Effects of Irbesartan on Phenotypic Alteration of Monocyte and Inflammatory Status of Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Background: Circulating monocytes and tissue macrophages play complex roles in pathogenesis of hypertension and its target organ damage. In this study we observed the alterations of monocyte phenotype and inflammatory state of hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the effects of Irbesartan on it. We explored new mechanisms of Irbesartan to reverse LVH and provided new targets for the prevention and treatment of hypertensive target organ damage. Methods: : The CD163 and CD206 expressions on monocytes were detected as well as the IL-10 and TNF-α levels in serum of hypertensive patients with or without LVH and healthy volunteers. Furthermore, we treated monocytes of LVH group with different concentrations of Irbesartan, and then CD163, CD206, IL-10 and TNF-α were detected. Results: : We found for the first time that the expression of CD163, CD206 and IL-10 of LVH group was lower than that of non-LVH group and healthy control, but the TNF-α level of LVH group was significantly higher. Irbesartan could upregulate the expression of CD163 and CD206 of hypertensive patients with LVH in a concentration-dependent manner. Irbesartan could also increase the expression of IL-10 and inhibit the expression of TNF-α in monocytes culture supernatant in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusions: : Our data suggests that inflammation was activated in hypertensive patients with LVH, the monocyte phenotype was mainly pro-inflammatory. The expression of pro-inflammatory factors increased while the expression of anti-inflammatory factors decreased. Irbesartan could alter monocyte phenotype and inflammatory status in hypertensive patients with LVH, which may be a new mechanism of Irbesartan to reverse LVH. Trail registration: The study protocols were approved by the Ethical Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. Each patient signed the informed consent.