Effects of statin therapy on augmentation index as a measure of arterial stiffness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Arterial Stiffness and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is prevalent and associated with a poor prognosis, imposing a significant burden on society. Arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, affecting diagnosis, management, and prognosis. As a hallmark of vascular aging, arterial stiffness contributes to increased afterload on the left ventricle (LV), leading to diastolic dysfunction, a key feature of HFpEF. Elevated arterial stiffness is linked with common cardiovascular risk factors in HFpEF, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, exacerbating the progression of disease. Studies have demonstrated that patients with HFpEF exhibit significantly higher levels of arterial stiffness compared to those without HFpEF, highlighting the value of arterial stiffness measurements as both diagnostic and prognostic tools. Moreover, interventions aimed at reducing arterial stiffness, whether through pharmacological therapies or lifestyle modifications, have shown potential in improving LV diastolic function and patient outcomes. Despite these advancements, the precise mechanisms by which arterial stiffness contributes to HFpEF are still not fully understood, necessitating the need for further research.

Cardio-ankle vascular index for predicting cardiovascular morbimortality and determinants for its progression in the prospective advanced approach to arterial stiffness (TRIPLE-A-Stiffness) study

BACKGROUND

The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) measure of arterial stiffness is associated with prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, while its predictive value for cardiovascular events remains to be established. The aim was to determine associations of CAVI with cardiovascular morbimortality (primary outcome) and all-cause mortality (secondary outcome), and to establish the determinants of CAVI progression.

METHODS

TRIPLE-A-Stiffness, an international multicentre prospective longitudinal study, enrolled >2000 subjects ≥40 years old at 32 centres from 18 European countries. Of these, 1250 subjects (55% women) were followed for a median of 3.82 (2.81-4.69) years.

FINDINGS

Unadjusted cumulative incidence rates of outcomes according to CAVI stratification were higher in highest stratum (CAVI > 9). Cox regression with adjustment for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors revealed that CAVI was associated with increased cardiovascular morbimortality (HR 1.25 per 1 increase; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03-1.51) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.37 per 1 increase; 95% CI: 1.10-1.70) risk in subjects ≥60 years. In ROC analyses, CAVI optimal threshold was 9.25 (c-index 0.598; 0.542-0.654) and 8.30 (c-index 0.565; 0.512-0.618) in subjects ≥ or <60 years, respectively, to predict increased CV morbimortality. Finally, age, mean arterial blood pressure, anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering treatment were independent predictors of yearly CAVI progression adjusted for baseline CAVI.

INTERPRETATION

The present study identified additional value for CAVI to predict outcomes after adjustment for CV risk factors, in particular for subjects ≥60 years. CAVI progression may represent a modifiable risk factor by treatments.

FUNDING

International Society of Vascular Health (ISVH) and Fukuda Denshi, Japan.

Impact of Statin or Fibrate Therapy on Homocysteine Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Statins and fibrates are two lipid-lowering drugs used in patients with dyslipidemia. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the magnitude of the effect of statin and fibrate therapy on serum homocysteine levels.

METHODS

A search was undertaken of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar electronic databases up to 15 July 2022. Primary endpoints focused on plasma homocysteine levels. Data were quantitatively analyzed using fixed or random- effect models, as appropriate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the drugs and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of statins.

RESULTS

After screening 1134 papers, 52 studies with a total of 20651 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis showed a significant decrease in plasma homocysteine levels after statin therapy (WMD: -1.388 μmol/L, 95% CI: [-2.184, -0.592], p = 0.001; I2 = 95%). However, fibrate therapy significantly increased plasma homocysteine levels (WMD: 3.459 μmol/L, 95% CI: [2.849, 4.069], p < 0.001; I2 = 98%). The effect of atorvastatin and simvastatin depended on the dose and duration of treatment (atorvastatin [coefficient: 0.075 [0.0132, 0.137]; p = 0.017, coefficient: 0.103 [0.004, 0.202]; p = 0.040, respectively] and simvastatin [coefficient: -0.047 [-0.063, -0.031]; p < 0.001, coefficient: 0.046 [0.016, 0.078]; p = 0.004]), whereas the effect of fenofibrate persisted over time (coefficient: 0.007 [-0.011, 0.026]; p = 0.442) and was not altered by a change in dosage (coefficient: -0.004 [-0.031, 0.024]; p = 0.798). In addition, the greater homocysteine- lowering effect of statins was associated with higher baseline plasma homocysteine concentrations (coefficient: -0.224 [-0.340, -0.109]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Fibrates significantly increased homocysteine levels, whereas statins significantly decreased them.

Global distributions of age- and sex-related arterial stiffness: systematic review and meta-analysis of 167 studies with 509,743 participants

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffening is central to the vascular ageing process and a powerful predictor and cause of diverse vascular pathologies and mortality. We investigated age and sex trajectories, regional differences, and global reference values of arterial stiffness as assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV).

METHODS

Measurements of brachial-ankle or carotid-femoral PWV (baPWV or cfPWV) in generally healthy participants published in three electronic databases between database inception and August 24th, 2020 were included, either as individual participant-level or summary data received from collaborators (n = 248,196) or by extraction from published reports (n = 274,629). Quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Instrument. Variation in PWV was estimated using mixed-effects meta-regression and Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape.

FINDINGS

The search yielded 8920 studies, and 167 studies with 509,743 participants from 34 countries were included. PWV depended on age, sex, and country. Global age-standardised means were 12.5 m/s (95% confidence interval: 12.1-12.8 m/s) for baPWV and 7.45 m/s (95% CI: 7.11-7.79 m/s) for cfPWV. Males had higher global levels than females of 0.77 m/s for baPWV (95% CI: 0.75-0.78 m/s) and 0.35 m/s for cfPWV (95% CI: 0.33-0.37 m/s), but sex differences in baPWV diminished with advancing age. Compared to Europe, baPWV was substantially higher in the Asian region (+1.83 m/s, P = 0.0014), whereas cfPWV was higher in the African region (+0.41 m/s, P < 0.0001) and differed more by country (highest in Poland, Russia, Iceland, France, and China; lowest in Spain, Belgium, Canada, Finland, and Argentina). High vs. other country income was associated with lower baPWV (-0.55 m/s, P = 0.048) and cfPWV (-0.41 m/s, P < 0.0001).

INTERPRETATION

China and other Asian countries featured high PWV, which by known associations with central blood pressure and pulse pressure may partly explain higher Asian risk for intracerebral haemorrhage and small vessel stroke. Reference values provided may facilitate use of PWV as a marker of vascular ageing, for prediction of vascular risk and death, and for designing future therapeutic interventions.

FUNDING

This study was supported by the excellence initiative VASCage funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, by the National Science Foundation of China, and the Science and Technology Planning Project of Hunan Province. Detailed funding information is provided as part of the Acknowledgments after the main text.

Combined Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure Promotes Risk Stratification of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Background

Previous studies have reported the separate association of arterial stiffness (AS) and blood pressure with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk stratification capacity of AS on incident PAD beyond blood pressure status.

Methods

A total of 8,960 participants from Beijing Health Management Cohort were enrolled at the first health visit between 2008 and 2018 and then followed until the incidence of PAD or 2019. Elevated AS was defined as brachial-ankle pulse-wave velocity (baPWV) >1,400 cm/s, including moderate stiffness (1,400 ≤ baPWV <1,800 cm/s) and severe stiffness (baPWV ≥1,800 cm/s). PAD was defined as ankle-brachial index <0.9. A frailty Cox model was used to calculate the HR, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement.

Results

During follow-up, 225 participants (2.5%) developed PAD. After adjusting for confounding factors, the highest risk for PAD was observed in the group with elevated AS and blood pressure (HR: 2.253; 95% CI: 1.472-3.448). Among participants with ideal blood pressure and those with well-controlled hypertension, PAD risk was still significant for severe AS. The results remained consistent in multiple sensitivity analyses. In addition, baPWV significantly improved the predictive capacity for PAD risk beyond systolic and diastolic blood pressures (integrated discrimination improvement 0.020 and 0.190, net reclassification improvement 0.037 and 0.303).

Conclusions

This study suggests the clinical importance of combined evaluation and control of AS and blood pressure for the risk stratification and prevention of PAD.

Chronic PCSK9 inhibitor therapy leads to sustained improvements in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and microvascular function

BACKGROUND

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) effectively decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reduce cardiovascular events in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. Recent short-term studies suggest a partially LDL-C independent beneficial effect of PCSK9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) therapy on endothelial function and arterial stiffness, whereas it is unknown if this effect persists and what the effect is on microcirculation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of PCSK9i therapy on vascular parameters beyond its lipid lowering effect.

METHODS

In this prospective trial, 32 patients at very high cardiovascular risk and indication for PCSK9i therapy were included. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 6 months of PCSK9i treatment. Endothelial function was assessed as flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Arterial stiffness was measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic augmentation index (AIx). Peripheral tissue oxygenation (StO₂) as a marker of microvascular function was assessed at the distal extremities using near-infrared spectroscopy camera.

RESULTS

Six months of PCSK9i therapy decreased LDL-C levels from 141 ± 54 to 60 ± 30 mg/dl (-56 ± 21 %, p < 0.001), FMD significantly increased from 5.4 ± 1.7 % to 6.4 ± 1.9 % (+19 ± 10 %, p < 0.001), PWV decreased in male patients significantly from 8.9 ± 2.1 to 7.9 ± 1.5 m/s (-12 ± 9 %, p = 0.025). AIx decreased from 27.1 ± 10.4 % to 23.0 ± 9.7 % (-16 ± 14 %, p < 0.001), StO₂ significantly increased from 67 ± 12 % to 71 ± 11 % (+7 ± 6 %, p = 0.012). Brachial and aortic blood pressure showed no significant changes after six months. There was no correlation between LDL-C reduction and changes in vascular parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic PCSK9i therapy is associated with sustained improvements in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and microvascular function independent from lipid lowering.

Association of statin therapy with progression of carotid arterial stiffness: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Arterial stiffness progresses with age and is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular disease events. Studies examining associations of statin therapy with arterial stiffness have yielded mixed results. Associations between the duration and intensity of statin therapy and arterial stiffness have not been studied in a prospective multiethnic cohort. MESA participants (n = 1242) with statin medication use data at each exam (1-5) and who had undergone B-mode carotid ultrasound at baseline and at Exam 5 after (mean ± [SD]) 9.4 ± 0.5 years were analyzed. Carotid arterial stiffness was measured using the distensibility coefficient (DC) and Young's elastic modulus (YEM). Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between DC and YEM and statin treatment duration and intensity. At baseline, participants were 66.5 ± 8.1 years old, 41% female, 36% White, 30% African American, 14% Chinese American, and 20% Hispanic. The mean baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 149.5 ± 14.5 mg/dL. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and CVD risk factors, the percent changes in DC and YEM were found to not be significantly different in individuals on statin therapy at any combination of visits (1-4) compared to participants never on statin therapy (all p > 0.32). There were also no differences in the percent change in DC and YEM based on statin therapy intensity by quartile (all p > 0.14) over the 10-year follow-up period. Based on the aforementioned results, statin therapy was not associated with changes in carotid artery stiffness over nearly a decade of follow-up regardless of therapy duration or intensity.

Association Between Arterial Stiffness and New-Onset Heart Failure: The Kailuan Study

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness (AS) was associated with heart failure (HF) in previous studies based on specific populations with small samples and the effects of age and blood pressure on AS were not taken into account. Whether AS was independently associated with new-onset HF in community dwellers has not been fully investigated to date.

METHODS

Individuals who participated in health evaluations and underwent synchronized brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) screening in 2010 to 2019 were included. They were free of HF and atrial fibrillation at baseline. The participants were allocated to 3 groups according to their baPWV values. Normal AS was defined as baPWV <1400 cm/s, borderline AS was defined as 1400≤baPWV<1800 cm/s, and elevated AS was defined as baPWV ≥1800 cm/s. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% CIs of new-onset HF across different AS groups.

RESULTS

A total of 40 064 participants were enrolled with a mean age of 48.81±12.67 years. During a mean 5.53 years of follow-up, 411 participants developed HF. Compared with the normal AS group, the hazard ratio (95% CI) for incident HF was 1.97 (1.36-2.86) for the borderline AS group and 2.24 (1.49-3.38) for the elevated AS group in the multivariable-adjusted model. For each 1 SD (359 cm/s) increase in baPWV, the hazard ratio (95% CI) for new-onset HF was 1.10 (1.02-1.20).

CONCLUSIONS

AS was positively associated with a higher risk of new-onset HF independently of traditional risk factors, with a dose-responsive effect.

Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Left Atrial Reverse Remodeling After Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Arterial stiffness has been reported to cause left atrial (LA) remodeling due to increased left ventricular filling pressure, resulting in atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the association between LA reverse remodeling (LARR) after AF ablation and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), an indicator of arterial stiffness.This study included 333 patients with AF (171 with paroxysmal AF and 162 with nonparoxysmal AF) and LA enlargement (LA volume index ≥ 34 mL/m²) who underwent AF ablation between December 2008 and July 2021. CAVI was evaluated preoperatively during AF (n = 155, 46.5%) or sinus rhythm (n = 178, 53.5%). Participants were divided into groups with LARR (n = 133, 39.9%) and without LARR (n = 200, 60.1%) according to whether the degree of decrease in LA volume index on transthoracic echocardiography 6 months after ablation was ≥ 15% or < 15%, respectively.Sinus rhythm was maintained in 168 (50.5%) patients within 3-6 months after the index procedure. Univariate analysis revealed that preoperative CAVI (7.80 ± 1.22 versus 8.57 ± 1.09, P < 0.001) was significantly lower, and the maintenance of sinus rhythm (61.6% versus 43.0%, P = 0.0011) was higher in the group with LARR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative CAVI was independently associated with LARR (odds ratio, 0.60, 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.78, P < 0.001).In patients with AF and LA enlargement, CAVI is independently associated with LA reverse remodeling after catheter ablation.

Augmentation Index in Patients with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: A Matched Case-Control Study

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) may be associated with complications such as rupture and dissection, which can lead to a fatal outcome. Increased central arterial stiffness has been proposed to be present in patients with TAA compared to unmatched controls. We aimed to assess whether wall properties in patients with TAA are also altered when compared to a matched control group. Applanation tonometry was performed in 74 adults with TAA and 74 sex, age, weight, height, and left ventricular ejection fraction matched controls. Subsequently analysis of the pulse wave was done using the SphygmoCor System. For comparing the two groups, AIx was adjusted to a heart rate of 75/min (AIx@75). 148 1-to-1 matched participants were included in the final model. There was no significant difference in the Alx@75 between the TAA group and the matched control group [mean (SD) of 24.7 (11.2) % and 22.8 (11.2) %, p = 0.240]. Adjusted for known cardiovascular risk factors, there was no association between TAA and AIx@75. Patients with TAA showed comparable arterial wall properties to cardiovascular risk factor matched controls. Since higher arterial stiffness is associated with TAA progression, it remains to be investigated if increased central arterial stiffness is a relevant factor of TAA emergence.

Arterial Stiffness—What Do We Know about It and What Do We Expect from This Biomarker?

It is well known that arterial stiffening is one of the earliest detectable signs of structural and functional alterations of the arterial wall [...]

Markers of early vascular aging are not associated with cryptogenic ischemic stroke in the young: A case-control study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We aimed to assess the association between covert atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, and early-onset cryptogenic ischemic stroke (CIS) in a prospective case-control study.

METHODS

We enrolled 123 young CIS patients (median age 41 years; 42% women) and 123 age- and sex-matched controls. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), Augmentation Index (AIx), central pulse wave velocity (PWV), and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) were compared between patients and controls. Conditional logistic regression was used adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, current smoking, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Total-C/HDL-C) ratio, and glycated albumin to assess the independent association between CIMT, arterial stiffness and CIS.

RESULTS

Patients with higher CIMT and PWV were older, more often men and they had more frequently well-documented risk factors, lower HDL and higher Total-C/HDL-C ratio compared to other tertiles. In univariate comparisons, we found no differences between patients and controls regarding CIMT, AIx, or PWV. In the entire cohort, patients had a significantly lower SEVR compared to controls (146.3%, interquartile range [IQR] 125.7-170.3 vs. 158.0%, IQR 141.3-181.0, P=0.010). SEVR was lower also in women compared to their controls (132.0%, IQR 119.4-156.1 vs. 158.7%, IQR 142.0-182.8, P=0.001) but no significant difference appeared between male patients and male controls. However, after adjusting for comorbidities and laboratory values these significant differences were lost (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-4.91) in the entire cohort and OR 3.89, 95% CI 0.30-50.80 in women).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CIMT and PWV were associated to higher age, male sex, and several well-documented cardiovascular risk factors. However, in this study we could not prove that either covert atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness contribute to pathogenesis of early-onset CIS.

Preclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events: Do we have a consensus about the role of preclinical atherosclerosis in the prediction of cardiovascular events?

Atherosclerosis has a long preclinical phase, and the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events may be high in asymptomatic subjects. Conventional risk factors provide information for the statistical probability of developing CV events, but they lack precision in asymptomatic subjects. This review aims to summarize the role of some widely publicized indicators of early atherosclerosis in predicting CV events. The earliest measurable indicator of the atherosclerotic process is endothelial dysfunction, measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. However, reduced FMD is a stronger predictor of future CV events in patients with existing CV disease than in apparently healthy persons. Alternatively, measurement of carotid artery intima-media thickness does not improve the predictive value of risk factor scores, while detection of asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques in carotid or common femoral arteries by ultrasound indicates high CV risk. Coronary calcium is a robust and validated help in the estimation of vascular changes and risk, which may improve risk stratification beyond traditional risk factors with relatively low radiation exposure. Arterial stiffness of the aorta, measured as the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity is an independent marker of CV risk at the population level, but it is not recommended as a routine procedure because of measurement difficulties. Low ankle-brachial index (ABI) indicates flow-limiting atherosclerosis in the lower limbs and indicates high CV risk, while normal ABI does not rule out advanced asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Novel circulating biomarkers are associated with the atherosclerotic process. However, because of limited specificity, their ability to improve risk classification at present remains low.

The central arterial stiffness parameters in decompensated versus compensated states of heart failure: a paired comparative cohort study

Background

Arterial stiffness is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of heart failure and the development of acute decompensation in patients with stable chronic heart failure. This study aimed to compare arterial stiffness indices in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) during the acute decompensated state, and three months later after hospital discharge during the compensated state.

Results

One hundred patients with acute decompensated HFrEF (NYHA class III and IV) and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% were included in the study. During the initial and follow-up visits, all patients underwent full medical history taking, clinical examination, transthoracic echocardiography, and non-invasive pulse wave analysis by the Mobil-O-Graph 24-h device for measurement of arterial stiffness. The mean age was 51.6 ± 6.1 years and 80% of the participants were males. There was a significant reduction of the central arterial stiffness indices in patients with HFrEF during the compensated state compared to the decompensated state. During the decompensated state, patients presented with NYHA FC IV (n = 64) showed higher AI (24.5 ± 10.0 vs. 16.8 ± 8.6, p < 0.001) and pulse wave velocity (9.2 ± 1.3 vs. 8.5 ± 1.2, p = 0.021) than patients with NYHA FC III, and despite the relatively smaller number of females, they showed higher stiffness indices than males.

Conclusions

Central arterial stiffness indices in patients with HFrEF were significantly lower in the compensated state than in the decompensated state. Patients with NYHA FC IV and female patients showed higher stiffness indices in their decompensated state of heart failure.

Central blood pressure lowering effect of telmisartan-rosuvastatin single-pill combination in hypertensive patients combined with dyslipidemia: A pilot study

This multicenter, phase 4, Prospective Randomized Open, Blinded End‐point (PROBE) study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of telmisartan/rosuvastatin single‐pill combination (SPC) therapy on lowering central blood pressure (BP) compared with telmisartan monotherapy in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia in Korea. Study was terminated earlier than planned due to COVID‐19 pandemic, thus should be considered as a pilot study. Among 125 patients who met the inclusion criteria of hypertension and dyslipidemia (defined as 10‐year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk score over 5%), 80 patients went through 4‐week single‐group run‐in period with telmisartan 40–80 mg, then randomized to telmisartan 80 mg + rosuvastatin (10 or 20 mg) SPC group or telmisartan 80 mg monotherapy group. The central/brachial BP, brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and augmentation index (AIx) were assessed at baseline and 16 weeks later. Mean brachial SBP changed from 135.80 ± 14.22 mmHg to 130.69 ± 13.23 mmHg in telmisartan/rosuvastatin group and from 134.37 ± 12.50 mmHg to 133.75 ± 12.30 mmHg in telmisartan monotherapy group without significant difference (between‐group difference p = .149). Mean central SBP were reduced significantly in the telmisartan/rosuvastatin group with change from 126.72 ± 14.44 mmHg to 121.56 ± 14.56 mmHg while telmisartan monotherapy group showed no significant change (between‐group difference p = .028). BaPWV changed from 1672.57 ± 371.72 m/s to 1591.75 ± 272.16 m/s in telmisartan/rosuvastatin group and from 1542.85 ± 263.70 m/s to 1586.12 ± 297.45 m/s in telmisartan group with no significance (between‐group difference p = .078). Change of AIx had no significant difference (between‐group difference p = .314). Both groups showed excellent compliance rate of 96.9 ± 4.5% with no significant difference in adverse rate. Telmisartan/rosuvastatin SPC therapy was more effective in lowering central BP compared with the telmisartan monotherapy. The results of this study showed benefit of additive statin therapy in hypertensive patients combined with dyslipidemia.

Associations between remnant lipoprotein cholesterol and central systolic blood pressure in a Chinese community-based population: a cross-sectional study

Background

The lipid profile is reportedly related to peripheral blood pressure or pulse wave velocity. However, no studies have investigated the associations between lipid parameters, especially remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C), and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP).

Methods

This study used baseline data of a community-based cohort in Beijing, China. Participants who had been treated with anti-hypertensive or lipid-lowering agents were excluded. RLP-C is equal to total cholesterol (TC) minus the sum of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). An Omron HEM-9000AI device was used to measure non-invasive cSBP. The associations between blood lipid profile and non-invasive cSBP were evaluated using multivariable regression models.

Results

The 5173 included participants were 55.0 ± 8.5 years old; 35.7% (1845) of participants were men. Increased cSBP was significantly associated with increased TC, LDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and RLP-C but with decreased HDL-C, even after adjusting for possible covariates. When simultaneously entering individual pairs of RLP-C and other blood lipid parameters into the multivariable regression model, RLP-C remained significantly associated with cSBP, even after adjusting for other lipids. Compared with participants who had RLP-C levels in the first quartile (Q1), cSBP for those with RLP-C in Q4 was increased to 4.57 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.08–6.06) mmHg after adjusting for LDL-C, 4.50 (95%CI: 2.98–6.02) mmHg after adjusting for TC, 3.91 (95%CI: 1.92–5.89) mmHg after adjusting for TG, 5.15 (95%CI: 3.67–6.63) mmHg after adjusting for HDL-C, and 4.10 (95%CI: 2.36–5.84) mmHg after adjusting for non-HDL-C.

Conclusions

Increased blood RLP-C level was significantly associated with higher cSBP in a Chinese population, independently of other lipids, which indicates its importance in individual cardiovascular risk assessment.

Beneficial Effect of Statin Therapy on Arterial Stiffness

Arterial stiffness describes the increased rigidity of the arterial wall that occurs as a consequence of biological aging and several diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that parameters to assess arterial stiffness, especially pulse-wave velocity, are predictive of those individuals that will suffer cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Statin therapy may be a pharmacological strategy to improve arterial elasticity. It has been shown that the positive benefits of statin therapy on cardiovascular disease is attributable not only to their lipid-lowering capacity but also to various pleiotropic effects, such as their anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties. Additionally, statins reduce endothelial dysfunction, improve vascular and myocardial remodeling, and stabilize atherosclerotic plaque. The aim of the present review was to summarize the evidence from human studies showing the effects of statins on arterial stiffness.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke and heart failure, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although specific CVDs and the associated cardiometabolic abnormalities have distinct pathophysiological and clinical manifestations, they often share common traits, including disruption of proteostasis resulting in accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER proteostasis is governed by the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signalling pathway that adjusts the protein-folding capacity of the cell to sustain the cell's secretory function. When the adaptive UPR fails to preserve ER homeostasis, a maladaptive or terminal UPR is engaged, leading to the disruption of ER integrity and to apoptosis. ER stress functions as a double-edged sword, with long-term ER stress resulting in cellular defects causing disturbed cardiovascular function. In this Review, we discuss the distinct roles of the UPR and ER stress response as both causes and consequences of CVD. We also summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the importance of the UPR and ER stress in the pathogenesis of CVD and discuss potential therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring ER proteostasis in CVDs.

Novel Experimental Agents for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are still the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most developed countries and even more in developing countries. Dyslipidemia is a well known main risk factor for ASCVD. Lipid-lowering treatment, particularly lowering LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), can decrease the risk for ASCVD. New data and guidelines based upon them suggest that we should go with LDL-C levels as low as we can. Therefore, conventional lipid lowering agents (statins and statins+ezetimibe) are not enough mainly because of poor compliance and statin intolerance which is in the real world mostly pseudo-intolerance. PCSK9 inhibitors provided a new hope to further decrease LDL-C but are still expensive, they have to be injected subcutaneously twice a month and their long-lasting adverse effects are not known. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop novel, more potent, more safe, less expensive, more user friendly regimens of hypolipemic agents (bempedoic acid, selective PPAR alpha receptor modulators etc). One of the ways to overcome poor compliance and increase the potency of therapy with less adverse effects are fixed combinations of established drugs (statin+ezetimibe). The future of hypolipemic agents is based on antisense therapy, ie. the use of specific oligonucleotide sequences blocking the translation of the selected protein (targeting apolipoprotein CIII, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein B) or RNA silencing technique (PCSK9 mRNA) and are in various stages of clinical trials. Some of them are almost ready to use in everyday clinical practice. High risk and very high risk patients (eg. familial hypercholesterolemia, familial severe chylomicronemia syndrome) will benefit most. The aim of this review is to inform about novel hypolipemic agents – potent and safe drugs for dyslipidemia which should reduce the risk of ASCVD.

Persistent augmentation of central arterial stiffness following viral clearance by direct-acting antivirals in chronic hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAA) result in rapid eradication of HCV, their long-term impact on arterial stiffness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate changes in parameters of central arterial stiffness from pretreatment, through sustained virological response, to one year after viral clearance. Patients with chronic HCV receiving DAA treatment were enrolled prospectively. Medical history and comorbidities of all patients were collected. Lipid profiles, liver stiffness by transient elastography and central blood pressures using pulse wave analysis of the brachial artery by cuff sphygmomanometry were measured before treatment, at viral clearance and at one year following viral clearance. Augmentation index (AIx), a parameter of aortic stiffness, was calculated as the ratio of augmentation pressure to central pulse pressure. After DAA treatment, all included patients with chronic HCV (n = 102) had achieved viral clearance. Cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) increased significantly at viral clearance and persisted at one year (all P < .001). AIx was also elevated significantly at viral clearance and persisted one year later (P < .001). Changes in AIx remained significant only in patients with increased values from baseline in either LDL (P < .01) or TG/HDL (P < .001). Central arterial stiffness and lipid profiles in patients with chronic HCV worsen immediately after viral eradication by DAA treatment and persist at one year. Worsening of lipid profiles after DAA treatment contributes to central arterial stiffness in this patient population and persists long term.

Noninvasive Measurement of Time-Varying Arterial Wall Elastance Using a Single-Frequency Vibration Approach

The arterial wall elastance is an important indicator of arterial stiffness and a kind of manifestation associated with vessel-related disease. The time-varying arterial wall elastances can be measured using a multiple-frequency vibration approach according to the Voigt and Maxwell model. However, such a method needs extensive calculation time and its operating steps are very complex. Thus, the aim of this study is to propose a simple and easy method for assessing the time-varying arterial wall elastances with the single-frequency vibration approach. This method was developed according to the simplified Voigt and Maxwell model. Thus, the arterial wall elastance measured using this method was compared with the elastance measured using the multiple-frequency vibration approach. In the single-frequency vibration approach, a moving probe of a vibrator was induced with a radial displacement of 0.15 mm and a 40 Hz frequency. The tip of the probe directly contacted the wall of a superficial radial artery, resulting in the arterial wall moving 0.15 mm radially. A force sensor attached to the probe was used to detect the reactive force exerted by the radial arterial wall. According to Voigt and Maxwell model, the wall elastance (E_single) was calculated from the ratio of the measured reactive force to the peak deflection of the displacement. The wall elastances (E_multiple) measured by the multiple-frequency vibration approach were used as the reference to validate the performance of the single-frequency approach. Twenty-eight healthy subjects were recruited in the study. Individual wall elastances of the radial artery were determined with the multiple-frequency and the single-frequency approaches at room temperature (25 °C), after 5 min of cold stress (4 °C), and after 5 min of hot stress (42 °C). We found that the time-varying E_single curves were very close to the time-varying E_multiple curves. Meanwhile, there was a regression line (E_single = 0.019 + 0.91 E_multiple, standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 0.0295, p < 0.0001) with a high correlation coefficient (0.995) between E_single and E_multiple. Furthermore, from the Bland-Altman plot, good precision and agreement between the two approaches were demonstrated. In summary, the proposed approach with a single-frequency vibrator and a force sensor showed its feasibility for measuring time-varying wall elastances.

Associations between high triglycerides and arterial stiffness in a population-based sample: Kardiovize Brno 2030 study

Background

The term arterial stiffness (ArSt) describes structural changes in arterial wall related to the loss of elasticity and is known as an independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The evidence relating to ArSt and triglycerides (TG) shows contradictory results. This paper means to survey the association between high TG and ArSt, utilizing the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

Methods

Subjects aged between 25 and 64 years from a random population-based sample were evaluated between 2013 and 2016. Data from questionnaires, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and blood samples were collected and analyzed. CAVI was measured using VaSera VS-1500 N devise. Subjects with a history of CVD or chronic renal disease were excluded.

Results

One thousand nine hundred thirty-four participants, 44.7% of males, were included. The median age was 48 (Interquartile Range [IQR] 19) years, TG levels were 1.05 (0.793) mmol/L, and CAVI 7.24 (1.43) points. Prevalence of high CAVI was 10.0% (14.5% in males and 6.4% in females; P <  0.001) and prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 20.2% (29.2% in males and 13% in females, P <  0.001). The correlation between TG and CAVI was 0.136 (P <  0.001). High CAVI values were more prevalent among participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS), high blood pressure, dysglycemia, abdominal obesity, high LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), and high total cholesterol. Using binary regression analysis, high TG were associated with high CAVI, even after adjustment for other MetS components, age, gender, smoking status, LDL-c, and statin treatment (β = 0.474, OR = 1.607, 95% CI = 1.063–2.429, P = 0.024).

Conclusion

TG levels were correlated with ArSt, measured as CAVI. High TG was associated with high CAVI independent of multiple cardiometabolic risk factors. Awareness of the risks and targeted treatment of hypertriglyceridemia could further benefit in reducing the prevalence of CVD and events.

Statins and C-reactive protein: in silico evidence on direct interaction

INTRODUCTION

Statins are known to lower CRP, and this reduction has been suggested to contribute to the established efficacy of these drugs in reducing cardiovascular events and outcomes. However, the exact mechanism underlying the CRP-lowering effect of statins remains elusive.

METHODS

In order to test the possibility of direct interaction, we performed an in silico study by testing the orientation of the respective ligands (statins) and phosphorylcholine (the standard ligand of CRP) in the CRP active site using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software.

RESULTS

Docking experiments showed that all statins could directly interact with CRP. Among statins, rosuvastatin had the strongest interaction with CRP (pKi = 16.14), followed by fluvastatin (pKi = 15.58), pitavastatin (pKi = 15.26), atorvastatin (pKi = 14.68), pravastatin (pKi = 13.95), simvastatin (pKi = 7.98) and lovastatin (pKi = 7.10). According to the above-mentioned results, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin and atorvastatin were found to have stronger binding to CRP compared with the standard ligand phosphocholine (pKi = 14.55).

CONCLUSIONS

This finding suggests a new mechanism of interaction between statins and CRP that could be independent of the putative cholesterol-lowering activity of statins.

Parenteral systems for statin delivery: a review

The oral route of drug administration is the most common and convenient route for dosing statin drugs, and, in fact, most medications, because of ease of drug delivery, patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness. However, the oral administration of statin drugs has disadvantages such as hepatic first-pass metabolism and degradation within the gastrointestinal tract that limit their overall bioavailability. This review introduces several diverse non-oral delivery methods for the administration of statins. These alternative delivery systems and routes of administration are varied and are capable of improving the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of statin drugs.

Effects of Simvastatin on Augmentation Index Are Transient: Outcomes From a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Statins improve endothelial function, but their effects on arterial stiffness and aortic blood pressure in middle‐aged adults are uncertain.

Methods and Results

This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of middle‐aged (40‐72 years old) adults who were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin 40 mg (n=44) or placebo (n=44) daily for 18 months to evaluate impact on dementia‐related biomarkers (primary end points) and measures of vascular health (secondary end points). This analysis focuses on the predetermined secondary end points of changes in central aortic blood pressure, aortic augmentation index, and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 6, 12, and 18 months. Multivariable models were used to identify predictors of these prespecified vascular end points. Study groups were similar at baseline; low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol declined in the statin group but not in the placebo group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in changes in central blood pressure parameters or flow‐mediated dilation (all P>0.2). After 12 months, augmentation index decreased from baseline in the statin group compared with the placebo group (−2.3% [5.5%] versus 1.2% [5.7%], P=0.007), but by 18 months the response in both groups trend toward baseline (−1.1% [5.8%] versus 0.2% [4.8%], P=0.3). Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was not associated with changes in augmentation index at any time point.

Conclusions

Statin therapy led to a short‐term reduction in augmentation index after 12 months, but this effect did not persist after 18 months despite continued reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These findings suggest that statins may have a transient effect on aortic stiffness.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT00939822.

Pulse wave velocity as a measure of arterial stiffness in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this meta-analysis was to establish whether vascular pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness is changed in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Studies comparing PWV between patients with FH and controls were searched in PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (up to November 26, 2017). A meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software. A random-effects model (using the DerSimonian-Laird method) and the generic inverse variance method were used to compensate for the heterogeneity of studies concerning demographic characteristics and differences in the studies' design.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis of 8 studies involving 317 patients with FH and 244 non-FH individuals did not suggest a significantly altered PWV in FH patients versus controls (weighted mean difference (WMD): 0.17 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.31, 0.65, p = 0.489; I ² = 80.15%). The result was robust in the sensitivity analysis and its significance was not influenced after omitting each of the included studies from the meta-analysis. Subanalysis of 6 of these studies which had data on intima-media thickness (IMT) indicated an increased IMT in FH patients when compared with controls (WMD = 0.03 mm, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.06, p = 0.034; I ² = 48.95%). However, the effect size was sensitive to some of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that FH patients do not have significantly altered PWV when compared with normocholesterolemic individuals. However, a subanalysis of studies in which IMT was measured indicated that IMT is increased in FH patients compared with controls.

Noninvasive validation of central and peripheral augmentation index estimated by a novel wrist-worn tonometer

BACKGROUND

The validation of new blood pressure devices with easier use and more rapid data collection may facilitate the incorporation of these measures into clinical practice. We analyze the reliability and validity of Pulse Wave Analysis as reported by a novel wrist-worn device, easy and quick to use, comparing central and peripheral augmentation index (AIx) with the same measures from the SphygmoCor. Additionally, we analyzed clinical relevance through the association of the Pulse Wave Analysis, as reported by a novel wrist-worn device, with other cardiovascular parameters.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study including 254 participants. Mean age was 51.9 ± 13.4 years and 53% were women.

MEASUREMENTS

peripheral AIx (PAIx) and central AIx (CAIx) by the wrist-worn device and SphygmoCor (MM3); carotid-femoral (cf) pulse wave velocity (PWV) by SphygmoCor (MM3); cardioankle-vascular index (CAVI), ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle (ba) PWV by the Vasera device and carotid-intima media thickness (IMT) by ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Intra-observer intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for PAIx was 0.886 (95% CI 0.803-0.934) and for CAIx 0.943 (95% CI 0.901-0.968) with Bland Altman limits of agreement -0.75 (-23.8 to 21.8) and 0.08 (-15.7 to 15.9), respectively. Inter-observer ICC for PAIx was 0.952 (95% CI 0.915-0.972) and CAIx 0.893 (95% CI 0.811-0.939) with limits of agreement -0.45 (-13.7 to 12.8) and 0.43 (-17.7 to 18.5), respectively. Comparing the wrist-worn device with SphygmoCor, the ICC was 0.849 (95% CI 0.798-0.887) for PAIx, and 0.783 (95% CI 0.711-0.838) for CAIx. In Bland-Altman, limits of agreement for PAIx 1.03 (-20.67 to 22.73), and for CAIx -2.14 (-24.79 to 20.50). PAIx and CAIx, from the wrist-worn device, correlated with age, CAVI, ABI, baPWV, cfPWV, IMT, glomerular filtration and cardiovascular risk.

CONCLUSION

AIx measurements by wrist-worn device shows a good intra-observer and inter-observer reliability, inter-device noninvasive reliability and validity when compared with SphygmoCor, and clinical relevance by association with measures of vascular structure and function, end-organ damage and cardiovascular risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02623894; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02623894.

Mechanisms of statin‐induced new‐onset diabetes

Statins, with their lipid‐lowering properties, are a first‐line therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence, however, suggests that statins can increase the risk of new‐onset diabetes (NOD). The molecular mechanisms of statin‐induced NOD are not precisely known, although some pathophysiologic mechanisms have been suggested. Specific to the beta cell, these mechanisms include alterations in insulin secretion, changes in ion channels, modulation of signaling pathways, and inflammation/oxidative stress. Outwith the beta cell, other suggested mechanisms involve adipocytes, including alterations in adipocyte differentiation and modulation of leptin and adiponectin, and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, including alterations in microRNA. The evidence supporting these and other mechanisms will be discussed. Greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking the onset of diabetes to statin therapy is essential and clinically relevant, as it may enable novel preventative or therapeutic approaches to be instituted and guide the production of a new generation of statins lacking this side effect.

Non-antibiotic adjunctive therapy: A promising approach to fight tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is currently a clinical and public health problem. There is a concern about the emergence and development of multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) species. Additionally, the lack of effective vaccines is another limitation to control the related infections. To overcome these problems various approaches have been pursued such as finding novel drug candidates with a new mechanism of action or repurposing conventional antibiotics. However, these strategies are still far from clinical application. Hence, the use of adjunctive therapy has been suggested for TB. In this paper, we review non-antibiotic adjunctive treatment options for TB. Natural products, vitamins, micronutrients, and trace elementals, as well as non-antibiotic drugs, are examples of agents which have been used as adjunctive therapies. The use of these adjunctive therapies has been shown to improve disease outcomes and reduce the adverse effects of antibiotic drugs. Employing these agents, either alone or in combination with antibiotics, might be considered as a promising approach to control TB infections and achieve better clinical outcomes. However, supportive evidence from randomized controlled trials is still scant and merits further investigations.

Comparative effect of statins and types of physical exercise on arterial stiffness: Protocol for network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study protocol is to provide the methodology for a review to compare the effect of statins vs physical exercise interventions and the effect of different types of physical exercise, on reducing arterial stiffness associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science databases from their inception until July 31, 2019. We will include randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized experimental studies, and controlled pre-post studies assessing the effect in the general population of statins and physical exercise interventions on arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies will be used to assess the risk of bias for studies included in the systematic review. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be carried out to determine the comparative effect of the different physical exercise interventions and/or statin intervention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study will generate evidence about the effectiveness of both statins and exercise on reducing arterial stiffness that potentially can be transferred to patients and practitioners. Moreover, in light of the importance of reducing arterial stiffness for preventing cardiovascular disease, the evidence provided by this study will be potentially suitable to be included in cardiovascular clinical practice guidelines.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This protocol describes the methods of a study examining, using network meta-analysis strategies, the efficacy of statins and different types of exercise on improving arterial stiffness, which is an early marker of atherosclerosis. The results of this study could immediately help clinicians to recommend the best evidence-based intervention to their patients to reduce arterial stiffness and, as a consequence, prevent major complications, such as heart failure, stroke, or myocardial infarction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42019123120.

Harnessing nucleic acid-based therapeutics for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: state of the art

Dyslipidemia is one of the major but modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Despite the accessibility of statins and other lipid-lowering drugs, the burden of ACVD is still high globally, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Nucleic acid-based technologies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering (si)RNAs, miRNAs, and decoys, are emerging therapeutic modalities for the treatment of ACVD. These technologies aim to degrade gene mRNA transcripts to decrease the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. Using gene-silencing approaches, the levels of atherogenic lipoproteins can be decreased by targeting proteins that have key roles in lipoprotein metabolism. Here, we highlight preclinical and clinical findings using these approaches for the development of novel therapies against ACVD.

Dietary natural products as emerging lipoprotein(a)-lowering agents

Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hitherto, niacin has been the drug of choice to reduce elevated Lp(a) levels in hyperlipidemic patients but its efficacy in reducing CVD outcomes has been seriously questioned by recent clinical trials. Additional drugs may reduce to some extent plasma Lp(a) levels but the lack of a specific therapeutic indication for Lp(a)-lowering limits profoundly reduce their use. An attractive therapeutic option is natural products. In several preclinical and clinical studies as well as meta-analyses, natural products, including l-carnitine, coenzyme Q ₁₀ , and xuezhikang were shown to significantly decrease Lp(a) levels in patients with Lp(a) hyperlipoproteinemia. Other natural products, such as pectin, Ginkgo biloba, flaxseed, red wine, resveratrol and curcuminoids can also reduce elevated Lp(a) concentrations but to a lesser degree. In conclusion, aforementioned natural products may represent promising therapeutic agents for Lp(a) lowering.

The effect of statin therapy on endoplasmic reticulum stress

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is critical in protein processing and particularly in ensuring that proteins undergo their correct folding to exert their functionality. What is becoming increasingly clear is that the ER may undergo increasing stress brought about by nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, oxidized lipids, point mutations in secreted proteins, cellular differentiation or significant deviation from metabolic set points, and loss of Ca²⁺ homeostasis, with detrimental effects on ER-resident calcium-dependent chaperones, alone or in combination. This results in the unfolded protein response (UPR) that is a repair mechanism to limit the formation of newly damaged proteins until ER homeostasis is restored, though may result in increased cell death. ER stress has been shown to be implicated in a variety of diseases. Statins are well-known cholesterol-lowering drugs and have been extensively reported to possess beneficial cholesterol-independent effects in a variety of human diseases. This review focuses on the concept of ER stress, the underlying molecular mechanisms and their relationship to the pathophysiology and, finally, the role of statins in moderating ER stress and UPR.

Hyperleptinemia is associated with the aortic augmentation index in kidney transplant recipients

Objective

Increased circulating leptin, a marker of leptin resistance, is common in patients with obesity and is also an independent factor in prediction of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fasting serum leptin levels and the aortic augmentation index (AIx) in kidney transplant recipients.

Materials and Methods

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 70 kidney transplant recipients. The aortic AIx was measured using a validated tonometry system (SphygmoCor). Plasma leptin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

Simple linear analysis of the aortic AIx in kidney transplant recipients showed that body fat mass (P = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.020), logarithmically transformed triglycerides (P = 0.035), and leptin (P < 0.001) were positively correlated, while height (P = 0.004) and the glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.022) were negatively correlated with the aortic AIx in kidney transplant recipients. Forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with the aortic AIx showed that leptin (P < 0.001), DBP (P = 0.014), and body height (P = 0.036) were independent predictors of the aortic AIx in kidney transplant recipients.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the serum fasting leptin level is associated with the aortic AIx in kidney transplant recipients.

Statins, haemostatic factors and thrombotic risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Statins reduce cholesterol synthesis and promote low-density lipoprotein clearance from circulation. Beyond their cholesterol-lowering action, statins may interfere with haemostasis. This review aims to provide an update on the impact of statin treatment on markers of haemostasis and platelet function and on thrombosis-related outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Different coagulation factors are modulated by statins, leading to inhibition of coagulation and increased fibrinolysis. Also, an impact of statins on platelet function has been documented. From a clinical perspective, several observational studies have revealed a reduced incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients receiving statins, which has been argued in some available studies and meta-analyses. Furthermore, a beneficial effect of early statin initiation following acute coronary syndrome for short-term prevention of thrombosis-related events has been documented, but the available data are still not consistent.

SUMMARY

Although statins influence the levels of a multitude of haemostatic factors in an antithrombotic direction, data supporting their use for venous thromboembolism prevention are not consistent, and the impact of statins on early vascular events following acute coronary syndrome is still debated. Whether the robust long-term beneficial effects of statins in reducing cardiovascular risk may be also explained by persistent changes in haemostatic factors needs further exploration.

Positive correlation of the serum angiopoietin-like protein 3 levels with the aortic augmentation index in patients with coronary artery disease

Purpose

Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) plays an important role in lipid metabolism and angiogenesis and is elevated in familial hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the fasting serum ANGPTL3 levels and the aortic augmentation index (AIx) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Materials and methods

Fasting blood samples were obtained from 100 patients with CAD. The AIx was measured using a validated tonometry system (SphygmoCor). The serum ANGPTL3 levels were assessed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

The aortic AIx values were higher in female patients with CAD (P=0.003) than those in male patients with CAD. The univariate linear analysis of the aortic AIx values reveals that the height (r=−0.363; P<0.001) and body weight (r=−0.350; P<0.001) were negatively correlated, whereas the age (r=0.202; P=0.044) and logarithmically transformed ANGPTL3 (log-ANGPTL3, r=0.357; P<0.001) were positively correlated with the aortic AIx values in patients with CAD. The multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with the aortic AIx revealed that the height (β=−0.269; adjusted R² change=0.123; P=0.007) and serum log-ANGPTL3 level (β=0.259; adjusted R² change=0.051; P=0.010) were independent predictors of the aortic AIx values in patients with CAD.

Conclusion

The fasting serum ANGPTL3 level positively correlated with the aortic AIx values among patients with CAD.

Does cardiac resynchronization therapy restore peripheral circulatory homeostasis?

Aims

To evaluate whether peripheral circulatory ‘remodelling’ as measured by changes in vascular compliance and in markers of nitric oxide signalling contributes to patient response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods and results

Effects of CRT were evaluated in 33 patients pre‐procedure and 6 months post‐procedure. Peak oxygen consumption, 6 min walk distance, New York Heart Association class, and quality of life score were evaluated. Augmentation index and its interactions with nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated by applanation tonometry. Platelet NO responsiveness and content of thioredoxin‐interacting protein were assessed. Plasma concentrations of N‐terminal proBNP, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, catecholamines, and matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and ‐9 were assessed. Despite significant improvement in 6 min walk distance (P = 0.005), New York Heart Association class (P < 0.001), quality of life (P = 0.001), and all echocardiographic parameters post‐CRT, there were no significant changes in augmentation index measurements, thioredoxin‐interacting protein content, and platelet NO response. Significant falls in N‐terminal proBNP (P = 0.008) and SDMA (P = 0.013; independent of renal function) occurred. Falls in SDMA predicted reduction in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (P = 0.04) and increases in peak oxygen consumption (P = 0.04). There were no correlations between changes in echocardiographic parameters and those in vascular function.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the beneficial effects of CRT over 6 months are independent of any change in peripheral NO‐related signalling. However, there is evidence that suppression of inflammation occurs, and its magnitude predicts extent of clinical improvement.

Curcumin and treatment of melanoma: The potential role of microRNAs

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and is characterized by poor prognosis in its advanced stages because treatments are poorly effective and burdened with severe adverse effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are implicated in several cellular processes; they are categorized as oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs. Several miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of melanoma, such as the tumor suppressor miR-let7b that targets cyclin D and regulates cell cycle. Curcumin is a natural compound derived from Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) with anti-cancer properties, documented also in melanoma, and is well tolerated in humans. Pharmacological activity of curcumin is mediated by modulation of several pathways, such as JAK-2/STAT3, thus inhibiting melanoma cell migration and invasion and enhancing apoptosis of these cells. The low oral bioavailability of curcumin has led to the development of curcumin analogues, such as EF24, with greater anti-tumor efficacy and metabolic stability. Potential anti-cancer activity of curcumin and its analogues is also mediated by modulation of miRNAs such as miR21, that is implicated in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis through down-regulation of PTEN and PDCD4 proteins. Curcumin has a potential role in the treatment of melanoma, though further studies are necessary to explore its clinical efficacy.

Impact of Statin Therapy on Plasma MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Statin therapy has been shown to modulate MMPs and TIMP-1 levels, but clinical findings have not been conclusive. This study aimed to systematically review the clinical findings on the impact of statin therapy on plasma MMP-9, MMP-3, and TIMP-1 levels and calculate an effect size for the mentioned effect through a meta-analysis of available data. A total of 10 eligible studies with 11 treatment arms were included in the meta-analysis. Statin therapy had no significant effect on plasma MMP-9 (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.69 to 0.24, P = .345) nor MMP-3 concentrations (SMD: −0.004, 95% CI: −0.60 to 0.59, P = .990). However, meta-analysis demonstrated that statin therapy significantly decreases plasma TIMP-1 levels (SMD: −0.30, 95% CI: −0.56 to −0.03, P = .029). Random-effects meta-regression indicated that neither treatment duration nor changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with changes in plasma MMP-9 levels following statin therapy. The results of the present meta-analysis suggested a significant reduction in plasma concentrations of TIMP-1, but not MMP-9 and MMP-3, following statin therapy.

Impact of statin therapy on plasma leptin concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The effects of statins on insulin sensitivity, metabolic homeostasis and adipokines in humans are controversial. Several studies have investigated the impact of statin therapy on plasma leptin concentrations but the results have been inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence to calculate the effect size of statin therapy in changing serum leptin concentrations.

METHODS

A systematic search in PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of statins on plasma leptin concentrations. A random-effects model and generic inverse variance method were used for meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis, risk-of-bias evaluation and publication bias assessment were carried out using standard methods. Random-effects meta-regression was used to evaluate the impact of treatment duration on the estimated effect size.

RESULTS

Six trials, with a total of 425 subjects, met the eligibility criteria. Overall, statin therapy had no significant effect on leptin levels (weighted mean difference -0.32 ng ml^-1 , 95% confidence nterval: -2.94, 2.30, P = 0.813). This effect was robust in the sensitivity analysis and in subgroup analyses of trials with <12 or ≥12 weeks' duration. There was no association between the duration of statin therapy and changes in plasma leptin levels. Furthermore, there was no differential effect of hydrophilic and lipophilic statins on plasma leptin concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Unless more consistent evidence becomes available in the future, the hypothesis of a relationship between statin use and serum leptin concentrations seem to be unfounded.