Objective Telmisartan is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activator with potent anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects. The authors compared the effects of telmisartan and valsartan on neointima volume, atherosclerosis progression and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) after stenting in hypertensive type 2 diabetes.

Design This was a prospective, randomised, 8-month follow-up study that included patients with significant coronary stenosis who received telmisartan (n=36) or valsartan (n=37).

Setting University hospital.

Main outcome measures Neointima volume and atherosclerosis progression 10 mm proximal and distal to the stented segment were analysed using repeat intravascular ultrasonography. baPWV and inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α, C-reactive protein and adiponectin were compared.

Results Neointima volume at 8 months was significantly lower in the telmisartan group than the valsartan group (1.9±1.0 vs 2.6±1.4 mm³/1 mm, p=0.007, respectively). Total plaque volumes 10 mm proximal (7.1±1.5 vs 7.8±1.6 mm³/1 mm, p=0.032, respectively) and distal (3.5±1.4 vs 4.1±1.3 mm³/1 mm, p=0.028, respectively) to the stent were significantly lower in the telmisartan group than the valsartan group at 8 months. The decrease from baseline in baPWV was significantly greater in the telmisartan group than the valsartan group (−52±104 vs 30±113 cm/s, p=0.002, respectively). The increase from baseline in adiponectin levels and the decreases from baseline in interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor α levels were significantly greater in the telmisartan group at 8 months. Retinol-binding protein-4, homeostasis model of assessment index, hemoglobin A_1c and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased significantly in both groups without differences in changes from baseline between the two groups.

Conclusions Telmisartan reduced neointima volume; atherosclerosis progression 10 mm proximal and distal to the stented segment and baPWV independent of blood pressure, glucose and lipid control in hypertensive type 2 diabetes.

Clinical trial no NCT00599885 (clinicaltrials.gov.)