Abstract:
Aims/hypothesis Cu(II)-selective chelation with trientine ameliorates cardiovascular and renal disease in a model of diabetes in rats. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Cu(II)-selective chelation might improve left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods We performed a 12 month randomised placebocontrolled study of the effects of treatment with the Cu (II)-selective chelator trientine (triethylenetetramine dihydrochloride, 600 mg given orally twice daily) on LVH in diabetic patients (n=15/group at baseline) in an outpatient setting wherein participants, caregivers and those assessing outcomes were blinded to group assignment. Using MRI, we measured left ventricular variables at baseline, and at months 6 and 12. The change from baseline in left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVMbsa) was the primary endpoint variable.