Antihypertensive effects of CS-045 treatment in obese Zucker rats

Abstract

The association of hypertension with obesity has been well recognized, but the etiology remains poorly understood. Obesity is characterized by hyperinsulinemia, which reflects peripheral insulin resistance. Insulin resistance may participate in the development of hypertension with obesity. CS-045 [(I)-5-[4-(5-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-yl-methoxy)benzyl]-2,4-thiazolidiendion] is a new orally effective antidiabetic agent that potentiates insulin action and reduces insulin resistance in obese Zucker rats and other obese diabetic animals. In this study, we examined the antihypertensive effect of CS-045 in obese male and female Zucker rats as a model of hypertension associated with obesity. CS-045 was administered as a food admixture (∼16 and ∼70 mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks (female) and (∼15 and ∼67 mg/kg/d) 8 weeks (male) in obese Zucker rats at 5 to 7 months of age. CS-045 slightly but significantly decreased plasma glucose levels. Plasma insulin levels were significantly decreased in obese male rats, but were not significantly decreased in obese female rats. Drug administration led to significant decreases in plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a dose-dependent manner from 1 week after administration in obese Zucker rats. CS-045 increased urinary sodium excretion, sodium/potassium ratio, and creatinine clearance in a dose-dependent manner, and also led to a remarkable decrease in urinary protein excretion. However, CS-045 did not reduce urinary catecholamine excretion. These data indicate that CS-045 may promote renal sodium excretion and improve decreased glomerular filtration rates, which may reflect the amelioration of insulin resistance. Since the obese Zucker rat may be a useful animal model for hypertension associated with obesity, CS-045 may provide a new pharmacologic approach to the management of hypertension in obesity and/or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.