Ventfort Improves Endothelial Function and Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients
Shabalin V.N., Shatokhina S.N.
Russian Cardiology Research Center
Journal of Hypertension 29(6): 1215-1222
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction underlies most cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. This study evaluated Ventfort (vascular peptide complex) in 128 patients with stage I-II essential hypertension. Patients received either standard antihypertensive therapy plus Ventfort (20mg orally, twice daily for 30 days, n=64) or standard therapy alone (n=64). Vascular function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) counts. After treatment, the Ventfort group showed significant improvement in FMD (from 4.2±1.3% to 8.7±1.8% vs. control 5.1±1.5%, p<0.001), indicating restored endothelial nitric oxide production. PWV decreased (arterial stiffness reduced) from 11.2±1.8 m/s to 9.1±1.6 m/s (p<0.01). Systolic blood pressure decreased an additional 8.3±3.2 mmHg beyond standard therapy (p<0.01). EPC counts increased 2.3-fold, suggesting vascular regeneration. Lipid profiles improved with LDL reduction and HDL increase.
Study Population
Hypertensive patients (age 45-68 years), Stage I-II essential hypertension, BP 140-169/90-109 mmHg, no diabetes or prior cardiovascular events
Context
The endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) controls blood pressure, prevents clots, and maintains vascular health. Endothelial dysfunction is the root cause of most cardiovascular disease.
Hypothesis
Ventfort, derived from vascular tissue, was hypothesized to restore endothelial cell function and improve vascular health.
Key Findings
Endothelial Function Restoration
Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) - the gold standard test of endothelial health - more than doubled with Ventfort treatment. This indicates restored production of nitric oxide, the critical vasodilator molecule.
Arterial Rejuvenation
Pulse wave velocity decreased by 19%, meaning arteries became more elastic and "younger." Arterial stiffness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events.
Blood Pressure Reduction
Beyond the effects of standard medication, Ventfort provided an additional 8.3 mmHg systolic BP reduction - a clinically meaningful benefit.
Vascular Regeneration
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) - the body's vascular repair cells - increased 2.3-fold, suggesting active vessel regeneration.
Significance
Ventfort appears to address the fundamental vascular dysfunction underlying hypertension, not just symptoms. This represents a paradigm shift from symptom management to vascular restoration.
Statistical Results
FMD improvement: 4.2±1.3% to 8.7±1.8% vs. control 5.1±1.5% (p<0.001). PWV reduction: 11.2±1.8 to 9.1±1.6 m/s (19% decrease, p<0.01). Additional SBP reduction: -8.3±3.2 mmHg (p<0.01). EPC increase: 2.3-fold (p<0.001). LDL decrease: -12% (p<0.05). HDL increase: +8% (p<0.05).
Study Limitations
- •Non-randomized design
- •Relatively short treatment duration (30 days)
- •Single-center study
- •Mechanism of endothelial improvement unclear
- •No hard cardiovascular outcomes (MI, stroke) assessed
Adverse Events
- •Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (4.7%)
- •No serious adverse events
- •No drug interactions with antihypertensives
- •Well tolerated
Key Findings
- ✓Dramatic improvement in endothelial function
- ✓Reduced arterial stiffness
- ✓Enhanced blood pressure control
- ✓Stimulated vascular regeneration
- ✓Improved lipid profiles
Mechanism of Action
Direct stimulation of endothelial cell protein synthesis, enhancement of nitric oxide production, and mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells.