Femoral Artery Intima-media Thickness Research Articles

Reduced artery diameters in Klinefelter syndrome

Various epidemiological studies in relatively large cohorts of patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) described the increased morbidity and mortality in these subjects. Our aim was to study the structure and function of arteries in different districts to investigate in these subjects possible alterations. A total of 92 patients having non-mosaic KS, diagnosed in Centre for Human Reproduction Pathology at the University of Padova, and 50 age-matched healthy male controls were studied. Klinefelter syndrome subjects and controls evaluation included complete medical history, physical examination, measurement of concentrations of the reproductive hormones, lipidic and glycidic metabolism, AR function and sensitivity, ultrasound examinations (diameters, carotid intima-media thickness and brachial flow-mediated dilation) of brachial, common carotid and common femoral artery and abdominal aorta. Klinefelter syndrome patients showed significantly reduced artery diameters in all districts evaluated. On the contrary no statistically significant difference was found in cIMT and brachial FMD values between KS patients and controls. Furthermore, we found no statistically significant correlation of artery diameters with reproductive hormones, metabolic parameters, anthropometric measures and weighted CAG repeats. To our knowledge, this is the first study finding a reduced artery diameter in several districts in KS patients compared with that of normal male subjects and overlapping to that of female subjects. We have not an explanation for this phenomenon, even if a possible involvement of genes controlling the development of vascular system might be hypothesized, and further research is required to verify this hypothesis.

Analysis of femoral artery intima-media thickness during the cardiac cycle

BackgroundVariations in the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery during the cardiac cycle are well established. The change in femoral IMT during the cardiac cycle is largely unknown. This study focuses on the variation of femoral IMT, vessel diameter, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IMT during the cardiac cycle. MethodsVideo clips of the femoral artery were obtained using B-mode ultrasonography in 60 patients between the ages of 18 and 50. IMT and diameter measurements were made using automated software, and CSA was subsequently calculated. Triplicate measurements of each femoral artery were made at three points in the cardiac cycle: the R wave, the T wave, and at the point of maximal vessel diameter falling after the T wave and before the following P wave. ResultsFemoral IMT, diameter, and CSA did not show a statistically significant difference with measurement on the R versus the T wave (P>0.36, P>0.28, and P>0.76, respectively). Interestingly, when comparing measurements on the R or T wave with measurements taken at the maximum vessel diameter, there was a statistically significant difference in vessel diameter (P<0.001) and CSA (P<0.005) but not in femoral IMT (P>0.2). ConclusionsUnlike studies of the carotid artery, there were no statistically significant differences between measurements made at the R versus the T wave. There were, however, statistically significant differences noted in diameter and CSA when measurements were taken at a point later in the cardiac cycle. This has ramifications for future studies on vascular remodeling.

Atherosclerotic Changes in Common Carotid Artery, Common Femoral Artery, and Ascending Aorta/Aortic Arch in Candidates for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

We assessed the association between common carotid and common femoral artery intima-media thickness (ccIMT and cfIMT, respectively), histopathologic severity of atherosclerosis in the ascending aorta/aortic arch, and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 150 candidates for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). One-, 2-, and 3-vessel diseases were present in 20%, 25.9%, and 54.1%, respectively. Although no significant relationship was present between the ccIMT and the number of occluded coronary vessels (P = .41), both the cfIMT and severity of atherosclerosis in the ascending aorta/aortic arch were predictive of more extensive CAD (P = .03 and .01, respectively). Neither the ccIMT nor the cfIMT was correlated with the severity of aortic atherosclerosis (P = .81 and .63, respectively). In conclusion, both cfIMT and atherosclerosis of ascending aorta/aortic arch are independent predictors of CAD extent. However, interrelationships between these 2 variables as well as the ccIMT are complex in CABG candidates.

Analysis of Femoral Artery Intima-Media Thickness, Vessel Diameter and Intima Cross-Sectional Area During the Cardiac Cycle

Analysis of Femoral Artery Intima-Media Thickness, Vessel Diameter and Intima Cross-Sectional Area During the Cardiac Cycle

Gender Divergence on the Impact of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors on the Femoral Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Asymptomatic Young Adults: The Bogalusa Heart Study

IntroductionGender divergence on the impact of multiple cardiovascular risk factors on the femoral artery intima-media thickness (IMT) has not been studied in a biracial (black-white) community-based asymptomatic young adults. MethodsFemoral IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography in 1080 individuals (age, 24–43years; 71% white; 43% men) enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study. ResultsFemoral IMT showed a gender difference (men>women; P=0.001), but no racial difference. In a multivariate model, age, cigarette smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio related independently, in that order, to IMT in women, and age and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in men. In women, mean IMT increased with increasing number of risk factors defined as values above the age-, race- and gender-specific 75th percentile of systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and insulin along with positive smoking status (P for trend=0.001), with respective mean IMT (mm) values of 0.61, 0.65, 0.72 and 0.77, for 0, 1 to 2, 3 and 4 to 5 risk factors. There was no such significant trend in men. ConclusionsAlthough men versus women had thicker IMT, the observed increasing trend of femoral IMT with increasing number of risk factors in asymptomatic young women suggests that women may be relatively more susceptible to the burden of multiple risk factors.

Subclinical atherosclerosis in young patients with rheumatoid arthritis and low disease activity

There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are characterized by acceleration of atherosclerotic process of arterial wall. However, all investigations performed so far to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in RA included subjects without selection for age and degree of disease activity that may represent confounding factors in such an evaluation. To verify signs of accelerated subclinical atherosclerosis in young subject suffering from RA but with low disease activity. Thirty-two patients with RA and 28 age- and sex-matched control subjects with non-inflammatory rheumatic diseases were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were age less than 60 and low disease activity with score < or =3.2 according to DAS28, while subjects with traditional risk factors for and/or overt cardiovascular disease were ruled out from the study. Both patients and controls underwent evaluation of carotid and femoral artery intima-media thickness by ultrasounds. Patients had higher intima-media thickness than controls of all the sites evaluated at carotid artery level, whereas there were no differences at the comparison of the superficial and common femoral artery wall. At the univariate analysis, a positive correlation between LDL cholesterol levels and intima-media thickness at the carotid bifurcation was found. Young patients with RA and low disease activity have acceleration of atherosclerosis development as shown by increased intima-media thickness of carotid artery with respect to subjects without inflammatory rheumatic disease. It is conceivable that the organic damage of arterial wall could be the result of persistent endothelial dysfunction induced by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation which characterize RA.

Beneficial effects of intensive therapy on arterial intima-media thickness and its risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients

Objective To analyze the changes of the intima-media thickness(IMT)of carotid and femoral arteries, serum advanced glycosylation end-products(AGEs),and AGEs soluble receptor(sRAGE)after intensively controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid. Methods One hundred and thirty-two type 2 diabetic patients were divided into 3 groups and followed for 5 years: 20 patients were treated with intensive control of blood glucose and blood pressure, 80 patients with intensive control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid; and 32 patients with conventional therapy. AGEs, sRAGE, and IMT of carotid and femoral arteries were measured and compared among different groups. Results The IMT of carotid and femoral arteries and serum level of AGEs were significantly decreased after intensive treatment. The ratio of sRAGE and HbA1C(sRAGE/HbA1C)were negatively correlated with the mean of HbA1Cin the past five years(r=-0.417, P＜0.001)and the fluctuation of HbA1C(r=-0.309,P＜0.001). Multinomial regression analysis showed that AGEs were the important risk factors of IMT of femoral artery(β=0.152,P=0.068). Conclusion Intensive treatment is significant in controlling the growing IMT of carotid and femoral arteries, while decreasing serum level of AGEs. Key words: Glycosylation end-products, advanced; Soluble receptor of advanced glycosylation end-products; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Intima-media thickness of arteries; Intensive control

Framingham risk score is associated with femoral artery intima-media thickness in asymptomatic young adults (the Bogalusa heart study)

Objective Femoral artery intima-media thickness (IMT), like carotid IMT, is a surrogate indicator of atherosclerotic coronary and peripheral vascular diseases. The Framingham risk score (FRS) is widely being used in the early prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between FRS and femoral artery IMT has not been studied in asymptomatic younger black and white adult population. Our objective was to examine the association between FRS and femoral artery IMT in asymptomatic younger adults. Methods Subjects ( n = 1080; 71% white, 43% male) aged 24–43 years enrolled in the Bogalusa heart study. Femoral IMT was measured by B-mode ultrasonography. Age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, cigarette smoking and type2 diabetes were used to calculate individual FRS. Results FRS was lower in females ( p = 0.001) than males. Age-adjusted femoral IMT showed gender differences (males > females, p = 0.001) among whites only; and no race difference in both genders. A significant positive linear relationship between tertiles of FRS and IMT of femoral artery was noted in whites and blacks alike ( p for trend < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis that included FRS, race, body mass index (BMI), log insulin, log triglycerides, exercise and alcohol intake; FRS, insulin and BMI were significantly and independently associated in that order with femoral IMT. Conclusions The findings support the use of FRS in both white and black younger adults and underscore the importance of prevention and control of FRS variables in youth.

Correlation of Femoral Intima-Media Thickness and the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

The carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) is an established surrogate marker of vascular risk. We assessed the common femoral artery IMT and its correlation with coronary artery disease (CAD). We also assessed the influence of vascular risk factors on the femoral IMT. Patients (n = 180; mean age 60.4 ± 10.5 years) who had undergone coronary angiography due to symptoms of CAD were enrolled in this study. We found significantly higher values of femoral IMT in patients with CAD than in those without CAD (P = .0000). A strong positive correlation between femoral IMT and the severity of CAD expressed by the Gensini Score (P = .0000) was observed. There was a positive correlation between femoral IMT and levels of triglycerides (P = .017), body mass index (BMI; P = .036), male gender (P = .0000), and smoking (P = .028). There was a negative correlation between femoral IMT and the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = .001). Femoral IMT could be a novel cardiovascular risk marker.

Vascular Function in Children With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

We compared the endothelial function and vascular wall characteristics of 11 children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) (age 13 +/- 3 years) with the characteristics of 17 age-matched peers (12 +/- 2 years). Echocardiographic Doppler measurements were performed under standardized conditions to assess (1) the carotid and femoral artery diameter and intima-media thickness, (2) brachial artery endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation, and (3) central and peripheral compliance using pulsewave velocity. In addition, the physical activity level was assessed using a validated questionnaire. We found that the physical activity level of the children with TOF was lower than that of the controls, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (4.5 vs 5.9 h/wk, p = 0.087). A significantly larger femoral artery intima-media thickness was observed in those with TOF, and the carotid and brachial artery diameter and intima-media thickness were comparable between groups. The children with TOF demonstrated a significantly lower brachial artery flow-mediated dilation than that of the controls. The central and peripheral compliance did not differ between the 2 groups. In conclusion, children with TOF demonstrated an impaired brachial artery endothelial function and increased intima-media thickness of the femoral artery compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion, our findings have, therefore, indicated that children with TOF, already at a young age, have changes in vascular function and structure.

Low bone mineral density is related to atherosclerosis in postmenopausal Moroccan women.

BackgroundSome studies have implicated several possible metabolic linkages between osteoporosis and vascular calcification, including estrogen deficiency, vitamin D excess, vitamin K deficiency and lipid oxidation products. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are related to each other or are independent processes, both related to aging. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the correlation between arterial thickening and bone status in a sample of apparently healthy Moroccan women.MethodsSeventy-two postmenopausal women were studied. All patients were without secondary causes that might affect bone density. Bone status was assessed by bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar spine and all femoral sites. Arterial wall thickening was assessed by intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid artery (CA) and femoral artery (FA). Prevalent plaques were categorized into four groups ranging from low echogenicity to high echogenicity.ResultsThe mean age was 59.2 ± 8.3 years. 84.7% had at least one plaque. By Spearman Rank correlation, CA IMT was negatively correlated to Femoral total BMD (r = -0.33), Femoral neck BMD (r = -0.23), Ward triangle BMD (r = -0.30) and Trochanter BMD (r = -0.28) while there was no association with lumbar BMD. In multiple regression analysis, CA IMT emerged as an independent factor significantly associated with all femoral sites BMD after adjusting of confounding factors. FA IMT failed to be significantly associated with both Femoral and Lumbar BMD. No significant differences between echogenic, predominantly echogenic, predominantly echolucent and echolucent plaques groups were found concerning lumbar BMD and all femoral sites BMDConclusionOur results demonstrate a negative correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) qnd carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in postmenopausal women, independently of confounding factors. We suggest that bone status should be evaluated in patients with vascular disease to assess whether preventive or therapeutic intervention is necessarry.

Intima-media thickening in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of atherosclerotic plaques and intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with FMF and suitable controls. We studied 100 (46 males, 54 females; mean age: 40 +/- 6 years) patients with FMF. Also 94 (15 males, 79 females; mean age: 41 +/- 7 years) patients with SLE and 103 (44 males, 59 females; mean age: 40 +/- 5 years) apparently healthy volunteers were included as the control groups. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by investigating atherosclerotic plaques and measuring IMT from carotid and common femoral arteries using B-mode ultrasonography (USG). Traditional atherosclerotic risk factors were also assessed. Both FMF and SLE patients had significantly higher carotid (C-IMT) and femoral artery IMT (F-IMT) compared with healthy controls. This was also true after adjustment for atherosclerotic risk factors. Only patients with SLE were found to have higher frequency of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid and in the carotid and/or femoral artery. When all atherosclerotic risk factors were adjusted, again only patients with SLE were found to have risk for atherosclerotic plaques. In FMF, whereas the presence of atherosclerotic plaques was only associated significantly with diabetes mellitus; C-IMT was correlated with age, BMI and fasting glucose; and F-IMT with age and BMI. Increased atherosclerosis defined as the presence of plaques was not observed in patients with FMF. The significance of increased C- and F-IMT among patients with FMF must be further assessed.

Common femoral artery intima-media thickness as marker for cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic adults

The common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is considered as a marker of cardiovascular disease, while the value of the common femoral IMT is not well defined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of common femoral IMT alone or in combination with the common carotid IMT as a marker of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic adults. Eighty-three individuals with no history of cardiovascular disease were subjected to IMT measurement of both common carotid and common femoral arteries with high-resolution ultrasonography. The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) risk score was calculated for each subject (according to gender) and was correlated with the carotid IMT, femoral IMT, and the combined IMT measured at both arterial sites. The carotid and femoral IMT separately and in combination were found to be correlated with the FHS risk score, calculated based on either the total cholesterol or low density lipoprotein plasma levels (carotid IMT: r = 0.28, p = 0.035, and r = 0.35, p = 0.007, respectively, femoral IMT: r = 0.38, p = 0.003, and r = 0.43, p = 0.001, respectively, carotid-femoral IMT: r = 0.37, p = 0.005, and r = 0.46, p = 0.0001, respectively). In addition, femoral IMT was found to be correlated with the carotid IMT (r = 0.41, p = 0.001). Common carotid and common femoral IMT showed similar correlation with the FHS risk score. Additionally, the combination of IMT from both arterial sites was found to have similar correlation with the FHS risk score to carotid IMT alone.

Albuminuria within the normal range and ultrasound‐assessed atherosclerosis in the AIR study: a 9‐year follow‐up of 58‐year‐old clinically healthy men

Background:Microalbuminuria, traditionally defined as 30–300 mg urinary albumin/24 h, predicts renal impairment and cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that also a far lower urinary albumin excretion (UAE) can predict clinical outcome. Intima media thickness (IMT) is an established estimate of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of UAE within the normal rate (UAE–n) for the progression of IMT in the carotid and femoral arteries. Methods: We included 325 clinically healthy men with normoalbuminuria. Anthropometrics, urine and blood samples were taken and IMT in the carotid and femoral arteries were assessed by B–mode ultrasound at baseline and after 3 and 9 years. The annual progression rate of IMT (r–IMT) was calculated. Results: UAE–n correlated with carotid IMT at baseline and after 3 and 9 years, but not with r–IMT. In a regression analysis, only HDL and baseline IMT remained as statistically significant co–variates to mean IMT at 9 years. IMT in the femoral artery and r–IMT at any time–point did not correlate to baseline UAE. Conclusion: UAE–n was associated with carotid IMT after 3 and 9 years but not r–IMT or with femoral artery IMT. Carotid IMT after 9 years' follow–up was independently related to baseline IMT and HDL cholesterol. In this cohort of 58–year–old men, our interpretation is that UAE–n is not associated with the increase in carotid and femoral artery IMT observed after 9 years.

Plasma phospholipid EPA and DHA in relation to atherosclerosis in 61-year-old men

Introduction Increased intake of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to decrease the risk for cardiovascular death and to reduce CVD risk factors. It has also been suggested that EPA and DHA reduce atherosclerosis progression, but data are inconclusive. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a well-established surrogate measure for sub-clinical atherosclerosis. Our aim was to examine if plasma phospholipid EPA and DHA are associated with IMT and plaque occurrence and size in the carotid and femoral arteries. Methods IMT and plaque occurrence in carotid and femoral arteries was measured by ultrasound in 487 sixty-one-year-old men in this cross-sectional study. Plasma phospholipid levels of EPA and DHA, serum lipids, cell adhesion molecules, and blood pressure were measured, and occurrence of diabetes and socioeconomic factors were assessed. Results Plasma phospholipid EPA was negatively associated with IMT in carotid and femoral arteries, and with cigarette years and cell adhesion proteins. EPA was positively associated with HDL, total cholesterol, blood pressure, plasma insulin and years of education. The association between EPA and carotid IMT remained after adjustment for blood pressure, but not for other covariates. Plasma phospholipid DHA was negatively associated with cigarette years and several endothelial markers, and positively associated with years of education and systolic blood pressure. In contrast to other studies, EPA content was higher in diabetic patients compared with patients without diabetes. Conclusion Plasma phospholipid EPA, but not DHA, was inversely associated with carotid and femoral IMT, as well as several endothelial markers supporting the concept of an effect of EPA on the vascular wall. This association was independent of blood pressure, but not for other covariates. There was no association between plasma phospholipid EPA or DHA and plaque occurrence in the carotid and femoral arteries.

Circulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels in relation to sampling methods, femoral and carotid atherosclerosis

To examine whether circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were associated with ultrasound-assessed intima-media thickness (IMT) and echolucent plaques in the carotid and femoral arteries. To examine preanalytical sources of variability in MMP-9 concentrations related to sampling procedures. Plasma and serum MMP-9 levels were compared with ultrasound assessed measures of femoral and carotid atherosclerosis, in a cross-sectional study of 61-year-old men (n = 473). Preanalytical sources of variability in MMP-9 levels were examined in 10 healthy subjects. Main outcome measures were circulating levels of MMP-9 in serum and plasma, IMT of the carotid and femoral arteries, and plaque status based on size and echolucency. Research unit at university hospital. Plasma concentrations of total and active MMP-9 were associated with femoral artery IMT independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and were higher in subjects with moderate to large femoral plaques. Plasma MMP-9 concentration was higher in men with echolucent femoral plaques (P = 0.006) compared with subjects without femoral plaques. No similar associations were found for carotid plaques. MMP-9 concentrations were higher in serum than in plasma, and higher when sampling was performed with Vacutainer than with syringe. MMP-9 levels in serum were more strongly associated with peripheral neutrophil count compared with MMP-9 levels in plasma. Plasma MMP-9 levels were associated with atherosclerosis in the femoral artery, and total MMP-9 concentration was higher in men with echolucent femoral plaques. The choice of sample material and sampling method affect the measurements of circulating MMP-9 levels.

C‐reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in relation to insulin‐mediated glucose uptake, smoking and atherosclerosis

Objectives. To examine the hypothesis that serum concentration of C‐reactive protein (CRP) is inversely associated with insulin sensitivity and obesity, and that this may by mediated by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Material and methods. Cross‐sectional, one‐center study of a population‐based sample of 58‐year‐old Swedish men (n = 98). Exclusion criteria were cardiovascular disease, clinical diabetes mellitus and/or continuous cardiovascular medication. Glucose infusion‐rate (euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp), adjusted for fat‐free mass, which together with total body fat was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Serum concentrations of CRP, TNFα, soluble TNFα receptor 2 (sTNFAR2), IL‐6 determined by ELISA. Ultrasound was used to measure intima‐media thickness (IMT) in both common carotid arteries, carotid bulbs and in the right femoral artery. Results. CRP was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity (r = −0.28, p<0.01) and with total body fat (r = 0.31, p<0.01), but not independently of the TNFα and sTNFAR2 product. Serum CRP, TNFα, sTNFAR2, but not IL‐6, were associated with low insulin sensitivity, total body fat, abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol and small LDL particles, i.e. the metabolic syndrome. These associations were independent of smoking and carotid and femoral artery IMT. Conclusions. Serum concentrations of CRP were related to insulin sensitivity and accompanying factors constituting the metabolic syndrome. The results indicate that this association may be mediated by adipose tissue and TNFα effects, the latter measured as the product of TNFα and sTNFAR2. This was a cross‐sectional study and causality cannot be proven.

Association between Plasma Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 and Arterial Wall Thickness in Healthy Subjects

Background: Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) is a liver-derived plasma protein that modulates plasma triglyceride clearance, angiogenesis and atherosclerosis in experimental models. So far, no study has examined its role in atherosclerosis in human subjects. We evaluated the possible association between plasma ANGPTL3 level and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) and femoral artery intima-media thickness (FA-IMT) in healthy human subjects. Methods: The subjects were 381 healthy volunteers. Plasma ANGPTL3 was determined by a specific ELISA. CA-IMT and FA-IMT were measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Results: The plasma ANGPTL3 level was 764 ± 291 ng/ml (mean ± SD). CA-IMT showed a significant positive correlation with plasma ANGPTL3 and other classical risk factors such as age, blood pressure, and plasma glucose and lipid levels. The positive association between ANGPTL3 and CA-IMT remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin resistance index, triglyceride, and high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. ANGPTL3 also showed a positive association with FA-IMT independent of these factors. Conclusions: These results demonstrate for the first time that ANGPTL3 is closely associated with arterial wall thickness in human subjects.

Habitual aerobic exercise is associated with smaller femoral artery intima–media thickness with age in healthy men and women

Femoral artery intima-media thickness (IMT), an independent predictor of atherosclerotic disease risk, increases with age in sedentary adults. It is not known whether regular aerobic exercise modulates femoral IMT with ageing. Study 1: Femoral IMT was measured in 173 sedentary, moderately active, and endurance-trained young (20-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years) and older (60-79 years) men. IMT increased with age in all activity groups (P<0.001). However, IMT was 20-27% smaller in age-matched, endurance-trained compared with sedentary men (P<0.001), and the age-associated increase in IMT was 33% smaller in endurance-trained compared with sedentary men (+0.32 versus +0.45 mm). There was a trend for the IMT to be smaller in moderately active compared with sedentary older men, and the age-associated increase in IMT was 37% smaller in moderately active than sedentary men (+0.28 mm). Study 2: Among 74 premenopausal and postmenopausal sedentary or endurance-trained women, IMT was higher (P<0.001) in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women regardless of activity status. However, IMT was 15% smaller in endurance-trained compared with sedentary postmenopausal women (P<0.001), and the premenopausal to postmenopausal difference in IMT was approximately 45% smaller in endurance-trained compared with sedentary women (+0.13 versus +0.23 mm). Femoral IMT increases with age even in habitually exercising adults. However, the age-associated increase and absolute level of IMT are smaller in middle-aged and older adults who perform regular aerobic-endurance exercise, and may contribute to their lower incidence of atherosclerotic disease.

Skin autofluorescence, a marker of advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress, is increased in recently preeclamptic women

Advanced glycation end-products are considered to be markers of oxidative stress and to be involved in the atherosclerotic process. We investigated skin autofluorescence, which reflected advanced glycation end-product accumulation, in recently preeclamptic women and its relationship with intima-media thickness, which is a marker of atherosclerosis. Skin autofluorescence of the arm and leg was measured in 26 preeclamptic women and 17 control subjects at 3 to 13 months after delivery. Lipid profiles, smoking habits, and intima-media thickness of 5 carotid and femoral artery segments were recorded. The preeclampsia group was younger and had higher values for blood pressure, insulin resistance, common femoral artery intima-media thickness, and skin autofluorescence of the leg. With the use of linear regression analysis, the difference in leg autofluorescence was explained only by preeclampsia. In the preeclampsia group, skin autofluorescence of the leg correlated with smoking and common femoral artery intima-media thickness. These results support the hypothesis of accelerated atherosclerosis in recently preeclamptic women and the possible involvement of advanced glycation end-product accumulation.