Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this analysis was to examine long-term effects of changes in metabolic status on microvascular endothelial function and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) biomarkers among physically active middle-aged men.MethodsMetabolically healthy men (n = 101, mean age 59.7 years), free of symptoms and treatment, have been prospectively observed for their lifestyle and CVD risk factors (observation period 24.7 years). At the latest follow-up (2011/2012) a set of CVD biomarkers was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Microvascular endothelial function was evaluated by means of the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using Endo-PAT2000 system. At follow-up the participants were divided into metabolically healthy (0–1 metabolic parameters) and metabolically unhealthy (≥2 metabolic parameters) groups. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the NCEP ATP III definition.ResultsTraditional metabolic risk factors were significantly associated with hsCRP, ox-LDL, Il-6, leptin and adiponectin/leptin ratio. Reactive hyperemia index was negatively related to body mass (p < 0.01), waist circumference (p < 0.05), triglycerides (p < 0.01), TG/HDL ratio (p < 0.01), uric acid (p < 0.05), sICAM-1 (p < 0.05) and Il-6 (p < 0.05), and positively to HDL-C (p < 0.01) and leisure-time physical activity (p < 0.01). Men who maintained metabolically healthy status (n = 47) through the observation had significantly lower hsCRP and uric acid (p < 0.05), higher adiponectin/leptin ratio (p < 0.05), higher mean RHI and lower prevalence of endothelial dysfunction (p < 0.05) as compared to the metabolically unhealthy group (n = 54). Regular physical activity level was significantly higher among metabolically healthy individuals during the whole observation.ConclusionsEven subtle changes in metabolic profile influence inflammatory biomarkers and microvascular endothelial function. Leptin, adiponectin/leptin ratio and hsCRP are significant predictors of metabolic profile. Interleukine-6 and sICAM-1 may be used as indicators of early endothelial dysfunction in asymptomatic men. High leisure-time physical activity level is an important contributor of metabolically healthy profile through middle adulthood.
Highlights
The aim of this analysis was to examine long-term effects of changes in metabolic status on microvas‐ cular endothelial function and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) biomarkers among physically active middle-aged men
HsCRP, oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), Il-6, leptin and adiponectin/leptin ratio were significantly related with traditional metabolic risk factors (Table 2)
Waist circumference was positively related with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (p < 0.01), ox-LDL (p < 0.05), leptin (p < 0.05) and negatively with adiponectin/leptin ratio; HDL-C was negatively related with hsCRP (p < 0.01), Il-6 (p < 0.05) and positively with adiponectin/leptin ratio (p < 0.05); TG level was positively related to leptin (p < 0.01) and negatively to adiponectin/leptin ratio (p < 0.05); uric acid was positively related with hsCRP (p < 0.05), leptin (p < 0.01) and negatively with adiponectin/leptin ratio (p < 0.05)
Summary
The aim of this analysis was to examine long-term effects of changes in metabolic status on microvas‐ cular endothelial function and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) biomarkers among physically active middle-aged men. Metabolic disorders, including visceral obesity, elevated blood pressure, lipids and glucose abnormalities, are known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [1]. Increased visceral fat and other metabolic disturbances may impair nitric oxide bioactivity and cause endothelial dysfunction independently of traditional CVD risk factors [2]. It has been shown that some metabolic components may enhance the release of several hormones, inflammatory cytokines and molecules what may results in an impairment of endothelial function [3,4,5,6]. As endothelial dysfunction is the initial perturbation in development of atherosclerosis, identifying individuals with impaired endothelial function may substantially influence adverse CVD events [8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call