Oxidant / antioxidant status and thyroid function tests in hypertensive patients treated by captopril or valsartan

Objectives: To assess, the oxidant / antioxidant status and thyroid function tests in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and the effect of therapy with captopril or valsartan for 2 months on these parameters in comparison to healthy control subjects. Methods: This study was conducted in Ibn-Sina Teaching Hospital, Consultative Clinic for Internal Medicine in Mosul city, from Jan. to Dec. 2008. Patients with certain criteria were included in this study. Blood samples were taken from the patients and assay of serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and thyroid hormones; [total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)] were done. They then started to receive either valsartan in the first group or captopril in the second group for 2 months after which another set of blood samples were taken and assayed for the same parameters mentioned above, were done. Forty apparently healthy subjects were also included in this study. They were recruited as a control group. Results: Before starting therapy newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, had a significantly higher MDA serum levels and a significantly lower TAS, with non-significant differences in the levels of thyroid hormones (TT3, TT4 & TSH) in comparison to healthy controls. After 2 months of treatment with either captopril or valsartan, there was a significant decrease in MDA serum levels and a significant increase in TAS levels with non-significant effects on thyroid hormonal levels in comparison to pre-therapy stage. Conclusion: Captopril and valsartan therapy improves oxidant / antioxidant status and carry no adverse effects on thyroid function in newly diagnosed patients with mild to moderate hypertension.