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1.
Meta-Analysis Addressing the Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Flow-Mediated Dilation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Patoulias, D, Papadopoulos, C, Kassimis, G, Vassilikos, V, Karagiannis, A, Doumas, M
The American journal of cardiology. 2022;:133-135
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2.
The Acute Effects of Prolonged Uninterrupted Sitting on Vascular Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Taylor, FC, Pinto, AJ, Maniar, N, Dunstan, DW, Green, DJ
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2022;(1):67-76
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the dose-response relationship between prolonged sitting and vascular function in healthy individuals and those with metabolic disturbances and to investigate the acute effects, on vascular function, of interventions that target interrupting prolonged sitting. DESIGN This is a systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched from inception to 4 December 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized crossover trials, quasi-randomized trials, and parallel group trials where vascular function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) was assessed before and after an acute period of sedentary behavior was used in this study. RESULTS Prolonged sitting resulted in a significant decrease in the standardized mean change (SMC) for lower-limb FMD at the 120-min (SMC = -0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.32 to -0.38) and 180-min (SMC = -1.18, 95% CI = -1.69 to -0.66) time points. A similar pattern was observed for lower-limb shear rate. No significant changes were observed for any outcomes in the upper limb. Subgroup analysis indicated that prolonged sitting decreased lower-limb FMD in healthy adults (SMC = -1.33, 95% CI = -1.89 to -0.78) who had higher a priori vascular endothelial function, but not in those with metabolic and vascular dysfunction (SMC = -0.51, 95% CI = -1.18 to 0.15). Interrupting sitting with active interruptions increased the standardized mean difference for FMD, relative to prolonged sitting, but it was not statistically significant (0.13, 95% CI = -0.20 to 0.45). CONCLUSIONS Lower-limb vascular function is progressively impaired as a consequence of prolonged sitting, up to 180 min. A similar trend was not observed in upper-limb vascular function. Subgroup analysis indicated that prolonged sitting negatively affects healthy populations, a finding not observed in those with metabolic disturbances. Regularly interrupting sitting with activity may be beneficial for those with metabolic disturbances.
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3.
Emerging Role of Platelet-Endothelium Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Associated Myocardial Injury.
Rossouw, TM, Anderson, R, Manga, P, Feldman, C
Frontiers in immunology. 2022;:776861
Abstract
Cardiovascular dysfunction and disease are common and frequently fatal complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Indeed, from early on during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic it was recognized that cardiac complications may occur, even in patients with no underlying cardiac disorders, as part of the acute infection, and that these were associated with more severe disease and increased morbidity and mortality. The most common cardiac complication is acute cardiac injury, defined by significant elevation of cardiac troponins. The potential mechanisms of cardiovascular complications include direct viral myocardial injury, systemic inflammation induced by the virus, sepsis, arrhythmia, myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch, electrolyte abnormalities, and hypercoagulability. This review is focused on the prevalence, risk factors and clinical course of COVID-19-related myocardial injury, as well as on current data with regard to disease pathogenesis, specifically the interaction of platelets with the vascular endothelium. The latter section includes consideration of the role of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in triggering development of a generalized endotheliitis that, in turn, drives intense activation of platelets. Most prominently, SARS-CoV-2-induced endotheliitis involves interaction of the viral spike protein with endothelial angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) together with alternative mechanisms that involve the nucleocapsid and viroporin. In addition, the mechanisms by which activated platelets intensify endothelial activation and dysfunction, seemingly driven by release of the platelet-derived calcium-binding proteins, SA100A8 and SA100A9, are described. These events create a SARS-CoV-2-driven cycle of intravascular inflammation and coagulation, which contributes significantly to a poor clinical outcome in patients with severe disease.
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4.
The role of potassium in atherosclerosis.
Sahranavard, T, Carbone, F, Montecucco, F, Xu, S, Al-Rasadi, K, Jamialahmadi, T, Sahebkar, A
European journal of clinical investigation. 2021;(3):e13454
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic progressive inflammatory condition with a leading prevalence worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction leads to low-density lipoprotein trafficking into subendothelial space and the subsequent form of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) within intimal layer, perpetuating the vicious cycle of endothelial dysfunction. K+ exerts beneficial effects in vascular wall by reducing LDL oxidization, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation, and free radical generation. K+ also modulates vascular tone through a regulatory effect on cell membrane potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS The most relevant papers on the association between 'potassium channels' and 'atherosclerosis' were selected among those deposited on PubMed from 1990 to 2020. RESULTS Here, we provide a short narrative review that elaborates on the role of K+ in atherosclerosis. This review also update the current knowledge about potential pharmacological agents targeting K+ channels with a special focus on pleiotropic activities of agents such as statins, sulfonylureas and dihydropyridines. CONCLUSION In this review, the mechanism of different K+ channels on vascular endothelium will be summarized, mainly focusing on their pathophysiological role in atherosclerosis and potential therapeutic application.
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5.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Clinical Implications.
Poredos, P, Poredos, AV, Gregoric, I
Angiology. 2021;(7):604-615
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and some other vascular diseases. ED has been demonstrated in patients with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, and in patients with atherosclerotic disease. Besides classical risk factors, ED is affected by chronic inflammatory diseases and acute infections, particularly viral diseases. Causes of ED include oxidative stress, inflammation, and shear stress, which decrease the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Markers of ED have been sought, particularly circulating markers. Using these tests, it is possible to evaluate the response to harmful effects of risk factors and the effects of treatment on vessel wall function. Endothelial dysfunction is significantly and directly correlated with the occurrence of cardiac events and the risk of cardiac events increase as ED worsens. Because endothelial function plays a central role in atherogenesis it became a therapeutic target. Endothelial dysfunction is reversible and its improvement may be achieved by elimination of risk factors, inhibitors of endothelium-derived contracting factors (angiotensin-converting enzyme), smoking cessation, lipid-lowering drugs, diet, and physical exercise. By reversing ED, it is possible to restore vascular function.
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6.
The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in overweight/obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
Taghizadeh, S, Izadi, A, Shirazi, S, Parizad, M, Pourghassem Gargari, B
Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology. 2021;(1):26-30
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed at determining the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on the inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction indices among overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among overweight and obese women diagnosed with PCOS. Forty three PCOS women were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received 200 mg CoQ10 capsules per day (n = 22) and the other received placebo (n = 21) for 8 weeks. Biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin were measured and compared before and after the intervention. RESULTS At the end of study, compared with pldacebo, CoQ10 supplementation resulted in significant decreases in serum levels of TNF-α (p = 0.009), hs-CRP and IL-6 (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively). In addition, supplementation with CoQ10 resulted in a significant reduction in serum VCAM-1 (p = .002) and E-selectin (p = .006) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences for serum ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS The present study showed that CoQ10 supplementation for 8 weeks had a beneficial effect on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in overweight and obese patients with PCOS.
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7.
Is There Association between Altered Adrenergic System Activity and Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by a 7-Day High Salt Intake in Young Healthy Individuals.
Stupin, A, Drenjančević, I, Šušnjara, P, Debeljak, Ž, Kolobarić, N, Jukić, I, Mihaljević, Z, Martinović, G, Selthofer-Relatić, K
Nutrients. 2021;(5)
Abstract
This study aimed to test the effect of a 7-day high-salt (HS) diet on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in young healthy individuals and modulation of ANS on microvascular endothelial function impairment. 47 young healthy individuals took 7-day low-salt (LS) diet (3.5 g salt/day) followed by 7-day high-salt (HS) diet (~14.7 g salt/day). ANS activity was assessed by 24-h urine catecholamine excretion and 5-min heart rate variability (HRV). Skin post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and acetylcholine-induced dilation (AChID) were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Separately, mental stress test (MST) at LS and HS condition was conducted, followed by immediate measurement of plasma metanephrines' level, 5-min HRV and LDF microvascular reactivity. Noradrenaline, metanephrine and normetanephrine level, low-frequency (LF) HRV and PORH and AChID significantly decreased following HS compared to LS. MST at HS condition tended to increase HRV LF/HF ratio. Spectral analysis of PORH signal, and AChID measurement showed that MST did not significantly affect impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation due to HS loading. In this case, 7-day HS diet suppressed sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, and attenuated microvascular reactivity in salt-resistant normotensive individuals. Suppression of SNS during HS loading represents a physiological response, rather than direct pathophysiological mechanism by which HS diet affects microvascular endothelial function in young healthy individuals.
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8.
Diversity of Lipid Function in Atherogenesis: A Focus on Endothelial Mechanobiology.
Kotlyarov, S
International journal of molecular sciences. 2021;(21)
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the most important problems in modern medicine. Its high prevalence and social significance determine the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the disease's development and progression. Lipid metabolism and its disorders are one of the key links in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Lipids are involved in many processes, including those related to the mechanoreception of endothelial cells. The multifaceted role of lipids in endothelial mechanobiology and mechanisms of atherogenesis are discussed in this review. Endothelium is involved in ensuring adequate vascular hemodynamics, and changes in blood flow characteristics are detected by endothelial cells and affect their structure and function.
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9.
Effects of pistachios on anthropometric indices, inflammatory markers, endothelial function and blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Asbaghi, O, Hadi, A, Campbell, MS, Venkatakrishnan, K, Ghaedi, E
The British journal of nutrition. 2021;(5):718-729
Abstract
Evidence suggests that eating nuts may reduce the risk of CVD. This study was intended to pool the data of all randomised controlled trials (RCT) available to determine if pistachios confer a beneficial effect on anthropometric indices, inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction and blood pressure. Without language restriction, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched for articles published from the earliest records to June 2019 investigating the effect of pistachio consumption on inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Mean difference (MD) was pooled using a random effects model. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The meta-analysis of thirteen RCT with 563 participants indicated that pistachio consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (MD: -2·12 mmHg, 95 % CI -3·65, -0·59, P = 0·007), whereas changes in flow-mediated dilation (MD: 0·94 %, 95 % CI -0·99, 2·86, P = 0·813), diastolic blood pressure (MD: 0·32 mmHg, 95 % CI -1·37, 2·02, P = 0·707), C-reactive protein (MD: 0·00 mg/l, 95 % CI -0·21, 0·23, P = 0·942), TNF-α (MD: -0·09 pg/ml, 95 % CI -0·38, 0·20, P = 0·541), body weight (MD: 0·09 kg, 95 % CI -0·38, 0·69, P = 0·697), BMI (MD: 0·07 kg/m2, 95 % CI -0·16, 0·31, P = 0·553) and waist circumference (MD: 0·77 cm, 95 % CI -0·09, 1·64, P = 0·140) were not statistically significant. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested the efficacy of pistachio consumption to reduce SBP levels. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results.
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10.
Decreased Flow-Mediated Dilatation in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Cao, L, Hou, M, Zhou, W, Sun, L, Shen, J, Chen, Y, Tang, Y, Wang, B, Li, X, Lv, H
Angiology. 2021;(10):908-915
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is an early noninvasive marker of endothelial function and it predicts future cardiovascular disease. However, the changes in FMD among T1DM children are still controversial. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether FMD is impaired in children with T1DM. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science were searched for studies comparing FMD in children with T1DM and healthy controls. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale for case-control studies was used to assess study quality. Data were pooled using a random effects models to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMD) in FMD and 95% CIs. Overall, 19 studies with 1245 patients and 872 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. Children with T1DM had significantly lower FMDs compared with healthy controls (WMD: -2.58; 95% CI: -3.36 to -1.81; P < .001). Meta-regression analysis revealed that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels impacted the observed difference in FMD between T1DM and healthy children. This meta-analysis showed that T1DM children have impaired endothelial function, which indicates they are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life.