The effect of ramipril on nitric oxide and C-reactive protein in patients with diabetes mellitus

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the change of serum nitric oxide (NO) and C-reactive protein(CRP) concentration and the effect of ramipril on the change.Method 160 type 2 diabetic subjects were randomly assigned into conventional treatment group and ramipril group.The ramipril group was given ramipril in addition to conventional treatment.The serum NO and CRP concentration were mesured before and after 1,2,3 and 6 monthes treatment,which were compared with that in 75 healthy subjects.Results The NO level in patients with diabetes mellitus was significantly lower than that in healthy subjects;The CRP level in diabetic subjects was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects.In the ramipril treatment group,after 2 monthes,the NO level increased significantly from(9.24± 3.43) μmol/L to(10.76±3.07)μmol/L,and after 3 monthes,the CRP level decreased significantly from(3.36±1.82)mg/L to(2.72±1.63)mg/L.In the conventional treatment group,the level of NO and CRP remained unchanged in a preiod of 6 monthes’ following-up.Conclusion Endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation within the vascular intima are present in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ramipril improve the endothelial dysfunction and reduce the inflammation in the intima.