Arterial Stiffness In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Sexual function scores are associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been suggested to be correlated with the burden of cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the possible association between functional indices of vascular function and FSD scores in apparently healthy postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 116 postmenopausal women who underwent assessment of endothelial function with measurement of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the branchial artery and arterial stiffness estimation with measurement of the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). We used the Greene Climacteric Scale to evaluate vasomotor symptomatology, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to evaluate FSD and the Beck Depression Inventory to evaluate mood disorder. Low sexual function was defined as an FSFI score <26.55. These included FSFI and low sexual function scores as well as measures of PWV and FMD. Sexual function scores were associated with measures of blood pressure (normal vs low sexual function; systolic blood pressure: 120.2 ± 15.0 mm Hg vs 113.4 ± 14.6 mm Hg; analysis of covariance P = .026; diastolic blood pressure: 75.9 ± 10.5 mm Hg vs 70.3 ± 9.9 mm Hg; analysis of covariance P = .012; both adjusted for age, body mass index, current smoking, and PWV). Systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure, was associated with FSFI (B = 0.249, P = .041) and PWV (B = 0.392, P < .001). PWV measures were associated with FSFI (B = -0.291, P = .047) and pulse pressure (B = 0.355, P = .017). FMD measures were also associated with FSFI (B = 0.427, P = .033). All models were adjusted for age, body mass index, current smoking, insulin resistance, vasomotor symptomatology, and Beck Depression Inventory. Our findings demonstrate that lower scores of sexual function are associated with deteriorated vascular function mainly manifested as arterial stiffening, further contributing to systolic blood pressure changes. The strength of this study is the carefully selected healthy sample of postmenopausal women, with simultaneous assessment of climacteric symptomatology and mood disorders. The limitations include the small sample size, the cross-sectional design, and the recruitment of consecutive outpatients of a university menopause clinic. Longitudinal studies and interventions to improve FSD should further assess the clinical relevance of these findings.

Beneficial effects of one-year menaquinone-7 supplementation on vascular stiffness and blood pressure in post-menopausal women

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 35% of total deaths worldwide. Sex hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, have a cardiovascular protective role in women. After menopause, women are more prone to hypertension and vascular stiffness, accelerated vascular aging and risk for CVD. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) is a fat-soluble vitamin K2 and serves as cofactor for vitamin K-dependent protein carboxylation. The vitamin K-dependent matrix Gla protein (MGP) is synthesized in the vasculature and has shown to inhibit vascular calcification and stiffness. Purpose To investigate effects of MK-7 on vascular stiffness in pre/peri- versus post-menopausal women. Methods In a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical intervention trial (NCT02404519), 166 women (age 40-70; dephosphorylated-undercarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) &amp;gt; 400 pmol/L at baseline) received daily 180 µg of MK-7 (n=83) or a matching placebo (n=83) for one year. Blood was sampled during intake (inclusion/exclusion), at baseline and at the end of the study to determine dp-ucMGP levels. Regional carotid-femoral (cf-PWV) and carotid-radial (cr-PWV) pulse wave velocities, vessel wall characteristics (e.g., intima-media thickness, arterial diameter, and local carotid artery PWV (caPWV), and arterial blood pressure were measured at baseline and after one year of vitamin K2 supplementation. Pre/peri- and post-menopausal women were sub-divided according to arterial stiffness (high b-stiffness index: &amp;gt; overall median 9.83). Results Post-hoc analyses showed a significant decrease in dp-ucMGP plasma levels of MK-7 supplemented pre/peri-menopausal (n=34; -8.58% ± 27.65; p=0.009) and post-menopausal women (n=48; -13.40% ± 27.45; p&amp;lt;0.001). At baseline, vascular parameters were significantly increased in post-menopausal women compared to pre/peri-menopausal women, e.g., intima media thickness (p=0.013), carotid artery diameter (p=0.007), and caPWV (p=0.012). MK-7 treatment significantly attenuated vascular stiffness in post-menopausal women (Young’s modulus; placebo +49.14% ± 77.38; MK-7 +9.38% ± 67.10; p=0.044). Post-menopausal women with a high stiffness index showed significantly improved vascular markers after MK-7 treatment, e.g., decreased blood pressure at brachialis (-3.03% ± 9.04; p=0.012), decreased blood pressure at carotid artery (-4.49% ± 11.66; p=0.008), increased distensibility coefficient (+13.25% ± 32.34; p=0.040), and increased compliance coefficient (±12.66% ± 32.64; p=0.040). Conclusions Our results confirm that hormonal changes affect the vasculature, and that post-menopausal women suffer from increased vascular stiffness reflected by functional vascular damage. Further, MK-7 supplementation significantly attenuates arterial stiffness in post-menopausal women, in which women with increased stiffness benefit most on blood pressure. Further research is needed to unravel the mechanisms by which MK-7 executes this beneficial role in post-menopausal women.

The association between muscle mass indices, irisin and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women

Introduction: The prevalence of sarcopenia differs per age group and gender. Non-invasive muscle mass indices like mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) have been considered indicators of sarcopenia and predictors of overall mortality. Cross-talk between fat and muscle tissue is likely to be facilitated by myokines, like irisin, which is also implicated in vascular reactivity. We aimed to assess the association between MAMC, MUAC triceps skinfold (TSF) with irisin, and arterial stiffness in a sample of postmenopausal women.

Sexual dysfunction is associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women

Sexual dysfunction is associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women

Arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension

Background. It was established that the prevalence of reduced bone mineral density is significantly higher among patients with arterial hypertension compared to healthy subjects. The purpose of the research was to study arterial stiffness and central aortic pressure in women with arterial hypertension combined with osteoporosis. Materials and methods. 88 postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension (average age 62.7±3.8 years) were included in the study, of which 35 women with osteoporosis (OP) according to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data (group 1) and 33 without it (group 2). The control group consisted of 20practically healthy women without arterial hypertension and OP. Before the start of the study, the patients did not regularly receive antihypertensive drugs. In addition to conventional studies, daily blood pressure monitoring, applanation tonometry, and DXA were performed. Statistical processing was performed using the Statistica 10.0 software package using standard variational statistics algorithms. Results. It was found that in group 1, the levels of office systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were by 3.7 and 4.9% (p &lt; 0.05) higher than in group 2. According to daily blood pressure monitoring, a more pronounced increase in average daily SBP and DBP by 4.1 and 6.6% (p &lt; 0.05) was observed in group 1 compared to group 2. It was found that in group 1, compared to the control group and group 2, an increase in pulse wave velocity was detected by 37.2 and 26.4%, respectively. Conclusions. In women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in combination with arterial hypertension according to data of office measurement, daily monitoring blood pressure and data of applanation tonometry, blood pressure levels and parameters of arterial stiffness were significantly higher than in patients with arterial hypertension without osteoporosis.

Effects of Acute Aquatic High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise on Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women with Different ACE Genotypes.

The present study investigated the effects of acute aquatic high-intensity intermittent jumping (HIIJ) on blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with different angiotensin-converting enzyme genotypes (ACE). We recruited 12 postmenopausal women carrying the ACE deletion/deletion (DD) genotype and 61 carrying the insertion/insertion or insertion/deletion (II/ID) genotype. The participants performed 12 trials of 30 s, 75% heart rate reserve (HRR) jumping, and 60 s, 50% HRR recovery, and 3 trials of 40 s upper limb resistance exercises were performed as fast as possible. The heart rate (HR) and BP were measured before exercise, immediately, 10 min, and 45 min after exercise. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured before and after exercise. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of the DD genotype increased more significantly than those with the II/ID genotype post-exercise (30.8 ± 4.48 vs. 20.4 ± 2.00 mmHg, p = 0.038). The left and right sides of baPWV increased significantly after exercise (1444.8 ± 29.54 vs. 1473.4 ± 32.36 cm/s, p = 0.020; 1442.1 ± 30.34 vs. 1472.0 ± 33.09, p = 0.011), and there was no significant difference between the two groups. The HIIJ increased baPWV. The postmenopausal women with the DD genotype have a higher SBP increased post-exercise than those with II/ID genotype. These findings suggest that the aquatic exercise program has better effects in decreasing blood pressure in postmenopausal women with the II/ID genotype. Those with the DD genotype should pay attention to the risk of increasing blood pressure after aquatic HIIJ exercise.

Effects of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Training on Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of combined resistance and aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. Two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Only seven studies met the eligibility criteria, and their outcomes were presented. Four studies demonstrated the effects of combined resistance and aerobic training, while three showed the effectiveness of exercise with both training components, aerobic and resistance. In all studies, arterial stiffness was measured by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Participants were middle-aged or older postmenopausal women of various health statuses (hypertensive, with comorbidities or healthy). The results unequivocally show that combined training reduces arterial stiffness. The most important finding of this review paper is that the applied type of exercise decreased baPWV in the range of 0.6–2.1 m/s. Moreover, combined resistance and aerobic exercise for 12 weeks, performed three times a week for about 60 min per training session, at a moderate intensity (40–60% HRR or HRmax), may be clinically meaningful to the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, we can say that combined resistance and aerobic training, or exercise with resistance and aerobic components, have important health implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and the maintenance or improvement of health in middle-aged and older postmenopausal women with different health conditions.

Sleep Quality is associated with Central Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the associations between sleep quality and arterial stiffness in healthy postmenopausal women. A total of 31 healthy postmenopausal women aged between 50 and 74 years participated in this study. Objectively and subjectively measured sleep quantity and quality were concomitantly obtained by a waist-worn actigraphy, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and daily sleep diary. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and femoral-ankle PWV (faPWV) were measured as indices of arterial stiffness. Based on the PSQI score, the participants were divided into good (PSQI &lt; 5.5; n = 21) and poor (PSQI &gt; 5.5; n = 10) sleepers. Self-reported sleep duration was significantly longer in poor sleepers than in good sleepers. However, there was no difference in total sleep time measured by actigraphy between the two groups. Additionally, sleep latency and wake after sleep onset significantly increased, and sleep efficiency significantly decreased in poor sleepers than in good sleepers. The cfPWV and baPWV were significantly higher in poor sleepers than in good sleepers, even after adjustment for risk factors (i.e., age, blood pressure, and physical activity), but no difference in faPWV. These results suggest that decreased sleep quality is associated with an increase in central arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

Physical activity is associated with lower arterial stiffness in normal-weight postmenopausal women.

The impact of physical exercise, as preventative measure, to control the progression of cardiovascular disease in midlife remains under investigation. We aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of intensity of physical activity on metabolic and vascular profile in healthy postmenopausal women. A total of 625 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 57.7±7.6years) were evaluated using the short IPAQ questionnaire for quantification of physical activity. The energy expenditure was estimated in metabolic equivalent of energy (MET) hours per week. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness. Intima-media thickness of both right and left common carotid artery, carotid bulb and internal carotid artery, and combined carotid IMT were also assessed by non-invasive and well-validated methods. Mean values of PWV decreased linearly with increasing intensity of physical activity (classes of physical activity: sedentary vs walking vs moderate vs vigorous activity: 9.07±1.22m/s vs 9.12±1.72m/s vs 8.47±1.31m/s vs 7.94±0.40m/s, ANOVA P for linear trend .003). In non-obese postmenopausal women, PWV values associated with: (a) the total number of METs (b-coefficient=-0.261, P=.002) as well as with SBP; (b) or with the number of moderate METs (b-coefficient=-0.192, P=.025) as well as with age and SBP. No significant associations were observed between the intensity of physical exercise and arterial stiffness in the overweight-obese group. Physical activity is negatively associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with normal weight. This association was not observed in overweight or obese women.

Effects of Cocoa-Rich Chocolate on Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the intake of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate on blood pressure, other cardiovascular risk factors, and vascular structure and function in postmenopausal women. A total of 140 postmenopausal women participated in this randomized and controlled parallel clinical trial. For six months, the intervention group (IG; n = 73) consumed daily 10 g of chocolate (99% cocoa) added to their usual food intake, whereas the control group (CG; n = 67) did not receive any intervention. Blood pressure, pulse pressure (PP), cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), ankle-brachial index (ABI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), augmentation index, and laboratory variables were measured at baseline and six months. ANCOVA analyses adjusted for baseline values revealed no significant differences for systolic blood pressure (−1.45 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval (CI): −4.79, 1.88; p = 0.391) or baPWV (0.18 m/s; 95% CI: −0.14, 0.50; p = 0.263) between groups. A decrease in PP was observed in the IG compared to the CG (−2.05 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.08, −0.02; p = 0.048). The rest of the vascular structure and function parameters and other measured variables remained unchanged. The daily intake of 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate seems to provide little improvement to cardiovascular health, but neither does it cause any adverse effects on the parameters evaluated in postmenopausal women in the long term.

P107 Endothelial Dysfunction Associated with Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity

BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction (ED) represents an initial step of “vascular failure” [1]; several factors affect the functionality of the endothelium. Obesity [2] and estrogen deficiency [3] are independently associated with this. The early detection of ED is essential to intervene and prevent its progression. One of the most promising methods to assess vascular endothelial function is the measurement of endothelium- dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) [1]. Similarly, pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered as a predictive value for the stratification of vascular risk [4], however, progression between endothelial events and arterial stiffness continues to be examined.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with obesity.MethodsDescriptive study of 19 postmenopausal women with grade I and II obesity, without associated comorbidities. Participants were classified into one of two groups: with ED (FMD < 6%) or non-ED (FMD > 6%). The hemodynamic metabolic, hormonal and arterial stiffness parameters were evaluated.ResultsThe group with ED (n = 10) compared to the non-ED group (n = 9) presented age 57.30 ± 4.80 vs 52.40 ± 5.70 years (p = NS); BMI 34.75 ± 2.06 vs 33.06 ± 2.51 kg/m2 (p = NS). Statically significant findings include: FSH 35.43 ± 11.04 vs 55.19 ± 19.27 mUI/ml (p = 0.018); PWV 9.18 ± 1.84 vs 7.52 ± 1.26 m/s (p = 0.041); central SBP 135 ± 15.90 vs 120 ± 18.2 mmHg (p = 0.041). We also measure estradiol, QIMT, SBP, DBP, PP, AIx, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides, no significant differences were observed.ConclusionWe can conclude that in the group with endothelial dysfunction the PWV and the cSBP are higher with a significant difference.

Taekwondo training reduces blood catecholamine levels and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with stage-2 hypertension: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACTObjective: Menopause is associated with a progressive impairment of vascular function and muscular strength in women. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine if Taekwondo training could improve blood catecholamine levels, arterial stiffness, blood pressure (BP) and skeletal muscle strength in postmenopausal women with stage-2 hypertension.Methods: 20 postmenopausal women (70 ± 4 years old) with stage-2 hypertension were randomly assigned to a 1) Taekwondo training (TT; n = 10) or 2) Control (CON; n = 10) group. Taekwondo training was performed for 60 minutes/day, 3 days/week for 12-weeks.Results: There were significant (P < 0.05) group by time interactions for resting epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE) levels, with EP decreasing in the TT group and NE increasing in the CON group. Additionally, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, resting heart rate, and BP were significantly decreased, while hand grip and leg strength were significantly increased in the TT group compared to CON group.Conclusion: These results suggest that Taekwondo training can be a novel and beneficial mode of exercise for improving cardiovascular function and muscular strength in this population.Abbreviations: TT: Taekwondo training group; CON: control group; EP: epinephrine; NE: norepinephrine; ANS: autonomic nervous system; SNS: sympathetic nervous system; baPWV: brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity

Arterial stiffness is increased in nondiabetic, nonhypertensive postmenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and arterial stiffness in nondiabetic, nonhypertensive postmenopausal women with and without metabolic syndrome. We divided 1007 postmenopausal women into two groups (NAFLD and controls) and then three groups (NAFLD with metabolic syndrome, NAFLD without metabolic syndrome, and controls), respectively. To exclude the influence of confounding factors, we studied a specifically selected group with no additional cardiovascular risk. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were measured in all study patients and controls. Patients with NAFLD had significantly greater CIMT than did controls (P < 0.001). cf-PWV was also significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than in controls (P < 0.001). We found significantly decreased FMD in patients with NAFLD than in control patients (P < 0.001). Although patients with NAFLD and metabolic syndrome had greater CIMT and cf-PWV and less FMD than healthy patients did (P < 0.05), there were no significant differences in CIMT, cf-PWV, and FMD (P > 0.05) between patients with NAFLD with and without metabolic syndrome. The presence of NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women, independent of the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Non-HDL cholesterol is a good predictor of the risk of increased arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women in an urban Brazilian population

OBJECTIVES:Increased arterial stiffness is an important determinant of the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lipid profile impairment, especially hypercholesterolemia, is associated with stiffer blood vessels. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine which of the five circulating lipid components (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides) is the best predictor of increased arterial stiffness in an urban Brazilian population.METHODS:A random sample of 1,662 individuals from the general population of Vitoria, Brazil (25-64 years), was selected, and lipid components were measured using standard methods. Pulse wave velocity was measured using a non-invasive automatic device, and increased arterial stiffness was defined as a pulse wave velocity ≥10 m/s.RESULTS:In men, only total cholesterol (OR=1.59; CI=1.02 to 2.48, p=0.04) was associated with the risk of increased arterial stiffness. In women, HDL-C (OR=1.99; CI=1.18 to 3.35, p=0.01) and non-HDL-C (OR=1.61; CI=1.01 to 2.56, p=0.04) were good predictors of the risk of increased arterial stiffness. However, these associations were only found in postmenopausal women (OR=2.06; CI=1.00 to 4.26, p=0.05 for HDL-C and OR=1.83; CI=1.01 to 3.33, p=0.04 for non-HDL-C).CONCLUSION:Our findings indicate that both HDL-C and non-HDL-C are good predictors of the risk of increased arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women in an urban Brazilian population and may be useful tools for assessing the risk of arterial stiffness.

Reduced muscle mass and accumulation of visceral fat are independently associated with increased arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundSeveral studies showed that sarcopenia and visceral obesity are associated with arterial stiffness. Thus, their coexistence may be a crucial risk factor of arteriosclerosis. However, little is known about the cross relationships among muscle mass, visceral fat mass, and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MethodsWe recruited 97 postmenopausal women with T2DM and examine the association of muscle mass and visceral fat mass with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Relative skeletal muscle mass index (RSMI) and %trunk fat were evaluated by whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Subcutaneous and visceral fat areas were measured by computed tomography. ResultsMultiple regression analyses adjusted for age, duration of T2DM, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, HbA1c, serum creatinine, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, uric acid, and the usage of anti-hypertensive drug showed that RSMI was negatively associated with baPWV (β=−0.40, p=0.027), while %trunk fat and visceral fat area were positively associated with it (β=0.29, p=0.004 and β=0.51, p=0.001, respectively). Moreover, after additional adjustment for RSMI, %trunk fat and visceral fat area were positively associated with baPWV (β=0.26, p=0.010 and β=0.46, p=0.003, respectively) although the association between RSMI and baPWV became marginal after additional adjustment for %trunk fat or visceral fat area (β=−0.30, p=0.146 and β=−0.30, p=0.085, respectively). ConclusionsReduced muscle mass and increased visceral fat are independently associated with increased arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Habitual cocoa intake reduces arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women regardless of intake frequency: a randomized parallel-group study.

Arterial stiffness is substantially higher in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. Daily cocoa intake has been shown to reduce central arterial stiffness in health adults, regardless of age; however, the effect of cocoa-intake frequency on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cocoa-intake frequency on arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women. A total of 26 postmenopausal women (mean age ± standard deviation 64±12 years) were randomly assigned to two groups with different cocoa-intake frequencies: one group ingested 17 g of cocoa once daily except on Sundays (every-day group, n=13), and the other ingested 17 g of cocoa twice daily every other day (every-other-day group, n=13). These intake regimens were maintained in both groups for 12 weeks. Carotid–femoral pulse-wave velocity and femoral–ankle pulse-wave velocity were measured in both groups at baseline and again at the end of the 12-week study period. Compared to baseline, both pulse-wave velocities had significantly decreased after the 12-week study period in both groups (P<0.05). However, no significant difference in degree of change was observed between the two groups. Although this study did not include a sedentary control group, these results suggest that regardless of frequency, habitual cocoa intake reduces central and peripheral arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.

Circulating concentrations of vitamin E isomers: Association with bone turnover and arterial stiffness in post-menopausal women

The effects of vitamin E on cardiovascular and bone health are conflicting with beneficial and detrimental findings reported. To investigate this further, we carried out a cross-sectional study to determine the relationship between circulating concentrations of the 2 vitamin E isomers, α- and γ-tocopherol (TP) with bone turnover and arterial stiffness.Two hundred and seventy eight post-menopausal women with mean age [SD] 60.9 [6.0] years were studied. Fasting serum α-TP and γ-TP, bone turnover markers; procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), parathyroid hormone (PTH), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central augmentation index (AI) as markers of arterial stiffness were also determined.A positive correlation was observed between α-TP and γ-TP (r=0.14, p=0.022). A significant negative association between α-TP and P1NP only was seen in multiple linear regression analysis following adjustment for serum TC and TG (p=0.016). In a full multi-linear regression model, following correction for age, years since menopause, smoking habits, alcohol intake, use of calcium supplements, BMI, PTH, serum calcium, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the association between α-TP and P1NP remained significant (p=0.011). We did not observe any significant association between γ-TP or α-TP/γ-TP ratio with P1NP or CTX. P1NP was significantly lower in subjects with α-TP concentrations of >30μmol/L (α-TP >30μmol/L; P1NP: 57.5 [20.7], α-TP<30μmol/L; P1NP: 65.7 [24.9] μg/L, p=0.005). PWV was significantly associated with α-TP/γ-TP ratio (p=0.04) but not with serum α-TP or γ-TP in a full multi-linear regression model adjusting for serum lipids, age, and blood pressure. The data suggest that high serum concentrations of α-TP may have a negative effect on bone formation. The balance of α-TP and γ-TP may be important in maintaining arterial compliance. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the impact of the vitamin E isomers on bone and cardiovascular health.

Flavanones protect from arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women consuming grapefruit juice for 6 mo: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial

The consumption of citrus fruits is associated with health benefits. However, clinical data regarding the effects of grapefruit flavanone consumption on vascular function are lacking. The objective of the present study was to address the role of flavanones in the long-term effects induced by grapefruit juice (GFJ) consumption on vascular function in healthy postmenopausal women. Forty-eight healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-65 y within 3-10 y since menopause, a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 19-30, and a waist size >88 cm completed this double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial. These volunteers were randomly assigned to consume 340 mL GFJ/d, providing 210 mg naringenin glycosides, or a matched control drink without flavanones for 6 mo each, with a 2-mo washout between beverages. The primary endpoint was the assessment of endothelial function in the brachial artery by using flow-mediated dilation. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function in the peripheral arterial bed were also evaluated as indicators of vascular function. These measurements and blood collection for clinical biochemical markers were performed in overnight-fasted subjects before and after the 6-mo treatment periods. The mean ± SD carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, which reflects central aortic stiffness, was statistically significantly lower after consumption of GFJ (7.36 ± 1.15 m/s) than after consumption of the matched control drink without flavanones (7.70 ± 1.36 m/s), with a P value of 0.019 for the treatment effect. Endothelial function in macro- and microcirculation, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, glucose metabolism, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were not affected by the intervention. Regular GFJ consumption by middle-aged, healthy postmenopausal women is beneficial for arterial stiffness. This effect may be related to flavanones present in grapefruit. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01272167.

Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is associated with arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

ObjectiveSystemic inflammation may be a common mechanism for the development of osteoporosis (OP) and atherosclerosis. Elevated arterial stiffness is an index of subclinical atherosclerosis. Recent studies found that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), is a useful marker of cardiovascular disease and a more powerful predictor than any other leukocyte subtypes. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the relationship between NLR and arterial stiffness measured by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between NLR and baPWV in 512 subjects. ResultsCompared to the control subjects, NLR and baPWV increased in patients with OP. Partial correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between NLR and baPWV after adjusting for confounding factors in OP. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that NLR was a significant factor for increased baPWV in patients with OP (β=0.249, p<0.001). However, there was no association between NLR and baPWV in control subjects. ConclusionNLR and baPWV are elevated in OP. Moreover, NLR is independently associated with baPWV. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether anti-inflammatory treatment could improve arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with OP.

Daily Blueberry Consumption Improves Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women with Pre- and Stage 1-Hypertension: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundPostmenopausal women have a high prevalence of hypertension and often develop arterial stiffness thereby increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Although antihypertensive drug therapies exist, increasing numbers of people prefer natural therapies. In vivo studies and a limited number of clinical studies have demonstrated the antihypertensive and vascular-protective effects of blueberries. ObjectiveTo examine the effects of daily blueberry consumption for 8 weeks on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension. DesignThis was an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants/settingForty-eight postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension recruited from the greater Tallahassee, FL, area participated. InterventionParticipants were randomly assigned to receive either 22 g freeze-dried blueberry powder or 22 g control powder. Main outcome measuresResting brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressures were evaluated and arterial stiffness was assessed using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. C-reactive protein, nitric oxide, and superoxide dismutase were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Statistical analyses performedStatistical analysis was performed using a split plot model of repeated measures analysis of variance. ResultsAfter 8 weeks, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (131±17 mm Hg [P<0.05] and 75±9 mm Hg [P<0.01], respectively) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (1,401±122 cm/second; P<0.01) were significantly lower than baseline levels (138±14 mm Hg, 80±7 mm Hg, and 1,498±179 cm/second, respectively), with significant (P<0.05) group×time interactions in the blueberry powder group, whereas there were no changes in the group receiving the control powder. Nitric oxide levels were greater (15.35±11.16 μmol/L; P<0.01) in the blueberry powder group at 8 weeks compared with baseline values (9.11±7.95 μmol/L), whereas there were no changes in the control group. ConclusionsDaily blueberry consumption may reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness, which may be due, in part, to increased nitric oxide production.