Effect of Transdermal Nitroglycerin on Insulin Resistance in Healthy Young Men

Abstract

Objective: There are evidences indicating transdermal nitroglycerin changes the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to the hypoglycemic effect of insulin. In this study we determined effect of continuous application of transdermal nitroglycerin patches in healthy volunteers on development of tolerance to the hypotensive effect of nitroglycerin and hypoglycemic effect of insulin. Materials and methods:The effect of transdermal application of nitroglycerin, as NO donor was studied during 24 hours on blood insulin and glucose level and on blood pressure in healthy, young volunteers. Patches of 0.2 mg/ hour nitroglycerine were administered to young healthy volunteers along 24 hours and Venous blood samples were taken early before and 24 hours after the nitroglycerin. Serum was separated and free zed (-80°C) for insulin and glucose determination. Blood pressure also was determined in 6 hours intervals. Results: Before nitroglycerin patches application mean serum insulin level determined level 9.53 ± 4.37 and after nitroglycerin were 9.18 ± µU/ml which is statistically significant (P>0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels were increased by 6.63 ± 1.9 mg/dl determined 24 hours after nitroglycerine application in comparison with before treatment. The changes observed in blood glucose levels also were statistically significant (P<0.001). Insulin resistance calculated by Homa formula was 1.445 before treatment and 1.540 after nitroglycerin treatment. Conclusion: Transdermal nitroglycerin by doses of 0.2 mg/h causing blood glucose level changes more than change of insulin level indicating change in tissue sensitivity to insulin. The present work was therefore concerned with the possibility that nitrate tolerance impairs the sensitivity of tissues to the hypoglycemic effect of insulin.