Continuous therapy with transdermal nitroglycerin does not affect biomarkers of vascular inflammation and injury in healthy volunteers.

Continuous exposure to nitroglycerin (GTN) results in development of tolerance and is associated with increased free radical production and abnormal endothelial function. Elevated plasma biomarkers of inflammation have been shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in most cardiovascular conditions. It remains unclear whether exposure to GTN is also associated with increased biomarkers of endothelial and vascular injury or vascular inflammation. In an investigator-blind study, a total of 28 healthy volunteers were randomized to continuous therapy with GTN (0.6 mg/h 24 h/day for 7 days) or no therapy. Venous blood was collected on day 0 and day 7. Plasma levels of markers such as …