The effect of salsalate on biochemical factors and endothelial dysfunction of prediabetic patients: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of using nonacetylated salicylates such as salsalate on decreasing the speed of diabetes progression is a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of salsalate on metabolic-syndrome-associated parameters as well as the endothelial function of diabetic and impaired glucose tolerance patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were collected from Isfahan endocrinology research center referrals. Patients with impaired glucose tolerance diagnosis or newly diagnosed diabetes were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to receive 1.5 g salsalate (2 × 750 mg) BID or placebo twice a day for 3 months. After the mentioned period, all patients were recalled and complete examination was done; blood samples for biochemistry measurements were drawn (for measuring FBS, post prandial glucose, HbA1C, Total cholesterol, HDL, TG, LDL) and forearm flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was performed. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled, 32 patients (80%) were female. Mean age of patients was 47.15 ± 6.67 years. FBS (fasting blood sugar) was shown to be significantly different between intervention and control subjects before or after treatment. FMD increased significantly in the intervention group (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The study showed that salsalate decreased FBS levels of patients. It may also improve endothelial function as FMD increased significantly in the intervention group.