Effect of combined angiotensin-converting enzyme and aldosterone inhibition on plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 levels in chronic hypertensive patients.

AIM: A possible link between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and fibrinolysis has recently been suggested. Systemic infusion of angiotensin II results in an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) levels and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have been shown to decrease PAI-1 levels. Moreover, recent data indicated that plasma aldosterone levels were positively correlated with plasma PAI-1 levels. This study was designed to compare the effects of an ACEI with an ACEI in combination with an aldosterone antagonist on PAI-1 levels in chronic hypertensive patients.

METHODS: Patients were randomized into two groups and were treated with either low salt diet plus fosinopril (group 1, n = 43) or low salt diet plus fosinopril plus spironolactone (group 2, n = 42). Plasma PAI-1, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasma renin activity (PRA) levels were measured before and after 24 week treatment in both groups.

RESULTS: The mean basal PRA levels were similar in both groups. After antihypertensive therapy, the mean PRA increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.005). The mean plasma PAI-1 levels were reduced in both treatment groups (P < 0.005). However, the reduction in group 2 was more pronounced (P < 0.05). Although after the treatment mean plasma levels of PAI-1 significantly reduced in both groups, the reduction of PAI-1 levels was more pronounced in group 2.

CONCLUSION: Although the plasma levels of PAI-1 significantly reduced after treatment in both groups, the reduction of PAI-1 levels was more pronounced in group 2. These data indicated that administration of aldosterone antagonists in combination with ACEI had additional benefit on fibrinolysis in chronic hypertensive patients.