Abstract P543: Changes in Plasma Anandamide Concentrations are Associated With Reduction in Blood Pressure in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

The role of endocannabinoids in the vascular system is not well-known. Blood pressure (BP) levels decrease in obese patients after undergoing bariatric surgery, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aim: to explore the associations between changes (Δ) in serum endocannabinoids [anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)] and Δ in ambulatory BP in morbidly obese patients 1 month after undergoing bariatric surgery (BxS). Methods: Thirty-one patients (25 female, 16 hypertensives, mean age 45±8,6 yr, mean body mass index [BMI] 44±5,6 kg/m 2 ) with morbid obesity undergoing BxS were prospectively examined. Twenty-four hours-ambulatory BP parameters and serum AEA and 2-AG concentrations were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after BxS. Results: 24h- systolic and diastolic BP decreased at 1 month (Table). SBP=systolic blood pressure; DBP=diastolic blood pressure; BMI=body mass index; AEA=anandamide; 2-AG=2-arachidonoylglycerol There were inverse correlations of Δ AEA with Δ 24h-SBP (P=-0,493; p=0,020) and with Δ 24h-DBP (P=-0,560; p=0.007). After adjusting for Δ BMI and baseline BP values, the correlation between Δ AEA and Δ 24h-DBP (β coef. =-0,38; 95%CI: -26,47 to -0,38) remained statistically significant (p=0,044; R 2 =0,523). Conclusion: in obese patients undergoing BxS, the decrease of 24h-DBP at 1 month is related to changes in AEA levels.