P.085 Metabolic Syndrome and Vascular Alterations in Normotensive Patients at Risk of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible early vascular abnormalities associated with the presence (MS+) or absence (MS-) of the metabolic syndrome (MS), according to ATP III criteria, in normotensive patients at risk of developing diabetes.

In 77 subjects (age: 50 years), with family history of diabetes, obesity or impaired fasting glucose and blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg and 50 age-matched healthy subjects, we measured brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and response glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and radial augmentation index (AI) were assessed by applanation tonometry (Sphygmocor).

FMD was similarly reduced (*p<0.05) in both MS+ and MS- patients. PWV was higher (** p<0.01) in MS+ than in MS- patients and controls. Response to GTN and radial AI were similar.

Table 1

PWV significantly (p<0.05) increased with the increased number of MS components (from 0 to more than 3). Comparing patients with BP greater (BP+, n = 39) or lower (BP-, n = 39) than 130/85 mmHg, PWV was (p<0.05) higher in BP+ patients (8.5 ± 1.9 m/s) as compared to BP- patients (7.8 ± 1.9 m/s). FMD was (p<0.05) lower in BP+ (5.2 ± 2.6%) than in BP- patients (6.9 ± 1.9%). No differences were found for AI. The other single components did not influence vascular parameters.

In conclusion in normotensive patients at risk of developing diabetes mellitus MS is associated with increased central PWV and only blood pressure values negatively influence arterial stiffness and endothelial function.