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Frigerio B, Coggi D, Bonomi A, Amato M, Capra N, Colombo GI, Sansaro D, Ravani A, Savonen K, Giral P, Gallo A, Pirro M, Gigante B, Eriksson P, Strawbridge RJ, Mulder DJ, Tremoli E, Veglia F, Baldassarre D. Determinants of Carotid Wall Echolucency in a Cohort of European High Cardiovascular Risk Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of IMPROVE Baseline Data. Biomedicines 2024; 12:737. [PMID: 38672093 PMCID: PMC11154292 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Echolucency, a measure of plaque instability associated with increased cardiovascular risk, can be assessed in both the carotid plaque and the plaque-free common carotid intima-media (IM) complex as a gray-scale median (plaque-GSM and IM-GSM, respectively). The impact of specific vascular risk factors on these two phenotypes remains uncertain, including the nature and extent of their influence. This study aims to seek the determinants of plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Plaque-GSM and IM-GSM were measured in subjects from the IMPROVE study cohort (aged 54-79, 46% men) recruited in five European countries. Plaque-GSM was measured in subjects who had at least one IMTmax ≥ 1.5 mm (n = 2138), whereas IM-GSM was measured in all subjects included in the study (n = 3188). Multiple regression with internal cross-validation was used to find independent predictors of plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Plaque-GSM determinants were plaque-size (IMTmax), and diastolic blood pressure. IM-GSM determinants were the thickness of plaque-free common carotid intima-media complex (PF CC-IMTmean), height, systolic blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, treatment with fibrates, mean corpuscular volume, treatment with alpha-2 inhibitors (sartans), educational level, and creatinine. Latitude, and pack-yearscode were determinants of both plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. The overall models explain 12.0% of plaque-GSM variability and 19.7% of IM-GSM variability. A significant correlation (r = 0.51) was found between plaque-GSM and IM-GSM. Our results indicate that IM-GSM is a weighty risk marker alternative to plaque-GSM, offering the advantage of being readily measurable in all subjects, including those in the early phases of atherosclerosis where plaque occurrence is relatively infrequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Frigerio
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Daniela Coggi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Alice Bonomi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Mauro Amato
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicolò Capra
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Gualtiero I. Colombo
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Daniela Sansaro
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessio Ravani
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Kai Savonen
- Foundation for Research in Health Exercise and Nutrition, Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, 70100 Kuopio, Finland;
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Philippe Giral
- INSERM, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Cardiovasculaires, le Métabolisme et la Nutrition, ICAN, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (P.G.); (A.G.)
- Lipidology and Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Department of Nutrition, APHP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Antonio Gallo
- INSERM, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Cardiovasculaires, le Métabolisme et la Nutrition, ICAN, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France; (P.G.); (A.G.)
- Lipidology and Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Department of Nutrition, APHP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Bruna Gigante
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Solna, Sweden; (B.G.); (P.E.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Per Eriksson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Solna, Sweden; (B.G.); (P.E.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Rona J. Strawbridge
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Solna, Sweden; (B.G.); (P.E.); (R.J.S.)
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TB, UK
- Health Data Research UK, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Douwe J. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Elena Tremoli
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (E.T.); (F.V.)
| | - Fabrizio Veglia
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, 48033 Cotignola, Italy; (E.T.); (F.V.)
| | - Damiano Baldassarre
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (D.C.); (A.B.); (M.A.); (N.C.); (G.I.C.); (D.S.); (A.R.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy
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Bai Y, Zhang M, Peng S, Wang Y, Gu Y, Fang Q, Hu L. Efficacy of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pills in a Swine Model of Coronary Slow Flow. Front Physiol 2022; 13:913399. [PMID: 35774283 PMCID: PMC9239170 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.913399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Preliminary clinical studies have confirmed that Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills (STDPs) could improve angina pectoris and attenuate vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with slow coronary flow, but the underlying mechanism is not fully unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of STDP in a swine model of coronary slow flow (SF) and related mechanisms. Methods: SF was induced by coronary injection of 40μm microspheres, and pigs were randomly divided into the SF group and SF plus STDP group. Pigs in the STDP group received sublingual STDP for 10 min, followed by 1 g STDP oral administration daily for 6 days. Coronary angiography was performed, the TIMI frame count (TFC) was determined, and hemodynamic measurements were performed before, at 30 min, and 7 days post-SF. Serum levels of total NO, NOS, ET-1, C-TNI, and BNP were measured. Myocardial expressions of TNF and IL-6, eNOS, VEGF, CD31, and α-SMA were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results: Compared to the SF group, LVEF and TFC were significantly improved at 7 days post-SF in the STDP group. The serum ET-1 level was significantly reduced at 7 days, and NO and NOS levels were significantly higher in the STDP group. Seven days post-SF, myocardial TNF and IL-6 expressions were significantly downregulated, while the expressions of eNOS and VEGF, CD31, and ɑ-SMA were significantly upregulated in the STDP group. Conclusion: Our results showed that STDP improved cardiac function and coronary flow, possibly through reducing inflammatory responses and upregulating myocardial eNOS and VEGF, CD31, and the ɑ-SMA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Bai
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingjing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianqian Fang
- Inner Mongolia Conba Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Liqun Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Liqun Hu,
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Gong W, Zhang X, Meng Z, Liu F, Li G, Xiao J, Liu P, Sun Y, Liu T, Wang H, Zhang Y, Wang N. Factors Influencing the Outcome of Symptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis With Hemodynamic Impairment After Short and Long-Term Stent Placement. Front Neurol 2022; 13:682694. [PMID: 35655616 PMCID: PMC9152452 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.682694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Stent placement is a feasible approach worldwidely for patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis (sICAS) and hemodynamic impairment (HI) who are at high risk of recurrent stroke after medical treatment. Exploration of factors associated with poor outcomes after stent placement could help develop better individualized therapeutic strategies. Methods This study conducted a post-hoc analysis of a prospective, multicenter registry study of stent use for sICAS with HI in China. Patient and clinical demographics, and stenotic lesion images were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression to the time until any endpoints or the end of the follow-up period. The short-term endpoint included any transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, or death within 1 month after stent placement. The long-term endpoints included the short-term endpoints and any TIA or stroke in the region of the affected artery that occurred more than 1 month after stent placement. Results Two hundred and ninety two patients were included, with 13 short-term and 39 long-term endpoints. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that lesions at the arterial origin or bifurcation (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 7.52; 95% CI, 1.89-29.82; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with higher short-term risk. Baseline renal insufficiency reduced the risk (HR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.68; p = 0.021). Factors significantly associated with higher long-term risk included irregular or ulcerated plaques at the lesion (HR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.07-4.33; p = 0.031). Subgroup analyses indicated that higher risk occurred in the older age group (age>59 years, HR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.27-10.97, p = 0.017), and not in the younger group (age≤59 years, HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.42-3.03, p = 0.822). Conclusion Irregular or ulcerated plaques in older patients and lesions at the arterial opening or bifurcation were more likely to result in adverse endpoints for stent placement during long or short -term follow-up. Investigation of these factors might facilitate the development of individualized therapeutic strategies for this population. Clinical Trial Registration http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT01968122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Gong
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianjun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen Meng
- Department of Interventional Operating Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Feifei Liu
- Department of General Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guangwen Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujie Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tonghui Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Naidong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Lechareas S, Yanni AE, Golemati S, Chatziioannou A, Perrea D. Ultrasound and Biochemical Diagnostic Tools for the Characterization of Vulnerable Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:31-43. [PMID: 26493239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and characterization of vulnerable carotid plaque remains the spearhead of scientific research. Plaque destabilization, the key factor that induces the series of events leading to the clinical symptoms of carotid artery disease, is a consequence of complex mechanical, structural and biochemical processes. Novel imaging and molecular markers have been studied as predictors of disease outcome with promising results. The aim of this review is to present the current state of research on the association between ultrasound-derived echogenicity indices and blood parameters indicative of carotid plaque stability and activity. Bibliographic research revealed that there are limited available data. Among the biomarkers studied, those related to oxidative stress, lipoproteins and diabetes/insulin resistance are associated with echolucent plaques, whereas adipokines are associated with echogenic plaques. Biomarkers of inflammation and coagulation have not exhibited any conclusive relationship with plaque echogenicity, and it is not possible to come to any conclusion regarding calcification-, apoptosis- and neo-angiogenesis-related parameters because of the extremely limited bibliographic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Lechareas
- Laboratory for Experimental Surgery and Surgery Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia E Yanni
- Laboratory for Experimental Surgery and Surgery Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Spyretta Golemati
- Intensive Care Unit, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Achilles Chatziioannou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Perrea
- Laboratory for Experimental Surgery and Surgery Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Von Willebrand factor regulation in patients with acute and chronic cerebrovascular disease: a pilot, case-control study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99851. [PMID: 24937073 PMCID: PMC4061052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In animal models, von Willebrand factor (VWF) is involved in thrombus formation and propagation of ischemic stroke. However, the pathophysiological relevance of this molecule in humans, and its potential use as a biomarker for the risk and severity of ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study had two aims: to identify predictors of altered VWF levels and to examine whether VWF levels differ between acute cerebrovascular events and chronic cerebrovascular disease (CCD). METHODS A case-control study was undertaken between 2010 and 2013 at our University clinic. In total, 116 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transitory ischemic attack (TIA), 117 patients with CCD, and 104 healthy volunteers (HV) were included. Blood was taken at days 0, 1, and 3 in patients with AIS or TIA, and once in CCD patients and HV. VWF serum levels were measured and correlated with demographic and clinical parameters by multivariate linear regression and ANOVA. RESULTS Patients with CCD (158 ± 46%) had significantly higher VWF levels than HV (113 ± 36%, P<0.001), but lower levels than AIS/TIA patients (200 ± 95%, P<0.001). Age, sex, and stroke severity influenced VWF levels (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS VWF levels differed across disease subtypes and patient characteristics. Our study confirms increased VWF levels as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and, moreover, suggests that it may represent a potential biomarker for stroke severity, warranting further investigation.
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Kinsella JA, Tobin WO, Kavanagh GF, O'Donnell JS, McGrath RT, Tierney S, Feeley TM, Egan B, O'Neill D, Collins RD, Coughlan T, Harbison JA, Doherty CP, Madhavan P, Moore DJ, O'Neill SM, Colgan MP, Saqqur M, Murphy RP, Moran N, Hamilton G, McCabe DJH. Increased endothelial activation in recently symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and in cerebral microembolic-signal-negative patient subgroups. Eur J Neurol 2014; 21:969-e55. [PMID: 24712648 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE von Willebrand factor propeptide (VWF:Ag II) is potentially a more sensitive marker of acute endothelial activation than von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag). These biomarkers have not been simultaneously assessed in asymptomatic versus symptomatic carotid stenosis patients. The relationship between endothelial activation and cerebral microembolic signals (MESs) detected on transcranial Doppler ultrasound is unknown. METHODS In this multicentre observational analytical study, plasma VWF:Ag and VWF:Ag II levels in patients with ≥50% asymptomatic carotid stenosis were compared with those from patients with ≥50% symptomatic carotid stenosis in the 'early' (≤4 weeks) and 'late' (≥3 months) phases after transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke. Endothelial activation was also longitudinally assessed in symptomatic patients during follow-up. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound monitoring classified patients as MES-positive or MES-negative. RESULTS Data from 31 asymptomatic patients were compared with those from 46 early symptomatic and 35 late phase symptomatic carotid stenosis patients, 23 of whom had undergone carotid intervention. VWF:Ag II levels were higher in early (12.8 μg/ml; P < 0.001), late (10.6 μg/ml; P = 0.01) and late post-intervention (10.6 μg/ml; P = 0.038) symptomatic patients than asymptomatic patients (8.9 μg/ml). VWF:Ag levels decreased in symptomatic patients followed up from the early to late phase after symptom onset (P = 0.048). Early symptomatic MES-negative patients had higher VWF: Ag II levels (13.3 vs. 9.0 μg/ml; P < 0.001) than asymptomatic MES-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial activation is enhanced in symptomatic versus asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients, in early symptomatic versus asymptomatic MES-negative patients, and decreases over time in symptomatic patients. VWF:Ag II levels are a more sensitive marker of endothelial activation than VWF:Ag levels in carotid stenosis. The potential value of endothelial biomarkers and concurrent cerebral MES detection at predicting stroke risk in carotid stenosis warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Kinsella
- Department of Neurology, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Bai Y, Hu L, Wu J, Gu Y, Li L, Gao B, Jiang H. Effects of intravenous diltiazem in a rat model of experimental coronary thrombotic microembolism. Exp Ther Med 2013; 6:873-882. [PMID: 24137281 PMCID: PMC3797315 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of evaluating the therapeutic effects of intravenous diltiazem in a newly established rat model of coronary thrombotic micro-embolism (CME). CME was induced by injecting 0.199 ml saline containing 5 mg of automicrothrombotic particulates (∼10 μm) into the aorta of Sprague Dawley rats. The injection was carried out over 10 sec using a tuberculin syringe with a 28-gauge needle. The CME model rats were randomly divided into untreated (CME, n=38) and diltiazem-treated (CME+DIL, n=38) groups. Diltiazem (1 mg/ml, 50 μg/min/kg) was intravenously injected using an infusion pump through the tail vein for 175 min, 5 min following the injection of the automicrothrombotic particulates. Hemodynamic measurements, echocardiography and pathohistological examinations were performed at various time-points (3 h, 24 h and 7 and 28 days) postoperatively. Arteriolar thrombosis, multifocal myocardial necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration with markedly increased myocardial tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function and increased plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and serum c-troponin I (c-TnI) levels (indicating vascular endothelial injury and myocardial necrosis) were observed in the CME model rats. These pathological responses in CME rats were partly attenuated by intravenous diltiazem treatment. The present CME model is suitable for evaluating the therapeutic effects of intravenous diltiazem; intravenous diltiazem treatment significantly improved cardiac function through alleviating inflammatory responses and microvascular thrombotic injury in this rat model of CME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Bai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060
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Kinsella JA, Tobin WO, Hamilton G, McCabe DJH. Platelet activation, function, and reactivity in atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis: a systematic review of the literature. Int J Stroke 2012; 8:451-64. [PMID: 23013536 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2012.00866.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
An important proportion of transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke is attributable to moderate or severe (50-99%) atherosclerotic carotid stenosis or occlusion. Platelet biomarkers have the potential to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular events in this patient population. A detailed systematic review was performed to collate all available data on ex vivo platelet activation and platelet function/reactivity in patients with carotid stenosis. Two hundred thirteen potentially relevant articles were initially identified; 26 manuscripts met criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. There was no consistent evidence of clinically informative data from urinary or soluble blood markers of platelet activation in patients with symptomatic moderate or severe carotid stenosis who might be considered suitable for carotid intervention. Data from flow cytometry studies revealed evidence of excessive platelet activation in patients in the early, sub-acute, or late phases after transient ischemic attack or stroke in association with moderate or severe carotid stenosis and in asymptomatic moderate or severe carotid stenosis compared with controls. Furthermore, pilot data suggest that platelet activation may be increased in recently symptomatic than in asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis. Excessive platelet activation and platelet hyperreactivity may play a role in the pathogenesis of first or subsequent transient ischemic attack or stroke in patients with moderate or severe carotid stenosis. Larger longitudinal studies assessing platelet activation status with flow cytometry and platelet function/reactivity in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic carotid stenosis are warranted to improve our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for transient ischemic attack or stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Kinsella
- Department of Neurology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Della-Morte D, Beecham A, Dong C, Wang L, McClendon MS, Gardener H, Blanton SH, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Association between variations in coagulation system genes and carotid plaque. J Neurol Sci 2012; 323:93-8. [PMID: 22982001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2012.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetic variation in coagulation and fibrinolysis may affect the development of subclinical atherosclerosis modifying the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, data on the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and genes involved in the coagulation system are sparse. The objective of this study is to examine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coagulation system genes and subclinical carotid plaque phenotypes. METHODS From the Genetic Determinants of Subclinical Carotid Disease Study, 287 Dominicans were examined for carotid plaque presence, thickness, and surface irregularity by high-resolution B-mode carotid ultrasound. Logistic regression was used to test for association between 101 SNPs in 23 coagulation system genes and plaque phenotypes while controlling for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Within gene haplotypes and interactions between genes were examined. A follow-up of SNPs in moderate to high (r(2)>0.25) linkage disequilibrium (LD) with those implicated in the discovery analysis (p ≤ 0.01) was performed in an independent sample of 301 Dominicans. RESULTS The prevalence of carotid plaque (47% discovery; 46% follow-up) as well as the mean age (65 ± 8 discovery; 65 ± 9 follow-up) of the participants was similar in both datasets. Two genes (vWF and THBS1) were associated (p ≤ 0.01) with plaque size and surface irregularity. In follow-up, 5 SNPs in vWF were associated (p ≤ 0.05) with plaque size. SERPINE1 was an additional gene of interest in the haplotype and interaction analyses. CONCLUSIONS Variation in the vWF, THBS1, and SERPINE1 gene may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Della-Morte
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Scherbakov N, Sandek A, Martens-Lobenhoffer J, Kung T, Turhan G, Liman T, Ebinger M, von Haehling S, Bode-Böger SM, Endres M, Doehner W. Endothelial dysfunction of the peripheral vascular bed in the acute phase after ischemic stroke. Cerebrovasc Dis 2011; 33:37-46. [PMID: 22133764 DOI: 10.1159/000332809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is relevant for the development of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) competes with L-arginine and has been implicated in the development of ED. Increased levels of ADMA have been found in chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that peripheral ED in acute ischemic stroke is associated with increased ADMA levels. METHODS We evaluated 60 patients with acute stroke in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. Stroke patients were classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. We compared these patients with patients of similar age without known cardiovascular disease (negative controls, n = 23) and patients with stable, ambulatorily treated CHF (n = 46, left ventricular ejection fraction = 33.8 ± 10.9) with known ED (positive controls). Peripheral endothelial function was assessed by EndoPAT2000 technology using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI). RESULTS RHI was significantly decreased in stroke and in CHF compared to controls (1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 0.4, respectively, ANOVA p = 0.01). A decreased RHI was observed in cardioembolic and lacunar infarcts and stroke of undetermined etiology (1.7 ± 0.4, 1.8 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.0001). The L-arginine/ADMA ratio was significantly decreased in stroke and in CHF (147.6 ± 31.7 and 126.1 ± 37.9 vs. controls: 161.5 ± 26.1, p < 0.0001) and was lowest in stroke patients in the cardioembolic group (133.0 ± 29.4, p < 0.0001). A lower L-arginine/ADMA ratio was associated with ED in cardioembolic stroke and CHF (r = 0.324, p < 0.05 and r = 0.429, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Peripheral ED occurs to a similar degree in acute ischemic stroke and CHF. The impaired vasodilator capacity of peripheral arteries reflects the TOAST classification. ADMA may play a role in ED in both acute ischemic stroke and CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Scherbakov
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Członkowska A, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I. Inflammation and gliosis in neurological diseases--clinical implications. J Neuroimmunol 2010; 231:78-85. [PMID: 20943275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The inflammatory reaction accompany all acute processes in the central nervous system (CNS), (as stroke or traumatic brain injury) and chronic neurodegenerative processes (as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease), and through the stage of cleaning of damage tissue, contribute to recovery and regeneration and eventually to restoration of the function. However many studies showed that inflammation in the CNS may be harmful because of an excessive vulnerability of the nervous tissue or impaired regulation. Manipulation of the inflammation is now one of the approaches in the treatment of the various diseases of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Członkowska
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland.
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Vik A, Mathiesen EB, Brox J, Wilsgaard T, Njølstad I, Jørgensen L, Hansen JB. Relation between serum osteoprotegerin and carotid intima media thickness in a general population - the Tromsø Study. J Thromb Haemost 2010; 8:2133-9. [PMID: 20738762 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2010.03990.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported conflicting results on the relation between serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentration and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). PATIENTS/METHODS The present study was conducted to investigate the relations between OPG, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in a large cross-sectional study including 6516 subjects aged 25-85years who participated in a population-based health survey. RESULTS CIMT increased significantly across tertiles of OPG after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as age, gender, smoking, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, CVD and diabetes mellitus (P<0.0001). There was a significant interaction between age and OPG (P=0.026). The risk of being in the uppermost quartile of CIMT was reduced (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.88) with each standard deviation (SD) higher level of OPG in subjects <45years (n=444), whereas subjects ≥55years of age (n=4884) had an increased risk of being in the uppermost quartile of CIMT (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.29) after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Age has a differential impact on the association between OPG and CIMT in a general population. The present findings may suggest that increased serum OPG does not promote early atherosclerosis in younger subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vik
- Department of Medicine, Center for Atherothrombotic Research in Tromsø (CART), University of Tromsø, Tromsø,Norway.
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Gu Y, Bai Y, Wu J, Hu L, Gao B. Establishment and characterization of an experimental model of coronary thrombotic microembolism in rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:1122-30. [PMID: 20651237 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To establish a model of coronary thrombotic microembolism in rats, either automicrothrombotic particulates (CM group) or saline control (SHAM group) was injected into temporarily clamped aortas of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After automicrothrombotic particulate injection, serum c-troponin I and von Willebrand factor levels, the no-flow area as evaluated by Thioflavin S, myocardial leukocyte infiltration levels, myocardial expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, the percentage of arterioles obstructed by thrombosis, and myocardial fibrosis were all significantly increased whereas cardiac function as evaluated by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements were significantly reduced compared with the sham group. Thus, aortic automicrothrombotic particulate injection could induce coronary microembolism in rats, and this model could be of value in improving the understanding of pathophysiology of coronary microembolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Puai Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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14
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Hjelmborg JVB, Nzietchueng R, Kimura M, Gardner JP, Bladbjerg EM, Christensen K, Aviv A, Benetos A. Leukocyte telomere length is inversely correlated with plasma Von Willebrand factor. Thromb Res 2010; 125:e339-42. [PMID: 20398917 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2010.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is short, while the plasma level of Von Willebrand (VWF) is high in persons with atherosclerosis. Moreover, both short LTLs and high VWF levels are observed in individuals who display risks for atherosclerosis, including hypertension, obesity, insulin resistance, cigarette smoking and low socio-economic status. We examined the association between LTL and VWF plasma levels to test the hypothesis that high levels of VWF promote an increase in the turnover of blood cells, including leukocytes. Such a process would heighten the rate of age-dependent LTL attrition, ultimately resulting in shortened LTL. METHODS We studied 3 cohorts: the ADELAHYDE study (age 60-87years), the ERA study (age 41-88years) and the Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins (LSADT) (age 73-94years). RESULTS Multiple regression analysis with LTL as the dependent variable, and age, sex and VWF as the independent variables showed that LTL was inversely correlated with VWF in the ADELAHYDE (beta=-0.125, p<0.001) and the ERA study (beta=-0.148, p=0.010). The LSADT displayed VWF x age interaction, which was incorporated into the model, showing that LTL was also inversely correlated with VWF (beta=-0.057, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS The inverse relationship between LTL and VWF, observed in 3 different populations, suggests that LTL might be linked to the coagulative status of the individual. Further research will be required to confirm our observations and their clinical ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob V B Hjelmborg
- The Danish Aging Research Center and Research unit of Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark
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Brevetti G, Sirico G, Giugliano G, Lanero S, De Maio JI, Luciano R, Laurenzano E, Chiariello M. Prevalence of hypoechoic carotid plaques in coronary artery disease: relationship with coexistent peripheral arterial disease and leukocyte number. Vasc Med 2009; 14:13-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1358863x08097066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract In coronary artery disease (CAD), a concomitant peripheral arterial disease (PAD) entails a more severe coronary atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the severity of carotid artery disease is greater in CAD+PAD than in CAD alone. In 90 CAD and 79 CAD+PAD patients, carotid plaque echolucency was measured by gray-scale median (GSM), and the degree of carotid stenosis by routine Doppler criteria. Plaques were absent in 20 (22.2%) CAD and 8 (10.1%) CAD+PAD patients ( p = 0.035), while the prevalence of carotid stenosis ≥ 50% was 16.7% and 25.3%, respectively ( p = 0.166). The GSM score was 45.1 [21.7–67.7] in CAD+PAD vs 60.1 [44.9–83.1] in CAD alone ( p < 0.001). Consistently, hypoechoic plaques (GSM < 25th percentile) were more common in CAD+PAD than in CAD patients (38.0% vs 11.4%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, CAD+PAD was the only variable significantly associated with hypoechoic plaques (OR = 4.16, 95% CI 1.68–10.28). However, when the leukocyte count was added to the model, it showed the strongest association with hypoechoic plaques (OR = 6.70, 95% CI 2.13–21.10). In conclusion, compared with CAD alone patients, those with concomitant PAD showed a greater prevalence of plaques with characteristics of instability. Thus, our data suggest that in CAD+PAD, evaluation of carotid plaque echogenicity could contribute to improve clinical decision-making and differentiate treatments for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Brevetti
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Sirico
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giugliano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Lanero
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Julieta Isabel De Maio
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Luciano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Laurenzano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Chiariello
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Inflammatory and immune responses play important roles following ischaemic stroke. Inflammatory responses contribute to damage and also contribute to repair. Injury to tissue triggers an immune response. This is initiated through activation of the innate immune system. In stroke there is microglial activation. This is followed by an influx of lymphocytes and macrophages into the brain, triggered by production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This inflammatory response contributes to further tissue injury. There is also a systemic immune response to stroke, and there is a degree of immunosuppression that may contribute to the stroke patient's risk of infection. This immunosuppressive response may also be protective, with regulatory lymphocytes producing cytokines and growth factors that are neuroprotective. The specific targets of the immune response after stroke are not known, and the details of the immune and inflammatory responses are only partly understood. The role of inflammation and immune responses after stroke is twofold. The immune system may contribute to damage after stroke, but may also contribute to repair processes. The possibility that some of the immune response after stroke may be neuroprotective is exciting and suggests that deliberate enhancement of these responses may be a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A McCombe
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Central Clinical School, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Brevetti G, Sirico G, Lanero S, De Maio JI, Laurenzano E, Giugliano G. The prevalence of hypoechoic carotid plaques is greater in peripheral than in coronary artery disease and is related to the neutrophil count. J Vasc Surg 2008; 47:523-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2007.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Skjelland M, Michelsen AE, Krohg-Sørensen K, Tennøe B, Dahl A, Bakke S, Brosstad F, Damås JK, Russell D, Halvorsen B, Aukrust P. Plasma levels of granzyme B are increased in patients with lipid-rich carotid plaques as determined by echogenicity. Atherosclerosis 2007; 195:e142-6. [PMID: 17568588 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 05/02/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Increased echolucency of carotid plaques is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Inflammation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in the arterial wall are involved in the atherosclerotic process and destabilization of the plaque. Granzyme B (GrB) is a key mediator of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and we therefore hypothesized that this protease could distinguish echolucent from other plaques. Ultrasound-determined echolucency of atherosclerotic plaques was assessed prior to carotid endarterectomy/angioplasty in 57 consecutively recruited patients with high-grade internal carotid stenosis. Plasma levels of GrB were measured by enzyme immunoassay prior to surgery. Patients with carotid atherosclerosis had significantly higher plasma levels of GrB compared to healthy controls (n=16) (p<0.01), with particularly high levels in those with an echolucent lesion. While there were no differences in traditional cardiovascular risk factors or CRP between those with echolucent (n=16) and those with echogenic/heterogeneous (n=41) plaques, the echolucent group had markedly raised plasma levels of GrB (p<0.01). Patients with high levels of circulating granzyme B also had more ischemic lesions on cerebral MRI prior to surgery. Raised plasma levels of GrB in echolucent carotid plaques with increased frequency of cerebrovascular events suggest that GrB may be a marker of plaque instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Skjelland
- Department of Neurology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Oflaz H, Kurt R, Sen F, Onur I, Cimen AO, Elitok A, Turkmen K, Pamukcu B, Kasikcioglu E, Bugra Z, Mercanoglu F, Ozbey N. Coronary flow reserve after L-thyroxine therapy in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism. Endocrine 2007; 32:264-70. [PMID: 18224461 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-008-9037-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Revised: 12/24/2007] [Accepted: 01/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Overt and subclinical hypothyroidism are reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. We have used coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement by trans-thoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) to determine coronary microvascular function in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism and to evaluate effects of L-thyroxine replacement on coronary endothelial function. METHODS In total, 10 overt hypothyroid patients, 10 subclinical hypothyroid patients, and 10 controls were enrolled. FT4, TSH, anti-thyroid antibodies, lipid profile, insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, physical parameters, and CFR measured by TTDE were recorded before and after 6 months of L: -thyroxine replacement in all groups. RESULTS CFR values of all hypothyroid patients at baseline were significantly lower than those in controls. After L: -thyroxine, CFR increased significantly in overt and subclinical hypothyroidism with respect to the baseline measurements (P < 0.05). When baseline and second measurements were evaluated collectively for patients and controls, CFR was positively correlated with FT4 levels (r = 0.31, P = 0.01) and negatively correlated with TSH and HOMA-IR (r = -0.38, P = 0.002 and r = -0.42, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Subclinical as well as overt hypothyroid patients have impaired coronary microvascular function which improved after L: -thyroxine therapy. Treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients with subclinical hypothyroidism should be considered to improve cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Oflaz
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Arpaemini M. Tatlipinar C., No: 64 D:5, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Lind L, Andersson J, Rönn M, Gustavsson T, Holdfelt P, Hulthe J, Elmgren A, Zilmer K, Zilmer M. Brachial artery intima-media thickness and echogenicity in relation to lipids and markers of oxidative stress in elderly subjects:--the prospective investigation of the vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) Study. Lipids 2007; 43:133-41. [PMID: 18004605 DOI: 10.1007/s11745-007-3125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to relate brachial artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and the grey scale median of the intima-media complex (IM-GSM) to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In the Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, a population-based study of 1016 subjects aged 70, brachial artery IMT and IM-GSM, who were evaluated by ultrasound. Lipids, thirteen markers of inflammation and nine markers of oxidative stress were measured. The Framingham risk score was related to IMT (p < 0.0001), but not to the IM-GSM. In univariate analysis, HDL-cholesterol, serum triglycerides, fasting glucose, smoking, HOMA insulin resistance index and oxidized LDL levels were related to IMT. HDL and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, VCAM-1, e-selectin, leukocyte count, conjugated diens, baseline conjugated diens (BCD)-LDL, antibodies to oxLDL, the GSSG/GSH glutathione ratio and homocysteine were related to IM-GSM. In multiple regression models, HDL-cholesterol, fasting glucose and oxLDL levels were the independently related to IMT (p = 0.01-0.04), while serum triglycerides, BCD-LDL and the GSSG/GSH ratio were independently related to IM-GSM (p = 0.0001-0.004). In conclusion, in addition to traditional lipid variables, markers of oxidative stress were associated with both thickness and echogenicity of the brachial artery intima-media complex. Thus, both thickness and echogenicity of the brachial artery intima-media complex might be useful biomarkers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Lind
- Department of Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Ostling G, Hedblad B, Berglund G, Gonçalves I. Increased Echolucency of Carotid Plaques in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Stroke 2007; 38:2074-8. [PMID: 17525393 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.106.480830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diabetes is associated with the presence of moderate to large atherosclerotic carotid plaques. Previous carotid ultrasound studies have associated plaques with low echogenicity with a higher risk of cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with type 2 diabetes have different plaque echogenicity than do nondiabetic subjects. METHODS Forty-seven type 2 diabetic and 51 nondiabetic subjects with a carotid plaque in the right artery were included in this study. All patients were born in 1935 to 1936 and were participants in a population-based study. Carotid ultrasonography was performed and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease were determined. Plaque echogenicity was assessed quantitatively on B-mode ultrasound images by standardized gray-scale median values. RESULTS Gray-scale median values were significantly lower, indicating more echolucent plaques, in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with nondiabetics (37.0+/-14.8 vs 45.5+/-15.4, P=0.007). Of the other risk factors studied, only triglycerides were significantly associated with the echogenicity of the plaque. CONCLUSIONS Patients with type 2 diabetes have more echolucent plaques compared with nondiabetic subjects. This might be associated with the higher risk of cardiovascular events among diabetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Ostling
- Clinical Research Unit, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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