Effect of valsartan compared with valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide on plasma levels of cellular adhesion molecules: the Val-MARC trial

BACKGROUND: The Val-MARC trial showed that the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan reduces high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, an effect that is independent of blood pressure, and seems to be neutralised by the addition of hydrochlorothiazide. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether valsartan influences soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) or vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1).