The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ramipril on the endothelial function and on the number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
The early detection of additional risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as endothelial dysfunction and low number of EPC in SLE patients, and an intervention proven effective could reduce the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. No study assessed the effect of ramipril on endothelial function and EPCs in SLE patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
37
Use of ramipril 10mg/day per 12 weeks. Telephone contact was made in the second and sixth week, to ask about possible side effects and ensure adherence
Federal University of São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil
Endothelial function - Variation of Flow mediated dilation percentage
Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks by high-resolution ultrasound of brachial artery in resting conditions, after reactive hyperaemia (flow-mediated dilation-FMD) and after oral glyceryl trinitrate to assess endothelial function
Time frame: 12 weeks
Number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC)
Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. EPCs were evaluated by flow cytometry using anti-CD34 (cluster of differentiation 34) (FITC), anti-CD133 (PE) and anti-kinase domain receptor (KDR) (APC) and by cell culture with quantification of colony formation units (CFUs).
Time frame: 12 weeks
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