AZELNIDIPINE: A REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC ROLE IN HYPERTINSION

Hypertension is the most common regulating risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death; the increased risk associated with blood pressure (BP) elevation can be greatly reduced by treatment with antihypertensive drugs that lower both BP and related target organ damage. New Ca2+ channel antagonists have been recently developed, especially in the DHP compounds that have considerable higher vascular selectivity, slower onset and longer duration of hypotensive action. The antihypertensive effect of azelnidipine is primarily based on the inhibition of trans-membrane Ca2+ influx through the voltage-dependent channels of vascular smooth muscles. Ca2+ channels are categorized into several subtypes, including L-type, T-type, N-type, P/Q-type, and R-type Ca2+ channels depend on their electrophysiological properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that azelnidipine markedly reduced heart rate and proteinuria in hypertensive patients by inhibiting sympathetic nerve activity. Azelnidipine has also been confirmed to have cardio-protective, neuroprotective, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, and has also been found to prevent insulin resistance.