The Effects of Captopril and Amlodipine on C-reactive Protein Concentrations in Type 2 Diabetic Hypertensive Patients

Objective: To compare the effects of the ACE inhibitor captopril with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on serum CRP concentrations in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. Methodology: This is a case control study conducted in Al-Wafa Diabetic Center in Mosul. Serum CRP concentrations were measured in two groups of hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients before and after drug administration (group 1on captopril therapy, group two on amlodipine therapy). Results: A significant reduction of serum CRP level was demonstrated after treatment with captopril but not with amlodipine. Mean CRP concentration of the control group was statistically lower than those of captopril and amlodipine groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients are associated with increased level of CRP and therapy with captopril but not amlodipine significantly reduced CRP, suggesting a possible anti-inflammatory action of captopril in addition to its BP lowering effects thus captopril may be regarded as the drug of choice in the treatment of BP in diabetic hypertensive patients.