Impact of Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma on Endothelial Function and Rho-Associated Kinase Activity in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism

摘要

The purpose of this study was to evaluate vascular function and activity of Rho-associated kinases in patients with primary aldosteronism. Vascular function, including flow-mediated vasodilation and nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation, and Rho-associated kinase activity in peripheral leukocytes were evaluated in 21 patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma, 23 patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, and 40 age-, gender-, and blood pressure-matched patients with essential hypertension. Flow-mediated vasodilation was significantly lower in the aldosterone-producing adenoma group than in the idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and essential hypertension groups (3.2±2.0% vs. 4.6±2.3% and 4.4±2.2%, P<0.05, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in flow-mediated vasodilation between the idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and essential hypertension groups. There was no significant difference in nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation in the three groups. Rho-associated kinase activity was higher in the aldosterone-producing adenoma group than in the idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and essential hypertension groups (1.29±0.57 vs. 1.00±0.46 and 0.81±0.36, P<0.05, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in Rho-associated kinase activity between the idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and essential hypertension groups. Flow-mediated vasodilation correlated with age (r=−0.31, P<0.01), plasma aldosterone concentration (r=−0.35, P<0.01) and aldosterone to renin ratio (r=−0.34, P<0.01). Rho-associated kinase activity correlated with age (r=−0.24, P=0.04), plasma aldosterone concentration (r=0.33, P<0.01) and aldosterone to renin ratio (r=0.46, P<0.01). After adrenalectomy, flow-mediated vasodilation and Rho-associated kinase activity were restored in aldosterone-producing adenoma patients. Aldosterone-producing adenoma was associated with both endothelial dysfunction and increased Rho-associated kinase activity compared with those in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism and essential hypertension. Aldosterone-producing adenoma may have a higher risk of future cardiovascular events.