Abstract 9357: Combined Antihypertensive Regimen, Sexual Function, Oxidative Stress and Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Combinations of a calcium channel blocker with either an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a beta-blocker are recommended as effective therapies for hypertension. However, it remains unclear whether these two of combinations have similar effects on sexual function in men with hypertension. This prospective, randomized, parallel open label study ( ClinicalTrials.org. NCT01238705 ) compared the effects of a felodipine-irbesartan combination with those of a felodipine-metoprolol combination on the sexual function and on markers of oxidative stress in men with mild to moderate hypertension. Two-hundred and eighteen participants aged 25 to 60 years were randomly assigned to receive a once daily treatment of either felodipine combined with irbesartan or felodipine combined with metoprolol for 48 weeks. Sexual functioning was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire at baseline and after 48-weeks of therapy. Levels of serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), 8-Hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. There were no statistical differences of prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) between pre- and post-treatment in two groups (P>0.05), also did the levels of serum testosterone, SHBG and HNE. On the other hand, in felodipine-irbesartan group, scores of erectile functions (EF) and sexual desire (SD) were improved. The concentrations of serum 8-OHdG and MDA raised up after treatment (133.47±32.31 versus 130.70±31.25 ng/L, 6.82±1.17 versus 6.59±1.14 nmol/ml). The results suggested that felodipine-irbesartan may be more benefic to EF of hypertensive male patients than felodipine-metoprolol. This effect was possibly relevant to irbesartan, which could prevent oxidative stress. However, further investigations are needed.