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

A Computational Model-Based Study on Trans-Stenotic Pressure Ratio of Carotid Artery Stenosis and Its Predictive Value for Cerebral Ischemia

Trans-stenotic pressure ratio (herein denoted by dpPR) has been proposed as a complementary index to stenosis rate (SR) for assessing the functional severity of carotid artery stenosis (CAS); however, it remains unclear how well dpPR can indicate cerebral ischemia. In this study, a physiology-based computational model of the cerebral circulation was developed to yield a tool for generating large-scale in silico data to characterize the changes of the dpPR of the left internal CAS in response to variations in SR and various anatomical/pathophysiological factors that represent inter-patient differences. In addition, a cerebral ischemia index (CII) was defined to evaluate the predictive value of dpPR for cerebral ischemia. Results showed that dpPR was affected by many factors unrelated to the severity of stenosis, such as the anatomical structure and geometrical size of cerebral arteries, mean systemic arterial blood pressure (MAP), flow autoregulation function of cerebral microcirculation (quantified by CFAI), and coexisting contralateral CAS. In comparison with SR, dpPR exhibited a stronger correlation with CII. In particular, the relationship between dpPR and CII was found to be describable by a mathematical function if MAP and CFAI were fixed. The findings not only deepen our understanding of the physiological implications of dpPR but also provide valuable theoretical insights to guide the application of dpPR in clinical practice.

Efficacy of immediate anti-hypertensive treatment in patients with acute ischaemic stroke stratified by mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure: a secondary analysis of the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke trial

BACKGROUND

Whether mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP), two indicators of cerebral perfusion, could guide the selection of anti-hypertensive strategies after acute ischaemic stroke remains uncertain. Our study was to explore the impact of early anti-hypertensive intervention on adverse clinical outcomes following ischaemic stroke stratified by the levels of MAP and PP based on the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS).

METHODS

The trial randomised 4071 acute ischaemic stroke patients with elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) to receive anti-hypertensive treatment (targeting a 10%-25% reduction in SBP during the 24 hours postrandomisation, reaching a BP level <140/90 mm Hg in 7 days, further keeping these levels throughout hospitalisation) or discontinue anti-hypertensive treatment during hospitalisation. The primary outcome was death or major disability at 14 days or hospital discharge. Study outcomes were analysed by comparing the BP-lowering intervention group and control group, stratified by tertiles of MAP or PP levels.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in the primary outcome between the intervention and control groups across all MAP (p=0.69 for homogeneity) and PP (p=0.78 for homogeneity) categories. The corresponding odds ratios (95% CIs) were 1.08 (0.85-1.36), 0.92 (0.74-1.15) and 1.00 (0.81-1.25) for participants with low, intermediate, and high MAP and were 0.99 (0.79-1.25), 1.06 (0.84-1.34) and 0.95 (0.77-1.18) for participants in PP subgroups, respectively. Furthermore, early anti-hypertensive intervention was not associated with secondary outcomes (including neurological deterioration, recurrent stroke, vascular events and all-cause mortality) by MAP and PP (all p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early anti-hypertensive therapy neither decreased nor increased the odds of major disability, mortality, recurrent stroke or vascular events in patients with acute ischaemic stroke regardless of different MAP and PP levels.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01840072.

Comparison of the cumulative exposure to four measures of blood pressure for predicting cardiovascular disease risk in the Chinese Uyghurs

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore and compare the role of cumulative exposure to four blood pressure (BP) markers [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP)] in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the Uyghur population.

METHODS

We recruited 3,553 Uyghurs from Tumxuk City, and conducted blood pressure measurements on them at least three times, with a minimum interval of two years between consecutive measurements. Cumulative BP was defined as the sum of the product of the average BP between consecutive examinations and the time interval between visits. Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to estimate the association between cumBP and CVD risk. The incremental predictive value of cumBP was further assessed using the net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 6.29 years, 383 (10.78%) incidents of CVD occurred. All four cumBP markers were associated with CVD risk, with cumulative SBP (cumSBP) and cumulative PP (cumPP) showing the strongest associations. For each 1-SD increase in cumSBP and cumPP, the CVD risk increased by 31% [HR (95% CI): 1.310 (1.153, 1.489)] and 28% [HR (95% CI): 1.284 (1.132, 1.457)], respectively. Additionally, 1-SD values corresponded to 107.90 mmHg·years for cumSBP and 65.33 mmHg·years for cumPP. RCS analysis showed a linear relationship between cumBP and CVD risk. CumSBP provided the best incremental predictive value for CVD after adding cumSBP to the conventional model, improving the NRI by 0.126 (P = 0.019) and the IDI by 0.009 (P = 0.001). Although cumulative MAP and cumulative PP also improved the predictive capabilities to varying degrees, the effect sizes were smaller than those of cumSBP.

CONCLUSION

All four cumBP markers were significantly associated with CVD risk in this population. Compared with the other three cumBP measures, cumSBP had the strongest association with CVD events and provided a superior incremental predictive value for CVD events.

Gentisic acid protects Sprague-Dawley rats from myocardial infarction through reversing electrocardiographical, biochemical and histopathological abnormalities

Gentisic acid (GA), a cytochrome P450 metabolite of the antiplatelet drug aspirin, exhibits smooth muscle relaxant, antiatherogenic, and antioxidant activities. It also has a protective role in hypertrophic heart failure, suggesting its role in the management of myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to explore the protective activity of GA in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in-vivo, followed by mechanistic investigation ex-vivo. SD rats were pretreated with different doses (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) of GA for 21 days, followed by subcutaneous administration of ISO (85 mg/kg) on the 20th and 21st days. At the end of the experiment, electrocardiograph (ECG), blood pressure, myocardial injury marker enzymes, infarct size, lipid profile, and histological changes in myocardium were carried out. The possible underlying mechanisms were explored ex-vivo. GA prevented the ISO-induced changes in ECG parameters in rats in a dose-dependent manner. GA also reversed the fall in blood pressure associated with ISO treatment. GA diminished the elevated cardiac biomarkers and limited the infarcted area size (8 %) indicated by decrease in heart weight to body weight ratio. GA ameliorated the inflammation, edema, and necrosis and reduced collagen fiber deposition associated with ISO-induced MI. The results suggest that GA is an effective cardioprotective agent in rats by reversing ischemic changes in ECG and correcting histopathological and biochemical changes.

Comprehensive Assessment of Biventricular and Biatrial Myocardial Strain Parameters at 4 Years Postpartum in a Cohort of Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background/Objectives: No previous study has provided a comprehensive evaluation of all biventricular and biatrial myocardial strain parameters in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the structural and myocardial deformation properties of all cardiac chambers in a cohort of pGDM women at 4 years postpartum. Methods: A consecutive cohort of pGDM women was compared to a control group of healthy women with previous uncomplicated pregnancy, matched by age, ethnicity and gestational week, at 4 years postpartum. Both groups of women underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and subsequent carotid ultrasonography. The primary endpoint was subclinical myocardial dysfunction, defined as left-ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) < 20%, whereas the secondary endpoint was early carotid atherosclerosis, defined as common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) ≥ 0.7 mm. Results: A total of 32 pGDM women (39.1 ± 6.5 yrs) and 30 matched healthy controls (40.8 ± 5.0 yrs) were analyzed. Despite normal and similar systolic function on conventional TTE, all biventricular and biatrial strain parameters were significantly lower in pGDM women than controls. Mean follow-up period was 4.0 ± 1.9 yrs. During follow-up, 62.5% of pGDM women developed subclinical myocardial dysfunction, and 78.1% of them were diagnosed with early carotid atherosclerosis. Third-trimester BMI (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19-2.98) and third-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.08-5.04) were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Third-trimester BMI and HbA1C also independently predicted the secondary endpoint. Third-trimester BMI > 27 kg/m2 and HbA1C > 33 mmol/mol showed the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting both endpoints. Conclusions: Women with a previous history of GDM complicated by overweight/obesity and uncontrolled diabetes have a significantly increased risk of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and early carotid atherosclerosis at 4 years postpartum.

Association between dietary antioxidant indices and hypertension among Chinese adults

The effect of dietary antioxidants on blood pressure (BP) regulation and hypertension risk remains largely unknown. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the impacts of dietary antioxidants on systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP), and hypertension risk among Chinese adults. The cross-sectional study assessed data from 12,046 Chinese adults, evaluating dietary antioxidant quality scores (DAQS) and total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) via a validated food frequency questionnaire. MAP was derived using the formula DBP + (0.412 ×PP), with PP calculated as SBP - DBP. The relationship between DAQS, DTAC, and hypertension prevalence was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among participants not taking antihypertensive medications, those in the highest groups of DTAC and DAQS had significantly lower SBP, DBP, MAP, and PP compared to those in the lowest groups (all p-trends <0.001). Relative to the lowest quintile (Q1) of DTAC (adjusted odds ratios (OR) for hypertension decreased in Q2 (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.79-1.03), Q3 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56-0.76), Q4 (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.43-0.60), and Q5 (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31-0.46) (p trend <0.001). For DQAS, hypertension OR of category 5 was 0.38 (95% CI 0.32-0.46) compared to that of category 1. Increased vitamin A, Zinc, and selenium intake correlated with reduced hypertension risk. A significant non-linear DTAC and linear DAQS relationships were observed and hypertension risk. Antioxidant-rich diets markedly lowered SBP, DBP, MAP, PP, and hypertension risk.

Nomogram for Predicting in-Hospital Severe Complications in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Admitted in Emergency Department

Background

There is lack of predictive models for the risk of severe complications during hospitalization in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we aimed to create a nomogram to forecast the likelihood of in-hospital severe complications in AMI.

Methods

From August 2020 to January 2023, 1024 patients with AMI including the modeling group (n=717) and the validation group (n=307) admitted in Changsha Central Hospital's emergency department. Conduct logistic regression analysis, both univariate and multivariate, on the pertinent patient data from the modeling cohort at admission, identify independent risk factors, create a nomogram to forecast the likelihood of severe complications in patients with AMI, and assess the accuracy of the graph's predictions in the validation cohort.

Results

Age, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, diabetes, hypertension, triglycerides and white blood cells were seven independent risk factors for serious complications in AMI patients. Based on these seven variables, the nomogram model was constructed. The nomogram has high predictive accuracy (AUC=0.793 for the modeling group and AUC=0.732 for the validation group). The calibration curve demonstrates strong consistency between the anticipated and observed values of the nomogram in the modeling and validation cohorts. Moreover, the DCA curve results show that the model has a wide threshold range (0.01-0.73) and has good practicality in clinical practice.

Conclusion

This study developed and validated an intuitive nomogram to assist clinicians in evaluating the probability of severe complications in AMI patients using readily available clinical data and laboratory parameters.

Association between blood pressure and dementia in older adults: a cross-sectional study from China

Background and aims

The association between blood pressure (BP) and dementia in older adults remains unclear, prompting this study to investigate the relationship between various BP indicators and dementia in this population.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019, including 3,599 participants aged 65 years or older. The basic demographic characteristics of participants were collected. BP measurements and neuropsychological assessments were performed. From the systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) values, mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP) and blood pressure index (BPI) were calculated. Generalized additive models and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between BP indicators and dementia.

Results

Generalized additive models identified a U-shaped relationship between DBP and dementia, which was more significant in males and people 70 years of age and older. The optimal DBP associated with the lowest dementia risk was 85 mmHg. Logistic regression models revealed that compared to the DBP subgroup (80-89 mmHg), participants in the DBP < 80 mmHg subgroup and the DBP ≥100 mmHg subgroup had OR for dementia of 1.611 (95% CI: 1. 252-2.073, P < 0.001) and 1.423 (95% CI: 0.999-2.028, p = 0.050), respectively. A significant association was observed between BPI and dementia (OR:1.746 95% CI: 1.142-2.668, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

In older adults, we found a U-shaped relationship between DBP and dementia, and a linear relationship between BPI and dementia. These results underscore the importance of considering DBP and BPI in BP management strategies for older adults to potentially prevent or delay dementia onset.

Association between short-term daily temperature variability and blood pressure in the Chinese population: From the China hypertension survey

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the impacts of short-term daily temperature variability (DTV) on blood pressure (BP) among participants with normotension, prehypertension, and hypertension, respectively, and explore the effects in different climate zones and seasons.

METHODS

A representative population sample (n = 397,173) covering the subtropical, temperate continental, and temperate monsoon zones was obtained from the China Hypertension Survey. DTV was calculated as the standard deviation of daily minimum and maximum temperatures during the exposure days. The linear mixed effect regression model was used to estimate the associations between DTV exposure and BP among normotension, prehypertension, and hypertension, respectively, and further stratified analysis was performed by climate zones and seasons.

RESULTS

After adjustment for confounders, per interquartile range (IQR) increase in DTV (2.28 °C) at 0-6 days of exposure was associated with an increase of 0.41 mmHg (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.75) in systolic BP (SBP) and 0.41 mmHg (95 % CI: 0.09, 0.72) in pulse pressure (PP) among hypertensive participants in the subtropical zone. Similarly, DTV exposure was associated with an increase of 0.31 mmHg (95 % CI: 0.06, 0.55) in SBP and 0.59 mmHg (95 % CI: 0.24, 0.94) in PP among prehypertensive participants in the temperate continental zone. Additionally, during the warm season, DTV was positively associated with SBP among populations with prehypertension and hypertension, and with PP among all three populations.

CONCLUSION

Short-term DTV exposure was associated with an increase in SBP and PP among hypertensive and prehypertensive participants in the subtropical zone and the temperate continental zone. In addition, positive associations of DTV with SBP and PP were observed among participants with prehypertension and hypertension in the warm season. Comprehensive health education and effective intervention strategies should be implemented to mitigate the effects of temperature variations on BP, particularly among prehypertensive and hypertensive populations.

Association between mean arterial pressure and clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure

AIMS

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is widely used for evaluating organ perfusion, but its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between MAP and all-cause mortality and readmission in patients with HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analysed data from PhysioNet, involving 2005 patients with HF admitted to Zigong Fourth People's Hospital between 2016 and 2019. The primary outcomes were composite outcomes of all-cause mortality and readmission at 3 and 6 months. The secondary outcomes were readmission at 3 and 6 months. Multivariate-adjusted Cox regression models, restricted cubic spline curves (RCS), and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to explore the relationship between MAP and clinical outcomes. Among 2005 patients with HF [≥70 years, 1460 (72.8%); male, 843 (42.0%)], the incidence of primary outcome at 3 months was 33.4% (223/668), 24.4% (163/668), and 22.7% (152/669), and at 6 months, it was 47.5% (317/668), 38.5% (257/668), and 38.0% (254/669) across MAP tertiles [from Tertile 1 (T1) to Tertile 3 (T3)], respectively. The RCS showed an 'L-shaped' relationship between MAP and primary or secondary endpoints. Multivariate-adjusted Cox models showed that a higher MAP was significantly associated with a lower risk of composite endpoints at 3 months [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61-0.92, P = 0.006, Tertile 2 (T2); aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56-0.86, P = 0.001, T3] and 6 months (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.93, P = 0.005, T2; aHR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.91, P = 0.003, T3) compared with T1. After 1:1 PSM, the effect of maintaining a relatively higher MAP was slightly attenuated. Threshold analyses indicated that per 10 mmHg increase in MAP, there was a 21% and 14% decrease in composite endpoints at 3 and 6 months, respectively (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91, P = 0.001), and 6 months (aHR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.97, P = 0.013) in patients with MAP ≤ 93 mmHg. The associations were consistent in readmission (secondary outcomes), various subgroups, and sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher MAP was associated with a lower risk of a composite of all-cause mortality and readmission. Maintaining a relatively higher MAP could potentially improve the clinical prognosis for patients with HF.

Movement Behavior and Health Outcomes among Sedentary Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior, which is highly prevalent among office workers, is associated with multiple health disorders, including those of the musculoskeletal and cardiometabolic systems. Although prior studies looked at postures or physical activity during work or leisure time, few analyzed both posture and movement throughout the entire day.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional pilot study examined the movement behavior of sedentary office workers during both work and leisure time to explore its association with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and cardiometabolic health indicators.

METHODS

Twenty-six participants completed a survey and wore a thigh-based inertial measuring unit (IMU) to quantify the time spent in different postures, the number of transitions between postures, and the step count during work and leisure time. A heart rate monitor and ambulatory blood pressure cuff were worn to quantify cardiometabolic measures. The associations between movement behavior, MSD, and cardiometabolic health indicators were evaluated.

RESULTS

The number of transitions differed significantly between those with and without MSD. Correlations were found between MSD, time spent sitting, and posture transitions. Posture transitions had negative correlations with body mass index and heart rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Although no single behavior was highly correlated with health outcomes, these correlations suggest that a combination of increasing standing time, walking time, and the number of transitions between postures during both work and leisure time was associated with positive musculoskeletal and cardiometabolic health indicators among sedentary office workers and should be considered in future research.

Untreated hypertension and prognosis paradox in acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

This study is to explore the long-term functional outcome of antihypertensive medication-naïve, untreated hypertension (HTN) patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to those with no prior HTN and those with treated HTN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed a prospectively collected stroke registry of all patients with acute ischemic stroke consecutively admitted to Incheon St. Mary's Hospital. Patients who received reperfusion therapy were excluded. Long-term functional outcomes were assessed at a 3-month follow-up visit using the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 1044 patients was enrolled. Compared to patients with no or treated HTN, those with untreated HTN had higher odds for more favorable outcomes (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.7 [95% CI: 1.0-2.7, p = 0.050*] and 1.7 [95% CI: 1.0-2.8, p = 0.047*], respectively) when the stroke was large vessel atherosclerosis (LAA)/cardioembolic (CE) with large vessel occlusion/stenosis. However, no such association was observed when there was no large vessel occlusion or stenosis, in total patients, or if the index stroke was related to SVO. In untreated HTN patients with LAA/CE and large vessel occlusion/stenosis compared to patients in the lowest mean arterial pressure quartile (< 96.7 mmHg), patients in the second and third highest quartiles had higher odds of favorable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with untreated HTN had significantly more favorable outcomes at 3 months after ischemic stroke compared to those with no or treated HTN when the stroke was LAA/CE with large vessel occlusion/stenosis. Untreated HTN patients also showed an association between higher MAP and favorable outcomes.

Is a blunted cortisol response to stress a premorbid risk for insomnia?

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Vulnerability to stress-related sleep disturbances (sleep reactivity) is an established heritable risk factor for insomnia disorder with unclear biological underpinnings. Preliminary research points to a blunted cortisol response to stress as a biological predisposition to familial risk for insomnia, but the role of cortisol response in sleep reactivity is unknown. Therefore, the current studies examined whether sleep reactivity is associated with a blunted cortisol response to two laboratory stressors among participants without insomnia.

METHODS

Two community samples of adults with no lifetime history of insomnia completed the Trier Social Stress Test (N = 35) or the Cold Pressor Task (N = 34). Participants were grouped by insomnia-risk using sleep reactivity scores from the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST). Physiological responses were measured via markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (salivary cortisol) and autonomic nervous system (ANS; heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and salivary alpha amylase).

RESULTS

Participants with high insomnia-risk (FIRST score > 18) exhibited blunted cortisol responses to both stressors. There were no group differences in ANS responses across stressors.

CONCLUSIONS

Insomnia-risk as indicated by sleep reactivity is associated with blunted cortisol responses to psychosocial and physical laboratory stressors among premorbid adults without insomnia disorder. This study replicates previous research and supports a blunted cortisol response to stress as a biomarker for insomnia vulnerability that may be detected using the FIRST. Prospective research is needed to elucidate whether a blunted cortisol response to stress is one mechanism by which sleep reactive individuals may be at risk of developing insomnia.

Comprehensive assessment of biventricular myocardial function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in infants of gestational diabetic mothers

AIMS

No previous research provided a complete biventricular and multidirectional left ventricular (LV) functional assessment by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in infants of gestational diabetic mothers (IGDM) METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive IGDM and 30 infants of healthy mothers were examined between March 2021 and July 2021. Both groups of infants underwent evaluation by neonatologist and 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with 2D-STE quantification of LV-global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV-global circumferential strain (GCS), LV-global radial strain (GRS) and right ventricular (RV)-GLS, within 3 days of life and at 40 days after birth. Predictors of persistent subclinical myocardial dysfunction, defined as a LVGLS less negative than -20% at 40-day follow-up, in IGDM population, were determined.

RESULTS

At 2.2 ± 1.3 days after birth, LV-GLS (- 17.2 ± 1.9 vs. - 23.9 ± 3.8%), LV-GCS (- 17.9 ± 2.7 vs. - 27.3 ± 3.4%), LV-GRS (25.6 ± 3.4 vs. 35.8 ± 3.6%) and RV-GLS (- 17.6 ± 3.6 vs. - 22.6 ± 3.8%) were significantly impaired in IGDM than controls (all p < 0.001). At 36.8 ± 5.2 days of life, LV-GLS was still impaired (less negative than -20%) in 26.6% of IGDM. Maternal third trimester body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.05-3.39) and third trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.08-2.19) were independently associated with persistent LV-GLS impairment in IGDM. Maternal BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2 and HbA1C ≥ 38 mmol/mol showed the maximum of sensitivity and specificity for predicting persistent subclinical myocardial dysfunction in IGDM at 40 days of life.

CONCLUSIONS

IGDM have diffuse pattern of myocardial dysfunction during perinatal period. This dysfunction may be persistent up to 40 days of life in infants of GDM women with obesity and uncontrolled diabetes.

The relation between average 1-year home blood pressure and the change in pro-BNP and left ventricle mass index

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the association between average 1-year home blood pressure and the change in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

METHODS

This prospective study was a subgroup analysis of lifestyle intervention using mobile technology in patients with high cardiovascular risk: a pragmatic randomized clinical Trial (LIGHT). In total, 242 patients were stratified into tertiles according to their average 1-year home blood pressure.

RESULTS

Patients grouped into the tertile 3 (T3) had a lower 1-year mean, SBP and DBP. The T3 group had a 2.1 times higher rate of decrease in pro-BNP and a 1.6 times higher rate of decrease in LVMI compared with T1, compared with the reference group. The area under curve (AUC) value of average 1-year home blood pressure was higher than that of mean SBP or DBP. (AUC, 0.75 vs. AUC, 0.70 vs. AUC, 0.69, respectively). Spearman rank correlation demonstrated that average 1-year home blood pressure had a correlation with Δpro-BNP and ΔLVMI.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that average 1-year home blood pressure may have a significant association with a decrease in LVMI and pro-BNP. Our study appears to be the first to evaluate the association between average 1-year home blood pressure and the change in LVMI and pro-BNP.

Influence of chest wall conformation on spirometry parameters and outcome in mild-to-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Extrinsic causes of restrictive lung syndrome in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients have been poorly investigated. We aimed to investigate the influence of the anterior chest wall deformity, noninvasively assessed by modified Haller index (MHI), on spirometry parameters and outcome in a consecutive population of patients with mild-to-moderate IPF. Sixty consecutive IPF patients (73.8 ± 6.6 years, 45 males) were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent physical examination, spirometry, blood tests, conventional transthoracic echocardiography and MHI assessment (chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine) at basal evaluation. During follow-up, we evaluated the composite endpoint of (1) pulmonary or cardiovascular hospitalizations and (2) all-cause mortality. IPF patients with concave-shaped chest wall (MHI > 2.5) (36.7% of total) and those with normal chest shape (MHI ≤ 2.5) (63.3%) were separately analyzed. In comparison to IPF patients with MHI ≤ 2.5, those with MHI > 2.5: were less likely to be men and smokers; had a more severe restrictive pattern; had significantly smaller cardiac chamber dimensions and significantly higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (51.9 ± 15.1 vs 42.4 ± 14.3 mmHg, p = 0.02). Mean follow-up time was 2.5 ± 1.4 years. During follow-up, 13 deaths and 16 pulmonary or cardiovascular hospitalizations were detected. At multivariate Cox regression analysis, concave-shaped chest wall (MHI > 2.5) (HR 4.55, 95% CI 1.02-20.4), increased C-reactive protein (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.08-2.61) and absence of beta-blocker therapy (HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01-0.26) were independently associated to the investigated outcome. MHI assessment and implementation may help the clinician to identify, among IPF patients, those with poorer prognosis over a medium-term follow-up.

Self-Perceived Psychological Stress and Risk of First Stroke in Treated Hypertensive Patients

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the prospective association between self-perceived psychological stress and first stroke, and to examine possible effect modifiers among adults with hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 20,688 hypertensive adults with information on self-perceived psychological stress at baseline were included from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial. Participants were randomly assigned to a double-blind treatment of receiving a single tablet daily with either 10 mg enalapril and 0.8 mg folic acid or 10 mg enalapril alone. Follow-up visits occurred every 3 months after randomization. Psychological stress was measured with a one-item 3-point rating scale. The primary outcome was first stroke (fatal or nonfatal).

RESULTS

The median treatment period was 4.5 years. Compared with participants with low levels of psychological stress, those with high psychological stress had a significantly higher risk of first stroke (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 1.94) or first ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 2.09). Moreover, a stronger positive relationship between psychological stress and first stroke was found in participants with time-averaged mean arterial pressure <101 mm Hg (median; p-interaction = .004) during the treatment period. However, our study did not find a significant association between psychological stress and first hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher psychological stress was associated with an increased risk of first stroke among treated hypertensive patients, especially in those with lower mean arterial pressure during the treatment period.

Clinical Significance of Mean and Pulse Pressure in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

It remains debated whether pulse pressure is associated with left ventricular traits and adverse outcomes over and beyond mean arterial pressure (MAP) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction. We investigated these associations in 3428 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (51.5% women; mean age, 68.6 years) enrolled in the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist). We computed association sizes and hazards ratios with 1-SD increase in MAP and pulse pressure. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, association sizes (P≤0.039) for MAP were 0.016 cm and 0.014 cm for septal and posterior wall thickness, -0.15 for E/A ratio, -0.66 for E/e', and -0.64% for ejection fraction, independent of pulse pressure. With adjustment additionally applied for MAP, E/A ratio and longitudinal strain increased with higher pulse pressure with association sizes amounting to 0.067 (P=0.026) and 0.40% (P=0.023). In multivariable-adjusted analyses of both placebo and spironolactone groups, lower MAP and higher pulse pressure predicted the primary composite end point (P≤0.028) and hospitalized HF (P≤0.002), whereas MAP was also significantly associated with total mortality (P≤0.007). Sensitivity analyses stratified by sex, median age, and region generated confirmatory results with exception for the association of adverse outcomes with pulse pressure in patients with age ≥69 years. In conclusion, the clinical application of MAP and pulse pressure may refine risk estimates in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction. This finding may help further investigation for the development of HF with preserved ejection fraction preventive strategies targeting pulsatility and blood pressure control.

Status of hyperhomocysteinemia in China: results from the China Stroke High-risk Population Screening Program, 2018

A nationwide survey was conducted from October 2018 to September 2019 to assess the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) and its influencing factors in China. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information. Hhcy was defined as the level of serum homocysteine (HCY) ⩾ 15.0µmol/L. The H-type hypertension (HHYP) was defined as hypertension with an elevated serum HCY 15.0µmol/L). Finally, 110 551 residents ⩾ 40 years of age from 31 provinces in the mainland of China were included. Overall, the median serum HCY level was 10.9µmol/L (interquartile range 7.9-15.1). A total of 28 633 participants (25.9%) were defined as Hhcy. The Hhcy prevalence ranged from 7.9% in Shanghai to 56.8% in Tianjin. The data showed that serum HCY levels were associated with age, male gender, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes, ethnicity, endurance in exercise (inverse), and fruit and vegetable intake (inverse). In addition, 15 486 participants were defined as HHYP, and the rate was 14.0%. HHYP was an independent predictor of stroke with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.752 (95% CI 1.338-2.105). The geographical distribution pattern of the Hhcy epidemic reflects dynamic differences, and national strategies should be carried out to further improve the care of patients with Hhcy across China.

Elevated Pulse Pressure and Recurrent Hemorrhagic Stroke Risk in Stroke With Cerebral Microbleeds or Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background Which type of recurrent stroke is associated with pulse pressure (PP) remains uncertain in ischemic stroke with cerebral microbleeds or intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods and Results The (PICASSO) Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Ischemic Stroke Patients With High Risk of Cerebral Hemorrhage database involving 1454 subjects was analyzed. Subjects were stratified into quartiles according to the distribution of mean PP (mm Hg) during follow-up (mean, 1.9 years): <47 (first quartile), 48 to 53 (second quartile), 54 to 59 (third quartile), and ≥60 mm Hg (fourth quartile). The primary end point was hemorrhagic stroke, and the secondary end points were ischemic stroke, stroke of any type, and major adverse cardiovascular events. Adjusted time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the prediction accuracy of mean PP. The mean frequency of visit for blood pressure checkup was 9.4±5.5 times. The stroke incidence rate per 100 person-years was 3.14, 2.24, 5.52, and 6.22, respectively in increasing quartile of mean PP, and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events was 3.82, 2.84, 6.37, and 7.14, respectively. In the presence of mean arterial pressure, hemorrhagic stroke risk was higher in the highest quartile (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.03; 95% CI, 1.04-34.99) versus the lowest quartile, which was evident at higher mean systolic blood pressure. Higher mean PP as a continuous variable was also a predictor of hemorrhagic stroke (1.09, 1.03-1.15). The time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for hemorrhagic stroke was 0.79. Conclusions Long-term elevated PP with higher systolic blood pressure confers a greater risk of subsequent hemorrhagic stroke among stroke patients with cerebral microbleeds or intracerebral hemorrhage. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier, NCT01013532.

The impact of secondhand smoke exposure on the pregnancy outcome: a prospective cohort study among Egyptian community

Background

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure gained lesser interest than active smoking. There is evidence from previous studies that SHS exposure had negative effects on fetal growth. This study aimed to examine the effect of smoke exposure on pregnancy outcome and to evaluate the level of nicotine urinary end-product cotinine in pregnant women in the late trimester. We included 36 women with a history of SHS exposure and 48 women without a history of exposure; all were in last trimester of pregnancy. We measured cotinine level in urine and followed the two groups until delivery and recorded fetal outcomes. Fetal biophysical parameters and blood flow waveforms were measured using B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, respectively.

Results

The total range of the urinary cotinine creatinine ratio (CCR) concentration in the SHS exposed pregnant women was 0.01–0.2, IQR = 0.18 ng/mg.cr, versus 0.01–0.1, and IQR = 0.03 ng/mg.cr in the non-exposed group. The mean value as well as the mean rank of CCR was significantly higher (0.1 ± 0.08 ng/mg.cr., 40.3 respectively) in the exposed pregnant women as compared to the non-exposed pregnant women ((0.04 ± 0.02), 29.3 respectively, p value < 0.05). Newborn of the exposed women had significantly low birth weight which negatively correlated with cotinine level and had a dose-response relationship.

Conclusions

SHS exposure had negative effects on fetal outcomes. Efforts should be utilized to increase awareness of the consequences of secondhand smoke on the fetus and strict follow-up of exposed women for early detection.

Association between Plasma Homocysteine Concentrations and the First Ischemic Stroke in Hypertensive Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A 7-Year Retrospective Cohort Study from China

Purpose

This study was aimed at investigating the association between baseline plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations and the risk of the first ischemic stroke (IS) and at investigating any possible influential modifying factors in hypertensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to investigate the relationship between plasma Hcy concentration and the first IS. A generalized additive model was applied to determine the nonlinear relationship. In addition, we conducted subgroup analysis.

Results

A total of 2350 hypertensive patients with OSA without a history of IS were enrolled in this study. At a median follow-up of 7.15 years, we identified 93 cases of the first IS. After adjusting for potential confounding, the findings revealed that plasma Hcy concentration was strongly and positively associated with the occurrence of the first IS (per SD increment; HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.30-1.44). A nonlinear relationship was found between plasma Hcy concentration and the risk of developing the first IS with inflection points for plasma Hcy of 5 μmol/L. In stratified analysis, a greater positive correlation was found between baseline plasma Hcy concentrations and new-onset IS in patients with DBP ≥ 90 mmHg (per SD increment; HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.33-1.65 vs. <90 mmHg: HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42; P‐interaction = 0.04) and BMI ≥ 24 and <28 kg/m² (per SD increment; HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.26-1.70 vs. <24 kg/m²: HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.95-1.33 vs. ≥28 kg/m²: HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.25-1.70; P‐interaction = 0.03).

Conclusion

Elevated plasma Hcy concentrations are independently associated with the risk of the first IS in hypertensive patients with OSA. Plasma Hcy concentrations ≥ 5 μmol/L surely increased the risk of the first IS in hypertensive patients with OSA.

Chest conformation spuriously influences strain parameters of myocardial contractile function in healthy pregnant women

AIMS

Left ventricular (LV) contractility during noncomplicated pregnancy has been previously investigated by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), with conflicting results. Chest abnormalities might affect myocardial strain parameters, yet this issue has not been previously investigated during pregnancy. We evaluated the influence of chest conformation on myocardial strain parameters in healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

Between October 2019 and February 2020, 50 healthy pregnant women (32.3 ± 4.0 years old) were consecutively studied. They underwent obstetric visit, assessment of chest shape by modified Haller index (MHI; chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine) and transthoracic echocardiography implemented with 2D-STE analysis of all myocardial strain parameters in the first trimester (12-14 weeks), third trimester (36-38 weeks) and 6-9 weeks after delivery.

RESULTS

LV ejection fraction remained substantially unchanged (P = 0.13), while on the average all myocardial strain parameters showed a small but significant decrease during pregnancy, and recovered postpartum (all P < 0.001). Women with concave-shaped chest wall (MHI > 2.5, n = 29), and those with normal chest conformation (MHI ≤ 2.5, n = 21) were then separately analyzed. Pregnant women with MHI above 2.5, but not those with MHI 2.5 or less, showed a progressive but reversible decrease in all myocardial strain parameters (all P < 0.001). MHI was strongly correlated with LV global longitudinal strain (r = -0.87) and LV global circumferential strain (r = -0.83) in the third trimester of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Myocardial strain impairment during healthy pregnancy may not reflect intrinsic myocardial dysfunction but rather intraventricular dyssynchrony related to a narrow antero-posterior chest diameter and rise in the diaphragm, with consequent extrinsic myocardial compression.

Design of ultra-fine carvedilol nanococrystals: Development of a safe and stable injectable formulation

Carvedilol (CAR) is a strategic beta-blocker agent which its application has been limited by its very low water solubility. The present study describes a soluble form of drug based on nano-cocrystal (NCC) anti-solvent precipitation technique. The COSMOquick software was employed to select the optimum coformer (tartaric acid, TA) and organic solvent (acetone) relying on the enthalpy changes of cocrystallization and solubilization. Central Composite Design (CCD) considering the impact of CAR, TA, poloxamer 188 (stabilizer) concentrations, and anti-solvent/solvent ratio on CAR NCCs particle size (PS) could produce ultra-fine NCCs (about 1 nm). The lyophilization of NCCs investigating slow/fast freezing rates, various types and concentrations of cryprotectants and lyoprotectants indicated that PEG and trehalose (5 % w/vconcentration) under slow freezing rate could re-produce the initial PSs successfully. CAR NCCs indicated about 2000 fold increase in solubility compared with pure CAR. DSC and PXRD experiments proved that the formulations containing trehalose led to more crystalline and the ones comprising PEG led to more amorphous structures. Interestingly, the slow freezed PEG protected NCCs were physically stable for at least 18 months. In conclusion, the NCC technology could produce the first safe soluble form of CAR for treating hypertension urgencies easy for industrial scale-up.

Influence of chest conformation on ventricular-arterial coupling during normal pregnancy

PURPOSE

There is still controversy regarding the changes of ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) during normal pregnancy. The possible influence of chest shape on VAC during normal pregnancy has never been investigated.

METHODS

Between October 2019 and June 2020, 59 healthy pregnant women (33.7 ± 4.4 years/old) were consecutively included. They underwent obstetric visit, modified Haller index (MHI) assessment, and complete echocardiographic evaluation with blood pressure measurement to assess arterial elastance (Ea), end-systolic elastance (Ees), and Ea/Ees as an index of VAC, at 12-14 weeks and 36-38 weeks gestation, then 6-9 weeks after delivery.

RESULTS

VAC progressively increased from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy, then decreased in the postpartum (P < 0.0001) in the whole study population. Women with concave-shaped chest wall (MHI >2.5, n = 31) but not women with normal chest shape (MHI ≤2.5, n = 28) showed a progressive increase in VAC during normal pregnancy. Women with MHI >2.5 showed a significantly less pronounced increase in stroke volume index (SVi) from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. There was a strong linear correlation between third trimester MHI and VAC (r = 0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical and/or extrinsic mechanical factors rather than impaired arterial elastance or reduced left ventricular contractility may contribute to changes in VAC during normal pregnancy in women with concave-shaped chest wall.

Investigation of the impacts of zamzam water on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats. In-vivo and in-vitro study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is considered the main event in the pathogenesis. of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Zamzam water, being natural alkaline with exceptional characteristics, is capable of enhancing antioxidant mechanisms. In this context; the present study has aimed to investigate the protective effects of zamzam water alone or in combination with gliclazide against the streptozotocin (STZ) induced DN model in rats.

METHODS

DN was initiated by a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ. Three days later, diabetic rats were classified into 5 groups; a normal control group, a diabetic control group, a group receiving gliclazide, a group receiving zamzam water, and a group receiving both gliclazide and zamzam water. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were determined. Then rats were euthanized and serum was isolated for assessment of glucose, insulin, kidney function tests and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore kidney contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated. Histopathology or renal tissues and immunohistochemistry of caspase 3 were determined. In addition, islets of Langerhans were separated from normal rats by collagenase digestion method to study the effects of zamzam water on insulin release in-vitro. Furthermore, chemical analysis of zamzam water has been done.

RESULTS

Zamzam water significantly decreased STZ-induced hyperglycemia, BP, HR, oxidative stress biomarkers, impairment in renal functions (urea, creatinine, albumin), morphological changes in kidney and apoptosis. Likewise, zamzam water markedly elevated insulin levels both in in-vivo and in in-vitro experiments. The effects were more pronounced in combination with gliclazide.

CONCLUSION

Zamzam water has a promising renoprotective effect against STZ induced DN through its anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potentials.

Association Between Blood Pressure Indicators and Stroke in Aged Population: A Community-Based Nested Case-Control Study

Background and Aim

Any single discrete blood pressure (BP) measurement is not enough to estimate adverse cardiovascular events. We aim to comprehensively investigate the association between BP indicators and stroke.

Methods

An observational cohort study was conducted among 2888 Shanghai community-aged residents from 2014 to 2018, and a nested case-control study was designed to identify the association between BP indicators and stroke. In total 415 cases of stroke detected during the study period were selected as the case group and 415 non-stroke subjects, matched with factors of age and gender, were randomly selected from the cohort as control group.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.03), pulse pressure (PP) (AOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (AOR1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04) and pulse pressure index (PPI) (AOR 25.68, 95% CI 3.19–206.90) increased the risk of stroke, respectively. After fitting both BP indicators and covariates, isolated abnormal SBP (AOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.74–3.72) or PP ≥50 mmHg (AOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.08–2.56) independently increased risk of stroke.

Conclusion

Besides SBP, PP and multiple factors, assessment should be taken into account comprehensively for stroke prevention and management.

Neutrophil counts and the risk of first stroke in general hypertensive adults

We aimed to investigate the association between neutrophil counts and first stroke and examine possible effect modifiers among treated hypertensive adults. This is a post hoc analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). A total of 11,878 hypertensive adults with data on neutrophil counts at baseline were included in the current study. The primary outcome was first stroke. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 414 (3.5%) participants experienced a first stroke, including 358 with ischemic stroke, 55 with hemorrhagic stroke and one with uncertain type of stroke. Compared with participants in quartile 1 (<2.9 × 10⁹/L) of neutrophil counts, those in the upper quartiles (quartile 2-4 [≥2.9 × 10⁹/L]) had a significantly higher risk of first stroke (HR, 1.35; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.78) or first ischemic stroke (HR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.86). Moreover, a strong positive association between neutrophil counts and first ischemic stroke was found in participants with total homocysteine (tHcy) levels <15 μmol/L (HR, 1.74; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.58; vs. ≥15 μmol/L; HR, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.57, 1.46, P interaction = 0.042) at baseline or time-averaged mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥102 mmHg (median) (HR, 1.92; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.89; vs. <102 mmHg; HR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.57, 1.41, P interaction = 0.015) during the treatment period. However, no such association between neutrophil counts and first hemorrhagic stroke was found. In summary, high baseline neutrophil counts were associated with an increased risk of first ischemic stroke among hypertensive patients, especially in those with low tHcy at baseline or high time-averaged MAP during the treatment period.

Mir-1, miR-122, miR-132, and miR-133 Are Related to Subclinical Aortic Atherosclerosis Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Previously, miR-1, miR-122, miR-126, miR-132, miR-133, and miR-370 were found to be related to coronary artery disease (CAD) progression. However, their relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis, especially in subjects with metabolic syndrome, is unknown. Therefore, our aim was to determine their relationship with arterial markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome subjects (n = 182) with high cardiovascular risk but without overt cardiovascular disease (CVD) were recruited from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program. The ardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), augmentation index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm (AIxHR75), aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV), and carotid artery stiffness were assessed. MicroRNAs (miRs) were analyzed in serum. Pearson correlation and a univariate linear regression t-test showed that miR-1, miR-133b, and miR-133a were negatively associated with CAVI mean, whereas miR-122 was positively associated. MiR-1, miR-133b and miR-133a, and miR-145 were negatively associated with AIxHR75. MiR-122 correlated negatively with AoPWV. In multivariate linear regression models, miR-133b and miR-122 predicted CAVImean, miR-133 predicted AIxHR75, and miR-122 predicted AoPWV. MiR-132 predicted right carotid artery stiffness, and miR-1 predicted left carotid artery stiffness. The addition of smoking to miR-133b and miR-122 enhanced the prediction of CAVI. Age and triglycerides enhanced the prediction of AoPWV by miR-122. A cluster of four miRs are related to subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Combined, they may have a more substantial diagnostic or prognostic value than any single miR. Future follow-up studies are needed to establish their clinical relevance.

Association Between Blood Pressure Variability and Short-Term Outcome After Intra-arterial Thrombectomy in Acute Stroke Patients With Large-Vessel Occlusion

The optimal range of blood pressure variability (BPV) for acute stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) remains unclear. This study investigated the association between BPV from admission through the first 24 h after intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) and short-term outcome in LVO patients. We retrospectively analyzed 257 consecutive patients with LVO stroke who were treated with IAT. BP values were recorded at 2-h intervals from admission through the first 24 h after IAT. BPV, as reflected by pulse pressure variability (PPV), was determined based on standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), successive variation (SV), and the difference between maximum and minimum blood pressure (ΔBP; systolic BP minus diastolic BP). The association between BPV and clinical outcome (Modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days) was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 257 included patients, 70 had a good outcome at 3 months. PPV from admission through the first 24 h after IAT was independently associated in a graded manner with poor outcome [multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for the highest of PPV were 43.0 (8.7–212.8) for SD, 40.3 (9.8–165.0) for CV, 55.0 (11.2–271.2) for SV, and 40.1 (8.0–201.9) for ΔBP]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% confidence interval) of the PPV parameters were 0.924 (0.882–0.965) for SD, 0.886 (0.835–0.938) for CV, 0.932 (0.891–0.973) for SV, and 0.892 (0.845–0.939) for ΔBP, and the Youden index values were 0.740, 0.633, 0.759, and 0.756, respectively. In summary, BPV from admission through the first 24 h after IAT was independently associated with poor outcome at 3 months in patients with LVO, with greater variability corresponding to a stronger association. Thus, PPV may be a clinically useful predictor of functional prognosis in LVO patients treated with IAT.

Relationship between blood pressure index and cognition in older adults

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the contributions of blood pressure index (BPI) and other measurements to cognitive function in older adults.

METHOD

Four hundred sixty-six subjects aged over 65 who applied to the outpatient Geriatric Clinics of Gulhane Training and Research Hospital were enrolled in the study. Demographics and clinical conditions were collected from their files. Pulse pressure index (PP) (SBP - DBP), mean arterial pressure index (MAP) [(SBP + DBP x 2)/3] and BPI (SBP/DBP) were recorded. We used the Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) test for evaluating global cognition. We classified participants into two groups based on MMSE score: normal with a score of 27 or more and lower cognitive function with a 26 or lower cognitive function.

RESULTS

31% of subjects (n = 143) had lower and 69% (n = 323) had normal cognitive function. When compared blood pressure measurements between groups, BPI and PP were higher in the subjects with lower cognitive function [BPI: 1.78 ± 0.25 vs. 1.71 ± 0.23, p = .007 and PP: 58.97 ± 17.59 vs. 54.05 ± 15.38, p = .009]. After adjustment for confounders, a 2.545 fold increased risk of cognitive decline was observed among subjects with higher BPI when compared to those with normal (OR: 2.545, 95%CI: 1.024-6.325, p = .044).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that BPI is an associated with cognition in older adults and may a novel alternative marker for identifying the subjects at the risk of dementia.

Pollutants and nutrition: Are methylmercury effects on blood pressure and lipoprotein profile comparable to high-fat diet in mice?

Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) due to contaminated fish intake as part of a high-fat (HFD), high-carbohydrate diets is a reality today for many populations. HFD is associated with hypertension and hyperlipidemia, primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Some studies suggest that MeHg induces those risk factors. We evaluated the effect of MeHg exposure in mice fed with HFD or control diet for eight weeks. In the last experimental 15 days, the half group received a MeHg solution (20 mg/L) replacing water. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, lipoprotein concentrations, and paraoxonase activity were evaluated. Liver cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and IBA-1+ cells, as well as transcriptional levels of genes related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response, were also assessed. HFD and both MeHg groups presented increased BP and total cholesterol (TC). In the liver, HFD but not MeHg was related to an increase in TC. Also, MeHg intoxication reduced paraoxonase activity regardless of diet. MeHg intoxication and HFD increased steatosis and the number of IBA-1+ cells and modified some gene transcripts associated with lipid metabolism. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MeHg effects on CVD risk factors resemble those caused by HFD.

Association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and carotid artery wall thickness in healthy pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy may elicit a state of mild inflammation that might affect, either directly or indirectly, haematological parameters associated with systemic inflammation. In particular, both Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Red blood cells Distribution Width (RDW) have been found to be elevated in complicated pregnancy. However, data regarding the association of these haematological parameters with common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) in healthy pregnancy are scanty. Aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in CCA-IMT during normal pregnancy and in the postpartum period, and to correlate these changes with NLR and RDW.

STUDY DESIGN

Between October 2019 and February 2020, a prospective study was carried out on 73 consecutive healthy pregnant women (32.8 ± 4.9 yrs/old). Women underwent obstetric assessment, complete blood cell counts with calculation of NLR and RDW, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and carotid Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTS

During normal pregnancy, both NLR and RDW progressively increased (p < 0.0001); likewise, parameters of carotid dimensions also significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Hematological and morphological changes all decreased in postpartum period. By univariable logistic regression, the variables which showed the greatest independent association with CCA-IMT (defined as CCA-IMT ≥0.55 mm) were: age (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53, p < 0.0001), pre-pregnant BMI (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.72-4.41, p < 0.0001), third trimester E/e' ratio (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.34-2.02, p < 0.0001), and third trimester NLR (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.64-5.50, p < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that third trimester NLR was the only variable that retained statistical significance (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.35-4.59, p = 0.003). An NLR ≥ 2 reached 83% of sensitivity and 99% of specificity in identifying a CCA-IMT ≥0.55 mm (AUC = 0.95). A strong linear correlation of both third trimester NLR and RDW with CCA-IMT was observed (r = 0.89 and 0.83, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy is a state of chronic mild inflammation and the progressive increase in NLR and RDW during normal pregnancy is significantly associated with CCA intimal-medial thickening.

Genetically Predicted Blood Pressure Across the Lifespan: Differential Effects of Mean and Pulse Pressure on Stroke Risk

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke. Yet, it remains unknown whether blood pressure pulsatility (pulse pressure [PP]) causally affects stroke risk independently of the steady pressure component (mean arterial pressure [MAP]). It is further unknown how the effects of MAP and PP on stroke risk vary with age and stroke cause. Using data from UK Biobank (N=408 228; 38-71 years), we selected genetic variants as instruments for MAP and PP at age ≤55 and >55 years and across age deciles. We applied multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses to explore associations with ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and their subtypes. Higher genetically predicted MAP was associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage across the examined age spectrum. Independent of MAP, higher genetically predicted PP only at age >55 years was further associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio per-SD-increment, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.13-1.34]). Among subtypes, the effect of genetically predicted MAP on large artery stroke was attenuated, whereas the effect of genetically predicted PP was augmented with increasing age. Genetically predicted MAP, but not PP, was associated with small vessel stroke and deep intracerebral hemorrhage homogeneously across age deciles. Neither genetically predicted MAP nor PP were associated with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage. Beyond an effect of high MAP at any age on ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, our results support an independent causal effect of high PP at older ages on large artery stroke. This finding warrants further investigation for the development of stroke preventive strategies targeting pulsatility in later life.

Incremental prognostic value of global left atrial peak strain in women with new-onset gestational hypertension

BACKGROUND

Left atrial strain and strain rate parameters, measured by bidimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography, have been proposed as predictors of atrial fibrillation, stroke, congestive heart failure and cardiovascular death. However, they have not yet been tested in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic role of global left atrial peak strain (GLAPS) in a population of pregnant women with new-onset hypertension in a medium-term follow-up.

METHODS

Twenty-seven consecutive women with new-onset hypertension after 20 weeks pregnancy and 23 age-matched, race-matched and gestational week-matched consecutive normotensive pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective study. All participants underwent a complete echocardiographic study with bidimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography and carotid examination. At 1-year follow-up, we evaluated the occurrence of persistent hypertension.

RESULTS

In comparison with normotensive women, those hypertensive had a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors, similar left atrial volume indexed (P = 0.14), but severely impaired left atrial strain (P < 0.0001) and strain rate values (P < 0.0001). At 1-year follow-up, persistent hypertension was documented in 59.3% of patients. At the univariate Cox analysis, the variables associated with the occurrence of the investigated outcome in all hypertensive pregnancies were SBP (hazard ratio 1.04, P = 0.04), DBP (hazard ratio 1.11, P = 0.01), mean arterial pressure (hazard ratio 1.09, P = 0.01) values and the GLAPS value (hazard ratio 0.85, P = 0.0019). The latter was significantly associated with the investigated outcome both in preeclamptic (hazard ratio 0.84, P = 0.02) and nonpreeclamptic pregnant women (hazard ratio 0.83, P = 0.04). The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis highlighted that a GLAPS value of 23.5% or less predicted persistent hypertension with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90.90%.

CONCLUSION

In hypertensive pregnant women a GLAPS value of 23.5% or less reveals a greater severity of atrial cardiomyopathy and might predict postpregnancy persistent hypertension.

Association of mean arterial pressure with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in young adults

BACKGROUND

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in middle-aged population and elderly, but less evidence has been shown in young adults.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the associations of MAP with all-cause and CVD mortality in young adults aged between 18 and 40 years.

METHODS

Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2006) and participants were followed up to 31 December 2015. MAP was categorised by quartiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed to estimate the association between MAP, all-cause and CVD mortality.

RESULTS

There were a total of 8356 (4598 women (55.03%)) participants with the mean age of 26.63±7.01 years, of which 265 (3.17%) and 10 (0.12%) cases of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality occurred during a median follow-up duration of 152.96±30.45 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in the survival rate by MAP quartiles (p=0.058). When MAP was treated as a continuous variable, the multivariable adjusted HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality were 1.00 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.04; p=0.910) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.14; p=0.529), respectively. When using the lowest quartile (Q1) as referent, the adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality from Q2 to Q4 were 1.16 (95% CI 0.56 to 2.42), 1.06 (95% CI 0.48 to 2.32) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.37 to 2.24; p for tend was 0.749) after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant association of MAP with all-cause and CVD mortality in young adults with a relatively short follow-up time.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and the Risk of First Stroke in Patients With Hypertension

Background and Purpose—

This study aimed to investigate the association between mean carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and the risk of first stroke and examine any possible effect modifiers in patients with hypertension.

Methods—

A total of 11 547 hypertensive participants without history of stroke from the CSPPT (China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial) were included in this analysis. The primary outcome was first stroke.

Results—

Over a median follow-up of 4.4 years, 726 first strokes were identified, of which 631 were ischemic, and 90 were hemorrhagic. A per SD increase in mean cIMT was positively associated with the risk of first stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11 [95% CI, 1.03–1.20]), and first ischemic stroke (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.01–1.20]). Moreover, when cIMT was categorized in quartiles, the higher risks of first stroke (HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.06–1.61]) and first hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.11–4.58]) were found in participants in quartile 2 to 4 (≥0.66 mm), compared with those in quartile 1 (<0.66 mm). More importantly, the cIMT-first stroke association was significantly stronger in participants with higher mean arterial pressure (≥109.3 [quintile 5] versus <109.3 mm Hg, P -interaction=0.024) or diastolic blood pressure levels (≥90.7 [quintile 5] versus <90.7 mm Hg, P -interaction=0.009).

Conclusions—

There was a significant positive association between baseline cIMT and the risk of first stroke in patients with hypertension. This association was even stronger among those with higher mean arterial pressure or diastolic blood pressure levels.

Elevated blood pressure level based on 2017 ACC/AHA guideline in relation to stroke risk in rural areas of Liaoning province

Background

The new ACC/AHA hypertension guideline lower the definition of hypertension from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg and eliminate the category of prehypertension thus increasing the prevalence of hypertension. A purpose of this study is to explore the applicability of the new guidelines in rural China.

Methods

In total, 3229 participants aged ≥35 years and free of stroke at baseline were followed for up to 4.8 years during 2012 to 2017 in a rural community-based prospective cohort study of Xifeng County. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% Confidence interval (CI) of different blood pressure (BP) levels for risk of incident stroke were analyzed by multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

During the follow-up, 81 new strokes occurred among the 3229 participants. Compared with normal BP (Systolic BP (SBP)<120 mmHg and Diastolic BP (DBP)<80 mmHg), stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) had approximately 2.1 greater risks for stroke (HR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.13 to 3.91, P = 0.020). However, there was no significant association between elevated (SBP:120-129 mmHg and DBP<80 mmHg), stage1 hypertension (SBP:130-139 mmHg or DBP:80-89 mmHg) and stroke incidence (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.33 to 2.61, P = 0.888; HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.02, P = 0.920, respectively). An increase of the SBP by 1-SD increases the risk for stroke by 56% (HR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.29 to 1.88, P < 0.001). An increase of the SBP by 20 mmHg increases the risk for stroke by 51% (HR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.27 to 1.80, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared with normal BP, the stage 2 hypertension based on 2017 ACC/AHA guideline significantly increases the risk of stroke incidence, but this association was not observed between elevated, stage1 hypertension and stroke incidence in Chinese rural adults.

Prognostic Significance of Pulse Pressure Variability During Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background Studies on the role of blood pressure ( BP ) variability specifically during mechanical thrombectomy ( MT ) are sparse and limited. Moreover, pulse pressure ( PP ) has not been considered as a potent hemodynamic parameter to describe BP variability during MT . We assessed the impact of PP variability on functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion during MT . Methods and Results Acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with large vessel occlusion from January 2012 to June 2016 were included. BP data during MT were prospectively collected in the ETIS (Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke) registry. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between PP coefficients of variation and functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale). Among the 343 included patients, PP variability was significantly associated with worse 3-month modified Rankin Scale in univariable (odds ratio [OR] =1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-1.96 per 1-unit increase, P=0.0002) and multivariable ordinal logistic regression (adjusted OR =1.40, 95% CI : 1.09-1.79, P=0.008). PP variability was also associated with unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3-6) in univariable ( OR =1.53, 95% CI : 1.17-2.01, P=0.002) and multivariable analysis (adjusted OR =1.42, 95% CI : 1.02-1.98, P=0.04). There was an association between PP variability and 3-month all-cause mortality in univariable analysis ( OR = 1.37, 95% CI : 1.01-1.85 per 1-unit increase of the coefficient of variation of the PP , P=0.04), which did not remain significant after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions PP variability during MT is an independent predictor of worse clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients. These findings support the need for a close monitoring of BP variability during MT . Whether pharmacological interventions aiming at reducing BP variability during MT could impact functional outcome needs to be determined.

Genetic and environmental factors on heart rate, mean arterial pressure and carotid intima-media thickness: A longitudinal twin study

BACKGROUND

Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) are moderately heritable cardiovascular traits, but the environmental effects on the longitudinal change of their heritability have never been investigated.

METHODS

368 Italian and Hungarian twins (107 monozygotic, 77 dizygotic) underwent oscillometric measurement and B-mode sonography of bilateral carotid arteries in 2009/2010 and 2014. Within- -individual/cross-study wave, cross-twin/within-study wave and cross-twin/cross-study wave correlations were estimated, and bivariate Cholesky models were fitted to decompose the total variance at each wave and covariance between study waves into additive genetic, shared and unique environmental components.

RESULTS

For each trait, a moderate longitudinal stability was observed, with within-individual/crosswave correlations of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.33-0.51) for HR, 0.34 (95% CI: 0.24-0.43) for MAP, and 0.23 (95% CI: 0.12-0.33) for cIMT. Cross-twin/cross-wave correlations in monozygotic pairs were all significant and substantially higher than the corresponding dizygotic correlations. Genetic continuity was the main source of longitudinal stability, with across-time genetic correlations of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.29-0.71) for HR, 0.56 (95% CI: 0.31-0.81) for MAP, and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.07-0.64) for cIMT. Overlapping genetic factors explained respectively 57%, 77%, and 68% of the longitudinal covariance of the HR, MAP and cIMT traits.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic factors have a substantial role in the longitudinal change of HR, MAP and cIMT; however, the influence of unique environmental factors remains relevant. Further studies should better elucidate whether epigenetic mechanisms have a role in influencing the stability of the investigated traits over time.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 is Linked with Poor Cardio-Metabolic Profile in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Study of Effects of Statins

Objectives

The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of statins on the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass in patients with ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods

A total number of 59 patient ages 43-69 years with cerebral stroke compared to 39 healthy controls that matching the age and body weight. The patients were divided into 32 patients on statins therapy assigned as statins users and 27 patients, not on statins therapy assigned as nonstatins users. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were done including lipid profile and inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

Stroke patients on statins therapy showed a comparable low of Lp-PLA (29.82 ± 3.19 IU/mL) to nonstatins user stroke patients (15.58 ± 5.73 IU/mL). Lp-PLA2 mass levels were positively correlated with body mass index, blood pressure changes, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and very low-density lipoprotein and stroke risk (SR) percentage.

Conclusions

Patients on statins with ischemic stroke had low levels of Lp-PLA2 mass levels compared to nonstatins user with ischemic stroke. Lp-PLA2 mass levels were higher in men than women and correlated with lipid profile and SR in patients with ischemic stroke.

Blood pressure predictors of stroke in rural Chinese dwellers with hypertension: a large-scale prospective cohort study

Background

Little was known about the different predictive power of blood pressure (BP) parameters (SBP, systolic BP; mean arterial pressure, MAP; pulse pressure, PP; and diastolic BP, DBP) and stroke incidence. This study’s aim was to compare power of BP parameters predict stroke events among rural dwelling Chinese individuals with hypertension.

Method

A total of 5097 hypertension patients (56.2% women; mean age, 56.3 ± 11.2 years) were included in the prospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 8.4 years.

Results

Until the end of the last follow-up, there were 501 onset strokes (310 ischemic, 186 hemorrhagic, and 5 unclassified strokes) among the 5097 participants. The results showed that hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) with an increment of 5 mmHg were 1.095 (1.070–1.121) for PP, 1.173 (1.139–1.208) for MAP, 1.109(1.089–1.130) for SBP, 1.143(1.104–1.185) for DBP. The SBP indicated the largest β coefficient in the Cox proportional hazard model for all stroke except PP or MAP, and the SBP revealed slightly higher value than MAP (β_SBP = 0.435, β_MAP = 0.430, P = 0.756).

Conclusions

Both PP and MAP were predictive factors for stroke. The MAP showed a stronger ability to predict stroke events than PP, and slightly inferior to SBP for hypertension patients.

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin in critically ill patients during the early phase of sepsis

This study aimed to characterize the population pharmacokinetics (PKs) of piperacillin and investigate probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of various dosage regimens in critically ill patients during the early phase of sepsis. Forty-eight patients treated with piperacillin/tazobactam were recruited. Five blood samples were drawn before and during 0-0.5, 0.5-2, 2-4 and 4-6 or 8 h after administration. Population PKs was analyzed using NONMEM^®. The PTA of 90%fT_>MIC target and CFR were determined by Monte Carlo simulation. The two compartment model best described the data. Piperacillin clearance (CL) was 5.37 L/h, central volume of distribution (V₁) was 9.35 L, and peripheral volume of distribution was 7.77 L. Creatinine clearance (CL_Cr) and mean arterial pressure had a significant effect on CL while adjusted body weight had a significant impact on V₁. Subtherapeutic concentrations can occur during the early phase of sepsis in critically ill patients with normal renal function. The usual dosage regimen, 4 g of piperacillin infused over 0.5 h every 6 h, could not achieve the target for susceptible organisms with MIC 16 mg/L in patients with CL_Cr ≥ 60 mL/min. Our proposed regimen for the patients with CL_Cr 60-120 mL/min was an extended 2 h infusion of 4 g of piperacillin every 6 h. Most regimens provided CFR ≥ 90% for the E. coli infection while there was no dosage regimen achieved a CFR of 90% for the P. aeruginosa infection.

Sex difference in the incidence of stroke and its corresponding influence factors: results from a follow-up 8.4 years of rural China hypertensive prospective cohort study

Background

Few studies investigate sex difference in stroke incidence in rural China hypertensive population.

Methods

A total of 5097 hypertensive patients aged ≥35 years (mean age, 56.3 ± 11.2 years; 43.8% men) were included in our analysis with a median follow-up 8.4 years in Fuxin county of Liaoning province in China. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the association between the potential factors and incident stroke.

Results

We observed 501 new strokes (310 ischemic, 186 hemorrhagic, and 5 unclassified stroke) during the follow-up. The overall incidence of stroke was 1235.21 per 100,000 person-years; for men, the rates were 1652.51 and 920.80 for women. This sex difference in all stroke can be explained by approximately 25% through age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, current smoking, current drinking, antihypertensive drugs, education and physical activity. Subgroup analysis indicated that in hemorrhagic stroke this sex difference was more remarkable (63.89% can be explained).

Conclusions

The incidence of stroke was higher in men than that in women and this difference was partly explained by several traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

A Genetic Score of Predisposition to Low-Grade Inflammation Associated with Obesity May Contribute to Discern Population at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome

Omega-3 rich diets have been shown to improve inflammatory status. However, in an ex vivo system of human blood cells, the efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) modulating lipid metabolism and cytokine response is attenuated in overweight subjects and shows high inter-individual variability. This suggests that obesity may be exerting a synergistic effect with genetic background disturbing the anti-inflammatory potential of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In the present work, a genetic score aiming to explore the risk associated to low grade inflammation and obesity (LGI-Ob) has been elaborated and assessed as a tool to contribute to discern population at risk for metabolic syndrome. Pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine production as a response to omega-3 were associated with LGI-Ob score; and lower anti-inflammatory effect of PUFA was observed in subjects with a high genetic score. Furthermore, overweight/obese individuals showed positive correlation of both plasma C-Reactive Protein and triglyceride/HDLc-index with LGI-Ob; and high LGI-Ob score was associated with greater hypertension (p = 0.047), Type 2 diabetes (p = 0.026), and metabolic risk (p = 0.021). The study shows that genetic variation can influence inflammation and omega-3 response, and that the LGI-Ob score could be a useful tool to classify subjects at inflammatory risk and more prone to suffer metabolic syndrome and associated metabolic disturbances.

Non-traditional lipid profiles associated with ischemic stroke not hemorrhagic stroke in hypertensive patients: results from an 8.4 years follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that non-traditional lipid profiles have a better association with stroke than traditional blood lipids in clinical applications, other studies have drawn different conclusions.

METHODS

This study was a large-scale study with a median follow-up of 8.4 years. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% Confidence interval (CI) of lipid variables for risk of incident stroke were analyzed by multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

During the follow-up, 502 new strokes (310 ischemic, 187 hemorrhagic, and 5 unclassified strokes) occurred among the 5099 hypertensive patients. Comparing with the lowest quarter, the HR of future ischemic stroke (IS) in the highest were 1.41(95%CI, 1.03-1.92) for TC, 1.60 (95%CI, 1.15-2.22) for TG, 1.03 (95%CI, 0.75-1.42) for HDL-C, 1.77 (95%CI, 1.29-2.44) for LDL-C, 1.42 (95%CI, 1.03-1.94) for non-HDL, 2.09 (95%CI, 1.45-3.00) for TC/HDL, 2.08 (95%CI, 1.46-2.96) for LDL/HDL, 1.86 (95%CI 1.33-2.60) for TG/HDL, respectively. No significant association was observed between lipid-related indicators and hemorrhagic stroke. The results of statistical differences showed that the correlation between LDL/HDL and the risk of ischemic stroke in non-traditional lipids was higher than that of other traditional lipids (P < 0.001), except for LDL (P = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

We didn't find that HDL was associated with the risk of stroke and all the lipid parameters were not associated with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. LDL/HDL was associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke than other lipids and should be considered for clinical diagnosis and future disease prevention.