The effects of canrenone on inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome

Aim. To evaluate the effects of canrenone compared to placebo on blood pressure control, some non-conventional biomarkers in cardiovascular stratification, and on metalloproteinases in patients affected by metabolic syndrome. Methods. A total of 156 Caucasian patients were treated with placebo or canrenone, 50 mg once a day, for 3 months and then 50 mg twice a day, till the end of the study. We evaluated: systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, plasma aldosterone, creatinine, potassium, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and -9), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), and serum myeloperoxidase (MPO). Results. We observed a significant decrease of SBP and DBP in the canrenone group compared to baseline. Canrenone gave a significant decrease of MMP-2 and -9, Lp(a), and MPO compared to baseline, not observed with placebo. Plasma aldosterone, but not BNP, decreased with canrenone, both compared to baseline and to placebo. Conclusion. Canrenone seems to be effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, canrenone seems also to improve MPO, Lp(a), and metalloproteinases in these patients.