The Effects of Salsalate on Biochemical Factors of Serum and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Abnormalities in vascular reactivity due to factors like endothelial dysfunction are well recognized in type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of drugs like salsalate in decreasing the disease process especially on endothelial aspects are still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this drug on some serum and endothelial factors of patients with the diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance or new diabetic patients. Patients with the diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance or new diabetic patients who were referred to Isfahan Endocrinology Research Center during February-June 2009 were recruited. After history taking and physical examination, blood samples were obtained to evaluate hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), aspartate transaminase (AST), and serum insulin. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) was also assessed. Patients were randomly divided to receive 1.5 g salsalate (2×750 mg) or placebo twice a day for three months. After three months, blood sampling and FMD measurements were repeated. Before and after the intervention, the data was registered and analyzed. Overall, 40 patients including of 8 males and 32 females were recruited. The mean age of patients was 47.15 ± 6.67 years. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and white blood cell (WBC) count decreased and C-reactive protein (CRP) level increased significantly after the intervention with salsalate. Moreover, FMD increased significantly in the intervention group (P = 0.004). Salsalate could be a tolerable drug in type 2 diabetes patients and may improve FBS level and endothelial function of these patients. However, its safety among these patients should be evaluated by more studies.