Comparative Effects of a New Cardioselective Beta-Blocker Nebivolol and Nifedipine Sustained-Release on 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Plasma Lipoproteins

Cardiovascular benefits of air purifier in patients with stable coronary artery disease: A randomized single-blind crossover study

Background

Exposure to PM_2.5 will accelerate the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Air purifier can reduce the PM_2.5 exposure and theoretically alleviate the influence of PM_2.5 on patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). However, few studies of the protective effect showed significant results because the interferent effects of routine medication had not been taken into account. In order to explore the actual effect on patients with SCAD, we conducted a randomized single-blind crossover air purifier intervention trial.

Method

Levels of PM_2.5 exposure during intervention and cardiovascular indicators (inflammation, coagulation, plaque stability, and blood lipids) after intervention were detected, meanwhile the information of drug use was obtained by questionnaire. The kinds of drug used by more than 20% of the subjects were sorted out. And the influence of these drugs on cardiovascular indicators was summarized through literature review. Based on that, the drug use was included as a variable in linear mixed effects models that used to analyze the associations between PM_2.5 exposure reduction by air purifier and cardiovascular indicators.

Results

The result revealed that the interpretation contribution rate of drug use was more than that of PM_2.5 exposure. The level of C-reactive protein significantly decreased by 20.93% (95%CI: 6.56%, 33.10%), 23.44% (95%CI: 2.77%, 39.39%) and 24.11% (95%CI: 4.21%, 39.69%) on lag1, lag01 and lag02 respectively, while the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased by 5.10% (95%CI: 0.69%, 9.05%), 3.71% (95%CI: 0.92%, 6.60%) and 6.48% (95%CI: 2.58%, 10.24%) respectively on lag0, lag1 and lag01 associated with an interquartile range decrease of 22.51 μg/m³ in PM_2.5 exposure.

Conclusion

The study shows positive effects of air purifier on SCAD, and also provides methodological reference for future related research.

Therapeutic Properties of Highly Selective β-blockers With or Without Additional Vasodilator Properties: Focus on Bisoprolol and Nebivolol in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Bisoprolol and nebivolol are highly selective β₁-adrenoceptor antagonists, with clinical indications in many countries within the management of heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and hypertension. Nebivolol has additional vasodilator actions, related to enhanced release of NO in the vascular wall. In principle, this additional mechanism compared with bisoprolol might lead to more potent vasodilatation, which in turn might influence the effectiveness of nebivolol in the management of HFrEF, IHD and hypertension. In this article, we review the therapeutic properties of bisoprolol and nebivolol, as representatives of “second generation” and “third generation” β-blockers, respectively. Although head-to-head trials are largely lacking, there is no clear indication from published studies of an additional effect of nebivolol on clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF or the magnitude of reductions of BP in patients with hypertension.

Nebivolol for the Treatment of Essential Systemic Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide, and systemic arterial hypertension is associated with a large number of these cases. The objective of health professionals and health policies should be searching for the best therapeutics to control this disease. A recent consensus indicated that β-blockers have recently lost their place in initial indications for the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension and are now more indicated for the treatment of hypertension in association with other clinical situations such as angina, heart failure and arrhythmia; however, it is known that this approach was based on studies that evaluated older β-blockers such as atenolol.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to perform a systematic review with subsequent meta-analysis on the use of nebivolol for hypertensive disease treatment, comparing it with drugs of the main antihypertensive classes.

METHODS

This systematic review was based on a search of the MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Scopus, Cochrane, International Pharmaceuticals Abstracts (IPA), and Lilacs databases for randomized and double-blind clinical trials. In addition, we also searched for gray literature studies, to 31 July 2015. Next, a cumulative meta-analysis was performed, with studies being added in a sequential manner, evaluating their impact on the combined effect. For this project, we only meta-analyzed direct comparisons of random effect.

RESULTS

Overall, 981 clinical trials were included in this systematic review. After careful analysis, 34 randomized and double-blind clinical trials were included to investigate the efficacy of nebivolol on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) control and adverse effects. The study population comprised 12,465 patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) aged between 18 and 85 years; 17% of subjects were of Black ethnicity, approximately 55% were men, and almost 10% had diabetes. In SBP management, nebivolol was superior to other β-blockers and diuretics and showed no difference in efficacy when compared with angiotensin receptor blockers or calcium channel blockers. There were insufficient studies on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for adequate comparison of both SBP and DBP control. For DBP control, nebivolol was more efficient than other β-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.

DISCUSSION

Nebivolol is a third-generation β-blocker with additional capabilities to improve blood pressure levels in patients with arterial hypertension, because it acts by additional mechanisms such as endothelium-dependent vasodilation associated with L-arginine and oxide nitric acid, nitric oxide activity on smooth muscle cells, decreasing platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion in the endothelium, decreasing oxidative stress. Although nebivolol has shown good results in controlling hypertension in this study (with few adverse events when compared with placebo treatment) and has an unquestionable benefit in individuals with heart failure (mainly with reduced ejection fraction), there is a lack of studies proving the benefit of this drug for controlling hypertension and reducing clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular (or general) mortality, acute myocardial infarction, or stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Nebivolol demonstrated at least similar control of blood pressure levels in hypertensive individuals when compared with drugs of the most used classes. In addition, in relation to the control of arterial hypertension, studies with clinical outcomes should be performed to ensure the use of this drug in detriment to others with these well-established results.

Efficacy and Safety of Nebivolol and Rosuvastatin Combination Treatment in Patients with Concomitant Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nebivolol and rosuvastatin combination treatment in patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients, after more than 4 weeks of therapeutic lifestyle change, were randomly assigned to three groups: 5 mg nebivolol plus 20 mg rosuvastatin (NEBI/RSV), 20 mg rosuvastatin (RSV), or 5 mg nebivolol (NEBI). Treatments lasted 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Efficacy was analyzed using data from 276 patients. Sitting systolic and diastolic blood pressures differed between the NEBI/RSV and RSV groups (LSmean difference = -5.89 and -5.99 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -9.88 to -1.90 mmHg and -8.13 to -3.84 mmHg, respectively). Reductions in the two pressures did not differ between the NEB/RSV and NEB groups. The percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol differed between the NEBI/RSV and NEBI groups (LSmean difference = -47.76%, 95% CI = -52.69 to -42.84%) but not between the NEBI/RSV and RSV groups. The blood pressure (BP) control rate was higher in the NEBI/RSV group than in the RVS group (51.09% vs 29.67%, p = 0.003). The LDL cholesterol goal achievement rate was higher in the NEBI/RSV group than in the NEBI group (85.87% vs 11.83%, p < 0.001). The incidence of adverse drug reactions in the NEBI/RSV, RSV, and NEBI groups was 8.51%, 7.45%, and 8.60%, respectively (p = 0.950).

CONCLUSION

Nebivolol plus rosuvastatin treatment is effective in reducing BP and LDL cholesterol levels and is safe in patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia without the loss of BP or the LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of each drug.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRIS registration number KCT0002148.

Differential Metabolic Effects of Beta-Blockers: an Updated Systematic Review of Nebivolol

Blood pressure management in hypertensive patients with metabolic abnormalities is challenging, since many of the antihypertensive drugs adversely affect metabolism. Besides effective control of blood pressure in patients with hypertension, third-generation beta-blockers such as nebivolol offer additional benefits for central hemodynamics and neutral or beneficial effects on metabolism. Emerging clinical data suggest that nebivolol also has similar effects on metabolism in obese hypertensive and hypertensive diabetic patients. The present article will provide a systematic analysis of the pathophysiological links among hypertension, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. We will also summarize the available clinical evidence regarding the metabolic effects of beta-blockers in hypertensive patients, with an emphasis on nebivolol. Nebivolol exerts neutral or beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients, owing to its nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatory and antioxidative properties. Thus, nebivolol could be a favorable therapeutic option for the treatment of hypertension in patients with impaired glucose and lipid metabolism.

The evolving role of β-adrenergic receptor blockers in managing hypertension

β-Adrenergic blocking agents (or β-blockers) have been widely used for the treatment of hypertension for the past 50 years, and continue to be recommended as a mainstay of therapy in many national guidelines. They have also been used in a variety of cardiovascular conditions commonly complicating hypertension, including angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (MI), acute and chronic heart failure, as well as conditions like essential tremor and migraine. Moreover, they have played a primary role in controlling blood pressure in patients with these specific comorbidities and in reducing cardiovascular risk with regard to the composite outcome of death, stroke, and MI among patients younger than 60 years of age. However, in patients 60 years of age or older, β-blockers were not associated with significantly lower rates of MI, heart failure or death, and demonstrated higher rates of stroke compared with other first-line therapies. Consequently, the Canadian Hypertension Education Program recommends the use of β-blockers as first-line therapy in hypertensive patients younger than 60 years of age but not for those age 60 and older, with the exception of patients with concomitant β-blocker-requiring cardiac diseases. Several reports suggest that the lack of consistent outcome data may relate to the use of traditional β-blockers such as atenolol and their ability only to reduce cardiac output, without beneficial effect on peripheral vascular resistance. The present report will describe the clinically relevant mechanisms of action of β-blockers, their pharmacological differences, their metabolic effects, and their usefulness in patients with hypertension.

The role of vasodilating β-blockers in controlling arterial hypertension as a means of reducing cardiovascular and stroke risk

β-blockers have played a key role in the management of hypertension-related cardiovascular disease for decades, and continue to be recommended as a mainstay of therapy in national guidelines statements. Recent data have shown less optimal reductions in total mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events with β-blockers compared with renin-angiotensin system-blocking agents or calcium channel blockers. The β-blocker class, however, spans a wide range of agents, and the growing concern about the risk-benefit profile of β-blockers should not be generalized to later-generation vasodilating β-blockers such as carvedilol and nebivolol. A growing database from hypertension studies confirms the clinical efficacy and safety of vasodilating β-blockers, and outcome studies indicate that these agents can play an important role in global CVD reduction in patients with hypertensive or ischemic heart failure.

One size does not fit all: the role of vasodilating beta-blockers in controlling hypertension as a means of reducing cardiovascular and stroke risk

Beta-blockers have played a key role in the management of hypertension-related cardiovascular disease for decades, and continue to be recommended as a mainstay of therapy in national guidelines statements. Recent data have shown less optimal reductions in total mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events with beta-blockers compared with renin-angiotensin system-blocking agents or calcium channel blockers. The beta-blocker class, however, spans a wide range of agents, and the growing concern about the risk-benefit profile of beta-blockers should not be generalized to later-generation vasodilating beta-blockers such as carvedilol and nebivolol. A growing database from hypertension studies confirms the clinical efficacy and safety of vasodilating beta-blockers, and outcome studies indicate that these agents can play an important role in global CVD reduction in patients with hypertensive or ischemic heart failure.

Efficacy and tolerability of nebivolol compared with other antihypertensive drugs: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Lowering BP to normal levels without quality of life deterioration is the most important means of reducing cardiovascular risk. Recent studies have challenged the position of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (beta-blockers) as first-line antihypertensive drugs. Nebivolol is a third-generation, highly selective beta(1)-blocker that causes vasodilation through nitric oxide (NO) release. This meta-analysis investigates the efficacy and tolerability of nebivolol compared with other antihypertensive drugs and placebo in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

Twelve randomized controlled studies were included in which nebivolol 5 mg once daily was compared with the recommended clinical doses of other antihypertensive drugs (n = 9), placebo (n = 2), and both (n = 1). The clinical studies were selected after a MEDLINE search up to 2007 using the key words 'nebivolol' and 'hypertension.'

RESULTS

Antihypertensive response rates (the percentage of patients achieving target BP levels or a defined DBP reduction) were higher with nebivolol than with ACE inhibitors (odds ratio [OR] 1.92; p = 0.001) and all antihypertensive drugs combined (OR 1.41; p = 0.001) and similar to beta-blockers, calcium channel antagonists (CCAs) and the angiotensin receptor antagonist (ARA) losartan. Moreover, a higher percentage of patients receiving nebivolol achieved target BP levels compared with patients treated with losartan (OR 1.98; p = 0.004), CCAs (OR 1.44; p = 0.024), and all antihypertensive drugs combined (OR 1.35; p = 0.012). The percentage of patients experiencing adverse events did not differ between nebivolol and placebo; adverse event rates were significantly lower with nebivolol than losartan (OR 0.52; p = 0.016), other beta-blockers (OR 0.56; p = 0.007), nifedipine (OR 0.49; p < 0.001), and all antihypertensive drugs combined (OR 0.59; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Results of previous pharmacokinetic studies suggest that nebivolol 5 mg may not conform completely to the definition of a classic beta-blocker demonstrating additional antihypertensive effect due to endothelial NO release-mediated vasodilation. This meta-analysis showed that nebivolol 5 mg achieved similar or better rates of treatment response and BP normalization than other drug classes and other antihypertensive drugs combined, with similar tolerability to placebo and significantly better tolerability than losartan, CCAs, other beta-blockers, and all antihypertensive drugs combined. Although not definitive, this meta-analysis suggests that nebivolol 5 mg is likely to have advantages over existing antihypertensives and may have a role in the first-line treatment of hypertension.

Nebivolol: pharmacologic profile of an ultraselective, vasodilatory beta1-blocker

Beta-blockers are well-established therapeutic agents in the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, these agents are highly heterogeneous. Beta-blockers differ in their ancillary pharmacologic properties, which are clinically important. Nebivolol is a highly selective beta(1)-adrenergic receptor blocker that induces vasodilation through stimulation of the endothelial nitric oxide/L-arginine pathway. As a racemic mixture of d- and l-enantiomers, nebivolol is highly lipophilic and rapidly absorbed. Nebivolol undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism through the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) system. As a result of genetic polymorphisms, CYP2D6 has variable activity, manifested by extensive and poor metabolizers of nebivolol. Time to maximum concentration is 0.5 to 2 hours, and half-life is 11 hours in extensive metabolizers; these values are about 3 times longer in poor metabolizers. Urinary and fecal excretion of unchanged nebivolol is less than 0.5% of the dose. Nebivolol has a unique hemodynamic profile of reduced systemic vascular resistance and increased left ventricular function. These properties are attributed to its vasodilating action and contrast with the hemodynamic effects of conventional beta-blockers. Nebivolol is thus a novel beta-blocker with several important pharmacologic properties that distinguish it from traditional beta-blockers. These unique properties may confer clinical benefits beyond simple blood pressure lowering.

Metabolic profile of nebivolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with unique characteristics

beta-Adrenoceptor antagonists (beta-blockers) have historically been considered an effective and safe option for first-line treatment of hypertension. However, very recently, it has been proposed that beta-blockers should no longer be considered suitable for first-line therapy in the patient with uncomplicated hypertension because of unfavourable morbidity and mortality data. New evidence from recent clinical studies of nebivolol, a third-generation highly selective beta(1)-blocker with additional endothelial nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilating activity, confirms previous findings that this drug differs from other beta-blockers. The combined mechanisms of beta-adrenoceptor antagonism and NO-mediated vasodilation may potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effect of this agent, and confer a broader favourable metabolic profile, which may be clinically relevant for hypertensive patients. The antioxidant properties of nebivolol and its neutral or even favourable effects on both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are well documented. These properties consistently differentiate nebivolol from nonvasodilating beta-blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol or bisoprolol. Therapeutic indications for beta-blockers include a wide range of co-morbidities found in hypertensive patients, including ischaemic heart disease, tachyarrhythmias and heart failure. Given that the majority of hypertensive patients require more than one drug to control blood pressure, the multiple mechanisms of action and favourable metabolic profile of nebivolol could make it an alternative therapeutic option for hypertensive patients requiring beta-adrenoceptor therapy.

Nebivolol: third-generation β-blockade

Nebivolol is a third generation beta-blocker. It is highly selective for the beta1-adrenoceptor, and has additional nitric oxide-mediated vasodilating and antioxidant properties, along with a favourable metabolic profile. Nebivolol is well tolerated by patients with hypertension and heart failure. Although several smaller studies were conducted with nebivolol in hypertensive patients, no large randomised clinical trials have been performed to prove efficacy on hard clinical end points. In patients with heart failure, a large mortality/morbidity trial was conducted, and nebivolol was shown to reduce the composite end point of mortality and hospitalisations. Nebivolol is registered, in Europe, for mild-to-moderate, uncomplicated hypertension and mild-to-moderate heart failure; and outside Europe, for hypertension. This review describes experimental and clinical data regarding this selective beta-blocker with vasodilating and antioxidant effects.

Nebivolol: a novel beta-blocker with nitric oxide-induced vasodilatation

Nebivolol is a novel beta₁-blocker with a greater degree of selectivity for beta₁-adrenergic receptors than other agents in this class and a nitric oxide (NO)-potentiating, vasodilatory effect that is unique among beta-blockers currently available to clinicians (nebivolol is approved in Europe and is currently under review in the US). A NO-potentiating agent such as nebivolol may have an important role in hypertensive populations with reduced endothelial function such as diabetics, African-Americans and those with vascular disease. Nebivolol is a racemic mixture with beta-blocker activity residing in the d-isomer; in contrast, l-nebivolol is far more potent in facilitating NO release. Nebivolol is unique among beta-blockers in that, at doses <10 mg, it does not inhibit the increase in heart rate normally seen with exercise. The efficacy of nebivolol has been tested successfully in clinical trials against other agents including other beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors and calcium channel antagonists in patients with hypertension, angina, and congestive heart failure. The tolerability of nebivolol has been shown to be superior to that of atenolol and metoprolol. In controlled clinical trials, nebivolol has a side effect profile that is similar to placebo, in particular as it relates to fatigue and sexual dysfunction. This article will review published clinical data regarding this cardioselective beta-blocker.

Nebivolol: a third-generation beta-adrenergic blocker

OBJECTIVE

To describe the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of a new beta-adrenergic blocker, nebivolol, and review the literature evaluating its efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

DATA SOURCES

Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1996-May 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-May 2006), using the key word nebivolol. Additional references were selected from the bibliographies of the articles cited. Searches were not limited by language, time, or human subject.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Preclinical studies evaluating the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of nebivolol in humans were selected for review. Randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trials assessing the efficacy of nebivolol for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure were also included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Preclinical data have established nebivolol as a third-generation beta-adrenergic blocker, as it possesses vasodilatory properties that contribute to its hemodynamic effects beyond those achieved at beta-adrenergic receptors. Short-term, randomized, controlled clinical trials have shown nebivolol to be as effective as other antihypertensive therapies at lowering blood pressure. One long-term trial showed a significant reduction in death and hospital admissions for cardiovascular causes when nebivolol was compared with placebo in patients with heart failure (31.1% vs 65.3%; HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Nebivolol is a novel beta-adrenergic blocker that possesses unique pharmacologic properties, compared with other agents in its class. Nebivolol appears to be as effective as other antihypertensive agents at lowering blood pressure and possesses benefits for patients with heart failure. Additional studies are needed to address the long-term benefits of nebivolol for hypertension, to compare nebivolol with other beta-adrenergic blockers for heart failure, and to investigate the clinical relevance of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.

Comparative effects of nebivolol and metoprolol on oxidative stress, insulin resistance, plasma adiponectin and soluble P-selectin levels in hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of nebivolol on oxidative stress, insulin resistance, adiponectin and plasma soluble P-selectin levels in hypertensive patients in comparison with metoprolol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty newly diagnosed hypertensive patients in grade 1 hypertension according to the European Society of Hypertension and European Society of Cardiology guidelines were enrolled in this prospective, blinded, randomized study. Seventy-two patients completed the study. After baseline assessment, each patient was randomly allocated to a 5 mg daily dose of nebivolol (n = 37, 20 male) or a 100 mg daily dose of metoprolol (n = 35, 18 male) and treated for 6 months. Blood pressure, heart rate, oxidative stress (malonyldialdehyde), homeostasis model assessment: insulin resistance, adiponectin and plasma soluble P-selectin levels were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, nebivolol and metoprolol significantly decreased blood pressure and heart rate, with a more pronounced bradycardic effect of metoprolol. Nebivolol, but not metoprolol, significantly lowered oxidative stress (P = 0.03), the insulin resistance index (P = 0.003) and plasma soluble P-selectin levels (P = 0.008), and increased adiponectin levels (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Nebivolol, in contrast to metoprolol, improved oxidative stress, insulin sensitivity, decreased plasma soluble P-selectin and increased adiponectin levels in hypertensive patients. These beneficial effects of nebivolol may contribute to a reduction in cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.

Effect of treatment with nebivolol on parameters of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetics with mild to moderate hypertension

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the cadioselective B(1)-adrenoceptor blocker nebivolol on glycaemic control, lipid profile and markers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes over a 6-month period.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with mild to moderate hypertension (140-160 mmHg systolic, 90-105 mmHg diastolic) confirmed on 24-h blood pressure monitoring, were treated with nebivolol 5 mg daily for 6 months. Total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions, lipid hydroperoxides (LHPs) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured before and after 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Nebivolol, as expected, reduced mean daytime systolic and diastolic pressures on ambulatory monitoring (149 +/- 9 to 140 +/- 13 mmHg, P = 0.02 and 84 +/- 7 to 77 +/- 9 mmHg, P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in serum cholesterol or triglycerides following treatment but a significant increase in HDL cholesterol was noted (1.12 +/- 0.19 to 1.25 +/- 0.36 mmol/L, P = 0.008). Patients showed a highly significant reduction in TAC from 501 +/- 57 to 422 +/- 29 trolox equivalent (P < 0.001). Baseline LHPs were very high and showed no significant change over the 6-month period (18.7 +/- 7.4 and 18.7 +/- 10.9 micromol/L). The LDL score increased significantly from 1.7 +/- 0.7 to 2.3 +/- 0.7 (P = 0.0002) at 6 months suggesting a change to a more atherogenic lipid profile. Neither weight nor glycaemic control changed during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Nebivolol appears to be lipid neutral and may even have a positive effect on HDL cholesterol. Despite this it may promote the formation of potentially atherogenic LDL subfractions possibly as a result of reduced antioxidant defences. Further studies are needed to clarify the changes observed in parameters of oxidative stress.

Nebivolol

Nebivolol is a third-generation beta-adrenoceptor antagonist. It differs from other beta-adrenoceptor antagonists as it combines highly selective beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist properties with nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatory actions and beneficial effects on endothelial function. Nebivolol is approved in Europe and several other countries for the treatment of essential hypertension and in Europe for the treatment of stable mild or moderate chronic heart failure (CHF) in addition to standard therapies in elderly patients aged >or=70 years. Nebivolol is an effective antihypertensive agent and is well tolerated in patients with hypertension. The drug also effectively decreased the composite endpoint of mortality and cardiovascular hospital admission in elderly patients with CHF and was generally well tolerated in this population. Nebivolol should be considered as an alternative first-line treatment option for patients with uncomplicated mild to moderate essential hypertension and in elderly patients with CHF.

Nebivolol: a review

Nebivolol is a vasodilating beta-blocker, which can be distinguished from other beta-blockers by its haemodynamic profile. It combines beta-adrenergic blocking activity with a vasodilating effect mediated by the endothelial L-arginine nitric oxide (NO) pathway. The blood pressure lowering effect of nebivolol is linked to a reduction in peripheral resistance and an increase in stroke volume and preservation of cardiac output. The effects of nebivolol have been compared with other beta-blockers and also with other classes of antihypertensive agents. In general, response rates to treatment are higher and the frequency and severity of adverse events are either comparable or lower with nebivolol. Endothelium-derived NO is important in the regulation of large arterial stiffness, which in turn is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, antihypertensive drugs, such as nebivolol, that also improve endothelial function and decrease arterial stiffness, may contribute to a reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Vasodilating beta-adrenoceptor blockers as cardiovascular therapeutics

beta-Adrenoceptor blocking agents (beta-blockers) have been established as therapeutics for treatment of patients with hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, chronic heart failure, arrhythmias, and glaucoma. However, their clinical use is limited because some patients are adversely affected by their side effects. The discovery of cardioselective (beta(1)-selective) blockers has overcome some of the problems. Current retrospective studies have revealed that vasodilating beta-blockers (so-called beta-blockers of the third generation) have advantages over the conventional type of beta-blockers in terms of minimizing the adverse effects and improving the disease-derived dysfunction, thus enhancing the quality of life variables. Some of the possible advantages include improvement of insulin resistance, decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in association with increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, attenuation of bronchial asthma attack and respiratory dysfunction, alleviation of coronary vasospasm provocation, peripheral circulatory disturbances, and erectile dysfunction, and better patient compliance. Release of nitric oxide, antioxidant action, beta(2)-adrenoceptor activation, Ca(2+) entry blockade, and other mechanisms underlying the vasodilating action may be responsible for the beneficial therapeutic effects of these agents.

Does QTc interval predict the response to beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers in hypertensives?

The QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) is believed to reflect sympathovagal balance. It has also been established that beta-blockers and dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blockers (DHPCCB) influence the autonomic nervous system. This study tested the hypothesis that QTc interval length is a predictor of the blood pressure reduction induced by beta1-selective beta-blockers or DHPCCB. The predictive values of pretreatment heart rate and of the heart rate change with therapy were also evaluated. The authors conducted an historical reanalysis of 5 clinical trials that looked at the antihypertensive effects of beta-blockers (nebivolol) or DHPCCB (amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, nifedipine). Correlation and quintile analyses were performed to measure the association between QTc interval, heart rate, or heart rate change and therapeutic blood pressure response. Separate analyses were undertaken for beta-blockers and DHPCCB. Seventy-three and 98 hypertensive subjects respectively were included in the beta-blocker and DHPCCB analyses. QTc interval, pretreatment heart rate, and heart rate change with therapy were not associated with therapeutic blood pressure response. In this study, QTc interval length, pretreatment heart rate, and heart rate change with therapy were not good predictors of the blood pressure response to beta1-selective beta-blockers or DHPCCB in hypertensive subjects.

The combination of nebivolol plus pravastatin is associated with a more beneficial metabolic profile compared to that of atenolol plus pravastatin in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia: a pilot study

Nebivolol, a selective beta1-lipophilic blocker, achieves blood pressure control by modulating nitric oxide release in addition to b-blockade. This dual mechanism of action could result in minimum interference with lipid metabolism compared to atenolol, a classic beta1-selective blocker. Hypertensive patients commonly exhibit lipid abnormalities and frequently require statins in combination with the anti-hypertensive therapy. We conducted this trial in order to clarify the effect on the metabolic profile of beta-blocker therapy with atenolol or nebivolol alone, or in conjunction with pravastatin. Thirty hypertensive hyperlipidemic men and women (total cholesterol >240 mg/dL [6.2 mmol/L], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >190 mg/dL [4.9 mmol/L], triglycerides <500 mg/dL [5.6 mmol/L]) were separated in two groups. One group consisted of 15 subjects on atenolol therapy (50 mg daily), and the other group included 15 subjects on nebivolol therapy (5 mg daily). After 12 weeks of beta-blocker therapy, pravastatin (40 mg daily) was added in both groups for another 12 weeks. Atenolol significantly increased triglyceride levels by 19% (P=.05), while nebivolol showed a trend to increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 8% (NS) and to decrease triglyceride levels by 5% (NS). Atenolol significantly increased lipoprotein(a) by 30% (P=.028). Fibrinogen levels were equally and not significantly decreased in both groups by 9% and 7%, respectively. Furthermore, atenolol and nebivolol decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels by 14% (P=.05) and 15% (P=.05), respectively. On the other hand, both atenolol and nebivolol showed a trend to increase homocysteine levels (NS) by 13% and 11%, respectively. Although uric acid levels remained the same, atenolol significantly increased the fractional excretion of uric acid by 33% (P=.03). Following nebivolol administration, glucose levels remained the same, while insulin levels were reduced by 10% and the HOMA index (fasting glucose levels multiplied by fasting insulin levels and divided by 22.5) was reduced by 20% (P=.05). There were no significant differences between the two patient groups in the measured parameters after the administration of beta-blockers, except for triglycerides (P<.05) and the HOMA index (P=.05). The addition of pravastatin to all patients (n=30) decreased total cholesterol by 21% (P<.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 28% (P<.001), apolipoprotein-B by 22% (P<.001), apolipoprotein-E by 15% (P=.014) and lipoprotein(a) levels by 12% (P=.023). Moreover, homocysteine levels and C-reactive protein were reduced by 17% (P=.05) and 43% (P=.05), respectively. We conclude that nebivolol seems to be a more appropriate therapy in hypertensive patients with hyperlipidemia and carbohydrate intolerance. Finally, the addition of pravastatin could further correct the well-established predictors of cardiovascular events.

Metabolic effects and safety profile of nebivolol

Nebivolol, compared with classical beta-blockers, exerts a high selectivity for beta-adrenergic receptors and also reduces peripheral vascular resistance by modulating nitric oxide (NO) release. This dual mechanism of action leads to effective control of blood pressure at a low degree of beta-blockade and explains the lack of any interference with lipid metabolism. For the same reason, the tolerability profile of nebivolol is highly favorable compared with the classical beta-blockers, with less fatigue and dyspnea in hypertensive subjects, and with an improvement of functional capacity and exercise tolerance in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Furthermore, contrary to atenolol and propranolol, nebivolol does not diminish specific airway conductance. Compared with other first-line antihypertensive agents, nebivolol was shown to be better tolerated than nifedipine and enalapril, and to have a positive effect on general wellbeing. Among the currently available antihypertensive drugs, nebivolol therefore appears to have a most alteractive safety and tolerability profile, which can be attributed to its NO-mediated effects allowing effective control of hypertension at a lower degree of beta-blockade than with first-generation beta-blockers.

Effects of nebivolol and atenolol on insulin sensitivity and haemodynamics in hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of nebivolol and atenolol in 25 ambulatory hypertensive patients with impaired glucose tolerance.

DESIGN

Clinic and ambulatory blood pressure, insulin sensitivity (euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp), glucose tolerance (intravenous glucose tolerance test), systemic and regional haemodynamics were measured after 4 weeks of placebo and after each 16-week treatment period in a double-blind, crossover fashion.

RESULTS

Nebivolol and atenolol similarly reduced (P< 0.001) clinic and ambulatory blood pressure by approximately 15/10 mmHg, systolic and diastolic. Clinic and ambulatory heart rate was reduced to a greater extent (P < 0.01) by atenolol than nebivolol. Atenolol was associated with an approximately 20% reduction in insulin sensitivity (insulin-induced glucose disposal rate/mean insulin concentration ratio, P < 0.01) and an approximately 10% reduction in glucose disappearance rate (K-value, P < 0.05), whereas these variables were not significantly modified with nebivolol. Cardiac output was reduced similarly (P < 0.05) by both drugs at rest but forearm blood flow, forearm vascular resistance or total peripheral resistance were unaffected. A significant inverse correlation coefficient between cardiac output and insulin sensitivity was found at baseline, suggesting that a compensatory increase in systemic blood flow occurs in hypertensive patients with progressively more marked insulin resistance. This relationship was unaffected by nebivolol but was lost with atenolol.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that insulin sensitivity was not modified significantly by nebivolol, whereas it was reduced by atenolol, although blood pressure was decreased to the same extent by both drugs. Neither drug induced systemic or forearm vasodilatation but the inverse relationship between cardiac output and insulin sensitivity was preserved with nebivolol but not with atenolol.

Nebivolol in the management of essential hypertension: a review

Nebivolol is a lipophilic beta1-blocker. It is devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic or membrane stabilising activity but appears to have nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatory effects. Nebivolol is administered as a racemic mixture of equal proportions of d- and l-enantiomers. The drug does not significantly influence glucose or plasma lipid metabolism and appears to have a protective effect on left ventricular function. At the recommended dosage (5 mg once daily) nebivolol reduces resting diastolic blood pressure as effectively as standard therapeutic dosages of atenolol, metoprolol, lisinopril and nifedipine, as shown in comparative trials. Nebivolol reduced blood pressure significantly more than enalapril 10 mg daily in the short but not the long term, although the enalapril dose may not have been optimal. Nebivolol has an additive effect in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. Standing blood pressure and/or mean 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure is significantly and similarly reduced with nebivolol, atenolol or nifedipine. Nebivolol tended to prevent increases in early morning blood pressure better than nifedipine. Overall response rates to nebivolol therapy (a decrease in sitting/supine diastolic blood pressure to < or = 90 mm Hg or a 10% or > or = 10 mm Hg fall in diastolic blood pressure) ranged from 58 to 81% after 4 to 52 weeks' treatment. In comparative studies, response rates were greater in nebivolol than in enalapril or metoprolol recipients, but not significantly different from those in atenolol or nifedipine recipients. Nebivolol 5 mg once daily is well tolerated in patients with hypertension. Adverse events are infrequent, transient and mild to moderate. Those reported most often include headache, fatigue, paraesthesias and dizziness. Several studies reported no signs of orthostatic hypotension with nebivolol. Comparative trials revealed no significant differences between the frequency and severity of adverse events in patients receiving nebivolol, atenolol, enalapril or placebo; however, the overall incidence of adverse events was greater with nifedipine or metoprolol. Some atenolol or enalapril, but not nebivolol, recipients reported impotence or decreased libido during therapy.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence indicates that nebivolol 5 mg once daily is a well tolerated beta-blocker, which is as effective as once daily atenolol and other classes of antihypertensive agents. It may therefore be recommended as a useful alternative first-line treatment option for the management of patients with mild to moderate uncomplicated essential hypertension.