Effect of valsartan and enalapril on the proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with congestive heart failure

Objective To evaluate the effect of valsartan and enalapril on the proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with congestive heart failure(CHF). Methods 82 patients receiving conventional therapy were randomly divided into the valsartan plus enalapril group(52 patients, valsartan 40~80mg/d and enalapril 10mg/d) and control group(30 patients), the proinflammatory cytokine levels were detected before and 8 weeks after therapy in two groups. Results The clinical symptoms of patients in valsartan plus enalapril group were improved markedly(P0.05) and the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-2 were significantly lower than those in control group(P0.01). Conclusions Combining valsartan with enalapril decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokine and improved cardiac function in patients with CHF.