Effects of lacidipine on serum oxygen free radicals and fasting levels of insulin in patients with essential hypertension

Thirty patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension had received four weeks treatment with Lacidipine and serum lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and insulin levels were measured before and after treatment. The results showed: (1) there were decreased in SOD activity and increased Lpo content the patients group (P < 0.01); (2) after treated with Lacidipine, the SOD acitvity increased and Lpo content decreased (P < 0.01); (3) Lacidipine had obvious antihypertensive effect with no significant changes in heart rate; (4) Lacidipine had no significant effects on insulin, blood glucose and lipids. The results suggest that lacidipine is a safe and effective antihypertensive agent and can improve the metabolic balances in free radical system.