Levels Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

Association of Triglyceride Glucose-Derived Indexes with Recurrent Events Following Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Triglyceride glucose (TyG) and TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI) are reliable surrogate indexes of insulin resistance and used for risk stratification and outcome prediction in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Here, we inserted estimated average glucose (eAG) into the TyG (TyAG) and TyG-BMI (TyAG-BMI) as derived parameters and explored their clinical significance in cardiovascular risk prediction. This was a population-based cohort study of 9,944 Chinese patients with ASCVD. The baseline admission fasting glucose and A1C-derived eAG values were recorded. Cardiovascular events (CVEs) that occurred during an average of 38.5 months of follow-up were recorded. We stratified the patients into four groups by quartiles of the parameters. Baseline data and outcomes were analyzed. Distribution of the TyAG and TyAG-BMI indexes shifted slightly toward higher values (the right side) compared with TyG and TyG-BMI, respectively. The baseline levels of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary severity increased with quartile of TyG, TyAG, TyG-BMI, and TyAG-BMI (all P<0.001). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for CVEs when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared from low to high were 1.02 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77 to 1.36; TyG), 1.29 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.73; TyAG), 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.58; TyG-BMI), and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.16 to 3.15; TyAG-BMI). The latter two showed statistical significance. This study suggests that TyAG and TyAG-BMI exhibit more information than TyG and TyG-BMI in disease progression among patients with ASCVD. The TyAG-BMI index provided better predictive performance for CVEs than other parameters.

Normal or improved cardiovascular risk factors in IGF-I-deficient adults with growth hormone receptor deficiency.

Human subjects with generalized growth hormone (GH) insensitivity due to GH receptor deficiency (GHRD)/Laron syndrome display a very low incidence of insulin resistance, diabetes, and cancer, as well as delayed age-related cognitive decline. However, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in these subjects is poorly understood. Here, we have assessed cardiovascular function, damage, and risk factors in GHRD subjects and their relatives. We measured markers of CVD in two phases: one in a cohort of 30 individuals (GHRD= 16, control relatives= 14) brought to USC (in Los Angeles, CA) and one in a cohort including additional individuals examined in Ecuador (where the subjects live) for a total of 44 individuals (GHRD= 21, control relatives= 23). Data were collected on GHRD and control groups living in similar geographical locations and sharing comparable environmental and socio-economic circumstances. Compared to controls, GHRD subjects displayed lower serum glucose, insulin, blood pressure, smaller cardiac dimensions, similar pulse wave velocity, lower carotid artery intima-media thickness, lower creatinine, and a non-significant but major reduction in the portion of subjects with carotid atherosclerotic plaques (7% GHRDs vs. 36%, Controls p= 0.1333) despite elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The current study indicates that individuals with GHRD have normal or improved levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors as compared to their relatives. This study was funded in part by NIH/NIA grant P01 AG034906 to V.D.L.

The magnitude and direction of the relationship between risk factor and cognition depends on age: a pooled analysis of 5 community-based studies

The mixed evidence of the association between high levels of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and the risk for cognitive impairment may be due to confounding of age across studies. We pooled and harmonized individual-level data (30,967 persons, age range 42–96 years) from five prospective cohorts to investigate by 1 year age increments to investigate whether or not there is change in slope describing the association of CVRF to a cognitive outcome (Digit Symbol Substitution Test; DSST). The CVRF included: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting glucose and body mass index. Linear and quadratic piecewise regression models were fit to the trajectory patterns of these slopes (betas). The pattern of yearly slope changes showed higher CVRF were associated with lower DSST, but associations attenuated toward zero as age increased for all but DBP where 1 year slopes for DBP changed direction from negative to positive from mid- to late-age. Age is not only a driver of cognitive decline—age also modifies the direction and strength of the association of cognitive function to CVRF and cohort age may be one reason why the evidence for CVRF-CD association is mixed.

Prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis in a general population using 3D-time of flight magnetic resonance angiography

BackgroundData on prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) in Western populations is sparse. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for ICAS in a mainly Caucasian general population. MethodsWe assessed the prevalence of ICAS in 1847 men and women aged 40 to 84 years who participated in a cross-sectional population-based study, using 3-dimensional time-of-flight 3 Tesla magnetic resonance angiography. ICAS was defined as a focal luminal flow diameter reduction of ≥50 %. The association between cardiovascular risk factor levels and ICAS was assessed by multivariable regression analysis. ResultsThe overall prevalence of ICAS was 6.0 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 5.0–7.2), 4.3 % (95 % CI 3.1–5.7) in women and 8.0 % (95 % CI 6.3–10.0) in men. The prevalence increased by age from 0.8 % in 40-54 years age group to 15.2 % in the 75-84 years age group. The majority of stenoses was located to the internal carotid artery (52.2 %), followed by the posterior circulation (33.1 %), the middle cerebral artery (10.8 %) and the anterior cerebral artery (3.8 %). The risk of ICAS was independently associated with higher age, male sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, current smoking and higher BMI. ConclusionsThe prevalence of ICAS in a general population of Caucasians was relatively high and similar to the prevalence of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis in previous population-based studies.

P10-11: Associations between blood levels of trace elements and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

P10-11: Associations between blood levels of trace elements and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Effects of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with coronary artery disease: Potential role of the renin-angiotensin system.

To investigate the potential mechanism of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with coronary artery disease (CAD). We searched both Chinese and English databases for randomized controlled trials related to once-weekly GLP-1 RA for T2DM complicated with CAD to verify the safety and efficacy of GLP-1 RA. The underlying mechanism was analysed by network pharmacology. In total, 13 studies with 35 563 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled analysis found that dulaglutide, exenatide and semaglutide outperformed placebo in cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM, with a significant reduction in the incidence of non-fatal stroke (p < .00). Levels of cardiovascular risk factors were significantly reduced in the once-weekly GLP-1 RA group compared with the conventional treatment group (glycated haemoglobin: p < .00; fasting blood glucose: p < .00; weight: p < .00; systolic blood pressure: p < .00; total cholesterol: p < .00; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: p < .00). Network pharmacology results were enriched to the renin-angiotensin system, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and renin (REN) may be the key targets. In addition, four key targets of dulaglutide, five key targets of exenatide and two key targets of semaglutide were enriched. Our study suggests that once-weekly GLP-1 RA may have a potential protective effect on cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM combined with CAD, possibly through the renin-angiotensin system. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine cause and effect.

Early vascular ageing phenotypes and urinary targeted metabolomics in children and young adults: the ExAMIN Youth SA and African-PREDICT studies

Some individuals are susceptible to accelerated biological ageing, resulting in premature alterations in arterial structure and function. Identifying early-onset vascular ageing characterised by arterial stiffening is vital for intervention and preventive strategies. We stratified and phenotyped healthy children (5–9 yrs) and young adults (20–30 yrs) into their vascular ageing extremes established by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) percentiles (i.e., healthy vascular ageing (HVA) and early vascular ageing (EVA)). We compared anthropometric, cardiovascular, and metabolomic profiles and explored associations between cfPWV and urinary metabolites. Children and adults in the EVA groups displayed higher levels of adiposity, cardiovascular, and lifestyle risk factors (adults only) (all p ≤ 0.018). In adults, several urinary metabolites were lower in the EVA group (all q ≤ 0.039) when compared to the HVA group, with no differences observed in children. In multiple regression analysis (adults only), we found inverse associations between cfPWV with histidine (adj. R2 = 0.038; β = –0.192; p = 0.013) and beta-alanine (adj. R2 = 0.034; β = –0.181; p = 0.019) in the EVA group, but with arginine (adj. R2 = 0.021; β = –0.160; p = 0.024) in the HVA group. The inverse associations of beta-alanine and histidine with cfPWV in the EVA group is suggestive that asymptomatic young adults who present with an altered metabolomic and less desired cardiovascular profile in combination with unfavourable lifestyle behaviours may be predisposed to early-onset vascular ageing. Taken together, screening on both a phenotypic and metabolic level may prove important in the early detection, prevention, and intervention of advanced biological ageing.

ELEVATED PLATELET REACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH UNCONTROLLED HYPERTENSION: THE EFFECT OF CHA2DS2-VASC SCORE

Objective: Hypertension is associated with vascular and endothelial dysfunction that may result in a greater propensity for reactive platelets to cause thrombosis. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate multiple platelet activation pathways in hypertensive patients with different level of blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk factors. Design and method: Thirty nine uncontrolled (office SBP &gt; 140 mmHg and ambulatory daytime SBP &gt;135 mmHg, 27 males, aged 58 ± 9 years) and 32 well controlled (office SBP &lt; 140 mmHg and ambulatory daytime SBP &lt; 135 mmHg, 21 males, aged 58 ± 8 years) essential hypertensive patients were included in the study. Twenty four healthy individuals (12 males, aged 53 ± 10 years) were served as control group. Blood samples were obtained before and 48 hours after the procedure and platelet aggregation was tested in platelet rich plasma after activation with arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate ADP), collagen (Col), epinephrine (Epi) and ristocetin (Risto), by using AggRAM Platelet Aggregation Analyzer. Results: Hypertensive patients showed elevated platelet reactivity in all platelet activation pathways compared to normotensive group (AA: 88.8 ± 6.8% versus 79.5 ± 7.3%, ADP: 86.8±9.1% versus 71.5±7.7%, Col: 86.5 ± 5.7% versus 73.9 ± 6.7%, Epi: 92.6±5.4% versus 80.5 ± 5.7%, Risto: 93.8 ± 6.8% versus 79.9 ± 6.3%, p &lt;0.05 for all). Col, Epi and Risto platelet activation pathway showed a statistically significant increase in patients with uncontrolled hypertension compared to the group with well controlled hypertension (AA: 88.8 ± 6.1% versus 89.1 ± 4.1%, ADP: 89.8 ± 4.1% versus 87.5±4.7%, Col: 87.5±4.7% versus 81.9 ± 6.7%, Epi: 93.6 ± 4.4% versus 80.1 ± 5.7%, Risto: 94.8 ± 3.8% versus 80.9 ± 4.3%,). Notably, strong correlations were found between the Col platelet pathway activation and Risto platelet pathway activation and CHA2DS2-VASc score (r = 0.57, p &lt;0.001 and r = 0.61, p &lt;0.001, respectively) in hypertensive patients. Conclusions: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension showed elevated platelet reactivity. Patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc even without atrial fibrillation carry also a higher risk of thrombosis as indicated by the increased platelet aggregation under certain pathways of activation.

Sex differences in cardiovascular risk, lifestyle, and psychological factors in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry

BackgroundThe excess risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with diabetes is greater in women than in men. The present study aimed to examine sex differences in the control of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as lifestyle and psychological factors, in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA total of 4923 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this cross-sectional study. Female/male differences in cardiovascular risk factor levels, and corresponding odds ratios for achieving recommended ranges for preventing cardiovascular diseases and having unhealthy lifestyle and psychological factors were computed by linear and logistic regression models.ResultsWomen were less likely than men to achieve recommended ranges for glycated hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and obesity-related anthropometric indices such as body mass index and waist circumference, but were more likely than men to be on target for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Women were also more likely than men to have an unhealthy lifestyle and psychological factors, including less dietary fiber intake, less leisure-time physical activity, shorter sleep duration, more constipation, and more depressive symptoms. Similar findings were observed when the participants were subgrouped by age (< 65 and ≥ 65 years) and past history of cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsWe observed significant sex differences for a range of cardiovascular risk factors, as well as lifestyle and psychological factors, suggesting the importance of adopting a sex-specific approach for the daily clinical management of diabetes.

Clinical characteristics in patients with oculomotor paralysis caused by isolated midbrain infarction.

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of isolated oculomotor paralysis (OP) cases caused by pure midbrain infarction (MI) with pupil sparing. Patients with pure MI and pontine infarction (PI) at our hospital were included in this study. We compared the blood pressure and lipid levels between the two groups. And the clinical data and imaging features were summarized. In total, 33 and 35 patients were included in the MI and PI groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the distribution of age (64.9 ±10.0 vs. 65.1 ±10.8 years, p = 0.927) and males (84.8% vs. 74.3%, p = 0.282) between the MI and PI groups, respectively. The pure MI group had a comparable level of serum lipoprotein and cardiovascular risk factors compared with the PI group except for a lower proportion of hypertension (57.6% vs. 85.7%, p = 0.010). The majority (72.7%) of culprit lesions in the pure MI group was located in the paramedian area of the midbrain, and the ocular muscle palsies mostly involved the medial rectus (75.8%). The Chinese patients with OP caused by pure MI were mainly characterized with rapidly progressive symptoms, multiple cerebrovascular risk factors, and typical MRI signs. Further efforts should be made in the differential diagnosis of this atypical midbrain syndrome.

EFEITOS DO EXERCÍCIO DE RESISTÊNCIA SOBRE A SAÚDE FÍSICA DE MULHERES DE MEIA-IDADE E IDOSAS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Several methods of sports training are applied to improve physical health in middle-aged and elderly women. Among the emerging ones is resistance exercise, despite little evidence about its effects in this population group. Objective: Explore the effects of resistance exercise on promoting muscle health and reducing cardiovascular risk in middle-aged and elderly women. Methods: A questionnaire on the level of muscle health and cardiovascular risk factors of 100 middle-aged and elderly women was conducted. A total of 20 middle-aged and elderly women were randomly selected as participants, and the experimental group performed resistance exercise training, while the control group performed simple exercise training. Results: In the muscle health indicators of the experimental group, BMI decreased by 0.3%, body fat decreased by 1.3%, waist-to-hip ratio decreased by 0.01, fat decreased by 1.7 kg, lean weight increased by 2.8 kg, and protein decreased by 0.9 kg. The changes in cardiovascular health indicators in the experimental group were greater than those in the control group. Conclusion: Resistance exercise can effectively improve muscle health in middle-aged and elderly women, reducing cardiovascular risk. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

SERUM OMENTIN-1 LEVEL IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGGREGATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN ADOLESCENTS.

The existing studies involving omentin-1 have mainly focused on relationships with single cardiovascular risk factor. Whether omentin-1 is associated with the aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors has not been reported. We investigate the relationship between the serum omentin-1 level and aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. A total of 741 young students, 11-16 years of age, were enrolled using a stratified cluster sampling method. The participants were given a questionnaire survey and underwent a physical examination. The aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors was defined as two or more cardiovascular risk factors occurring simultaneously in the same individual. Partial correlation analysis suggested that serum omentin-1 level was significantly correlated with waist circumference (R=-0.086, P=0.019) and Body Mass Index (R=-0.096, P=0.009). Logistic regression analysis showed that as the serum omentin-1 level increased, the risk of aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors decreased. Cardiovascular risk factors which were most closely associated with a decrease in the serum omentin-1 level were obesity calculated by Body Mass Index (OR=0.988, P=0.043) and central obesity calculated by waist circumference (OR=0.993, P=0.012). The serum omentin-1 level in adolescents is inversely associated with the aggregation of cardiovascular risk factors. Waist circumference and Body Mass Index are factors most closely associated with a decrease in the serum omentin-1 level.

Time trends of cardiovascular risk management in type 1 diabetes - nationwide analyses of real-life data

BackgroundIndividuals diagnosed with and treated for type 1 diabetes (T1D) have increased risk of micro- and macrovascular disease and excess mortality. Improving cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in individuals with T1D is known to reduce diabetes- related CV complications.AimTo examine time trends in CV risk factor levels and CV-protective treatment patterns. Additionally, examine incidence rates of diabetes-related CV complications in relation to exposure CV-protective treatment.MethodsWe analysed records from 41,630 individuals with T1D, registered anytime between 1996 and 2017 in a nationwide diabetes register. We obtained CV risk factor measurements (2010–2017), CV-protective drug profiles (1996–2017) and CV complication history (1977–2017) from additional nationwide health registers.ResultsFrom 2010 to 2017 there were decreasing levels of HbA1c, LDL-C, and blood pressure. Decreasing proportion of smokers, individuals with glycaemic dysregulation (HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol), dyslipidaemia (LDL-C > 2.6 mmol/l), and hypertension (≥ 140/85 mmHg). Yet, one fifth of the T1D population by January 1st, 2017 was severely dysregulated (HbA1c > 75 mmol/mol). A slight increase in levels of BMI and urinary albumin creatinine ratio and a slight decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels was observed. By January 1st, 2017, one fourth of the T1D population had an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The proportion of the T1D population redeeming lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) increased from 5% in 2000 to 30% in 2010 followed by a plateau and then a decline. The proportion of the T1D population redeeming antihypertensive drugs (AHDs) increased from 28% in 1996 to 42% in 2010 followed by a tendency to decline. Use of LLDs was associated with lower incidence of micro- and macrovascular complications, while use of AHDs had higher incidence of CVD and CKD, when compared to non-use and discontinued use, respectively.ConclusionImprovements were seen in CV risk factor control among individuals with T1D in Denmark between 2010 and 2017. However, there is clearly a gap between current clinical guidelines and clinical practice for CV risk management in T1D. Action is needed to push further improvements in CV risk control to reduce CVD and the related excess mortality.

Elevated platelet reactivity in patients with uncontrolled hypertension: the effect of CHA2DS2-VASc score

Abstract Background Hypertension is associated with vascular and endothelial dysfunction that may result in a greater propensity for reactive platelets to cause thrombosis. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate multiple platelet activation pathways in hypertensive patients with different level of blood pressure control and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Thirty nine uncontrolled (office BP &amp;gt;140/90 mmHg and ambulatory daytime BP &amp;gt;135/85 mmHg, 27 males, aged 58±9 years) and 32 well controlled (office BP &amp;lt;140/80 mmHg and ambulatory daytime BP &amp;lt;135/85 mmHg, 21 males, aged 58±8 years) essential hypertensive patients were included in the study. Twenty four healthy individuals (12 males, aged 53±10 years) were served as control group. Blood samples were obtained before and 48 hours after the procedure and platelet aggregation was tested in platelet rich plasma after activation with arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine diphosphate ADP), collagen (Col), epinephrine (Epi) and ristocetin (Risto), by using AggRAM Platelet Aggregation Analyzer. Results Hypertensive patients showed elevated platelet reactivity in all platelet activation pathways compared to normotensive group (AA: 88.8±6.8% versus 79.5±7.3%, ADP: 86.8±9.1% versus 71.5±7.7%, Col: 86.5±5.7% versus 73.9±6.7%, Epi: 92.6±5.4% versus 80.5±5.7%, Risto: 93.8±6.8% versus 79.9±6.3%, p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Col, Epi and Risto platelet activation pathway showed a statistically significant increase in patients with uncontrolled hypertension compared to the group with well controlled hypertension (AA: 88.8±6.1% versus 89.1±4.1%, ADP: 89.8±4.1% versus 87.5±4.7%, Col: 87.5±4.7% versus 81.9±6.7%, Epi: 93.6±4.4% versus 80.1±5.7%, Risto: 94.8±3.8% versus 80.9±4.3%,). Notably, strong correlations were found between the Col platelet pathway activation and Risto platelet pathway activation and CHA2DS2-VASc score (r=0.57, p&amp;lt;0.001 and r=0.61, p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively) in hypertensive patients. Conclusions Patients with uncontrolled hypertension showed elevated platelet reactivity. Patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc even without atrial fibrillation carry also a higher risk of thrombosis as indicated by the increased platelet aggregation under certain pathways of activation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Longitudinal multivariable trajectory risk clusters and sex-specific association with MRI-derived cardiac function and structure in a population-based sample

Background and Aims : This study aimed to relate longitudinal trajectory clusters of multiple cardiovascular risk factor levels from different examination cycles to MRI-measures of cardiac structure and function of the left and right ventricle in women and men of a population-based cohort.

Risks of Stroke and Heart Disease Following Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy in Chinese Premenopausal Women.

Background:Little is known about the long-term risks of stroke and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women who had a hysterectomy alone (HA) or with bilateral oophorectomy (HBO) for benign diseases, particularly in China where the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is high. We assessed mean levels of cardiovascular risk factors and relative risks of stroke and IHD in Chinese women who had a HA or HBO.Methods:A total of 302 510 women, aged 30 to 79 years were enrolled in the China Kadoorie Biobank from 2004 to 2008 and followed up for a mean of 9.8 years. The analysis involved premenopausal women without prior cardiovascular disease or cancer at enrollment. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios for incident cases of CVD and their pathological types (ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and IHD) after HA and HBO. Analyses were stratified by age and region and adjusted for levels of education, household income, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, self-reported health, and number of pregnancies.Results:Among 282 722 eligible women, 8478 had HA, and 1360 had HBO. Women who had HA had 9% higher risk of CVD after HA (hazard ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06–1.12]) and 19% higher risk of CVD after HBO (1.19 [95% CI, 1.12–1.26]) compared with women who did not. Both HA and HBO were associated with higher risks of ischemic stroke and IHD but not with hemorrhagic stroke. The relative risks of CVD associated with HA and HBO were more extreme at younger age of surgery.Conclusions:Women who had either HA or HBO have higher risks of ischemic stroke and IHD, and these risks should be evaluated when discussing these interventions. Additional screening for risk factors for CVD should be considered in women following HA and HBO operations, especially if such operations are performed at younger age.

Study on the correlation between serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-19 and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic  syndrome  is  a  major  global  threat  nowadays  due  to  urbanization,  sedentary  life  style  and  increased  incidence  of  obesity. FGF-19  has  recently  been  introduced  as  a  novel  marker regulating  metabolism,   reversing  diabetes  mellitus,  hyper  lipidemia,  hepatic  steatosis  and adiposity. Aim &amp; Objective: To compare the serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 levels of metabolic syndrome patients with healthy individuals. To analyze the correlation between serum FGF 19 and the components of metabolic syndrome. Materials &amp; Methods: A total of 50 patients and 50 controls were included in the study. After obtaining informed consent, anthropometric measures (Height, Weight, BMI &amp; Waist circumference) were taken. Blood investigations such as FGF 19, TC, HDL-cholesterol were estimated and LDL, VLDL &amp; AIP levels were calculated. Statistical Analysis: Student’s t-test was employed for the statistical analysis and data were expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation. ‘p’ value less than 0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Correlation between the measured parameters was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Result &amp; Conclusion: Serum levels of FGF 19 were low in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein and risk factors to assess cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patient at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune systemic chronic inflammatory disorder, which is characterized by joint stiffness, damage, and destruction of bone. In RA patients, the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased by 2–3 folds as compared to the general population. The major burden of RA is the development of cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction.ObjectivesAssessment of the association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein to evaluate CVD risk was one of the purposes of this study. In addition, the association of atherogenic indices with elevated levels of cardiovascular risk factors (LDL-C and TG) was another aim of this study.MethodsThe preferred study design for this study was a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study method. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi Data version 4.6 software, and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis of atherogenic indices, C-reactive protein, and risk factors. The comparison of atherogenic indices and other variables among the case and control groups was estimated by the independent t-test statistical analysis method. All variables with a p-value less than 0.2 during binary linear regression analysis were selected for multinomial logistic regression analysis. The association of atherogenic indices with C-reactive protein and risk factors was computed using multiple logistic regressions. The data were presented using tables and figures for clarification of the study.ResultsThe levels of atherogenic indices were computed for both RA patients and the control group. The values of atherogenic indices were significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factor (CRP ≥ 2mg/L). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and TC/HDL-C ratio had a statistically significant association with an elevated levels of triglycerides (P<0.01). The TC/HDL-Cratio value of the patient had 2.38 folds more likely to have an elevated low density lipoprotein level. In addition, AIP of RA patients had 57.51 and 23.65 folds more to have elevated low density lipoprotein and triglycerides respectively.ConclusionsThe result of this study showed that TC/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C ratio values, and atherogenic index of plasma had a statistically significant association with elevated level of low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. In addition to this, they have a statistically significant association with the level of C-reactive protein. There was a highly significant statistical association between atherogenic indices, elevated low density lipoprotein, and triglycerides values. Therefore, the result of this finding confirmed that atherogenic indices have a potential role in the prediction and management of CVD risk in RA patients.

A SNP in the 5’ flanking region of the SAA1 gene is associated with serum levels of serum amyloid A and cardiovascular risk factors

BackgroundElevated serum levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examine associations between allelic variation in the rs11024595 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5’ flanking region of the SAA1 gene and adipose tissue gene expression, serum levels of SAA and cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsDNA samples from 729 participants in the SibPair study, comprising weight discordant siblings and their biological parents, and 3542 participants (1783 patients treated with bariatric surgery and 1759 controls) from the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study were used. The rs11024595 SNP was genotyped in both cohorts using Pyrosequencing or the Sequenom MassARRAY platform, respectively. Blood chemistry and anthropometry were assessed at study start. Adipose tissue SAA1 gene expression and serum levels of SAA in the SibPair study were analyzed with DNA microarray or immunoassay, respectively.ResultsIn the SibPair study, the rs11024595 SNP was associated with serum levels of SAA (P = 0.0050) where T allele carriers displayed lower levels of SAA (P = 0.0025) but no association between genotype and adipose tissue SAA1 gene expression was found. In the SOS study, the rs11024595 SNP was associated with serum levels of HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0045), triglycerides (P = 0.025) and apolipoprotein E (P = 0.026). Moreover, T allele carriers had lower levels of HDL cholesterol (P = 0.0148), but higher levels of triglycerides (P = 0.0418) and apolipoprotein E (P = 0.028) compared to C allele homozygotes. The rs11024595 SNP was also associated with plasma glucose (P = 0.044).ConclusionsThe rs11024595 SNP in the 5’ flanking region of the SAA1 gene is associated with both serum levels of SAA and other cardiovascular risk factors. Future studies are required to elucidate whether the rs11024595 SNP can affect the risk of cardiovascular events.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01479452 Registered 24 November 2011 - retrospectively registered.

The seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø7) 2015-2016: study design, data collection, attendance, and prevalence of risk factors and disease in a multipurpose population-based health survey.

Aims:The Tromsø Study is an ongoing population-based health study in Tromsø, Norway, initiated in 1974. The purpose of the seventh survey (Tromsø7) 2015–2016 was to advance the population risk factor surveillance and to collect new types of data. We present the study design, data collection, attendance, and prevalence of risk factors and disease.Methods:All inhabitants in Tromsø municipality, Norway, aged 40 years and older (N=32,591) were invited to a health screening including extensive questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, biological sampling (blood, urine, saliva, nasal/throat swabs, faeces), measurements (anthropometry, blood pressure, pulse, pulse oximetry) and clinical examinations (pain sensitivity, echocardiography, cognitive, physical, and lung function, accelerometer measurements, eye examinations, carotid ultrasound, electrocardiography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and heart, lung and carotid auscultation). New research areas in this round were dental and oral health examinations, collection of faecal samples for studies of normal bacterial flora and antibiotic resistance, and 24-hour urine samples for examination of sodium and iodine intakes.Results:Attendance was 65% (N=21,083), and was higher in women, age group 50–79 years, previous attenders, and Norwegian-born individuals. Cardiovascular risk factor levels and prevalence of chronic obstructive lung disease decreased since the last survey, while the prevalence of obesity and diabetes increased.Conclusions:Attendance was stable from the sixth survey. Interaction with participants might be key to maintain participation. Favourable trends in risk factors continue, except for a continued increase in obesity. Both new data collection technology and traditional physical examinations will be crucial for the impact of future population studies.