Dynamics of fibrotic and vascular endothelial dysfunction markers in elderly hypertensive patients after ischemic stroke receiving beta-blockers

Abstract
Aim. To compare the effect of beta-blocker therapy (bisoprolol and nebivolol) on the dynamics of fibrotic and vascular endothelial dysfunction markers in elderly hypertensive patients after ischemic stroke (IS).Material and methods. This prospective cohort study included 75 hypertensive patients who were admitted to the hospital due to IS. The mean age of patients was 67±6 years. The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 7±3. The followup period was 6 months. The control group consisted of 20 elderly people with hypertension without prior myocardial infarction. The patients were divided into groups based on received therapy: group 1 (n=38) — bisoprolol; group 2 (n=37) — nebivolol. The level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAKit, USA). Vascular ultrasound was carried out using a LOGIQP9 (GE) system according to the Celermajer method.Results. After 6-month nebivolol, we revealed a decrease in the level of MMP-9 by 30,2% (pConclusion. The results obtained indicate that the beta-blocker nebivolol at an average dose of 8,55+1,75 mg/day significantly reduces the vascular fibrosis, normalizes the ratio of collagen synthesis and degradation markers, improves the vasodilation brachial artery properties in comparison with bisoprolol in elderly hypertensive patients after IS.