Intima-media Thickness In Men Research Articles

The Beneficial Changes on Inflammatory and Endothelial Biomarkers Induced by Metabolic Surgery Decreases the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Men.

Obesity increases cardiovascular risk in men through several mechanisms. Among them, low-grade chronic inflammation and obesity-associated hypogonadism have been described. We aimed to study the effects of metabolic surgery on the carotid-intima media thickness through changes in inflammatory, endothelial biomarkers, and testosterone. We included 60 men; 20 submitted to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 20 to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and 20 to lifestyle modification (controls). Several inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers and total testosterone (TT) were measured at baseline and six months after surgery. Free testosterone (FT) was calculated, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured by ultrasonography. Compared to controls, cIMT decreased after surgery concomitantly with CRP, PAI-1, sICAM-1, and IL-18 (p < 0.01) and with an increase in sTWEAK (p = 0.027), with no differences between RYGB and SG. The increase in TT and FT after surgery correlated with the changes in cIMT (p = 0.010 and p = 0.038, respectively), but this association disappeared after multivariate analysis. Linear regression showed that sTWEAK (ß = -0.245, p = 0.039), PAI-1 (ß = 0.346, p = 0.005), and CRP (ß = 0.236, p = 0.049) were associated with the changes in cIMT (R2 = 0.267, F = 6.664, p = 0.001). In conclusion, both RYGB and SG induced improvements in inflammation and endothelial biomarkers that drove a decrease in cIMT compared to men with obesity who submitted to diet and exercise.

Endothelial function and structural markers of atherosclerosis: relationship in old and senile age

Endothelial dysfunction (ED), intima-media thickness (IMT), and atherosclerotic plaques (ASPs) of the carotid arteries (CAs) are considered mutually associated markers of subclinical and clinical atherosclerosis. How true this statement is for older age groups remains unclear.Aim. To study the relationship of flow-dependent vasodilation (FDV) with CA IMT and ASPs in a population sample over 58 years old.Material and methods. The study was carried out in a population sample of men and women aged 58-82 years (Novosibirsk, HAPIEE project, n=788, 424 women). CA ultrasound was performed to assess IMT and ASPs. Endothelial function was assessed by postocclusive hyperemia ultrasound test; an increase in brachial artery initial diameter (FDV%) &lt;10% was regarded as ED.Results. The average IMT in men was 0,95 mm (SD 0,18) and was significantly higher than in women: 0,88 mm (SD 0,17), p&lt;0,001. The average FDV% values in men were 2,7% (SD 7,32), while in women — 3,2% (SD 7,19) and did not differ significantly by sex. The incidence of ED was 88,2% in men and 85,8% in women. There was no a significant linear relationship between FDV and IMT neither in men (β=-1,76, SD 2,25, p=0,436), nor in women (β=-2,19, SD 2,15, p=0,309). Also, there were no differences in average IMT and ASP frequency in the groups with and without ED among men and women. When divided into age groups, ED was associated with an increase in IMT only in women aged &lt;78 versus women without ED (p=0,047).Conclusion. In the population sample of 58-82 years old, mutual associations of subclinical markers of atherosclerosis (ED, IMT, ASP of CAs) have not been confirmed. Only in women aged &lt;78 years, ED was associated with an increase in IMT. The results obtained indicate that the treatment approaches proposed for young and middle-aged people may be less effective in old and senile age.

Association Between Waist Circumference and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in the General Population.

Waist circumference (WC) is measured for the assessment of abdominal obesity, whereas carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. The relationship between WC and carotid IMT in the general population is not fully understood. In this study, we examined 1,182 subjects (658 men and 524 women, 62.3 ± 11.7 years on average) who underwent voluntary health check-ups and sought to determine the optimal cut-off value of WC for predicting carotid IMT thickness. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of WC was utilized to predict high carotid IMT (defined as carotid IMT ≥ 1.1 mm). We determined that the appropriate WC cut-off value was a WC ≥ 79 cm for men and women. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of high carotid IMT between WC ≥ 79 cm and WC < 79 cm in both men and women. However, multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the WC category was independently associated with high carotid IMT in men, but not in women. Our study indicates that the optimal cut-off value of WC to identify preclinical atherosclerosis may be lower than the current Japanese diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in both men and women. Compared to women, the association between WC and preclinical atherosclerosis may be more pronounced in men.

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Decrease the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Obese Men: Association with Weight Loss, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Circulating Testosterone.

Obesity surgery has shown to decrease the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), but studies that compare different surgical techniques are scarce, especially in men. To evaluate the changes in IMT in men after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and its association with circulating testosterone. Academic Hospital. We studied 40 men with severe obesity, of whom 20 were submitted to laparoscopic RYGB and 20 to SG. Twenty control men matched for age and degree of obesity were also included. Both patients and controls were evaluated at baseline and 6months after surgery or conventional treatment with diet and exercise, respectively. The mean carotid IMT decreased after surgery irrespective of the surgical technique whereas no changes were observed in the control men submitted to conventional therapy (Wilks' λ = 0.745, P < 0.001 for the interaction, P < 0.001 for RYGB vs. controls, P = 0.001 for SG vs. controls, P = 0.999 for RYGB vs. SG). The decrease in the carotid IMT correlated with the increase in total testosterone (r = 0.428, P = 0.010) and lost BMI (r = 0.486, P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression retained only the decrease in BMI (β = 0.378, P = 0.003) after adjustment (R2 = 0.245, F = 9.229, P = 0.001). Both RYGB and SG decrease carotid IMT in men with obesity compared with conventional treatment with diet and exercise.

Association of appendicular skeletal muscle mass with carotid intima-media thickness according to body mass index in Korean adults

OBJECTIVESThe combined effects of obesity and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) on atherosclerosis, especially in middleaged populations, remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of ASM on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) according to body mass index (BMI) in middle-aged Korean adults.METHODSHerein, 595 men and 1,274 women aged 30-64 years completed questionnaires and underwent health examinations as part of the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Etiology Research Center cohort. ASM was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis and adjusted for weight (ASM/Wt). IMT was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography; highest quartile of IMT was defined as gender-specific top quartile of the IMT values. Higher BMIs was defined as a BMI over 25.0 kg/m2 .RESULTSCompared to the highest ASM/Wt quartile, the lowest ASM/Wt quartile was significantly associated with highest quartile of IMT in men with lower BMIs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 7.13), but not in those with higher BMIs (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.91). In women, there was no significant association of low skeletal muscle mass with highest quartile of IMT, regardless of BMI.CONCLUSIONSLow appendicular skeletal muscle mass is associated with carotid arterial wall thickening in men with lower BMIs, but not in men with higher BMIs. Our findings suggest that the risk of atherosclerosis may be low in middle-aged Korean men with appropriate body weight and skeletal muscle mass maintenance.

Apolipoprotein-defined lipoprotein subclasses, serum apolipoproteins, and carotid intima-media thickness in T1D

Circulating apolipoprotein-defined lipoprotein subclasses (ADLS) and apolipoproteins predict vascular events in the general and type 2 diabetes populations, but data in T1D are limited. We examined associations of ADLS, serum apolipoproteins, and conventional lipids with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measured contemporaneously and 6 years later in 417 T1D participants [men: n = 269, age 42 ± 6 y (mean ± SD); women: n = 148, age 39 ± 8 y] in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study, the follow-up of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Date were analyzed by multiple linear regression stratified by sex, and adjusted for time-averaged hemoglobin A1C, diabetes duration, hypertension, BMI, albuminuria, DCCT randomization, smoking, statin treatment, and ultrasound devices. In cross-sectional analyses, lipoprotein B (Lp-B), Lp-B:C, Lp-B:E+Lp-B:C:E, Apo-A-II, Apo-B, Apo-C-III-HP (heparin precipitate; i.e., Apo-C-III in Apo-B-containing lipoproteins), and Apo-E were positively associated with common and/or internal carotid IMT in men, but only Apo-C-III (total) was (positively) associated with internal carotid IMT in women. In prospective analyses, Lp-B, Apo-B, and Apo-C-III-HP were positively associated with common and/or internal carotid IMT in men, while Lp-A1:AII and Apo-A1 were inversely associated with internal carotid IMT in women. The only significant prospective association between conventional lipids and IMT was between triacylglycerols and internal carotid IMT in men. ADLS and apolipoprotein concentrations may provide sex-specific biomarkers and suggest mechanisms for IMT in people with T1D.

The relationship between cholesterol concentration and carotid intima media thickness differs according to gender and menopausal status in Korean type 2 diabetic patients

BackgroundWe investigated the associations between cardiometabolic factors and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) in Korea type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients, and assessed the possible difference with respect to gender and menopausal status. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with 1288 T2DM patients from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Carotid IMT and various biochemical parameters were measured, and the postmenopausal status was assessed. ResultsIn partial correlation analysis, total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) were positively correlated with right maximum IMT in men. For postmenopausal women, TC and LDL-C were positively correlated with IMT (all p<0.05) while no such correlation was observed in premenopausal women. In regression analysis, age was the most predominant factor for IMT in all 3 groups. For men, insulin and TC were predictive factors for maximum IMT (all p<0.05), and for postmenopausal women, TC and LDL-C were significant factors for mean and maximum IMT (all p<0.01). However, cholesterol concentrations were not related to all types of IMT in premenopausal women. ConclusionThe association between LDL-C and carotid IMT seems to differ according to gender and menopausal status in T2DM patients.

Life Course Socioeconomic Position And Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: Mediation Role Of Job Stress. The Brazilian Longitudinal Study Of Adult Health (Elsa-Brasil)

Introduction: Our aims were to investigate whether life course socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, and whether this association is partially mediated by job stress. Methods: We used the baseline data of 8,830 current workers from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Maternal education, social class of first occupation, and occupational social class were used to measure childhood, youth and adulthood SEP, respectively. We evaluated the job strain following the Karasek's model and job control was also analyzed separately. Directed acyclic graph, and linear regression models were used. Results: Maternal education was not associated with IMT in men, but low versus high maternal education was associated with higher IMT in the order of 0.022mm (p

Effect of Plasma Fibrinogen, High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein, and Cigarette Smoking on Carotid Atherosclerosis: The Suita Study

Few studies have reported on the association between inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis by smoking status. We investigated the effect of plasma levels of fibrinogen and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) on subclinical atherosclerosis stratified by smoking in a general urban population. From participants of the Suita study without a history of cardiovascular diseases, a total of 2502 subjects (805 men, median age 64 years) who underwent carotid ultrasonography were enrolled. Subjects were divided into current smokers (n = 566) and never-smokers. Ex-smokers were not included in the study. Each group was subdivided according to the median levels of markers (plasma fibrinogen [2.99 g/L] and hsCRP [.51 mg/L]) and the smoking amounts. We compare the adjusted maximum and mean intima-media thickness (IMT). In men and women, maximum IMT and mean IMT of the high fibrinogen and high hsCRP (Fib(H)CRP(H)) with smoking were thicker than those of the low fibrinogen and low hsCRP (Fib(L)CRP(L)) without smoking, the Fib(L)CRP(L) with smoking, and the Fib(H)CRP(H) without smoking after adjusting for covariates. The Fib(L)CRP(L) with smoking had thicker IMTs than the Fib(L)CRP(L) without smoking. There was a dose-dependent smoking effect on IMT in men. These trends were similar in age 60, 65, and 70. Plasma fibrinogen and hsCRP levels were related to multivariate-adjusted IMT, and smoking was associated with IMT in men. The combination of plasma fibrinogen and hsCRP levels could be a potential marker on subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in urban people.

The Correlation between Hemoglobin A1c and Common Carotid Artery Intima Medial Thickness of Both Genders with Less Than 6.5% HbA1c Based on Ultrasound Measurement

Background: The glycemic control in diabetes is well known to arouse a medical risk of macrovascular regions. This study aimed for exploring the relationship between carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) and the risk triggers of macrovascular diseases in the group of glycated hemoglobin value less than 6.5%. Methods: The subjects were made of 336 health-check examinees in a university hospital and tested by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) including ultrasound application on carotid artery IMT to be measured. The relationship between values of HbA1c and carotid artery IMT was reviewed by use of Pearson's correlation, and then influential causes on the carotid artery IMT were analyzed with multiple linear regression models. Results: Elements like age and fasting plasma glucose were associated with the carotid artery IMT in both men and women. HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP) in men and waist to hip ratio (WHR), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in women showed statistically significant association with the carotid artery IMT. Age and HbA1c were recognized as variables affecting on the carotid artery IMT in men, in contrast, age was only a significant affecting factor in women with regarding various considerations such as fasting plasma glucose, CRP, HDL, WHR and smoking. Conclusions: Our clinical investigation revealed that HbA1c was associated with the carotid artery IMT in normal and pre-diabetes with HbA1c less than 6.5%. The outcome might suggest preliminary glucose control be monitored and managed in order to detect and regulate the impairment of macrovascular diseases prior to the occurrence of diabetes. Korean J Health Promot 2015;15(2):47-53

Depressive symptoms and carotid intima-media thickness in South American Hispanics: results from the PREVENCION study.

This study aimed to: (1) examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT); and, (2) Determine the moderating effect of gender in this relationship among South American Hispanics. We studied 496 adults enrolled in the population-based PREVENCION study. Carotid IMT was measured with high-resolution ultrasonography. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Mean carotid IMT was 0.66 mm. (SD = 0.17) and mean depression score was 5.6 (SD = 3.5). Depressive symptoms were not associated with carotid IMT (β = 0.04, p = 0.222) in multivariate analyses. A significant moderating effect of gender was found (β for interaction = 0.10, p = 0.030), resulting from a significant association between depressive symptoms and carotid IMT in men but not women. Depressive symptoms were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in South American Hispanic men but not women after controlling for demographic characteristics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Increased carotid plaque burden in men with the fibrillin-1 2/3 genotype.

Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) is an important constituent of the vascular wall and earlier studies have indicated an effect of the FBN1 2/3 genotype on blood pressure as well as aortic stiffness in men. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the FBN1 2/3 genotype was associated with the presence of carotid plaque and incident cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in middle-aged subjects. The FBN1 genotype was characterized in 5765 subjects (2424 men, 3341 women; age 45-69years) recruited from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study Cardiovascular Cohort, Sweden. Plaque occurrence and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery were assessed by ultrasound. The incidence of first cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction and stroke) and cause-specific mortality were monitored over a mean follow-up period of 13.2years. The most common FBN1 genotypes were 2/2, 2/3 and 2/4, which accounted for 92.2% (n=5317) of subjects. There were no differences between the three genotypes regarding age, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, smoking habits, common carotid artery diameter and intima-media thickness in men and women. The presence of plaque in the carotid artery was higher in men with the 2/3 genotype compared with the 2/2 and 2/4 genotypes (55% vs 46% and 50%, respectively; P=0.007). No similar differences were observed in women. No significant relationship was observed between FBN1 genotypes and the incidence of cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality. The increased prevalence of plaque in the carotid artery of middle-aged men with the FBN1 2/3 genotype indicates pathological arterial wall remodelling with a more pronounced atherosclerotic burden.

Comparison of Predictive Value of Cardiometabolic Indices for Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Chinese Adults

ObjectivesMetabolic disturbances are well-known risk factors for atherosclerosis, but it remains unclear which cardiometabolic components are the predominant determinants. This study aimed to compare and identify the key determinants of carotid atherosclerosis in asymptomatic middle-aged and elderly Chinese.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study including 3,162 apparently healthy residents aged 37–75 years was performed from July 2008 to June 2010 in Guangzhou, China. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was assessed by B-mode ultrasound, and increased IMT was defined as IMT>1.00 mm. Obesity indices, blood pressure, fasting blood lipids, glucose and uric acid levels were determined. Principal components factor analysis was used to extract common factors underlying 11 metabolic factors.ResultsFour common factors, defined as “adiposity,” “blood lipids,” “triglycerides/uric acid (TG/UA)” (in men) or “triglycerides/uric acid/glucose (TG/UA/Glu)” (in women), and “blood pressure,” were retained for both sexes. After adjustment for potential covariates, the “adiposity” factor showed the strongest positive association with increased IMT in men. Comparing the extreme quartiles, ORs (95% CI) of increased IMT were 4.64 (2.04–10.59) at the CCA and 2.37 (1.54–3.64) at the BIF), followed by “blood pressure”, the corresponding OR (95% CI) was 2.85 (1.37–5.90) at the CCA. Whereas, the four common factors showed comparable and weak relationship with increased IMTs, the ORs for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1 varied from 0.89 to 3.59 in women.ConclusionsAmong the metabolic factors, “adiposity” and “blood pressure” play predominant roles in the presence of carotid atherosclerosis in men, but no key factor is identified in women.

Abstract P298: Relationship Of Plasma Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine To Carotid Intima-media Thickness In General Japanese Population: The ERA-JUMP And The SESSA

Objective: Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is known as a mediator of endothelial cell dysfunction. Some clinical studies have found evidence that increased plasma ADMA levels are associated with a higher risk of cerebrovascular events. However, studies on the relationship of plasma ADMA to subclinical atherosclerosis have been scarce. We evaluated the association of ADMA with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in population-based samples in Japan. Methods: Population-based Japanese samples composed of 313 men aged 40-49 (40s men) from the ERA-JUMP and 732 men aged 60-79 (60s+70s men) from the SESSA were examined with physical examinations, life-style questionnaires, laboratory assessment and IMT using standardized methods. Plasma samples were stored at -80°C, and concentration of ADMA was determined using a validated high-throughput liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric assay. The IMTs of the right and left common carotid arteries, the carotid bulbs, and the internal carotid arteries were examined. Statistical associations were evaluated using multiple linear regression models with adjustment for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, smoking, alcohol intake, medications for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) . Results: The average concentrations and standard deviation (SD) of plasma ADMA in men aged 40-49 and 60-79 were 0.39 ± 0.06 and 0.43 ± 0.06 μmol/L, respectively. The mean and SD of IMT in men aged 40-49 and 60-79 were 0.61 ± 0.07 and 0.91 ± 0.20 mm, respectively. Higher level of ADMA was significantly and positively associated with proportion of current smoking both in 40s and 60s+70s men (correlation coefficient: both p &lt;0.001). It was also significantly and positively associated with eGFR in 60s+70s men (p &lt;0.001) but not associated with eGFR in 40s men (p = 0.429). In full adjusted linear regression models, 1 SD increase in ADMA was associated with 0.14mm increase in IMT in 40s men (p=0.01) but only 0.04mm increase in IMT in 60s+70s men (p=0.26). Conclusions: Higher level of ADMA was associated with more IMT independently of traditional risk factors and renal function in young adult men, but not in elderly men.

Interleukin-6 gene polymorphism, chronic stress and atherosclerosis: Interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism, chronic stress and risk of early atherosclerosis in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

ObjectiveInterleukin-6 protein has been suggested as a mediator connecting chronic stress and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated whether the functional G174C polymorphism (rs1800795) of interleukin-6 gene is associated with vital exhaustion, a measure of chronic stress, or with preclinical atherosclerosis. MethodsAssociations between the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism, preclinical atherosclerosis, and vital exhaustion were examined in 1673 women and men aged 24–39years participating in the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns study. Vital exhaustion was measured using Maastricht Questionnaire. Preclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by carotid intima-media thickness using ultrasound techniques. DNA was genotyped for the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism (rs1800795). ResultsThe GG genotype of the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism was associated with higher vital exhaustion. Moreover, higher vital exhaustion was associated with greater intima-media thickness in men carrying G alleles, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. ConclusionOur findings support a role for the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism in increased risk of atherosclerosis in individuals with chronic stress. In addition, individuals carrying the G allele of the interleukin-6-174G>C polymorphism may be more prone to adverse effects of psychosocial stress.

The Effect of Serum Free Testosterone Level on Glycemic Control and Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetic Men

Background: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease of the arteries characterized by endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and the build-up of lipids within the intima of the vessel wall. Testosterone has a central or permissive role in pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is associated with several CVD risk factors such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and the proinflammatory state. We aim to disclose the relationship between serum testosterone concentration and carotid atherosclerosis and its risk factors in men with type 2 diabetes. Patients and methods: The study population comprised 123 consecutive men of Type 2 diabetes. Retinopathy and nephropathy were ranked and graded respectively. Cardiovascular disease was defined as the presence of previous myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction. Total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were determined and hemoglobin Alc was measured. Assessment for the presence of carotid atherosclerosis was done, using ultrasonographic measurement of carotid intima media thickness (IMT). The relationship between serum testosterone concentration and carotid intima-media thickness IMT was investigated in all patients. Results: The mean of IMT for all patients was 0.96 ± 0.28 mm. Mean IMT was significantly greater in patients with lower concentrations of F-tes than in patients with higher concentrations of F-tes. (P= 0.038). Relationship between serum free testosterone concentration and other variables showed a negative correlation with patients’ age, patients’ age at onset, duration of diabetes, BMI, HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol concentrations and mean IMT in men with type 2 diabetes. No significant correlation was found between F-tes with triglyceride and negative correlation with mean IMT. Conclusion: Serum free testosterone concentration was found to be low in type 2 diabetic men. It has a negative correlation with patients’ age, patients’ age at onset of the disease, duration of diabetes, BMI and HbA1c, total cholesterol concentrations systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean IMT. This may disclose the different mechanisms played by testosterone in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular risk in men with type 2 diabetes.

Serum Oteocalcin Level is Independently Associated with the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Serum Oteocalcin Level is Independently Associated with the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

IQ in childhood and atherosclerosis in middle-age: 40 Year follow-up of the Newcastle Thousand Families Cohort Study

ObjectiveCarotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a known precursor to coronary heart disease (CHD) and other relevant health outcomes such as stroke and cognitive impairment. In addition, higher childhood intelligence has been associated with lower risk of coronary heart disease events in later life, although the mechanisms of effect are unclear. We therefore examined the association between childhood intelligence and atherosclerosis using carotid IMT as a marker of the atherosclerotic process. ApproachParticipants were 412 members of the Newcastle Thousand Families Study, a prospective cohort study of all 1142 births in the city of Newcastle in May and June 1947, who took an IQ test and English and arithmetic tests at age 11 years. Study members participated in a medical examination and lifestyle assessment at age 49–51 years during which IMT was measured using ultrasound techniques. ResultsIndividuals with higher childhood IQ score had a lower mean IMT in middle-age. A standard deviation higher score in childhood overall IQ was associated with a 0.053 mm (95% CI −0.102, −0.004) lower IMT in men and a 0.039 mm (95% CI −0.080, −0.002) lower IMT in women. Similar levels of association were found for the English and arithmetic tests. After adjustment for a range of covariates including education, the size of effect was undiminished in men but increased in women. ConclusionsIn the present study, higher childhood IQ scores were associated with a lower degree of atherosclerosis by middle-age.

Plasma copeptin levels are inversely associated with intima-media-thickness in men: the population-based KORA F4 study

BackgroundElevated plasma preprovasopressin (copeptin) levels are associated with cardiovascular complications as well as with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we studied, whether plasma copeptin is related to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a measure of early atherosclerosis, and may thus be one explanation for the high cardiovascular risk in T2D.MethodsPlasma concentrations of copeptin and IMT of the common carotid artery were determined in 1275 participants of the population-based KORA F4 study. We used linear regression models to investigate associations between copeptin levels and IMT.ResultsIn the whole study group, copeptin levels were not significantly associated with IMT after adjustment for age and sex. Copeptin and IMT were significantly inversely associated after multivariable adjustment in the total cohort (β = -0.020 mm, 95% CI: -0.037 mm; -0.003 mm), in men (β = -0.035 mm, 95% CI: -0.061 mm; -0.009 mm) and in study participants with prediabetes (β = -0.041 mm, 95% CI: -0.078 mm; -0.005 mm) comparing quartile 4 vs quartile 1. The negative association of copeptin and IMT in men was present after adjustment for age alone. In women and patients with T2D, copeptin was not significantly associated with IMT.ConclusionsPlasma copeptin was not associated with an increased IMT in our study cohort. In contrast, copeptin levels were related to a lower IMT in men and subjects with prediabetes, suggesting that elevated copeptin concentrations do not exert proatherogenic effects on carotid arteries.

Low Bone Mass is Associated with Increased Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis share common risk factors and the association of low bone mass with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has been demonstrated in some studies. Nevertheless, most studies have been focused on women and only a few on individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The measurement of carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT) is able to detect early atherosclerotic changes and is a predictive marker of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to assess the CIMT and its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD) (in the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS)) in men with T2DM. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 24 men with T2DM (aged 61 ± 6.4 years) and evaluated metabolic factors, bone densitometry values, and CIMT measured using B-mode Logic-E ultrasound machine. More than 5 years since the diagnosis of T2DM had passed in 75% of the patients, 41.6% were in statin use, mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2, abdominal circumference (AC) 97.8 ± 8.4 cm, systolic blood pressure (SBP) 143.8 ± 18.3 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 85.8 ± 12.3 mmHg, HbA1C 7.5% ± 1.3%, Triglycerides 141.7 ± 73 mg/dL, LDL-cholesterol 103.3 ± 35.9 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol 41.6 ± 11.6 mg/dL. The patients were stratified into groups according to BMD. The group with normal BMD at FN had mean CIMT of 0.7 mm and the group with low bone mass (osteopenia or osteoporosis) had CIMT of 0.86 mm (P = 0.007). In addition, there were no significant differences between groups regarding age, duration of T2DM, BMI, AC, SBP, DBP, statin use, smoking, HbA1C, cholesterol, or triglycerides. Our data demonstrate a negative association between BMD at the FN and CIMT in type 2 diabetic men, which was unrelated to the traditional risk factors for atherosclerotic disease and degree of diabetes control.