Insulin resistance and enhanced protein glycation in men with prehypertension

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia have been reported among patients with hypertension. However, little is known about insulin sensitivity in subjects with prehypertension. The aim of this study was to assess whether the metabolic characteristics of insulin resistance syndrome are present in prehypertensive subjects. METHODS: Plasma fasting glucose, lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine and insulin concentrations were evaluated in 35 prehypertensive subjects and in 30 healthy controls. RESULTS: Prehypertensive subjects had significantly higher levels of plasma insulin and triglycerides compared with normotensive subjects. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in prehypertensive subjects compared with controls. There was no significant difference in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The levels of glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine were also significantly higher in prehypertensive subjects compared with controls. Plasma insulin levels were positively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive subjects. Similarly, plasma insulin was significantly positively correlated with triglyceride and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that prehypertensive non-diabetic subjects have higher insulin resistance and protein glycation compared to normotensive subjects, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of prehypertension.