Angiotensin II receptor blockade and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults with elevated blood pressure

Currently, it is reported that ~65% and 34% of the U.S. population is overweight and obese, respectively. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Overweight and obese individuals are also at an increased risk of developing hypertension. Whole-body insulin sensitivity is reduced in obesity, resulting in insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. One possible mechanism contributing to insulin resistance in obesity hypertension is renin-angiotensin system (RAS) overactivation. The RAS exhibits vasocontricting and sodium-retaining properties, yet in vivo and in vitro animal experiments suggest impairment of whole-body insulin sensitivity with increased angiotensin II (Ang II) exposure. Furthermore, evidence from clinical studies indicates Ang II receptor blockers (ARBs) may reduce the incidence of new-onset diabetes compared to other antihypertensive agents in at-risk hypertensive patients. However, it is unclear if whole-body insulin sensitivity is improved with Ang II receptor blockade in humans. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that 8-week Ang II receptor blockade with olmesartan would improve whole-body insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese individuals with elevated blood pressure (BP). Olmesartan was selected for the present study because it is devoid of partial PPAR agonist activity. To test our hypothesis, intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed to measure insulin sensitivity before and after control and ARB treatment in a randomized crossover manner. Because skeletal muscle tissue accounts for ~75-90% of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, a secondary exploratory aim was to examine skeletal muscle inflammatory and collagen response in relation to insulin sensitivity during ARB treatment. No baseline differences were observed between treatments (P>0.05). Both systolic (-11.7 mmHg; P=0.008) and diastolic (-12.1 mmHg; P=0.000) BP were reduced with ARB treatment. Insulin sensitivity was not different between treatments (P>0.05). No correlates of insulin ...