Influence of height on endothelial maintenance activity: a narrative review

Beneficial influence of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on the endothelium in relation to endothelial repair

BACKGROUND

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) is regarded as a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. However, LDLc stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells (CD34-positive cells), which contribute to endothelial repair. Therefore, LDLc may have a beneficial influence on the endothelium of individuals with lower endothelial repair activity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 245 men aged 60-69 years. Endothelial repair activity was categorized by the circulating levels of CD34-positive cells based on median values. The status of endothelium was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

RESULTS

Among individuals with low levels of circulating CD34-positive cells, LDL-c levels were significantly inversely correlated with CAVI and positively correlated with circulating CD34-positive cells. No significant correlations were observed among the participants with high levels of circulating CD34-positive cells. Among low levels of CD34-positive cells, the adjusted standardized parameter (β) and p value were -0.24 (p = 0.021) for CAVI and 0.41 (p < 0.001) for CD34-positive cells, whereas among high levels of CD34-positive cells, the corresponding values were 0.03 (p = 0.738) and -0.09 (p = 0.355).

CONCLUSION

LDLc has a beneficial influence on endothelial health among individuals with low endothelial repair activity, possibly by stimulating the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells.

Associations between body height and cardiovascular risk factors in women and men: a population-based longitudinal study based on The Tromsø Study 1979-2016

OBJECTIVES

Investigate associations between body height and cardiovascular disease risk factors at several time points in women and men across educational levels in Norway.

DESIGN

Population-based longitudinal study.

SETTING

The Tromsø Study, a population-based study with six surveys conducted between 1979 and 2016 in the municipality of Tromsø, Norway.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Body height, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and self-reported educational level.

PARTICIPANTS

23 512 women and men (49.6% women), aged 30-49 years at first participation in The Tromsø Study. Participants who attended more than one survey contributed with repeated measurements for blood pressure and lipids.Blood pressure and lipid values were used as dependent variables in sex specific age-adjusted linear mixed models. Body height at first participation was the independent variable, while survey time point and educational level were used as covariates.

RESULTS

Overall effect models showed inverse associations between body height and systolic blood pressure (reg. coefficients: -0.88 (95% CI -1.1, -0.6)), diastolic blood pressure (-0.41 (95% CI -0.6, -0.3)), serum total cholesterol (-0.12 (95% CI -0.1, -0.1)) and triglycerides (-0.06 (95% CI -0.1, -0.0)) in women. Inverse associations between body height and lipid variables were also observed in men (serum total cholesterol: -0.12 (95% CI -0.1, -0.1) triglycerides -0.05 (95% CI -0.1, -0.0)). Regression coefficients for associations between body height and cardiovascular risk factors varied across surveys. Overall, there were no associations between body height and cardiovascular risk factors based on educational level and survey.

CONCLUSION

The overall effect models support previous findings of inverse associations between body height and cardiovascular risk factors in women, and inverse associations between body height and lipids in men. Our study showed varied degrees of associations between body height and cardiovascular risk factors at different time points in Norway.

Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying and angiogenesis-related polymorphism rs3025020 among older community-dwelling individuals

AIM

To clarify the association between genetic factors related to angiogenesis and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying among older community-dwelling individuals.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study of 1762 (607 men and 1155 women) older Japanese individuals aged 60-79 years with data on rs3025020 was conducted, because vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which contributes to the progression of angiogenesis, has been reported to be positively associated with the minor allele (T) of polymorphism rs3025020.

RESULTS

In the study population, 155 (103 men and 52 women) had feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. With rs3025020 (C/C) as the reference group, rs3025020 (T/T) was associated with a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. The adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals were 3.01(1.53, 5.93) in men and 2.48 (1.09, 5.66) in women, respectively.

CONCLUSION

VEGF polymorphism rs3025020 was associated with feeling of incomplete bladder emptying among older community-dwelling individuals. Development of angiogenesis could be associated with feeling of incomplete bladder emptying in older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1039-1044.

Association between serum uric acid levels and cardio-ankle vascular index stratified by circulating level of CD34-positive cells among elderly Japanese men: a cross-sectional study

Although serum uric acid (UA) has been reported to be positively associated with increased arterial stiffness as evaluated by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), UA also has an antioxidative effect that prevents endothelial damage. Therefore, the status of endothelial repair induced by endothelial damage might affect the correlation between UA and CAVI. To clarify the correlation between UA and CAVI in relation to endothelial repair activity, we performed a cross-sectional study with 246 Japanese men aged 60-69 years undergoing a general health check-up. The analysis was stratified by the median circulating level of CD34-positive cells because circulating levels of CD34-positive cells could indicate the degree of endothelial repair activity. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, among participants with high circulating levels of CD34-positive cells (0.95 cells/μL ≤), UA was significantly positively correlated with CAVI (standardized parameter estimate β = 0.23, p = 0.009), but not among participants with low circulating levels of CD34-positive cells (< 0.95 cells/μL) (β = 0.07, p = 0.445). Independent of established cardiovascular risk factors, UA levels were significantly positively correlated with increased arterial stiffness only among participants with aggressive endothelial repair as evaluated by circulating levels of CD34-positive cells. These results might help clarify some background mechanisms related to endothelial activity.

Association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to growth differentiation factor-15 levels in older individuals in a cross-sectional study

Although fast eating speed has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, no studies have reported an association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Rapid glucose ingestion is known to cause glucose spikes, which may accelerate atherogenesis and increase levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Therefore, GDF-15 levels may influence the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis. To evaluate the association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to GDF-15, this cross-sectional study analyzed 742 Japanese aged 60-69 years. They were required to have normal thyroid hormone levels, because both GDF-15 levels and atherosclerosis (CIMT ≥ 1.1 mm) can be influenced by thyroid dysfunction. Participants were stratified by the median GDF-15 level. A significant positive association was observed between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis, but only among participants with a high GDF-15 level: the sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.95 (1.09, 3.48) in participants with a high GDF-15 level, and 0.83 (0.37, 1.88) in those with a low GDF-15 level. This association remained even after further adjustment for thyroid function and metabolic factors. Serum concentrations of GDF-15 may mediate the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis.

Body composition markers are associated with changes in inflammatory markers but not vice versa: A bi-directional longitudinal analysis in a population-based sample

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Growing body of evidence consistently link obesity and inflammation, Although the direction of the association is still unclear. We aimed to investigate longitudinal associations of body anthropometric, composition and fat distribution parameters with inflammatory markers and vice versa.

METHOD AND RESULTS

We used data from 2464 individuals of the SHIP-TREND cohort with a median follow-up of 7 years. Linear regression models adjusted for confounders were used to analyze associations of standardized body composition markers derived from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline with changes in inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), fibrinogen) and vice versa. Higher level of anthropometric markers at baseline were associated with an increase in the change of inflammatory markers. A 13.5 cm higher waist circumference (WC), 16.0 kg body weight and 7.76 % relative fat mass (FM) at baseline was associated with a change in CRP of 0.52 mg/L (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.29 to 0.74), 0.51 mg/L (95 % CI: 0.29; 0.74) and 0.58 mg/L (95 % CI: 0.34; 0.82) respectively. Absolute FM showed the strongest association with changes in serum fibrinogen levels (β for 8.69 kg higher FM: 0.07 g/L; 95 % CI: 0.05; 0.09). Baseline inflammatory markers were only associated with changes in hip circumference.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates the importance of anthropometric, body composition and fat distribution markers as a risk factor for the development of inflammation. To prevent inflammatory-related complications, important is to take measures against the development of obesity.

Association between atherosclerosis and height loss among older individuals

Atherosclerosis and height loss are each reportedly associated with cardiovascular disease. However, no studies have found an association between atherosclerosis and height loss. A retrospective study of 2435 individuals aged 60-89 years who underwent annual health check-ups was conducted. Atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 1.1 mm. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quintile of height decrease per year, as in our previous studies. Among study participants, 555 were diagnosed as having atherosclerosis. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerosis was positively associated with height loss. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.46 (95% confidence interval, 1.15, 1.83). Essentially the same associations were observed for men and women. The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.43 (1.01, 2.04) for men and 1.46 (1.07, 1.99) for women. Among older individuals, atherosclerosis is associated with height loss. This result can help clarify the mechanism underlying the association between height loss and cardiovascular disease.

Body composition markers from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging are associated with inflammatory markers in the general population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The associations of body composition markers derived from different modalities with inflammatory markers are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine associations of the body composition markers from different modalities with inflammatory markers in a population-based study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed data from 4048 participants (2081 women, 51.4%) aged 20-84 years. Linear regression models adjusted for confounding were used to analyze the association of classic anthropometry markers, absolute and relative fat mass, absolute fat-free mass (FFM), and body cell mass (BCM) assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, subcutaneous, visceral, and liver fat from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with markers of inflammation. We found positive associations of classic anthropometry markers, total body fat, subcutaneous, visceral, and liver fat, with all inflammatory markers. Waist circumference (WC) showed the strongest association with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (β: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22 to 1.56) and white blood cell (WBC) (0.39; 0.29 to 0.48), whereas visceral fat showed the strongest association with ferritin (41.9; 34.7 to 49.0). Relative body fat was strongly associated with hsCRP (1.39; 1.20 to 1.58), fibrinogen (0.29; 0.27 to 0.32), and WBC (0.35; 0.25 to 0.46). Conversely, we found inverse associations of body height, FFM, and BCM with hsCRP, fibrinogen, and WBC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates the importance of WC as an easily measured marker for early inflammation. MRI-assessed markers of central obesity seem to be most strongly related to ferritin.

Association between serum albumin levels and height loss in Japanese workers: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Height loss starting in middle age was previously shown to be associated with high cardiovascular mortality in later life. However, the factors associated with height loss remain unknown. Since low serum albumin levels are reported to be associated with high mortality caused by cardiovascular disease, they may also contribute to height loss.

METHODS

To clarify the association between serum albumin and height loss, we conducted a retrospective study of 7637 Japanese workers who participated in general health check-ups from 2008 to 2019. Height loss was defined as the highest quartile of height loss per year.

RESULTS

Individual with high serum concentration of albumin possess beneficial influence on preventing incidence of height loss. In both men and women, serum albumin level was significantly inversely associated with height loss. After adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors, the adjusted odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for height loss per 1 standard deviation of albumin (0.2 g/dL for both men and women) were 0.92 (0.86, 0.98) in men and 0.86 (0.79, 0.95) in women. Even when the analysis was limited to participants without hypoalbuminemia, essentially same association was observed, with fully adjusted corresponding ORs (95%CI) of 0.92 (0.86, 0.98) in men and 0.86 (0.78, 0.94) in women.

CONCLUSION

Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, higher serum albumin levels may prevent height loss among Japanese workers. While several different diseases cause hypoalbuminemia, they may not be the main reasons for the association between serum albumin and height loss. Though further research is necessary, this finding may help clarify the mechanisms underlying the association between height loss and higher mortality in later life.

Unveiling the angiogenic effects of cannabinoids: Enhancers or inhibitors?

Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions. Some can activate the cannabinoid receptors type-1 and -2 (CB1 and CB2), that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), alongside the endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes. The ECS regulates physiological and cognitive processes and is a potential therapeutic target for a wide range of health conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Synthetic cannabinoids, are associated with serious health risks, including addiction, psychosis, and death. Nonetheless, some of these molecules are also being explored for pharmacological applications. Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, crucial for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance. Dysregulation of this process is associated with several diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy and reproductive pathologies, such as preeclampsia. Recent data suggests that cannabinoids may affect angiogenesis. Here, we reviewed their impact on pro-angiogenic factors, extracellular matrix enzymes and inhibitors, immune-inflammatory responses, angiogenic pathways and functional assays, focusing on the main compounds for each cannabinoid class: THC and CBD for phytocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) for endocannabinoids and WIN-55, JWH-133, XLR-11, LYR-7 and LYR-8, for the synthetic cannabinoids. Despite conflicting reports about the actions of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids on angiogenesis, the ability to modulate the angiogenic process is undoubtedly confirmed. This may open a new therapeutical route for angiogenesis-related pathologies. In addition, synthetic cannabinoids present anti-angiogenic actions in several cell models, hinting their potential as anti-angiogenic drugs.

Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Partly Indicates the Prevention of Hypertension among Older Individuals in the General Population

Structural atherosclerosis, as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), is reported to be positively associated with hypertension. However, angiogenesis, which plays an important role in the progression of structural atherosclerosis, prevents hypertension by reducing peripheral vascular resistance. These associations evoke a contradiction: characteristics associated with the progression of structural atherosclerosis, which is related to hypertension, might prevent hypertension. To clarify novel mechanisms underlying the association between structural atherosclerosis and hypertension, multifaceted analyses are necessary. We performed several epidemiological studies based on this concept. This study summarizes those epidemiological studies and adds some discussion. Studies focusing on circulating CD34-positive cells, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), SNPs in BRACA1-associated protein (BRAP), platelets, human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and SNPs in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) have shown that active endothelial repair, which leads to the progression of structural atherosclerosis, helps prevent hypertension. These associations indicate that the progression of structural atherosclerosis could act as a marker of angiogenesis, which reduces peripheral vascular resistance. In general, a positive association between structural atherosclerosis and hypertension has been reported. However, the progression of structural atherosclerosis could act as a marker of activity that prevents hypertension via reductions in peripheral vascular resistance.

Serum Concentration of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Atherosclerosis among General Older Japanese Individuals with Normal Weight

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), which modulates cellular energy balance, is reported to be positively associated with cardiovascular disease. However, there have been no reports about the association between serum GDF-15 concentration and atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) among the general population. A cross-sectional study of 536 Japanese individuals aged 60 to 69 years was conducted. To avoid the influence of abnormal cellular energy balance, this study only included participants who had a normal body mass index (BMI) and normal thyroid hormone (free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine) levels. A significant positive association between serum GDF-15 concentration and atherosclerosis was observed. In the sex- and age-adjusted model (Model 1), the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for the logarithmic value of GDF-15 and atherosclerosis was 2.62 (1.67, 5.87). This association remained after adjusting for thyroid function and renal function (Model 2) and further adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors (Model 3). The corresponding values were 2.61 (1.15, 5.93) for Model 2 and 2.49 (1.08, 5.71) for Model 3, respectively. Serum GDF-15 concentrations could help us to estimate the risk of atherosclerosis by indicating the status of cellular energy balance, which is related to mitochondrial activity among comparative healthy older individuals.

Association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease by functional atherosclerosis status among older Japanese individuals: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study aimed to clarify the influence of functional atherosclerosis on the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 998 older Japanese individuals aged 60-99 years who participated in an oral health check-up was conducted. Early and advanced periodontitis were defined as periodontal pocket depth of 4.0-5.9 mm and ≥6.0 mm, respectively. Functional atherosclerosis was defined as cardio-ankle vascular index ≥9.0.

RESULTS

Of the 998 study participants, 238 (23.8%) had CKD. No significant associations between periodontitis and CKD were observed in participants without functional atherosclerosis. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.31 (0.81-2.11) for early periodontitis and 0.74 (0.41-1.34) for advanced periodontitis. Significant positive associations were observed for participants with functional atherosclerosis; the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.76 (1.04-3.01) for early periodontitis and 1.95 (1.05-3.63) for advanced periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant positive association between periodontitis and CKD was established for older participants with functional atherosclerosis. No significant associations were observed for those without functional atherosclerosis. These results can help clarify the influence of periodontitis on systemic circulation.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Structural Atherosclerosis, and Functional Atherosclerosis in Older Japanese

Aggressive endothelial repair results in the progression of both structural and functional atherosclerosis, while insufficient endothelial repair worsens functional but not structural atherosclerosis. Aging increases the risk of inadequate endothelial repair. Since low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) activates endothelial repair, LDLc may be positively associated with structural atherosclerosis but inversely associated with functional atherosclerosis in older individuals. This cross-sectional study analyzed 1458 participants aged 60 to 79 years. We defined structural atherosclerosis as a carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) of at least 1.1 mm and functional atherosclerosis as a cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) of at least 9.0. LDLc was significantly positively associated with structural atherosclerosis and significantly inversely associated with functional atherosclerosis, independently of known cardiovascular risk factors. For 1 standard increment of LDLc (28 mg/dL for men and 29 mg/dL for women), the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals after adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors were 1.28 (1.10, 1.50) for structural atherosclerosis and 0.85 (0.75, 0.96) for functional atherosclerosis. LDLc activates endothelial repair, which results in the development of structural atherosclerosis but maintains endothelial function in older individuals. To evaluate atherosclerosis in clinical practice, the combination of structural and functional assessment of atherosclerosis could be informative.

Mechanism underlying vascular remodeling in relation to circulating CD34-positive cells among older Japanese men

Development of structural atherosclerosis, an established cardiovascular risk factor, requires hematopoietic stem cells known as CD34-positive cells. However, an inverse association between circulating CD34-positive cell count and cardiovascular disease has been reported. These studies evoke a contradiction: characteristics associated with a low risk of developing structural atherosclerosis are also associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. To clarify the mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling, we conducted several epidemiological studies of Japanese men aged 60 to 69 years who participated in annual health check-ups. The present study summarizes those epidemiological studies and adds some discussion. From the perspective of endothelial repair activity, there are significant differences between functional versus structural atherosclerosis. Aggressive endothelial repair increases both functional and structural atherosclerosis. Deficient endothelial repair related to a shortage of CD34-positive cells due to consumption furthers functional atherosclerosis but not structural atherosclerosis. Therefore, the lack of structural atherosclerosis does not always reflect a favorable condition for the endothelium. Although further investigation is necessary, the present study suggests that higher endothelial repair activity that leads to structural atherosclerosis might have a beneficial effect on vascular health among older men.

Height and Active Arterial Wall Thickening in Relation to Thyroid Cysts Status among Elderly Japanese: A Prospective Study

Height is inversely associated with inflammation that stimulates endothelial repair. In our previous study involving elderly men aged 60-69 years, we found that active arterial wall thickening, which is known as the process of endothelial repair, requires CD34-positive cells. As thyroid hormone regulates CD34-positive cell production and as the absence of thyroid cysts might indicate latent damage in the thyroid, the status of thyroid cysts possibly influences the association between height and active arterial wall thickening. We conducted a 2-year follow-up study of Japanese aged 60-69 years. For participants with thyroid cysts, height was significantly inversely associated with active arterial wall thickening (thyroid function and baseline CIMT adjusted odds ratio of active arterial wall thickening for one increment of standard deviation of height (5.7 cm for men and 4.8 cm for women), 0.66 [0.49, 0.89]), while for those without thyroid cysts, a positive tendency between the two parameters was observed (1.19 [0.96, 1.50]). An inverse association between height and active arterial wall thickening was observed only for elderly participants with thyroid cysts possibly because of a supportive role of thyroid hormone, as the absence of thyroid cysts might indicate latent damage in the thyroid.

VEGF Polymorphism rs3025039 and Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus 1 (HTLV-1) Infection among Older Japanese Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Previous studies have reported a close correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays an important role in angiogenesis, and human T-cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1). However, an association between genetic characteristics related to VEGF and HTLV-1 infection has not yet been reported. Because the VEGF polymorphism rs3025039 is inversely associated with serum concentrations of VEGF, we focus on rs3025039 in the present study. To clarify the association between the VEGF polymorphism rs3025039 and HTLV-1 infection, a cross-sectional study of 1924 Japanese individuals aged 60–79 years who participated in general health check-ups was conducted. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HTLV-1 infection in relation to rs3025039 genotype were calculated with adjustment for known confounders. Compared with rs3025039 CC-homozygotes, (T) allele carriers had a significantly lower OR for HTLV-1 infection. The adjusted OR and 95% CI for HTLV-1 infection was 0.70 (0.54–0.91) (p = 0.009). Genetic characteristics related to lower angiogenesis activity might be associated with a lower chance of establishing HTLV-1 infection. Although further investigation is necessary, angiogenesis might play a crucial role in the establishment of HTLV-1 infection.

Tooth Loss and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Relation to Functional Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Structural arterial stiffness can be evaluated with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Functional arterial stiffness can be evaluated with cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). A positive association between CIMT and tooth loss has been reported, but no studies have evaluated the association between CIMT and tooth loss in relation to functional arterial stiffness (functional atherosclerosis). A cross-sectional study of 1235 Japanese individuals aged 40–89 years was conducted. Tooth loss was defined as being in the lowest tertile for the number of remaining teeth (≤20 in men and ≤19 in women). Functional atherosclerosis was defined as CAVI ≥ 9.0. Independent of known confounding factors, CIMT was positively associated with tooth loss only in participants without functional atherosclerosis. Adjusted odds ratios for tooth loss and a 1 standard deviation increment in CIMT were 1.27 (1.04–1.55) for participants without functional atherosclerosis and 0.99 (0.77–1.26) for participants with functional atherosclerosis. CIMT and functional atherosclerosis had a significant effect on tooth loss; the fully adjusted p-value for the interaction on tooth loss was 0.019. Independent of known confounding factors, CIMT is positively associated with tooth loss only in participants without functional atherosclerosis. This finding helps clarify the influence of the progression of arterial stiffness on tooth loss because the progression of structural atherosclerosis might have a beneficial influence on the maintenance of the microcirculation.

Association between circulating CD34-positive cell count and height loss among older men

Height loss starting in middle age is reportedly significantly associated with death due to cardiovascular disease. Impaired blood flow is the main pathology in cardiovascular disease. Hematopoietic stem cells such as CD34-positive cells play an important role in maintaining the microcirculation and preventing impaired blood flow by activating endothelial repair and angiogenesis. Therefore, circulating CD34-positive cell count could be associated with height loss. To clarify the association between circulating CD34-positive cell count and height loss, we conducted a follow-up study of 363 Japanese men aged 60-69 years over 2 years. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quartile of height decrease per year. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, circulating CD34-positive cell count was significantly inversely associated with height loss. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of height loss for circulating CD34-positive cell count (logarithmic values) was 0.49 (0.32, 0.74). This study suggests that a lower capacity to maintain the microcirculation due to a fewer CD34-positive cells might affect height loss.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism rs3025039 and atherosclerosis among older with hypertension

Angiogenesis inhibition therapy causes hypertension by increasing peripheral vascular resistance. Vasa vasorum angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which contributes to the progress of angiogenesis, is reported to be inversely associated with the minor allele of polymorphism rs3025039, the minor allele of rs3025039 could be inversely associated with atherosclerosis among individuals with hypertension. A cross-sectional study of 1793 older Japanese adults aged 60–89 years with hypertension who participated in general health check-ups was conducted. Atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 1.1 mm. The minor allele of polymorphism rs3025020 was positively associated with VEGF. Therefore, in addition to known cardiovascular risk factors, rs3025020 genotype acted as a confounding factor in the present study. Independent of known confounding factors, the minor allele of rs3025039 was inversely associated with atherosclerosis among older Japanese adults with hypertension. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for atherosclerosis with the minor allele of rs3025039 was 0.78 (0.64, 0.96). The angiogenesis-related polymorphism rs3025039 was associated with the development of atherosclerosis among older Japanese individuals. This study indicates that the development of atherosclerosis among older individuals might partly indicate a capacity for angiogenesis.

Short stature is associated with low flow-mediated vasodilation in Japanese men

An inverse association between height and the risk of cardiovascular disease has been reported. The objective of this study was to examine the association between height and endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). We evaluated cross-sectional associations of height with FMD in 7682 Japanese men. All participants were divided into four groups based on height: <155.0 cm, 155.0-164.9 cm, 165.0-174.9 cm, and ≥175.0 cm. Subjects in a lower quartile of FMD were defined as subjects having low FMD values. Univariate regression analysis revealed that height was significantly correlated with FMD (r = 0.14, p < 0.001). FMD values were 4.6 ± 3.1% in the <155.0 cm group, 5.2 ± 3.1% in the 155.0-164.9 cm group, 5.7 ± 3.1% in the 165.0-174.9 cm group and 6.1 ± 3.2% in the ≥175.0 cm group. FMD significantly increased in relation to an increase in height. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that higher height groups were significantly associated with a decreased risk of low FMD value compared with the <155.0 cm group after adjustments for age, presence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, current smoking, and brachial artery diameter. FMD was low in subjects with a short stature compared with that in subjects with tall stature. Individuals with a short stature may require intensive interventions to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.Clinical Trial Registration Information: URL for Clinical Trials: http://www.umin.ac.jp Registration Number for Clinical Trials: UMIN000012952.

Association between height-related polymorphism rs17081935 and reduced handgrip strength in relation to status of atherosclerosis: a cross-sectional study

Background

Aging is a process that increases oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress leads to the development of atherosclerosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria contribute to energy production that might have a beneficial influence on maintaining muscle strength. Therefore, the height-related single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17081935, which is also reported to be associated with mitochondrial metabolism, might be associated with reduced muscle strength and this association might be affected by atherosclerosis status. To clarify those associations, a cross-sectional study of 1374 elderly Japanese individuals aged 60–89 years was conducted.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to clarify the association between rs17081935 and reduced handgrip strength. Since atherosclerosis might affect handgrip strength, participants were stratified by atherosclerosis status. Reduced handgrip strength was defined as being in the lowest quintile of handgrip strength (< 25.6 kg for men and < 16.1 kg for women).

Results

No significant associations were found between a minor allele of rs17081935 and reduced handgrip strength among elderly participants without atherosclerosis. A significant inverse association was observed among elderly participants with atherosclerosis. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors and height, the adjusted odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for reduced handgrip strength and a minor allele of rs17081935 were 1.13 (0.86, 1.43) for elderly participants without atherosclerosis and 0.55 (0.36, 0.86) for those with atherosclerosis, respectively.

Conclusion

A minor allele of the height-related SNP rs17081935 was significantly inversely associated with reduced handgrip strength among older individuals with atherosclerosis, but not among those without atherosclerosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12199-021-01000-9.

Associations between handgrip strength and hypertension in relation to circulating CD34-positive cell levels among Japanese older men: a cross-sectional study

Background

A positive association between handgrip strength and blood pressure has been reported. Since these factors are linked to the condition of the endothelium, the activity of endothelial repair might influence the association between handgrip strength and hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 257 Japanese men aged 60–69 years who underwent an annual health checkup. As individuals with high level of circulating CD34-positive cells might show active endothelial repair, which plays an important role in vascular homeostasis, participants were stratified by circulating CD34-positive cell levels, using the median value of this population (0.96 cells/μL) as the cutoff.

Results

Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, for participants with a high CD34-positive cell, handgrip strength is significantly positively associated with hypertension (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of hypertension for 1 standard deviation increment of handgrip strength were 1.85 (1.19, 2.88) but not for participants with a low CD34-positive cell (0.91 (0.61, 1.37)).

Conclusion

The positive association between handgrip strength and hypertension is limited to high CD34-positive cells. This result may help clarify the role of vascular homeostasis in maintaining muscle strength.