Differences In Carotid Intima-media Thickness Research Articles

Relationships of serum FGF23 and α-klotho with atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundCompelling evidence suggests that calcium/phosphorus homeostasis-related parameters may be linked to diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular events. However, few studies have investigated the association of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), α-klotho and FGF23/α-klotho ratio with atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).ObjectiveThis study was designed to evaluate whether FGF23, α-klotho and FGF23/α-klotho ratio are associated with T2DM and further to explore the relationships between these three factors and atherosclerosis in Chinese patients with T2DM.MethodsSerum FGF23 and α-klotho levels were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was assessed via high-resolution color Doppler ultrasonography. The associations of serum FGF23, α-klotho and FGF23/α-klotho ratio with atherosclerosis in T2DM patients were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsThis cross-sectional study involved 403 subjects (207 with T2DM and 196 without T2DM), 41.7% of the patients had atherosclerosis, and 67.2% of the carotid intima were thickened to a thickness greater than 0.9 mm. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, higher tertiles of FGF23 levels and FGF23/α-klotho ratio were positively associated with T2DM after adjusting for covariates, and serum α-klotho concentration was inversely correlated with T2DM (all P values < 0.01). Moreover, elevated serum FGF23 levels and FGF23/α-klotho ratio were positively associated with CIMT and carotid atherosclerosis in T2DM patients (all P values < 0.01). Further spline analysis similarly revealed linear dose‒response relationship (all P values < 0.01). And there was still significant differences in CIMT and carotid atherosclerosis between the highest group of α-klotho and the reference group in T2DM patients (P values = 0.05).ConclusionsT2DM was positively linearly related to serum FGF23 concentration and FGF23/α-klotho ratio, and negatively correlated with serum α-klotho concentration. Furthermore, both FGF23 and FGF23/α-klotho ratio were positively correlated with CIMT and atherosclerosis in T2DM patients, while α-klotho was inversely correlated with both CIMT and atherosclerosis, although the associations were not completely significant. Prospective exploration and potential mechanisms underlying these associations remain to be further elucidated.

Ethnic Differences in Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Plaque Presence: The HELIUS Study

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Introduction:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; In the Netherlands, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is higher among South-Asian Surinamese and lower among Moroccans compared to the Dutch. Traditional risk factors for atherosclerotic CVD do not fully explain these disparities. We aimed to assess ethnic differences in plaque presence and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and explore to what extent these differences are explained by traditional risk factors. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; We used cross-sectional data from a subgroup of participants enrolled in the multi-ethnic population-based Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study who underwent carotid ultrasonography. Logistic and linear regression models were built to assess ethnic differences in plaque presence and cIMT with the Dutch population as reference. Additional models were created to adjust for socioeconomic status, body height, and cardiovascular risk factors. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Of the 3,022 participants, 1,183, 1,051, and 790 individuals were of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, and Moroccan descent, respectively. Mean age was 60.9 years (SD: 8.0), and 52.8% were female. Compared to the Dutch, we found lower odds for plaque presence in Moroccans (0.77, 95% CI: 0.62; 0.95) and no significant differences between the South-Asian Surinamese and Dutch population (0.91, 95% CI: 0.76; 1.10). After adjustment for CVD risk factors, we found a lower plaque presence in South-Asian Surinamese (0.63, 95% CI: 0.48; 0.82). In both Moroccan and South-Asian Surinamese individuals, adjustment for socioeconomic status did not materially change the results. cIMT was lower in South-Asian Surinamese compared to the Dutch (−17.9 μm, 95% CI: −27.9; −7.9) and partly explained by ethnic differences in the body height as South-Asian Surinamese individuals were, on average, shorter than the Dutch population. No differences in cIMT between Moroccans and Dutch were found. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; cIMT and plaque prevalence differ between ethnic groups independent of CVD risk. Lower plaque prevalence in Moroccans was partly attributable to a lower prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors, while body height was an important contributor to differences in cIMT in South Asians. This study emphasizes the need for ethnic-specific cut-off values for plaque presence and cIMT.

Sonographic evaluation of common carotid artery intima-media thickness in adults with coexisting type two (2) diabetes and hypertension: A case-controlled study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are the two leading risk factors for atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is considered a reliable surrogate measure for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis including its progression and regression. The study aim at evaluating the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in adults with coexisting diabetes mellitus and hypertension (DM+HTN) and compare with healthy controls.. A prospective case control study involving 115 adult subjects with coexisting DM+HTN and 144 healthy adult controls was carried out. Common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT) was measured at point approximately 1 cm distal to the right and left carotid bulb using the 7-12 MHz, multi-frequency linear array transducer of high resolution, touch Venue 50 ultrasound machine equipped with electronic callipers. The overall mean CCIMT was 1.13±0.40 mm and 0.82±0.23 mm for subjects with coexisting DM and HTN; and healthy controls, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in CIMT of subjects with DM+HTN compared to healthy controls (p=0.000 each for both males and females, respectively). There were positive correlations between CCIMT and age in subjects with DM+HTN (r=0.260 and r=0.424 for males and females respectively); with healthy controls (r=0.619 and 0.626 for males and females, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in CCIMT between subjects with DM+HTN and healthy controls. This implies that the increase in CCIMT is associated with both DM and HTN. In addition, age has a significant positive relationship with CCIMT in both subjects with DM+HTN and healthy controls.

Abstract P3011: Assessing Subclinical Atherosclerosis Using Carotid Intima-media Thickness In Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Metanalysis

Objective: Chronic inflammatory diseases are linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. However, there are conflicting results published in the literature regarding differences in carotid intima-media thickness, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, between inflammatory bowel disease patients and controls. We aimed to conduct a pooled analysis of the studies and determine if it is true. Method: We performed a systematic literature search of databases Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed from Jan 01, 2012, until Feb 01, 2023. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were pooled using a random-effect model, and a p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings: A total of 4 studies with 354 participants were shortlisted for analysis. The results shown in the figure show an insignificant difference in the carotid intima-media thickness between inflammatory bowel disease patients and control groups of healthy individuals - the odds ratio came out -0.22 with a confidence interval of -0.89 to 0.45 and p-value of &lt;0.05. Conclusions: Our pooled analysis revealed no impact of IBD on carotid-intima media thickness. Future studies should focus on scrutinizing the actual risk of atherosclerosis and its complications with the disease.

Lipid status and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Aim To assess morphological characteristics of carotid blood vessels in uremic patients before to the initiation of the dialysis treatment, and corelate data with various dialysis therapy modules. Methods The study included 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ERDS) prior to commencing dialysis, 30 patients treated with haemodialysis and 30 patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The control group consisted of 15 subjects with normal kidney function (eGFR>60ml/min). Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), as well as lipid status values (cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B) were evaluated. Results The significant difference in CIMT was detected between the control and haemodialysis groups (p<0.001), and between the control and the peritoneal dialysis group (p=0.004). In patients in the predialysis group, CIMT was influenced by cholesterol (p=0.013), HDL (p=0.044), LDL (p=0.001) and ApoB (p=0.042) values. A significant difference in CIMT was proved between the haemodialysis and predialysis group of patients (p<0.001). The only variable from the patient's lipometabolic profile significantly associated with the change in IMT in uremic patients was HDL. A significant difference was found in the average value for systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.018) in patients before starting the dialysis treatment compared to patients treated with other dialysis methods. Conclusion Patients on haemodialysis treatment had a significantly greater CIMT, which is in relation with a higher cardiovascular risk.

Vascular and metabolic effects of ipragliflozin versus sitagliptin (IVS) in type 2 diabetes treated with sulphonylurea and metformin: IVS study.

In patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with metformin and sulphonylurea, we compared the glucose-lowering efficacy, cardiometabolic parameters and safety of two drugs, ipragliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, and sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor. MATERIALSANDMETHODS: Patients with 7.5%-9.0% glycated haemoglobin treated with metformin and sulphonylurea were randomly assigned to ipragliflozin (50 mg, n = 70) or sitagliptin (100 mg, n = 70) therapy for 24 weeks. Measures of glycaemic control, fatty liver indices, other metabolic parameters and subclinical atherosclerosis were compared by a paired t-test before and after 24 weeks of treatment. Mean glycated haemoglobin levels decreased from 8.5% to 7.5% in the ipragliflozin group and from 8.5% to 7.8% in the sitagliptin group, resulting in a 0.34% between-group difference (95% confidence interval, 0.10%-0.43%, p = .088). Fasting and postprandial 2-h glucose levels also showed a similar trend, with a greater reduction with ipragliflozin therapy. An increase of over 70% in ketone levels and a decrease in whole body and abdominal fat masses were observed with ipragliflozin treatment. Fatty liver indices also improved with ipragliflozin treatment. Despite no difference in carotid intima-media thickness and ankle-brachial index, ipragliflozin therapy improved flow-mediated vasodilation, reflecting endothelial function, while sitagliptin did not. The safety profile did not differ between the two groups. Ipragliflozin add-on therapy can be a viable option for better glycaemic control with multiple vascular and metabolic benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes who are inadequately controlled with metformin and sulphonylurea.

Independent Relevance of Different Measures of Adiposity for Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in 40 000 Adults inUK Biobank.

Background Uncertainty persists about carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and the independent relevance of different measures of adiposity for CIMT. We assessed the independent relevance of general adiposity (body mass index), central adiposity (waist circumference), and body composition (fat mass index and fat-free mass index) with CIMT among adults in the United Kingdom. Methods and Results Multivariable linear regression of cross-sectional analyses of UK Biobank assessed the mean percentage difference in CIMT associated with equivalent differences in adiposity measures. To assess independent associations, body mass index and waist circumference were mutually adjusted, as were fat mass index and fat-free mass index. Among 39 367 participants (mean [SD] age 64 [8] years, 52% female, 97% White), median (interquartile range) CIMT was 0.65 (0.14) mm in women and 0.69 (0.18) mm in men. All adiposity measures were linearly and positively associated with CIMT after adjusting for confounders. Fat-free mass index was most strongly associated with CIMT after adjustment for fat mass index (% difference in CIMT: 1.23 [95% CI 0.93-1.53] women; 3.44 [3.01-3.86] men), while associations of fat mass index were attenuated after adjustment for fat-free mass index (0.28 [-0.02, 0.58] women; -0.59 [-0.99, -0.18] men). After mutual adjustment, body mass index remained positively associated with CIMT, but waist circumference was completely attenuated. Conclusions Fat-free mass index was the adiposity measure most strongly associated with CIMT, suggesting that CIMT may reflect vascular compensatory remodeling rather than atherosclerosis. Hence, screening for subclinical atherosclerosis should evaluate carotid plaques in addition to CIMT.

Predicting Factors of Atherosclerosis in Children with Beta-Thalassemia Major

Background: Atherosclerosis is an important cardiovascular disorder in beta-thalassemia major patients. The present study aimed to predict factors of atherosclerosis in children with beta-thalassemia major.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 36 patients with beta-thalassemia major and 36 healthy children as the control group. The carotid intima-media thickness (CAIMT) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were compared between groups.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients in the case and control groups were 13.5 ± 3.7 and 13 ± 3.1 years old, respectively. Significant differences in CAIMT in the right (P = 0.001) and left (P = 0.001) arteries were recorded between the two groups. The mean serum OPG in the beta-thalassemia group was significantly higher than the control group (3.9 ng/ml and 1.4 ng/ml, respectively, P=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: CAIMT is a non-invasive method for diagnosing atherosclerosis. According to the significant difference between groups, serum OPG could be helpful in the diagnosis of early atherosclerosis in beta-thalassemia major.

Carotid Intima Media Thickness as a Marker of Atherosclerotic Burden in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients have an increased burden of atherosclerosis leading to adverse Cardiovascular (CV) events. Alterations in endothelial function, dysregulated immune system and increased oxidative stress are implicated in their development and progression. Carotid artery ultrasound is recommended to assess and follow progression of subclinical atherosclerosis and correlate with traditional/non traditional CV risk factors in SLE. Aim: To study the correlation between Carotid Intima Media Thickness (CIMT), traditional/non traditional CV risk factors in SLE. Materials and Methods: The hospital-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College Kolkata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from April 2019 to August 2020. Patients with SLE, diagnosed by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 criteria, aged &gt;12 years, irrespective of therapy status, were recruited by consecutive sampling. Subjects were classified as Lupus Nephritis (LN) and Lupus without Nephritis (LWN). Demographic data, parameters to define SLE (SLICC 2012 criteria), blood parameters like lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, anti-Double stranded Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid antibody (anti-dsDNA Ab), C3/C4 levels, 24 hour urine protein values, haemoglobin, C-reactive Protein (CRP), serum homocysteine and Carotid Intima Media thickness as measured by Ultrasonography (USG) doppler study, duration of disease and medication history were considered as study variables. Statistical analysis was done by using Z-test, t-test, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square test (for categorical data) and other non parametric statistical tests and correlation tests wherever applicable. A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Fifty five SLE patients were studied. Subgroup analysis was performed between LN (n=36) and LWN (n=19). The mean age of the study subjects was 33 years with mean disease duration of 4.6 years. LN patients had longer disease duration, younger age of disease onset and longer duration of steroid usage. The mean systolic Blood Pressure (BP) was significantly higher in LN subgroup. Framingham Risk Scores (FRS) was positively correlated with duration of SLE disease and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K) scores and duration of steroid therapy. The mean CIMT of the study population is 0.91 mm with 10.9% plaque prevalence whereas, mean CIMT of the LN subgroup and LWN subgroup was 1.02±0.27 mm and 0.86±0.3 mm, respectively; however no statistically significant difference in CIMT was observed between two subgroups. CIMT positively correlated with anti-dsDNA Ab levels, FRSs, anaemia, SLE Disease activity scores, 24 hour urine protein, duration of steroid usage, serum creatinine and CRP. No correlation between CIMT and age of subjects, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Triglycerides (TG) serum homocysteine was observed. Conclusion: Systemic lupus erythematous patients have a high atherosclerosis burden and are at increased risk of adverse CV events. LN patients, early age of lupus onset, longer disease duration with prolonged steroid therapy, significant proteinuria, higher anti-dsDNA Ab levels and hypocomplementemia were observed to have higher mean CIMT and plaque formation.

Risk of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Prediabetes Overlapping Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: While the number of individuals with prediabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing, only a few studies have reported differences in cardiovascular risk according to the presence or absence of MetS in individuals with prediabetes. Here, we examined differences in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaques in individuals with prediabetes with or without MetS among subjects who visited a single center in Seoul (Huh Diabetes Center). Methods: A total of 328 participants aged ≥20 years, including the group with normoglycemia, were enrolled in the analysis, of which 273 had prediabetes. Individuals with prediabetes were defined as those who met one or more of the following two criteria: fasting plasma glucose of 100-125 mg/dL and/or HbA1c level of 5.7%-6.4%. Carotid atherosclerosis was determined by mean and maximal CIMT and by the presence of carotid plaques. Results: Eighty-nine subjects (32.6% of prediabetes group) were categorized as having MetS. Those with MetS had significantly higher mean CIMT and maximal CIMT than those without (P < 0.05). Moreover, the group with MetS had a significantly higher prevalence of carotid plaques than the group without MetS [odds ratio (OR): 2.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-4.19; P = 0.001]. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, individuals with MetS still had greater mean and maximal CIMT than individuals without MetS (P < 0.05), and the presence of MetS was significantly associated with a higher risk of carotid plaques (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.06-6.15; P = 0.037). Conclusion: These results suggest that MetS is independently associated with increased CIMT and the presence of carotid plaques in prediabetes. Our study indicates that the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is high in prediabetic individuals with MetS, and that more attention is needed on the risk of CVD in these individuals.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and offspring’s carotid intima–media thickness at birth: MySweetHeart Cohort study

ObjectiveHyperglycaemia during pregnancy is associated with cardiometabolic risks for the mother and the offspring. Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have signs of subclinical atherosclerosis, including increased carotid intima–media thickness...

Sarcopenia and cardiovascular risk indices: Its impact on cardiovascular events and mortality in dialysis patients.

Sarcopenia is a common complication in end-stage renal disease. Low muscle strength and muscle mass are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients undergoing dialysis. We studied the relation between sarcopenia and pre-atherosclerotic markers and its effect on cardiovascular events and death in dialysis patients. We measured muscle strength, muscle mass, carotid intima-media thickness, and pulse wave velocity in 106 patients. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the EWGSOP-2 suggestions. Patients with low muscle strength and low muscle mass were considered sarcopenic. The follow-up period for cardiovascular events and mortality was 24 months. The mean age and dialysis duration were 57.4 ± 16.6 and 6.5 ± 4.9years, respectively. Of all patients, 53 (50%) were male and 70 (66%) were on hemodialysis treatment. Sarcopenia and low muscle strength were seen in 47.1% and 88.7%, respectively. Hemodialysis patients were more likely to be sarcopenic than peritoneal dialysis patients (p = 0.001). Ferritin and Kt/V levels were higher, and body mass index was lower significantly in sarcopenic patients (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity measurements between the groups (p = 0.62 and p = 0.68, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in cardiovascular events and mortality in cases with and without sarcopenia (p = 0.43 and p = 0.17, respectively). There was no association between sarcopenia and pre-atherosclerotic markers, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality in dialysis patients. Techniques to detect low muscle strength and muscle mass need standardization, and new specific cut-off levels must be defined for dialysis patients.

Urban Fine Particulate Matter and Elements Associated with Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Adolescents and Young Adults.

The relationships between the elemental constituents of PM2.5 and atherosclerosis remain limited, especially in young populations. This study included 755 subjects aged 12-30 years in the Taipei metropolis. A land use regression model was used to estimate residential annual mean concentrations of PM2.5 and eight elemental constituents. We evaluated the percent differences in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) with PM2.5 and elemental constituent exposures by linear regressions. Interquartile range increments for PM2.5 (4.5 μg/m3), sulfur (108.6 ng/m3), manganese (2.0 ng/m3), iron (34.5 ng/m3), copper (3.6 ng/m3), and zinc (20.7 ng/m3) were found to associate with 0.92% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-1.66), 0.51% (0.02-1.00), 0.36% (0.05-0.67), 0.98% (0.15-1.82), 0.74% (0.01-1.48), and 1.20% (0.33-2.08) higher CIMTs, respectively. Factor analysis identified four air pollution source-related factors, and the factors interpreted as traffic and industry sources were associated with higher CIMTs. Stratified analyses showed the estimates were more evident in subjects who were ≥18 years old, females, or who had lower household income. Our study results provide new insight into the impacts of source-specific air pollution, and future research on source-specific air pollution effects in young populations, especially in vulnerable subpopulations, is warranted.

Diminished Endothelial Function but Normal Vascular Structure in Adults with Tetralogy of Fallot.

The life expectancy of patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) has increased in recent years. As a result, other risk factors with later onset in life are in the focus of patient care. Endothelial function is an early indicator of cardiovascular risk and was investigated along further structural vessel properties. A total of 17 patients (41.7 ± 7.1 years, 8 women) with Tetralogy of Fallot were 1:2 matched for sex with 34 (38.9 ± 8.1 years, 16 women) healthy volunteers. Participants received an assessment of their endothelial function and a structural assessment of the aorta. Patients with ToF showed a reduced endothelial function determined by reactive hyperaemia index after adjusting for age, weight and height (ToF: 1.55 ± 0.31 vs. controls: 1.84 ± 0.47; p = 0.023). No differences in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) between the ToF and healthy controls (ToF: 0.542 ± 0.063 mm vs. controls: 0.521 ± 0.164 mm; p = 0.319) were found. Patients with ToF had reduced vascular function compared to healthy subjects. As the structural component is not affected, endothelial dysfunction seems not to have yet manifested itself as a morphological change. Nevertheless, long-term management of these patients should include vascular parameters.

Utility of Epicardial Fat Thickness in Subclinical Hypothyroid Children to Determine Existence of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Them.

Adult studies have shown the association of subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) with various cardiovascular dysfunction, which indicates SCH may be a potentially modifiable risk factor of CV disease and mortality. However, there is still controversy about the association of cardiovascular dysfunction in children with SCH. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is a reliable and sensitive marker of cardiovascular risk and has become an emerging modality to predict CV risks. To measure the EFT in children with subclinical hypothyroidism and compare with healthy children. To find its correlation with subclinical atherosclerosis. To compare EFT between TPO positive and TPO negative subclinical hypothyroid patients. Children of subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH >5 mIU/ml with normal FT3, FT4, and age and sex matched control were included as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical data was collected from all study subjects. Thyroid function tests including FT3, FT4 and TSH, TPO antibody, fasting insulin, hsCRP, Lp(a), USG neck for carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), USG brachial artery for flow mediated dilation (FMD) and echocardiography for epicardial fat thickness (EFT) were done in all patients. A total 42 number of SCH and 50 age and sex matched controls were recruited and screened for various parameters of subclinical atherosclerosis. EFT was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (6.27 mm vs 4.54 mm) with P value < 0.001. Brachial FMD was significantly lower in cases than the cohort (4.5% vs 8.93%, P < 0.001). Difference in CIMT was not significant amongst the cases and controls. EFT failed to correlate with the level of TSH though it had significant positive correlation with hsCRP. The patients who were TPO positive, had higher fasting insulin, HOMAIR, hsCRP, Lp(a) than those who were TPO negative. Results of this study show the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in children with SCH regardless of the aetiologies. The patients of Hashimoto thyroiditis had significantly high insulin resistance and inflammation than the SCH patients of other aetiologies.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and subclinical atherosclerosis in Western and Asian cohorts: an updated meta-analysis

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with ethnic and regional differences noted. With the recent surge of research within this field, we re-examine...

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk markers in Parkinson's disease: Results from a case-control study.

The relationship between Parkinson's disease (PD) and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease is not yet well established. Recent data suggest an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in PD patients. Therefore, we designed a study to assess surrogate markers of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk in PD. We conducted a case-control study comparing PD patients recruited from a Movement Disorders Unit with controls randomly invited from a primary healthcare center. All participants underwent a detailed clinical evaluation, including medical history, physical assessment, carotid ultrasound, blood and urine analysis, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The primary outcome was the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). We included 102 participants in each study arm. No significant difference was found in the CIMT among groups (MD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.04). Carotid plaques were more frequent in PD patients (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.55), although the lipid profile was more favorable in this group (LDL MD: -18.75; 95% CI: -10.69, -26.81). Nocturnal systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in PD patients (MD: 4.37, 95% CI: 0.27, 8.47) and more than half of the PD patients were non-dippers or reverse dippers (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.20). We did not find a difference in CIMT between PD and controls. A higher frequency of carotid plaques and abnormal dipper profile supports the hypothesis that PD patients are not protected from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Graves Disease: Comparing Overt Hyperthyroid and Remission State

Background/Objective: Hyperthyroid has been associated with increased cardiovascular event. Carotidintima media thickness (CIMT) is oftenly measured to evaluate the risk of cardiovascularevent. The aim of this study is to measure CIMT in Graves’ disease and to comparebetween subjects in overt hyperthyroidism and remission state. Methods: Our study was a cross-sectional study performed at the outpatient endocrinologyclinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Graves’ disease subjects were recruited, of whom then grouped into overthyperthyroidism (clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, low THS, highthyroxine levels, treatment naïve of within 3 months of treatments) and remission state(no clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, normal THs and thyroxine levels,without any anti thyroid drugs for at least 6 months). CIMT measurements wereperformed by trained physician on both right and left artery carotid arteries using anultrasound equipped with software that automatically measured the CIMT. We alsomeasured lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and ECG. Results: We recruited 49 Graves’ disease subjects, of whom 32 and 17 subjects werein overt hyperthyroidism and remission state respectively. Median CIMT in overthyperthyroidism and remission state were 0,473 mm and 0,488 mm respectively, p:0,109. Among clinical and laboratory risk factors, only age which had an independentcorrelation with CIMT in Graves disease. (r: 0,371; p:<0,0001). Discussion: Our is the first study that measured CIMT among subjects with Graves’disease in remission and overt hyperthyroidism state, of which we observed nodifferences. This might be due to the fact that the atherosclerosis risk factors were notdistributed evenly on both group, of which subjects were older in the remission group. Ithas been reported that there are increasing CIMT along with aging (0,003-0,010 mm peryear). Furthermore, in remission state we need to take metabolic and physical changesinto consideration, such as increasing weight as much as 2,5% from prior weight alongwith increasing total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol which both can affect CIMT levels. Conclusions:There are no significant differences in CIMT between overt hyperthyroid andremission state in Graves’ disease. Keywords: carotid intima media thickness, Graves’ disease, overt hyperthyroid, remission.

Carotid intima-media thickness in patients with hyperuricemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite the high incidence and mortality of cardiovascular events in hyperuricemia patients, the role of serum uric acid in cardiovascular diseases is still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the difference of carotid intima-media thickness in hyperuricemia and control groups. We performed this meta-analysis by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases up to July 2020. The 95% confidence intervals and standard mean differences were calculated to analyze the differences in carotid intima-media thickness in hyperuricemia groups and control groups. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Begg's regression test. We used Stata 14.0 software to complete our analyses. A total of 8 articles were included. The results showed that there was a significant increase in carotid intima-media thickness in the hyperuricemia groups compared with the control groups [SMD = 0.264, 95% CI (0.161-0.366), P < 0.001]. Subgroup analyses showed that age, sample size, blood pressure and body mass index were not the source of heterogeneity. Meta-regression enrolled the method of CIMT measurement, location, age, smoking and diabetes mellitus as categorical variables, but none of these factors was found to be significant in the model. The Begg's test value (P = 0.174) was greater than 0.05, indicating there was no publication bias. The results showed that carotid intima-media thickness was increased in hyperuricemia patients compared with controls, which indicated that hyperuricemia patients may have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Alterations in mechanical properties of carotid artery in overweight and obese children

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis begins at a young age in a process that is clinically silent before events occur. Obesity in childhood has been associated with the alterations of vascular properties. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the subtle changes of mechanical properties of carotid artery (CA) in overweight and obese children. Methods We prospectively recruited a cohort of overweight (n=25) and obese (n=176) children aged 7–17 years and non-obese children with same age and gender (controls, n=31). Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile and obesity as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender. The mechanical properties of carotid artery were directly measured in a cross-sectional image of common carotid artery using a velocity-vector imaging (VVI) analysis including instantaneous vessel area and deformation parameters as fractional area change (FAC), circumferential strain, and strain rate (SR). Results Compared to controls, obese children had higher blood pressures and serum glucose and worse lipid profiles than controls, whereas overweight children showed no any difference in blood pressure and laboratory findings. Among vascular properties, there were no differences in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) between the three groups. However, obese children showed larger vessel area and higher arterial stiffness presented as lower FAC, circumferential strain and SR than controls, whereas overweight children showed no difference in vascular properties with obese children and with controls except for circumferential SR. Circumferential SR in overweight children was significantly reduced than controls (0.47±0.19 cm/s, 0.75±0.22 cm/s, respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001) and was the only vascular parameter distinguishing overweight children from controls. In multiple linear regression analysis, independent determining factors of the circumferential SR of carotid artery were age (β=−0.13, p=0.03), serum triglycerides (β=−0.14, p=0.01) and BMI (β=−0.37, p&amp;lt;0.001) in this population. Conclusions In overweight and obese children, a decrease in circumferential SR of carotid artery precedes the changes of vessel wall thickness and vessel area. We demonstrated the subtle changes of mechanical properties of carotid artery precede the changes of structural properties in overweight and obese children. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None