Elevated Arterial Blood Pressure Research Articles

Inhibition of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 restores cardioprotection by remote ischaemic preconditioning in type 2 diabetes.

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (rIPC) for cardioprotection is severely impaired in diabetes, and therapeutic options to restore it are lacking. The vascular endothelium plays a key role in rIPC. Given that the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is inhibited by proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), we hypothesized that pharmacological Pyk2 inhibition could restore eNOS activity and thus restore remote cardioprotection in diabetes. New Zealand obese (NZO) mice that demonstrated key features of diabetes were studied. The consequence of Pyk2 inhibition on endothelial function, rIPC and infarct size after myocardial infarction were evaluated. The impact of plasma from mice and humans with or without diabetes was assessed in isolated buffer perfused murine hearts and aortic rings. Plasma from nondiabetic mice and humans, both subjected to rIPC, caused remote tissue protection. Similar to diabetic humans, NZO mice demonstrated endothelial dysfunction. NZO mice had reduced circulating nitrite levels, elevated arterial blood pressure and a larger infarct size after ischaemia and reperfusion than BL6 mice. Pyk2 increased the phosphorylation of eNOS at its inhibitory site (Tyr656), limiting its activity in diabetes. The cardioprotective effects of rIPC were abolished in diabetic NZO mice. Pharmacological Pyk2 inhibition restored endothelial function and rescued cardioprotective effects of rIPC. Endothelial function and remote tissue protection are impaired in diabetes. Pyk2 is a novel target for treating endothelial dysfunction and restoring cardioprotection through rIPC in diabetes.

Sympathetic Pathophysiology in Hypertension Origins: The Path to Renal Denervation.

The importance of the sympathetic nervous system in essential hypertension has been recognized in 2 eras. The first was in early decades of the 20th century, through to the 1960s. Here, the sympathetic nervous system was identified as a target for the treatment of hypertension, and an extensive range of antiadrenergic therapies were developed. Then, after a period of lapsed interest, in a second era from 1985 on, the development of precise measures of human sympathetic nerve firing and transmitter release allowed demonstration of the importance of neural mechanisms in the initiation and maintenance of the arterial blood pressure elevation in hypertension. This led to the development of a device treatment of hypertension, catheter-based renal denervation, which we will discuss.

Cardiac output-mediated regulation of cerebral blood flow during exercise: Clinical perspectives on the indirect impact of muscle metaboreflex.

The muscle metaboreflex stimulates the elevation of arterial blood pressure, aiming to rectify the oxygen deficit by enhancing oxygen delivery to support muscle activity. Moreover, activating the muscle metaboreflex significantly increases cardiac output (CO) by increasingfactors such as heart rate, ventricular contractility, preload, stroke volume and mobilization of central blood volume. Previous studies indicate that ageing and cardiovascular diseases modify the muscle metaboreflex during exercise, limiting the ability to increase CO during physical activity. Alongside reduced exercise capacity, the attenuated rise in CO due to abnormal muscle metaboreflex in these patients impedes the increase in cerebral blood flow during exercise. Considering that CO plays a pivotal role in regulating cerebral blood flow adequately during exercise, this occurrence might contribute to an elevated risk of cerebral diseases, and it could also, at least, reduce the effective role of exercise in preventing cerebral disease and dementia among elderly individuals and patients with cardiovascular conditions. Therefore, it is important to consider this phenomenon when optimizing the effectiveness of exercise rehabilitation in patients with cardiovascular disease to prevent cerebral diseases and dementia.

Blood Pressure in Relation to Age and Gender

Hypertension is a disease defined as persistently elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) with systolic blood pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. Age is one the most common predictor and non-modifiable risk factor of hypertension. Hypertension is more common among older adults than adults of 40-59 years of age. Gender is another common non-modifiable risk factor of hypertension. On average, hypertension is more common among men than in women. A Prospective observational study was carried out where all the patients of either sex attending general medicine department with established hypertension above 35 years of age were included. A Chi-square test was used to find a significant association between age & gender with hypertension. A p value of or lower than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Majority of the patients 65% were males and 35% were females and common age group was ≥60 years. CNS disorders were found in majority of the patients. Diuretics were the most prescribed class of drugs. There was a steady rise in the number of hypertensive patients with increase in age. Hypertension was more prevalent among males than in females. Factors like age and gender were found to be statistically significant associated with hypertension. Clinical pharmacist at an early stage need to monitor the BP and related risk factors and achieve the therapeutic goals, thereby enhancing the quality life span of the patient.
 Keywords: Hypertension, Gender, Age distribution, Clinical Pharmacist, Statistical, Blood Pressure

Beyond Joints: Pulmonary Hypertension in Spondyloarthropathies (Literature review)

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) represents a complex and dynamic spectrum of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A nuanced understanding of its clinical, genetic, and immunologic aspects is imperative for accurate diagnosis and effective management. The comprehensive literature review reveals a nuanced connection between spondyloarthropathies and pulmonary hypertension (PH), expanding our understanding of these conditions beyond joint pathology. The synthesis of data from various studies provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors contributing to the development of PH in individuals with SpA. The reviewed studies consistently indicate a heightened prevalence of elevated arterial blood pressure in the pulmonary artery among patients with ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. However, the limited research on reactive arthritis and other subtypes necessitates further exploration to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pulmonary hypertension across the entire spectrum of SpA. The identified gaps in research emphasize the importance of future studies that encompass the entire SpA spectrum, to provide a more complete understanding of the association with PH. It is crucial to consider all pathogenetic mechanisms, including the impact of chronic persistent inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and other relevant factors. Recognizing the significance of these mechanisms is vital for comprehensive insights into the complex interplay between both pathologies, guiding the development of targeted interventions and enhancing patient care strategies. This discussion serves as a foundation for future research directions and clinical considerations in the evolving landscape of spondyloarthropathies. This comprehensive overview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the intricate facets of SpA, including its systemic implications and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Elevated Arterial Blood Pressure as a Delayed Complication Following COVID-19-A Narrative Review.

Arterial hypertension is one of the most common and significant cardiovascular risk factors. There are many well-known and identified risk factors for its development. In recent times, there has been growing concern about the potential impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system and its relation to arterial hypertension. Various theories have been developed that suggest a connection between COVID-19 and elevated blood pressure. However, the precise link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the long-term risk of developing hypertension remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, the primary objective of our study was to investigate the influence of COVID-19 infection on blood pressure elevation and the subsequent risk of developing arterial hypertension over an extended period. To accomplish this, we conducted a thorough search review of relevant papers in the PubMed and SCOPUS databases up to 3 September 2023. Our analysis encompassed a total of 30 eligible articles. Out of the 30 papers we reviewed, 19 of them provided substantial evidence showing a heightened risk of developing arterial hypertension following COVID-19 infection. Eight of the studies showed that blood pressure values increased after the infection, while three of the qualified studies did not report any notable impact of COVID-19 on blood pressure levels. The precise mechanism behind the development of hypertension after COVID-19 remains unclear, but it is suggested that endothelial injury and dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may be contributory. Additionally, changes in blood pressure following COVID-19 infection could be linked to lifestyle alterations that often occur alongside the illness. Our findings emphasize the pressing requirement for thorough research into the relationship between COVID-19 and hypertension. These insights are essential for the development of effective prevention and management approaches for individuals who have experienced COVID-19 infection.

Histamine H2-receptor antagonism improves conduit artery endothelial function and reduces plasma aldosterone level without lowering arterial blood pressure in angiotensin II–hypertensive mice

Aldosterone through the mineralocorticoid receptor MR has detrimental effects on cardiovascular disease. It reduces the bioavailability of nitric oxide and impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. In resistance arteries, aldosterone impairs the sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle cells to nitric oxide by promoting the local secretion of histamine which activates H2 receptors. The present experiments tested in vivo and ex vivo the hypothesis that systemic H2-receptor antagonism reduces arterial blood pressure and improves vasodilatation in angiotensin II–induced chronic hypertension. Hypertension was induced by intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (60 ng kg−1 min−1) in conscious, unrestrained mice infused concomitantly with the H2-receptor antagonist ranitidine (27.8 µg kg−1 min−1) or vehicle for 24 days. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded by indwelling arterial catheter. Resistance (mesenteric) and conductance (aortae) arteries were harvested for perfusion myography and isometric tension recordings by wire myography, respectively. Plasma was analyzed for aldosterone concentration. ANGII infusion resulted in elevated arterial blood pressure and while in vivo treatment with ranitidine reduced plasma aldosterone concentration, it did not reduce blood pressure. Ranitidine improved ex vivo endothelial function (acetylcholine 10−9 to 10−6 mol L−1) in mesenteric resistance arteries. This was abolished by ex vivo treatment with aldosterone (10−9 mol L−1, 1 h). In aortic segments, in vivo ranitidine treatment impaired relaxation. Activation of histamine H2 receptors promotes aldosterone secretion, does not affect arterial blood pressure, and protects endothelial function in conduit arteries but promotes endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries during angiotensin II–mediated hypertension. Aldosterone contributes little to angiotensin II–induced hypertension in mice.

Basigin Deficiency Induces Spontaneous Polycystic Kidney in Mice.

Polycystic kidney disease is the most common hereditary kidney disorder with early and frequent hypertension symptoms. The mechanisms of cyst progression in polycystic kidney disease remain incompletely understood. Bsg (basigin) heterozygous and homozygous knockout mice were generated using cas9 system, and Bsg overexpression was achieved by adeno-associated virus serotype 9 injection. Renal morphology was investigated through histological and imaging analysis. Molecular analysis was performed through transcriptomic profiling and biochemical approaches. Bsg-deficient mice exhibited significantly elevated arterial blood pressure. Further investigation demonstrated that Bsg deficiency triggers spontaneous cystic formation in mouse kidneys, which shares similar cyst pathological features and common transcriptional regulatory pathways with human polycystic kidney disease. Moreover, Bsg disruption promoted polycystin-1 ubiquitination and degradation, leading to activation of polycystic kidney disease associated cAMP and AMPK signaling pathways in Bsg knockout mouse kidneys. Finally, adeno-associated virus serotype 9 mediated Bsg reexpression reversed cystic progression in Bsg knockout mice in vivo, and Bsg overexpression inhibited the expansion of Madin-Darby canine kidney cysts in vitro. Our findings show that Bsg deficiency leads to an early-onset spontaneous polycystic kidney phenotype, suggesting that dysregulated Bsg signaling may be a contributing factor in cystogenesis.

Effects of Nadishodhana and Bhramari Pranayama on heart rate variability, auditory reaction time, and blood pressure: A randomized clinical trial in hypertensive patients

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is a chronic elevation of arterial blood pressure (BP) due to environmental and lifestyle factors. The lifelong treatment protocol causes poor adherence to anti-hypertensive drugs. Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari pranayama are the most effective yogic treatment for the management of HTN. ObjectivesThis study was done to assess and compare the immediate effect of Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama on HRV and ART in hypertensive individuals. Thus, to understand the effectiveness of specific pranayama on hypertension. MethodologyThis study is a randomized, comparative study design. The hundred participants were recruited into two groups 1 (n = 50) and 2 (n = 50). The study was conducted on pre-diagnosed patients with HTN, from the inpatient department of SDM Nature Cure Hospital, Shanthivana. Group 1 was asked to practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and Group-2 was asked to practice Bhramari Pranayama for 20 min. The patients were assessed for Heart Rate Variability & Auditory Reaction Time before and immediately after the intervention. ResultsNadi Shodhana Pranayama showed a significant decrease in ART (p = 0.01) and Bhramari Pranayama showed a highly significant decrease in ART (p < 0.00001). Whereas there was no statistically significant difference in both the groups in HRV parameters. ConclusionThe study showed that both Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama can be effective in balancing the sympathovagal tone. Thus, Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama can be practised for the management of essential hypertension.

Deciphering the causal relationship between blood pressure and regional white matter integrity: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) is a common risk factor for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, but no causal relationship has been established between BP and cerebral white matter (WM) integrity. In this study, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with individual-level data by defining two nonoverlapping sets of European ancestry individuals (genetics-exposure set: N = 203,111; mean age = 56.71 years, genetics-outcome set: N = 16,156; mean age = 54.61 years) from UK Biobank to evaluate the causal effects of BP on regional WM integrity, measured by fractional anisotropy of diffusion tensor imaging. Two BP traits: systolic and diastolic blood pressure were used as exposures. Genetic variant was carefully selected as instrumental variable (IV) under the MR analysis assumptions. We existing large-scale genome-wide association study summary data for validation. The main method used was a generalized version of inverse-variance weight method while other MR methods were also applied for consistent findings. Two additional MR analyses were performed to exclude the possibility of reverse causality. We found significantly negative causal effects (FDR-adjusted p < .05; every 10 mmHg increase in BP leads to a decrease in FA value by .4% ~ 2%) of BP traits on a union set of 17 WM tracts, including brain regions related to cognitive function and memory. Our study extended the previous findings of association to causation for regional WM integrity, providing insights into the pathological processes of elevated BP that might chronically alter the brain microstructure in different regions.

Evaluation of work conditions of nurses employed in a shift system in hospital wards during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nurses work in a shift system that determines the provision of round-the-clock care of a patient in hospital conditions; however, it entails health consequences. The aim of the study was the evaluation of work conditions of nurses engaged in shift work in hospital wards during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in 2020, and included 108 nurses working in a shift system in hospital wards. The research method was a diagnostic survey, using an author-constructed questionnaire. 88.9% nurses reported a negative effect of shift work on their physical health: 'musculoskeletal pain', 'elevated arterial blood pressure', and 'hormonal disorders' - 54.5% of respondents used pharmacological treatment. The causes of physical disorders were: 'microclimate', 'physical effort', 'noise', and 'forced body position'. Shift work exerted a negative effect on psychological health of the majority of respondents (75.0%): 'deconcentration', 'sleep disorders', 'feeling of occupational burnout' - treatment in 38.9% of respondents. Psychological health disorders were caused by: 'circadian rhythms disturbance by shift work', 'chronic stresses', and 'conflicts at work'. 69.7% of respondents reported that their shift work was disturbed by organizational factors, including: a 'badly planned work schedule', 'enhanced pace of work due to staff shortage', 'ambiguous division of duties, rights, responsibilities', 'shortages of equipment at the workplace'. The examined nurses experienced a negative effect of shift work on their physical and psychological health which, for some of them, was the cause of pharmacological treatment. Many organizational factors hindered the work of nurses in a shift system in hospital wards.

Virtual screening of triazoles inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenaseenzymes using -ADME-moleculardocking, and molecular dynamics simulation studies

Hypertension, or elevated arterial blood pressure, is a substantial public health problem. The two 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β HSD) isozymes catalyze the interconversion of cortisol and cortisone. Our research consists in studying the inhibition of the enzymes with some derivatives of 1,2,4 triazoles by means of molecular docking and dynamics approaches. The interactions between the studied inhibitors and our target were further explored through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, in the presence of water molecules. The molecular dynamics study was done for the best der ivatives of 1,2,4 triazoles inhibitors (deducted from the docking best scores for L2 and L1, and lowest score for Lref) A f e w k e y r e s i du e s N 14 with oxygen receptor interaction H donor) at the binding site of (11β HSD1) and (11β HSD2) were identified. Obtained Docking and molecular dynamics result, both leads to the same conclusion and predict that L2 subsisted derivatives of 1, 2, 4 triazoles is the best inhibitor candidate.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the central nucleus of amygdala are required for chronic stress-induced hypertension.

Chronic stress is a well-known risk factor for the development of hypertension. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) are involved in the autonomic responses to chronic stress. Here, we determined the role of CeA-CRH neurons in chronic stress-induced hypertension. Borderline hypertensive rats (BHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Firing activity and M-currents of CeA-CRH neurons were assessed, and a CRH-Cre-directed chemogenetic approach was used to suppress CeA-CRH neurons. CUS induced a sustained elevation of arterial blood pressure (ABP) and heart rate (HR) in BHRs, while in WKY rats, CUS-induced increases in ABP and HR quickly returned to baseline levels after CUS ended. CeA-CRH neurons displayed significantly higher firing activities in CUS-treated BHRs than unstressed BHRs. Selectively suppressing CeA-CRH neurons by chemogenetic approach attenuated CUS-induced hypertension and decreased elevated sympathetic outflow in CUS-treated BHRs. Also, CUS significantly decreased protein and mRNA levels of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels in the CeA of BHRs. M-currents in CeA-CRH neurons were significantly decreased in CUS-treated BHRs compared with unstressed BHRs. Blocking Kv7 channel with its blocker XE-991 increased the excitability of CeA-CRH neurons in unstressed BHRs but not in CUS-treated BHRs. Microinjection of XE-991 into the CeA increased sympathetic outflow and ABP in unstressed BHRs but not in CUS-treated BHRs. CeA-CRH neurons are required for chronic stress-induced sustained hypertension. The hyperactivity of CeA-CRH neurons may be due to impaired Kv7 channel activity, which represents a new mechanism involved in chronic stress-induced hypertension.

A meta-analysis of bevacizumab’s cardiovascular risks in patients treated for colorectal cancer.

113 Background: Bevacizumab (BVZ), a recombinant humanized monoclonal IgG antibody, is commonly used as first- and second-line adjuvant therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. Recent guidelines have shown that a combination of three cytotoxic drug regimens FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin) along with BVZ is regarded as one of the first-line options. As we see an upward trend in using BVZ; it is crucial to analyze the side effects and potential toxicities. A frequent adverse effect with BVZ is hypertension. The prevailing hypothesis for the mechanism of BVZ induced hypertension is an increase in vascular tone due to the inhibition of VEGF-mediated vasodilation. A persistent elevation of arterial blood pressure is generally asymptomatic, but unmanaged hypertension can lead to cardiovascular complications, encephalopathy, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate and assess the risk of BVZ induced hypertension. Methods: Our search included articles from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from 1980 to March 2022. Randomized controlled trials and clinical trials with BVZ as an add-on therapy mentioning cardiovascular side effects were included. Full analysis control group included various guideline directed chemotherapies and the subgroup analysis control group focused on FOLFOX therapy. A random-effects model was used with Review Manager, and a P value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: We included a total of 17,807 patients in our study with an average age of 65 years. Analysis pooled from 19 RCTs showed that the odds of hypertension (Grade 3 or more) in patients treated with BVZ were about four times higher than the control group (OR 3.82, 95% CI 3.35-4.36, p-value &lt; 0.00001, I2 = 78%). In a subgroup analysis, BVZ was compared with FOLFOX group, with odds of hypertension (Grade 3 or more) in BVZ group being about five times higher than in FOLFOX group (OR 5.24, 95% CI 4.06-6.77, p-value &lt; 0.00001, I2 = 58%). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis demonstrates a significant cardiovascular risk of Bevacizumab when added to the standard regime for advanced colorectal cancer treatment. When BVZ was used as an add-on therapy to FOLFOX regimens for colorectal cancer, it was associated with about five times higher odds of developing hypertension (Grade 3 or more) in the treatment group with BVZ. Previous RCTs have demonstrated that BVZ add-on therapy to the standard regime is safe and without significant risk of toxicity. Our findings are important as they give vital information in assessing the risk-benefit ratio of adding BVZ, especially in a population with vascular comorbidities. Now that we have established the statistical significance of hypertensive risk with BVZ, it will be interesting to see how these events can be prevented in patients treated for metastatic colorectal cancer. Dedicated RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.

Occupational Noise-Induced Pre-Hypertension and Determinant Factors Among Metal Manufacturing Workers in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

Cardiovascular disorders are one of the commonly recognized occupational diseases in the developed world. Individuals chronically exposed to noise at workplaces had a higher risk of developing elevated arterial blood pressure. There are limited studies in Ethiopia regarding this topic and thus this study determined the prevalence and determinant factors of occupational noise-induced pre-hypertension among metal manufacturing workers in Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was carried out. In this study, 300 study participants were recruited by census sampling method. A sound level meter was used to measure the working area noise level. A semi-structured pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Blood pressure was measured in a quiet room in the morning using a mercurial sphygmomanometer. Both bivariable and multi-variable binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with noise-induced prehypertension. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported, and variables with p < 0.05 were considered as statistically associated factors with pre-hypertension. The prevalence of noise-induced pre-hypertension was 27.7% (95% CI: 22.7-32.7). In multivariable logistic regression, working area noise level (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 6.8-8.9), 45-65 years' age (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 5.4-12.9), years of work experience ((6-10 years (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.98-5.90 and >10 years (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 7.8-9.75)), being a cigarette smoker (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.36-9.77), and alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.06-1.04) were significantly associated with noise-induced prehypertension. Workers in metal manufactures who were exposed to noise levels >85 dB developed elevated blood pressure. The odds of having prehypertension were increased by years of work experience, advanced age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Our findings recommended that the real-world preventive strategies should be taken to lower the risk of noise-induced pre-hypertension hastened by occupational noise exposure.

Abstract 14102: The Joint Effect of Arterial Stiffness and High Central Blood Pressure on Risk of Stroke Among Hypertensive Adults

Introduction: The increases in arterial stiffness and central blood pressure (cBP) suggest significant status of vascular damages with different physio-pathological progress. However, the joint effect of them on risk of first stroke have remained uncertain. And the predictive value of CAP over peripheral blood pressure (bBP) is controversial. Hypothesis: This study aims to test the hypothesis that the combination of elevated arterial stiffness and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) can predict first stroke and is associated with highest risks among hypertensive adults. Methods: A total of 7531 hypertensive adults without prior history of stroke were analyzed. cSBP was measured noninvasively using A-Pulse CASPro device. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity using the noninvasive PulsePen device (WPP001-ET, DiaTecne s.r.l). Whole data was collected from July 2016 to December 2019. Increased arterial stiffness was defined as cfPWV ≥10 m/s. The primary outcome was first all-cause stroke. Results: Of the 7531 participants, mean age was 61.3 ± 9.3 years, 37.2% were male, the mean brachial blood pressure is the mean cfPWV was 9.4 ± 2.2 m/s, the mean cSBP is 131.3 ± 12.8 mmHg. During a mean follow-up time of 3.3 years, 432 (5.2%) participants developed stroke, of which 380 were ischemic strokes. Compared with the reference group (low cfPWV and cSBP), only the group with both high cfPWV and cSBP was significantly associated with risk of stroke after adjusted for covariates (HR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.10, 2.07). Similar result was found in Kaplan Meier Curve. Such association appears robust in different sub-group analysis. Conclusion: The combination of higher arterial stiffness and central systolic blood pressure is associated with highest risk of first stroke compared to other groups. The combined control of arterial stiffness and central blood pressure serves the purpose of primary prevention of first all-cause stroke among hypertensive population.

Blood pressure alterations in recently COVID-19 vaccinated patients

Abstract Background A non-immediate hypertensive response short after COVID-19 vaccination has been reported. Mild to moderate elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) levels have been documented few days after a single or two-doses vaccine. This study sought to investigate this observation as a potential side effect in patients with known hypertension and healthy controls. Methods A total of 100 vaccinated patients between the age of 50 to 70 years old were studied. They were randomly assigned to one of the approved and available vaccines (Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson). Half of them were hypertensives under medical treatment and half of them were not. All participants had systolic BP &amp;lt;140mmHg and diastolic BP &amp;lt;90mmHg before vaccination and volunteered for standard daily home BP measurements (HBPM) and ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) between the 1st and the 21st day after considered fully COVID-19 vaccinated. Results All patients, hypertensives or not, had at some point a recorded hypertensive response for both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP after considered fully vaccinated. Hypertensives were older and with higher body mass index (BMI). Some of the hypertensive patients received additional medication whereas some of the non-hypertensive patients started life modification changes and systematic BP measurements for a possible diagnosis of hypertension. Conclusions Vaccination for COVID-19 seems to be related with a short period of hypertensive response. This phenomenon was partial and mostly observed in older overweight hypertensives. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Gut microbiota mediate vascular dysfunction in a murine model of sleep apnoea: effect of probiotics.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a chronic prevalent condition characterised by intermittent hypoxia (IH), and is associated with endothelial dysfunction and coronary artery disease (CAD). OSA can induce major changes in gut microbiome diversity and composition, which in turn may induce the emergence of OSA-associated morbidities. However, the causal effects of IH-induced gut microbiome changes on the vasculature remain unexplored. Our objective was to assess if vascular dysfunction induced by IH is mediated through gut microbiome changes. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was conducted on C57BL/6J naïve mice for 6 weeks to receive either IH or room air (RA) faecal slurry with or without probiotics (VSL#3). In addition to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of their gut microbiome, FMT recipients underwent arterial blood pressure and coronary artery and aorta function testing, and their trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and plasma acetate levels were determined. Finally, C57BL/6J mice were exposed to IH, IH treated with VSL#3 or RA for 6 weeks, and arterial blood pressure and coronary artery function assessed. Gut microbiome taxonomic profiles correctly segregated IH from RA in FMT mice and the normalising effect of probiotics emerged. Furthermore, IH-FMT mice exhibited increased arterial blood pressure and TMAO levels, and impairments in aortic and coronary artery function (p<0.05) that were abrogated by probiotic administration. Lastly, treatment with VSL#3 under IH conditions did not attenuate elevations in arterial blood pressure or CAD. Gut microbiome alterations induced by chronic IH underlie, at least partially, the typical cardiovascular disturbances of sleep apnoea and can be mitigated by concurrent administration of probiotics.

Angiotensin-(3-4) normalizes the elevated arterial blood pressure and abnormal Na+/energy handling associated with chronic undernutrition by counteracting the effects mediated by type 1 angiotensin II receptors.

We investigated the mechanisms by which chronic administration of a multideficient diet after weaning alters bodily Na+ handling, and culminates in high systolic blood pressure (SBP) at a juvenile age. From 28 to 92 days of age, weaned male Wistar rats were given a diet with low content and poor-quality protein, and low lipid, without vitamin supplementation, which mimics the diets consumed in impoverished regions worldwide. We measured food, energy and Na+ ingestion, together with urinary Na+ excretion, Na+ density (Na+ intake/energy intake), plasma Na+ concentration, SBP, and renal proximal tubule Na+-transporting ATPases. Undernourished rats aged 92 days had only one-third of the control body mass, lower plasma albumin, higher SBP, higher energy intake, and higher positive Na+ balance accompanied by decreased plasma Na+ concentration. Losartan or Ang-(3-4) normalized SBP, and the combination of the 2 substances induced an accentuated negative Na+ balance as a result of strong inhibition of Na+ ingestion. Na+ density in undernourished rats was higher than in control, irrespective of the treatment, and they had downregulated (Na++K+)ATPase and upregulated Na+-ATPase in proximal tubule cells, which returned to control levels after Losartan or Ang-(3-4). We conclude that Na+ density, not only Na+ ingestion, plays a central role in the pathophysiology of elevated SBP in chronically undernourished rats. The observations that Losartan and Ang-(3-4) normalized SBP together with negative Na+ balance give support to the proposal that Ang II⇒AT1R and Ang II⇒AT2R axes have opposite roles within the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system of undernourished juvenile rats.

Wine residues extracts modulating in vitro metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is considered a worldwide epidemic health problem. The manifestations include obesity, dyslipidemias, elevation of arterial blood pressure, and insulin resistance. The wine waste is composed mainly of skin, seed and grape pomace, and is a source of phenolic compounds. Previous studies have demonstrated that grape phenolic compounds have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, acting directly in the pathogenic process of several diseases. In order to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of these compounds, enzymatic biotransformation reactions were developed.The aimed of this work was to evaluate whether phenolic extracts produced with wine waste by biotransformation with Tannase (tannin acyl hydrolase), were able to attenuate the metabolic syndrome manifestations like oxidative stress and reduce the inflammatory parameters in vitro assays.Four different extracts were produced and the non-citotoxic concentrations of samples used (100, 200 and 500 μg/mL) were determined by MTT assay. The inflammatory response was induced in macrophages (RAW 264.7) culture using LPS (Lipopolysaccharide). The biotransformed extracts were able to reduce the TNF-α cell culture supernatant concentration by about 44%; and the IL-6 secretion was reduced by 82%. All the extracts demonstrate efficacy in reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the same was observed for NO (nitric oxide) concentration in the cell culture supernatant after the administration of extracts. These results indicated the strong potential of employing phenolic wine waste extracts on the modulation of metabolic syndrome parameters, use that also brings environmental and socioeconomic advantages, since it brings an alternative for the use of residues.