Acceleration Of Atherosclerosis Research Articles

An Evaluation of Platelet Indices in Newly Diagnosed Cases of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by prothrombotic phenotype associated with endothelial dysfunction, an increase in platelet activation and systemic inflammation. Platelet aggregation and activation are crucial in the formation of thrombi and acceleration of atherosclerosis, associated with unstable angina, sudden cardiac death is brought on by an acute myocardial infarction. Objective: To evaluate the platelet-indices in newly diagnosed cases of acute myocardial infarction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during November 2022 to December 2023 in Pathology Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Samples were collected from the patients of AMI admitted to Emergency Ward and from healthy controls as well. Complete Blood Count (CBC) with platelet indices, platelet count, Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Crit (PCT) and Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) were investigated on five-part automated hematology analyzer BT-PRO 2300. Analysis of the data was done by using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Total 140 patients were divided into a healthy control group (70) and newly diagnosed cases of acute myocardial infarction (70). Among diagnosed cases of AMI 46 (65.7%) had ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 24 cases (34.2%) got non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). It was found that AMI patients had lower platelet counts and PCT with higher MPV and PDW. Conclusions: It was concluded that the platelet indices (PDW, and PCT, MPV) are significant predictors of myocardial infarction. They might be applied as an easy, reliable, and economical way to anticipate an impending acute coronary event.

Progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis: a 10-year prospective study.

Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to increased CVD burden in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Since long-term follow-up data on subclinical atherosclerosis acceleration are lacking, we examined its progression in contemporary AS patients during 10years. Fifty-three (89% male, aged 50.4 (36.3-55.9) years,) non-diabetic, CVD-free AS patients and 53 age-sex-matched non-diabetic, control individuals were re-evaluated after 9.2-10.2years by ultrasonography for carotid/femoral atheromatosis, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and intima-media thickness (IMT), performed by the same operator/protocol. New atheromatic plaque formation, PWV deterioration, and IMT increase were associated only with classical CVD risk factors, as reflected by the heartSCORE (age, gender, smoking status, blood pressure and cholesterol levels) by multivariate analysis, rather than disease presence. However, among AS patients, despite remission/low disease activity at follow-up end in 79%, atheromatosis progression was associated by multivariate analysis with higher BASDAI scores (p = 0.028), independently of biologic therapies administered in 2/3 of them. Moreover, in AS patients, but not in controls, PWV values at baseline were associated with plaque progression during the 10-year follow-up after taking into account baseline heartSCORE and plaque burden status (p = 0.033). Despite comparable prevalence of both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia at baseline between patients and controls, a lower percentage of AS patients had achieved "adequate" CVD risk factor control at follow-up end (11% vs 25% respectively, p = 0.076). Classical CVD risk factors and residual disease activity account for the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in AS, pointing to the unmet needs in the contemporary management of these patients.

Dual effects of endogenous formaldehyde on the organism and drugs for its removal.

Endogenous formaldehyde (FA) is produced in the human body via various mechanisms to preserve healthy energy metabolism and safeguard the organism. However, endogenous FA can have several negative effects on the body through epigenetic alterations, including cancer growth promotion; neuronal, hippocampal and endothelial damages; atherosclerosis acceleration; haemopoietic stem cell destruction and haemopoietic cell production reduction. Certain medications with antioxidant effects, such as glutathione, vitamin E, resveratrol, alpha lipoic acid and polyphenols, lessen the detrimental effects of endogenous FA by reducing oxidative stress, directly scavenging endogenous FA or promoting its degradation. This study offers fresh perspectives for managing illnesses associated with endogenous FA exposure.

Targeted Expression to Liver of an antimiR-33 Sponge as a Gene Therapy Strategy against Hypercholesterolemia: In Vitro Study.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases in Mexico and worldwide. The membrane transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 are involved in the reverse transport of cholesterol and stimulate the HDL synthesis in hepatocytes, therefore the deficiency of these transporters promotes the acceleration of atherosclerosis. MicroRNA-33 (miR-33) plays an important role in lipid metabolism and exerts a negative regulation on the transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. It is known that by inhibiting the function of miR-33 with antisense RNA, HDL levels increase and atherogenic risk decreases. Therefore, in this work, a genetic construct, pPEPCK-antimiR-33-IRES2-EGFP, containing a specific antimiR-33 sponge with two binding sites for miR-33 governed under the PEPCK promoter was designed, constructed, and characterized, the identity of which was confirmed by enzymatic restriction, PCR, and sequencing. Hep G2 and Hek 293 FT cell lines, as well as a mouse hepatocyte primary cell culture were transfected with this plasmid construction showing expression specificity of the PEPCK promoter in hepatic cells. An analysis of the relative expression of miR-33 target messengers showed that the antimiR-33 sponge indirectly induces the expression of its target messengers (ABCA1 and ABCG1). This strategy could open new specific therapeutic options for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, by blocking the miR-33 specifically in hepatocytes.

Abstract P3095: Il-1 Signaling On Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Accelerates Atherosclerosis After Murine Kawasaki Disease Vasculitis

Objective: We have previously shown that Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced Kawasaki disease (KD) vasculitis significantly accelerates atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. IL-1 signaling is known to play a key role in both KD vasculitis and in the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the contribution of IL-1 signaling on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during KD vasculitis-induced acceleration of atherosclerosis. Methods: Tamoxifen-inducible VSMC-specific IL-1 receptor ( Il1r1) knockout ( Myh11 Cre -ERT2 Il1r1 Δ/Δ )and Il1r1 fl/fl littermate control mice, all on ApoE -/- background, were injected with either PBS or LCWE. Following induction of KD vasculitis, mice were fed a tamoxifen diet for 2 weeks to induce Il1r1 deletion on VSMCs, before being exposed to 8 weeks of Western diet (WD) to promote atherosclerosis. Results: KD vasculitis was associated with a significant acceleration of atherosclerosis, as expected. Specific deletion of Il1r1 on VSMCs reduced this effect, as characterized by significantly decreased plaque size, lipid composition, macrophage infiltration and necrotic core formation in aortic root, as well as diminished lipid accumulation in aorta en face measurements. Conclusions: Our results suggest an important pathophysiologic link between IL-1 signaling, specifically on VSMCs, and subsequent acceleration of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice following KD vasculitis. Thus, further studies are warranted on the role of IL-1 signaling not only in acute KD, but also in the subsequent vascular remodeling and complications following acute KD vasculitis.

Genetic inhibition of CARD9 accelerates the development of atherosclerosis in mice through CD36 dependent-defective autophagy

Caspase recruitment-domain containing protein 9 (CARD9) is a key signaling pathway in macrophages but its role in atherosclerosis is still poorly understood. Global deletion of Card9 in Apoe-/- mice as well as hematopoietic deletion in Ldlr-/- mice increases atherosclerosis. The acceleration of atherosclerosis is also observed in Apoe-/-Rag2-/-Card9-/- mice, ruling out a role for the adaptive immune system in the vascular phenotype of Card9 deficient mice. Card9 deficiency alters macrophage phenotype through CD36 overexpression with increased IL-1β production, increased lipid uptake, higher cell death susceptibility and defective autophagy. Rapamycin or metformin, two autophagy inducers, abolish intracellular lipid overload, restore macrophage survival and autophagy flux in vitro and finally abolish the pro-atherogenic effects of Card9 deficiency in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of human CARD9-deficient monocytes confirms the pathogenic signature identified in murine models. In summary, CARD9 is a key protective pathway in atherosclerosis, modulating macrophage CD36-dependent inflammatory responses, lipid uptake and autophagy.

40-OR: Insulin Stabilized Arterial Plaque by Regulating Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Metabolism and Differentiation

The main pathology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in insulin resistance and diabetes is an acceleration of atherosclerosis and increased risk for the development of unstable plaques. Insulin’s effect on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) has been attributed to be pro-atherogenic due to its actions to increase migration and proliferation. We reported that insulin receptors (IR) are responsible for increasing arterial intimal hyperplasia after wire injury. Surprisingly, mice with VSMC specific deletion of IR (Myh11IRKO/ApoE-/-), atherosclerosis was increased with plaques exhibited unstable pathologies of less VSMC and ECM, but more macrophages and necrosis than ApoE-/- mice. To characterize these unexpected findings in the arterial plaques of Myh11IRKO/ApoE-/- mice, we performed single cell RNA sequencing study of VSMC comparing 4 groups of mice including ApoE-/- and MyH11IRKO/ApoE-/- on normal chow or high fat diet (HFD). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that VSMC can be separated into 21 distinctive clusters with those expression enriched for contractile and mitochondrial genes separated from clusters which expressed heat shock protein (HSP) or inflammatory genes. Aorta of HFD insulin resistant WT ApoE-/- mice exhibited significantly increases of multiple clusters of inflammatory VSMCs and, surprisingly, also those clusters enriched for mitochondrial metabolism. However, in Myh11IRKO/ApoE-/- mice on HFD, aortic VMSC clusters with contractile and mitochondrial genes were significantly reduced, but distinct VMSC clusters with expressions of HSP or inflammatory genes were greatly increased. These novel findings, along with metabolic studies in cultured VSMC, indicated that insulin’s actions on VSMC metabolism to reduce the transition of VSMCs subsets from mitochondria enriched VSMCs to stressed and inflammatory VSMCs, which is critical to increase plaque stability and decrease CVD risks in people with insulin resistance and diabetes. Disclosure Q.Li: None. J.Fu: None. K.Park: None. I.Wu: None. G.L.King: Research Support; Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Relationship between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Gensini Score in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) at Mataram City General Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study

Highlights: It discusses the relationship between NLR and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. There is significant difference from the previous NLR research Abstract: Background. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation correlated with the incidence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Neutrophils infiltrate the coronary artery plaque causing acceleration of atherosclerosis. T lymphocyte recruitment is required at the early stages of plaque formation. Previous studies have shown that heightened NLR was correlated with the percentage of stenosis at the site of the multivessel lesion. Aims. This study aimed to determine the relationship between NLR with Gensini score of coronary arteries in CAD patients at Mataram City General Hospital. Material and method. This was a cross sectional study conducted in Mataram City General Hospital. Fifty-nine patients diagnosed with CAD participated in the study. Blood collection and coronary angiography were performed to assess NLR and Gensini Score. The main variables were NLR and Gensini Score. Gensini score of 1-29 was considered as mild atherosclerosis and Gensini score of 30 or more was considered as severe atherosclerosis. NLR was considered high if the value of NLR were > 2.385 based on previous studies. Spearman test was performed to assess correlation between variables. Results. Approximately 53% subjects were categorized as severe atherosclerosis and 48% as mild atherosclerosis. The median values of Gensini score in the low NLR group were 25.0 and in the high NLR group were 40.0 (p=0,19). The median values of NLR in the mild group of atherosclerosis were 1.78 and in the severe atherosclerotic group were 2.15 (p=0,59). There was no significant difference in NLR between severe atherosclerosis and mild atherosclerosis groups. NLR was not associated with Gensini score (p=0,32). Conclusions. There was no significant relationship between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio with Gensini score of coronary arteries in CAD patients at Mataram City General Hospital.

Plaque morphology and distribution in patients with and without myocardial bridge – an intravascular ultrasound study

Background Myocardial bridging (MB) is a common congenital cardiovascular anomaly. There are reported associations of MB with different clinical presentations like effort angina, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and sudden cardiac death. Acceleration of atherosclerosis in proximal vessel is reported in patients with MB, while bridged segments are reported to be free of atherosclerosis Methods We assessed patients who underwent intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided percutaneous intervention (PCI) of left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Plaque characteristics derived from IVUS analysis were compared between those who displayed myocardial bridge versus those who did not harbour the anomaly. Results One hundred and forty-seven (147) patients underwent IVUS guided PCI. Incidence of MB was 44/147 (29.9%). Mean age of patients who had MB {+} was higher (62.1 ± 10.3 vs. 57.8 ± 11.2 (p = .03). 142/147 (96.6%) patients presented with ACS. ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was the most common presenting diagnosis (110/147 to 74.8%). There were no differences in qualitative plaque characteristics – attenuated plaque, calcification or calcium score between two groups. Plaque burden and length of the lesion in the proximal vessel were not different. Among patients with MB {+}, atheromatous extension to segments underlying the bridge was seen in 31/44 (70.5%) cases. Conclusions In a series of patients who presented with advanced clinical atherosclerosis, plaque characteristics were not different in patients who harboured myocardial bridge vs. those who did not have the anomaly. Atheromatous involvement was seen extending into bridged segment contrary to previous reports.

Cardiovascular Toxicity Induced by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors.

Cardiotoxicity is an important side effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors therapy used in the treatment of various malignancies, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Arterial hypertension, cardiac ischemia with the acceleration of atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction and thromboembolic disease are the most feared cardiovascular adverse reactions due to VEGF inhibitors. Susceptibility for the occurrence of VEGF inhibitors-induced cardiotoxicity has multifactorial determinants, with a significant inter-individual variation. Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment of the patient, type and stage of cancer, dose and duration of VEGF inhibitors treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy are the main predictors for cardiotoxicity. The role of the cardio-oncology team becomes essential for achieving maximum therapeutic anti-angiogenic effects with minimum cardiovascular side effects. This review will summarize the incidence, risk factors, mechanisms, management and treatment of VEGF inhibitors-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

The Impact of Treatment with IL-17/IL-23 Inhibitors on Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis and/or Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review.

Accumulating evidence considers psoriasis a systemic inflammatory disorder that is associated with comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Although the precise pathogenetic links between psoriasis and atherosclerosis warrants further investigation, it is believed that chronic systemic inflammation along with the T helper (Th)-1 and Th17 polarization are associated with endothelial dysfunction and subsequent acceleration of atherosclerosis. Considering the above, several studies have evaluated if optimal control of the inflammation in psoriasis by inhibiting interleukins targeting the Interleukin (IL)-23/Th17 axis could subsequently reduce the atherosclerotic process during anti-psoriatic treatment by using a variety of surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on the pathogenetic mechanisms and diagnostic evaluation of atherosclerosis in the context of psoriasis and provides a systematic review of the literature on the impact of treatment with biologics targeting the IL-23/Th17 axis on subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with plaque psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.

Insulin resistance and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Pathogenetic and therapeutic crossroads

Insulin resistance, which is a fundamental pathogenetic factor of prediabetes, is closely associated with abdominal obesity on the one hand and the development of cardiovascular diseases, heart failure (HF), on the other. The pathogenetic role of insulin resistance is multifaceted and consists in the acceleration of atherosclerosis, the formation of left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, including through mechanisms that do not depend on blood pressure, as well as the development of its diastolic dysfunction. The latter is the starting point for starting HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Compared with patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, the presence of HFpEF determines a higher frequency of hospitalizations not due to decompensation of heart failure, but due to concomitant diseases, such as destabilization of the course of arterial hypertension, decompensation of type 2 diabetes mellitus, curation of which, in general, has a greater impact in terms of improving prognosis. Thus, in patients with prediabetes and HFpEF, the correction of insulin resistance as the underlying cause and trigger of cardiometabolic disorders can potentially improve not only insulin-glucose homeostasis, but also the parameters of myocardial diastolic function. This literature review is devoted to the accumulated experience of using metformin as a «strategic» antidiabetic drug in HFpEF and considering potential new points of its application as a protector of the cardiovascular system.

Homocysteine Level Status in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Duhok: in Relation to Disease. Activity Score

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes high rate of the mortality. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is markedly elevated in RA partly due to accelerated atherosclerosis (AS) from chronic inflammation. Homocysteine’ elevation (Hcys) strongly related to the AS and CVD’s progression in RA. Current study aims to evaluates Hcys level status and its relation with disease activity (DA) and inflammation marker (CRP) in Duhok RA patients. Sixty-four RA patients (case) were involved in this study with equal number of healthy individuals (control), means± SD of their age were 47.78 ± 14.08 and 46.98 ± 15 respectively. ratio of females to males was (8.1 and 7.0) in case and control respectively. Blood was analyzed and RA related laboratory and biochemical markers were investigated. The results revealed that Means±SD of Hcys was higher in case comparing to control (17.30±8.52 and 7.2±3.4) respectively. RA patient with high DA score recorded higher percentage intra group of increased Hcys level (52%). This study concludes that there is a strong association between Hcys level and RA activity, severity and inflammation process in RA Duhok patients. Hcys could play role as a predictor marker helping physicians for good monitoring and managing RA disease

Homocysteine Level Status in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Duhok: in Relation to Disease. Activity Score

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes high rate of the mortality. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is markedly elevated in RA partly due to accelerated atherosclerosis (AS) from chronic inflammation. Homocysteine’ elevation (Hcys) strongly related to the AS and CVD’s progression in RA. Current study aims to evaluates Hcys level status and its relation with disease activity (DA) and inflammation marker (CRP) in Duhok RA patients. Sixty-four RA patients (case) were involved in this study with equal number of healthy individuals (control), means± SD of their age were 47.78 ± 14.08 and 46.98 ± 15 respectively. ratio of females to males was (8.1 and 7.0) in case and control respectively. Blood was analyzed and RA related laboratory and biochemical markers were investigated. The results revealed that Means±SD of Hcys was higher in case comparing to control (17.30±8.52 and 7.2±3.4) respectively. RA patient with high DA score recorded higher percentage intra group of increased Hcys level (52%). This study concludes that there is a strong association between Hcys level and RA activity, severity and inflammation process in RA Duhok patients. Hcys could play role as a predictor marker helping physicians for good monitoring and managing RA disease

Exploration of the shared gene signatures and molecular mechanisms between atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis via multi-microarray data analyses.

Accumulating evidence indicates the inflammatory state of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predisposes to the acceleration of atherosclerosis (AS). Nevertheless, the potential mechanisms of accelerating AS in RA have not been fully elucidated. Our current study was to probe the problem via multi-microarray data analyses. The transcriptional profiling of synovial tissues from RA (GSE55235 and GSE55457) and that of atherosclerotic plaques from AS (GSE28829 and GSE41571) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Bioinformatics analyses procedures included identifying common differentially expressed genes (DEGs), constructing protein-protein interaction network, key modules analysis and identifying hub genes, validating hub genes by using external datasets (GSE77298 and GSE163154), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, constructing transcription factor (TF)-miRNA coregulatory network and exploiting candidate drugs targeting hub genes. A total of 67 common DEGs were identified for downstream analyses. GO and KEGG analyses of these genes expounded a critical role of inflammatory mediators and reactions in the comorbidities. Sixteen hub genes were identified, and their functional analyses further highlighted a complicated inflammatory micro-environment and signaling pathways involving RA and AS. Six TFs and four miRNAs interacted with hub genes, and the candidate drugs targeting them were simvastatin, 5-azacytidine, bisindolylmaleimide, retinoic acid, and verteporfin, etc. Our comprehensive bioinformatics analyses provided a novel view regarding the potential pathogenesis of AS in RA. Furthermore, exploitation of candidate drugs might hold great promise in the future fight against the comorbidities.

HHcy Induces Pyroptosis and Atherosclerosis via the Lipid Raft-Mediated NOX-ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway in apoE−/− Mice

Lipid rafts play important roles in signal transduction, particularly in responses to inflammatory processes. The current study aimed to identify whether lipid raft-mediated inflammation contributes to hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-accelerated atherosclerosis (AS), and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. THP-1-derived macrophages were used for in vitro experiments. ApoE−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish an AS model, and a high-fat plus high-methionine diet was used to induce HHcy. We found that homocysteine (Hcy) increased the expression of p22phox and p67phox and promoted their recruitment into lipid rafts (indicating the assembly of the NOX complex), thereby increasing ROS generation and NOX activity, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, Hcy activated the NOX-ROS-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and induced pyroptosis by increasing the expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) to promote the formation of lipid raft clustering. Importantly, lipid raft-mediated pyroptosis was confirmed in HHcy mice, and HHcy-promoted macrophage recruitment in atherosclerotic lesions and HHcy-aggravated AS were blocked by the lipid raft disruptor methyl-β-cyclodextrin. The study findings indicate that Hcy promotes lipid raft clustering via the upregulation of ASM, which mediates the assembly of the NOX complex, causing an increase in ROS generation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis, and contributes to HHcy-induced AS.

Serum sulfatide as a biomarker of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

PurposeRheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have accelerated atherosclerosis (AS) leading to excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are invalid to explain the problem. Sulfatides, as major components of serum lipoproteins, are synthesized in the liver. These molecules are reported to play an important role in the development of AS, thrombogenesis, and inflammation. However, it is unclear whether sulfatides are responsible for such issue. To elucidate the possible association between serum sulfatide and the accelerated progress of AS, evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and ascertain the related mechanism underlying the correlation in RA cases. MethodsWe performed an observational study of 144 patients with RA and 120 sex and age-matched controls. Meanwhile, 107 patients (of the 144 RA patients enrolled at baseline) were invited to undergo a second measurement after 12 months. Serum sulfatide levels of all the enrolled subjects were quantified by mass spectrometry after they were converted into lysosulfatides (LS), and then calculated as the sum of the levels of seven LS molecular species. Serum oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected by ELISA. We subsequently statistically analyzed the causalities between carotid AS and clinical parameters, and the association of serum sulfatide with other variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was finally employed by taking all factors to identify independent determinant for carotid atherosclerotic plaque and serum sulfatide level. ResultsA gradual declined trend in serum sulfatide levels was observed in control subjects, non-plaque group, and the plaque group (8.56 ± 1.37 nmol/mL, 5.63 ± 1.57 nmol/mL, 3.18 ± 1.32 nmol/mL, respectively, p < 0.01), along with an increased value of CIMT (0.63 ± 0.07 mm, 0.92 ± 0.14 mm, 1.43 ± 0.22 mm, respectively, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, a negative linear correlation between CIMT and serum sulfatide was further confirmed by Spearman’s analysis (r = -0.622, p < 0.01). Eventually, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified serum MDA as the only independent factor for the abnormal level of serum sulfatide, and serum sulfatide was detected as a significant protective factor for the occurrence of carotid plaques in RA cases (p < 0.01), which was confirmed repeatedly by our cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. ConclusionExcessive abnormal levels of oxidative stress decreased serum sulfatide levels, followed by a high occurrence of AS in RA patients. Serum sulfatide level might be useful as a predictor (biomarker) for the progression of AS in RA cases.

Mental Stress and Cardiovascular Health-Part I.

Epidemiological studies have shown that a substantial proportion of acute coronary events occur in individuals who lack the traditional high-risk cardiovascular (CV) profile. Mental stress is an emerging risk and prognostic factor for coronary artery disease and stroke, independently of conventional risk factors. It is associated with an increased rate of CV events. Acute mental stress may develop as a result of anger, fear, or job strain, as well as consequence of earthquakes or hurricanes. Chronic stress may develop as a result of long-term or repetitive stress exposure, such as job-related stress, low socioeconomic status, financial problems, depression, and type A and type D personality. While the response to acute mental stress may result in acute coronary events, the relationship of chronic stress with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is mainly due to acceleration of atherosclerosis. Emotionally stressful stimuli are processed by a network of cortical and subcortical brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, insula, amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. This system is involved in the interpretation of relevance of environmental stimuli, according to individual’s memory, past experience, and current context. The brain transduces the cognitive process of emotional stimuli into hemodynamic, neuroendocrine, and immune changes, called fight or flight response, through the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. These changes may induce transient myocardial ischemia, defined as mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) in patients with and without significant coronary obstruction. The clinical consequences may be angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and left ventricular dysfunction. Although MSIMI is associated with a substantial increase in CV mortality, it is usually underestimated because it arises without pain in most cases. MSIMI occurs at lower levels of cardiac work than exercise-induced ischemia, suggesting that the impairment of myocardial blood flow is mainly due to paradoxical coronary vasoconstriction and microvascular dysfunction.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 is associated with atherosclerosis in patients with Behcet’s disease

ABSTRACT Objectives The incidence of cardiovascular disease is increased in patients with Behcet’s disease (BD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) causes the acceleration of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between PCSK9 with carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, and BD disease activity. Methods Fifty-eight patients with BD and 58 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. The disease activity of the patients was estimated. Individuals’ cIMT values were measured, and PCSK9 levels were studied. Results Patients with BD’ cIMT (0.51 ± 0.1 vs 0.41 ± 0.1 mm, p < .001) and PCSK9 (623.2 ± 101.7 ± 10.1 vs 528.3 ± 242.7 ng/ml, p = .007), values were significantly higher than the control group. In stepwise regression analysis, there was an independent relationship between cIMT with PCSK9 (β = 0.179, p < .050). There was no independent relationship between disease activities with PCSK9. Based on the ROC curve analysis, the PCSK9 optimal cutoff value for cIMT was 595.1 ng/ml, sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 64.7% (AUC = 0.672; 95% CI: 0.530–0.815, p = .040). Conclusion There is a strong independent association between subclinical atherosclerosis and PCSK9 in patients with BD. There may be no independent association between PCSK9 and disease activity.

Role of Bevacizumab on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Apolipoprotein E Deficient Mice after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is believed to play a key role in TBI and to be overexpressed in the absence of apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, demonstrated neuroprotective activity in several models of TBI. However, the effects of bevacizumab on Apo-E deficient mice are not well studied. The present study aimed to evaluate VEGF expression and the effects of bevacizumab on BBB and neuroinflammation in ApoE−/− mice undergoing TBI. Furthermore, for the first time, this study evaluates the effects of bevacizumab on the long-term consequences of TBI, such as atherosclerosis. The results showed that motor deficits induced by controlled cortical impact (CCI) were accompanied by increased brain edema and VEGF expression. Treatment with bevacizumab significantly improved motor deficits and significantly decreased VEGF levels, as well as brain edema compared to the control group. Furthermore, the results showed that bevacizumab preserves the integrity of the BBB and reduces the neuroinflammation induced by TBI. Regarding the effects of bevacizumab on atherosclerosis, it was observed for the first time that its ability to modulate VEGF in the acute phase of head injury prevents the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the present study demonstrates not only the neuroprotective activity of bevacizumab but also its action on the vascular consequences related to TBI.