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Mandrioli J, Ferri L, Fasano A, Zucchi E, Fini N, Moglia C, Lunetta C, Marinou K, Ticozzi N, Drago Ferrante G, Scialo C, Sorarù G, Trojsi F, Conte A, Falzone YM, Tortelli R, Russo M, Sansone VA, Mora G, Silani V, Volanti P, Caponnetto C, Querin G, Monsurrò MR, Sabatelli M, Chiò A, Riva N, Logroscino G, Messina S, Calvo A. Cardiovascular diseases may play a negative role in the prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2018. [PMID: 29512869 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Only a few studies have considered the role of comorbidities in the prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and have provided conflicting results. METHODS Our multicentre, retrospective study included patients diagnosed from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013 in 13 referral centres for ALS located in 10 Italian regions. Neurologists at these centres collected a detailed phenotypic profile and follow-up data until death in an electronic database. Comorbidities at diagnosis were recorded by main categories and single medical diagnosis, with the aim of investigating their role in ALS prognosis. RESULTS A total of 2354 incident cases were collected, with a median survival time from onset to death/tracheostomy of 43 months. According to univariate analysis, together with well-known clinical prognostic factors (age at onset, diagnostic delay, site of onset, phenotype, Revised El Escorial Criteria and body mass index at diagnosis), the presence of dementia, hypertension, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, haematological and psychiatric diseases was associated with worse survival. In multivariate analysis, age at onset, diagnostic delay, phenotypes, body mass index at diagnosis, Revised El Escorial Criteria, dementia, hypertension, heart diseases (atrial fibrillation and heart failure) and haematological diseases (disorders of thrombosis and haemostasis) were independent prognostic factors of survival in ALS. CONCLUSIONS Our large, multicentre study demonstrated that, together with the known clinical factors that are known to be prognostic for ALS survival, hypertension and heart diseases (i.e. atrial fibrillation and heart failure) as well as haematological diseases are independently associated with a shorter survival. Our findings suggest some mechanisms that are possibly involved in disease progression, giving new interesting clues that may be of value for clinical practice and ALS comorbidity management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - L Ferri
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - A Fasano
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - E Zucchi
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - N Fini
- Department of Neuroscience, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - C Moglia
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino
| | - C Lunetta
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Serena Onlus Foundation, Milano.,NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO) Sud Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Aurora Onlus Foundation, Messina
| | - K Marinou
- Department of Neurorehabilitation-ALS Center, Scientific Institute of Milan, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation IRCCS, Milan
| | - N Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, University of Milan, Milan
| | - G Drago Ferrante
- Neurorehabilitation Unit/ALS Center, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCCS, Mistretta, Messina
| | - C Scialo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova
| | - G Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, Padua
| | - F Trojsi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, MRI Research Center SUN-FISM, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
| | - A Conte
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Serena Onlus Foundation-Pol. A. Gemelli Foundation, Rome
| | - Y M Falzone
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
| | - R Tortelli
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari at Pia Fondazione 'Card. G. Panico', Tricase, Lecce
| | - M Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina and Nemo Sud Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Aurora Foundation, Messina
| | - V A Sansone
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Serena Onlus Foundation, Milano.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan
| | - G Mora
- Department of Neurorehabilitation-ALS Center, Scientific Institute of Milan, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation IRCCS, Milan
| | - V Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 'Dino Ferrari' Center, University of Milan, Milan
| | - P Volanti
- Neurorehabilitation Unit/ALS Center, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCCS, Mistretta, Messina
| | - C Caponnetto
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genova
| | - G Querin
- Department of Neurosciences, Neuromuscular Center, University of Padova, Padua
| | - M R Monsurrò
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging Sciences, MRI Research Center SUN-FISM, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
| | - M Sabatelli
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO), Serena Onlus Foundation-Pol. A. Gemelli Foundation, Rome.,Institute of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - A Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino
| | - N Riva
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan
| | - G Logroscino
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari at Pia Fondazione 'Card. G. Panico', Tricase, Lecce
| | - S Messina
- NEuroMuscular Omnicentre (NEMO) Sud Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Aurora Onlus Foundation, Messina.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina and Nemo Sud Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Aurora Foundation, Messina
| | - A Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino
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Antoniades C, Tentolouris C, Toutouza M, Marinou K, Goumas G, Tsioufis C, Toutouzas P, Stefanadis C, Tousoulis D. Effects of antioxidant vitamins C and E on endothelial function and thrombosis/fibrinolysis system in smokers. Thromb Haemost 2017. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1613400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
SummarySmoking is associated with endothelial dysfunction and abnormalities in thrombosis/fibrinolysis system, possibly through increased oxidative stress. In this study we investigated the effect of combined antioxidant treatment with vitamins C and E on endothelial function and plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and factor VII (fVII), in smokers. Forty-one healthy smokers were randomly divided into 4 groups receiving vitamin C 2g/day (group A), vitamin C 2g/day plus vitamin E 400IU/day (group B), vitamin C 2g/day plus vitamin E 800IU/day (group C) or no antioxidants (controls, group D), for 4 weeks. Forearm blood flow was measured using venous occlusion strain-gauge plethysmography. Forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia (RH%) or to sublingual nitroglycerin administration (NTG%) were considered as indexes of endothelium dependent or independent dilation respectively. After treatment, RH% was increased only in groups B (p <0.05) and C (p <0.001) but not in groups A and D. Plasma levels of PAI-1 and vWF were decreased only in group C (p <0.05 for both), while PAI-1/tPA ratio was significantly decreased in both groups B and C (p <0.05 for both). NTG% and plasma levels of tPA and fVII remained invariable in all groups. In conclusion, combined administration of vitamin C and vitamin E at high dosages, improved endothelial function and decreased plasma levels of PAI-1, vWF and PAI-1/tPA ratio in chronic smokers.
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Nolano M, Provitera V, Manganelli F, Iodice R, Caporaso G, Stancanelli A, Marinou K, Lanzillo B, Santoro L, Mora G. Non-motor involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new insight from nerve and vessel analysis in skin biopsy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2016; 43:119-132. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Nolano
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - V. Provitera
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - F. Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences; University Federico II of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - R. Iodice
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences; University Federico II of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - G. Caporaso
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - A. Stancanelli
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - K. Marinou
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - B. Lanzillo
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Telese Terme; Telese Terme (BN) Italy
| | - L. Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences; University Federico II of Naples; Naples Italy
| | - G. Mora
- Neurology Department ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation; IRCCS, Institute of Milan; Milan Italy
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Dalla Vecchia L, De Maria B, Marinou K, Barbic F, Porta A, Furlan R, Mora G. Sympathetic overactivity predicts the velocity of disease progression in ALS patients. Auton Neurosci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2015.07.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hodson L, Banerjee R, Rial B, Arlt W, Adiels M, Boren J, Marinou K, Fisher C, Mostad IL, Stratton IM, Barrett PHR, Chan DC, Watts GF, Harnden K, Karpe F, Fielding BA. Menopausal Status and Abdominal Obesity Are Significant Determinants of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Women. J Am Heart Assoc 2015; 4:e002258. [PMID: 26432801 PMCID: PMC4845132 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.115.002258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Android fat distribution (abdominal obesity) is associated with insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and greater secretion of large very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles in men. Since abdominal obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in women, we aimed to investigate the relationship between android fat and hepatic lipid metabolism in pre‐ and postmenopausal women. Methods and Results We used a combination of stable isotope tracer techniques to investigate intrahepatic fatty acid synthesis and partitioning in 29 lean and 29 abdominally obese women (android fat/total fat 0.065 [0.02 to 0.08] and 0.095 [0.08 to 0.11], respectively). Thirty women were premenopausal aged 35 to 45 and they were matched for abdominal obesity with 28 postmenopausal women aged 55 to 65. As anticipated, abdominal obese women were more insulin resistant with enhanced hepatic secretion of large (404±30 versus 268±26 mg/kg lean mass, P<0.001) but not small VLDL (160±11 versus 142±13). However, postmenopausal status had a pronounced effect on the characteristics of small VLDL particles, which were considerably triglyceride‐enriched (production ratio of VLDL2‐ triglyceride:apolipoprotein B 30±5.3 versus 19±1.6, P<0.05). In contrast to postmenopausal women, there was a tight control of hepatic fatty acid metabolism and triglyceride production in premenopausal women, whereby oxidation (rs=−0.49, P=0.006), de novo lipogenesis (rs=0.55, P=0.003), and desaturation (rs=0.48, P=0.012) were closely correlated with abdominal obesity‐driven large VLDL‐triglyceride secretion rate. Conclusions In women, abdominal obesity is a major driver of hepatic large VLDL particle secretion, whereas postmenopausal status was characterized by increased small VLDL particle size. These data provide a mechanistic basis for the hyperlipidemia observed in postmenopausal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK (L.H., K.M., K.H., F.K., B.A.F.)
| | - Rajarshi Banerjee
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK (R.B., B.R.)
| | - Belén Rial
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK (R.B., B.R.)
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, UK (W.A.)
| | - Martin Adiels
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (M.A.) Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (M.A., J.B.)
| | - Jan Boren
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (M.A., J.B.)
| | - Kyriakoula Marinou
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK (L.H., K.M., K.H., F.K., B.A.F.) Department of Experimental Physiology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece (K.M.)
| | - Ciaran Fisher
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK (C.F., B.A.F.)
| | - Ingrid L Mostad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Clinic of Clinical Service, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway (I.L.M.) Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway (I.L.M.)
| | - Irene M Stratton
- Gloucestershire Diabetic Retinopathy Research Group, Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire, UK (I.M.S.)
| | - P Hugh R Barrett
- Metabolic Research Centre, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia (H.R.B., D.C.C., G.F.W.) Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia (H.R.B.)
| | - Dick C Chan
- Metabolic Research Centre, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia (H.R.B., D.C.C., G.F.W.)
| | - Gerald F Watts
- Metabolic Research Centre, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia (H.R.B., D.C.C., G.F.W.)
| | - Karin Harnden
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK (L.H., K.M., K.H., F.K., B.A.F.)
| | - Fredrik Karpe
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK (L.H., K.M., K.H., F.K., B.A.F.) National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospital Trusts, Oxford, UK (F.K.)
| | - Barbara A Fielding
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK (L.H., K.M., K.H., F.K., B.A.F.) Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK (C.F., B.A.F.)
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Loh NY, Neville MJ, Marinou K, Hardcastle SA, Fielding BA, Duncan EL, McCarthy MI, Tobias JH, Gregson CL, Karpe F, Christodoulides C. LRP5 regulates human body fat distribution by modulating adipose progenitor biology in a dose- and depot-specific fashion. Cell Metab 2015; 21:262-273. [PMID: 25651180 PMCID: PMC4321886 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Common variants in WNT pathway genes have been associated with bone mass and fat distribution, the latter predicting diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. Rare mutations in the WNT co-receptors LRP5 and LRP6 are similarly associated with bone and cardiometabolic disorders. We investigated the role of LRP5 in human adipose tissue. Subjects with gain-of-function LRP5 mutations and high bone mass had enhanced lower-body fat accumulation. Reciprocally, a low bone mineral density-associated common LRP5 allele correlated with increased abdominal adiposity. Ex vivo LRP5 expression was higher in abdominal versus gluteal adipocyte progenitors. Equivalent knockdown of LRP5 in both progenitor types dose-dependently impaired β-catenin signaling and led to distinct biological outcomes: diminished gluteal and enhanced abdominal adipogenesis. These data highlight how depot differences in WNT/β-catenin pathway activity modulate human fat distribution via effects on adipocyte progenitor biology. They also identify LRP5 as a potential pharmacologic target for the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nellie Y Loh
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Matt J Neville
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Kyriakoula Marinou
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; Department of Experimental Physiology, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Sarah A Hardcastle
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Barbara A Fielding
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Emma L Duncan
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, School of Medicine and University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Mark I McCarthy
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Jonathan H Tobias
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Celia L Gregson
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Fredrik Karpe
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK.
| | - Constantinos Christodoulides
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK.
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Marinou K, Hodson L, Vasan SK, Fielding BA, Banerjee R, Brismar K, Koutsilieris M, Clark A, Neville MJ, Karpe F. Structural and functional properties of deep abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue explain its association with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in men. Diabetes Care 2014; 37:821-9. [PMID: 24186879 DOI: 10.2337/dc13-1353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fat distribution is an important variable explaining metabolic heterogeneity of obesity. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is divided by the Scarpa's fascia into a deep subcutaneous adipose tissue (dSAT) and a superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue (sSAT) layer. This study sought to characterize functional differences between the two SAT layers to explore their relative contribution to metabolic traits and cardiovascular risk (CVR) profile. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We recruited 371 Caucasians consecutively from a local random, population-based screening project in Oxford and 25 Asian Indians from the local community. The depth of the SAT layers was determined by ultrasound (US), and adipose tissue (AT) biopsies were performed under US guidance in a subgroup of 43 Caucasians. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass was quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. RESULTS Male adiposity in both ethnic groups was characterized by a disproportionate expansion of dSAT, which was strongly correlated with VAT mass. dSAT depth was a strong predictor of global insulin resistance (IR; homeostatic model assessment of IR), liver-specific IR (insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1), and Framingham risk score independently of other measures of adiposity in men. Moreover, dSAT had higher expression of proinflammatory, lipogenic, and lipolytic genes and contained higher proportions of saturated fatty acids. There was increased proportion of small adipocytes in dSAT. CONCLUSIONS SAT is heterogeneous; dSAT expands disproportionally more than sSAT with increasing obesity in Caucasian males (confirmed also in Asian Indians). Its expansion is related to increased CVR independent of other adiposity measures, and it has biological properties suggestive of higher metabolic activity contributing to global IR.
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Marinou K, Christodoulides C, Antoniades C, Koutsilieris M. Wnt signaling in cardiovascular physiology. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012; 23:628-36. [PMID: 22902904 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways play a key role in cardiac development, angiogenesis, and cardiac hypertrophy; emerging evidence suggests that they are also involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Specifically, an important role for Wnts has been described in the regulation of endothelial inflammation, vascular calcification, and mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Wnt signaling also induces monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and is crucial for the regulation of vascular smooth-muscle cell (VSMC) behavior. We discuss how the Wnt pathways are implicated in vascular biology and outline the role of Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis. Dissecting Wnt pathways involved in atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease may provide crucial insights into novel mechanisms with therapeutic potential for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Marinou
- Department of Physiology, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Michaelides AP, Liakos CI, Raftopoulos LG, Antoniades C, Tsiachris D, Marinou K, Stefanadis CI. Correlation of arm position and exercise test interpretation. Hellenic J Cardiol 2012; 53:397-399. [PMID: 22995612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ST-segment changes during exercise testing can be attributed mainly to ischemia, but also, in some patients, to other physiological parameters, such as body position or hyperventilation, making ECG exercise test interpretation more complex. Here we describe the case of a patient who had an electrocardiographically positive exercise test, in order to illustrate the correlation between arm position and ST changes during exercise testing.
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Antoniades C, Demosthenous M, Reilly S, Margaritis M, Zhang MH, Antonopoulos A, Marinou K, Nahar K, Jayaram R, Tousoulis D, Bakogiannis C, Sayeed R, Triantafyllou C, Koumallos N, Psarros C, Miliou A, Stefanadis C, Channon KM, Casadei B. Myocardial Redox State Predicts In-Hospital Clinical Outcome After Cardiac Surgery. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012; 59:60-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 08/05/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Antoniades C, Cunnington C, Antonopoulos A, Neville M, Margaritis M, Demosthenous M, Bendall J, Hale A, Cerrato R, Tousoulis D, Bakogiannis C, Marinou K, Toutouza M, Vlachopoulos C, Leeson P, Stefanadis C, Karpe F, Channon KM. Induction of vascular GTP-cyclohydrolase I and endogenous tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis protect against inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction in human atherosclerosis. Circulation 2011; 124:1860-70. [PMID: 21969008 PMCID: PMC5238937 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.029272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endothelial nitric oxide synthase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is essential for maintenance of enzymatic function. We hypothesized that induction of BH4 synthesis might be an endothelial defense mechanism against inflammation in vascular disease states. METHODS AND RESULTS In Study 1, 20 healthy individuals were randomized to receive Salmonella typhi vaccine (a model of acute inflammation) or placebo in a double-blind study. Vaccination increased circulating BH4 and interleukin 6 and induced endothelial dysfunction (as evaluated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) after 8 hours. In Study 2, a functional haplotype (X haplotype) in the GCH1 gene, encoding GTP-cyclohydrolase I, the rate-limiting enzyme in biopterin biosynthesis, was associated with endothelial dysfunction in the presence of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in 440 coronary artery disease patients. In Study 3, 10 patients with coronary artery disease homozygotes for the GCH1 X haplotype (XX) and 40 without the haplotype (OO) underwent S Typhi vaccination. XX patients were unable to increase plasma BH4 and had a greater reduction of flow-mediated dilation than OO patients. In Study 4, vessel segments from 19 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery were incubated with or without cytokines (interleukin-6/tumor necrosis factor-α/lipopolysaccharide) for 24 hours. Cytokine stimulation upregulated GCH1 expression, increased vascular BH4, and improved vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine, which was inhibited by the GTP-cyclohydrolase inhibitor 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine. CONCLUSIONS The ability to increase vascular GCH1 expression and BH4 synthesis in response to inflammation preserves endothelial function in inflammatory states. These novel findings identify BH4 as a vascular defense mechanism against inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Hedley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
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Vaiopoulos AG, Marinou K, Christodoulides C, Koutsilieris M. The role of adiponectin in human vascular physiology. Int J Cardiol 2011; 155:188-93. [PMID: 21907426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adiponectin (ApN) is an adipose tissue-derived hormone which is involved in a wide variety of physiological processes including energy metabolism, inflammation, and vascular physiology via actions on a broad spectrum of target organs including liver, skeletal muscle, and vascular endothelium. Besides possessing insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties ApN also exerts a pivotal role in vascular protection through activation of multiple intracellular signaling cascades. Enhancement of nitric oxide generation and attenuation of reactive oxygen species production in endothelial cells along with reduced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration constitute some of ApN's vasoprotective actions. Additionally, recent data indicate that ApN has direct myocardio-protective effects. Decreased plasma ApN levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis and may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as a rational pharmaco-therapeutic target to treat these disorders. This review article summarizes recent work on the cardiovascular actions of ApN.
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Tousoulis D, Bouras G, Antoniades C, Marinou K, Papageorgiou N, Miliou A, Hatzis G, Stefanadi E, Tsioufis C, Stefanadis C. Methionine-induced homocysteinemia impairs endothelial function in hypertensives: the role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine and antioxidant vitamins. Am J Hypertens 2011; 24:936-42. [PMID: 21490695 DOI: 10.1038/ajh.2011.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is synthesized by the methylation of arginine as part of the methionine/homocysteine cycle. However, the mechanisms regulating ADMA synthesis in hypertension are unclear. METHODS We investigated the role of ADMA and antioxidants in endothelial dysfunction during methionine-induced homocysteinemia in hypertensives. Thirty-nine hypertensives and forty-nine normotensive controls underwent methionine loading (100 mg methionine/kg BW), after being randomized to receive vitamin C (2 g) and E (800 IU) or placebo. Endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) was evaluated by plethysmography (baseline and 4-h post-methionine loading (4-h PML)). RESULTS Hypertensives had higher homocysteine at baseline (P < 0.001) and 4-h PML (P < 0.05), whereas methionine increased homocysteine in all groups. EDD was decreased in both vitamins and placebo groups in controls (P < 0.01 for both) and vitamins- and placebo-treated hypertensives (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In controls, ADMA was increased in both vitamin- and placebo groups (P < 0.01 for both) at 4-h PML. Hypertensives had higher ADMA at baseline (P < 0.01 vs. normotensive) and remained unchanged at 4-h PML (P = NS in placebo and vitamins treated). CONCLUSIONS ADMA is elevated in hypertensives but remains unchanged after methionine loading, suggesting that ADMA plays an important role in endothelial dysfunction in hypertensives, but it is not responsible for homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in these patients.
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Antoniades C, Bakogiannis C, Leeson P, Guzik TJ, Zhang MH, Tousoulis D, Antonopoulos AS, Demosthenous M, Marinou K, Hale A, Paschalis A, Psarros C, Triantafyllou C, Bendall J, Casadei B, Stefanadis C, Channon KM. Rapid, direct effects of statin treatment on arterial redox state and nitric oxide bioavailability in human atherosclerosis via tetrahydrobiopterin-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase coupling. Circulation 2011; 124:335-45. [PMID: 21730307 PMCID: PMC5357054 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.110.985150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with statins improves clinical outcome, but the exact mechanisms of pleiotropic statin effects on vascular function in human atherosclerosis remain unclear. We examined the direct effects of atorvastatin on tetrahydrobiopterin-mediated endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase coupling in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS AND RESULTS We first examined the association of statin treatment with vascular NO bioavailability and arterial superoxide (O(2)(·-)) in 492 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Then, 42 statin-naïve patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to atorvastatin 40 mg/d or placebo for 3 days before surgery to examine the impact of atorvastatin on endothelial function and O(2)(·-) generation in internal mammary arteries. Finally, segments of internal mammary arteries from 26 patients were used in ex vivo experiments to evaluate the statin-dependent mechanisms regulating the vascular redox state. Statin treatment was associated with improved vascular NO bioavailability and reduced O(2)(·-) generation in internal mammary arteries. Oral atorvastatin increased vascular tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability and reduced basal and N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester-inhibitable O(2)(·-) in internal mammary arteries independently of low-density lipoprotein lowering. In ex vivo experiments, atorvastatin rapidly improved vascular tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability by upregulating GTP-cyclohydrolase I gene expression and activity, resulting in improved endothelial NO synthase coupling and reduced vascular O(2)(·-). These effects were reversed by mevalonate, indicating a direct effect of vascular hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibition. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates for the first time in humans the direct effects of statin treatment on the vascular wall, supporting the notion that this effect is independent of low-density lipoprotein lowering. Atorvastatin directly improves vascular NO bioavailability and reduces vascular O(2)(·-) through tetrahydrobiopterin-mediated endothelial NO synthase coupling. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms mediating the beneficial vascular effects of statins in humans. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01013103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
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Michaelides AP, Massias S, Antoniades C, Tsiachris D, Dilaveris P, Aggelis A, Liakos C, Marinou K, Raftopoulos L, Soulis D, Stefanadis C. Novel methodology for the detection of exercise-induced myocardial wall motion abnormalities by surface electrocardiogram during exercise test. J Electrocardiol 2011; 44:377-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Antoniades C, Demosthenous M, Tousoulis D, Antonopoulos AS, Vlachopoulos C, Toutouza M, Marinou K, Bakogiannis C, Mavragani K, Lazaros G, Koumallos N, Triantafyllou C, Lymperiadis D, Koutsilieris M, Stefanadis C. Role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine in inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction in human atherosclerosis. Hypertension 2011; 58:93-8. [PMID: 21518967 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.110.168245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We explored the role of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) as a cause of endothelial dysfunction induced by systemic inflammation. In vitro data suggest that ADMA bioavailability is regulated by proinflammatory stimuli, but it is unclear whether ADMA is a link between inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in humans. In study 1 we recruited 351 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 87 healthy controls. In study 2 we recruited 69 CAD, 69 healthy, and 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas in study 3, 22 healthy and 70 CAD subjects were randomly assigned to Salmonella typhii vaccination (n=11 healthy and n=60 CAD) or placebo (n=11 healthy and n=10 CAD). Circulating interleukin 6/ADMA and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) were measured at 0 and 8 hours. In study 1, ADMA was inversely correlated with FMD in healthy individuals and CAD patients (P<0.0001 for both). However, interleukin 6 was inversely correlated with FMD (P<0.0001) in healthy subjects but not in CAD patients. The positive correlation between ADMA and interleukin 6 was stronger in healthy (r=0.515; P<0.0001) compared with CAD (r=0.289; P=0.0001) subjects. In study 2, both patients with rheumatoid arthritis and CAD had higher interleukin 6 (P<0.0001) and ADMA (P=0.004) but lower FMD (P=0.001) versus healthy subjects. In study 3, vaccination increased interleukin 6 in healthy (P<0.001) and CAD (P<0.001) subjects. FMD was reduced in healthy subjects (P<0.05), but its reduction in CAD was borderline. Vaccination increased ADMA only in healthy subjects (P<0.001). Systemic, low-grade inflammation leads to increased ADMA that may induce endothelial dysfunction. This study demonstrated that ADMA may be a link between inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- 1st Cardiology Department, Athens University Medical School, Ileias 8, Gerakas Attikis 153 44, Athens, Greece.
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Antoniades CA, Antonopoulos AS, Tousoulis D, Bakogiannis C, Miliou A, Sfyras N, Demosthenous M, Psarros C, Marinou K, Channon KM. LOCAL ADIPONECTIN SYNTHESIS IN ADIPOSE TISSUE REGULATES VASCULAR SUPEROXIDE GENERATION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS: INSIGHTS BY USING FUNCTIONAL GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS OF ADIPONECTIN GENE. J Am Coll Cardiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(11)61489-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Michaelides AP, Soulis D, Antoniades C, Antonopoulos AS, Miliou A, Ioakeimidis N, Chatzistamatiou E, Bakogiannis C, Marinou K, Liakos C, Stefanadis C. Exercise duration as a determinant of vascular function and antioxidant balance in patients with coronary artery disease. Heart 2011; 97:832-7. [DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2010.209080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Antoniades C, Bakogiannis C, Tousoulis D, Demosthenous M, Marinou K, Stefanadis C. Platelet Activation in Atherogenesis Associated with Low-Grade Inflammation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 9:334-45. [DOI: 10.2174/187152810793938035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Antoniades C, Bakogiannis C, Tousoulis D, Reilly S, Zhang MH, Paschalis A, Antonopoulos AS, Demosthenous M, Miliou A, Psarros C, Marinou K, Sfyras N, Economopoulos G, Casadei B, Channon KM, Stefanadis C. Preoperative atorvastatin treatment in CABG patients rapidly improves vein graft redox state by inhibition of Rac1 and NADPH-oxidase activity. Circulation 2010; 122:S66-73. [PMID: 20837928 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.109.927376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins improve clinical outcome of patients with atherosclerosis, but their perioperative role in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unclear. We hypothesized that short-term treatment with atorvastatin before CABG would improve the redox state in saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), independently of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)-lowering. METHODS AND RESULTS In a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, 42 statin-naïve patients undergoing elective CABG received atorvastatin 40 mg/d or placebo for 3 days before surgery. Circulating inflammatory markers and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured before and after treatment. SVG segments were used to determine vascular superoxide (O(2)(*-)) and Rac1 activation. For ex vivo studies, SVG segments from 24 patients were incubated for 6 hours with atorvastatin 0, 5, or 50 μmol/L. Oral atorvastatin reduced vascular basal and NADPH-stimulated O(2)(*-) in SVGs (P<0.05 for all versus placebo) and reduced plasma MDA (P<0.05), independently of LDL-lowering and of changes in inflammatory markers. In SVGs exposed to atorvastatin ex vivo, without exposure to LDL, basal and NADPH-stimulated O(2)(·-) were significantly reduced (P<0.01 for both concentrations versus 0 μmol/L) in association with a striking reduction in Rac1 activation and 1 membrane-bound Rac1 and p67(phox) subunit. The antioxidant effects of atorvastatin were reversed by mevalonate, implying a dependence on vascular HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Short-term treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg/d before CABG improves redox state in SVGs, by inhibiting vascular Rac1-mediated activation of NADPH-oxidase. These novel findings suggest that statin therapy should be maintained or initiated in patients undergoing CABG, independently of LDL levels. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01013103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Tousoulis D, Koniari K, Antoniades C, Miliou A, Noutsou M, Nikolopoulou A, Papageorgiou N, Marinou K, Stefanadi E, Stefanadis C. Impact of 6 weeks of treatment with low-dose metformin and atorvastatin on glucose-induced changes of endothelial function in adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus: A single-blind study. Clin Ther 2010; 32:1720-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tentolouris N, Voulgari C, Liatis S, Kokkinos A, Eleftheriadou I, Makrilakis K, Marinou K, Katsilambros N. Moisture status of the skin of the feet assessed by the visual test neuropad correlates with foot ulceration in diabetes. Diabetes Care 2010; 33:1112-4. [PMID: 20150296 PMCID: PMC2858186 DOI: 10.2337/dc09-2027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between the moisture status of the skin of the feet with foot ulceration in subjects with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 379 subjects with diabetes were examined. Assessment of peripheral neuropathy was based on neuropathy symptom score, neuropathy disability score, vibration perception threshold, and the 10-g monofilament perception. The moisture status of the skin of the feet was assessed using the visual test Neuropad. RESULTS Patients with foot ulceration had more severe peripheral neuropathy and more often an abnormal Neuropad response. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the odds of foot ulceration increased with measures of neuropathy but increased also with an abnormal Neuropad response. CONCLUSIONS An abnormal Neuropad response correlates with foot ulceration in subjects with diabetes. This finding, if confirmed prospectively, suggests that the Neuropad test may be included in the screening tests for the prediction of foot ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Antoniades CA, Paschalis A, Tousoulis D, Bakogiannis C, Dimosthenous M, Antonopoulos AS, Psarros C, Sfyras N, Lymperiadis D, Marinou K, Channon KM, Stefanadis C. ATORVASTATIN RAPIDLY MODIFIES VASCULAR REDOX AND INCREASES NITRIC OXIDE BIOAVAILABILITY IN HUMAN ARTERIES. J Am Coll Cardiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(10)61153-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Antonopoulos AS, Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Bakogiannis C, Miliou A, Sfyras N, Dimosthenous M, Psarros C, Marinou K, Ekonomopoulos G, Stefanadis C. GENETIC POLYMORPHISM ON ADIPONECTIN GENE REGULATES ARTERIAL SUPEROXIDE GENERATION, BY AFFECTING ADIPONECTIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN ADIPOSE TISSUE FROM PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS. J Am Coll Cardiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(10)61584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Tousoulis D, Koniari K, Antoniades C, Papageorgiou N, Miliou A, Noutsou M, Nikolopoulou A, Marinou K, Stefanadi E, Siasos G, Charakida M, Kamboli AM, Stefanadis C. Combined effects of atorvastatin and metformin on glucose-induced variations of inflammatory process in patients with diabetes mellitus. Int J Cardiol 2009; 149:46-9. [PMID: 20034685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statin treatment improves survival in patients with atherosclerosis, but their effect on the glucose-induced variations of inflammatory markers, is unknown. We examined the effect of combined therapy with atorvastatin and metformin on glucose-induced variations of inflammatory molecules in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM). METHODS Thirty five subjects with newly diagnosed DM were randomized to receive metformin 850 mg/d (M, n=17) or metformin 850 mg/d+atorvastatin 10mg (n=18). All subjects underwent glucose loading (75 g oral glucose) at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and 3h post-loading, while serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were determined at baseline and at 3h. RESULTS Serum TNF-α remained unchanged in metformin at baseline (1.36±0.18 to 1.47±0.21 pg/ml p=NS) and after treatment (1.44±0.71 to 1.31±0.17 pg/ml, p=NS), while it was reduced in metformin+atorvastatin (2.3±0.3 to 2.0±0.4 pg/ml, p=NS at baseline and 1.80±0.2 to 1.65±0.2 pg/ml, p=0.03 after treatment). CONCLUSIONS Interestingly, the combination of metformin and atorvastatin partly prevents the glucose-loading induced elevation of glucose levels (at 1 h), suggesting a better response to glucose intake than monotherapy with metformin. In addition, combined treatment with atorvastatin and metformin reduces the post-glucose loading levels of TNF-α compared to metformin monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Chiò A, Calvo A, Ilardi A, Cavallo E, Moglia C, Mutani R, Palmo A, Galletti R, Marinou K, Papetti L, Mora G. Lower serum lipid levels are related to respiratory impairment in patients with ALS. Neurology 2009; 73:1681-5. [PMID: 19917991 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181c1df1e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently hyperlipidemia was reported to be related to a significantly better outcome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To investigate this, we evaluated the status of blood lipids in a large Italian series of patients with ALS, and assessed the effect of hyperlipidemia on patients' survival. METHODS The study population included 658 patients with ALS consecutively observed in 2 Italian ALS centers between 2000 and 2006. They were compared to a series of 658 healthy subjects, matched by age and gender. RESULTS The mean levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the LDL/HDL ratio were similar in patients with ALS and controls. Total cholesterol, HDL, triglyceride, and LDL/HDL ratio levels showed a significant decrease in patients with forced vital capacity <70% compared to those with FVC >or=90%. For each level of ALS-FRS, poorer respiratory function was related to a lower LDL/HDL ratio. Univariate survival analysis did not find any significant effect of LDL/HDL ratio on survival, either when comparing patients with ratios <or=2.99 vs >2.99 or patients in the first quartile of LDL/HDL ratio (<or=1.67) vs those in the fourth quartile (>2.79). No dose-response was found for LDL/HDL ratio subdividing patients into 5 quintiles. CONCLUSION Our findings do not support the observation that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have hyperlipidemia or that hyperlipidemia in this population is related to longer survival. However, some evidence emerged that respiratory impairment, but not a worse clinical status or a lower body mass index, is related to a decrease in blood lipids and LDL/HDL ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, ALS Center, Torino, Italy.
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Zarros A, Liapi C, Galanopoulou P, Marinou K, Mellios Z, Skandali N, Al-Humadi H, Anifantaki F, Gkrouzman E, Tsakiris S. Effects of adult-onset streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the rat brain antioxidant status and the activities of acetylcholinesterase, (Na(+),K (+))- and Mg(2+)-ATPase: modulation by L-cysteine. Metab Brain Dis 2009; 24:337-48. [PMID: 19296211 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-009-9133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2008] [Accepted: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled diabetes is known to affect the nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the antioxidant L: -cysteine (Cys) on the changes caused by adult-onset streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the rat brain total antioxidant status (TAS) and the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na(+),K(+))-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase. Thirty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: C(A) (8-week-control), C(B) (8-week-control + 1-week-saline-treated), C + Cys (8-week-control + 1-week-Cys-treated), D(A) (8-week-diabetic), D(B) (8-week-diabetic + 1-week-saline-treated) and D + Cys (8-week-diabetic + 1-week-Cys-treated). All diabetic rats were once treated with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) STZ injection (50 mg/kg body weight) at the beginning of the experiment, while all Cys-treated groups received i.p. injections of Cys 7 mg/kg body weight (daily, for 1-week, during the 9th-week). Whole rat brain parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. In vitro incubation with 0.83 mM of Cys or 10 mM of STZ for 3 h was performed on brain homogenate samples from groups C(B) and D(B), in order to study the enzymes' activities. Diabetic rats exhibited a statistically significant reduction in brain TAS (-28%, D(A) vs C(A);-30%, D(B) vs C(B)) that was reversed after 1-week-Cys-administration into basal levels. Diabetes caused a significant increase in AChE activity (+27%, D(A) vs C(A); +15%, D(B) vs C(B)), that was further enhanced by Cys-administration (+57%, D + Cys vs C(B)). The C + Cys group exhibited no significant difference compared to the C(B) group in TAS (+2%), but showed a significantly increased AChE activity (+66%, C + Cys vs C(B)). Diabetic rats exhibited a significant reduction in the activity of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (-36%, D(A) vs C(A);-48%, D(B) vs C(B)) that was not reversed after 1-week Cys administration. However, in vitro incubation with Cys partially reversed the diabetes-induced Na(+),K(+)-ATPase inhibition. Mg(2+)-ATPase activity was not affected by STZ-induced diabetes, while Cys caused a significant inhibition of the enzyme, both in vivo (-14%, C + Cys vs C(B);-17%, D + Cys vs C(B)) and in vitro (-16%, D(B) + in vitro Cys vs C(B)). In vitro incubation with STZ had no effect on the studied enzymes. The present data revealed a protective role for Cys towards the oxidative effect of diabetes on the adult rat brain. Moreover, an increase in whole brain AChE activity due to diabetes was recorded (not repeatedly established in the literature, since contradictory findings exist), that was further increased by Cys. The inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase reflects a possible mechanism through which untreated diabetes could affect neuronal excitability, metabolic energy production and certain systems of neurotransmission. As concerns the use of Cys as a neuroprotective agent against diabetes, our in vitro findings could be indicative of a possible protective role of Cys under different in vivo experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Zarros
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Tousoulis D, Drolias A, Antoniades C, Vasiliadou C, Marinou K, Latsios G, Stefanadi E, Gounari P, Siasos G, Papageorgiou N, Trikas A, Stefanadis C. Antidepressive treatment as a modulator of inflammatory process in patients with heart failure: Effects on proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase protein levels. Int J Cardiol 2009; 134:238-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2007] [Revised: 01/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
AIM To examine the relationship between sudomotor dysfunction and foot ulceration (FU) in patients with diabetes. METHODS Ninety patients with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes [30 without peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy (PN), 30 with PN but without FU and 30 with FU] were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Assessment of PN was based on neuropathy symptom score (NSS), neuropathy disability score (NDS) and vibration perception threshold (VPT). Sudomotor dysfunction was assessed using the sympathetic skin response (SSR). Cardiac autonomic nervous system activity was assessed by the battery of the classical autonomic function tests. RESULTS Patients with foot ulcers had longer duration of diabetes, higher values of VPT and NDS and lower values of the autonomic functions tests in comparison with the other study groups. Sudomotor dysfunction and cardiac autonomic neuropathy were significantly more common in the FU group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for gender, body mass index, duration of diabetes and glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) demonstrated that the odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) of FU increased with measures of neuropathy such as NDS >or= 6 (10.2, 6.2-17.3) and VPT >or= 25 volts (19.8, 9.9-47.5), but was also significantly increased with absent SSR (15.3, 5.3-38.4). CONCLUSIONS Sudomotor dysfunction is associated with increased risk of FU and should be included in the screening tests for identification of diabetic patients at risk of ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tentolouris
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Nikou GC, Marinou K, Thomakos P, Papageorgiou D, Sanzanidis V, Nikolaou P, Kosmidis C, Moulakakis A, Mallas E. Chromogranin a levels in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of 42 patients with non-functioning pancreatic endocrine tumours. Pancreatology 2008; 8:510-9. [PMID: 18765956 DOI: 10.1159/000152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Non-functioning pancreatic endocrine tumours (NFPET) constitute the largest component (35-50%) of pancreatic endocrine tumours. They are characterized by the absence of symptoms of hormone hypersecretion and frequently have clinical manifestations similar to the more common exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The present studyaims toevaluate the clinical features, diagnostic approach and, in particular, the significance of serum chromogranin A levels (CgA) in the management and outcome of 42 patients with NFPET (from a series of 121 patients with pancreatic endocrine tumours). METHODS Twenty-five males and 17 females were included, and the mean age at diagnosis was 52.3 years (range: 26-68 years). The diagnosis for each patient was established by histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. After the histopathological confirmation of diagnosis and during the follow-up period, patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically (including OctreoScan), whilst fasting gut hormones (including CgA) were also estimated. At diagnosis, all patients were checked for the presence of multiple endocrine neoplasia type I syndrome. The follow-up was complete and ranged from 12 to 86 months (mean: 49 months). RESULTS Dyspepsia (66.5%) and weight loss (47.6%) were the most common symptoms at diagnosis, while in 21.4% of patients tumour lesions were revealed incidentally. Plasma CgA levels were significantly or moderately elevated in all patients with liver metastases at diagnosis (64.3%). The levels also reflected tumour progression or response to treatment during the follow-up period. OctreoScan showed avid uptake in 77.8% of patients with hepatic metastases. Moreover, in 2 patients OctreoScan revealed unexpected metastatic mesenteric deposits, which had not been found by the other studies. However, it was negative in 6 patients with liver metastases, in whom tumours were proved to be poorly differentiated (high-grade). CONCLUSIONS (1) NFPET may present with clinical manifestations similar to those of an exocrine pancreatic tumour; (2) plasma CgA levels reflect tumour load, and also seem to correlate with tumour progression or response to treatment; (3) surgeryin patients with localized disease at presentation can be curative, while it can also reduce tumour burden in patients with metastases; (4) long-acting somatostatin analogues provide good quality of life and temporary disease stabilization in patients with low-grade tumours; (5) systemic chemotherapy or chemoembolization seem to be beneficial in high-grade and progressive tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Nikou
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Athens, Laikon Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Antoniades C, Antonopoulos AS, Tousoulis D, Marinou K, Stefanadis C. Homocysteine and coronary atherosclerosis: from folate fortification to the recent clinical trials. Eur Heart J 2008; 30:6-15. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehn515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Tousoulis D, Marinou K, Stefanadis C. Commentary on Viewpoint: The human cutaneous circulation as a model of generalized microvascular function. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 105:379; author reply 389. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00165.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Marinou K, Vasiliadou C, Bouras G, Stefanadi E, Latsios G, Siasos G, Toutouzas K, Stefanadis C. Methionine-Loading Rapidly Impairs Endothelial Function, by Mechanisms Independent of Endothelin-1: Evidence for an Association of Fasting Total Homocysteine with Plasma Endothelin-1 Levels. J Am Coll Nutr 2008; 27:379-86. [DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2008.10719714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Vasiliadou C, Marinou K, Tentolouris C, Antonopoulos A, Stefanadis C. P355 Alpha-tocopherol prevents the pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin in patients with ischemic heart failure. Int J Cardiol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-5273(08)70266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Stefanadi E, Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Katsi V, Bosinakou E, Vavuranakis E, Triantafyllou G, Marinou K, Tsioufis C, Papageorgiou N, Latsios G, Stefanadis C. Early initiation of low-dose atorvastatin treatment after an acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction, decreases inflammatory process and prevents endothelial injury and activation. Int J Cardiol 2008; 133:266-8. [PMID: 18187214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2007] [Accepted: 11/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose statin treatment improves clinical outcome of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the effect of low-dose atorvastatin treatment on inflammatory and pro-thrombotic molecules during the post-STEMI period is unclear. We investigated the effect of low-dose atorvastatin treatment on the kinetics of cytokine IL-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and endothelium-derived markers of thrombosis/fibrinolysis such as von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), post STEMI. METHODS Twenty-four normocholesterolemic patients with STEMI were randomised to receive atorvastatin 10mg/day or no statin treatment for 6 weeks after the event. Blood samples were obtained by their admission to the hospital as well as at weeks 1 and 6. Circulating levels of IL-6, sVCAM-1, vWF, PAI-1 and tPA were determined by ELISA. RESULTS Atorvastatin induced a decrease of IL-6 at 1 week, an effect which reached significance compared to baseline at 6 weeks post STEMI (p<0.05 vs baseline). Serum sVCAM-1 was increased in controls both at 1 and 6 weeks post-STEMI (p<0.05 vs baseline), an effect prevented by atorvastatin. Plasma vWF was increased 1 week post-STEMI in controls (p<0.05 vs baseline) and returned to baseline at 6 weeks, an effect prevented by atorvastatin. Plasma PAI-1, tPA and the PAI-1/tPA ratio remained unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSION Early initiation of low-dose atorvastatin treatment decreases the expression of IL-6 and sVCAM-1 and the release of vWF in patients with STEMI. Therefore, low-dose atorvastatin, modulates inflammatory response and decreases endothelial injury and activation in patients with recent STEMI.
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Liatis S, Marinou K, Tentolouris N, Pagoni S, Katsilambros N. Usefulness of a new indicator test for the diagnosis of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabet Med 2007; 24:1375-80. [PMID: 17941862 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2007.02280.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of a new indicator test (NIT), based on the measurement of sweat production after exposure to dermal foot perspiration, in the diagnosis of both peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy (PSN) and autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes. METHODS One hundred and seventeen diabetic patients were examined. PSN was assessed using the neuropathy symptoms score, the neuropathy disability score and the vibration perception threshold. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was assessed using the battery of the four classical standardized tests proposed by Ewing et al., Diabetes Care 1985; 8: 491-498. Sudomotor dysfunction was assessed using the NIT. RESULTS Fifty patients (42.7%) had PSN and 44 patients (37.6%) had CAN. Of the 50 patients with PSN, 43 had a positive NIT (sensitivity 86%) and, out of the 67 patients without PSN, a negative NIT was obtained in 45 patients (specificity 67%). The positive and the negative predictive value of the NIT in detecting PSN were 66.2 and 86.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of NIT in detecting CAN was 59.1 and 46.5%, respectively. In the case of severe CAN, the sensitivity was increased to 80.9% and the specificity to 50%. CONCLUSIONS The NIT has good sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosis of PSN and can be used as a screening method for detection of this complication in patients with diabetes. In addition, the test has a low sensitivity for detection of autonomic neuropathy in patients with milder forms of CAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liatis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Athens University Medical School and Diabetes Centre, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Nikolopoulou A, Koniari K, Vasiliadou C, Marinou K, Koumallos N, Papageorgiou N, Stefanadi E, Siasos G, Stefanadis C. Interaction between cytokines and sCD40L in patients with stable and unstable coronary syndromes. Eur J Clin Invest 2007; 37:623-8. [PMID: 17635572 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2007.01834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that soluble CD40-ligand (sCD40L) is elevated in coronary artery disease (CAD) and is released from activated platelets during the acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although sCD40L is part of immune response, the mechanisms regulating its release in different disease states remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study enrolled 596 subjects: 201 patients with stable CAD, 109 patients with AMI and 286 healthy controls. Circulating levels of sCD40L, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-a (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Patients with AMI (n = 109) had higher levels of sCD40L and IL-6 compared to both CAD (n = 201) (P < 0.01) and controls (n = 286) (P < 0.01), while CAD also had higher levels of sCD40L and IL-6 compared to controls (P < 0.01). Similarly, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were higher in CAD and AMI compared to controls (P < 0.05). IL-6 was the only parameter independently associated with sCD40L in healthy individuals [beta (SE):0.491(0.096), P = 0.0001]. However, in CAD or AMI, only diabetes mellitus [beta (SE): 2.689 (1.082), P = 0.044 and beta (SE): 10.406 (3.215), P = 0.002, respectively] and smoking [beta (SE): 3.470 (1.111), P = 0.002 and beta (SE): 9.694 (2.478), P = 0.0001, respectively] (but not IL-6), were independently associated with sCD40L levels. CONCLUSIONS Both CAD and AMI are accompanied by increased levels of sCD40L in parallel with an elevation of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1. Diabetes mellitus and smoking (but not IL-6 or adhesion molecules) were the only factors independently associated with sCD40L levels in CAD and AMI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tousoulis
- Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Marinou K, Papageorgiou N, Bosinakou E, Tsioufis C, Stefanadi E, Latsios G, Tentolouris C, Siasos G, Stefanadis C. Effects of insulin dependence on inflammatory process, thrombotic mechanisms and endothelial function, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary atherosclerosis. Clin Cardiol 2007; 30:295-300. [PMID: 17551966 PMCID: PMC6653670 DOI: 10.1002/clc.20101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, increased thrombogenicity and abnormal inflammatory response. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesizsed that insulin dependence/exogenous insulin administration may affect thrombotic/inflammatory status and endothelial function in patients with T2DM and coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS Fifty-five patients with T2DM + CAD (26 insulin-treated (INS) and 29 under oral biguanide + sulphonylurea (TABL)) were recruited. Endothelial function was assessed by gauge-strain plethysmography, and serum levels of inflammatory and thrombotic markers were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS There was no significant difference in endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) between the study groups, while EDD was correlated with fasting glucose levels in both INS (r = - 0.776, p = 0.0001) and TABL (r = - 0.702, p = 0.0001). Patients in INS group had higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), compared to TABL. However, TNF-alpha was negatively correlated with protein C (PrtC) only in INS (r = - 0.726, p = 0.01) but not in TABL group (r = - 0.066, p = 0.738). Similarly, sVCAM-1 was correlated with PrtC only among INS patients (r = - 0.451, p = 0.046) but not in TABL (r = 0.069, p = 0.727). In multivariate analysis, insulin dependence was a predictor of IL-6, TNF-alpha, MCP-1 and sVCAM-1 levels independently from the patients' demographic characteristics, the angiographic extend of CAD or the duration of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus affects the expression of inflammatory cytokines and subsequently modifies the thrombotic mechanisms in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, independently from the duration of diabetes and the extend of coronary artery disease.
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Marinou K, Hodson L, Frayn K, Karpe F, Fielding B. PO1-21 SOURCES OF FATTY ACIDS FOR 3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE PRODUCTION DIFFER DURING SHORT-TERM FASTING IN MEN AND WOMEN. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(07)71031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Koumallos N, Marinou K, Stefanadis C. Levosimendan: beyond its simple inotropic effect in heart failure. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 114:184-97. [PMID: 17363065 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2006] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Classic inotropic agents provide short-term haemodynamic improvement in patients with heart failure, but their use has been associated with poor prognosis. A new category of inotropic agents, the Ca(2+) sensitizers, may provide an alternative longer lasting solution. Levosimendan is a relatively new Ca(2+) sensitizer which offers haemodynamic and symptomatic improvement by combining a positive inotropic action via Ca(2+) sensitization and a vasodilatory effect via adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)), Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)(2+)) and voltage-dependent K(+) (K(V)) channels activation. Levosimendan also seems to induce a prolonged haemodynamic improvement in patients with heart failure as a result of the long half-life of its active metabolite, OR-1896. Furthermore, there is also evidence that levosimendan may have additional antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic properties, affecting important pathways in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Despite the initial reports for a clear benefit of levosimendan on short- and long-term mortality in patients with severe heart failure, the results from the recent clinical trials are rather disappointing, and it is still unclear whether it is superior to dobutamine in affecting survival of patients with severe heart failure. In conclusion, levosimendan is a promising agent for the treatment of decompensated heart failure. As further to its positive inotropic effect, it affects multiple pathways with key roles in the pathophysiology of heart failure. The results of the ongoing trials examining the effect of levosimendan on mortality in patients with heart failure will hopefully resolve the controversy as to whether levosimendan is superior to classic inotropic agents for the treatment of severe heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Athens University Medical School, 1st Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias 114, 115 28, Athens, Greece.
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Bosinakou E, Kotsopoulou M, Tsoufis C, Marinou K, Charakida M, Stefanadi E, Vavuranakis M, Latsios G, Stefanadis C. Differences in inflammatory and thrombotic markers between unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol 2007; 115:203-7. [PMID: 16787670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2005] [Revised: 01/17/2006] [Accepted: 03/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unstable coronary syndromes are characterised by increased inflammatory process and endothelial activation. However, the underlying mechanisms of the acute coronary syndromes are still obscure. We evaluated the differences of inflammatory and thrombotic markers, at the acute phase of unstable angina (UA) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS The population of the study consisted of 216 subjects: 136 patients with UA, 57 patients with AMI and 23 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken by their admission to the hospital. Inflammatory and thrombotic markers were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Patients with UA had significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cells adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) (p<0.05 vs controls), and lower levels of antithrombin III (ATIII) (p<0.01 vs controls) and protein C (PrtC) (p<0.05 vs controls). Similarly, patients with AMI had higher levels of IL-6, sVCAM-1, vWF and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (p<0.01 vs controls) and lower levels of ATIII (p<0.01 vs controls) and prtC (p<005 vs controls). Patients with AMI had significantly higher levels of vWF, tPA and sVCAM-1 compared to UA patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with unstable coronary syndromes had increased levels of IL-6, sVCAM-1 and vWF as well as decreased levels of ATIII and PrtC by their admission. However, patients with AMI had higher levels of all the endothelium-derived inflammatory (e.g. sVCAM-1) of thrombotic/fibrinolytic (e.g. tPA and vWF) markers, compared to those with UA. These findings imply that patients with myocardial infarction show further increase of endothelium-derived inflammatory and thrombotic markers compared to patients with unstable angina, in response to a similar proinflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tousoulis
- Cardiology Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 69 S. Karagiorga, 16675, Glifada, Athens, Greece.
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Koumallos N, Marinou K, Stefanadi E, Latsios G, Stefanadis C. Novel therapies targeting vascular endothelium. Endothelium 2006; 13:411-21. [PMID: 17169773 DOI: 10.1080/10623320601061714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction has been identified as a major mechanism involved in all the stages of atherogenesis. Evaluation of endothelial function seems to have a predictive role in humans, and therapeutic interventions improving nitric oxide bioavailability in the vasculature may improve the long-term outcome in healthy individuals, high-risk subjects, or patients with advanced atherosclerosis. Several therapeutic strategies are now available, targeting both the synthesis and oxidative inactivation of nitric oxide (NO) in human vasculature. Statins seem to be currently the most powerful category of these agents, improving endothelial function and decreasing cardiovascular risk after long-term administration. Other cardiovascular agents improving endothelial function in humans are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptors blockers, which increase NO bioavailability by modifying the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Newer therapeutic approaches targeting endothelial dysfunction in specific disease states include insulin sensitizers, L-arginine (the substrate for endothelial NO synthase [eNOS]) as well as substances that target eNOS "coupling," such as folates or tetrahydrobiopterin. Although there are a variety of strategies to improve NO bioavailability in human endothelium, it is still unclear whether they have any direct benefit at a clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Marinou K, Vasiliadou C, Tentolouris C, Bouras G, Pitsavos C, Stefanadis C. Asymmetrical dimethylarginine regulates endothelial function in methionine-induced but not in chronic homocystinemia in humans: effect of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines. Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 84:781-8. [PMID: 17023704 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/84.4.781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homocystinemia is a metabolic abnormality associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The underlying mechanisms of these effects, however, are obscure. OBJECTIVE We examined the effect of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) on endothelial dysfunction in methionine-induced and chronic homocystinemia and evaluated the regulatory role of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines on the release of ADMA. DESIGN In this double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study, 30 subjects of both sexes (15 with homocystinemia and 15 healthy controls) underwent methionine loading, with simultaneous administration of a combination of vitamin C (2 g) plus alpha-tocopherol (800 IU) or placebo. Endothelial function in forearm resistance vessels and concentrations of ADMA, oxidized LDL, and proinflammatory cytokines were determined at baseline and 4 h after methionine loading. RESULTS Both chronic and methionine-induced homocystinemia were associated with increased oxidized LDL (P < 0.01), higher expression of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (P < 0.05), and endothelial dysfunction (P < 0.01). Although ADMA rapidly increased in acute homocystinemia (P < 0.01) and was correlated with forearm hyperemic response at 4 h after methionine loading (r = -0.722, P = 0.0001), it was not higher in subjects with high versus low fasting homocysteine. High-dose antioxidant treatment prevented methionine-induced elevation of oxidized LDL and interleukin 6 but failed to prevent the increase in ADMA or endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Both chronic and methionine-induced homocystinemia are characterized by increased oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction. However, the ADMA pathway is activated only in acute homocystinemia by mechanisms not mediated by oxidized LDL or proinflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Athens University Medical School, 1st Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Vasiliadou C, Kourtellaris P, Koniari K, Marinou K, Charakida M, Ntarladimas I, Siasos G, Stefanadis C. Effects of atorvastatin and vitamin C on forearm hyperaemic blood flow, asymmentrical dimethylarginine levels and the inflammatory process in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Heart 2006; 93:244-6. [PMID: 16914485 PMCID: PMC1861391 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2006.093112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Vasiliadou C, Stefanadi E, Marinou K, Stefanadis C. Genetic Polymorphisms of Platelet Glycoprotein Ia and the Risk for Premature Myocardial Infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006; 47:1959-66. [PMID: 16697311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2005] [Revised: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of genetic polymorphisms C807T and G1648A of platelet glycoprotein Ia (GPIa), on the risk for myocardial infarction (MI) and on the release of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) during the acute phase of MI and one year after the event. BACKGROUND C807T and G1648A polymorphisms affect the density of GPIa on platelet surface, but their effect on the risk for MI and the release of sCD40L is unknown. METHODS The study population consisted of 219 patients with premature MI and 389 controls. One year after the event, 67 patients and 232 controls were recalled for the follow-up study. RESULTS The risk for MI in 807TT was 2.296 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.187 to 4.440) p < 0.05 versus CC + CT, 2.269 (95% CI: 1.085 to 4.745) p < 0.05 versus CC, and 2.135 (95% CI: 1.080 to 4.219) p < 0.05 versus CT. During the acute phase of MI, sCD40L was higher in 807CT + TT compared with 807CC (p < 0.01), an effect persisting after one year (p < 0.01). The carriage of 807T allele was an independent predictor for sCD40L during the acute phase of MI (beta = 9.442 [standard error (SE): 2.526], p = 0.001) and in the same patients one year later (beta = 8.282 [SE: 2.044], p = 0.001). In healthy individuals, 807T allele was associated with higher sCD40L levels compared with 807CC (p < 0.05), only among those with von Willebrand factor greater than or equal to median. CONCLUSIONS Genetic polymorphism C807T increases the risk for premature MI. 807T allele is an independent predictor for sCD40L levels during the acute phase of premature MI as well as one year after the event, while it is associated with elevated sCD40L levels in healthy subjects, only in the presence of high von Willebrand levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Athens University Medical School, 1st Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Marinou K, Stefanadi E, Ntarladimas I, Latsios G, Konniari K, Papageorgiou N, Siasos G, Stefanadis C. Effects of lipid profile on forearm hyperemic response in young subjects. Hellenic J Cardiol 2006; 47:152-7. [PMID: 16862822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of lipids in atherogenesis is now well established. However, the exact mechanisms by which different lipoproteins affect endothelial function and induce atherogenesis are still not well understood. In the present study we examined the effect of lipid profile on forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia, an index of endothelial function, in a cohort of young, low-risk adults. METHODS One hundred sixty seven healthy subjects were included in the study. The effect of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, apolipoprotein (apo)-A1, apo-B and apo-E on endothelial function and inflammatory process was examined. Endothelial function was evaluated by determining forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia (RH%) using gauge-strain plethysmography. RH% was defined as the % change of forearm blood flow from baseline to the maximum flow during post-ischemic hyperemia. Endothelium independent dilatation in response to nitroglycerin (NTG%) was defined as the % change of forearm blood flow from baseline to the maximum flow after sublingual nitroglycerin administration. RESULTS RH% was correlated with HDL (r = 0.267, p = 0.001), LDL (r = 0.355, p = 0.0001), triglycerides (rho = -0.366, p = 0.0001), apo-Al (r = 0.240, p = 0.004) and apo-B (r = -0.277, p = 0.005). NTG% was not affected by serum lipid levels. In multivariate linear regression, LDL (beta = -0.217 [SE: 0.098], p = 0.028), apo-A1 (beta = 0.277 [SE: 0.124], p = 0.027) and age (beta = 0.916 [SE:0.369], p = 0.015) were independent predictors for RH% in this population (R2 for the model: 0.243, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Elevated lipid levels decrease forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia. Apolipoproteins, and especially apo-Al, are important determinants of endothelial function in these subjects, independently of LDL, HDL and triglycerides, implying that full measurement of the lipid profile may be of great importance in risk stratification of young individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Athens University Medical School, 1st Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Vasiliadou C, Pitsavos C, Toutouza M, Tentolouris C, Marinou K, Stefanadis C. Genetic polymorphisms G894T on the eNOS gene is associated with endothelial function and vWF levels in premature myocardial infarction survivors. Int J Cardiol 2006; 107:95-100. [PMID: 16337503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2005.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2004] [Revised: 02/23/2005] [Accepted: 02/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic polymorphism G894T on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene has been associated with endothelial dysfunction in young smokers, but its role in the pathogenesis of MI is obscure. We examined the effect of G894T polymorphism on endothelial function, on markers of endothelial cells injury and activation such as von Willebrand factor (vWF) and on serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 1b (IL-1b), in young myocardial infarction (MI) survivors. METHODS The study population consisted of 56 patients with a history of premature MI. The forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by using strain-gauge plethysmography during reactive hyperemia and after sublingual administration of nitroglycerin. G894T polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while plasma vWF and serum IL1b and IL-6 levels were determined with ELISA. RESULTS There was no significant difference in resting FBF and in the responses to nitroglycerin between the genotypes. However, the presence of T allele (GT+TT, n=35) was associated with decreased FBF during reactive hyperemia (10.23+/-0.70 ml/100ml tissue/min) and decreased forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia (54.28+/-4.81%) compared to GG (13.82+/-0.92 ml/100 ml tissue/min and 83.92+/-9.89% respectively, p<0.01 for both). Carriers of the T allele had also higher levels of vWF (79.66+/-5.56%) compared to GG (60.94+/-5.27% p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in IL-1b and IL-6 serum levels between the genotypes (p=ns for both). CONCLUSIONS The presence of 894T allele on eNOS gene is associated with impaired endothelial function and higher levels of von Willebrand factor in relatively young patients with myocardial infarction. This finding implies that genetic polymorphism G894T on eNOS may affect endothelial function in patients with a history of premature myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Antoniades
- Athens University Medical School, A' Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, S. Karagiorga street 69, 166 75, Glifada, Athens, Greece
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Marinou K, Tsakiris S, Tsopanakis C, Schulpis KH, Behrakis P. Suckling rat brain regional distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity in galactosaemia in vitro. Metab Brain Dis 2005; 20:227-36. [PMID: 16167200 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-005-7210-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2005] [Accepted: 06/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effect of in vitro galactosaemia on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in different suckling rat brain regions. Various concentrations of galactose (Gal), galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) and/or galactitol (Galtol) were preincubated for 1 h with homogenates from frontal cortex, hippocampus and for 1-3 h with hypothalamus homogenates at 37( composite function)C. AChE activity was determined spectrophotometrically. Mixture A (Gal-1-P (2 mM), Galtol (2 mM), and Gal (4 mM) (=brain concentrations in classical galactosaemia)) or mixture B (Galtol (2 mM) and Gal (1 mM) (=brain concentrations in galactokinase deficiency galactosaemia)) inhibited by 18-20% (P < 0.01) AChE activity in frontal cortex or hippocampus homogenates. Gal-1-P (2-8 mM) reduced AChE activity by 20% (P < 0.01) on frontal cortex and hippocampus homogenates. Galtol (2-8 mM) resulted in an AChE inhibition (20-22% (P < 0.01)) in hippocampus, 2 mM of the substance had the same effect (20%, P < 0.01) on frontal cortex, whereas higher concentrations (4-8 mM) failed to decrease the enzyme activity anymore. Gal (1-8 mM) did not change AChE activity in the studied areas. Additionally, the hypothalamus enzyme activity was measured considerably high and remained unaltered in the presence of the above compounds. In conclusion, AChE activity was significantly higher in hypothalamus compared with those in frontal cortex and hippocampus. Frontal cortex and hippocampus AChE was significantly inhibited by Gal derivatives, whereas hypothalamus AChE activity remained unaltered possibly due to the histologically different innervation of this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakoula Marinou
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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