P-19 - Evidence for a relationship between a composite lifestyle score and risk of higher carotid intima media thickness: Is there a link to oxidative stress?

Abstract

This study assessed the relationship between a comprehensive redox balance lifestyle score (RBLS) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a recognized marker for CVD, and plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS). In a cross-sectional study design, 100 apparently healthy middle-aged participants were asked to complete a comprehensive lifestyle questionnaire, followed by DXA scanning, CIMT ultrasonography and blood collection. The RBLS was composed of lifestyle components with pro and anti-oxidant properties with a higher score indicative of lower oxidative activity. The RBLS was significantly associated with the risk for increased CIMT that was independent of conventional CVD risk factors (χ2(9)=34.82, P≤0.001). Furthermore, significant associations were observed between the RBLS, plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (r(99)= 0.30, P= 0.003), hydroperoxide (HPX) (rs(99)= -0.21, P= 0.039), TAC/HPX ratio (r(98)= 0.38, P≤0.001), γ-glutamyltransferase (r(97)=-0.26, P=0.011), uric acid (r(98)=-0.21, P=0.035), the inflammatory interleukin-1β (r(97)= -0.23, P= 0.022) and C-reactive protein (rs(97)= -0.21, P= 0.035). These findings highlight the importance of identifying the collective influence of lifestyle behaviours on OS activity and its potential to remodel the vascular endothelium.