Efficacy and safety of oral porcine relaxin (pRLX) in adjunct to physical exercise in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Introduction PAD medical therapy has a number of limitations. RLX showed promises in experimental model mainly through NO release. Our study is the first to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RLX in PAD. Materials-Methods eligible PAD La fontaine IIa-IIb patients were randomized in 2 groups. Group A was treated with physical therapy plus oral pRLX, 20 ug b.i.d for 12 weeks, group B received physical therapy alone. Pain Free Walking Distance (PFWD) and Maximum Walking Distance (MWD) at 3 and 12 wks and at follow up 3 months after treatment interruption were performed. Results The percentage increases of PFWD in group B were 23±9, 65±17, and 35±4 respectively at 3 and at 12 weeks. and 3 months after termination. In Group A showed significantly higher percentage increases: 74±16 p<0.01, 168±28 p<0.001, and 122±15 p<0.001 at the corresponding time points. The percentage increases of MWD in the B group were 29±7, 55±10 and 54±8 at the above time points, while in the A group were 55±10 p<0.001, and 99±12 p<0.001. The RLX patients referred a better physical and mental status. No adverse events during or after the treatment were recorded. Comment-RLX resulted very effective in PAD. Our results may suggest that the observed functional benefits should come not only from hemodynamic improvement but also from positive vascular remodeling. © 2013 Firenze University Press.