Elevated Arterial Blood Pressure Research Articles

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.

THE EFFECTIVENESS TEST OF INFUSION CELERY ROOT (Apium graveolens L.) AS A DIURETIC IN WISTAR MALE WHITE RATS (Rattus Norvegicus)

Background: Hypertension is defined by persistently elevated arterial blood pressure. The increase in systolic blood pressure is generally>140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure> 90mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension increases with lifestyle changes. Objective: To determine the diuretic effect of celery (Apium graveolens L.) on male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: This research uses a literature study method, the type of the research is descriptive qualitative with literature research (library research) systematic. Results: Based on research data, there were 5 groups of mice that received different treatments. Among the five treatment groups, 0.5 % CMC suspension (KP-) showed the least mean cumulative urine volume, and furosemide suspension (KP+) showed a large mean cumulative urine volume when compared to negative controls. Conclusion: Celery root infusion can increase urine volume because it contains flavonoids that play a role in increasing urine volume (diuresis).
 Keywords: Diuretic, Celery (Apium graveolens L.), Furosemide, Hypertension, Wistar rats

SHORT-TERM BLOOD PRESSURE ALTERATIONS AFTER COVID-19 VACCINATION

Objective: 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. Design and method: 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 & Johnson). Half of them were hypertensives under medical treatment and half of them were not. All participants had systolic BP < 140mmHg and diastolic BP < 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.

Metabolic footprint in young, middle-aged and elderly rats with melatonin deficit

The pineal gland is suggested to be an essential area involved in the programming of fertility, growth, aging, and death of mammals via the released hormone melatonin.The present study aimed to ascertain the effect of melatonin deficit on several physiological and metabolic parameters, closely associated with the aging process, at certain stages of ontogenesis. Sham and rats with pinealectomy, operated at ages 3, 14, and 18-months, respectively, were tested two months later. Sham rats demonstrated an age-related decline of muscle strength, exercise endurance, motor activity, food intake, calorimetric parameters, and impaired lipid profile. Pinealectomy reduced the maximal time to exhaustion and body weight gain while diminished motor activity, food intake, O2 consumption, CO2 production, and energy expenditure during the Dark phase in the youngest rat group. In addition, melatonin deficit elevated arterial blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure) and increased serum glucose and triglyceride level in 3-month-old rats while decreased the liver enzyme activity in 14-month-old rats. In conclusion, the present study brought new insights confirming the complex impact of melatonin deficit on important physiological, metabolic and biochemical markers related to aging and demonstrated for the first time that the lack of melatonin hormone is harmful in young adult rats.

Vascular hyperacetylation is associated with vascular smooth muscle dysfunction in a rat model of non-obese type 2 diabetes

BackgroundAdvanced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accelerates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction which contributes to the development of vasculopathy, associated with the highest degree of morbidity of T2DM. Lysine acetylation, a post-translational modification (PTM), has been associated with metabolic diseases and its complications. Whether levels of global lysine acetylation are altered in vasculature from advanced T2DM remains undetermined. We hypothesized that VSMC undergoes dysregulation in advanced T2DM which is associated with vascular hyperacetylation.MethodsAged male Goto Kakizaki (GK) rats, a non-obese murine model of T2DM, and age-matched male Wistar rats (control group) were used in this study. Thoracic aortas were isolated and examined for measurement of global levels of lysine acetylation, and vascular reactivity studies were conducted using a wire myograph. Direct arterial blood pressure was assessed by carotid catheterization. Cultured human VSMCs were used to investigate whether lysine acetylation participates in high glucose-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), a crucial factor triggering diabetic vascular dysfunction.ResultsThe GK rats exhibited marked glucose intolerance as well as insulin resistance. Cardiovascular complications in GK rats were confirmed by elevated arterial blood pressure and reduced VSMC-dependent vasorelaxation. These complications were correlated with high levels of vascular global lysine acetylation. Human VSMC cultures incubated under high glucose conditions displayed elevated ROS levels and increased global lysine acetylation. Inhibition of hyperacetylation by garcinol, a lysine acetyltransferase and p300/CBP association factor (PCAF) inhibitor, reduced high glucose-induced ROS production in VSMC.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that vascular hyperacetylation is associated with VSMC dysfunction in advanced T2DM. Understanding lysine acetylation regulation in blood vessels from diabetics may provide insight into the mechanisms of diabetic vascular dysfunction, and opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches to treat diabetic vascular complications.

Blood Pressure Control and Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients Attending Shashemene Referral Hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Hypertension is public health challenge worldwide. It is defined as persistently elevated arterial blood pressure (BP), systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥90 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication in adults older than 18 years. The aim of this study was to assess blood pressure control and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department of Shashemene Referral Hospital. Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted to determine level of blood pressure control and associated factors among hypertensive patients on medical follow-up. A medical chart review and interview was conducted from July 1 to October 31 2018. A total of 325 participants were included in this study with response rate of 320 (98.5%). More than half of study participants were males 171 (53.4%). The mean age of the respondents was 55.10 (SD ± 12.7) years and majority of the respondents 191 (59.7%) were within age of less than 60 years old. The mean Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131.80 mmHg (SD ± 20.92) while the mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 82.30 mmHg (SD ± 10.52). About 51.30% of study participants had a controlled SBP and 54.7% had a controlled DBP. The overall control of BP was achieved in 40.3% of the study participants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, experience of side effects, frequency of BP measuring, number of antihypertensive drugs used, duration on antihypertensive, source of medication and physical exercise showed significant association with blood pressure control. Blood pressure control level among chronic hypertensive patients at outpatient department was low. Age of patients, educational level, experience of side effects, and number of antihypertensive drugs used were important determinant factors associated with blood pressure control among study participants.

Abstract P266: Hypertensive Response In Recently Covid-19 Vaccinated Patients

Background: A non-immediate hypertensive response after COVID-19 vaccination has been reported. Mild to moderate elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) levels have been documented a 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: Overall 60 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 or Moderna) twice within a month. Half of them were hypertensives under medical treatment and half of them were not.All participants volunteered for standard daily home blood pressure measurements (HBPM) and had also ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) between the 1 st and the 30 th day after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Results: All patients, hypertensives or not, had at some point a recorded and substantial hypertensive response for both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure after the second dose of the vaccine. 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.

Effect of Leptin on Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Insights to Therapeutic Target to Prevent Further Cardiovascular Complication.

In response to obesity-associated chronic inflammatory disorders, adipose tissue releases a biologically active peptide known as leptin. Leptin activates the secretion of chemical mediators, which contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis. Conversely, adiposity and obesity are the major aggravating risk factors in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including type II diabetes mellitus and obesity-associated hypertension. Elevated level of leptin in obesity-associated hypertension causes an increase in the production of aldosterone, which also results in elevation of arterial blood pressure. Hyperleptinemia is associated with the progress of the atherosclerosis through secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-17, and other cytokines to promote inflammation. The release of those cytokines leads to chronic inflammatory disorders and obesity-associated MetS. Thus, the aberrant leptin level in both MetS and chronic inflammatory disorders also leads to the complication of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Therapeutic target of leptin regarding its pro-inflammatory effect and dysregulated sympathetic nervous system activity may prevent further cardiovascular complication. This review mainly assesses the mechanism of leptin on the pathogenesis and further cardiovascular risk complication of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Recent Advances in Studies on the Role of Neuroendocrine Disorders in Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome-Related Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of death worldwide, and atherosclerosis (AS) and obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) critically contribute to the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases. OSAHS promotes endothelial injury, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, abnormal lipid metabolism, and elevated arterial blood pressure. However, the exact OSAHS mechanism that causes AS remains unclear. The nervous system is widely distributed in the central and peripheral regions. It regulates appetite, energy metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and vasoconstriction by releasing regulatory factors and participates in the occurrence and development of AS. Studies showed that OSAHS can cause changes in neurophysiological plasticity and affect modulator release, suggesting that neuroendocrine dysfunction may be related to the OSAHS mechanism causing AS. In this article, we review the possible mechanisms of neuroendocrine disorders in the pathogenesis of OSAHS-induced AS and provide a new basis for further research on the development of corresponding effective intervention strategies.

α2δ-1-Dependent NMDA Receptor Activity in the Hypothalamus Is an Effector of Genetic-Environment Interactions That Drive Persistent Hypertension.

The interplay between genetic and environmental factors is critically involved in hypertension development. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus regulates sympathetic output during stress responses and chronic hypertension. In this study, we determined mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in the PVN in chronic stress-induced persistent hypertension in male borderline hypertensive rats (BHR), the first offspring of spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. In Wistar-Kyoto rats, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) increased arterial blood pressure (ABP) and heart rate, which quickly returned to baseline after CUMS ended. In contrast, in BHR, CUMS caused persistent elevation in ABP, which lasted at least 2 weeks after CUMS ended. CUMS also increased the mRNA level of α2δ-1 and synaptic protein levels of GluN1, α2δ-1, and α2δ-1-GluN1 complexes in the PVN in BHR. Furthermore, CUMS significantly increased the frequency of miniature EPSCs and the amplitude of NMDAR currents in spinally projecting PVN neurons in BHR; these increases were normalized by blocking NMDARs with AP5, inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin, or disrupting the α2δ-1-NMDAR interaction with α2δ-1Tat peptide. Microinjection of AP5 or α2δ-1Tat peptide into the PVN normalized elevated ABP and renal sympathetic nerve activity in stressed BHR. In addition, systemically administered gabapentin or memantine attenuated higher ABP induced by CUMS in BHR. Our findings indicate that chronic stress-induced persistent hypertension is mediated by augmented sympathetic outflow via α2δ-1-bound NMDARs in the PVN. This new information provides a cellular and molecular basis for how the genetic-environment interactions cause persistent hypertension.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chronic stress is a major risk factor for hypertension development, especially for individuals with a genetic predisposition to hypertension. Using a rat model of borderline hypertension, we showed that chronic stress induced long-lasting hypertension and sympathetic nerve hyperactivity, which were maintained by NMDAR activation in the hypothalamus. Chronic stress also increased the expression of α2δ-1, previously regarded as a Ca2+ channel subunit, promoting physical interaction with and synaptic trafficking of NMDARs in the hypothalamus. Inhibiting α2δ-1, blocking NMDARs, or disrupting α2δ-1-bound NMDARs reversed chronic stress-induced sympathetic outflow and persistent hypertension. Thus, α2δ-1-dependent NMDAR activity in the hypothalamus is an effector of genetic-environment interactions and may be targeted for treating stress-induced neurogenic hypertension.

Association of central arterial stiffness with hippocampal blood flow and N-acetyl aspartate concentration in hypertensive adult Dahl salt sensitive rats.

Background:Central arterial stiffness (CAS) is associated with elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) and is likely associated with stiffening of cerebral artery walls, with attendant cerebral hypoperfusion, neuronal density loss and cognitive decline. Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats exhibit age-associated hypertension and memory loss, even on a normal salt intake.Method:We sought to explore whether central arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of CAS, is associated with hippocampal cerebral blood flow (CBF) and neuronal density in hypertensive Dahl-S rats. We measured systolic BP (by tail-cuff plethysmography), aortic PWV (by echocardiography) and CBF and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) (by magnetic resonance imaging) in 6 month-old male Dahl-S rats (n = 12).Results:Greater PWV was significantly associated with lower CBF and lower NAA concentration in the hippocampus, supporting a role of CAS in cerebrovascular dysfunction and decline in cognitive performance with aging.Conclusion:These findings implicate increased CAS in cerebral hypoperfusion and loss of neuronal density and function in the Dahl-S model of age-associated cardiovascular dysfunction.

Study of supramolecular complex of nifedipine with arabinogalactan on Wistar and ISIAH rats.

Aim: Physicochemical and pharmacological study of the supramolecular inclusion complexes of the hypotensive drug nifedipine (NF) with the larch polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG). Materials & methods: The NF:AG complexes were obtained and their physicochemical properties were studied. Their hypotensive action and pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated in rats with normal and elevated arterial blood pressure. Results: In both rat lines the NF:AG complex decreased the arterial blood pressure at a lower dosethan free NF (1.75mg/kg of NF in complex compared with 3.5mg/kg of free NF) and has a better pharmacokinetic profile than free NF. Conclusion: The use of the NF:AG complex is an effective way to sufficiently enhance and hasten NF's hypotensive action.

Myocardial Blood Flow Control by Oxygen Sensing Vascular Kvβ Proteins.

[Figure: see text].

Efficacy and tolerability of vitamin C as an add on therapy to standard antihypertensive regimen

Background: In both developing and developed countries, elevated arterial blood pressure is perhaps the most significant public health issue. It is widespread, often asymptomatic, readily observable, typically easily treatable and, if left untreated, frequently leads to lethal complications. According to the Framingham report, the prevalence of hypertension in the white suburban population is almost one-fifth of those with blood pressure >160/95 mm Hg, while almost half of those with blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg. Aim and objectives were to estimate the efficacy of vitamin C as an add-on therapy to the antihypertensive regimen.Methods: The prospective comparative study was undertaken in mild to moderate hypertensive patients to find out the efficacy and tolerability of vitamin C as an add-on therapy to the standard anti-hypertensive regimen in the reduction of blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels. This study was done at the Saraswathi institute of medical sciences, Hapur, UP.Results: For Systolic BP as well as DBP, at baseline there was non-significant difference among all the four group with p value 0.28, whereas at all the visit at 1, 3 and 6 month there was significant difference among the four group with p value<0.01, <0.001 and<0.001.Conclusions: There was significant addon benefit of vit C when added with standard antihypertensive regimen.

Sodium Thiosulfate Ameliorates Renovascular Hypertension-Induced Renal Dysfunction and Injury in Rats

Background/Aims: Arterial stenosis activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system subsequently resulting in renovascular hypertension (RVHT) and renal oxidative injury. We explored the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS, Na2S2O3), a developed antioxidant in clinical trial, on RVHT-induced hypertension and renal oxidative injury in rats. Methods: We induced RVHT in male Wistar rats with bilaterally partial ligation of renal arteries in the 2-kidney 2-clip model. We evaluated the STS effect on RVHT-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis by a chemiluminescence amplification method, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found STS displayed a dose-dependent antioxidant H2O2 activity and adapted the maximal scavenging H2O2 activity of STS at the dosage of 0.1 g/kg intraperitoneally 3 times/week for 4 weeks in RVHT rats. RVHT induced a significant elevation of arterial blood pressure, blood reactive oxygen species amount, neutrophil infiltration, 4-HNE and NADPH oxidase gp91 expression, Bax/Bcl-2/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-mediated apoptosis formation, blue Masson-stained fibrosis, and urinary protein level. STS treatment significantly reduced hypertension, oxidative stress, neutrophil infiltration, fibrosis, and Bax/Bcl-2/PARP-mediated apoptosis formation and depressed the urinary protein level in the RVHT models. Conclusion: Our results suggest that STS treatment could ameliorate RVHT hypertension and renal oxidative injury through antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Programming of Cardiovascular Dysfunction by Postnatal Overfeeding in Rodents.

Nutritional environment in the perinatal period has a great influence on health and diseases in adulthood. In rodents, litter size reduction reproduces the effects of postnatal overnutrition in infants and reveals that postnatal overfeeding (PNOF) not only permanently increases body weight but also affects the cardiovascular function in the short- and long-term. In addition to increased adiposity, the metabolic status of PNOF rodents is altered, with increased plasma insulin and leptin levels, associated with resistance to these hormones, changed profiles and levels of circulating lipids. PNOF animals present elevated arterial blood pressure with altered vascular responsiveness to vasoactive substances. The hearts of overfed rodents exhibit hypertrophy and elevated collagen content. PNOF also induces a disturbance of cardiac mitochondrial respiration and produces an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. A modification of the expression of crucial genes and epigenetic alterations is reported in hearts of PNOF animals. In vivo, a decreased ventricular contractile function is observed during adulthood in PNOF hearts. All these alterations ultimately lead to an increased sensitivity to cardiac pathologic challenges such as ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nevertheless, caloric restriction and physical exercise were shown to improve PNOF-induced cardiac dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities, drawing a path to the potential therapeutic correction of early nutritional programming.

Clinical cases of cerebral venous thrombosis at the onset of paroxysmal conditions

Aim. To demonstrate clinical cases of rare stroke type - cerebral venous thrombosis with paroxysmal conditions. Materials and methods . There were retrospectively analyzed medical histories of the three male patients at age of 19, 22 and 47 years old, respectively, diagnosed with venous stroke, and admitted at different time points to the Neurology Department managing acute cerebrovascular accidents. Results. Patients with subacute and acute venous stroke suffered from headache and general discomfort. Depression of consciousness and paroxysmal events were observed during acute stage of the disease. No elevated arterial blood pressure was found. Focal neurological symptoms were observed in one out of three patients manifested as aphasic disorders. Neuro-ophthalmological examination revealed signs of swelling in the optic nerve (papilledema) and retinal artery spasm. Risk factors predisposing to such pathology were revealed in each clinical case. Conclusions. Here we provided with most high-priority risk factors as well as initial clinical manifestations for developing cerebral venous thrombosis as a rather rare pathological condition. However, various issues related to it still remain and require further investigations.

Electronic Cigarette Use and Metabolic Syndrome Development: A Critical Review.

The metabolic syndrome is a combination of several metabolic disorders, such as cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, including quitting smoking, are recommended to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and its associated complications. Not much research has been conducted in the field of e-cigarettes and the risk of metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, taking into account the influence of e-cigarettes vaping on the individual components of metabolic syndrome, i.e, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and elevated arterial blood pressure, the results are also ambiguous. This article is a review and summary of existing reports on the impact of e-cigarettes on the development of metabolic syndrome as well as its individual components. A critical review for English language articles published until 30 June 2020 was made, using a PubMed (including MEDLINE), Cochrane, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science data. The current research indicated that e-cigarettes use does not affect the development of insulin resistance, but could influence the level of glucose and pre-diabetic state development. The lipid of profile an increase in the TG level was reported, while the influence on the level of concentration of total cholesterol, LDL fraction, and HDL fraction differed. In most cases, e-cigarettes use increased the risk of developing abdominal obesity or higher arterial blood pressure. Further research is required to provide more evidence on this topic.

Exposure to ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cardio-pulmonary endpoints in Greece

Background/Aim In the framework of the EU project HBM4EU on health effects of selected chemicals we investigated the associations between estimated ambient exposures to total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes using the Greek National Morbidity and Risk Factors Survey (EMENO). Methods We used data for 1321 residents in Athens and 390 in Thessaloniki collected in the cross-sectional EMENO survey conducted in Greece in 2015-2016. We used as respiratory markers spirometry-derived FEV1 and FVC and as cardiovascular outcomes prevalent hypertension and mean arterial pressure (MAP) based on blood measurements. We estimated total PAH and B[a]P concentrations in ambient particles at the participant residential address using a location-specific conversion factor on concentrations of particles estimated by dispersion models that predicted annual average of PM2.5 in Greece for 2012, provided by the Ministry of Environment and Energy. We applied generalized linear models to investigate the associations accounting for the two areas and adjusting for potential confounders such sex, age, education, body mass index, smoking habits, exposure to tobacco smoking, alcohol intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. We accounted for the different locations (Athens/Thessaloniki) by the inclusion of a factor variable. Results We found that an IQR increase in B[a]P (0.2 ng/m3) and in total PAH (10.9 ng/m3) individualized exposure concentrations was associated with an increase in MAP by 0.54 mmHg (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.89) mmHg and by 1.96 mmHg (95% CI: 0.81 to 3.12) mmHg, respectively. Spirometry indices were not related to B[a]P or PAH exposure. Conclusions Using an estimated ambient exposure to B[a]P and total PAHs at the residence of the participants of a survey conducted in representative population samples in the two largest cities in Greece, we found that exposure was associated with elevated arterial blood pressure.