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Celebi Torabfam G, Porsuk MH. The Role of the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand/Osteoprotegerin Ratio in Vascular Diseases: A Therapeutic Approach. Angiology 2024:33197231226275. [PMID: 38171493 DOI: 10.1177/00033197231226275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular and bone diseases contribute independently to mortality and global health. The exact mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology shared between bone and vascular diseases are not well defined. Endothelial cells and osteoblasts communicate during osteogenesis, thus establishing a connection between angiogenesis and osteogenesis. One shared mechanism may involve osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ligand Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). The RANKL/OPG ratio is an important modulator for the skeletal, immunological, and vascular systems. OPG levels are elevated due to either osteogenic causes or inflammatory responses in the vasculature. The data obtained from clinical and in vitro studies support the role of the RANKL/OPG ratio as a potential marker for the progression of endothelial damage. Therefore, determining the therapeutic approaches for the targeting RANKL/OPG ratio and evaluating its usage as a biomarker in cardiovascular and bone pathophysiology are needed. By integrating the protective and disease-causing role of OPG with its ligand, this review outlines the role of the RANKL/OPG ratio at the molecular level. We also consider targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Celebi Torabfam
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melis Hazal Porsuk
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kadoglou NPE, Khattab E, Velidakis N, Gkougkoudi E. The Role of Osteopontin in Atherosclerosis and Its Clinical Manifestations (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases)-A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3178. [PMID: 38137398 PMCID: PMC10740720 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are the most common and severe public health problem nowadays. Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional glycoprotein highly expressed at atherosclerotic plaque, which has emerged as a potential biomarker of ASCVDs. OPN may act as an inflammatory mediator and/or a vascular calcification (VC) mediator, contributing to atherosclerosis progression and eventual plaque destabilization. In this article, we discuss the complex role of OPN in ASCVD pathophysiology, since many in vitro and in vivo experimental data indicate that OPN contributes to macrophage activation and differentiation, monocyte infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation and lipid core formation within atherosclerotic plaques. Most but not all studies reported that OPN may inhibit atherosclerotic plaque calcification, making it "vulnerable". Regarding clinical evidence, serum OPN levels may become a biomarker of coronary artery disease (CAD) presence and severity. Significantly higher OPN levels have been found in patients with acute coronary syndromes than those with stable CAD. In limited studies of patients with peripheral artery disease, circulating OPN concentrations may be predictive of future major adverse cardiovascular events. Overall, the current literature search suggests the contribution of OPN to atherosclerosis development and progression, but more robust evidence is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P. E. Kadoglou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 215/6 Old Road Lefkosis-Lemesou, Aglatzia, Nicosia CY 2029, Cyprus; (E.K.); (N.V.); (E.G.)
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Vachliotis ID, Polyzos SA. Osteoprotegerin/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Ligand/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Axis in Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Curr Obes Rep 2023:10.1007/s13679-023-00505-4. [PMID: 37208545 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize evidence on the potential involvement of the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κΒ) ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of NF-κΒ (RANK) axis in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS The OPG-RANKL-RANK axis, which has been originally involved in bone remodeling and osteoporosis, is now recognized as a potential contributor in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated comorbidities, i.e., type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Besides bone, OPG and RANKL are also produced in adipose tissue and may be involved in the inflammatory process associated with obesity. Metabolically healthy obesity has been associated with lower circulating OPG concentrations, possibly representing a counteracting mechanism, while elevated serum OPG levels may reflect an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction or cardiovascular disease. OPG and RANKL have been also proposed as potential regulators of glucose metabolism and are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In clinical terms, type 2 diabetes mellitus has been consistently associated with increased serum OPG concentrations. With regard to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, experimental data suggest a potential contribution of OPG and RANKL in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis; however, most clinical studies showed reduction in serum concentrations of OPG and RANKL. The emerging contribution of the OPG-RANKL-RANK axis to the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated comorbidities warrants further investigation by mechanistic studies and may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias D Vachliotis
- First Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece.
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, 56429, Greece.
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
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Karampatsou SI, Paltoglou G, Genitsaridi SM, Kassari P, Charmandari E. The Effect of a Comprehensive Life-Style Intervention Program of Diet and Exercise on Four Bone-Derived Proteins, FGF-23, Osteopontin, NGAL and Sclerostin, in Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents. Nutrients 2022; 14:3772. [PMID: 36145151 PMCID: PMC9505283 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The adipose and bone tissues demonstrate considerable interconnected endocrine function. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), osteopontin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and sclerostin in 345 children and adolescents who were overweight or obese (mean age ± SD mean: 10.36 ± 0.16 years; 172 males, 173 females; 181 prepubertal; and 164 pubertal) before and after their participation in a comprehensive life-style intervention program of diet and exercise for one year. Following the one-year life-style interventions, there was a significant decrease in BMI (p < 0.01), FGF-23 (p < 0.05), osteopontin (p < 0.01) and NGAL (p < 0.01), and an increase in sclerostin (p < 0.01) concentrations. BMI z-score (b = 0.242, p < 0.05) and fat mass (b = 0.431, p < 0.05) were the best positive predictors and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (b = −0.344, p < 0.05) was the best negative predictor of the change of osteopontin. NGAL concentrations correlated positively with HbA1C (b = 0.326, p < 0.05), WHtR (b = 0.439, p < 0.05) and HOMA-IR (b = 0.401, p < 0.05), while BMI (b = 0.264, p < 0.05), fat mass (b = 1.207, p < 0.05), HDL (b = 0.359, p < 0.05) and waist circumference (b = 0.263, p < 0.05) were the best positive predictors of NGAL. These results indicate that FGF-23, osteopontin, NGAL and sclerostin are associated with being overweight or obese and are altered in relation to alterations in BMI. They also indicate a crosstalk between adipose tissue and bone tissue and may play a role as potential biomarkers of glucose metabolism. Further studies are required to delineate the physiological mechanisms underlying this association in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia I. Karampatsou
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Paltoglou
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia M. Genitsaridi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Penio Kassari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Sclerostin is most recognized for its role in controlling bone formation but is also expressed in the heart, aorta, coronary, and peripheral arteries. This review summarizes research on sclerostin's role in cardiovascular disease. Rodent studies have found sclerostin to be expressed at sites of arterial calcification. In contrast, aortic sclerostin was reported to be downregulated in a mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysm, and transgenic upregulation or administration of sclerostin was found to prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis formation. Sclerostin deficiency was reported to stimulate cardiac rupture in one rodent model. In humans, 7 of 11 studies reported a significant association between high serum sclerostin and high carotid intima media thickness. Ten of 15 studies reported a significant association between high serum sclerostin and severe arterial calcification. Twelve of 14 studies reported a significant association between high serum sclerostin and high arterial stiffness or atherosclerosis severity. Four of 9 studies reported a significant association between high serum sclerostin and high risk of cardiovascular events. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggested that administration of the sclerostin blocking antibody romosozumab did not significantly increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (risk ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.83-1.57]; P=0.54) or cardiovascular death (risk ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.53-1.59]; P=0.71). Human genetic studies reported variants predisposing to low arterial sclerostin expression were associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events. Overall, past research suggests a cardiovascular protective role of sclerostin but findings have been inconsistent, possibly due to variations in study design, the unique populations and models studied, and the heterogeneous methods used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Golledge
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry (J.G., S.T.), James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine J.G.' S.T.), James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shivshankar Thanigaimani
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry (J.G., S.T.), James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine J.G.' S.T.), James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,The Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Townsville University Hospital, Queensland, Australia (J.G.)
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Suh SH, Oh TR, Choi HS, Kim CS, Oh KH, Lee J, Oh YK, Jung JY, Choi KH, Ma SK, Bae EH, Kim SW. Association of Circulating Osteoprotegerin Level with Blood Pressure Variability in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010178. [PMID: 35011919 PMCID: PMC8745733 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a biomarker for cardiovascular complications that are closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). To investigate the association between circulating OPG level with long-term visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) in patients with pre-dialysis CKD, a total of 1855 subjects with CKD from stage 1 to pre-dialysis stage 5 from a prospective cohort were analyzed. Long-term visit-to-visit BPV was determined by average real variability (ARV), standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CoV) of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). ARV of SBP (Adjusted β coefficient 0.143, 95% confidence interval 0.021 to 0.264) was significantly associated with serum OPG level. Although SD and CoV of SBP were not significantly associated with serum OPG level in multivariate linear regression analyses, restricted cubic spline visualized the linear correlation of serum OPG level with all of ARV, SD, and CoV. The association between serum OPG level and DBP variability was not significant. Subgroup analyses revealed that the association of serum OPG with BPV is more prominent in the subjects with Charlson comorbidity index ≤3 and in the subjects without history of diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, circulating OPG level is potentially associated with long-term visit-to-visit BPV in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Heon Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
| | - Tae Ryom Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
| | - Hong Sang Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
| | - Chang Seong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
| | - Kook-Hwan Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Joongyub Lee
- Department of Prevention and Management, School of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea;
| | - Yun Kyu Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Ji Yong Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Gachon University of Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Korea;
| | - Kyu Hun Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Kidney Disease Research, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Seong Kwon Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
| | - Eun Hui Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.H.B.); (S.W.K.); Tel.: +82-62-220-6503 (E.H.B.); +82-62-225-6271 (S.W.K.)
| | - Soo Wan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (S.H.S.); (T.R.O.); (H.S.C.); (C.S.K.); (S.K.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.H.B.); (S.W.K.); Tel.: +82-62-220-6503 (E.H.B.); +82-62-225-6271 (S.W.K.)
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Verdú E, Homs J, Boadas-Vaello P. Physiological Changes and Pathological Pain Associated with Sedentary Lifestyle-Induced Body Systems Fat Accumulation and Their Modulation by Physical Exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413333. [PMID: 34948944 PMCID: PMC8705491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A sedentary lifestyle is associated with overweight/obesity, which involves excessive fat body accumulation, triggering structural and functional changes in tissues, organs, and body systems. Research shows that this fat accumulation is responsible for several comorbidities, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic dysfunctions, as well as pathological pain behaviors. These health concerns are related to the crosstalk between adipose tissue and body systems, leading to pathophysiological changes to the latter. To deal with these health issues, it has been suggested that physical exercise may reverse part of these obesity-related pathologies by modulating the cross talk between the adipose tissue and body systems. In this context, this review was carried out to provide knowledge about (i) the structural and functional changes in tissues, organs, and body systems from accumulation of fat in obesity, emphasizing the crosstalk between fat and body tissues; (ii) the crosstalk between fat and body tissues triggering pain; and (iii) the effects of physical exercise on body tissues and organs in obese and non-obese subjects, and their impact on pathological pain. This information may help one to better understand this crosstalk and the factors involved, and it could be useful in designing more specific training interventions (according to the nature of the comorbidity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Verdú
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (P.B.-V.)
| | - Judit Homs
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Department of Physical Therapy, EUSES-University of Girona, 17190 Salt, Spain
| | - Pere Boadas-Vaello
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence: (E.V.); (P.B.-V.)
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Zhang JF, Du YH, Hu HY, Han XQ. Ultrasonographic assessment of cardiac function and disease severity in coronary heart disease. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:8366-8373. [PMID: 34754846 PMCID: PMC8554433 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i28.8366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease (CHD) causes many adverse cardiovascular events and poses a threat to the patient’s health and quality of life.
AIM To evaluate ultrasonography for evaluation of cardiac function and lesion degree in patients with CHD.
METHODS A total of 106 patients with CHD (study group) and 106 healthy individuals (control group) in our hospital from March 2019 to September 2020 were selected for this study. All subjects were examined by ultrasound, and the mitral orifice’s early-to-late diastolic blood flow velocity ratio (E/A), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVDd), and left atrial diameter (LAD) were measured. Values were compared between the study group and healthy group, and the correlation between the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different cardiac function grades and the degree of CHD were assessed. In addition, the ultrasonic parameters of patients with different prognoses were compared after a follow-up for 6 mo.
RESULTS E/A (1.46 ± 0.34) of the study group was smaller than that of the control group (1.88 ± 0.44), while LVDd (58.24 ± 5.05 mm) and LAD (43.31 ± 4.38 mm) were larger (48.15 ± 3.93 and 34.94 ± 2.81, respectively; P < 0.05). E/A for patients with grade III disease (1.41 ± 0.43) was smaller and their LVDd (60.04 ± 4.21 mm) and LA (44.16 ± 2.79 mm) were larger than those in patients with grade II disease (1.71 ± 0.48, 52.18 ± 3.67 mm, and 39.68 ± 2.37, respectively; P < 0.05). Patients with grade IV disease had smaller E/A (1.08 ± 0.39) and larger LVDd (66.81 ± 5.39 mm) and LAD (48.81 ± 3.95 mm) than patients with grade II and III disease (P < 0.05). In patients with moderate disease, E/A (1.44 ± 0.41) was smaller and LVDd (59.95 ± 4.14 mm) and LAD (45.15 ± 2.97 mm) were larger than in patients with mild disease (1.69 ± 0.50, 51.97 ± 3.88 and 38.81 ± 2.56 mm, respectively; P < 0.05). In patients with severe disease, E/A (1.13 ± 0.36) was smaller and LVDd (67.70 ± 6.11 mm) and LAD (49.09 ± 4.05 mm) were larger than in patients with moderate disease (P < 0.05). E/A was negatively correlated with cardiac function classification and disease severity, while LVDd and LAD were positively correlated with cardiac function classification and disease severity (P < 0.05). E/A (1.83 ± 0.51) for patients with good prognosis was higher than that for those with poor prognosis (1.39 ± 0.32), while LVDd (49.60 ± 4.39 mm) and LAD (36.13 ± 3.05 mm) were lower (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION The ultrasonic parameters of patients with CHD are abnormal, and differ significantly in patients with different cardiac function grades, lesion degree, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fang Zhang
- Ultrasonic Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yin-Hui Du
- Ultrasonic Department, Xi’an Fifth Hospital Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xi'an 710082, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hai-Yan Hu
- Ultrasonic Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiu-Qing Han
- Ultrasonic Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College, Xi’an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
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