Marker Of Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism (Glu298asp) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

BackgroundGenetic polymorphism in endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) are associated with occurrence of multiple cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). MethodsThis study included 300 young ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and 300 healthy controls. STEMI patients were divided into two groups: premature coronary artery disease [CAD] (STEMI<40 years of age) and older STEMI (>40 years of age). Genetic polymorphisms in the eNOS gene (894G/T) was evaluated in both subjects and controls. Plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO) were estimated for both patients as well as controls. ResultsMean age of the study population was 49.7 ± 9.2 years with premature CAD being present in 58 (19.3 %) patients. No significant difference at genotypic (P = 0.589, odds ratio (OR) = 0.9, 95 % CI = 0.6–1.6) and allelic level (P = 0.173, OR = 1.2, 95 % CI = 0.9–1.4) was observed between STEMI patients and healthy controls. Genotype 894 TT had significantly higher frequency in STEMI patients >40 years (P = 0.047, OR: 2.5; 95 % CI = 1.0–6.0). No significant difference at genotypic (P = 0.279) and allelic level (P = 0.493) was observed between premature CAD (STEMI age <40 years) and healthy controls. NO levels (131 ± 59.6 μM vs 118.11 ± 49.96 μM; P = 0.001) was significantly higher in healthy controls as compared to STEMI patients >40 years of age (P= 0.001). ConclusionThere was significant association of eNOS gene polymorphism Glu298Asp with STEMI patients > 40 years. However, this association was not observed in premature CAD patients. Lower levels of NO in STEMI patients >40 years suggests its potential role as a marker of CVD.

Effects of a dietary intervention with lacto-ovo-vegetarian and Mediterranean diets on apolipoproteins and inflammatory cytokines: results from the CARDIVEG study.

Apolipoproteins have been recently proposed as novel markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, evidence regarding effects of diet on apolipoproteins is limited. To compare the effects of Mediterranean diet (MD) and lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (VD) on apolipoproteins and traditional CVD risk factors in participants with low-to-moderate CVD risk. Fifty-two participants (39 women; 49.1 ± 12.4years), followed MD and VD for 3months each. Medical and dietary information was collected at the baseline. Anthropometric parameters and blood samples were obtained at the beginning and the end of interventions. MD and VD resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric and lipid profiles. Both diets led to a reduction in most of the inflammatory parameters. As for apolipoproteins, a significant change was observed for ApoC-I after VD (+ 24.4%; p = 0.020). MD led to a negative correlation between ApoC-III and carbohydrates (R = - 0.29; p = 0.039) whereas VD between ApoD and saturated fats (R = - 0.38; p = 0.006). A positive correlation emerged after VD between HDL and ApoD (R = 0.33; p = 0.017) and after MD between plasma triglycerides and ApoC-I (R = 0.32; p = 0.020) and ApoD (R = 0.30; p = 0.031). IL-17 resulted to be positively correlated with ApoB after MD (R = 0.31; p = 0.028) and with ApoC-III after VD (R = 0.32; p = 0.019). Subgroup analysis revealed positive effects on apolipoproteins from both diets, especially in women, individuals older than 50years-old or with < 3 CVD risk factors. Both diets seem to improve CVD risk, however, MD showed a greater positive effect on apolipoproteins in some subgroups, thus suggesting how diet may influence new potential markers of CVD risk. registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02641834) on December 2015.

INTERLEUKIN-11 AND CARDIOVASCULAR PATHOLOGY

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. An important task in cardiology is the search and study of new biomarkers. Scientific interest is actively focused on the study of interleukin-11 (IL-11). The purpose of the literature review was to analyze experimental and clinical studies devoted to the study of IL-11 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in CVD. Material and methods. The article provides an overview of current publications. An analysis of literature sources was carried out, including all relevant publications in the databases PubMed, RSCI, MedLine, Google Scholar, Science Direct. Results. In endothelial cells, IL-11 primarily promotes angiogenesis, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on coronary heart disease. IL-11 also promotes vascular remodeling by inducing smooth muscle cell transformation and fibroblast activation. IL-11 may be involved in the onset and progression of pulmonary hypertension through the JAK/STAT3 pathway and aortic dissection processes through the non-classical ERK pathway. Conclusion. The presented literature review indicates the potentially important diagnostic and prognostic value of IL-11 assessment. Regulating the concentration and expression of IL-11 may be a promising strategy for the treatment of CVD.

Associations of galectin-3 levels with measures of vascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivesGalectin-3 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin and is a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. It may also play a role in joint inflammation. We asked whether serum galectin-3 is a useful marker of subclinical vascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MethodsRA patients without clinical CVD underwent assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, aortic inflammation (using 18Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission-computed tomography [FDG PET/CT]), and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). Aorta FDG uptake was measured as standardized uptake values (SUV). Generalized linear models were constructed to explore the associations of galectin-3 levels with CAC score, aortic SUV, and MFR. ResultsA total of 124 RA patients (mean age 57; 82 % women, 45 % Hispanic; median RA duration 6.8 years; 75 % seropositive; median CDAI 16; 33 % on prednisone; 89 % on DMARDs; median CAC score 0; median aorta SUV 2.59; mean MFR 2.86; median galectin-3 level 8.54 ng/mL) were analyzed. In univariable analysis, higher galectin-3 levels were associated with higher aortic SUV (p = 0.007) but CAC score and MFR were not. In multivariable analysis, higher galectin-3 level remained significantly associated with higher aortic SUV (ß Coefficient=0.1786, p value=0.002). ConclusionIn our cohort of RA patients without clinical CVD, higher serum galectin-3 levels were independently associated with higher levels of aortic inflammation, but not CAC score or MFR. This suggests that galectin-3 may be a biomarker for an inflammatory and potentially reversible stage, but not a later (calcified) stage, of atherosclerosis in patients with RA.

Comparison of Arterial Stiffness among Prehypertensive and Normotensive Subjects using Photo Pulse Plethysmography: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Increased arterial stiffness is a marker of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), even before clinical signs and symptoms become evident. Hypertension is an established risk factor for CVD. However, recent studies have revealed increased arterial stiffness even among prehypertensives. Photo Pulse Plethysmography (PPG) is an efficient non-invasive, and cost-effective technique to measure arterial stiffness. Studying arterial stiffness using PPG can serve as a surrogate marker of Cardiovascular (CV) risk among prehypertensives. Aim: To compare arterial wall stiffness among prehypertensives and normotensives using PPG. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted at the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, TamilNadu, India from December 2022 to February 2023. The study population included 10 non diabetic prehypertensives and 10 normotensives, aged between 30- 50 years, with normal lipid profiles. The peripheral pulse was recorded using a PPG module and digitised using AUDACITY software. The Arterial Stiffness Index (SI) was calculated and compared between the two groups. The correlation between anthropometry and arterial SI was also determined. Pearson’s correlation test was used to assess the association using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Results: The SI was found to be higher in prehypertensives compared to normotensives, and this difference was statistically significant (p-value=0.04). SI showed a positive correlation with increasing Blood Pressure (BP) and anthropometric variables (Body Mass Index [BMI] and Waist-Hip Ratio [WHR]; r=0.2 and r=0.15, respectively); however, no significant relationship was observed among these variables. Conclusion: This study concludes that the SI, an important CV risk marker, shows a significant increase in prehypertensive subjects compared to normotensive subjects. However, SI showed mild positive correlation with BP and other anthropometric measurements, though not statistically significant.

Subclinical cardiovascular remodelling in HIV-infection: A multimodal case study of 2 serodiscordant, monozygotic twins.

Cardiovascular abnormalities are increasingly recognised among people newly diagnosed with HIV, but subclinical pathology may be challenging to diagnose. We present a case study of subtle cardiovascular changes in identical twins, one without HIV-infection and the other recently diagnosed with HIV (serodiscordant). We hypothesise that cardiovascular parameters would be similar between the twins, unless non-genetic (environmental) factors are at play. These differences likely represent occult pathology secondary to the effects of early HIV-infection. A 25-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with HIV, and her HIV-uninfected identical twin, living with her since birth, underwent comprehensive cardiovascular assessments. The HIV-positive twin exhibited a globular left ventricle (LV), larger LV volumes, decreased LV strain, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and higher native T1 and T2 mapping values compared to her sister. Cardiac biomarkers high sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal proBNP, as well as the novel markers of fibrosis and remodelling, galectin-3 and soluble-ST2, were higher in the HIV-infected twin. Given the twins' shared environment and genetic makeup, these differences likely stem from HIV-infection. Our study supports previous findings and suggests potential screening markers for HIV-associated cardiovascular disease, including PALS. Further research is warranted to explore PALS' utility in this context.

Association of Anthropometric Adiposity Indices and Hand Grip Strength among Male Industrial Workers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hand Grip Strength (HGS), a basic, non-invasive measure of musculoskeletal function is found to be a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Considering the importance and paucity of studies among industrial workers, we aim to study the association between anthropometric adiposity indices and the HGS of industrial workers. The study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements and HGS of 198 male industrial workers between 21 and 60 years of age, employed at metal manufacturing industries in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using "R" statistical software. The mean age of male industrial workers was 39.51 ± 12.20 years. The majority of the workers were found to be obese (64%) and the mean body fat percentage was 27.69 ± 5.13%. The mean HGS of the worker's dominant hand was found to be 35.80 ± 8.93 kg and of their non-dominant hand was 35.0 ± 8.67 kg. When compared to the normative values of HGS for Indians, results revealed significantly higher HGS of both dominant and non-dominant hands of workers between the age group of 21-30 years and 51-60 years. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that body weight [β(s.e) =0.27 (0.05), P < 0.000], body fat [β(s.e) = -0.52 (0.14), P < 0.000) and WHR [β(s.e) = -28.81 (11.9), P = 0.017] independently predicted the HGS of dominant hand. In non-dominant hand, body weight [β(s.e) = 0.26 (0.05), P < 0.000] and body fat [β(s.e) = -0.60 (0.13), P < 0.000] independently predicted HGS. Body fat, body weight, and Waist-to-Hip ratio (WHR) were found to have a significant influence on the HGS of industrial workers. Strategies aimed to reduce overall body fat and abdominal obesity may prove beneficial in improving HGS and nutritional status thereby reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Arterial stiffness assessment in obese black South African patients.

Increased arterial stiffness is a determinant of cardiovascular mortality and an independent marker of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to asses arterial elasticity by determination of pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) in obese black patients. PWV and Aix were assessed non-invasively using the AtCor SphygmoCor® system (AtCor Medical, Inc, Sydney, Australia). The study participants were divided into four groups; healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 29), patients with concomitant diseases but normal body mass index (Nd) (n = 23), obese patients without concomitant diseases (OB) (n = 29) and obese patients with concomitant diseases (OBd) ( n = 29). The difference in the mean levels of PWV was statistically significant in the obese group with and without concomitant disease. The PWV in the OB group (7.9 ± 2.9 m/s) and in the OBd group (9.2 ± 4.4 m/s) was, respectively, 19.7 and 33.3% higher than in the HV group (6.6 ± 2.1 m/s). PWV was directly correlated with age, glycated haemoglobin level, aortic systolic blood pressure and heart rate. The risk of cardiovascular diseases in the obese patient without additional diseases was increased by 50.7%. The presence of concomitant diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension) in addition to obesity increased arterial stiffness by a further 11.4% and therefore also increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases by a further 35.1%. Aix was increased in the OBd and Nd groups by 8.2 and 16.5%, respectively, however the increase was not statistically significant. Aix was directly correlated with age, heart rate and aortic systolic blood pressure. The obese black patients had a higher PWV, indicating increase in arterial stiffness and therefore a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, aging, increased blood pressure and type 2 diabetes mellitus contributed further to arterial stiffening in these obese patients.

Association of Higher N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Consumption and Aerobic Exercise with Lower Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio: Implications of Anti-Atherosclerotic Effect of Fish Consumption.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), abundant in oily fish, exert anti-inflammatory cardiovascular protective effects. We aimed to investigate the association between fish-derived n-3 PUFAs, lifestyle habits, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) marker. This cross-sectional study included 6,950 participants with no history of ASCVD, who underwent annual health check-ups (average age, 46.3 ± 13.0 years; male:female ratio, 58.8%) between April 2019 and March 2020 at the Health Planning Center, Nihon University Hospital. We calculated n-3 PUFA consumption using a questionnaire and the Japan National Health and Nutrition Survey. The average fish consumption frequency and fish-derived n-3 PUFA consumption were 2.20 ± 1.28 days/week and 5.20 ± 3.11 g/week, respectively. A higher fish-derived n-3 PUFA consumption was associated with a lower NLR. Multiple-stepwise regression analysis revealed that higher fish-derived n-3 PUFA consumption and more aerobic exercise habits were significant independent determinants of lower NLR. Furthermore, higher fish-derived n-3 PUFA consumption was associated with habitual aerobic exercise habits. Thus, higher fish-derived n-3 PUFA consumption and more aerobic exercise habits may be synergistically associated with lower NLR. This association may explain the preventive effects of fish consumption on the ASCVD risk.

Evaluation of Periodontal Status and Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Adult Cigarette Smokers

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal status of adult smokers and assess their serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, hypothesizing an association between periodontal inflammation, smoking, and elevated serum CRP, a marker for cardiovascular diseases. The primary objective is to contribute to the assessment and prevention of potential cardiovascular diseases in adult smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at HIT Hospital and Dental Hospital HITEC-IMS Taxila Cantt over five months from October 20, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the study included 60 healthy male adult smokers and 20 healthy male non-smokers as a control. Basic periodontal examination involved the use of a periodontal probe, assessing parameters such as gingival index, bleeding on probing, oral pigmentation, presence of periodontal pockets, and gingival recession. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum CRP levels. Results: Smokers exhibited higher rates of gingival recession (38.3%), gingival pigmentation (43.3%), and periodontal pocket formation (33.3%) compared to the nonsmokers control group, with significant p-values of 0.040 in gingival recession and 0.035 in the presence of periodontal pockets. Serum CRP levels were significantly elevated in adult smokers, with a significant p-value of 0.024. Conclusion: The study concluded that adult smokers show signs of periodontitis, and their serum CRP levels are elevated. Assessing periodontal status and serum CRP in adult smokers may aid in risk assessment and reducing the likelihood of developing future cardiovascular diseases.

Citronellal can alleviate vascular endothelial dysfunction by reducing ectopic miR-133a expression

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is the initial cause of atherosclerosis (AS) and an early marker of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Citronellal (CT), a monoterpenoid natural product extracted from grass plant Citronella, has been shown to have anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic cardiomyopathy activities. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of citronellal on vascular endothelial dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms. The left common carotid artery was subjected to one-time balloon injury to cause vascular endothelial injury, and the AS model was established by feeding with high-fat diet. Use of HUVECs H2O2 treatment induced HUVECs oxidative stress damage model. The blood lipid level, histopathology, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, ELISA and in situ fluorescence hybridization of common carotid artery tissues and HUVECs were studied. CT significantly reduced vascular plate area and endothelial lipid and cholesterol deposition in the common carotid artery of mice in a dose-dependent manner. CT increased the expression of activated protein 2α (AP-2α/TFAP2A) and circRNA_102979, and inhibited the ectopic expression level of miR-133a. However, the constructed lentivirus with AP-2α silencing and circRNA_102979 silencing reversed this phenomenon. The current study verifies CT can increase the expression levels of AP-2α and circRNA_102979 in vascular endothelium, increase the adsorption effect of circRNA_102979 on miR-133a and relieve the inhibitory effect of miR-133a on target genes, thereby alleviating AS-induced ED.

Unlocking the Gut-Cardiac Axis: A Paradigm Shift in Cardiovascular Health.

The gut-cardiac axis represents an emerging area of research focusing on the relationship between gut health and cardiovascular function. This narrative review examines the Gut-Cardiac Axis, emphasizing its emerging role in cardiovascular health and disease management. Traditionally viewed as a component of the digestive system, the gut is now recognized for its significant influence on cardiac health. The gut microbiota, its metabolites, and gut-related inflammation are key factors affecting heart structure and function. This review highlights how dietary and nutritional interventions can effectively modulate the gut-cardiac axis, leading to personalized strategies for optimizing cardiovascular health. We discuss the clinical relevance of the gut-cardiac axis, particularly its role in providing diagnostic and prognostic markers for cardiovascular diseases. This exploration of the gut-cardiac axis marks a significant shift in cardiology, integrating gut health into cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment strategies. The review provides an in-depth overview of current research and its potential to impact cardiovascular medicine significantly. We emphasize the importance of this research in advancing patient care and improving cardiac outcomes, underlining the potential of the gut-cardiac axis to transform cardiovascular health management.

Salusin-α and salusin-β as new biological markers in cardiovascular diseases: literature review

Despite significant advances in medicine, cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. An important task in cardiology is the search and study of new cardiovascular biological markers. In recent years, salusins have attracted the interest of scientists. Salusins are endogenous biologically active peptides, which were first identified in 2003. Thus far, studies have demonstrated that salusin-α and salusin-β play important roles in vascular remodeling, inflammation, hypertension, and atherosclerotic processes. Salusin-α exhibits an antiatherogenic effect, whereas salusin-β plays a proatherogenic role. Despite the diverse biological, physiological, and pathophysiological aspects of salusins, the exact mechanism of their cardiovascular effects is not fully known. Further in-depth studies of the role of salusins in cardiovascular diseases are required. The regulation of the concentration and expression of salusin-α and salusin-β may prove to be a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with cardiac diseases.

The Duality of Adiponectin: The Role of Sex in Atherosclerosis.

The hormone adiponectin has many beneficial effects in atherosclerosis, as gene deficiency in adiponectin or its receptor has shown detrimental effects on plaque burden in mice. Our objective was to understand the potential roles adiponectin deficiency has on aortic plaque content, inflammation, and markers of cardiovascular disease according to sex and age. To study the influence of adiponectin status on sex and atherosclerosis, we used young male and female adipoq-/-apoe-/-, adipoq+/-apoe-/-, and apoe-/- mice, which were given a high-fat diet (HFD). Even a 50% reduction in the expression of adiponectin led to a plaque reduction in males and an increase in females compared with apoe-/- controls. Changes in plaque were not attributed to changes in cholesterol or cardiovascular disease markers but correlated with inflammatory markers. Plaque reduction in males was associated with reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) and increased colony stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), while the increase in plaque in females correlated with the opposite effect in these markers. In old mice, both adiponectin-deficient genotypes and sexes accumulated more plaque than their respective apoe-/- controls. The increase in plaque with adiponectin deficiency according to age was not explained by a worsening lipid profile but correlated with increased levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5). Overall, our study uncovered genotype-specific effects that differed by sex and age of adiponectin deficiency in atherosclerosis.

Plasma and Urinary Platelet Factor 4 as Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Children suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The early detection and diagnosis of subclinical CVD in pediatric CKD can reduce mortality later in life. Plasma factor 4 (PF4) is a chemokine released by activated platelets. We examined whether or not PF4 in the plasma and urine, its kidney function normalized ratio, and fractional excretion have differential associations with CVD risk markers in 139 youths aged 3 to 18 years old with CKD stages G1-G4. Significant negative correlations were observed between plasma PF4 and cardiovascular surrogate markers, such as the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). The plasma PF4/creatinine (Cr) ratio was lower in CKD children with a high daytime BP and 24 h BP, high BP load, and nocturnal non-dipping status. After adjusting for confounders, the plasma PF4 and plasma PF4/Cr ratio still independently predicted an abnormal ABPM profile. In addition, both the plasma PF4 and plasma PF4/Cr ratio presented a negative correlation with the L-arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine ratio. These findings provide convincing evidence supporting the link between PF4 and CVD markers in pediatric CKD. Our study highlights the importance of further research to assess the performance of PF4-related biomarkers in predicting CVD events and CKD progression in children with CKD.

A detection system for serum cholesterol based on the fluorescence color detection of beta-cyclodextrin-capped gold nanoclusters

Cholesterol is one of the major markers for cardiovascular diseases. Herein, a portable cholesterol measurement system based on fluorescence color detection was constructed by combining the high sensitivity of fluorescence analysis with the ease of color sensing to determine low levels of serum cholesterol. Cyclodextrin capping gold nanoclusters with blue-green emission were used as fluorescent probes because cholesterol exposure induced fluorescence enhancement of the probe due to the host–guest inclusion interaction between cholesterol and the cavity of cyclodextrin. The integrated sensing system consisted of modules including a microprocessor, a power supply, an LED light with a constant current source, an RGB color sensor, a display, and a darkroom. All the modules except the display screen were placed in a 3D printing darkroom to avoid interference from ambient light. An RGB color sensor TCS230 was applied to capture the RGB signals of the fluorescent color of the probe solution before and after cholesterol addition. Then the obtained RGB signals were converted into the signals in Hue, Saturation, and Value (HSV) color space with a central control chip STM32F407. The Hue value of the fluorescent color of the solution can discriminate the concentration change of cholesterol. Experimental results demonstrate that the system responds linearly to cholesterol in the concentration range of 20.00 ∼ 150.00 μmol·L-1 with a detection limit of 16.07 μmol·L-1 (3σ, n = 3). The detection of the system has good consistency and accuracy compared with the standard instrument, showing potential for the detection of low levels of serum cholesterol.

No correlation between carotid intima-media thickness and long-term glycemic control in individuals with type 1 diabetes

AimsTo determine whether carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is associated with long-term blood glucose control in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D).MethodsWe recruited 508 individuals (43.4% men; median age 46.1, IQR 37.8–55.9 years) with T1D (median diabetes duration of 30.4, IQR 21.2–40.8 years) in a cross-sectional retrospective sub-study, part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) data were collected retrospectively over the course of ten years (HbA1c-meanoverall) prior to the clinical study visit that included a clinical examination, biochemical sampling, and ultrasound of the common carotid arteries.ResultsIndividuals with T1D had a median CIMT of 606 μm (IQR 538–683 μm) and HbA1c of 8.0% (7.3–8.8%) during the study visit and HbA1c-meanoverall of 8.0% (IQR 7.3–8.8%). CIMT did not correlate with HbA1c (p = 0.228) at visit or HbA1c-meanoverall (p = 0.063). After controlling for relevant factors in multivariable linear regression analysis, only age was associated with CIMT (p < 0.001). After further dividing CIMT into quartiles, no correlation between long-term glucose control and CIMT (%, 1st 8.1 [IQR 7.2–8.9] vs 4th 7.9 [7.4–8.7], p = 0.730) was found.ConclusionsWe observed no correlation between long-term blood glucose control and CIMT in individuals with T1D. This finding suggests that the development of early signs of macrovascular atherosclerosis is not strongly affected by the glycemic control in people with T1D.

Genogeographic technologies of a population biobank as a tool for assessing selection effects (using the example of pharmacogenetic biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases)

Significant differences between the gene pools of Russian peoples require the development of ethno- regional adapted pharmacogenetic tests and the identification of priority regions for their implementation.Aim. To develop a genogeographic technology to identify selection effects using the example of biomarkers that are significant for pharmacotherapy of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), using a population biobank and the Pharmacogenetics of Populations of Russia and Adjacent Countries database.Material and methods. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from the Biobank of Northern Eurasia from 20 metapopulations of the indigenous population of the European Russia were studied using two following data sets: 24 pharmacogenetic markers of CVDs (3170 samples); 1 276 191 polymorphic DNA markers of the autosomal genome (1293 samples). For each data set, estimates of interpopulation variability in the gene pool are provided — the difference between these estimates characterizes the selection pressure on each of the 24 CVD biomarkers. A genogeographic atlas has been created, the maps of which demonstrate the selection pressure on each biomarker according to the degree of deviation from the selective- neutral variability of the gene pool.Results. Twenty-four CVD biomarkers are divided into three following classes: those close to selective- neutral variability, those subject to stabilizing and differentiating selection. For each of the 24 CVD biomarkers, genogeographic maps were created that reveal selection effects in each of the 20 metapopulations. Most maps have identified populations that are under differential selection pressure and therefore a priority for the implementation of ethno- regionally adapted pharmacogenetic protocols.Conclusion. Pharmacogenetic markers and populations under differential selection require the development of ethno- regionally adapted pharmacogenetic tests. The created cartographic atlas of selection can serve as the basis for pharmacogenetic studies carried out using genogeographic methods.

A Systematic Review of Lipid-Focused Cardiovascular Disease Research: Trends and Opportunities.

Lipids are important modifiers of protein function, particularly as parts of lipoproteins, which transport lipophilic substances and mediate cellular uptake of circulating lipids. As such, lipids are of particular interest as blood biological markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as for conditions linked to CVD such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity and dietary states. Notably, lipid research is particularly well developed in the context of CVD because of the relevance and multiple causes and risk factors of CVD. The advent of methods for high-throughput screening of biological molecules has recently resulted in the generation of lipidomic profiles that allow monitoring of lipid compositions in biological samples in an untargeted manner. These and other earlier advances in biomedical research have shaped the knowledge we have about lipids in CVD. To evaluate the knowledge acquired on the multiple biological functions of lipids in CVD and the trends in their research, we collected a dataset of references from the PubMed database of biomedical literature focused on plasma lipids and CVD in human and mouse. Using annotations from these records, we were able to categorize significant associations between lipids and particular types of research approaches, distinguish non-biological lipids used as markers, identify differential research between human and mouse models, and detect the increasingly mechanistic nature of the results in this field. Using known associations between lipids and proteins that metabolize or transport them, we constructed a comprehensive lipid-protein network, which we used to highlight proteins strongly connected to lipids found in the CVD-lipid literature. Our approach points to a series of proteins for which lipid-focused research would bring insights into CVD, including Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2, a.k.a. COX2) and Acylglycerol kinase (AGK). In this review, we summarize our findings, putting them in a historical perspective of the evolution of lipid research in CVD.

Association of number of siblings with preclinical markers of cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular risk in Young Finns study

To investigate the association of number of siblings with preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers in adulthood.The sample comprised 2776 participants (54 % female) from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study who had CVD risk factor data measured in childhood in 1980 (aged 3–18 years) and markers of preclinical CVD measured in adulthood. Echocardiography was performed in 2011, and carotid intima-media thickness, carotid distensibility, brachial flow-mediated dilatation, and arterial pulse wave velocity were measured in 2001 or 2007. The association between the number of siblings and preclinical CVD was assessed using generalized linear and logistic regression models. Analyses were stratified by sex as associations differed between sexes.Women with 1 sibling had lower E/e’-ratio (4.9, [95%CI 4.8–5.0]) in echocardiography compared with those without siblings (5.1[4.9–5.2]) and those with ≥2 more siblings (5.1[5.0–5.2]) (P for trend 0.01). Men without siblings had the lowest E/A-ratio (1.4[1.3–1.5]) compared with those with 1 sibling (1.5[1.5–1.5]), or ≥2 siblings (1.5[1.5–1.5]) (P for trend 0.01). Women without siblings had highest left ventricular ejection fraction (59.2 %[58.6–59.7 %]) compared with those with 1 sibling (59.1 %[58.8–59.4 %]), or ≥2 siblings (58.4 %[58.1–58.8 %])(P for trend 0.01). In women, brachial flow-mediated dilatation, a measure of endothelial function, was the lowest among participants with ≥2 siblings (9.4 %[9.0–9.8 %]) compared with those with 1 sibling (10.0 %[9.6–10.3 %]) and those without siblings (10.4 %[9.7–11.0 %])(P for trend 0.03).We observed that number of siblings may be associated with increased risk of heart failure in women. As the associations were somewhat inconsistent in males and females, further research is warranted.