Pressure In Healthy Volunteers Research Articles

First Evidence of the Possible Influence of Avoiding Daily Liquid Intake from Plastic and Glass Beverage Bottles on Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers

First Evidence of the Possible Influence of Avoiding Daily Liquid Intake from Plastic and Glass Beverage Bottles on Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers

Non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure changes: healthy volunteers study.

Objective: This research aims to evaluate the possible association between pulsatile near infrared spectroscopic waveform features and induced changes in intracranial pressure in healthy volunteers. Methods: An optical intracranial pressure sensor was attached to the forehead of 16 healthy volunteers. Pulsatile near infrared spectroscopic signals were acquired from the forehead during body position changes and Valsalva manoeuvers. Features were extracted from the pulsatile signals and analyses were carried out to investigate the presence of statistical differences in the features when intracranial pressure changes were induced. Classification models were developed utilizing the features extracted from the pulsatile near-infrared spectroscopic signals to classify between different body positions and Valsalva manoeuvre. Results: The presence of significant differences in the majority of the analyzed features (p 0.05) indicates the technique's ability to distinguish between variations in intracranial pressure. Furthermore, the disparities observed in the optical signal features captured by the proximal and distal photodetectors support the hypothesis that alterations in back-scattered light directly correspond to brain-related changes. Further research is required to subtract distal and proximal signals and construct predictive models employing a gold standard measurement for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure. Conclusion: The study investigated the use of pulsatile near infrared spectroscopic signals to detect changes in intracranial pressure in healthy volunteers. The results revealed significant differences in the features extracted from these signals, demonstrating a correlation with ICP changes induced by positional changes and Valsalva manoeuvre. Classification models were capable of identifying changes in ICP using features from optical signals from the brain, with a sensitivity ranging from 63.07% to 80% and specificity ranging from 60.23% to 70% respectively. These findings underscored the potential of these features to effectively identify alterations in ICP. Significance: The study's results demonstrate the feasibility of using features extracted from optical signals from the brain to detect changes in ICP induced by positional changes and Valsalva manoeuvre in healthy volunteers. This represents a first step towards the non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure.

Wrist ballistocardiography and invasively recorded blood pressure in healthy volunteers during reclining bike exercise.

Objective: Ballistocardiogram (BCG) features are of interest in wearable cardiovascular monitoring of cardiac performance. We assess feasibility of wrist acceleration BCG during exercise for estimating pulse transit time (PTT), enabling broader cardiovascular response studies during acute exercise and improved monitoring in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also examine the relationship between PTT, blood pressure (BP), and stroke volume (SV) during exercise and posture interventions. Methods: 25 participants underwent a bike exercise protocol with four incremental workloads (0W, 50W, 100W, and 150W) in supine and semirecumbent postures. BCG, invasive radial artery BP, tonometry, photoplethysmography (PPG) and echocardiography were recorded. Ensemble averages of BCG signals determined aortic valve opening (AVO) timings, combined with peripheral pulse wave arrival times to calculate PTT. We tested for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: BCG was successfully recorded at the wrist during exercise. PTT exhibited a moderate negative correlation with systolic BP (ρSup = -0.65, ρSR = -0.57, ρAll = -0.54). PTT differences between supine and semirecumbent conditions were significant at 0W and 50W (p < 0.001), less at 100W (p = 0.0135) and 150W (p = 0.031). SBP and DBP were lower in semirecumbent posture (p < 0.01), while HR was slightly higher. Echocardiography confirmed association of BCG features with AVO and indicated a positive relationship between BCG amplitude and SV (ρ = 0.74). Significance: Wrist BCG may allow convenient PTT and possibly SV tracking during exercise, enabling studies of cardiovascular response to acute exercise and convenient monitoring of cardiovascular performance.

Effect of the Red Bull Energy Drink on Perfusion-Related Variables in Women Undergoing Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Protocol and Analysis Plan for a Prospective, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Maintaining a sufficiently high systolic blood pressure is essential for free flap perfusion after microsurgical breast reconstruction. Yet, many women undergoing these procedures have low postoperative systolic blood pressure. Intravenous volume administration or vasopressors may be needed to maintain systolic blood pressure above a predefined threshold. However, excessive volume administration may lead to volume overload and flap stasis, and the postoperative use of vasopressors may be limited depending on institutional standards. Additional nonpharmacological measures to raise blood pressure might be beneficial. Evidence suggests that the Red Bull energy drink could raise blood pressure. It has been shown to increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy volunteers and athletes. The primary objective of this study is to determine the difference in systolic blood pressure between an intervention group receiving Red Bull and a control group receiving still water after microsurgical breast reconstruction. Secondary objectives include postoperative heart rate, 24-hour fluid balance, pain level, or necessity for revision surgery due to flap complications. The Red Bull study is a prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of postoperative ingestion of Red Bull energy drink against still water in female patients undergoing unilateral microsurgical breast reconstruction. A total of 250 mL of Red Bull (intervention group) or 250 mL of still water (control group) will be administered to the study participants 2 hours postoperatively as well as for breakfast and lunch on postoperative day 1, amounting to a total volume of 750 mL per 24 hours. Female patients between 18 and 70 years of age undergoing unilateral microsurgical breast reconstruction will be included. Exclusion criteria are a history of arterial hypertension, cardiac rhythm disorder, diabetes mellitus, gastric or duodenal ulcer, thyroid disease, and current use of antihypertensive or antiarrhythmic drugs or thyroid hormones, as well as intolerance to Red Bull. Recruitment for the study started in June 2020 and was completed in December 2022. There is evidence that the Red Bull energy drink increases blood pressure in healthy volunteers and athletes. We hypothesize that postoperative ingestion of Red Bull will increase systolic blood pressure in women after microsurgical breast reconstruction. Red Bull could hence be used as a nonpharmacological adjunct to vasopressors or volume administration in women with hypotensive blood pressure after microsurgical breast reconstruction. This paper describes the Red Bull study trial protocol and analysis plan. The information will increase the transparency of the data analysis for the Red Bull study. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04397419; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04397419. DERR1-10.2196/38487.

Auricular Acupressure Effect on Autonomic Responses Evoked by a Cold Pressor Test in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study was conducted to investigate changes in the pulse rate and blood pressure in healthy volunteers after applying auricular acupressure at the "heart acupoint." A total of 120 healthy volunteers with hemodynamic indexes within normal limits were randomly allocated into 4 groups to receive auricular acupressure treatment either at the heart acupoint of the left or the right, or in both ears, and one control group without applying auricular acupressure. Before the application of auricular acupressure, there were no statistical differences in pulse rate and blood pressure increments among the four groups during the first cold pressor test. In groups in which auricular pressure was applied, the pulse rate was significantly reduced after the application of auricular acupressure in three groups; however, no statistically significant difference was detected among the groups. Changes in blood pressure were not statistically significant in or among the different groups after applying auricular acupressure. The average recorded pulse rate values during the second cold pressor test (after auricular acupressure) were significantly lower compared to the corresponding values taken during the first cold pressor test (before auricular acupressure) (p < 0.05); however, pulse rate increments during the two cold pressor tests (with and without auricular acupressure) were similar (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that auricular acupressure could be used as an adjunctive nonpharmacological method for reducing the pulse rate.

Study on Clinical Assessment of Central Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers, and its Relation to Clinical Phenotyping

The Unani system of Medicine is a holistic system of medicine and does not confine to molecular approach but refers to knowledge as a total recognition of the person and stresses on health of body, mind and soul. Unani medicine states that disease is a natural process and that symptoms are the reactions of the body to disease. The individual humoural balance is influenced by lifestyle factors. It employs the humoral theory which presupposes the presence of four akhlaat (humours) in the body – dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safra (yellow bile) and sauda (black bile). The Unani philosophy has 4 humours under clinical phenotyping such as Sanguine (Damavi), Phlegmatic (Balghami), Bilious (Safravi) and Melancholic (Saudavi). The 400 Healthy volunteers with 100 each from four different temperaments (balghami, saudavi, safravi, damavi) were selected.The present study validates some of the Unani concepts of humours or temperament with central hemodynamic parameters or Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA). A specially designed case record form as per the Unani classical text was designed for assessment of humours and the information obtained were recorded from healthy volunteers as subjects and determination of central hemodynamic parameters was performed by SphygmoCor technology (AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia). The temperament of the present study showed that the Pulse Wave Analysis in healthy volunteers although showed the results in physiological range but the analysis in safravi (bilious) subjects is found to be significant when compared to other clinical phenotypes.

PXR and 4β-Hydroxycholesterol Axis and the Components of Metabolic Syndrome.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) activation has been found to regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and affect obesity in response to high-fat diets. PXR also modulates vascular tone. In fact, PXR appears to regulate multiple components of metabolic syndrome. In most cases, the effect of PXR action is harmful to metabolic health, and PXR can be hypothesized to play an important role in metabolic disruption elicited by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The majority of the data on the effects of PXR activation on metabolic health come from animal and cell culture experiments. However, randomized, placebo-controlled, human trials indicate that the treatment with PXR ligands impairs glucose tolerance and increases 24-h blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, plasma 4β-hydroxycholesterol (4βHC), formed under the control of PXR in the liver, is associated with lower blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Furthermore, 4βHC regulates cholesterol transporters in peripheral tissues and may activate the beneficial reverse HDL cholesterol transport. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of PXR and the PXR–4βHC axis in the regulation of components of metabolic syndrome.

Effect of hot arm and foot bath on heart rate variability and blood pressure in healthy volunteers.

Background Though hot arm and foot bath (HAFB) is widely used, a precise physiological response is not reported. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of HAFB on heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) in healthy volunteers. Materials and Methods Sixteen healthy male volunteers' aged 23.81 ± 5.27 (mean ± standard deviation) years were recruited. All the subjects underwent only one session of HAFB (104-degree Fahrenheit) for the duration of 20 min. Assessments such as Electrocardiography and BP were taken before and after the intervention. Results Results of this study showed a significant reduction in systolic-BP (SBP), diastolic-BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), the mean of the intervals between adjacent QRS complexes or the instantaneous heart rate (RR interval), the number of interval differences of successive NN intervals greater than 50ms (NN50), the proportion derived by dividing NN50 by the total number of NN intervals (pNN50), and high frequency (HF) band of HRV along with a significant increase in heart rate (HR), low-frequency (LF) band of HRV and LF/HF ratio compared to its baseline. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that 20 min of HAFB produce a significant increase in HR and a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, and MAP while producing parasympathetic withdrawal.

Effect of flunitrazepam as an oral hypnotic on 24-hour blood pressure in healthy volunteers.

The present study was carried out in order to assess the effects of chronic administration of flunitrazepam (as an oral hypnotic) on 24-h blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in healthy young adults. Following a 2-week placebo run-in period, 28 healthy volunteers (13 males and 15 females) between 21 and 30years were randomized to receive either flunitrazepam 1mg or placebo (both administered once a day in the evening) for 4weeks in two cross-over periods; each separated by a 2-week placebo period. At the end of each study period, non-invasive 24-h BP and HR ambulatory monitoring was performed. Flunitrazepam produced a significant decrease in nighttime systolic blood pressure (SBP) (- 6.4mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (- 4.1mmHg) (both P < 0.05 vs placebo) without affecting nocturnal HR. During the morning hours, significantly higher values of SBP (+ 7.4mmHg, P < 0.01), DBP (+ 3.4mmHg, P < 0.05) and HR (+ 3.9beats/min, P < 0.05) were observed in the flunitrazepam group compared to the placebo-treated group. No significant differences were noted between the two groups during afternoon and evening hours. These results suggest that chronic oral administration of 1mg flunitrazepam as a hypnotic agent causes a significant nocturnal fall in BP and a transient rebound increase of both BP and HR at awakening in the morning. Mechanisms underlying these cardiovascular effects remain unclear, although the direct vasodilatory effect, which is typical of flunitrazepam (with consequent reflex counter-regulatory responses), and the attenuation of baroreflex sensitivity are likely to play a major role.

Evidence for a Role of Vascular Endothelium in the Control of Arterial Wall Viscosity in Humans.

URL: https://eudract.ema.europa.eu. Unique identifier: RCB2007-A001-10-53.

A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid used in multiple sclerosis and intractable epilepsies. Preclinical studies show CBD has numerous cardiovascular benefits, including a reduced blood pressure (BP) response to stress. The aim of this study was to investigate if CBD reduces BP in humans. Nine healthy male volunteers were given 600 mg of CBD or placebo in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. Cardiovascular parameters were monitored using a finometer and laser Doppler. CBD reduced resting systolic BP (-6 mmHg; P < 0.05) and stroke volume (-8 ml; P < 0.05), with increased heart rate (HR) and maintained cardiac output. Subjects who had taken CBD had lower BP (-5 mmHg; P < 0.05, especially before and after stress), increased HR (+10 bpm; P < 0.01), decreased stroke volume (-13 ml; P < 0.01), and a blunted forearm skin blood flow response to isometric exercise. In response to cold stress, subjects who had taken CBD had blunted BP (-6 mmHg; P < 0.01) and increased HR (+7 bpm; P < 0.05), with lower total peripheral resistance. This data shows that acute administration of CBD reduces resting BP and the BP increase to stress in humans, associated with increased HR. These hemodynamic changes should be considered for people taking CBD. Further research is required to establish whether CBD has a role in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

Gastrointestinal absorption and metabolism of hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside and hesperetin-7-O-glucoside in healthy humans.

Hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside (hesperidin) reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers but its intestinal absorption and metabolism are not fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to determine sites of absorption and metabolism of dietary flavanone glycosides in humans. Using a single-blind, randomized crossover design, we perfused equimolar amounts of hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside and hesperetin-7-O-glucoside directly into the proximal jejunum of healthy volunteers. We assessed the appearance of metabolites in the perfusate, blood and urine, to determine the sites of metabolism and excretion, and compared this to oral administration. The glucoside was rapidly hydrolyzed by brush border enzymes without any contribution from pancreatic, stomach, or other secreted enzymes, or from bacterial enzymes. Only ∼3% of the dose was recovered intact in the perfusate, indicating high absorption. A proportion was effluxed directly back into the perfused segment mainly in the form of hesperetin-3'-O-sulfate. In contrast, very little hydrolysis or absorption of hesperetin-7-O-rutinoside was observed with ∼80% recovered in the perfusate, no hesperetin metabolites were detected in blood and only traces were excreted in urine. The data elucidate the pathways of metabolism of dietary hesperidin in vivo and will facilitate better design of mechanistic studies both in vivo and in vitro.

Effects of a nitrate-rich meal on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in healthy volunteers

An increase in nitrate intake can augment circulating nitrite and nitric oxide. This may lead to lower blood pressure and improved vascular function. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are rich sources of nitrate. We aimed to assess the acute effects of a nitrate-rich meal containing spinach on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in healthy men and women. Twenty-six participants aged 38–69years were recruited to a randomized controlled cross-over trial. The acute effects of two energy-matched (2000kJ) meals, administered in random order, were compared. The meals were either high nitrate (220mg of nitrate derived from spinach [spinach]) or low nitrate [control]. Outcome measurements were performed pre-meal and at specific time points up to 210min post meal. Spinach resulted in an eightfold increase in salivary nitrite and a sevenfold increase in salivary nitrate concentrations from pre-meal (P<0.001) to 120min post meal. Spinach compared with control resulted in higher large artery elasticity index (P<0.001), and lower pulse pressure (P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (P<0.001). Post meal carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (P=0.07), augmentation index (P=0.63), small artery elasticity index (P=0.98) and diastolic blood pressure (P=0.13) were not significantly altered by spinach relative to control. Therefore, consumption of a nitrate-rich meal can lower systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure and increase large artery compliance acutely in healthy men and women. If sustained, these effects could contribute to better cardiovascular health.

Enhanced Vasodilator Activity of Nitrite in Hypertension

Elevation of circulating nitrite (NO 2 − ) levels causes vasodilatation and lowers blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Whether these effects and the underpinning mechanisms persist in hypertension is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the consequences of systemic nitrite elevation in spontaneously hypertensive rats and conducted proof-of-principle studies in patients. Nitrite caused dose-dependent blood pressure–lowering that was profoundly enhanced in spontaneously hypertensive rats versus normotensive Wistar Kyoto controls. This effect was virtually abolished by the xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) inhibitor, allopurinol, and associated with hypertension-specific XOR-dependent nitrite reductase activity localized to the erythrocyte but not the blood vessel wall. To determine whether these pathways translate to human hypertension, we investigated the effects of elevation of circulating nitrite levels in 15 drug naïve grade 1 hypertensives. To elevate nitrite, we used a dose of dietary nitrate (≈3.5 mmol) that elevated nitrite levels ≈1.5-fold ( P &lt;0.01); a rise shown previously to exert no significant blood pressure–lowering effects in normotensives. This dose caused substantial reductions in systolic (≈12 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressures ( P &lt;0.001) and pulse wave velocity ( P &lt;0.05); effects associated with elevations in erythrocytic XOR expression and XOR-dependent nitrite reductase activity. Our observations demonstrate the improved efficacy of inorganic nitrate and nitrite in hypertension as a consequence of increased erythrocytic XOR nitrite reductase activity and support the concept of dietary nitrate supplementation as an effective, but simple and inexpensive, antihypertensive strategy.

The effect of topical anal captopril on resting anal pressure in healthy volunteers: the first human pilot study

Previous laboratory studies have shown that angiotensin II is produced locally in the rat internal anal sphincter causing potent contraction. The aim of this first human study was to evaluate the safety and manometric effects of topical application of captopril (an ACE inhibitor) on the resting anal pressure in healthy adult volunteers. Ten volunteers, mean age 32.5 years (range, 19-48 years), underwent anorectal manometric evaluation of the mean anal resting pressure (MRAP) and the length of the high-pressure zone (HPZ) before 20 and 60 min after topical application of captopril (0.28 %) cream. Cardiovascular variables (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse) were measured before and for up to 1 h after cream application. Side effects were recorded. Adverse events and patient comfort after the cream application were evaluated within a 24-h period by completing a questionnaire. There was no significant change overall in MRAP following captopril administration, although in half the patients, there were reductions in MRAP after treatment. Half the patients had a reduction in the mean resting HPZ length; however, there was no overall difference between pre- and post-treatment values. There was no effect on basic cardiovascular parameters and no correlation between manometric and cardiovascular variables. Topical application of captopril cream may result in a reduction in MRAP in volunteers without anorectal disease. Its use is associated with minimal side effects. It may be a new potential therapeutic option in the treatment of anal fissure. Further studies are required to determine the optimal concentration, dose and frequency of application.

Effects of Nasal High Flow on Ventilation in Volunteers, COPD and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients

Background: A high flow of air applied by large bore nasal cannulae has been suggested to improve symptoms of chronic respiratory insufficiency. In pediatric patients, nasal high-flow (nHF) ventilation was similarly effective compared to noninvasive ventilation with a face mask. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe changes in respiratory parameters. Methods: We measured pressure amplitudes during the respiratory cycle and mean pressures in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and COPD. In order to achieve tidal volume and minute volume measurements, we used a polysomnography device. Capillary blood was taken for blood gas analysis before and after nHF breathing (8 h). Results: nHF led to an increase in pressure amplitude and mean pressure in healthy volunteers and in patients with COPD and IPF in comparison with spontaneous breathing. In COPD, nHF increased tidal volume, while no difference in tidal volume was observed in patients with IPF. Interestingly, tidal volume decreased in healthy volunteers. Breathing rates and minute volumes were reduced in all groups. Capillary pCO₂ decreased in patients with IPF and COPD. Conclusions: nHF resulted in significant effects on respiratory parameters in patients with obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases. The rise in pressure amplitude and mean pressure and the decrease in breathing rate and minute volume will support inspiratory efforts, helps to increase effectiveness of ventilation and will contribute to a reduction in the work of breathing. A CO₂ wash-out effect in the upper airway part of the anatomical dead space may contribute to the beneficial effects of the nHF instrument.

Effects of Black Currant Anthocyanins on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Glaucoma

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the effects of oral administration of black currant anthocyanins (BCACs) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in both healthy subjects and patients with glaucoma. (1) A placebo-controlled, double-masked, crossover study (n=12) was conducted, during which BCACs (50 mg/day) or placebos were orally administered to 12 healthy subjects once daily for 4 weeks. (2) A total of 21 glaucoma patients (BCACs, n=12; placebo, n=9) treated with a single antiglaucoma medication who had participated in a previous study (a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial, Ophthalmologica 2012) were selected and analyzed. Systemic blood pressure, pulse rates, IOP, and Humphrey visual-field mean deviation (MD) (program 30-2, SITA standard) were evaluated. (1) A statistically significant decrease in the mean IOP was observed at 2 weeks (P=0.002, paired t-test) and 4 weeks (P=0.039, paired t-test) from the baseline in BCAC-treated healthy subjects. This decrease, however, was not observed in the placebo group. In addition, at 2 weeks after the baseline, changes were also statistically significant between the groups (P=0.027, paired t-test). (2) Intergroup and between-group analyses revealed statistically significant decreases in mean IOP in the glaucoma patients taking BCACs (P=0.027, paired t-test; P=0.024, unpaired t-test) at 24 months after the baseline. In addition, mean changes of MD deterioration were significantly less in BCAC glaucoma patients administered with BCACs at 12 months (P=0.017, Mann-Whitney U test) and 18 months (P=0.050, Mann-Whitney U test) after the baseline. No clinically significant changes were observed in systemic blood pressure or pulse rates in either trial. Our results suggested that oral administration of BCACs may induce a beneficial decrease in IOP levels in healthy subjects as well as in patients with glaucoma.

Acute Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Nitric Oxide Status, Endothelial Function, and Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Trial

There is mounting evidence that specific dietary polyphenols can enhance vascular health by augmenting nitric oxide. Our aim was to investigate the acute effects of chlorogenic acid, an important dietary phenolic acid present in coffee (400 mg, equivalent to 2 cups of coffee), on nitric oxide status, endothelial function, and blood pressure. Healthy men and women (n = 23) were recruited to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Chlorogenic acid resulted in significantly higher plasma concentrations of chlorogenic acid (P < 0.001). Relative to control, the mean post-treatment systolic blood pressure (-2.41 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.03, -4.78; P = 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (-1.53 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.05, -3.01; P = 0.04) were significantly lower with chlorogenic acid. Markers of nitric oxide status (P > 0.10) and the measure of endothelial function (P = 0.60) were not significantly influenced. Chlorogenic acid can lower blood pressure acutely, an effect that, if sustained, would benefit cardiovascular health.

Acute effects of chlorogenic acid on nitric oxide status, endothelial function and blood pressure in healthy volunteers: A randomised trial

Acute effects of chlorogenic acid on nitric oxide status, endothelial function and blood pressure in healthy volunteers: A randomised trial

The effect of cryotherapy on oral mucosa: a study in healthy volunteers

Oral cryotherapy causes local vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow and reduces the cytotoxic damage to the oral mucosa, has been shown to reduce oral mucositis after intense cytostatic treatment. The main object of this study was to investigate the effect of oral cryotherapy on the temperature in the oral mucosa, the level of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in saliva and the effect on blood pressure in healthy volunteers, before and after 1 h of cooling the oral cavity with crushed ice. Twelve healthy volunteers [mean age 32.4 (SD 13.2) (20-56) years] were treated with oral cryotherapy in the form of crushed ice. Temperature measurements were performed in the oral mucosa using infrared thermograph following a flowchart protocol. Blood pressure (BP) was measured with a sphygmomanometer. Saliva was analysed for inflammatory cytokine IL-6, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All participants fulfilled the cooling session. The temperature in the oral cavity decreased significantly (mean 12.9 °C, p < .002). The systolic BP was marginally but significantly higher after cooling (~5 mmHg, p = .019). We could not detect any differences in cytokine IL-6 levels before and after oral cooling. We conclude that cryotherapy during 1 h lowers the mucosal temperature as much as ~12.9 °C, which explains the significant protective effect against mucosal damage by cytostatic drugs. The cooling caused no increase in IL-6 levels. Systemic blood pressure was marginally increased.