Lower Incidence Of Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Treatment of hypertension in old patients without previous cardiovascular disease.

The aim of this study was to compare the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) - nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke - at blood pressure levels that meet current recommendations with risk at lower levels, particularly in older patients. We identified patients with hypertension aged 40-90 years from a primary care register. Patients with a history of cancer, diabetes mellitus or CVD were excluded. Patients were divided into age groups (40-75 and 76-90), and four groups of SBP 110-129, 130-139 (reference), 140-149 and ≥150 mmHg. We used the Kaplan-Meier estimator to study incidence of AMI, stroke and a composite of the two. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for outcomes. We included 31 704 patients: 26 663 were 40-75 years old and 5041 were 76-90 years old. Mean follow-up was 2 years. Although no significant differences in risk of any outcome were found in the younger group, low blood pressure was associated with the lowest risk in the older group. Older patients in the 110-129 mmHg group had a lower incidence of CVD (15.9/1000 vs. 25.3/1000 person-years) than the reference group. After adjustment for covariates, the hazard ratio of CVD in older patients in the 110-129 mmHg group compared with the reference group was 0.60 (95% confidence interval 0.40-0.92). Blood pressure levels lower than those currently recommended are not harmful among older patients. The association between lower SBP and lesser risk of CVD may instead suggest a beneficial effect of lower SBP.

Mechanisms underlying the influence of oestrogen on cardiovascular physiology in women.

Women show a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases than age-matched men, but this benefit disappears after menopause. Oestrogen-mediated vascular actions are mainly attributed to oestradiol and exerted by oestrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ and G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor), through rapid and/or genomic mechanisms, but these effects depend on ageing and inflammation. A cardiovascular approach in women's health has arisen due to controversy regarding oestrogen's beneficial impact as reported in experimental and observational studies and large randomized trials. These can be explained, in part, by two mutually non-exclusive hypotheses. On the one hand, the timing hypothesis, which states that oestrogen-mediated benefits occur before the detrimental effects of ageing are established in the vasculature; on the other hand, ageing and/or hormonal-associated changes in ER expression that could lead to a deleterious imbalance in favour of ERβ over ERα, generally associated with higher inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. In experimental studies, oestradiol acting on ERα promotes the release of vasoactive compounds such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin, and shifts the angiotensin axis towards angiotensin 1-7 production. Mechanisms underlying oestradiol vascular function also include anti-inflammatory and epigenetic modifications. 17β-Oestradiol changes the transcriptomic profile of endothelial cells, and the involvement of miRNA in the regulatory pathways of vascular function reinforces assumptions regarding the vascular actions of oestrogen. Thus, the present Symposium Review aims to postulate the role of ERα in oestrogen modulation of endothelium-derived mediators and vascular physiology, as well as its relationship with miRNA and inflammation, and elucidate how physiological changes in postmenopausal women counteract the observed effects.

Tipping the scales: Are females more at risk for obesity- and high-fat diet-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction?

Obesity is a common metabolic disorder that has become a widespread epidemic in several countries. Sex and gender disparities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been well documented with premenopausal women having a lower incidence of CVD than age-matched men. However, women are more likely than men to suffer from obesity, which can predispose them to a greater risk of CVD. The mechanisms underlying high-fat diet (HFD)- or obesity-induced hypertension are not well defined, although immune system activation and inflammation have been implicated in several studies. Further, the sex of the subject can have a profound influence on the immune response to hypertensive stimuli. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the effects of sex and gender on the role of the immune system in HFD-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on The Importance of Sex Differences in Pharmacology Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.21/issuetoc.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) – a rediscovered ancient grain, from Aztecs to food laboratories

Purpose The importance of nutraceuticals and functional foods has been a topic of interest in nutrition research for many years. This review aims to summarize the findings on the nutritive value and health benefits of chia, as well as its use as a food fortificant. Design/methodology/approach Published literature on the nutritive value and therapeutic properties of chia has been reviewed. Findings Chia, an ancient grain, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and was cultivated in Mexico and Guatemala by the Mayas and Aztecs of a pre-Columbian era. In addition to being gluten-free, chia seeds are concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids (mainly α-linolenic acid), fiber (insoluble) and polyphenolic compounds (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic and caffeic acids), which were found to be comparatively higher than many other grains, cereals and oily seeds. Chia supplementation has potential to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, pruritus and celiac disease. Because of its nutraceutical and physiochemical properties, chia has been widely used as a whole seed, flour, seed mucilage, gel and oil for developing various enriched food products, such as bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, chips, cheese, yoghurt, meat, fish and poultry. Originality/value With advancement in nutrition research, chia would have a great future perspective as feed, food and medicine. However, further research is needed to validate the potential therapeutic effect of chia supplementation on human health.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness & Healthy Vascular Aging

Healthy Vascular Aging (HVA), defined as carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV; arterial stiffness) <7.6 m/s and absence of hypertension in adults ≥50 years of age, is associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with lower CVD mortality; however, the relation between HVA and CRF has not been examined. PURPOSE: To determine the relation between HVA and CRF in an apparently healthy adult population. METHODS: One hundred and one individuals (54M/47F) with a mean age of 63.5 ± 0.8 years and body mass index (BMI) of 28.3 ± 0.5 kg/m2 underwent measures of vascular hemodynamics (cfPWV; resting blood pressure, BP), CRF (VO2max), and traditional CVD risk factors. Participants were divided into either the HVA or no-HVA groups based on the resting cfPWV and BP values and medication status. Data were analyzed with unpaired t-tests and Pearson correlations. RESULTS: HVA was present in 25% (n=25) of the subjects, while 75% (n=76) had no-HVA. Compared to no-HVA, HVA were younger (59.7 ± 1.8 vs. 64.7 ± 0.9 years, p<0.05), had lower cfPWV (6.7 ± 0.1 vs. 8.5 ± 0.1 m/s, p<0.05) and systolic BP (111.2 ± 2.5 vs. 117.6 ± 1.5 mmHg, p<0.05). CRF was not different between groups (27.2 ± 1.4 vs. 25.2 ± 0.8 ml/kg/min, p>0.05), but age and sex adjusted CRF percentiles according to the Fitness Registry and Importance of Exercise National Database (FRIEND) demonstrated greater CRF in HVA vs. no-HVA (62% ± 5.7 vs. 47% ± 3.0, p<0.05). HVA compared with no-HVA had lower (p<0.05) BMI (26.3 ± 1.1 vs. 29.0 ± 0.6 kg/m2, p<0.05), waist circumference (88.9 ± 2.8 vs. 98.5 ± 1.6 cm, p<0.05), and blood glucose (91.8 ± 2.1 vs. 103.4 ± 2.6 mg/dL, p<0.05). cfPWV (r=-0.3406) and bSBP (r=-0.3202) were both inversely correlated with the FRIEND percentiles (p<0.05, both). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate HVA is associated with greater CRF. These data support the notion for lower CVD-related mortality with higher levels of CRF may be attributable, in part, to HVA.

Tea, coffee, caffeine intake and the risk of cardio-metabolic outcomes: findings from a population with low coffee and high tea consumption

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the potential effects of long-term intake of caffeine and habitual consumption of coffee and tea on the occurrence of cardio-renal events among an Iranian population with low coffee and high tea consumption.MethodsAdult participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006–2008 to 2012–2014) who met the study inclusion criteria, were recruited. Habitual dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Demographics, anthropometrics, blood pressure, and biochemical variables were evaluated at baseline and during follow-up examinations. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).ResultsDuring median 6 years of follow-up, the incidence rate of CVD outcomes, HTN, and CKD were 3.3%, 15.5%, and 17.9%, respectively. The risk of CVD was increased more than two-fold in the highest tertile of tea consumption (HR = 2.44, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.40–4.27; P for trend = 0.001), and caffeine intakes (HR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.23–4.01; P for trend = 0.005). A 42% lower incidence of CVD was observed in coffee drinkers, compared to non-drinkers (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36–0.93; P for trend = 0.023). No significant association was observed between tea, coffee or caffeine intakes and the risk of HTN or CKD.ConclusionsFindings of our study support previous data regarding the protective effects of coffee on CVD. Contrary to the previous studies, we found that higher intakes of tea and caffeine, mainly originated from tea in our population, may increase risk of CVD events. It may be related to the type of tea and its preparation methods, additives or artificial colors in tea consumed in Iran, and sweets or sugar that mostly consumed accompanied by tea. Also, genetic variants of the liver enzymes may modify the association of dietary caffeine sources and incidence of CVD. Further prospective studies with incorporation of different population with different dietary habits and genetic backgrounds are needed to clarify the contradictions.

Nut Consumption in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Mortality Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus.

The evidence regarding the potential health benefits of nut consumption among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus is limited. To examine intake of total and specific types of nuts, including tree nuts and peanuts, in relation to subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease and stroke, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with diabetes mellitus. This prospective analysis included 16 217 men and women with diabetes mellitus at baseline or diagnosed during follow-up (Nurses' Health Study: 1980-2014, Health Professionals Follow-Up Study: 1986-2014). Nut consumption was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and updated every 2 to 4 years. During 223 682 and 254 923 person-years of follow-up, there were 3336 incident CVD cases and 5682 deaths, respectively. Higher total nut consumption was associated with a lower risk of CVD incidence and mortality. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for participants who consumed 5 or more servings of total nuts per week (1 serving=28 g), compared with those who consumed <1 serving per month, were 0.83 (0.71-0.98; P trend=0.01) for total CVD incidence, 0.80 (0.67-0.96; P trend=0.005) for coronary heart disease incidence, 0.66 (0.52-0.84; P trend <0.001) for CVD mortality, and 0.69 (0.61-0.77; P trend <0.001) for all-cause mortality. Total nut consumption was not significantly associated with risk of stroke incidence or cancer mortality. For specific types of nuts, higher tree nut consumption was associated with lower risk of total CVD, coronary heart disease incidence, and mortality because of CVD, cancer, and all causes, whereas peanut consumption was associated with lower all-cause mortality only (all P trend <0.001). In addition, compared with participants who did not change the consumption of total nuts from pre- to post-diabetes mellitus diagnosis, participants who increased consumption of total nuts after diabetes mellitus diagnosis had an 11% lower risk of CVD, a 15% lower coronary heart disease risk, a 25% lower CVD mortality, and a 27% lower all-cause mortality. The associations persisted in subgroup analyses stratified by sex/cohort, body mass index at diabetes mellitus diagnosis, smoking status, diabetes mellitus duration, nut consumption before diabetes mellitus diagnosis, or diet quality. Higher consumption of nuts, especially tree nuts, is associated with lower CVD incidence and mortality among participants with diabetes mellitus. These data provide novel evidence that supports the recommendation of incorporating nuts into healthy dietary patterns for the prevention of CVD complications and premature deaths among individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Abstract P030: Association of Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 From Early Adulthood to Middle Age: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study

Background: Ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore identification of biomarkers that may mediate risk between CVH and CVD may offer novel approaches in CVD prevention. One potential biomarker is plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which has been associated with increased risk of CVD. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between CVH scores and PAI-1 levels from young adulthood to mid-life. Methods: Plasma PAI-1 levels were measured in a subset of randomly selected participants (n=1200) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study at year 7 (Y7) and Y20. Among them, 911 participants at Y7 and 830 participants at Y20 had available data on CVH status. We calculated CVH scores (range 0-14) and categorized as low (0-7), moderate (8-11), and high (12-14). We performed multivariable linear regression to study the association of CVH and PAI-1 at Y7 and Y20 after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, and center. Results: At Y7, participants (mean age 32.3±3.5 years) had a mean CVH score of 11.1 (±1.8) and mean PAI-1 level of 20.0 ng/mL (±21.2) with an adjusted correlation coefficient of -0.29 (p&lt;0.0001) (TABLE) . By Y20, mean CVH score of the participants had declined to 10.1 (±2.3) and mean PAI-1 level had increased to 36.2 ng/mL (±37.1) with an adjusted correlation coefficient of -0.46 (p&lt;0.0001). Among participants with high, moderate, and low CVH, PAI-1 levels were higher at Y20 compared to Y7 (high: 14.7 to 18.0 ng/mL, moderate: 23.9 to 36.9 ng/mL, low: 27.3 to 64.6 ng/mL). At both Y7 and Y20, mean level of PAI-1 was significantly higher in participants with moderate or low CVH (compared with high CVH). Conclusion: Higher CVH score is associated with lower plasma levels of PAI-1 from young adulthood to mid-life. PAI-1 levels increased among all CVH categories with aging; however, participants with high CVH had the smallest increase in PAI-1 and PAI-1 levels remained lower than even young adults with moderate or low CVH.

Relationship Between Endothelial Function and the Eliciting Shear Stress Stimulus in Women: Changes Across the Lifespan Differ to Men.

BackgroundPremenopausal women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, which may partly be due to a protective effect of estrogen on endothelial function. Animal studies suggest that estrogen may also improve the relationship between shear rate (SR) and endothelial function. We aimed to explore the relationship between endothelial function (ie, flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]) and SR (ie, SR area under the curve [SRAUC]) in women versus men, and between pre‐ versus postmenopausal women.Methods and ResultsBrachial artery FMD and SRAUC were measured in accordance with expert‐consensus guidelines in 932 healthy participants who were stratified into young adults (18‐40 years, 389 men, 144 women) and older adults (>40 years, 260 men, 139 women). Second, we compared premenopausal (n=173) and postmenopausal women (n=110). There was evidence of a weak correlation between SRAUC and FMD in all groups but older men, although there was variation in strength of outcomes. Further exploration using interaction terms (age‐sex×SRAUC) in linear regression revealed differential relationships with FMD (young women versus young men [β=−5.8−4, P=0.017] and older women [β=−5.9−4, P=0.049]). The correlation between SRAUC and FMD in premenopausal women (r 2=0.097) was not statistically different from that in postmenopausal women (r 2=0.025; Fisher P=0.30). Subgroup analysis using stringent inclusion criteria for health markers (n=505) confirmed a stronger FMD‐SRAUC correlation in young women compared with young men and older women.ConclusionsEvidence for a stronger relationship between endothelial function and the eliciting SR stimulus is present in young women compared with men. Estrogen may contribute to this finding, but larger healthy cohorts are required for conclusive outcomes.

Correlation of Various Foods Intakes and Plasma Levels of Omega Fatty Acids in Healthy Japanese Old Men

Background: Trans fatty acids are considered to impair health and some ω fatty acids are protective against atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Trans fatty acids are said to be formed by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Some amounts are produced in digestive organs of ruminants and present in dairy products or meat. It is important how much these intaken fatty acids influence their plasma levels. Methods: Plasma levels of fatty acids including transforms of healthy old men are measured by gas chromatography and correlations between various foods intakes and plasma levels of trans fatty acids, and ω fatty acids are examined. Results: Intake of fish resulted in increase in plasma levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but intake of meat such as beef, cow and chicken meat did not increase plasma levels of arachidonic acid (AA). Intakes of oils increased plasma levels of dihomo-g-linolenic acid significantly and AA to some extent. Conclusion: Plasma levels of EPA and DHA increased upon intakes of fish in Japanese old men. Oil intake but not meat intake increased DGLA significantly. These results may explain low incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Japanese people compared with American people whose plasma levels of DHA and EPA are lower.

Ameliorative effect of low-dose spironolactone on obesity and insulin resistance is through replenishment of estrogen in ovariectomized rats.

Women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than men at a similar age but the reverse is the case after menopause, indicating a possible protective effect of estrogen on cardiometabolic function. Although various hormonal therapies have been formulated to combat the CVD risks in postmenopausal state, the beneficial effects have not been consistent. Obesity with insulin resistance (IR) is closely linked to CVD risks while ovariectomized rodents have been shown to mimic a state of obesity and IR. We therefore hypothesized that low-dose spironolactone would ameliorate obesity and IR in estrogen-deprived rats by replenishing estrogen and suppressing elevated glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Ten-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated (SHM), spironolactone (SPL; 0.25 mg/kg), and ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with or without spironolactone daily for 8 weeks. Results showed that estrogen deprivation through ovariectomy caused increased body mass gain and visceral adiposity that are accompanied by increased HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, 1-hour postload glucose, glucose intolerance, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, plasma insulin, atherogenic dyslipidemia, uric acid, GSK-3, corticosterone, and aldosterone and depressed 17β-estradiol. However, treatment of OVX rats with spironolactone ameliorated all these effects. Taken together, the results demonstrate that treatment with low-dose spironolactone improves obesity and IR, which appears to involve replenishment of estrogen and suppression of GSK-3 along with circulating mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid. The findings imply a positive cardiometabolic effect of low-dose spironolactone usage in estrogen-deprived conditions.

Validation of a self-administered version of the Mediterranean diet scale (MDS) for cardiac rehabilitation patients in Canada

The Mediterranean dietary pattern has been linked with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and the Mediterranean diet scale (MDS) has been created to incorporate and test the inherent characteristics of this dietary pattern. This study aimed to psychometrically validate a self-administered version of the MDS in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients in Canada. To establish content validity, the scale was reviewed by an expert interdisciplinary panel. A final version of the tool was tested in 150 CR patients. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.69. All ICC coefficients met the minimum recommended standard. Factor analysis revealed four factors, all internally consistent. Criterion validity was supported by significant differences in total scores by duration in CR. Construct validity was supported by agreements between the self-administered MDS and original MDS in all items and with the 3-day food record in 8 of 13 items. In conclusion, the self-administered version of the MDS demonstrated good reliability and validity.

Decreased iron stores are associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes both cross-sectionally and longitudinally

Background and aimsThe possible contribution of iron to cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been scarcely investigated. We aimed to study whether serum ferritin is linked to prevalent/incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in T2D. MethodsThe prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CEVD) and CVD was evaluated in the SIDIAP study (n = 38,617) and prevalence and 7-year incidence were analysed in the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study (ET2DS) (n = 821). Logistic and Cox regressions were used to describe associations between serum ferritin and CVD adjusting for confounding variables. ResultsIncrease of 1 SD unit in log-ferritin was associated with lower CVD prevalence in fully-adjusted models (ET2DS odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81 (0.68–0.96), p = 0.018; SIDIAP study: 0.91 (0.88–0.94), p < 0.001). In ET2DS, ferritin in the highest (vs. the lowest) quintile was associated with lower incidence of CVD (fully adjusted HR 95% CI: 0.46 (0.26–0.83), p = 0.010). This association persisted after removing subjects with CVD at baseline (n = 536) (HR 95% CI: 0.34 (0.14–0.81), p = 0.016). ConclusionsLow iron status was associated with CVD risk in T2D. This pattern was consistent in populations at different cardiovascular risk. Low iron status seems to be harmful for cardiovascular health in T2D and it may be a target for intervention.

Science behind the cardio-metabolic benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: biochemical effects vs. clinical outcomes.

Lower incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Greenland Inuit, Northern Canada and Japan has been attributed to their consumption of seafood rich in long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA). While a large majority of pre-clinical and intervention trials have demonstrated heart health benefits of LCn-3PUFA, some studies have shown no effects or even negative effects. LCn-3PUFA have been shown to favourably modulate blood lipid levels, particularly a reduction in circulating levels of triglycerides. High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are elevated following dietary supplementation with LCn-3PUFA. Although LCn-3PUFA have been shown to increase low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, the increase is primarily in the large-buoyant particles that are less atherogenic than small-dense LDL particles. The anti-inflammatory effects of LCn-3PUFA have been clearly outlined with inhibition of NFkB mediated cytokine production being the main mechanism. In addition, reduction in adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule, ICAM and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, VCAM-1) and leukotriene production have also been demonstrated following LCn-3PUFA supplementation. Anti-aggregatory effects of LCn-3PUFA have been a subject of controversy, however, recent studies showing sex-specific effects on platelet aggregation have helped resolve the effects on hyperactive platelets. Improvements in endothelium function, blood flow and blood pressure after LCn-3PUFA supplementation add to the mechanistic explanation on their cardio-protective effects. Modulation of adipose tissue secretions including pro-inflammatory mediators and adipokines by LCn-3PUFA has re-ignited interest in their cardiovascular health benefits. The aim of this narrative review is to filter out the reasons for possible disparity between cohort, mechanistic, pre-clinical and clinical studies. The focus of the article is to provide possible explanation for the observed controversies surrounding heart health benefits of LCn-3PUFA.

Role of miRNA in the Regulatory Mechanisms of Estrogens in Cardiovascular Ageing.

Cardiovascular diseases are a worldwide health problem and are the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. Together with experimental data, the lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women than in men of reproductive age points to the influence of sex hormones at the cardiovascular level and suggests that estrogens play a protective role against cardiovascular disease and that this role is also modified by ageing. Estrogens affect cardiovascular function via their specific estrogen receptors to trigger gene expression changes at the transcriptional level. In addition, emerging studies have proposed a role for microRNAs in the vascular effects mediated by estrogens. miRNAs regulate gene expression by repressing translational processes and have been estimated to be involved in the regulation of approximately 30% of all protein-coding genes in mammals. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of the role of estrogen-sensitive miRNAs, and their influence in regulating vascular ageing.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Green Tea Extract against Cyclophosphamide Induced Liver Injury in Albino Rats

Background: Green tea intake is accompanied with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders; hence green tea extract has been included as dietary supplement along with other supplements and multivitamins. Aim of the Work: Studying the effect of cyclophosphamide administration on the liver of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of green tea extract. Material and Methods: The current study was carried out on 45 adult male albino rats. They were divided into three equal groups (each included 15 rats). Group I (control group) was injected intraperitoneally with normal saline at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight twice weekly for 9 weeks. Group II was injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide (CP) (150 mg/kg/day) for two weeks. Group III: rats received green tea extracts orally (50 mg/kg/day) for three weeks, and then continued for further two weeks concomitantly with intraperitoneally cyclophosphamide (CP) injected (150 mg/kg/day). Results: Rats exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP) showed several histological and histochemical changes in their liver. These changes were improved by using green tea. Conclusion: The present work showed that green tea had preventive and therapeutic effect upon livers of albino rats after they were exposed to CP.

Effects of High Consumption of Vegetables on Clinical, Immunological, and Antioxidant Markers in Subjects at Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases.

High intakes of vegetables have been associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the effect of vegetables on immune function and antioxidant status in human studies have provided contrasting results. In the present study, after a week of run-in period, 38 subjects at risk of CVD were randomly assigned to one of the following 4-week interventions: low vegetable consumption (800 g of vegetables/week) or high vegetable consumption (4200 g of vegetables/week). Vegetables included carrots, topinambur (Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus), tomatoes, red cabbage, and sweet peppers. Blood and salivary samples were collected before and after intervention periods. In addition to clinical, immunological, and antioxidant markers, leukocyte and lymphocyte expression of the gut-homing β7 integrin was evaluated. No significant changes were detected in clinical, immunological, and antioxidant markers in biological samples, except for an increase in white blood cell count for the low vegetable consumption group (p < 0.05). The study provides additional evidence about the uncertainty of providing a clear evidence for vegetables in modulating markers of immune function and antioxidant status. Further studies are needed in order to unravel the mechanism of effect of vegetable consumption in cardiovascular prevention.

Effects of endothelin-related gene polymorphisms and aerobic exercise habit on age-related arterial stiffening: a 10-yr longitudinal study.

Increased arterial stiffness has emerged as a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to elucidate influences of endothelin (ET)-related genetic polymorphisms and regular physical activity on age-related arterial stiffening through a 10-yr longitudinal study. A decadal change in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness, was evaluated retrospectively among 92 volunteers (63 ± 14 yr, 51 men). The targeted single-nucleotide polymorphisms were ET-A receptor SNP rs5333 (ET-A) and ET-B receptor SNP rs5351 (ET-B). Subjects with either ET-A TC or CC genotypes exhibited significantly greater increases in baPWV (+15.3 ± 11.7 and +16.6 ± 15.7%/dec, respectively) than ET-A TT genotype holders (+9.2 ± 9.0%/dec), whereas subjects with the ET-B GG genotype showed a significantly greater increase in baPWV (+17.7 ± 14.1%/dec) than other ET-B genotype holders (AA: +9.5 ± 10.0%/dec; AG: +11.2 ± 9.6%/dec). The combination of these ET-related genetic risks was associated with a 2.4 times greater decadal increase in baPWV compared with no genetic risk (+8.1 ± 8.4 vs. 19.5 ± 16.0%/dec). In contrast, individuals engaging in >15 METs·h/wk of aerobic exercise showed substantially smaller increases in baPWV (+5.0 ± 9.7%/dec) compared with their physically inactive peers (approximately +13%/dec). These differences remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors, including baseline baPWV and ET-related genotype risk. Our current longitudinal study found that ET-related gene polymorphisms contribute to diverse age-related changes in arterial stiffness, and that regular sufficient aerobic exercise attenuates the age-related arterial stiffening independently of ET-related gene polymorphisms. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This 10-yr longitudinal study suggests that endothelin-related gene polymorphisms contribute to divergent increases in arterial stiffness with advancing age, whereas regular sufficient aerobic exercise attenuates age-related arterial stiffening independently of ET-related gene polymorphisms. This notion partly supports prevailing evidence that regular aerobic exercise contributes to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in young individuals.

In the past 2 decades, a high prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet, has been observed among young individuals living in developed countries. The rate of substance abuse (opioids, cocaine, electronic cigarettes, and anabolic steroids) is also increasing among young adults, whereas cigarette smoking might be declining. Among younger individuals (aged 18-50 years), the incidence of cardiovascular diseases over the same time period has either been steady or has increased, in contrast to the trend towards a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in adults aged >50 years. Current observations might, therefore, be used to forecast a potential epidemic of cardiovascular disease in the near future as the younger segment of the population ages. In this Review, we discuss the burden of risk factors for ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and sudden cardiac death among young adults aged 18-45 years. Furthermore, we discuss the prevalence, incidence, and temporal trends of various cardiovascular diseases among this young segment of the population.

The isoflavonoid tectorigenin has better antiplatelet potential than acetylsalicylic acid

BackgroundOne reason for the lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases in Asian countries may be the high intake of isoflavonoids and their antiplatelet effects may be an important factor. To date, there is limited comparison of a range of isoflavonoids and knowledge of their effects at different levels of platelet aggregation. PurposeTo screen the antiplatelet effects of a number of isoflavonoids on the arachidonic acid based aggregation pathway and investigate how the antiplatelet activity might occur. MethodsThe antiplatelet effects were first screened in whole human blood where platelet aggregation was induced by arachidonic acid. Further analysis was targeted at search of the mechanism of action. ResultsThirteen of the eighteen tested isoflavonoids had significant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in whole human blood. Genistein had the same potency as clinically used acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) while tectorigenin was clearly stronger than ASA. Further analyses showed that the effect of tectorigenin was not based on inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 in contrast to ASA or thromboxane synthase but by competitive antagonism at thromboxane receptors. ConclusionTectorigenin is a more potent antiplatelet compound than ASA and thus an interesting substance for further testing.