Blood Passage Time Research Articles

Effects of L-arginine on impaired blood fluidity after high-intensity exercise: An in vitro evaluation.

Exercise-induced impairment of blood fluidity is considered to be associated with thrombosis development. However, the effects of L-arginine on blood fluidity after exercise remain unclear. We investigated the mechanisms of impaired blood fluidity after high-intensity exercise, and examined whether L-arginine improves exercise-induced blood fluidity impairment in vitro. Ten healthy male participants performed 15 minutes of ergometer exercise at 70% of their peak oxygen uptake levels. Blood samples were obtained before and after exercise. L-arginine and NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA)-a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor-were added to the post-exercise blood samples. Using Kikuchi's microchannel method, we measured the blood passage time, percentage of obstructed microchannels, and the number of adherent white blood cells (WBCs) on the microchannel terrace. Exercise increased the hematocrit levels. The blood passage times, percentage of obstructed microchannels, and the number of adherent WBCs on the microchannel terrace increased after exercise; however, they decreased in a dose-dependent manner after the addition of L-arginine. L-NMMA inhibited the L-arginine-induced decrease in blood passage time. High-intensity exercise impairs blood fluidity by inducing hemoconcentration along with increasing platelet aggregation and WBC adhesion. The L-arginine-NO pathway improves blood fluidity impairment after high-intensity exercise in vitro.

Clinical Significance of the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Postmenopausal Women With Hypercholesterolemia

Background: The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a physiological indicator of arterial elasticity. However, limited information regarding the clinical significance of the CAVI in patients with hypercholesterolemia is available. This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of the CAVI for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: A total of 168 untreated postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥ 140 mg/dL, mean age ± standard deviation, 63 ± 10 years) with no history of CVD events were enrolled. The CAVI was measured using commercial devices, after which, its relationships with various clinical parameters, such as carotid artery ultrasonography findings and CVD biomarkers, were examined. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the CAVI and maximum intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (max-C-IMT), which was evaluated using carotid artery ultrasonography (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). Regarding CVD biomarkers, the CAVI was significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.18, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), whole blood passage time as a marker of blood rheology (r = 0.41, P < 0.001), and skin autofluorescence as a marker of advanced glycation end products in tissues (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), although no significant correlation was noted between serum lipid parameters and the CAVI. Multiple regression analysis identified max-C-IMT (β = 0.35, P < 0.001), whole blood passage time (β = 0.18, P = 0.007), skin autofluorescence (β = 0.17, P = 0.011), and age (β = 0.16, P = 0.018) as variables independently associated with CAVI. Conclusion: The present study indicated that the CAVI is an essential CVD risk factor among postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, impaired blood rheology and increase of skin autofluorescence were associated with elevated CAVI in such patients. J Clin Med Res. 2021;13(5):276-282 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4509

Clinical Significance of the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Postmenopausal Women With Hypercholesterolemia.

BackgroundThe cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a physiological indicator of arterial elasticity. However, limited information regarding the clinical significance of the CAVI in patients with hypercholesterolemia is available. This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of the CAVI for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia.MethodsA total of 168 untreated postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥ 140 mg/dL, mean age ± standard deviation, 63 ± 10 years) with no history of CVD events were enrolled. The CAVI was measured using commercial devices, after which, its relationships with various clinical parameters, such as carotid artery ultrasonography findings and CVD biomarkers, were examined.ResultsA significant positive correlation was observed between the CAVI and maximum intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (max-C-IMT), which was evaluated using carotid artery ultrasonography (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). Regarding CVD biomarkers, the CAVI was significantly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.18, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), whole blood passage time as a marker of blood rheology (r = 0.41, P < 0.001), and skin autofluorescence as a marker of advanced glycation end products in tissues (r = 0.46, P < 0.001), although no significant correlation was noted between serum lipid parameters and the CAVI. Multiple regression analysis identified max-C-IMT (β = 0.35, P < 0.001), whole blood passage time (β = 0.18, P = 0.007), skin autofluorescence (β = 0.17, P = 0.011), and age (β = 0.16, P = 0.018) as variables independently associated with CAVI.ConclusionThe present study indicated that the CAVI is an essential CVD risk factor among postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, impaired blood rheology and increase of skin autofluorescence were associated with elevated CAVI in such patients.

Clinically feasible method for assessing leukocyte rheology in whole blood

This study reports a novel method for assessment of leukocyte rheological activation with a new designed microchannel array chip to mimic the human microvascular network for microchannel array flow analysis (MCFAN). Study subjects were 79 healthy volunteers and 42 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 36 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Using the anticoagulants heparin and ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-2Na which inhibits platelets and leukocytes by chelating Ca2+, we were able to quantify leukocyte rheological activation by the subtraction of passage time of blood treated with both heparin and EDTA-2Na from that of blood treated with heparin only. We confirmed that passage times of whole blood with heparin + EDTA-2Na were always shorter than those of whole blood with only heparin in healthy subjects and patients with DM or ACS under suction pressures of − 30 cmH2O. There was a significant correlation between delta whole blood passage time {(heparin tube) − (EDTA-2Na + heparin)} and serum levels of myeloperoxidase and adhesive leukocyte number, respectively, even in blood from patients with DM or ACS, who suffered from inflammation. In conclusion we have developed a clinically feasible method for assessing leukocyte rheological activation in whole blood in ex vivo.

L-cysteine improves blood fluidity impaired by acetaldehyde: In vitro evaluation.

Blood fluidity is reportedly influenced by the volume and function of blood cells and plasma and is a predictor of primary cardiovascular events in patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Heavy alcohol consumption was shown to be associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. Acetaldehyde (ACD), an oxidizing substance formed from ethanol, reportedly stimulates monocyte adhesion, causes abnormalities in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane, and decreases RBC deformability. In addition, it was reported that blood ACD levels are reduced in mice pretreated with L-cysteine. However, there are no studies on the effect of ACD and/or L-cysteine on blood fluidity. In the present study, we evaluated whether ACD impairs blood fluidity. In addition, the effect of L-cysteine on blood fluidity impaired by ACD was examined. Blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy, non-smoking, male volunteers (age: 23.4 ± 1.2 years, body mass index: 21.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2). ACD or ACD and L-cysteine were added to the blood samples before each experiment. We measured the passage time of 100 μL blood and RBC suspension using Kikuchi’s microchannel method. Percentage of microchannel obstruction and the number of adherent white blood cells (WBCs) on microchannel terrace were counted. The blood passage time, percentage of microchannel obstruction, and numbers of adherent WBCs on the microchannel terrace increased after adding ACD in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas they decreased after adding ACD and L-cysteine in a L-cysteine concentration-dependent manner. No significant effects were observed in passage time for 100 μL RBC suspension after adding ACD and L-cysteine. This study suggested that blood fluidity impaired by ACD might improve after adding L-cysteine.

Clinical Significance of Low Blood Testosterone Concentration in Men as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor From the Perspective of Blood Rheology.

BackgroundRecent clinical studies have indicated the importance of low blood testosterone concentration or whole blood passage time (WBPT) which reflects blood rheology as a cardiovascular risk factor. On the contrary, there are no reports regarding the association of blood testosterone concentrations and WBPT. This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of low blood testosterone concentration in men as a cardiovascular risk factor from the perspective of blood rheology using WBPT.MethodsIn total, 382 male patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factor and no history of cardiovascular disease (age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), 64 ± 10 years) were enrolled. Serum total testosterone concentration (T-T) was measured as a marker of testosterone level in vivo, and WBPT was also measured using microchannel array flow analyzer as a commercial device. The relationship between T-T and WBPT was evaluated.ResultsThere was a significantly negative correlation between T-T and WBPT (r = -0.45; P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that T-T (β = -0.25; P < 0.001) could be selected as an independent variable when WBPT was used as a subordinate factor. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the result of the previous report that determined WBPT of > 72.4 s as a risk for incidence of primary cardiovascular disease, T-T of < 551.4 ng/dL is the optimal cut-off point for discriminating high WBPT.ConclusionsThe study results showed that T-T is independently and inversely associated with WBPT in male patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factor and no history of cardiovascular disease. In addition, this study suggests that the incidence of primary cardiovascular events can be prevented by maintaining T-T at approximately ≥ 550 ng/dL from the perspective of blood rheology.

Clinical Significance of Skin Autofluorescence in Elderly Patients With Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

BackgroundRecent clinical studies have demonstrated the importance of skin autofluorescence as a cardiovascular risk factor. However, data regarding the relationship between skin autofluorescence and atrial fibrillation are limited. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of skin autofluorescence in elderly patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 112 elderly patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation who were treated medically (46 men and 66 women; mean age, 81 ± 9 years). The association between skin autofluorescence and various clinical parameters was examined.ResultsSignificant relationships were observed between skin autofluorescence and CHADS2 score (r = 0.53, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T level (r = 0.43, P < 0.001), reactive oxygen metabolite levels (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), and whole blood passage time (r = 0.45, P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple regression analyses showed that these clinical parameters were independent variables when skin autofluorescence was used as a subordinate factor. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the risk values of skin autofluorescence for high CHADS2 scores (≥ 2) or elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels (> 0.014ng/mL) were 2.6 arbitrary units (AU) and 2.7 AU, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicated that skin autofluorescence may be a prognostic factor in elderly patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The risk value of skin autofluorescence was considered as 2.6 AU or 2.7 AU.

Effect of diet on blood viscosity in healthy humans: a systematic review.

BackgroundIncreased whole blood viscosity is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality of several life-threatening diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The effect of diet on human health has been indicated in many studies, and a health dietary pattern can reduce the incidence of several chronic diseases.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of diet on blood viscosity and related parameters such as haematocrit (HCT).MethodsThis systematic review was carried out in 2017. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 2 May 2017. We selected and included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in the study. The inclusion criteria were articles that describe the effect of any types of local and traditional diet on blood viscosity in apparently healthy individuals.ResultsThree randomized controlled trials were included in this systematic review. Different diets were used in the included trials. In one study, ingested dried–bonito broth (DBB) for four weeks, significantly reduced the blood passage time in the intervention group from 55.4±3.4 to 47.6±2.0 sec (mean ± SEM, p<0.05) compared with no significant change in the placebo group. Another study has shown significantly increased blood fluidity score in a vegetarian group in contrast to the control group after six weeks. In the last study, plasma viscosity was significantly decreased in a group which used onion–olive-oil capsules compared to the placebo group, with a highly significant difference between the two groups (p=0.0015).ConclusionsOur components of food diets may decrease blood viscosity in health status. Better and expanded methodology may improve our results.

Usefulness of the Whole Blood Passage Time as a Predictor of Primary Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

BackgroundRecent clinical studies have reported that impaired hemorheology is a significant cardiovascular risk factor, but there has been no prospective study of its relationship with cardiovascular events. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of whole blood passage time (WBPT), measured by a microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN), as a predictor of primary cardiovascular events in patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThe study enrolled 1,134 outpatients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors but no history of cardiovascular events (438 men and 696 women; mean ± standard deviation age, 67 ± 11 years). Based on the value of WBPT, the patients were assigned to one of three groups: L (low, WBPT < 50 s; n = 499), M (medium, WBPT 50 - 70 s; n = 295), or H (high, WBPT > 70 s; n = 340). The utility of the WBPT as a predictor of primary cardiovascular events was evaluated.ResultsDuring the follow-up period (median 81.9 months), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 95 cases (L, 21 cases (4.2%); M, 24 cases (8.1%); H, 50 cases (14.7%); P < 0.001, log-rank test). In multivariate Cox regression analyses, the risk for MACE was significantly higher in group H than in group L (hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.31 - 3.20; P < 0.01). A WBPT cut-off of 72.4 s yielded the largest area under the curve of 0.705 (95% confidence interval: 0.678 - 0.732), with a sensitivity of 51.7% and specificity of 85.4% for discriminating between those who did and did not experience MACE during the follow-up period.ConclusionThis study showed that WBPT evaluated by a MC-FAN was a predictor of primary cardiovascular events in patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors Can Prevent Intravenous Lipid Infusion-Induced Myocardial Microvascular Dysfunction and Leukocyte Activation.

Levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in patients with diabetes and may contribute to endothelial dysfunction through renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation and oxidative stress. The present study investigated how systemic FFA loading affected myocardial microcirculation during hyperemia via RAS.Methods and Results:Eight healthy men received candesartan, perindopril, or a placebo for 2 days in a double-blind crossover design, and then myocardial microcirculation during hyperemia induced by a 2-h infusion of lipid/heparin was assessed using dipyridamole stress-myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE). Leukocyte activity and hemorheology were also assessed ex vivo using a microchannel flow analyzer, serum levels of oxidative stress markers, and IκB-α expression in mononuclear cells. Serum FFA elevation by the infusion of lipid/heparin significantly decreased myocardial capillary blood velocity and myocardial blood flow during hyperemia. Both candesartan and perindopril significantly prevented the FFA-induced decrease in capillary blood velocity and myocardial blood flow during hyperemia. Systemic FFA loading also caused an increase in the number of adherent leukocytes and prolonged the whole blood passage time. These effects were blocked completely by candesartan and partially by perindopril. Both agents prevented the FFA-induced enhancement of oxidative stress and IκB-α degradation in mononuclear cells. Both candesartan and perindopril can prevent FFA-induced myocardial microcirculatory dysfunction during hyperemia via modulation of leukocyte activation and microvascular endothelial function.

Clinical Impact of Hemorheology on Subclinical Myocardial Injury in Patients with Hypertension.

BackgroundThe blood concentration of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is a useful biomarker for myocardial injury or the pathogenesis of hypertension. Little is known about the relationship between hemorheology and myocardial injury in patients with hypertension. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the clinical impact of hemorheology on subclinical myocardial injury assessed with a microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN) and its impact on hs-cTnT in patients with hypertension.MethodsA total of 447 outpatients (men: 181; women: 266; mean age: 65 ± 13 years), with no history of cardiovascular disease, including admission for heart failure, who were undergoing treatment for hypertension, were enrolled. Whole blood passage time (WBPT) as a marker of hemorheology was measured with a MC-FAN, and the relationship between hs-cTnT levels and various clinical parameters, including WBPT, was examined.Resultshs-cTnT levels were detected in 400 patients (89.5%). WBPT was significantly higher in patients with detectable hs-cTnT levels than in those with undetectable hs-cTnT levels (60.5 ± 16.8 s versus 50.2 ± 14.2 s, P < 0.001). In patients with detectable hs-cTnT levels, there was a significant positive correlation between WBPT and hs-cTnT level (r = 0.33; P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that WBPT was an independent variable when hs-cTnT was a subordinate factor (β = 0.15; P < 0.01). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that a cutoff value for WBPT of 55.6 s yielded the largest area under the curve (0.744; P < 0.001) for discriminating high hs-cTnT levels as ≥ 0.014 ng/mL.ConclusionThe results indicate that WBPT is independently associated with hs-cTnT in hypertensive patients with no history of cardiovascular events, suggesting that impairment of hemorheology in small cardiac vessels causes subclinical myocardial injury. In addition, the study suggests that progression of myocardial injury can be prevented by maintaining WBPT at approximately ≤ 55 s.

Clinical Impact of Hemorheology Assessed Using the Microchannel Array Flow Analyzer on Renal Resistive Index in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The renal resistive index (RRI) assessed using ultrasonography is reportedly associated with not only kidney function but also cardiovascular disease incidence. In contrast, hemorheology assessed using the microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN) has demonstrated the significance of cardiovascular risk factors in recent clinical studies. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the clinical impact of hemorheology assessed using MC-FAN on RRI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the perspective of primary prevention of cardiovascular events. Methods: In total, 302 outpatients undergoing treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (121 males and 181 females; mean age ± standard deviation, 66 ± 12 years) with no history of cardiovascular diseases were enrolled. The whole blood passage time (WBPT) was assessed using MC-FAN as a marker of hemorheology, and the relationship between RRI and various clinical parameters including WBPT was examined. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between WBPT and RRI (correlation coefficient = 0.48; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the multiple regression analysis demonstrated that WBPT was selected as an independent variable for RRI as a subordinate factor (? = 0.37; P < 0.001). Patients with high WBPT (? 70 s) and median WBPT (50.2 - 69.6 s) had a significantly higher risk (odds ratio (OR): 7.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4 - 19.6; P < 0.01 and OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1 - 7.8; P < 0.05, respectively) of having a high RRI (? 0.70) than those with low WBPT (? 50.0 s). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that hemorheology assessed using MC-FAN is an important determining factor for RRI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we suggest that an increase in RRI can be prevented by maintaining WBPT ? 50.0 s. Further investigation of a large number of prospective studies, including intervention therapies, will be required to confirm the results of this study. J Endocrinol Metab. 2017;7(5):146-152 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem448w

Relationship Between Hemorheology Assessed Using Microchannel Array Flow Analyzer and Kidney Function in Hypertensive Patients.

BackgroundKidney function is known to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension. In contrast, hemorheology assessed using microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN) has demonstrated the significance of cardiovascular risk factors in recent clinical studies. The present cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the relationship between hemorheology assessed by MC-FAN and kidney function in hypertensive patients from the perspective of primary prevention of cardiovascular events.MethodsIn total, 453 outpatients undergoing treatment for hypertension (176 men and 277 women; mean age ± standard deviation: 65 ± 13 years) with no history of cardiovascular disease were enrolled. Whole blood passage time (WBPT) was measured using MC-FAN as a marker of hemorheology, and the relationships with various clinical parameters including kidney function were examined.ResultsA significant correlation was observed between WBPT and the parameters of kidney function such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.14, P < 0.01), urinary albumin excretion (r = 0.40, P < 0.001), and renal resistive index (r = 0.44, P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated urinary albumin excretion, renal resistive index, skin autofluorescence, derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites, and hematocrit as independent variables for WBPT as a subordinate factor.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that hemorheology assessed by the MC-FAN is significantly associated with markers of kidney function, such as albuminuria and increased renovascular resistance, in hypertensive patients.

Association of Hemorheology With High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Levels in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Assessed by Microchannel Array Flow Analyzer.

BackgroundRecent studies on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and whole blood passage time (WBPT), estimated by hemorheology assessed with the microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN), have revealed the significance of cardiovascular risk factors. However, there are no known reports on the relationship between these two clinical parameters. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the associations between WBPT and hs-cTnT levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the perspective of subclinical myocardial injury or the primary prevention of cardiovascular events.MethodsA total of 301 outpatients (men, 116; women, 185; mean age, 65 ± 11 years), with no history of cardiovascular diseases, undergoing treatment for diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Hs-cTnT levels and WBPT were measured using a commercial device, and the relationship between hs-cTnT levels and various clinical parameters, including WBPT, was examined.ResultsHs-cTnT levels were detected in 261 (86.7%) patients. WBPT was significantly higher in patients with detectable hs-cTnT levels than in those with undetectable hs-cTnT levels (64 ± 18 s vs. 51 ± 13 s, P < 0.001). In patients with detectable hs-cTnT levels, there was a significantly positive correlation between WBPT and hs-cTnT levels (r = 0.40; P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that WBPT (β = 0.24; P < 0.001) was an independent variable when hs-cTnT was a subordinate factor. Conversely, patients with high (≥ 70 s; odds ratio, 5.3 (95% CI, 1.6 - 16.1); P < 0.01) and median (50.2 - 69.8 s; odds ratio, 3.8 (95% CI, 1.2 - 12.4); P < 0.05) WBPT had a significantly higher risk for high hs-cTnT levels (≥ 0.014 ng/mL) than those with low WBPT (≤ 50.0 s).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated independent associations of hemorheology with hs-cTnT in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus assessed by MC-FAN. We suggest that an increase in hs-cTnT levels can be prevented by maintaining WBPT at ≤ 50.0 s.

Impact of Hemorheology Assessed by the Microchannel Method on Pulsatility Index of the Common Carotid Artery in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus is known to be closely associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. Recent clinical studies have reported that a high pulsatility index (PI) of the cerebral or carotid artery, which is estimated by ultrasonography, also reflects a risk of ischemic stroke. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the impact of hemorheology assessed by the microchannel method on the PI of the common carotid artery (CCA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in terms of the primary prevention of ischemic stroke.MethodsIn total, 349 outpatients on treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (131 men and 218 women; mean age ± standard deviation: 65 ± 11 years) with no history of cardiovascular events, including ischemic stroke, were enrolled. The whole blood passage time (WBPT) as a marker of hemorheology and the PI of CCA were measured using commercial devices, and their relationships to various clinical parameters were examined.ResultsA significant positive correlation was observed between WBPT and the PI of CCA (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that patients with high WBPT (≥70 s) had significantly higher risk (odds ratio: 5.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.4 - 9.2; P < 0.001) of being detected with a high PI of CCA (≥ 2) than those with low WBPT (≤ 52.0 s).ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that WBPT was an important determination factor for the PI of CCA, suggesting that an increase in WBPT can potentially predict the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Clinical Impact of Hemorheology Assessed Using the Microchannel Array Flow Analyzer on Renal Resistive Index in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The renal resistive index (RRI) assessed using ultrasonography is reportedly associated with not only kidney function but also cardiovascular disease incidence. In contrast, hemorheology assessed using the microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN) has demonstrated the significance of cardiovascular risk factors in recent clinical studies. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the clinical impact of hemorheology assessed using MC-FAN on RRI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the perspective of primary prevention of cardiovascular events. Methods: In total, 302 outpatients undergoing treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (121 males and 181 females; mean age ± standard deviation, 66 ± 12 years) with no history of cardiovascular diseases were enrolled. The whole blood passage time (WBPT) was assessed using MC-FAN as a marker of hemorheology, and the relationship between RRI and various clinical parameters including WBPT was examined. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between WBPT and RRI (correlation coefficient = 0.48; P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the multiple regression analysis demonstrated that WBPT was selected as an independent variable for RRI as a subordinate factor (beta = 0.37; P &lt; 0.001). Patients with high WBPT (&gt;= 70 s) and median WBPT (50.2 - 69.6 s) had a significantly higher risk (odds ratio (OR): 7.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4 - 19.6; P &lt; 0.01 and OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1 - 7.8; P &lt; 0.05, respectively) of having a high RRI (&gt;= 0.70) than those with low WBPT (&lt;= 50.0 s). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that hemorheology assessed using MC-FAN is an important determining factor for RRI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, we suggest that an increase in RRI can be prevented by maintaining WBPT &lt;= 50.0 s. Further investigation of a large number of prospective studies, including intervention therapies, will be required to confirm the results of this study. J Endocrinol Metab. 2017;7(5):146-152 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem448w

Impaired blood rheology is associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary risk factors.

To investigate the relationship between blood rheology and endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors, brachial arterial flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD), an index of endothelial function and blood passage time (BPT), an index of blood rheology, and fasting blood cell count, glucose metabolism, and plasma fibrinogen, lipid, C-reactive protein, and whole blood viscosity levels were measured in 95 patients with coronary risk factors and 37 healthy controls. Brachial arterial FMD after reactive hyperemia was assessed by ultrasonography. BPT was assessed using the microchannel method. In healthy controls, BPT significantly correlated with FMD (r = – 0.325, p < 0.05), HDL cholesterol (r = – 0.393, p < 0.05), body mass index (BMI; r = 0.530, p < 0.01), and plasma fibrinogen concentration (r = 0.335, p < 0.05). In a multivariate regression analysis adjusted for all clinical variables, BPT remained significantly associated with BMI and fibrinogen, but not with FMD, in healthy controls. In patients with coronary risk factors, BPT significantly correlated with FMD (r = – 0.331, p < 0.01), HDL cholesterol (r = – 0.241, p < 0.05), BMI (r = 0.290, p < 0.01), hematocrit (r = 0.422, p < 0.001), white blood cell count (r = 0.295, p < 0.01), platelet count (r = 0.204, p < 0.05), and insulin (r = 0.210, p < 0.05). In a multivariate regression analysis adjusted for all clinical variables, BPT remained strongly associated with FMD and hematocrit in patients with coronary risk factors. These data indicate that BPT is closely associated with FMD in patients with coronary risk factors and suggest that the measurement of blood rheology using the microchannel method may be useful in evaluating brachial arterial endothelial function as a marker of atherosclerosis in these patients.

Fasting serum insulin levels and insulin resistance are associated with blood rheology in Japanese young adults without diabetes

ObjectivesTo evaluate fasting serum insulin levels and insulin resistance, and their association with blood rheology, in Japanese young adults without diabetes.MethodsBlood samples were analysed and blood rheology was estimated using haematological parameters. Whole blood passage time was measured using a Hitachi MC-FAN© microchannel array flow analyser.ResultsOut of 151 subjects (mean age, 24.1 ± 1.5 years), fasting serum insulin levels and insulin resistance (using homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), were positively correlated with longer whole blood passage times and higher values for haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb), fibrinogen, body weight, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and were negatively correlated with HDL-C. Whole blood passage time correlated with body weight, BMI, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, Hct, Hb, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, fibrinogen, fasting serum insulin levels, and HOMA-IR. Multiple regression analysis revealed that whole blood passage time was independently associated with Hct, fibrinogen levels, and WBC count.ConclusionsFasting serum insulin levels and insulin resistance were associated with blood rheology, and may influence blood rheology by modulating haematological parameters and lipid parameters in young adults without diabetes.

Effects of Shiitake Mushroom on Anti-platelet Aggregation and Anti-thrombotic

In in vitro study, the anti-platelet aggregation effect of Shiitake mushroom extract was examined by measuring the collagen induced platelet aggregation and the DPPH radical scavenging. In in vitro study, anti-thrombotic effect of Shiitake mushroom extract was examined using the carotid artery thrombosis rat model. Carotid artery thrombosis rat model was made by 35% FeCl₃ treatment. After that, we investigate thrombus weight and blood flow. In platelet aggregation test, the extract significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in a concentration dependent manner(p<.001). Also, extract increased DPPH radical scavenging activity in a concentration dependent manner. Extract significantly inhibited thrombus weight to compare with control group. And blood passage time were shorter in the Shiitake mushroom extract supplemented groups than in control group. These results provide experimental evidence that Shiitake mushroom can be used to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis, then could apply the clinical diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and so on.

Improvement in blood fluidity by Kaempferia parviflora rhizome

Improvement in blood fluidity leads to the prevention of various lifestyle-related diseases. A raw material for improving blood fluidity has been long desired in the research area of functional and supplemental foods. We successfully showed an improvement in blood fluidity by the Zingiberaceae plant, Kaempferia parviflora. The rhizome of the plant reduced the blood passage time through a micro slit using a disseminated intravascular coagulation model. The mechanism was attributed to the activation of fibrinolysis, as demonstrated by elongation of the euglobulin lysis time and an in-vitro fibrinolysis assay. The active principles were determined to be methoxyflavones. The results show that the rhizome of K. parviflora is a promising candidate preventive agent for treating lifestyle-related diseases.