Pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure in relation to ischemic stroke among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in rural areas of China

Lifetime predictors of stroke in subjects without a diagnosis of hypertension: the aerobics center longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although several studies have assessed the importance of traditional risk factors in predicting stroke, none have concurrently addressed the stroke-predicting ability of these risk factors across the lifespan of subjects without a hypertension (HTN) diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the importance of blood-pressure-related risk indicators, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), weight status, diabetes mellitus (DM), and lifestyle factors as predictors of stroke in different stages of life among non-hypertensive subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a long-term follow-up study including 33,254 men and 10,598 women from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS) who were 18-100 years old and did not have a HTN diagnosis at baseline. Logistic regression models were constructed using forward selection procedures for each age category, with stroke occurrence as the dependent variable, and pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), smoking status, CRF, drinking behavior, DM status, and weight status as potential predictors.

RESULTS

In total, 507 subjects had a stroke during an average follow-up period of 17 years (range=1-34 years). Logistic regression models showed that MAP values (P=0.043) in those aged 19-39 years; SBP (P<0.001), CRF (P=0.001), weight status (P=0.005), and alcohol consumption (P=0.001) in those 40-60 years old; and CRF (P=0.002), weight status (P=0.005), and DM status (P=0.037) in those over 60 years old were predictors of stroke.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that, among individuals without a baseline HTN diagnosis, classic modifiable risk factors for stroke change across different stages of life.

Patient-specific CFD modelling in the thoracic aorta with PC-MRI-based boundary conditions: A least-square three-element Windkessel approach

The increasing use of computational fluid dynamics for simulating blood flow in clinics demands the identification of appropriate patient-specific boundary conditions for the customization of the mathematical models. These conditions should ideally be retrieved from measurements. However, finite resolution of devices as well as other practical/ethical reasons prevent the construction of complete data sets necessary to make the mathematical problems well posed. Available data need to be completed by modelling assumptions, whose impact on the final solution has to be carefully addressed. Focusing on aortic vascular districts and related pathologies, we present here a method for efficiently and robustly prescribing phase contrast MRI-based patient-specific data as boundary conditions at the domain of interest. In particular, for the outlets, the basic idea is to obtain pressure conditions from an appropriate elaboration of available flow rates on the basis of a 3D/0D dimensionally heterogeneous modelling. The key point is that the parameters are obtained by a constrained optimization procedure. The rationale is that pressure conditions have a reduced impact on the numerical solution compared with velocity conditions, yielding a simulation framework less exposed to noise and inconsistency of the data, as well as to the arbitrariness of the underlying modelling assumptions. Numerical results confirm the reliability of the approach in comparison with other patient-specific approaches adopted in the literature.

Factors Associated with the Risk of Developing Coronary Artery Disease in Medicated Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Background: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with high Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in medicated patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: We examined 61 medicated patients with MDD (mean age 37.77 ± 7.67, 90.2% women) and 43 non-depressed controls (mean age 38.26 ± 9.20, 90.7% women). We administered the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and measured systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial BP (MAP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), intima-media thickness (IMT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and triglycerides. Results: We found that medicated patients with MDD had significantly higher levels of HAM-D score (p < 0.01), SBP (p = 0.015), MAP (p = 0.037), IL−6 level (p = 0.007), as compared with controls. Medicated patients who remained moderately to severely depressed showed significantly higher SBP (p = 0.049), DBP (p = 0.009), MAP (p = 0.024), IL−6 level (p = 0.019), left PWV (p = 0.004) and average PWV (p = 0.026) than those with mild depression. Multivariate regression showed that the interaction effect between HAM-D score and triglyceride level (p = 0.018) was significantly associated with FRS in medicated patients with MDD. Conclusions: This study highlights that the interaction effect of the severity of depression and the triglyceride level, was a modifiable factor positively associated with high FRS.

Ameliorative effect of Azadirachta indica on sodium fluoride-induced hypertension through improvement of antioxidant defence system and upregulation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 signaling

BACKGROUND

Toxicities due to fluoride exposure from natural and industrial sources occur commonly in man and animals with severe consequences ranging from mild cardiac derangements to sudden death. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of the methanol extract of Azadirachta indica (AI) against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced hypertension and genotoxicity in rats.

METHODS

Sixty rats were divided into six groups of ten rats each as follows: Group A, the control group received distilled water; Group B rats were administered NaF at 600 ppm in drinking water; Groups C and D rats were pre-treated with the methanol extract of AI and thereafter administered NaF at 600 ppm in drinking water for 7 consecutive days; Groups E and F rats were co-administered with AI and NaF.

RESULTS

The administration of NaF caused significant (p<0.05) increases in the blood pressure, markers of oxidative stress, serum myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase values in NaF-alone treated rats, compared with the control. Significant (p<0.05) decreases were observed in cardiac and renal antioxidant defence system in rats administered NaF alone compared with the control group. NaF treatment also resulted in a reduction in the expressions of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in cardiac and renal tissues of NaF-treated rats. Moreover, NaF treatment elicited an increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes when compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the protective effect of AI on NaF-induced hypertension and genotoxicity through antioxidant and ERK 1/2 signaling in rats.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus–associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy, and Their Acquired ADAMTS13 Inhibitor Profiles

Objective.

To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)–associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) based on their ADAMTS13 inhibitor profiles.

Methods.

The medical data of 31 SLE patients with clinically diagnosed TMA were analyzed. ADAMTS13 activity and ADAMTS13 inhibitor were measured in all patients.

Results.

TMA was attributable to active SLE in 19 patients. ADAMTS13 inhibitor and severe ADAMTS13 deficiency were detected in 6 of them. Patients with ADAMTS13 inhibitor (n = 6) exhibited a lower platelet count (7.3 ± 5.1 vs 25.0 ± 17.8 × 109/l, p = 0.005) and more prevalent central nervous system (CNS) involvement (100.0% vs 23.1%, p = 0.003) than patients without ADAMTS13 inhibitor (n = 13). Patients with ADAMTS13 inhibitor also had mild renal involvement characterized by a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (112.7 ± 18.0 vs 21.6 ± 12.0, p < 0.001), lower proteinuria level [0.6 (0.2–2.5) vs 8.1 (5.2–14.0) g/d, p = 0.011], and lower mean arterial pressure (95.3 ± 13.6 vs 117.5 ± 13.1 mmHg, p = 0.008) than was observed in patients without ADAMTS13 inhibitor. All patients with ADAMTS13 inhibitor achieved complete remission within 18.6 ± 8.7 days, while 3 patients (23.1%) without ADAMTS13 inhibitor achieved complete remission during a median followup of 5.0 months, even though more patients in this group received therapeutic apheresis (100.0% vs 50.0%, p = 0.021). The chance of complete remission increased by 10.8-fold (HR 10.8, 95% CI 1.8–65.5, p < 0.001) when ADAMTS13 inhibitor was present in SLE-associated TMA.

Conclusion.

Acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency is associated with more severe thrombocytopenia and CNS involvement, mild renal involvement, rapid resolution, and relatively good treatment response in SLE-associated TMA.

Association of Preoperative Mean Arterial Pressure With the Primary Failure of Brescia-Cimino Arteriovenous Fistula Within the First 7 Days Following Surgery in Hemodialysis Patients

This retrospective study included 1051 patients with end-stage kidney disease and Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistula (AVF) (excluding pre-dialysis patients), and aimed to investigate the role of blood pressure in AVF primary failure. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured twice daily for 3 days before surgery. The success (N = 1010) and failure (N = 41) groups were based on AVF primary failure within 7 days of surgery. The cephalic vein was larger and the preoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher in the success group compared with the failure group (P < 0.05). Cephalic vein diameter and preoperative MAP independently predicted AVF primary failure within 7 days after surgery. In conclusion, small cephalic vein diameter and low preoperative MAP were associated with AVF primary failure within 7 days of surgery.

Cumulative mean arterial pressure and risks of adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events: a prospective cohort study of 53,813 adults

The association between cumulative mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and risks of adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (CCVEs) has not been characterized. This prospective cohort study included 53,813 participants, free of prior myocardial infarction or stroke in or before 2010 (baseline) from a community-based cohort including 101,510 participants. Cumulative MAP was defined as the summed average MAP for each pair of consecutive examinations multiplied by the time interval with the data from previous surveys (2006- 2007, 2008 to 2009, 2010-2011). Incident adverse CCVEs were ascertained by both the information collection in biennial follow-up surveys (2012-2013, 2014-2015) and surveying each year's discharge lists from local hospitals and death certificates from state vital statistics offices by three experienced physicians blinded to the study design. The study population were stratified into quartiles based on cumulative MAP (<354.62 mmHg, n = 13,454; 354.62 to 392.82 mmHg, n = 13,452; 392.82 to 438.04 mmHg, n = 13 453; ≥ 438.04 mmHg, n = 13,454). We documented 1055 incident adverse CCVEs, including 271 myocardial infarction and 794 stroke (10 comorbid with myocardial infarction), which consisted of 673 ischemic stroke and 134 hemorrhagic stroke (13 comorbid with ischemic stroke). The incidence of adverse CCVEs increased with the increase of cumulative MAP with significant difference (p < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression models revealed the elevated cumulative MAP as an independent risk factor for adverse CCVEs, especially hemorrhagic stroke, after adjusting potential confounders. A J-shaped relationship between cumulative MAP and hemorrhagic stroke was also observed.

Polymorphism of CONNEXIN37 gene is a risk factor for ischemic stroke in Han Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Stroke has a high fatality and disability rate, and is one of the main burdens to human health. It is thus very important to identify biomarkers for the development of effective approaches for the prevention and treatment of stroke. Connexin37 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine and is involved in chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have found that CONNEXIN37 gene variations are associated with atherosclerosis diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke, but its association with stroke in distinct human populations remains to be determined. We report here the analysis of the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CONNEXIN37 with ischemic stroke in Han Chinese population.

METHODS

Two SNPs of CONNEXIN37 gene were analyzed in 385 ischemic stroke patients and 362 hypertension control patients using ligase detection reaction (LDR) method.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that, AG and GG genotypes of SNP rs1764390 and CC genotype of rs1764391 of CONNEXIN37 were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, and that G allele of rs1764390 is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Further, we found that SNP rs1764390 and SNP rs1764391 in CONNEXIN37 were associated with ischemic stroke under additive/dominant model, and recessive/dominant model, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that CONNEXIN37 gene polymorphism is an ischemic stroke risk factor in Northern Han Chinese.

Familial Risk for Insomnia Is Associated With Abnormal Cortisol Response to Stress

Objectives

Abnormalities in the stress system have been implicated in insomnia. However, studies examining physiological stress regulation in insomnia have not consistently detected differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis response to stress. One explanation may be that deficits in the stress system are associated specifically with a biological vulnerability to insomnia rather than the phenotypic expression of insomnia. To examine stress response as a function of vulnerability to insomnia, this study tested response to the Trier Social Stress Test in a sample of healthy sleepers with varying familial risks for insomnia.

Methods

Thirty-five healthy individuals with and without familial risk for insomnia were recruited to complete a laboratory stressor. Participants with one or both biological parents with insomnia were categorized as positive for familial risk, whereas those without biological parents with insomnia were categorized as negative for familial risk. Participants completed the Trier Social Stress Test in the laboratory, and psychological and physiological (autonomic and HPA-axis) responses were compared.

Results

Despite self-reported increases in anxiety, those positive for familial risk exhibited a blunted cortisol response relative to those without familial risk for insomnia. Individuals with blunted cortisol also reported heightened reactivity to personal life stressors, including increased sleep disturbances, elevated cognitive intrusions, and more behavioral avoidance.

Conclusions

Findings from this study provide initial evidence that abnormal stress regulation may be a biological predisposing factor conferred via familial risk for insomnia. This deficit may also predict negative consequences over time, including insomnia and the associated psychiatric comorbidities.

Early Renin-angiotensin System Blockade Improved Short-term and Longterm Renal Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Antiphospholipid-associated Nephropathy

Objective.

To investigate the renal protective effects of early renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with antiphospholipid-associated nephropathy (aPLN).

Methods.

Medical data of 57 SLE patients with biopsy-proven aPLN were analyzed. Early RAAS blockade was defined as administration of RASI within 3 months after kidney biopsy and continued for ≥ 12 months.

Results.

There was no significant difference in demographic data, laboratory findings, and renal histology by the time of kidney biopsy, except that the RASI group had higher proteinuria levels vs the non-RASI group [5.2 (2.8–8.8) vs 1.9 (0.6–2.8) g/d, p = 0.005, respectively] and higher prevalence of hypertension (75% vs 29%, p = 0.001, respectively). No significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), mean arterial pressure, and proteinuria level at 12 months after kidney biopsy. The improvement ratio of eGFR at 12 months was significantly higher in the RASI group versus the non-RASI group [26% (−5 to 86) vs −2% (−20 to 20), p = 0.028, respectively], and the rate of change in eGFR beyond 12 months was similar between the 2 groups. During a mean followup of 80 months, 4 (23%) patients in the non-RASI group and 3 (8%) patients in the RASI group developed kidney disease progression. Early RAAS blockade significantly decreased the risk of kidney disease progression [HR = 0.11 (0.02–0.59); p = 0.010]. Proteinuria and hypertension controls were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion.

Early RAAS blockade improved the short-term and longterm renal outcomes in SLE patients with aPLN. The renal protective effect of RASI was independent of its antihypertensive and antiproteinuric effects.

Relationship of Arterial Stiffness Index and Pulse Pressure With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

BACKGROUND

Vascular aging results in stiffer arteries and may have a role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial stiffness index (ASI), measured by finger photoplethysmography, and pulse pressure (PP) are 2 independent vascular aging indices. We investigated whether ASI or PP predict new-onset CVD and mortality in a large community-based population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 169 613 UK Biobank participants (mean age 56.8 years; 45.8% males) who underwent ASI measurement and blood pressure measurement for PP calculation. Mean±SD ASI was 9.30±3.1 m/s and mean±SD PP was 50.98±13.2 mm Hg. During a median disease follow-up of 2.8 years (interquartile range 1.4-4.0), 18 190 participants developed CVD, of which 1587 myocardial infarction (MI), 4326 coronary heart disease, 1192 heart failure, and 1319 stroke. During a median mortality follow-up of 6.1 years (interquartile range 5.8-6.3), 3678 participants died, of which 1180 of CVD. Higher ASI was associated with increased risk of overall CVD (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.28), myocardial infarction (1.38; 95% CI, 1.32-1.44), coronary heart disease (1.31; 95% CI, 1.27-1.34), and heart failure (1.31; 95% CI 1.24-1.37). ASI also predicted mortality (all-cause, CVD, other). Higher PP was associated with overall CVD (1.57; 95% CI, 1.55-1.59), myocardial infarction (1.48; 95% CI, 1.42-1.54), coronary heart disease (1.47; 95% CI, 1.43-1.50), heart failure (1.47; 95% CI, 1.40-1.55), and CVD mortality (1.47; 95% CI, 1.40-1.55). PP improved risk reclassification of CVD in a non-laboratory-based Framingham Risk Score by 5.4%, ASI by 2.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

ASI and PP are independent predictors of CVD and mortality outcomes. Although both improved risk prediction for new-onset disease, PP appears to have a larger clinical value than ASI.

A comparison of static and dynamic cerebral autoregulation during mild whole-body cold stress in individuals with and without cervical spinal cord injury: a pilot study

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize static and dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) of individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to able-bodied controls in response to moderate increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) caused by mild whole-body cold stress.

SETTING

Japan METHODS: Five men with complete autonomic cervical SCI (sustained > 5 y) and six age-matched able-bodied men participated in hemodynamic, temperature, catecholamine and respiratory measurements for 60 min during three consecutive stages: baseline (10 min; 33 °C water through a thin-tubed whole-body suit), mild cold stress (20 min; 25 °C water), and post-cold recovery (30 min; 33 °C water). Static CA was determined as the ratio between mean changes in middle cerebral artery blood velocity and MAP, dynamic CA as transfer function coherence, gain, and phase between spontaneous changes in MAP to middle cerebral artery blood velocity.

RESULTS

MAP increased in both groups during cold and post-cold recovery (mean differences: 5-10 mm Hg; main effect of time: p = 0.001). Static CA was not different between the able-bodied vs. the cervical SCI group (mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) of between-group difference: -4 (-11 to 3) and -2 (-5 to 1) cm/s/mm Hg for cold (p = 0.22) and post-cold (p = 0.24), respectively). At baseline, transfer function phase was shorter in the cervical SCI group (mean (95% CI) of between-group difference: 0.6 (0.2 to 1.0) rad; p = 0.006), while between-group differences in changes in phase were not different in response to the cold stress (interaction term: p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study suggests that static CA is similar between individuals with cervical SCI and able-bodied controls in response to moderate increases in MAP, while dynamic CA may be impaired in cervical SCI because of disturbed sympathetic control.

Prognostic role of a new risk index for the prediction of 30-day cardiovascular mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: the Age-Mean Arterial Pressure Index (AMAPI)

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third cause of cardiovascular (CV) mortality. We evaluated a new risk index, named Age-Mean Arterial Pressure Index (AMAPI), to predict 30-day CV mortality in patients with acute PE. Data of 209 patients (44.0% male and 56.0% female, mean age 70.58 ± 14.14 years) with confirmed acute PE were retrospectively analysed. AMAPI was calculated as the ratio between age and mean arterial pressure (MAP), which was defined as [systolic blood pressure + (2 × diastolic blood pressure)]/3. To test AMAPI accuracy, a comparison with shock index (SI) and simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) was performed. Patients were divided in two groups according their hemodynamic stability, or not, at admission. 30-day mortality rate, in all cases for CV events, was 10.5% (n = 22). Hemodynamically unstable patients had a higher AMAPI compare to those without hypotension at admission (1.28 ± 0.39 vs 0.78 ± 0.27, p < 0.0001). Receiving operative curve analyses (ROC) found the optimal cut-off for AMAPI in hemodynamically stable and unstable patients ≥0.9 and ≥0.92, respectively. In both groups, patients with an AMAPI over the cut-off were significantly older, hypotensive (both systolic and diastolic blood pressure), with a higher SI and lower MAP. In hemodynamically stable patients, 30-day CV mortality risk prediction was improved adding AMAPI ≥0.9 to both SI and sPESI (net reclassification improvement-NRI-of 14.2%, p = 0.0006 and 11.5%, p = 0.0002, respectively). In hemodynamically unstable patients NRI was 19.2%, p = 0.006. Mantel-Cox analysis revealed a statistical significant difference in the distribution of survival between hemodynamically stable patients with an AMAPI index ≥0.9 compared to those with an AMAPI <0.89 [log rank (Mantel-Cox) p < 0.0001] and in hemodynamically unstable patients with an AMAPI ≥0.92 [log rank (Mantel-Cox) p = 0.001]. AMAPI ≥0.90 and ≥0.92 predict 30-day CV mortality in hemodynamically stable and unstable patients with acute PE.

Gastric myoelectric activity during cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis reveals a temporal impairment of slow waves in ferrets: effects not reversed by the GLP-1 receptor antagonist, exendin (9-39)

Preclinical studies show that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonist, exendin (9-39), can reduce acute emesis induced by cisplatin. In the present study, we investigate the effect of exendin (9-39) (100 nmol/24 h, i.c.v), on cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced acute and delayed emesis and changes indicative of ‘nausea’ in ferrets. Cisplatin induced 37.2 ± 2.3 and 59.0 ± 7.7 retches + vomits during the 0-24 (acute) and 24-72 h (delayed) periods, respectively. Cisplatin also increased (P<0.05) the dominant frequency of gastric myoelectric activity from 9.4 ± 0.1 to 10.4 ± 0.41 cpm and decreased the dominant power (DP) during acute emesis; there was a reduction in the % power of normogastria and an increase in the % power of tachygastria; food and water intake was reduced. DP decreased further during delayed emesis, where normogastria predominated. Advanced multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis revealed that the slow wave signal shape became more simplistic during delayed emesis. Cisplatin did not affect blood pressure (BP), but transiently increased heart rate, and decreased heart rate variability (HRV) during acute emesis; HRV spectral analysis indicated a shift to ‘sympathetic dominance’. A hyperthermic response was seen during acute emesis, but hypothermia occurred during delayed emesis and there was also a decrease in HR. Exendin (9-39) did not improve feeding and drinking but reduced cisplatin-induced acute emesis by ~59 % (P<0.05) and antagonised the hypothermic response (P<0.05); systolic, diastolic and mean arterial BP increased during the delayed phase. In conclusion, blocking GLP-1 receptors in the brain reduces cisplatin-induced acute but not delayed emesis. Restoring power and structure to slow waves may represent a novel approach to treat the side effects of chemotherapy.

Effects of sevoflurane versus propofol on cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide during laparoscopic surgery

Purpose

Cerebrovascular reactivity to carbon dioxide (CVR-CO₂) reflects cerebrovascular reserve capacity, which is important in many brain disorders, including cerebrovascular and Alzheimer’s diseases. Meanwhile, there is a relationship between CVR-CO₂ and cognitive function. Therefore, the study is aimed at investigating the effects of sevoflurane versus propofol on CVR-CO₂ during laparoscopic surgery, as well as the role of CVR-CO₂ on cognitive function during perioperative period.

Patients and methods

Eighty-eight patients, aged 18–65 years undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomly assigned to group S and group P. The patients in group S were induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane. The patients in group P were induced and maintained with propofol (target-controlled infusion). Remifentanil was given to both groups. CVR-CO₂ at baseline (before induction), before pneumoperitoneum and during pneumoperitoneum, as well as Mini-Mental State Examination scores at baseline and 24 hours after surgery were recorded.

Results

In group S, CVR-CO₂ before and during pneumoperitoneum increased significantly compared with baseline (P<0.05). In group P, CVR-CO₂ before pneumoperitoneum increased significantly (P<0.05), but CVR-CO₂ during pneumoperitoneum was not different compared with baseline. In either group, there was no significant correlation between mean blood pressure and CVR-CO₂ during surgery, and there was no significant difference between Mini-Mental State Examination scores at baseline and 24 hours after surgery.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane could maintain CVR-CO₂ at a higher level during pneumoperitoneum in surgery. Therefore, in patients with impaired cerebrovascular reserve capacity, inhaled anesthetic could be a priority strategy for anesthesia maintenance to improve the compensatory vasodilation ability of cerebral small vessels.

Centrally located GLP-1 receptors modulate gastric slow waves and cardiovascular function in ferrets consistent with the induction of nausea

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are indicated for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but can cause nausea and emesis in some patients. GLP-1 receptors are distributed widely in the brain, where they contribute to mechanisms of emesis, reduced appetite and aversion, but it is not known if these centrally located receptors also contribute to a modulation of gastric slow wave activity, which is linked causally to nausea. Our aim was to investigate the potential of the GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, administered into the 3rd ventricle to modulate emesis, feeding and gastric slow wave activity. Thermoregulation and cardiovascular parameters were also monitored, as they are disturbed during nausea. Ferrets were used as common laboratory rodents do not have an emetic reflex. A guide cannula was implanted into the 3rd ventricle for delivering a previously established dose of exendin-4 (10nmol), which had been shown to induce emesis and behaviours indicative of 'nausea'. Radiotelemetry recorded gastric myoelectric activity (GMA; slow waves), blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV), and core temperature; food intake and behaviour were also assessed. Exendin-4 (10nmol, i.c.v.) decreased the dominant frequency of GMA, with an associated increase in the percentage of bradygastric power (lasting ~4h). Food intake was inhibited in all animals, with 63% exhibiting emesis. Exendin-4 also increased blood pressure (lasting ~24h) and heart rate (lasting ~7h), decreased HRV (lasting ~24h), and caused transient hyperthermia. None of the above parameters were emesis-dependent. The present study shows for the first time that gastric slow waves may be modulated by GLP-1 receptors in the brain through mechanisms that appear independent from emesis. Taken together with a reduction in HRV, the findings are consistent with changes associated with the occurrence of nausea in humans.

Genetic Variant of Kalirin Gene Is Associated with Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Han Population

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic stroke is a complex disorder resulting from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Previous studies showed that kalirin gene variations were associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the association between this gene and ischemic stroke was unknown. We performed this study to confirm if kalirin gene variation was associated with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We enrolled 385 ischemic stroke patients and 362 controls from China. Three SNPs of kalirin gene were genotyped by means of ligase detection reaction-PCR method. Data was processed with SPSS and SHEsis platform.

RESULTS

SNP rs7620580 (dominant model: OR = 1.590, p = 0.002 and adjusted OR = 1.662, p = 0.014; additive model: OR = 1.490, p = 0.002 and adjusted OR = 1.636, p = 0.005; recessive model: OR = 2.686, p = 0.039) and SNP rs1708303 (dominant model: OR = 1.523, p = 0.007 and adjusted OR = 1.604, p = 0.028; additive model: OR = 1.438, p = 0.01 and adjusted OR = 1.476, p = 0.039) were associated with ischemic stroke. The GG genotype and G allele of SNP rs7620580 were associated with a risk for ischemic stroke with an adjusted OR of 3.195 and an OR of 1.446, respectively. Haplotype analysis revealed that A-T-G,G-T-A, and A-T-A haplotypes were associated with ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence that kalirin gene variations were associated with ischemic stroke in the Chinese Han population.

Moderate and Severe Blood Pressure Elevation Associated with Stroke in the Mexican Hispanic Population

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in US. Amongst other factors such as age, sex, race, genetics, obesity, diabetes etc., hypertension continues to be the leading contributing factor towards stroke. Studies regarding stroke in Hispanics are sparse and inconclusive.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study is to investigate the potential association between blood pressure elevation and risk of ischemic stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population.

METHODS

A retrospective data analysis was carried out for a planned case-control study with case-control ratios of 1:2. Mexican Hispanic cases were from the ElPasoStroke database with diagnosed hypertension that had sustained an ischemic stroke (n = 505) and Mexican Hispanics diagnosed with hypertension who were stroke-free as controls from the 2005-2010 NHANES databases (n = 1010). In this analysis, we included subjects who had data on systolic, diastolic or mean arterial blood pressures for cases (327) and controls (772). In cases, blood pressure was determined by the initial admission measurement, and in controls, the first measured blood pressure was used. The unadjusted and adjusted effects of continuous measurements of systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure on stroke were determined using logistic regression analyses. Subjects were further classified into groups based on prehypertension and hypertension ranges, as established by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were also used to determine the effect of categorized blood pressures.

RESULTS

Our data indicate that per unit increase in systolic, diastolic or mean arterial blood pressure elevates the odds of stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population. Adjusted analysis of categorized blood pressures showed that mild or moderate/severe high blood pressure significantly associated with odds of stroke. Maintaining and controlling blood pressure at more stringent and lower levels, specifically lowering mean arterial pressure may effectively reduce the odds of ischemic stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population.

CONCLUSION

Elevation of blood pressure increases the odds of stroke among the Mexican Hispanic population. Our results provide new strategies to manage the stroke prevention and health disparity issues among the Mexican Hispanic population.

The association between risk of airflow limitation and serum uric acid measured at medical health check-ups

The prevalence of COPD and asthma is increasing all over the world; however, their morbidities are thought to be greatly underestimated because of unawareness of patients’ conditions and respiratory symptoms. Spirometry is useful for the early detection of COPD and asthma with airflow limitation (AL), although it is not yet widely used for screening in epidemiological and primary care settings. A simple predictive marker used in combination with spirometry for AL is expected to be established. In medical health check-ups, serum uric acid (s-UA) is measured when screening for gout and has recently been suggested to have an association with several respiratory disorders, including asthma and COPD. However, whether s-UA influences the development of AL remains unclear. Therefore, the aims of this study were to examine the relationship between AL and s-UA and to investigate s-UA as a potential auxiliary marker for predicting AL risk in medical health check-ups. A total of 8,662 subjects aged >40 years were included. They were administered a simple questionnaire and assessed using pulmonary function tests, blood pressure (BP) measurements, and blood samplings. One hundred and fifty-six subjects (1.8%) had AL, just 29% of whom had experienced respiratory symptoms. The subjects with AL had significantly higher s-UA levels compared with never-smoking subjects without AL. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) %predicted showed significant correlations with age, smoking index, body mass index (BMI), mean BP, white blood cells, hemoglobin A1c, s-UA, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In multiple logistic regression analysis, s-UA, in addition to age, smoking index, respiratory symptoms, and BMI, was independently associated with AL. In conclusion, elevated s-UA levels, together with respiratory symptoms, high smoking index, and weight loss, may epidemiologically predict the development of AL risk.

Potential Cardiovascular and Renal Protective Effects of Vitamin D and Coenzyme Q10 in l-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is one of the primary modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Adequate vitamin D (vit D) levels have been shown to reduce vascular smooth muscle contraction and to increase arterial compliance, which may be beneficial in hypertension. Further, coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) through its action to lower oxidative stress has been reported to have beneficial effects on hypertension and heart failure. This study examined the possible cardiac and renal protective effects of vit D and COQ10 both separately and in combination with an angiotensin II receptor blocker, valsartan (vals) in l-NAME hypertensive rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypertension was induced in rats by l-NAME administration. Following induction of hypertension, the rats were assigned into the following 6 subgroups: an l-NAME alone group and treated groups receiving the following drugs intraperitoneally for 6 weeks; vals, vit D, COQ10 and combination of vals with either vit D or COQ10. A group of normotensive rats were used as negative controls. At the end of the treatment period, blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, lipids and serum, cardiac and renal parameters of oxidative stress were measured.

RESULTS

Compared to the l-NAME only group, all treatments lowered systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and creatinine levels as well as TNF-α and malondialdehyde. Further, the agents increased serum, cardiac and renal total antioxidant capacity. Interestingly, the combination of agents had further effects on all the parameters compared to treatment with each single agent.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that the additive protective effects of vit D and COQ10 when used alone or concurrent with vals treatment in hypertensive rats may be due to their effects as antioxidants, anticytokines and blood pressure conservers.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism rs17611 of Complement Component 5 Shows Association with Ischemic Stroke in Northeast Chinese Population

BACKGROUND

Complement component 5 (C5) has been described to play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to determine whether genetic variation of C5 was associated with ischemic stroke (IS) in northeast Chinese population.

METHODS

We used a case-control study involving 386 IS patients and 386 non-IS controls from a rural population and determined the genotypes of five polymorphisms (rs12237774, rs17611, rs4837805, rs7026551, and rs1017119) of C5 gene by Snapshot single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays to assess any links with IS.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, rs17611 was significantly associated with IS in the additive model, the dominant model, and recessive model (additive p 0.031, dominant p 0.034, and recessive p 0.027). After adjustment for Binary Logistic Regression, rs17611 polymorphism was still significant in three models (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.306, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.069-1.595, p-value = 0.009 in an additive model; OR = 1.378, 95% CI = 1.024-1.856, p-value = 0.035 in a dominant model; and OR = 1.511, 95% CI = 1.048-2.18, p-value = 0.027 in a recessive model).

CONCLUSION

In this sample of patients, genetic variation of rs17611 in C5 is associated with higher prevalence of IS.

Liver enzymes and clustering cardiometabolic risk factors in European adolescents: the HELENA study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the associations of liver biomarkers with cardiometabolic risk factors and their clustering, and to provide reference values (percentiles) and cut-off points for liver biomarkers associated with high cardiometabolic risk in European adolescents.

METHODS

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase to ALT ratio (AST/ALT), waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin were measured in 1084 adolescents. We computed a continuous cardiometabolic risk score and defined the high cardiometabolic risk.

RESULTS

Higher ALT and GGT and lower AST/ALT were associated with adiposity and with the number of adverse cardiometabolic risk factors (Ps < 0.05). Higher GGT and lower AST/ALT were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk score (Ps < 0.001) in males and females, and ALT only in males (Ps < 0.001). Gender- and age-specific percentiles for liver biomarkers were provided. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed a significant discriminatory accuracy of AST/ALT in identifying the low/high cardiometabolic risk (Ps < 0.01) and thresholds were provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher GGT and lower AST/ALT are associated with higher cardiometabolic risk factors and their clustering in male and female European adolescents, whereas the associations of ALT were gender dependent. Our results suggest the usefulness of AST/ALT as a screening test in the assessment of adolescents with high cardiometabolic risk and provide gender- and age-specific thresholds that might be of clinical interest.

The impact of thiamine supplementation on blood pressure, serum lipids and C-reactive protein in individuals with hyperglycemia: a randomised, double-blind cross-over trial

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of hyperglycemia may be potentiated when it is accompanied with hypertension and dyslipidemia. This study assessed the effects of high dose thiamine on blood pressure, serum lipids and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism.

METHODS

This was a double-blind, randomised trial, where 12 hyperglycemic subjects (10 cases of impaired glucose tolerance and 2 new cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus) received both placebo and thiamine capsules (3 × 100 mg/day) for six weeks in a cross-over manner. Anthropometric measurements, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP & DBP), serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, hs-CRP and thiamine status were evaluated at the start, after three weeks and on the completion of each arm.

RESULTS

DBP was significantly decreased in participants consuming thiamine supplements for six weeks (67.9 ± 5.8 mm Hg) relative to baseline (71.4 ± 7.4 mm Hg, p=0.005) and week 3 (70.9. ± 5.8 mm Hg, p=0.02). This was accompanied with a tendency toward a lower SBP at week six relative to baseline (116.5 ± 11.0 vs. 120.7 ± 15.3 mm Hg, p=0.06). Also, mean arterial pressure (MAP) determined in the supplement arm after six weeks was significantly lower than baseline (84.1 ± 6.5 vs. 87.8 ± 9.0, p=0.005). These variables did not change in the placebo arm. No significant change was detected in the supplement or placebo arms when lipid profile and hs-CRP were assessed.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

High dose thiamine supplementation may have beneficial effects on the blood pressure of individuals with hyperglycemia at early stages, and may have a role in the prevention of further vascular complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000051943.

Levosimendan displays anti-inflammatory effects and decreases MPO bioavailability in patients with severe heart failure

Treatment of decompensated heart failure often includes administration of levosimendan. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is released during polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) degranulation, and mediates dysregulation of vascular tone in heart failure. We evaluated the effects of levosimendan-treatment on MPO in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure over a one week course. Plasma MPO levels were significantly decreased after levosimendan treatment (from 252.1 ± 31.1 pmol/l at baseline to 215.02 ± 27.96 pmol/l at 6 h, p < 0.05). Ex vivo incubation of whole blood with levosimendan decreased MPO release after PMN-stimulation (8.2 ± 1.4-fold increase at baseline vs. 6.0 ± 1.1-fold increase with levosimendan). MPO levels also significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure over the time course. In a multivariate linear model, the main contributor to systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure was level of PMN elastase. MPO contributed only in heparin-treated patients, suggesting a more significant role for endothelial-bound MPO than for circulating MPO or elastase with respect to blood pressure regulation. We here provide the first evidence that levosimendan treatment inhibits MPO release by PMNs in decompensated heart failure patients. This mechanism may regulate endothelial function and vascular tone in heart failure patients.

Sensitivity and Specificity Improvement in Abdominal Obesity Diagnosis Using Cluster Analysis during Waist Circumference Cut-Off Point Selection

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of metabolic phenotypes during the construction of ROC curves for waist circumference (WC) cutpoint selection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,902 subjects of both genders were selected from the Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study database. Two-Step Cluster Analysis (TSCA) was applied to select metabolically healthy and sick men and women. ROC curves were constructed to determine WC cutoff points by gender.

RESULTS

Through TSCA, metabolic phenotype predictive variables were selected: HOMA2-IR and HOMA2-βcell for women and HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-βcell, and TAG for men. Subjects were classified as healthy normal weight, metabolically obese normal weight, healthy and metabolically disturbed overweight, and healthy and metabolically disturbed obese. Final WC cutpoints were 91.50 cm for women (93.4% sensitivity, 93.7% specificity) and 98.15 cm for men (96% sensitivity, 99.5% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

TSCA in the selection of the groups used in ROC curves construction proved to be an important tool, aiding in the detection of MOWN and MHO which cannot be identified with WC alone. The resulting WC cutpoints were <91.00 cm for women and <98.00 cm for men. Furthermore, anthropometry is insufficient to determine healthiness, and, biochemical analysis is needed to properly filter subjects during classification.

Differential hypoglycaemic, anorectic, autonomic and emetic effects of the glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist, exendin-4, in the conscious telemetered ferret

Background

Rodents are incapable of emesis and consequently the emetic potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists in studies designed to assess a potential blood glucose lowering action of the compound was missed. Therefore, we investigated if the ferret, a carnivore with demonstrated translation capability in emesis research, would identify the emetic potential of the GLP-1R agonist, exendin-4, and any associated effects on gastric motor function, appetite and cardiovascular homeostasis.

Methods

The biological activity of the GLP-1R ligands was investigated in vivo using a glucose tolerance test in pentobarbitone-anesthetised ferrets and in vitro using organ bath studies. Radiotelemetry was used to investigate the effect of exendin-4 on gastric myoelectric activity (GMA) and cardiovascular function in conscious ferrets; behaviour was also simultaneously assessed. Western blot was used to characterize GLP-1R distribution in the gastrointestinal and brain tissues.

Results

In anesthetised ferrets, exendin-4 (30 nmol/kg, s.c.) reduced experimentally elevated blood glucose levels by 36.3%, whereas the GLP-1R antagonist, exendin (9–39) (300 nmol/kg, s.c.) antagonised the effect and increased AUC_0–120 by 31.0% when injected alone (P < 0.05). In animals with radiotelemetry devices, exendin-4 (100 nmol/kg, s.c.) induced emesis in 1/9 ferrets, but inhibited food intake and decreased heart rate variability (HRV) in all animals (P < 0.05). In the animals not exhibiting emesis, there was no effect on GMA, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, or core body temperature. In the ferret exhibiting emesis, there was a shift in the GMA towards bradygastria with a decrease in power, and a concomitant decrease in HRV. Western blot revealed GLP-1R throughout the gastrointestinal tract but exendin-4 (up to 300 nM) and exendin (9–39), failed to contract or relax isolated ferret gut tissues. GLP-1R were found in all major brain regions and the levels were comparable those in the vagus nerve.

Conclusions

Peripherally administered exendin-4 reduced blood glucose and inhibited feeding with a low emetic potential similar to that in humans (11% vs 12.8%). A disrupted GMA only occurred in the animal exhibiting emesis raising the possibility that disruption of the GMA may influence the probability of emesis occurring in response to treatment with GLP-1R agonists.

The relations of abnormal pulse pressure to the cardiovascular risk factors and the cardiac function in adults from Hebei, Zhejiang, and Guangxi province of China

To explore the correlations of abnormal pulse pressure (PP) with the cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac functions by analyzing the distributions of abnormal PP in Han adults aged 18-74 years in Hebei, Zhejiang, and Guangxi province to provide evidence for health management. A cross-sectional study was carried out in three provinces of China. Multi-phase, stratified, unequal proportional and cluster sampling was adopted to investigate the data obtained from 12,795 Han adults aged 18-74 years. The prevalence of cases with abnormal PP in the three provinces was 6.7 %. Abnormal PP was significantly associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors including location, age, gender, and education (P < 0.05). Results from multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal PP was positively associated with age and BMI. Compared with the normal subjects, there was a statistically significant difference in the mean of high-normal blood pressure, IFG divided by gender and LCW (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean of high-normal TC, TG, and LDL-C and low-normal HDL-C (P > 0.05). Age has also been found to be a statistically significant factor (P < 0.05). Abnormal PP was common in Chinese Han adults aged 18-74 years, which was independently associated with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac functions. Health management for Han adults with abnormal PP was strongly suggested.

Sex, diastolic blood pressure, and outcome after thrombolysis for ischemic stroke

Background. The goal of this study was to identify differences in risk factors and functional outcome between the two sexes in patients treated with thrombolysis for ischemic stroke. Methods. This cohort study audited data from patients treated with thrombolysis for ischemic stroke during a 3-year period at Södersjukhuset, Stockholm. Results. Of the 355 patients included in the study, 162 (45%) were women and 193 (54%) were men. Women were older with a median age of 76 years; median age for men was 69 years (P < 0.0001). Diastolic blood pressure was lower for women compared to men (P = 0.001). At admission fewer women had a favorable modified Rankin Scale score compared to men (93.8% versus 99%, P = 0.008). Three months after discharge functional status did not differ significantly between the two sexes. Diastolic blood pressure was associated to functional outcome only in men when sex specific odds ratios were calculated (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.7–20). Conclusion. The study indicates that females appear to gain a relatively greater benefit from thrombolytic therapy than men due to a better functional recovery. A higher diastolic blood pressure increases the risk for a worse prospective functional status in men.

Genetic association analysis using weighted false discovery rate approach on Genetic Analysis Workshop 18 data

In a genome-wide association study, association between disease trait and hundreds of thousands of genetic markers are tested. Several methods have been proposed to control the false discovery rate in such high-throughput data to adjust for multiple hypotheses testing. For Genetic Analysis Workshop 18, we applied the method of false discovery rate control with p value weighting on family-based association tests on quantitative trait to detect association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mean arterial pressure. This method can improve statistical power by incorporating independent but relevant information about the research objective. Using the real genetic and phenotype data of chromosome 3 from Genetic Analysis Workshop 18, 1 SNP from gene CACNA2D3 was found to have significant association with mean arterial pressure.

Health inequalities in urban adolescents: role of physical activity, diet, and genetics

OBJECTIVE

Coordinated European projects relying on standardized methods are needed to identify health inequalities across Europe. This study aimed to compare fitness, fatness, and cardiometabolic risk between urban adolescents from the south and center-north of Europe and to explore whether physical activity (PA) and other factors might explain these differences.

METHODS

The Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence cross-sectional project comprised 3528 adolescents from the south (4 cities) and central-north (6 cities) of Europe, 1089 of whom provided blood samples for analysis. Fitness (strength, speed-agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness), total and abdominal fatness (anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance), and cardiometabolic risk (z scores including fitness, fatness, blood lipids, insulin resistance, and blood pressure) were assessed. The analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic factors, objectively measured PA (accelerometry), total energy intake and diet quality, and genetic variants of the FTO rs9939609 polymorphism.

RESULTS

Adolescents from southern Europe were less fit and fatter according to all markers (P < .001). Differences in cardiometabolic risk scores were not consistent. Adolescents from the south were less active and this would largely explain the differences observed in speed-agility and cardiorespiratory fitness. Differences in total and abdominal fatness could not be explained by PA, energy intake, diet quality, or FTO rs9939609 polymorphism.

CONCLUSIONS

Fitness and fatness levels indicate that urban adolescents from the south are less healthy than those from central-northern Europe. Our data suggest that differences in PA might explain differences in important health-related fitness components, yet factors explaining the differences in fatness encountered remain unknown.

A systems analysis of age-related changes in some cardiac aging traits

Aging process or senescence affects the expression of a wide range of phenotypic traits throughout the life span of organisms. These traits often show modular, synergistic, and even antagonistic relationships, and are also influenced by genomic, developmental, physiological and environmental factors. The cardiovascular system (CVS) in humans represents a major modular system in which the relationships among physiological, anatomical and morphological traits undergo continuous remodeling throughout the life span of an individual. Here we extend the concept of developmental plasticity in order to study the relationships among 14 traits measured on 3,412 individuals from the Framingham Heart Study cohort, relative to age and gender, using exploratory structural equation modeling-a form of systems analysis. Our results reveal differing patterns of association among cardiac traits in younger and older persons in both sexes, indicating that physiological and developmental factors may be channeled differentially in relation to age and gender during the remodeling process. We suggest that systems approaches are necessary in order to understand the coordinated functional relationships among traits of the CVS over the life course of individuals.

Intima-media thickness of carotid artery and aortic pulse wave velocity as determinants of cerebral blood flow velocity

The current study aims to check the relationship between parameters derived from brachial blood pressure, the carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and mean cerebral blood flow velocity (mCBFV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In consecutive adult outpatients we recorded the brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), PWV and IMT. mCBFV was assessed using Doppler ultrasound probe applied to the transtemporal window. The mean±s.d. age of 165 patients (50% women) was 56.7±11.8 years. Women and men differed significantly in SBP, PP, total cholesterol and mCBFV. Age (r=-0.44, P<0.001) and BMI (r=-0.25, P<0.01) were significantly and reversely related to mCBFV. Compared with healthy individuals, hypertensive (P<0.05) and diabetic (P<0.01) patients had lower mCBFV. IMT and PWV were related to mCBFV (IMT, r=-0.36; P<0.001, and PWV, r=-0.34; P<0.001). After adjustment for possible confounders, the relationship between mCBFV and PWV did not retain statistical significance (P=0.54). However, the relationship between mCBFV and IMT remained statistically significant (P=0.02). The association between lower CBFV and higher IMT may constitute a link between increased IMT and risk of cerebrovascular events.

Relationship between long-term exposure to low-level arsenic in drinking water and the prevalence of abnormal blood pressure

Arsenic increases the risk and incidence of cardiovascular disease. To explore the impact of long-term exposure to low-level arsenic in drinking water on blood pressure including pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 in which the blood pressure of 405 villagers was measured, who had been drinking water with an inorganic arsenic content <50 μg/L. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. After adjusting for age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), alcohol consumption and smoking, the odds ratios showed a 1.45-fold (95%CI: 0.63-3.35) increase in the group with >30-50 years of arsenic exposure and a 2.95-fold (95%CI: 1.31-6.67) increase in the group with >50 years exposure. Furthermore, the odds ratio for prevalence of abnormal PP and MAP were 1.06 (95%CI: 0.24-4.66) and 0.87 (95%CI: 0.36-2.14) in the group with >30-50 years of exposure, and were 2.46 (95%CI: 0.87-6.97) and 3.75 (95%CI: 1.61-8.71) for the group with >50 years exposure, compared to the group with arsenic exposure ≤ 30 years respectively. Significant trends for Hypertension (p<0.0001), PP (p<0.0001) and MAP (p=0.0016) were found. The prevalence of hypertension and abnormal PP as well as MAP is marked among a low-level arsenic exposure population, and significantly increases with the duration of arsenic exposure.

Association of interleukin-33 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in north Chinese population

Background

IL-33, an IL-1-like cytokine, is a ligand for IL1RL1, which is an important effector molecule of type 2 T helper responses. Although IL-33/IL1RL1 interaction has been suggested to be important in the development of atherosclerosis, genetic influences of the polymorphisms of IL33 in human ischemic stroke are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL33 are associated with ischemic stroke in Northern Chinese population.

Methods

We used a nested case–control study involving 90 ischemic stroke patients and 270 age-matched, sex-matched and blood pressure-matched non-ischemic stroke controls from a rural population and determined the genotypes of four polymorphisms (rs1929992, rs10975519, rs4742170, rs16924159) in IL33 by Snapshot SNP genotyping assays to assess any links with ischemic stroke.

Results

Univariate analysis showed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1929992, rs4742170) in IL33 were associated with ischemic stroke in additive, dominant, and recessive model. Binary Logistic Regression shows that rs4742170 variation is the most important factor associated with ischemic stroke (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.880, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.316-2.686 in an additive model; OR = 2.091, CI = 1.249-3.498 in a dominant model; OR = 2.623, CI = 1.366-5.036 in a recessive model).

Conclusion

In this sample of patients, genetic variation of rs4742170 in IL33 is significantly associated with the developing of ischemic stroke.

Safety and efficacy of autologous hemopoietic progenitor cell collection in tandem with hemodialysis in multiple myeloma with myeloma cast nephropathy

Autologous hemopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection is the most frequent indication for an apheresis procedure in patients with multiple myeloma, up to 10% of whom may also require hemodialysis because of myeloma kidney. We investigated whether HPC collection could be performed in tandem with hemodialysis, to avoid extra outpatient visits for extracorporeal procedures, without compromising the efficacy of the hemodialysis, the HPC collection efficiency (CE) or patient safety. Four dialysis-dependent patients with multiple myeloma underwent 5 large volume leukapheresis HPC collections in tandem with hemodialysis. Under our protocol, all of the blood processed through the apheresis instrument was dialyzed against a standard calcium-rich bath prior to being returned to the patient, therefore no supplemental calcium was needed. No significant changes in pulse rate (P = 0.625) or mean arterial pressure (P = 0.188) were noted between the start and end of the procedures. The patients exhibited no signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia or other adverse effects. Calculated urea reduction ratios ranged between 62.5 and 73.9%, and HPC CE was between 53 and 84% for 4 of the 5 procedures, indicating that there was no compromise of either procedure when performed in tandem. Ionized calcium measured at the beginning, midpoint and end of every procedure did not change (P = 0.954). The two patients who proceeded to autologous HPC transplant engrafted on Days 11 and 10, respectively. We conclude that autologous HPC collection can safely be performed in tandem with hemodialysis without compromising the efficacy of dialysis, HPC CE, or patient safety.

Differential influence of distinct components of increased blood pressure on cardiovascular outcomes: from the atherosclerosis risk in communities study

Elevation in blood pressure (BP) increases risk for all cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, the extent to which different indices of BP elevation may be associated to varying degrees with different cardiovascular outcomes remains unclear. We studied 13340 participants (aged 54 ± 6 years, 56% women and 27% black) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study who were free of baseline cardiovascular disease. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compare the relative contributions of systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure to risk for coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and all-cause mortality. For each multivariable-adjusted model, the largest area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) and smallest -2 log-likelihood values were used to identify BP measures with the greatest contribution to risk prediction for each outcome. A total of 2095 coronary heart disease events, 1669 heart failure events, 771 stroke events, and 3016 deaths occurred during 18 ± 5 years of follow-up. In multivariable analyses adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the BP measures with the greatest risk contributions were the following: systolic BP for coronary heart disease (AUC=0.74); pulse pressure for heart failure (AUC=0.79); systolic BP for stroke (AUC=0.74); and pulse pressure for all-cause mortality (AUC=0.74). With few exceptions, results were similar in analyses stratified by age, sex, and race. Our data indicate that distinct BP components contribute variably to risk for different cardiovascular outcomes.

Epidemiological evidence for the link between sleep duration and high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

We aim to assess if the relationship between short or long sleep duration and hypertension is present among adults from epidemiological evidence and to investigate the relationship quantitatively.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using PubMed and the Cochrane Library through February 2012. Our search was supplemented by reviewing reference lists of original and relevant reviews. After the related data were extracted by two investigators independently, pooled odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) were estimated using a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated, while sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four adult studies met our inclusion criteria, with ages ranging from 18 to 106 years. Twenty-one studies involving 225,858 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results from the cross-sectional studies showed that short sleep duration was associated with a greater risk for hypertension (OR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.34; P<0.001), and long sleep duration also increased the risk for hypertension (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.18; P=0.003). There was no evidence of publication bias. Pooled analysis from the longitudinal studies indicated a significant association between short sleep duration and hypertension (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42; P=0.005), but an insignificant relationship between long sleep duration and hypertension (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.14; P=0.732). The effects of sleep duration differed by gender, location of the population, and definitions of short or long sleep duration. Meta regression analysis including seven variables did not find the sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Among adults, a U-shaped relationship between habitual sleep duration and hypertension was found at the cross-sectional level. Short sleep duration was associated with a higher risk for hypertension even longitudinally. We must pay more attention to this lifestyle factor.

Increased mean arterial pressure response to dynamic exercise in normotensive subjects with multiple metabolic risk factors

Metabolic syndrome (MS) may influence vascular reactivity and might cause an excessive increase in blood pressure (BP) during dynamic exercise. We examined this hypothesis in 698 normotensive men (mean age: 43 years) free of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and renal disease. The response of BP to exercise was assessed by the mean arterial pressure (MAP) during bicycle ergometry. The MAP values were expressed as z-scores normalized to the relative increases in heart rate. High-normal BP, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia were diagnosed according to the Japan-specific MS criteria. The z-score of MAP was significantly higher in subjects with high-normal BP (+0.57, P<0.001), dyslipidemia (+0.18, P<0.001) and hyperglycemia (+0.24, P<0.001) than in those without MS component (-0.38). In the high-normal BP subjects, the addition of dyslipidemia and/or hyperglycemia was associated with a progressive increase in the z-score of exercise MAP, whereas no such association was observed in the normal-BP subjects (P=0.033, two-way ANOVA). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a greater number of MS components (β=0.102, P=0.010) was an independent determinant of increased MAP z-score after adjustment for potential confounders, including age (β=0.123, P<0.001), body mass index (β=0.145, P<0.001) and high-normal BP (β=0.410, P<0.001). These results suggest that accumulation of MS components may alter vascular structure and function and lead to the significant elevation of MAP during dynamic exercise even before clinical manifestation of arterial hypertension.

Combined influence of healthy diet and active lifestyle on cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents

To investigate the combined influence of diet quality and physical activity on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in adolescents, adolescents (n = 1513; 12.5-17.5 years) participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study were studied. Dietary intake was registered using a 24-h recall and a diet quality index was calculated. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Lifestyle groups were computed as: healthy diet and active, unhealthy diet but active, healthy diet but inactive, and unhealthy diet and inactive. CVD risk factor measurements included cardiorespiratory fitness, adiposity indicators, blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and insulin resistance. A CVD risk score was computed. The healthy diet and active group had a healthier cardiorespiratory profile, fat mass index (FMI), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio (all P ≤ 0.05). Overall, active adolescents showed higher cardiorespiratory fitness, lower FMI, TC/HDL-C ratio, and homeostasis model assessment index and healthier blood pressure than their inactive peers with either healthy or unhealthy diet (all P ≤ 0.05). Healthy diet and active group had healthier CVD risk score compared with the inactive groups (all P ≤ 0.02). Thus, a combination of healthy diet and active lifestyle is associated with decreased CVD risk in adolescents. Moreover, an active lifestyle may reduce the adverse consequences of an unhealthy diet.

Índice de massa corpórea, sobrepeso e pressão arterial em escolares na província de Limpopo, África do Sul

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre índice de massa corporal, sobrepeso e pressão arterial em crianças e adolescentes da área rural da África do Sul. MÉTODOS: A amostra abrangeu 1.172 escolares (541 meninos e 631 meninas) com idades entre 10 e 16 anos. Estatura, massa corporal e dobras cutâneas foram medidas por meio de procedimentos padrão. O sobrepeso foi definido pelo índice de massa corporal para idade e sexo. A pressão arterial foi monitorada três vezes em cada criança com o uso de aparelhos eletrônicos validados (Omron HEM-705 CP, Omron, Tóquio, Japão). A hipertensão foi determinada como a média de três leituras da pressão arterial, em que a sistólica ou a diastólica foi igual ou acima do percentil 90 para idade e sexo. Estatísticas descritivas foram calculadas para todas as variáveis. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 5,5% para meninos e 4,4% para meninas. A taxa de crianças com pressão arterial acima do percentil 90 variou de 2,3 a 5,9%. A probabilidade do desenvolvimento de hipertensão em crianças é perceptível aos dez anos, tanto para os meninos (0,2%) quanto para as meninas (0,1%), e oscilou de 0,2 a 1,7% para o sexo masculino e de 0,1 a 1,2% para o feminino. Considerando-se a amostra total, a prevalência de hipertensão foi de 4,1% para os meninos e 2,8% para as meninas. A pressão arterial apresentou correlação positiva com estatura, massa corporal, índice de massa corporal, gordura corpórea e soma das dobras cutâneas (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A pressão arterial aumentou com a idade tanto para os meninos quanto para as meninas. A medição da pressão arterial de rotina, como parte do exame físico em escolares, é crucial para fins de prevenção e medidas de intervenção precoces.

Timing is everything: anticipatory stress dynamics among cortisol and blood pressure reactivity and recovery in healthy adults

Psychological states of anticipation modulate biological stress responsivity. While researchers generally investigate how subjective distress corresponds to the magnitude of stress reactivity, physiological recovery after acute stressors must also be considered when investigating disease vulnerabilities. This study assessed whether anticipatory stress would correspond to stress reactivity and recovery of salivary cortisol and blood pressure levels in response to a well-validated psychosocial stressor. Thirty participants (63% female; mean ± SEM age 45.4 ± 2.12 years) were exposed to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) consisting of a public speech and mental arithmetic. Ten salivary cortisol samples and systolic and diastolic blood pressure recordings were collected at time points spanning 50 min before and up to 50 min after stress exposure. These data were transformed into parameters representing stress reactivity (area under the curve) and stress recovery (percent change). The Primary Appraisal Secondary Appraisal scale assessed anticipatory stress before exposure to the TSST. Our results revealed that increased anticipatory stress predicted increased stress reactivity for cortisol (p = 0.009) but not blood pressure. For stress recovery, increased anticipatory stress predicted greater decrements of cortisol concentration (p = 0.015) and blood pressure (p = 0.039), even when controlling for total systemic "output" by incorporating baseline activity. This efficient shutdown of stress responses would have otherwise been ignored by solely investigating reactive increases. These findings underscore the importance of measuring multiple dynamic parameters such as recovery when investigating physiological stress response patterns as a function of psychosocial factors.