Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (Ramipril) Therapy on Blood Vessel Inflammation

NCT00005928 | Completed Phase 2

• 2 other identifiers: 00016200-H-0162
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 25
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study will determine the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (trade name Ramipril) therapy on inflammation and stiffness of artery walls. These are two risk factors for developing atherosclerosis-deposits of fatty substances called plaques that can block the blood vessel, causing a heart attack or stroke. Studies of patients with coronary artery disease suggest that ACE inhibitor therapy reduces the risk of heart attack and heart failure. This study will examine the effects of this treatment on the artery walls and on levels of substances in the blood that indicate blood vessel inflammation. Patients between 40 and 75 years old with coronary artery disease caused by atherosclerosis may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history, cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) examination, electrocardiogram and blood tests. Those enrolled will be randomly assigned to take either an ACE inhibitor pill or a placebo (look-alike pill with no medicine) once a day for 3 months. No pills will be taken for the next month, and then participants will take the alternate pill for the next 3 months. That is, those who took ACE inhibitor for the first 3-month period will take placebo for the second 3-month period and vice versa. Blood pressures will be taken at the NIH Clinical Center or by the patient's physician at the end of the first and second weeks of the study. At the end of 3 weeks, patients will return to the Clinical Center for a blood draw of 6 cc (1/2 teaspoon) to assess kidney function. In addition, at the end of each 3-month study period, patients will undergo the following procedures at the Clinical Center:

1. 1.Fasting blood draw of 60 cc (2 ounces) to measure electrolytes (e.g., sodium and potassium) and blood markers for inflammation
2. 2.Ultrasound (use of sound waves to create pictures) study of the carotid arteries (arteries in the neck leading to the brain)-An ultrasound probe is applied gently on the neck, and ultrasound pictures of the right and left carotid arteries are recorded on tape. Heart activity and blood pressure are monitored during the procedure with an electrocardiogram and blood pressure cuff.
3. 3.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the carotid arteries-The patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder (the MRI machine) containing a magnetic field. A flexible padded sensor called a MRI coil is placed over the neck area. Earplugs are placed in the ear to muffle the loud thumping sounds the machine makes when the magnetic fields are switched. During the second half of the exam, a contrast agent (gadolinium) is injected through an intravenous catheter (flexible tube placed in a vein) to brighten the images. The heart is monitored during the procedure with an electrocardiogram.

Conditions

Atherosclerosis; Coronary Disease; Vasculitis

Keywords

ACE Inhibitor; Vascular Inflammation; Vascular Compliance; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Coronary Artery Disease

Interventions

Ramipril DRUG

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may not qualify if:

• No systemic inflammatory disorder (e.g, rheumatoid arthritis, periarteritis nodosa, systemic lupus erythromatosus, temporal arteritis).
• No need for chronic NSAID therapy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): lead

Study Sites (1)

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

Location

Related Publications (3)

• Liuzzo G, Biasucci LM, Gallimore JR, Grillo RL, Rebuzzi AG, Pepys MB, Maseri A. The prognostic value of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid a protein in severe unstable angina. N Engl J Med. 1994 Aug 18;331(7):417-24. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199408183310701.

  PMID: 7880233 BACKGROUND

• Berliner JA, Navab M, Fogelman AM, Frank JS, Demer LL, Edwards PA, Watson AD, Lusis AJ. Atherosclerosis: basic mechanisms. Oxidation, inflammation, and genetics. Circulation. 1995 May 1;91(9):2488-96. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.91.9.2488.

  PMID: 7729036 BACKGROUND

• Koh KK, Bui MN, Hathaway L, Csako G, Waclawiw MA, Panza JA, Cannon RO 3rd. Mechanism by which quinapril improves vascular function in coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol. 1999 Feb 1;83(3):327-31. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(98)00862-5.

  PMID: 10072217 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Atherosclerosis; Coronary Disease; Vasculitis; Coronary Artery Disease

Interventions

Ramipril

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Arteriosclerosis; Arterial Occlusive Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Myocardial Ischemia; Heart Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Heterocyclic Compounds, 2-Ring; Heterocyclic Compounds, Fused-Ring; Heterocyclic Compounds

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: phase 2
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Sponsor Type: NIH

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 28, 2000
• First Posted: June 29, 2000
• Study Start: June 1, 2000
• Study Completion: February 1, 2002
• Last Updated: March 4, 2008

Record last verified: 2002-02

Locations

US (1)