Hypertension Management: Rationale for Triple Therapy Based on Mechanisms of Action

Triple Antihypertensive Medication Prediction Score After Intracerebral Hemorrhage (the TRICH Score)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Poor long-term blood pressure (BP) control due to undertreatment of hypertension is not uncommon after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). It heightens the risk of ICH recurrence and subsequent stroke, which is the highest within the first year. Promptly achieving BP targets would significantly reduce these risks. To accomplish this, upfront triple antihypertensive medications could be prescribed soon after ICH because many ICH survivors require ≥3 antihypertensives. However, not all would suit this approach, particularly those with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), where elevated admission BP may be due to acute hypertensive response rather than underlying hypertension. In addition, overtreatment and excessive BP lowering would cause more side effects and have been associated with increased mortality in older patients. Hence, to facilitate individualized treatment, we aimed to develop a score (TRICH) to predict the need for ≥3 antihypertensives at 3 months after ICH.

METHODS

We developed the score using data from the University of Hong Kong prospective ICH registry (2011-2022) and validated it in 3 hospitals (2020-2022) locally. Consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH who survived >90 days and had follow-up BP 3 months after ICH were included. Predictors for needing ≥3 antihypertensive medications at 3 months were identified using multivariate logistic regression, and the score was created using the β-coefficients.

RESULTS

The TRICH score was developed from 462 patients (mean age 66.6 ± 14.3 years, 60% male) and validated in 203 patients (mean age 66.3 ± 14.6 years, 62% male). The 9-point score (age younger than 60 years = 1, male = 1, ischemic heart disease = 1, admission estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 = 2, admission systolic BP 190-230 mm Hg = 2 while >230 mm Hg = 4) has a c-statistic (95% CI) of 0.79 (0.75-0.83) in the development cohort and 0.76 (0.69-0.82) in validation. A dichotomized score (≥3 points) predicted the need for ≥3 antihypertensives with 0.73 (95% CI 0.67-0.80) sensitivity and 0.76 (95% CI 0.70-0.81) specificity. The score performed better in patients with untreated/uncontrolled hypertension before ICH than in controlled patients (c-statistic [95% CI] 0.81 [0.77-0.86] vs 0.74 [0.69-0.80], p = 0.037) but showed no difference between patients with CAA and non-CAA patients.

DISCUSSION

The TRICH score identifies patients with ICH who need ≥3 antihypertensive medications 3 months after ICH with good discrimination ability. It may guide upfront triple antihypertensive prescription, but further research is warranted, particularly in non-Han Chinese populations.

Enhancing the practicality along with greenness sustainability of a high throughput HPLC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of amlodipine, perindopril, and its active metabolite perindoprilat in human plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of amlodipine and perindopril combination therapy in decreasing blood pressure and improving outcomes for high-risk patients. In order to assess the pharmacokinetics of the 2 drugs along with perindoprilat; the active metabolite of perindopril, a simultaneous LC-MS/MS quantification method of amlodipine (AML), perindopril (PER) and perindoprilat (LAT) in human plasma has been developed and validated using amlodipine D4, perindopril D4 and perindoprilat D4 as internal standards (ISs), respectively. A simple and fast protein precipitation method was used to analyze the three analytes from K3EDTA human plasma. The chromatographic separation included the use of a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) and 0.2 % aqueous formic acid (60:40, v/v) as a mobile phase pumped onto a Zorbax® SB-AQ C18 column. Detection was carried out using a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode. This method exhibited great sensitivity (LLOQ of 0.2 ng/mL for AML and PER and 0.4 ng/mL for LAT), linearity, accuracy (ranging from 97.64 % to 110.28 %), precision (ranging from 2.54 % to 7.60 %), and stability. The method showed good linearity over the range of (0.2-10 ng/mL) for AML, (0.2-160 ng/mL) for PER and (0.4-80 ng/mL) for LAT. The average extraction recoveries of AML, PER and LAT samples were between 81.92 % and 85.07 %. Total elution time was as low as 3 min only. In addition, to ensure the practicality of the developed method, BAGI tool was applied, and the current method has achieved the highest score among the compared methods. Moreover, the sustainability of the proposed method was evaluated using AGREE tool and RGB 12 paradigm showing remarkable sustainability. The developed method is fast, accurate, sensitive, reproducible, ecofriendly, sustainable and suitable for the determination of the concentration of the cited analytes in human plasma. Moreover, it was applied for the bioequivalence study of a generic product to the innovator.

ACE inhibitors from Suaeda salsa: 3D-QSAR modeling, metabolomics, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

Inhibition of ACE is considered as one of the main strategies to reduce hypertension. ACE inhibitors derived from Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) present a novel antihypertensive agent source. This study employed 3D-QSAR pharmacophore, metabolomics, docking-based screening, and molecular dynamics simulations to identify ACE inhibitors from S. salsa. A set of 53 known molecules was chemically diverse to construct a 3D-QSAR model for predictive purposes. S. salsa was characterized using UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and UPLC-Q-TOF-LC-MS techniques, 211 and 586 kinds of bioactive metabolites were identified, respectively. A total of 680 compounds were collected for database construction and virtual screening. An ADMET assessment was conducted to evaluate drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics parameters. Moreover, molecular docking results show that six top hit compounds bind to ACE tightly. Specially, diosmin could interact with ACE by hydrogen bond, Pi-cation bond, and metal bond. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MMPBSA calculations were subsequently employed to elucidate complex stability and the interaction between diosmin and ACE, indicating it a strong ACE inhibitory activity. In conclusion, this study suggests that S.salsa represents a potential source of antihypertensive agents.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00233-0.

Single-Pill, Triple Antihypertensive Therapy in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa: Preliminary Experience

INTRODUCTION

Worldwide, arterial hypertension is the foremost preventable and modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. In addition to lifestyle changes, recent international guidelines recommend single-pill, low-dose combinations as initial treatment strategy. We investigated whether this approach is feasible in a rural sub-Saharan Africa setting.

METHODS

Diagnosis of hypertension was established over three sets of blood pressure measurements, performed according to the European Society of Hypertension recommendations by trained personnel, using a validated, automated, oscillometric device OMRON M7 IT-HEM-7322-E. In 98 individuals with arterial hypertension, a once-daily, single-pill combination of olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide was prescribed at an appropriate dose. Patients were instructed on its administration and potential side effects and encouraged towards lifestyle modifications. The treatment regimen was adjusted, if needed, at each outpatient clinic scheduled after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (aged 61 [53-70] years; median and interquartile range) strictly adhered to the treatment schedule, while 19 individuals (70 [65-80] years) dropped out. Blood pressure was < 140/90 mmHg after 4 weeks in 44 (56%), after 8 weeks in 62 (78%), after 12 weeks in 69 (87%), and after 16 weeks in 74 (94%) participants. Excellent tolerance was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide real-life evidence that hypertension management with a once-daily, single-pill combination of olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide as initial treatment is feasible and effective also in a rural sub-Saharan setting. Single-pill combinations should be made available also in rural and remote areas in low- and middle-income countries as a reliable first-line treatment strategy.

Rationale for a New Low-Dose Triple Single Pill Combination for the Treatment of Hypertension

Two recent large trials showed the potential of single pill combinations (SPCs) with ≥3 low-dose components among people with hypertension who were untreated or receiving monotherapy. In both trials, these 'hypertension polypills' were superior to usual care, achieving >80% BP control without increasing withdrawal due to side effects. However, there are no such products available for prescribers. To address this unmet need, George Medicines developed GMRx2 with telmisartan/amlodipine/indapamide in three strengths (mg): 10/1.25/0.625, 20/2.5/1.25; 40/5/2.5. Two pivotal trials are ongoing to support FDA submission for the treatment of hypertension, including initial treatment. These assess efficacy and safety of GMRx2 compared to: placebo, and each of the three possible dual combinations. Regulatory submissions are planned for 2024, with the aim of providing access to GMRx2 in developed and developing regions. Wider implementation of GMRx2-based treatment strategies will be guided by further research to inform access and appropriate scale up.

Single-Pill Combination with Three Antihypertensive Agents to Improve Blood Pressure Control in Hypertension: Focus on Olmesartan-Based Combinations

Blood pressure control remains an unmet clinical need. Only about half of patients achieve their blood pressure (BP) targets and of these, the majority require combination and double or triple therapies. International guidelines recommend the association of drugs with complementary mechanisms of action and, in particular, the combination of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and diuretics. Among the various angiotensin receptor blockers, olmesartan (OM) is available as a monotherapy and in dual and triple single-pill combinations (SPCs) with amlodipine (AML) and/or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Several phase III and IV studies, together with real-world studies, have demonstrated the additional benefits of combining OM either with AML or with HCTZ in terms of BP control and target BP achievements both in the general population and in special subgroups of hypertensive patients, such as the elderly, diabetic, chronic kidney disease or obese patients. Ambulatory BP monitoring studies assessing 24h BP have also demonstrated that dual, as well as triple, OM-based SPCs induce a more sustained and smoother BP reduction than placebo and monotherapy. Furthermore, triple OM-based SPC has been shown to improve therapeutic adherence in hypertensive patients compared to free combinations. The availability of OM combined with HCTZ, AML or both at different dosages makes it a valuable option to customize therapy based on the levels of BP and the clinical characteristics of hypertensive patients.

Mechanism investigation of fermented egg-milk peptides on colonic inflammatory diseases: based on in vivo and in silico research

Fermented egg-milk peptides (FEMPs) could alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory diseases but the underlying regulating mechanism of effective ingredients is unclear now. Our research was designed to confirm the protective function of FEMP, then analyze the potential targets and pathways that could be regulated by digested FEMP (dFEMP). The results showed that FEMP could ease the inflammatory symptoms in the colon, repair the damage of inflammation, and decrease the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (decreased by 31.81% TNF-α, 60.20% IL-1β, 85.65% IL-6). The results of in silico experiments revealed that dFEMP could influence many inflammation-related targets. Most targets affected the inflammation-related function and participated in the inflammatory signaling pathways, such as the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway. Besides, molecular docking results revealed that hydrogen-bonding and salt bridges played vital roles in the dFEMP-target interactions. Combining in vivo experiments with in silico experiments, this study can prove a new theory for research between the bioactive peptides and inflammation.

Use of Perindopril Arginine/Indapamide/Amlodipine in the Management of Hypertension in Two Sub-Saharan African Island Countries of Madagascar and Mauritius

INTRODUCTION

Most patients with hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa require two or more drugs to control their blood pressure. Triple fixed-dose combination therapy of perindopril arginine/indapamide/amlodipine is more effective in lowering blood pressure, offers better target organ protection and has increased adherence compared to monotherapy and free combination therapy, and is safe to use. This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of perindopril arginine/indapamide/amlodipine in controlling blood pressure at least 1 month after treatment initiation and assesses patient- and physician- reported drug tolerance over a 3-month period in Madagascar and Mauritius.

METHODS

A total of 198 patients with hypertension in ambulatory care who had been on fixed-dose combination of perindopril arginine, indapamide, and amlodipine for at least 4 weeks were included. The main outcome measures were changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, attainment of blood pressure control under 140/90 mmHg and 130/80 mmHg, self-reported drug tolerance by the patient, and perceived drug tolerance by the treating physician. Data was collected at 1 month and 3 months.

RESULTS

Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower at the 1-month (- 3.4 mmHg, p = 0.002) and 3-month (- 8.5 mmHg, p < 0.0001) visits. Diastolic blood pressure also decreased significantly (- 2.4 mmHg at 1-month, p = 0.017 and - 5.4 mmHg at the 3-month visits, p < 0.0001). At 3 months, 80.4% of the patients attained blood pressure targets less than 140/90 mmHg and 42.7% attained targets less than 130/80 mmHg on the basis of their baseline blood pressure. Excellent drug tolerance was reported by more than 90% of patients and physicians at the 1-month visit and by more than 95% at the 3-month visit.

CONCLUSION

Triple fixed-dose therapy of perindopril arginine/indapamide/amlodipine continues to show additional blood pressure-lowering capacity even months after initiating the treatment in patients with hypertension in Madagascar and Mauritius. It is also well tolerated by patients with hypertension and assessed as safe to use by physicians.

Efficacy of Single-Pill, Triple Antihypertensive Therapy in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Systemic arterial hypertension is the most common preventable risk factor for all causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with a prevalence of 35-40% of the adults. Despite the wide variety of effective antihypertensive medications, most hypertensive patients remain uncontrolled. However, the combination of ACE inhibitor, diuretics, and calcium antagonist for the triple therapy in a single Pill Combination (SPC) is an efficient regimen in hypertension management. It is recommended by the ESH 2018 guideline, which offers better efficacy and compliance to treatment.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine single-pill combination in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL for relevant clinical trials. We conducted the risk of bias assessment using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. We performed the analysis of continuous data using mean difference (MD) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI), while dichotomous data were analyzed using risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% CI. We included the analysis of the following outcomes: systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Heart rate (HR), 24 h Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for SBP, and 24 h ABPM for DBP.

RESULTS

We included six clinical trials. We found that the triple therapy significantly reduces SBP by 24 mmHg (MD = - 24.65 [22.41, 26.89], (P < 0.01)), DBP by 12 mmHg (MD = 12.41 [11.53, 13.29], (P < 0.01)), 24-h ABPM for SBP by 14 mmHg (MD = 14.08 [9.10, 19.05], (P < 0.01)), and ABPM 24 h DBP by 7 mmHg (MD = 7.01 [5.37, 8.65], (P < 0.01)). We noted no significant difference of the single pill on heart rate (MD = 0.81 [- 0.04, 1.67], (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

perindopril/indapamide/amlodipine is effective in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 24 and 12 mmHg respectively. Over 24 h, the combination reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 14 and 7 mmHg respectively.

Perindopril/Indapamide/Amlodipine in Hypertension: A Profile of Its Use

The single-pill combination (SPC) of perindopril (PER)/indapamide (IND)/amlodipine (AML) is a valuable and convenient treatment option for patients with hypertension controlled with two-drug SPC of PER/IND + AML given as two separate pills at the same dose level. PER [an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor], IND (a thiazide-like diuretic) and AML (a calcium channel blocker) are well established antihypertensive agents, which have been available for a long time as monotherapies and dual SPCs and have complementary mechanisms of action. Once-daily PER/IND/AML provided effective BP control, with good tolerability, in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in clinical trials and in large observational prospective studies. The efficacy and tolerability of PER/IND/AML was similar to that of PER/IND + AML in a randomized clinical trial. The therapeutic effect of PER/IND/AML was associated with improved health-related quality of life. Thus, switching from the two-pill PER/IND + AML regimen to single-pill PER/IND/AML reduces pill burden and simplifies drug administration, which may improve adherence to treatment, leading to better BP control and clinical outcomes.

Antioxidant Stress and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Egg White Proteins and Their Derived Peptides: A Review

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the common pathological bases of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, but most of the treatment drugs for chronic diseases have side effects. There is an increasing interest to identify food-derived bioactive compounds that can mitigate the pathological pathways associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Egg white contain a variety of biologically active proteins, many of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and usually show better activity after enzymatic hydrolysis. This review covers the antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activities of egg white proteins and their derived peptides and clarifies their mechanism of action in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the link between oxidative stress and inflammation as well as their markers are reviewed. It suggests the potential application of egg white proteins and their derived peptides and puts forward further research prospects.

Antihypertensive medications and physical function in older persons

BACKGROUND

To further inform benefits and risks of medications on physical function in aging populations, we have evaluated the associations of antihypertensive (antiHTN) class and number used with skeletal muscle function, mobility, sedentary time, and symptoms in older persons.

METHODS

Using baseline data from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elder (LIFE) study (N = 1567, mean age 78.9 years) and multivariable models, we evaluated cross-sectional associations of antiHTN class and number used with physical measures and symptom questionnaires. AntiHTN class included diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), calcium channel blockers (CCB), and beta blockers (BB). Physical measures included respiratory muscle weakness (maximal inspiratory pressure), grip weakness (dynamometer), impaired lower extremity proximal muscle strength (chair stands), impaired balance (three-stage test), slow gait (400 m walk), mobility impairment (Short Physical Performance Battery), and high sedentary time (accelerometry). Symptoms included dyspnea and fatigue. Covariates included clinical characteristics and non-antiHTNs.

RESULTS

Use of any antiHTN was highly prevalent (n = 1248 [79.6%]). In the antiHTN subgroup, each antiHTN class was well represented (ranging 36.6%-62.7%) and included use of three or more antiHTNs (32.0%). In adjusted models, the only statistically significant associations were use of BB and three or more antiHTNs with high sedentary time: odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) 1.44 (1.12, 1.85) and 1.52 (1.04, 2.23), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Use of BB and three or more antiHTNs yielded 44% and 52% increased odds of accelerometry-defined high sedentary time, respectively. Notably, high sedentary time is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Thus, future work should evaluate whether high sedentary time mitigates benefits or increases risks, regarding antiHTN use in aging populations.

Efficacy and safety of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide single pill combination in Egyptian patients with hypertension uncontrolled on any dual therapy: an observational study

Objective: Hypertension is a serious health problem in Egypt, with prevalence rate of 17% as reported in 2015. Despite receiving treatment, many do not achieve blood pressure (BP) control. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Aml/Val/HCTZ) single pill combination (SPC) in patients with hypertension from Egypt, who were uncontrolled on any dual therapy.Methods: In this prospective, open label, multicenter, 12-week observational, cohort study, two doses of Aml/Val/HCTZ (5/160/12.5 mg or 10/160/25 mg) SPC were used to evaluate mean change in BP after 12 weeks (primary endpoint). Safety assessments included presence and intensity of ankle edema and other adverse events (AEs).Results: Data were collected from 1080 patients who were treated according to the routine medical practice across 47 centers in Egypt. Significant reduction in systolic and diastolic BP (SBP/DBP) was observed from 165.5 ± 12.83/100.8 ± 7.03 mmHg at baseline to 129.7 ± 8.35/80.6 ± 5.25 mmHg after 12 weeks of treatment (p < .0001). Majority of patients (76.85%) reached the BP goal of <140/90 mmHg. The most commonly reported AE was ankle edema (10.92%).Conclusions: Aml/Val/HCT SPC significantly reduced BP and was well tolerated in Egyptian patients with hypertension not controlled on any previous dual therapy.

Vitamin B12 protects against DNA damage induced by hydrochlorothiazide

DNA damage induced by hydrochlorothiazide was previously reported in cultured human lymphocytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the harmful effects of hydrochlorothiazide on DNA by measuring the spontaneous frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in cultured human lymphocytes. We also aimed to investigate the possible protection of that damage by vitamin B12. The results showed that hydrochlorothiazide (5 µg/mL) significantly increased the frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (P < 0.001) in human lymphocytes in comparison with control. Additionally, the frequency of hydrochlorothiazide-induced SCEs was significantly decreased by co-treatment with vitamin B12 at concentration of 13.5 µg/mL (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hydrochlorothiazide is genotoxic to human lymphocytes and its toxicity is reduced by vitamin B12.

Synergism of amlodipine and candesartan on blood pressure reduction and organ protection in hypertensive rats

This study was designed to investigate the possible synergism of amlodipine and candesartan on the reduction of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats. The end organ protection was also observed. In acute experiment, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were treated with intragastric administration of amlodipine (0.5, 1, 2, 3 mg/kg), candesartan (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 mg/kg), and 14 different combinations to find the possible ratio of synergistic interaction. In two kidneys, one clip (2K1C) rats, the effects of amlodipine (1 mg/kg), canderastan (2 mg/kg) and their combination on BP reduction were also observed. In chronic study, SHRs were treated with amlodipine (1 mg/kg), candesartan (2 mg/kg), and their combination for 5 months. Organ damage evaluation was performed after BP recording. The probability sum test (q test) was used to evaluate the synergistic action. There is a synergistic interaction between amlodipine and candesartan on BP reduction. The optimal dose ratio is 1:2. The synergistic effect was also confirmed by 2K1C hypertensive rats. In chronic study, this combination (1:2) possessed an obvious synergism on the reduction of BP and BP variability (BPV) and protection on end organs. Multiple regression analysis showed that heart and aortic hypertrophy indexes and glomerular damage parameters were positively related to BP and BPV. In conclusion, combination of amlodipine and candesartan exhibited a potent antihypertensive effect and possessed an obvious synergism on BP reduction and organ protection in hypertension. The optimal proportion was 1:2. BP and BPV reduction may both importantly contribute to end organ protection.

Incidence of complications in men undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate

Objectives

To examine the link between medication use and the risk of bleeding complications following transurethral resection of the prostate from the second postoperative day until hospital discharge.

Method

Using a retrospective observational study design, the medical records of all patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate over a 24-month period were examined. Comprehensive data regarding patients’ medication history, comorbidities and complications that occurred either during or after surgery were collected from medical records. Inferential statistical analysis was used to examine associations between demographic and medication variables and the risk of complications.

Results

Complications arising after surgery occurred in 48/135 (36%) of patients. The most common complications postoperatively were hematuria, occurring in 41/48 (85%) and hematuria with clot retention, occurring in 24/48 (50%) of patients who suffered complications. There was a significant association between the number of medications prescribed and postoperative complications; for hematuria, χ2 (12) = 21.50, p = 0.04; and for hematuria with clot retention χ2 (12) = 24.97, p = 0.015.

Conclusions

Demographic data relating to patients’ age, comorbid state and the number of standard medications prescribed is associated with an increase in macroscopic hematuria and macroscopic hematuria with clot retention after transurethral resection of the prostate. These findings emphasize the importance of nursing practice in both preoperative and postoperative care of patients undergoing surgery. Nurses need to be very vigilant in assessing patients at risk of increased bleeding from a transurethral resection of the prostate by examining their medication regimen.

Single-Pill Combination of Perindopril/Indapamide/Amlodipine in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients with hypertension often require a combination of three antihypertensive agents to achieve blood pressure control, but very few single-pill triple combinations are available. The aim of this study was to determine whether a single-pill triple combination of perindopril, indapamide, and amlodipine was as effective as a dual-pill combination of perindopril/indapamide plus separate amlodipine at reducing blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled, essential hypertension.

METHODS

This international, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in men or women aged ≥18 years old with confirmed essential hypertension (SBP ≥140 and <160 mmHg and DBP ≥90 and <100 mmHg), uncontrolled on maximal dose antihypertensive monotherapy or with a single dose of dual therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to: single-pill triple combination of perindopril 5 mg/indapamide 1.25 mg/amlodipine 5 mg (Per/Ind/Aml) or dual-pill combination perindopril 5 mg/indapamide 1.25 mg + amlodipine 5 mg (Per/Ind + Aml) once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in office supine SBP and DBP from baseline to week 12. The proportion of responders defined as those with normalized BP (SBP <140 mmHg and DBP <90 mmHg), and/or decrease of SBP ≥20 mmHg, and/or decrease of DBP ≥10 mmHg at week 12 (W12) compared with baseline was also assessed. Secondary efficacy endpoints included change in office supine SBP and DBP, response, and BP control at weeks 4 and 8. The tolerability of the treatments was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients were randomized: 75 to Per/Ind/Aml and 73 to Per/Ind + Aml. Mean supine SBP and DBP were 149.1 ± 4.7 and 94.1 ± 3.1 mmHg, respectively, with no relevant between-group difference. At week 12, both triple-therapy regimens were associated with clinically significant reductions in SBP compared with baseline (-21.5 ± 11.7 and -20.0 ± 12.9 mmHg, respectively). Reductions in office supine DBP were also clinically significant (-15.3 ± 7.8 and -14.8 ± 9.0 mmHg, respectively). The proportion of treatment responders was high in both groups: 89.2 and 87.1%, respectively. The reduction in office supine SBP/DBP was already evident at week 4 and maintained for the duration of the study in both groups. The majority of patients were treatment responders at week 4 (89.2 and 82.9%, respectively) and had achieved BP control (87.8 vs. 78.6%, respectively), which was maintained until week 12 in both treatment groups. Both treatments were well tolerated with no between-group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension on treatment, single-pill triple-combination therapy with Per/Ind/Aml is as effective as the same dose dual-pill combination of Per/Ind + Aml. Both treatments were associated with clinically significant BP reductions compared with baseline and were well tolerated. Clinical trials number: http://www.controlled-trials.com ISRCTN: 16442558.

FUNDING

Les Laboratoires Servier.

Triple-combination therapy in the treatment of hypertension: a review of the evidence

Hypertension is a serious public health concern with inadequate control of blood pressure (BP) worldwide. Contributing factors include low efficacy of drugs, underuse of combination therapies, irrational combinations, physicians' therapeutic inertia and poor adherence to treatment. Current guidelines recommend the use of initial (dual) combination therapy in high-risk patients for immediate BP response, better short- and long-term BP control, and continued/improved patient adherence. This article aims to review the existing evidence of triple-combination therapies with respect to efficacy, safety and adherence to treatment. It is estimated that three drugs are required to achieve BP control in approximately one-fourth to one-third of patients. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that triple combinations of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine/olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine/telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide produce greater BP reductions, with greater proportions of patients achieving BP control compared with dual therapies. Further evidence also demonstrates that triple-combination therapy is efficacious for moderate to severe hypertension, with substantial additional BP reduction over dual regimens. Both RCTs and post-marketing observational studies have shown consistent and comparable efficacy in both the general population and high-risk hypertensive subgroups. Triple therapies are generally well tolerated with adverse event profiles similar to dual regimens. In addition, fixed-dose combinations used as single pill improve patient adherence leading to better long-term BP control. Depending on regional circumstances, they may also be cost effective. Thus, single-pill triple combinations of different classes of drugs with complementary mechanisms of action help to treat patients to goal with improved efficacy and better adherence to treatment.

Triple Combination Therapy for Global Cardiovascular Risk: Atorvastatin, Perindopril, and Amlodipine

Statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have markedly changed the clinical progression of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The goal of this paper is to review the rationale and evidence for combining these three drug classes in hypertensive patients with hypercholesterolemia or CAD. Data sources include a literature search for publications on the use of a statin combined with various antihypertensive drugs in patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia or stable CAD. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension constitute major physiological risk factors of ischemic heart disease. Current guidelines recommend a global approach to risk management, using agents that address as many risk factors as possible. Dual combination therapies are an important component of guideline-recommended therapy in hypertension. Our review of the literature indicates that triple therapy with a statin, ACE inhibitor, and CCB is associated with a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events. For example, a post hoc analysis in 1056 patients with stable CAD participating in the EUROPA trial indicated that the addition of perindopril to a CCB and a lipid-lowering agent was associated with a 46 % reduction in the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and resuscitated cardiac arrest (p = 0.023). In addition, single pill formulations are known to result in better adherence to the treatment. Single-pill formulations that combine a statin, an ACE inhibitor, and a CCB appear to offer an effective approach to the management of global cardiovascular risk.

The potential of food protein-derived anti-inflammatory peptides against various chronic inflammatory diseases

Inflammation is considered as one of the major causes for the initiation of various chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis and neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease. Increasing scientific evidence has delineated that inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and CRP and different transcription factors such as NF-κB and STAT are the major key factors that regulate these inflammatory diseases. Food protein-derived bioactive peptides have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting or reducing the expression of these inflammatory biomarkers and/or by modulating the activity of these transcription factors. This review aims to discuss various molecular targets and underlying mechanisms of food protein-derived anti-inflammatory peptides and to explore their potential against various chronic inflammatory diseases. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Perindopril/amlodipine (Prestalia(®)): a review in hypertension

Perindopril, an ACE inhibitor, and amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, are established antihypertensive agents with complementary mechanisms of action. Recently, a once-daily, orally-administered, fixed-dose combination (FDC) of perindopril arginine plus amlodipine besylate (Prestalia(®); hereafter referred to as perindopril/amlodipine FDC) was approved in the USA for the treatment of hypertension. This article reviews the efficacy and tolerability of perindopril/amlodipine FDC and briefly summarizes the agent's pharmacologic properties. As demonstrated in short-term randomized controlled trials, perindopril/amlodipine FDC was significantly more effective in reducing blood pressure (BP) than monotherapy with either of the component drugs, and it appeared to be more effective than an up-titration scheme using valsartan and valsartan/amlodipine. The FDC agent was generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse events (peripheral edema, cough, headache, and dizziness) being consistent with the well-defined tolerability profiles of the individual component drugs. Furthermore, perindopril/amlodipine FDC was associated with a numerically lower incidence of peripheral edema compared with amlodipine monotherapy. Thus, perindopril/amlodipine FDC represents a useful option for the treatment of hypertension, including as initial therapy for patients likely to require multiple drugs to achieve their BP targets.

Identification of known drugs targeting the endoplasmic reticulum stress response

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a multifunctional organelle, plays a central role in cellular signaling, development, and stress response. Dysregulation of ER homeostasis has been associated with human diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and diabetes. A broad spectrum of stressful stimuli including hypoxia as well as a variety of pharmacological agents can lead to the ER stress response. In this study, we have developed a stable ER stress reporter cell line that stably expresses a β-lactamase reporter gene under the control of the ER stress response element (ESRE) present in the glucose-regulated protein, 78 kDa (GRP78) gene promoter. This assay has been optimized and miniaturized into a 1536-well plate format. In order to identify clinically used drugs that induce ER stress response, we screened approximately 2800 drugs from the NIH Chemical Genomics Center Pharmaceutical Collection (NPC library) using a quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) platform. From this study, we have identified several known ER stress inducers, such as 17-AAG (via HSP90 inhibition), as well as several novel ER stress inducers such as AMI-193 and spiperone. The confirmed drugs were further studied for their effects on the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), the X-box-binding protein (XBP1) splicing, and GRP78 gene expression. These results suggest that the ER stress inducers identified from the NPC library using the qHTS approach could shed new lights on the potential therapeutic targets of these drugs.

Triple combination therapy in hypertension: the antihypertensive efficacy of treatment with perindopril, amlodipine, and indapamide SR

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The blood pressure (BP) of most patients on antihypertensive monotherapy or bitherapy remains uncontrolled. Our study evaluated the efficacy of triple therapy with perindopril, amlodipine, and indapamide sustained release (SR) in patients with uncontrolled hypertension on previous antihypertensive therapy.

METHODS

This 4-month, multicenter, prospective, observational, open-label study included patients switched from previous antihypertensive therapy to triple therapy with perindopril, amlodipine, and indapamide SR. The main outcome was change in office BP from baseline to 4 months, as well as changes in 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) parameters in a subgroup of patients.

RESULTS

Age was 62.8 ± 11.3 years in 6,088 patients (55 % were male). Office BP at baseline was 158.1 ± 13.0/92.6 ± 8.8 mmHg. By 4 months, office BP decreased by 26.7 ± 13.3/12.9 ± 9.4 mmHg (p < 0.001). ABPM was performed in 62 patients. In these patients, 24-h systolic BP decreased (from 138.7 ± 12.5 to 125.5 ± 12.8 mmHg), as did 24-h diastolic BP (from 77.5 ± 11.4 to 70.4 ± 8.7 mmHg) (both p < 0.0001). Heart rate remained unchanged. In patients previously on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor/amlodipine, 24-h ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP decreased from 136.9 ± 12.8 to 125.4 ± 13.3 mmHg (p = 0.0003) and from 76.3 ± 12.6 to 70.2 ± 9.5 mmHg (p = 0.0005). In those previously on RAAS inhibitor/hydrochlorothiazide, 24-h ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP decreased from 137.8 ± 12.7 to 122.7 ± 15.4 mmHg (p = 0.0039) and from 73.6 ± 9.4 to 65.7 ± 7.3 mmHg (p = 0.002). Most (74 and 80 %, respectively) patients reached target ABPM values (<130/80 mmHg).

CONCLUSION

A triple combination of perindopril, amlodipine, and indapamide SR controlled BP effectively in hypertensive patients uncontrolled by previous antihypertensive monotherapy or bitherapy, including RAAS inhibitor/amlodipine or RAAS inhibitor/hydrochlorothiazide combinations.

Add-on effect of hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg in Japanese subjects with essential hypertension uncontrolled with losartan 50 mg and amlodipine 5 mg

This study assessed the antihypertensive efficacy of a triple combination, fixed-dose therapy of losartan 50 mg (L50)/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg (H12.5)/amlodipine 5 mg (A5) versus co-administration of L50 plus A5 (L50+A5) in Japanese subjects with uncontrolled essential hypertension. Initially, all subjects received single-blind treatment with L50+A5 for 8 weeks. Subjects whose blood pressure (BP) remained stable within pre-specified limits during the last 4 weeks of L50+A5 administration were randomized (n =3 27) to double-blind treatment with L50/H12.5/A5 or L50+A5 for 8 weeks. Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were mean change from baseline to Week 8 in trough diastolic BP (DBP) and trough systolic BP (SBP), respectively. Safety was assessed throughout the study. The treatment difference for L50/H12.5/A5 versus L50+A5 in mean change from baseline in DBP at Week 8 was -1.1 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.7, 0.6; P = 0.205). However, the treatment difference in mean change from baseline in SBP at Week 8 was -3.2 mm Hg (95% CI: -5.7, -0.8; P=0.011). A chance imbalance in the change in DBP before randomization between groups was identified in a post-hoc analysis as a major reason for the smaller-than-expected difference in DBP between groups. The overall safety profile was generally similar between groups. In conclusion, treatment with L50/H12.5/A5 for 8 weeks did not demonstrate a significant difference in DBP reduction, but demonstrated a nominally significant difference in SBP reduction, compared with L50+A5. L50/H12.5/A5 was well tolerated. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01302691.).

Safety and effectiveness of a fixed-dose combination of olmesartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide in clinical practice

Background

Clinical trials indicate that the use of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) is associated with a higher level of treatment adherence and prolonged blood pressure (BP) control. The aim of this study was to document the safety and effectiveness of the FDC olmesartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide in patients with essential hypertension in clinical practice.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, 24-week, noninterventional study enrolled 5,831 patients from primary care offices in Germany and Austria. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of essential hypertension and newly initiated treatment with the FDC.

Results

The mean age of patients was 63.5 years, almost 50% of patients had a time since diagnosis of essential hypertension of over 5 years, and approximately 70% of patients had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, including 29.4% of patients with diabetes mellitus. Following approximately 24 weeks of treatment, the mean reduction in systolic/diastolic BP was 29.0/14.0 mmHg, a BP response was observed by 94.2% of patients, and a target BP of <140/90 mmHg was attained in 67.5% of patients. At least one adverse drug reaction (ADR) was experienced by 1.2% of patients, with the most common being peripheral edema. Subanalyses demonstrated that the following factors did not have a significant influence on the ADR rate: age (<65 years versus ≥65 years), diabetes mellitus (no/yes), cardiovascular risk (low/high), and concomitant medication (no/yes).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that in clinical practice, treatment with the three-drug combination as an FDC tablet resulted in a very high proportion of patients with a BP response and control, accompanied by a very low rate of ADRs.

Molecular targets of antihypertensive peptides: understanding the mechanisms of action based on the pathophysiology of hypertension

There is growing interest in using functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Although numerous preventive and therapeutic pharmacological interventions are available on the market, unfortunately, many patients still suffer from poorly controlled hypertension. Furthermore, most pharmacological drugs, such as inhibitors of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE), are often associated with significant adverse effects. Many bioactive food compounds have been characterized over the past decades that may contribute to the management of hypertension; for example, bioactive peptides derived from various food proteins with antihypertensive properties have gained a great deal of attention. Some of these peptides have exhibited potent in vivo antihypertensive activity in both animal models and human clinical trials. This review provides an overview about the complex pathophysiology of hypertension and demonstrates the potential roles of food derived bioactive peptides as viable interventions targeting specific pathways involved in this disease process. This review offers a comprehensive guide for understanding and utilizing the molecular mechanisms of antihypertensive actions of food protein derived peptides.

Mimicking hypoxia to treat anemia: HIF-stabilizer BAY 85-3934 (Molidustat) stimulates erythropoietin production without hypertensive effects

Oxygen sensing by hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylases (HIF-PHs) is the dominant regulatory mechanism of erythropoietin (EPO) expression. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), impaired EPO expression causes anemia, which can be treated by supplementation with recombinant human EPO (rhEPO). However, treatment can result in rhEPO levels greatly exceeding the normal physiological range for endogenous EPO, and there is evidence that this contributes to hypertension in patients with CKD. Mimicking hypoxia by inhibiting HIF-PHs, thereby stabilizing HIF, is a novel treatment concept for restoring endogenous EPO production. HIF stabilization by oral administration of the HIF-PH inhibitor BAY 85-3934 (molidustat) resulted in dose-dependent production of EPO in healthy Wistar rats and cynomolgus monkeys. In repeat oral dosing of BAY 85-3934, hemoglobin levels were increased compared with animals that received vehicle, while endogenous EPO remained within the normal physiological range. BAY 85-3934 therapy was also effective in the treatment of renal anemia in rats with impaired kidney function and, unlike treatment with rhEPO, resulted in normalization of hypertensive blood pressure in a rat model of CKD. Notably, unlike treatment with the antihypertensive enalapril, the blood pressure normalization was achieved without a compensatory activation of the renin–angiotensin system. Thus, BAY 85-3934 may provide an approach to the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD, without the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects seen for patients treated with rhEPO. Clinical studies are ongoing to investigate the effects of BAY 85-3934 therapy in patients with renal anemia.

Optimizing combination therapy in the management of hypertension: the role of the aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide fixed combination

High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death and disability worldwide, and the prevalence is increasing. Effective treatment decreases the risk of adverse events in proportion to blood pressure reduction. Combination antihypertensive therapy reduces blood pressure promptly and effectively. Single-pill combinations reduce the pill burden and improve adherence, efficacy, and tolerability of treatment compared with single drug pills. A significant portion of the hypertensive population will require three drugs for adequate control. The single-pill combination of aliskiren, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide is based on complementary mechanisms of action. Clinical trials have shown it to be a safe and effective treatment for hypertension. This combination is a reasonable choice in clinical practice for patients with hypertension that requires three drugs for effective treatment.