patients with sodium-sensitive hypertension, high sodium intake reduces the nocturnal fall in blood pressure. Therefore, we examined the effects of the amount of sodium intake or diuretics in patients with diabetes treated with an angiotensin receptor blocker.

Benidipine attenuates glomerular hypertension and reduces albuminuria in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Recent studies have shown that metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease. We recently found that the prevalence of sodium-sensitive hypertension in patients with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than that in patients with essential hypertension but without metabolic syndrome. We therefore assessed the effects of benidipine, a long-acting calcium channel blocker, on the sodium sensitivity of blood pressure and renal hemodymamics in 5 patients with metabolic syndrome.

Enhanced sodium sensitivity and disturbed circadian rhythm of blood pressure in essential hypertension.

Objective: To assess whether an association between sodium-sensitive hypertension and metabolic syndrome exists; and whether, in patients with metabolic syndrome, the nocturnal fall of blood pressure decreases and salt restriction affects the circadian blood pressure rhythm.

Methods: Japanese patients with essential hypertension, who were treated without any antihypertensive agent, were maintained on a high-sodium diet and a low-sodium diet for 1 week each. On the last day of each diet, the 24-h blood pressures were measured.