Healthy Middle-aged Men Research Articles

Interrupting Prolonged Sitting with Intermittent Walking Increases Postprandial Gut Hormone Responses.

Continuous exercise can increase postprandial gut hormone such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) responses, but it is unknown whether interrupting prolonged sitting with intermittent walking elicits this effect. Ten participants with central overweight/obesity (7 men and 3 postmenopausal women, 51 ± 5 yr; mean ± SD) completed a randomized crossover study in which they consumed breakfast and lunch in the laboratory while either sitting continuously for the entire 5.5-h period (SIT) or the prolonged sitting interrupted every 20 min by walking briskly (6.4 km·h-1) for 2 min (BREAKS). Blood samples were collected at regular intervals to examine postprandial plasma GLP-1, PYY, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentrations. Adipose tissue samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the trials to examine changes in net dipeptidyl peptidase 4 secretion from primary explants. Mean (95% confidence interval) postprandial GLP-1 and PYY incremental area under curve values were elevated by 26% and 31% in the BREAKS trial versus SIT (8.4 [0.7, 16.1] vs 6.7 [-0.8, 14.2], P = 0.001, and 26.9 [8.1, 45.6] vs 20.4 [5.1, 35.8] nmol·330 min·L-1, P = 0.024, respectively) but without any such effect on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (P = 0.076) or net adipose tissue dipeptidyl peptidase 4 secretion (P > 0.05). Interrupting prolonged sitting with regular short bouts of brisk walking increases postprandial GLP-1 and PYY concentrations in healthy middle-age men and women with central adiposity.

Multigenomic modifications in human circulating immune cells in response to consumption of polyphenol rich extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) are suggestive of cardiometabolic protective effects.

Mate is a traditional drink obtained from the leaves of yerba mate and rich in a diversity of plant bioactive compounds including polyphenols, particularly chlorogenic acids. Studies, even though limited, suggest that consumption of mate is associated with health effects, including prevention of cardiometabolic disorders. Molecular mechanisms underlying the potential health properties are still largely unknown, especially in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate nutrigenomic effects of mate consumption and identify regulatory networks potentially mediating cardiometabolic health benefits. Healthy middle-aged men at risk for cardiovascular disease consumed a standardized mate extract or placebo for 4 weeks. Global gene expression, including protein coding and non-coding RNAs profiles were determined using microarrays. Biological function analyses were performed using integrated bioinformatic tools. Comparison of global gene expression profiles showed significant change following mate consumption with 2635 significantly differentially expressed genes, among which 6 are miRNAs and 244 are lncRNAs. Functional analyses showed that these genes are involved in regulation of cell interactions and motility, inflammation or cell signaling. Transcription factors, such as MEF2A, MYB or HNF1A, could have their activity modulated by mate consumption either by direct interaction with polyphenol metabolites or by interactions of metabolites with cell signaling proteins, like p38 or ERK1/2, that could modulate transcription factor activity and regulate expression of genes observed. Correlation analysis suggests that expression profile is inversely associated with gene expression profiles of patients with cardiometabolic disorders. Therefore, mate consumption may exert cardiometabolic protective effects by modulating gene expression towards a protective profile.

Flavanol Consumption in Healthy Men Preserves Integrity of Immunological-Endothelial Barrier Cell Functions: Nutri(epi)genomic Analysis.

While cocoa flavanol (CF) consumption improves cardiovascular risk biomarkers, molecular mechanisms underlying their protective effects are not understood. To investigate nutri(epi)genomic effects of CF and identify regulatory networks potential mediating vascular health benefits. Twenty healthy middle-aged men consume CF (bi-daily 450mg)orcontroldrinksfor 1 month. Microarray analysis identifies 2235 differentially expressed genes (DEG) involved in processes regulating immune response, cell adhesion, or cytoskeleton organization. Distinct patterns of DEG correlate with CF-related changes in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure. DEG profile negatively correlates with expression profiles of cardiovascular disease patients. CF modulated DNA methylation profile of genes implicates in cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton organization, or cell signaling. In silico docking analyses indicate that CF metabolites have the potential of binding to cell signaling proteins and transcription factors. Incubation of plasma obtained after CF consumption decrease monocyte to endothelial adhesion and dose-dependently increase nitric oxide-dependent chemotaxis of circulating angiogenic cells further validating the biological functions of CF metabolites. In healthy humans, CF consumption may mediate vascular protective effects by modulating gene expression and DNA methylation towards a cardiovascular protective effect, in agreement with clinical results, by preserving integrity of immunological-endothelial barrier functions.

S-Klotho level and physiological markers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy adult men.

S-Klotho is perceived as a biomarker of healthy aging that has been shown to be inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk in elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to test if s-Klotho level is associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in younger healthy men in order to verify the possible role of s-Klotho level as an early marker of cardiometabolic risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 healthy men (Mage=35.33, SDage=3.47) from a Western urban population. Serum basal levels of s-Klotho, lipid profile, homocysteine, glycemia markers, C-reactive protein, liver transaminases and creatinine were evaluated. Also, blood pressure was measured and cardiometabolic risk score and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Testosterone and cortisol levels, self-reported psychological stress, physical activity, smoking in the past, alcohol use and body adiposity were controlled for. We found no relationship between levels of s-Klotho and physiological markers of cardiometabolic risk in the studied population. The results were similar when controlled for adiposity, testosterone level, physical activity, alcohol use and smoking in the past. We suggest that s-Klotho level is not an early marker of cardiometabolic risk in younger middle-aged healthy men.

Effects of short sleep duration on hemodynamic and psychological responses under long working hours in healthy middle-aged men: an experimental study.

This study examined the effects of short sleep duration (SSD) on hemodynamic and psychological responses under long working hours (LWH) in a laboratory experiment. Sixteen subjects participated in a crossover design experiment consisting of two conditions: normal (7-hours) sleep and short (5-hours) sleep. In each condition, participants engaged in simulated LWH (13 hours a day), comprising 12 task sessions. Hemodynamic and psychological responses were measured in each session. Results showed that there were significant main effects of condition and session but no interaction for hemodynamic and psychological responses. Systolic blood pressure and fatigue were higher in the later sessions than the first one. Stroke volume, sleepiness, fatigue, and stress were higher in the 5-hour than the 7-hour sleep condition (all p<0.05). These results suggest that although the combined effect of LWH and SSD was not significant, both LWH and SSD caused a hemodynamic and psychological burden.

The Association between Exposure to Residential Indoor Volatile Organic Compounds and Measures of Central Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Middle-Aged Men and Women.

It is well reported that individuals spend up to 90% of their daily time indoors, with between 60% to 90% of this time being spent in the home. Using a cross-sectional study design in a population of 111 healthy adults (mean age: 52.3 ± 9.9 years; 65% women), we investigated the association between exposure to total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor residential environments and measures of central arterial stiffness, known to be related to cardiovascular risk. Indoor VOC concentrations were measured along with ambulatory measures of pulse pressure (cPP), augmentation index (cAIx) and cAIx normalized for heart rate (cAIx75), over a continuous 24-h period. Pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was determined during clinical assessment. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between measures of arterial stiffness and VOCs after adjusting for covariates. Higher 24-h, daytime and night-time cAIx was associated with an interquartile range increase in VOCs. Similar effects were shown with cAIx75. No significant effects were observed between exposure to VOCs and cPP or cfPWV. After stratifying for sex and age (≤50 years; >50 years), effect estimates were observed to be greater and significant for 24-h and daytime cAIx in men, when compared to women. No significant effect differences were seen between age groups with any measure of arterial stiffness. In this study, we demonstrated that residential indoor VOCs exposure was adversely associated with some measures of central arterial stiffness, and effects were different between men and women. Although mechanistic pathways remain unclear, these findings provide a possible link between domestic VOCs exposure and unfavourable impacts on individual-level cardiovascular disease risk.

Pituitary-gonadal system dysfunction in middle-aged men with an uncontrolled asthma

The functional state of the pituitarygonadal system is investigated in 90 middle-aged men with the uncontrolled asthma and 35 healthy volunteers. According to the severity of the disease, the patients were stratified into two groups: moderate and severe. To assess the symptoms of an androgen deficiency and sexual dysfunction, the Aging Males Symptoms and the International Index of the Erectile Function were used. The activity of the pituitarygonadal system was assessed by determining the serum levels of testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone as well as cortisol. It was found that in patients suffering from asthma, symptoms of androgen deficiency and sexual dysfunction are revealed significantly more often than in the healthy middle-aged men, and the severity of these disorders depends on the severity of the disease. At the same time, in patients suffering from asthma, before the treatment, there was a significant decrease in the serum level of androgens, cortisol, and an increase in the sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone, depending on the severity of the disease, in comparison with healthy subjects. After the treatment, the levels of sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were restored, while the levels of androgens and cortisol remained reduced. A significant decrease in the level of prolactin was detected only after the treatment in patients suffering from a severe asthma. Thus, in middle-aged men with an uncontrolled asthma, symptoms of androgen deficiency, and dysfunction of the pituitarygonadal and reproductive systems are significantly more common than in the healthy individuals of the same age. Moreover, the severity of these disorders is influenced not only by the severity of the asthma, but also by the treatment with the systemic corticosteroids.

The Incremental Shuttle Walk Test

The Incremental Shuttle Walk Test

Longitudinal Association of Arterial Stiffness and Pressure Wave Reflection with Decline of the Cardiac Systolic Performance in Healthy Men.

Aims: This prospective observational study aimed to examine the individual longitudinal associations of the increases in the arterial stiffness and pressure wave reflection with the decline in the cardiac systolic performance during the study period in healthy middle-aged Japanese men. Methods: In 4016 middle-aged Japanese healthy men (43±9 years), the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), radial augmentation index (rAI), and pre-ejection period/ejection time (pre-ejection period (PEP)/ET) were measured annually during a 9-year study period. Results: The baPWV, rAI, and PEP/ET showed steady annual increases during the study period. According to the results of multivariate linear regression analyses, both the baPWV and rAI measured at the baseline showed significant independent associations with the PEP/ET measured at the baseline (baPWV: beta=0.17,p＜0.01 and rAI: beta=0.11,p＜0.01), whereas neither showed any association with the PEP/ET measured at the end of the study period. The results of the mixed-model linear regression analysis of the repeated-measures data collected over the 9-year study period revealed that the baPWV, but not the rAI, showed a significant longitudinal association with the PEP/ET (estimate=0.69 x 10−4,p＜0.01). Conclusion: In apparently healthy middle-aged Japanese men, the annual increase of the arterial stiffness, rather than the annual increase of the pressure wave reflection, appears to be more closely associated with the annual decline of the cardiac systolic performance as assessed by the systolic time interval.

Brown adipose tissue fat-fraction is associated with skeletal muscle adiposity.

While brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity is known to be associated with both muscle and adipose tissue volumes, the association between BAT and muscle composition remains unclear, especially in adults. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between BAT parameters (glucose uptake and fat-fraction) and muscle volumes and intramuscular adipose tissue contents among healthy young and middle-aged men. BAT glucose uptake was determined using positron emission tomography with [18F]-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) during cold exposure in 19 young and middle-aged men (36.3 ± 10.7years). The fat-fraction of BAT was determined from volumes of interest set in cervical and supraclavicular adipose tissue depots using signal fat-fraction maps via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Muscle volumes and intramuscular adipose tissue contents of m. tibialis anterior and m. multifidus lumborum were measured using MRI. The fat-fraction of BAT was significantly associated with intramuscular adipose tissue content in m. tibialis anterior (n = 13, rs = 0.691, P = 0.009). A similar trend was also observed in m. multifidus lumborum (n = 19, rs = 0.454, P = 0.051). However, BAT glucose uptake was not associated with intramuscular adipose tissue contents in both muscles, nor were muscle volumes associated with the BAT glucose uptake and fat-fraction. The fat-fraction of BAT increases with skeletal muscle adiposity, especially in the lower leg, among healthy young and middle-aged men.

Intensity-Modified Recreational Volleyball Training Improves Health Markers and Physical Fitness in 25-55-Year-Old Men.

The present study is aimed at determining the effects of intensity-modified recreational volleyball training on health markers and physical fitness in healthy middle-aged men. Thirty-four healthy untrained men aged 25–55 years were randomized to either a modified recreational volleyball group (MRV, n = 17) or a recreational volleyball group (RV, n = 17). Both groups performed volleyball training twice a week over 12 weeks, with participants in MRV playing a modified game with higher intensity due to shorter breaks between rallies. The small to moderate improvements of both groups were observed in SBP (MRV gav = −0.50 [-0.67, -0.33] vs. RV gav = −0.37 [-0.55, -0.20]) to a similar extent (p = 0.12). However, only the MRV significantly improved (p < 0.001) the mean body weight (gav = −0.35 [-0.52, -0.18]) and BMI (gav = −0.39 [-0.56, -0.22]) to a moderate extent and the YYIR1 performance (gav = 2.45 [2.22, 2.69]) to a large extent. Even though both groups significantly improved the rest HR, the mean change of rest HR was significantly greater in MRV as compared to the RV (p < 0.001, ŋp2 = 0.47). The study revealed that an intensity-modified type of recreational volleyball, involving shorter breaks between rallies, improves cardiorespiratory fitness and health markers for men aged 25–55 years.

The Prevalence of Late-Onset Hypogonadism in Middle-Aged Men and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background: Life expectancy has increased dramatically worldwide, resulting in a sharp rise of age-associated diseases, including late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in men. Aim: To assess the prevalence of LOH and to determine its relationships with cardiovascular risk factors in healthy middle-aged men. Material and Methods: A total of 200 men aged 44–55 (median 48.44, interquartile range 45.02–52.50) undergoing regular medical examinations were enrolled in a study. All participants were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction, Aging Male's Symptoms, and Beck Depression Inventory questionnaires. Sex and gonadotropin hormones were measured in all participants. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk was assessed in all participants by using the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation scale, and additional risk factors were recommended in the 2019 European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines for the management of dyslipidemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. Results: Ninety-eight (49%) men suffered from LOH. Men with total testosterone (TT) of <12 nmol/L were considered testosterone-deficient. The mean TT level was 8.9 ± 2.4 nmol/L in the LOH group. Clinical signs and symptoms of LOH were associated with lower TT levels: 7.78 ± 2.49 and 10.15 ± 1.32 in the groups with and without LOH, respectively (p = 0.004). The prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and depression was significantly higher among men with LOH, compared with men without it. High cardiovascular risk was found only in those participants present with LOH (p = 0.003). After collecting other risk factors, we found that 94.9% of participants assigned to the LOH group had high cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: The prevalence of LOH is high among healthy middle-aged men. Moreover, it is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Early measurement of TT levels in this population group may predict the development of CVD and allow the introduction of timely primary prevention measures to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Low ventilatory responsiveness to transient hypoxia or breath-holding predicts fast marathon performance in healthy middle-aged and older men

The aim of this study was to test the utility of haemodynamic and autonomic variables (e.g. peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity [PCheS], blood pressure variability [BPV]) for the prediction of individual performance (marathon time and VO2max) in older men. The post-competition vasodilation and sympathetic vasomotor tone predict the marathon performance in younger men, but their prognostic relevance in older men remains unknown. The peripheral chemoreflex restrains exercise-induced vasodilation via sympathetically-mediated mechanism, what makes it a plausible candidate for the individual performance marker. 23 men aged ≥ 50 year competing in the Wroclaw Marathon underwent an evaluation of: resting haemodynamic parameters, PCheS with two methods: transient hypoxia and breath-holding test (BHT), cardiac barosensitivity, heart rate variability (HRV) and BPV, plasma renin and aldosterone, VO2max in a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). All tests were conducted twice: before and after the race, except for transient hypoxia and CPET which were performed once, before the race. Fast marathon performance and high VO2max were correlated with: low ventilatory responsiveness to hypoxia (r = − 0.53, r = 0.67, respectively) and pre-race BHT (r = − 0.47, r = 0.51, respectively), (1) greater SD of beat-to-beat SBP (all p < 0.05). Fast performance was related with an enhanced pre-race vascular response to BHT (r = − 0.59, p = 0.005). The variables found by other studies to predict the marathon performance in younger men: post-competition vasodilation, sympathetic vasomotor tone (LF-BPV) and HRV were not associated with the individual performance in our population. The results suggest that PCheS (ventilatory response) predicts individual performance (marathon time and VO2max) in men aged ≥ 50 yeat. Although cause-effect relationship including the role of peripheral chemoreceptors in restraining the post-competition vasodilation via the sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow may be hypothesized to underline these findings, the lack of correlation between individual performance and both, the post-competition vasodilation and the sympathetic vasomotor tone argues against such explanation. Vascular responsiveness to breath-holding appears to be of certain value for predicting individual performance in this population, however.

Transient Osteoporosis

Abstract Background: Transient osteoporosis is an uncommon and self-limited clinical syndrome characterized by acute joint pain with evidence of bone marrow edema on MRI. It predominantly affects healthy middle-aged men or women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The hips, knee, foot and ankle are affected in decreasing order of frequency. Pathophysiology is unknown but multiple etiologies such as ischemia, neurogenic compression or impaired venous return have been proposed. Classically, it is unilateral and bilateral in only 20%-40% of cases. It has been reported to periodically involve different joints over time with one report showing the progression to regional migratory osteoporosis in at least 20% of patients. There are no specific biomarkers to aid with diagnosis, MRI shows diffuse bone marrow edema sometimes associated with joint effusion with infrequent subchondral microfractures. Other etiologies to consider for bone marrow edema include osteomyelitis, avascular necrosis, trauma, tumors and inflammatory arthropathy. Transient osteoporosis can be self- limiting however, bisphosphonate use has been associated with shortened recovery time. In our patient given lack of access to his previous records to review and ascertain his previous diagnosis, his diagnosis of record was transient osteoporosis rather than regional migratory osteoporosis. Clinical Case: A 47 yo male presented to clinic with complaint of left ankle pain. Pain initially noted when he tripped and fell one year ago. Initial x-rays did not reveal any fractures. He was unable to weight bear due to pain although he had full range of motion at the ankle with a normal neurological and vascular exam of the foot. Due to persistence of pain, an MRI was done which showed cutaneous edema around the medial and lateral aspects of the ankle, trace tibiotalar joint effusion, marrow edema in the distal tibia and navicular with no acute fracture or definite evidence of avascular necrosis. On further questioning he reported a previous history of hip pain at age 32 and 41 with no preceding trauma. X-rays were negative for fracture and MRI showed marrow edema. Symptoms resolved after a few weeks with possible treatment with Alendronate. With the current presentation biochemical work up including Vitamin D, PTH, 24-hour urine calcium, electrolytes, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase was unremarkable. Given the marrow edema reported on MRI, absence of fracture, osteochondral lesion or recent trauma transient osteoporosis was diagnosed. Given the duration of symptoms he was treated with Reclast 5mg IV once and reported 80% improvement in ankle pain during follow up 4 weeks later. Conclusion: It is important to identify transient osteoporosis and regional migratory osteoporosis to prevent unnecessary medical or surgical therapy.

Fasting serum potassium and long-term mortality in healthy men

BackgroundSerum potassium levels have been positively associated with cardiovascular mortality, but little is known about the association with cancer mortality and death due to other causes. We examined whether serum levels of potassium were associated with long-term mortality in a healthy cohort.MethodsOslo Ischemia Study invited 2341 initially healthy men aged 40–59 years with no use of medication to a comprehensive health survey in 1972. Fasting serum level of potassium (mmol/L) was ascertained at baseline for 1989 men. We have complete follow-up for death throughout 2017. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and adjusted for multiple confounders.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 30 years (interquartile range 21.2–38.7), 1736 deaths were observed, of which 494 were cancer deaths, 688 cardiovascular deaths, and 536 deaths related to other causes. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that potassium level was linearly and positively associated with long-term cancer mortality; HR per mmol/L 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.4. Compared with low levels of potassium (≤ 4.0 mmol/L), men with high levels (≥4.6 mmol/L) showed a significantly 78% higher risk of cancer death. A positive linear association was found for all-cause mortality (HR per mmol/L 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.8), and for cardiovascular (HR per mmol/L 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7) and other cause mortality (HR per mmol/L 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that serum potassium level appears to predict long-term mortality in healthy middle-aged men, and it might imply future surveillance strategies for individuals with high serum potassium levels.

Mediation of Arterial Stiffness for Hyperuricemia-Related Decline of Cardiac Systolic Function in Healthy Men.

Background: This prospective observational study examined whether hyperuricemia may be associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) systolic function and increased cardiac load resulting from increased arterial stiffness.Methods and Results: In 1,880 middle-aged (mean [±SD] age 45±9 years) healthy men, serum uric acid (UA) levels, pre-ejection period/ejection time (PEP/ET) ratio, serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured at the start and end of the 3-year study period. Linear regression analysis revealed that serum UA levels measured at baseline were significantly associated with the PEP/ET ratio, but not with serum NT-proBNP levels, measured at baseline (β=0.73×10−1, P<0.01) and at the end of the study period (β=0.68×10−1, P<0.01). The change in the PEP/ET ratio during the study period was significantly greater in the High-UA (UA >7 mg/dL in 2009 and 2012) than Low-UA (UA ≤7 mg/dL in 2009 and 2012) group. Mediation analysis demonstrated both direct and indirect (via increases in baPWV) associations between serum UA measured at baseline and the PEP/ET ratio measured at the end of the study period.Conclusions: In healthy middle-aged Japanese men, hyperuricemia may be associated with an accelerated decline in ventricular systolic function, both directly and indirectly, via increases in arterial stiffness.

Cerebral blood flow velocity is associated with endothelial function in men

Background and objective: Reduction in cerebral blood flow with aging leads to cognitive decline and brain atrophy. Cerebrovascular hemodynamics are associated with vascular function. However, little is known about endothelial function in relation to cerebral blood flow at rest. The present study aimed to examine the association between microvascular endothelial function and middle cerebral blood flow. Material and methods: This study involved 60 healthy middle-aged and elderly men. The microvascular endothelial function was measured via digital reactive hyperemia index using pulse amplitude tonometry, and the mean middle cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance were measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Results and conclusions: Reactive hyperemia index was significantly correlated with the mean middle cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance. Multiple regression analysis further indicated that the correlation was significant after adjustment of covariates, such as age, body mass index, smoking status, medication history, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. Further, Reactive hyperemia index was found to be a significant independent determinant of the mean middle cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebrovascular conductance. The present study demonstrated that vascular endothelial function is associated with cerebral blood flow and is an independent potential confounding factor in healthy middle-aged and older men.

Уровни высокочувствительного с-реактивного белка у работающих мужчин молодого и среднего возраста

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the working age population. In recent decades, more and more attention has been attracted to a subacute chronic inflammatory process as the cause of the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of atherothrombosis. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is recognized as an independent marker of cardiovascular disease risk, comparable in value to cholesterol or blood pressure. Aim. Measurement of hs-CRP levels in the group of initially healthy young and middle-aged working men. Materials and methods. The study included 349 men aged 28 to 56 years, who undergo periodic medical examination at the Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center of “Gazprom transgaz Moscow” OOO from November 2018 to February 2020.The examination was carried out according to an employee occupation by order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia No. 302n. dated 12.04.2011. Additionally, a blood test for hs-CRP was performed. Results. An increase in hs-CRP ≥2 mg/L was found in 26.7% of the men examined. In the majority of cases (89.2%), the increase in CRP ranged between 2 and 5 mg/L, in 7.5% of cases – between 5 and 10 mg/L, and only in 3,2% it exceeded 10 mg/L. All patients with elevated hs-CRP levels showed no signs of an acute inflammatory reaction. A direct correlation of hs-CRP levels with overweight and abdominal obesity, which increases with age, was revealed. In 151 men, hs-CRP levels were assessed in dynamics, of which baseline increase of ≥2 mg / l was noted in 28.5%, and after a year – in 23.2%. When assessing the absolute value of biomarker concentration, an increase in this indicator after a year was registered in 45.3% of men. Conclusion. The high incidence of increased baseline hs-CRP levels in the group of relatively healthy young and middle-aged working men, and the tendency for this indicator to increase after a year in 45.3% of men makes it appropriate to include routine measurement of the basal hs-CRP concentration in men over 40 years of age in screening programs and standards of medical examinations. Keywords: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases For citation: Kirichenko AA, Poliakova OA, Dubovskaia IN. Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in young and middle-aged working men. Consilium Medicum. 2021; 23 (1): 99–102. DOI: 10.26442/20751753.2021.1.200577

The Effect of Muscle Endurance Training on Blood Pressure, Resting Heart Rate and Endothelin-1 Levels in Inactive Men

Background and Aim: Sports activities play a protective and preventive role against heart diseases by reducing their risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training by muscle endurance method on blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma endothelin-1 levels of inactive healthy men. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 middle-aged men (Mean±SD age: 47.03±2.12 years, Mean±SD height: 172.90±3 cm, Mean±SD weight: 80.70±3.1 kg, Mean±SD Body Mass Index: 27.47±3.66 kg/m², and Mean±SD waist to hip ratio: 0.98 0±1.27) were purposefully selected and then randomly divided into the control and experimental groups (each 15 members). The experimental group performed 8 weeks of resistance training, three sessions per week with an intensity of 40% to 70% of 1 repetition maximum. Plasma endothelin-1, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate were measured before and after 8 weeks of exercise. The dependent t-test was used to examine intra-group changes, and the independent t-test was used for inter-group differences. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results: Eight weeks of muscular endurance resistance training significantly reduced endothelin-1 plasma levels of inactive middle-aged men (P=0.002). Also, 8 weeks of resistance training significantly reduced their systolic blood pressure (P=0.001) and resting heart rate (P=0.01), but the decrease in diastolic blood pressure was not significant (P=0.0411). Conclusion: Based on the present study results, muscular endurance resistance training as a preventive factor can decrease the risk of hypertension and heart disease in healthy middle-aged men by reducing plasma endothelin-1 levels, systolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate.

Association of low plasma antioxidant levels with all-cause mortality and coronary events in healthy middle-aged men from France and Northern Ireland in the PRIME study

BackgroundThe main underlying risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) are modifiable and oxidative injury and systemic inflammatory damage represent key aetiological factors associated with the development and progression of CHD and premature mortality.ObjectiveTo examine associations of plasma antioxidant status with all-cause mortality and fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events.DesignThe PRIME study prospectively evaluated 9709 men aged 50–59 years between 1991 and 1993 in Northern Ireland and France who were free of CHD at recruitment and followed annually for deaths and cardiovascular events for 10 years. Serum concentrations of vitamin C, retinol, two forms of vitamin E (α- and γ-tocopherol) and six carotenoids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Baseline conventional risk factors were considered, as well as socioeconomic differences and lifestyle behaviours including diet, smoking habit, physical activity, and alcohol consumption through Cox regression analyses.ResultsAt 10 years, there were 538 deaths from any cause and 440 fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events. After adjustment for country, age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, body mass index, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, height, total physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking habit, higher levels of all antioxidants were associated with significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality, with the exception of γ-tocopherol. Only retinol was significantly associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular events in a fully adjusted model.ConclusionsLow antioxidant levels contribute to the gradient of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular incidence independent of lifestyle behaviours and traditional cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors.