Characteristics of subclinical inflammation in uncomplicated arterial hypertension

Abstract

Objective. Inflammation and oxidative stress are important determinants for target organ damage in arterial hypertension. The aim of the study was to evaluate inflammatory and oxidative markers in uncomplicated arterial hypertension. Methods. Study population included 114 (59 male, age 30-65 years) untreated hypertensive non-diabetic patients without associated clinical conditions. Plasma concentrations of malonic dyaldehyde and SH-groups were evaluated as oxidative stress markers. Serum concentrations of ultrasensitive CRP, TNF-α, interleukins (IL) lß, 4 and 6 were measured. Correlation between oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, blood pressure and traditional risk factors was analyzed. Results. In 45% patients elevation at leas of one pro-inflammatory cytokine was found. In 26,3% this elevation was revealed together with low anti-inflammatory ration (IL-4/IL-6), in 18,4% - with high IL-4/IL-6. In 55% concentration of all pro-inflammatory cytokines was lower than median. In one third of patients low cytokines levels were observed together with low IL-4/IL-6, in 22% - with high IL-4/IL-6. Regression analysis revealed that inflammatory and oxidative status are unrelated to gender, age and determined by diastolic blood pressure, smoking, dyslipidemia and rennin-angiotensine system activity. Conclusion. In untreated hypertensive non-diabetic patients High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines may coexist either with low or high intiinflammatory ratio of IL-4/IL-6. Inflammatory and oxidative status are determined haemodynamic load, smoking, dyslipidemia and rennin-angiotensine system activity.