Surrogate Markers Of Cardiovascular Risk Research Articles

Comparison of Effects of Injectable Semaglutide and Dulaglutide on Oxidative Stress and Glucose Variability in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Preliminary Study.

Recent trials have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists considerably reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress, a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk, is associated with glucose variability. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have compared the effects of injectable semaglutide and dulaglutide therapies on oxidative stress and glucose variability assessed via continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This study aimed to analyze and compare the effects of semaglutide and dulaglutide therapies on oxidative stress and glucose variability as assessed through CGM. This is an open-label, multicenter, randomized, prospective, parallel-group comparison study. Overall, 37 patients with T2DM treated with dulaglutide for at least 12weeks were randomized into two groups: one receiving continuous dulaglutide therapy (n = 19) and one receiving injectable semaglutide therapy (n = 18) groups. The coprimary endpoints were changes in the results of the diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites test, an oxidative stress marker, and CGM-evaluated glucose variability after 24weeks. The secondary endpoint was changes in the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) scores. Switching to semaglutide therapy was better than continuous dulaglutide therapy in reducing oxidative stress, glucose variability, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Conversely, continuous dulaglutide therapy was better than semaglutide therapy in terms of DTSQ scores for "Convenience" and "Recommend." Injectable semaglutide therapy may be more effective than dulaglutide therapy in ameliorating oxidative stress and regulating glucose metabolism, including glucose variability, in patients with T2DM, while dulaglutide therapy may be more effective in terms of treatment satisfaction. UMIN-CRT ID: UMIN000042670 (registered 7 December 2020).

Arterial stiffness as therapeutic target for smokers with comorbidity

Cigarette smoking has long been considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a major preventable cause of death and disability in developed and developing countries. It is known that smoking can cause endothelial dysfunction and hemodynamic defects such as arterial stiffness. Among various surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk, arterial stiffness plays a central role and is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular events, in addition to classical cardiovascular risk factors. This review presents the main mechanisms that explain the development of arterial stiffness during smoking, presents various treatment options for arterial stiffness as a therapeutic target for smokers with cardiorespiratory comorbidity.

Novel Surrogate Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in the Setting of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: Current Data and Implications for the Future.

Patients suffering from rheumatologic diseases are known to have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although the pathological mechanisms behind this excess risk have been increasingly better understood, there still seems to be a general lack of consensus in early detection and treatment of endothelial dysfunction and CVD risk in patients suffering from rheumatologic diseases and in particular in those who haven't yet shown symptoms of CVD. Traditional CVD prediction scores, such as Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), Framingham, or PROCAM Score have been proposed as valid assessment tools of CVD risk in the general population. However, these risk calculators developed for the general population do not factor in the effect of the inflammatory burden, as well as other factors that can increase CVD risk in patients with rheumatic diseases, such as glucocorticoid therapy, abnormal lipoprotein function, endothelial dysfunction or accelerated atherosclerosis. Thus, their sole use could lead to underestimation of CVD risk in patients with rheumatic diseases. Therefore, there is a need for new biomarkers which will allow a valid and early assessment of CVD risk. In recent years, different research groups, including ours, have examined the value of different CVD risk factors such as carotid sonography, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, flow-mediated arterial dilation and others in the assessment of CVD risk. Moreover, various novel CVD laboratory markers have been examined in the setting of autoimmune diseases, such as Paraoxonase activity, Endocan and Osteoprotegerin. Dyslipidemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is for instance better quantified by lipoproteins and apolipoproteins than by cholesterol levels; screening as well as pre-emptive carotid sonography hold promise to identify patients earlier, when prophylaxis is more likely to be effective. The early detection of subtle changes indicating CVD in asymptomatic patients has been facilitated through improved imaging methods; the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) shows promising results in more recent studies. Even though the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases has been examined in multiple studies, as we continuously gain an increased understanding of this comorbidity, particularly in subclinical cases we still seem to fail in the stratification of who really is at risk—and who is not. A the time being, a multipronged and personalized approach of screening patients for traditional CVD risk factors, integrating modern imaging and further CV diagnostic tools and optimizing treatment seems to be a solid approach. There is promising research on novel biomarkers, likewise, methods using artificial intelligence in imaging provide encouraging data indicating possibilities of risk stratification that might become gold standard in the near future. The present review concentrates on showcasing the newest findings concerning CVD risk in patients with rheumatologic diseases and aims to evaluate screening methods in order to optimize CVD risk evaluation and thus avoiding underdiagnosis and undertreatment, as well as highlighting which patient groups are most at risk.

Ultrasound-Based Assessment of Preperitoneal Fat as a Surrogate Marker of Cardiovascular Risk: Comparative Study Between People Living with HIV and Controls.

Optimal management of cardiovascular disease should start with the identification of subjects at subclinical stages. However, available tools are not always accurate or affordable. We assess the usefulness of ultrasound-guided measurement of abdominal fat layers as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. We performed a cross-sectional, case-control, exploratory, pilot study in 10 people living with HIV (PLWH) and 10 HIV-uninfected subjects (control group) matched for age, sex, and body mass index. All participants were men 45-60 years of age, with no active disease or previous abdominal surgery; the PLWH group had been virologically suppressed for ≥2 years under stable antiretroviral therapy. The thickness of abdominal superficial and deep subcutaneous fat, preperitoneal fat, omental (periaortic) fat, and retroperitoneal (perirenal) fat was compared between both groups. Correlations between fat layers and traditional markers of cardiovascular risk were assessed. The thickness of most layers was always higher among PLWH. The differences were statistically significant for the preperitoneal fat layer (p = .04). The presence of atherosclerotic plaque was correlated with the preperitoneal fat layer in the PLWH group (odds ratio = 1.49, p = .02), and metabolic syndrome was correlated with superficial subcutaneous fat, although this was low (odds ratio = 0.54, p = .02). In the control group, several associations were found between carotid intima media thickness and abdominal fat layers. All abdominal fat layers were thicker in the PLWH group, especially preperitoneal fat, and several associations were found between specific fat layers and traditional cardiovascular risk markers. Our results suggest that the thickness of abdominal fat layers, assessed by ultrasound, could be a marker of cardiovascular risk. However, further studies with larger populations are required to confirm these findings.

The Role of Triglyceride to HDL Cholesterol Ratio in Sera as a Clinical Surrogate Marker for Cardiovascular Risk and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Summary The study aimed to investigate the triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol ratio (Tg/HDL) and the interaction of this ratio with insulin resistance (IR) and insulin secretion indices, with the levels of interleukin - 1(IL-1), interleukin-6 (Il-6), and tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) in sera among patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). A prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted on 45 patients with MS without data for hyperglycemia and 21 metabolically healthy non-obese controls. The levels of fasting and postprandial glucose, immunoreactive insulin (IRI), total cholesterol, triglycerides (Tg), IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured in all the participants. We calculated the LDL cholesterol levels, Tg/HDL ratio, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the homeostatic model of β-cell function (HOMA-b). Patients with MS had higher BMI (38.73±1.84 vs. 24.32±2.71 kg/m2; р<0.05) and waist circumference (115.56 ±4.7 vs. 81.1±8.4cm; р<0.05) than non-obese controls. The same patients had higher LDL cholesterol levels (3.42±0.3 vs. 2.63±0.66 mmol/l; р<0.05) and Tg (1.59±0.22 vs. 1.08±0.31mmol/l; р<0.05), as well as lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (1.03±0.09 vs. 1.27 ± 0.24mmol/l; р<0.05) compared to the controls. The Tg/HDL ratio was 2.03±0.87 among the patients with MS and 0.88±0.27 in controls; р<0.05. The plasma levels of basal IRI (19.32±3.22 mIU/l vs. 9.13±0.73mIU/l; р<0.05), HOMA-IR (4.02 vs. 1.97; р<0.05) and HOMA-b (258.77±57.76 vs. 183.31±17.52; р<0.05) were significantly higher in the MS group. The same patients with MS had higher concentrations of IL-1 (18.37±4.28pg/ml vs. 7.12±1.74pg/ml; p<0.05), IL-6 (1.01±0.3pg/ml vs. 0.1±0.3pg/ml; р<0.05) and TNF-α (2.13±1.43 pg/ml vs. 1.82±0.94pg/ml; р=0.24) too. Positive correlations between the levels of IL-1 and Tg/HDL ratio (r= 0.46; p=0.008), IL-1 and HOMA-%В (r=0.47; p=0.005) were found. The Tg/HDL ratio is a potential, cheap and available surrogate marker for screening for cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance in patients with MS in clinical practice.

Serum levels of retinol binding protein - 4 are associated with the arterial stiffness in early postmenopausal women

Introduction: Earlier evidence on the general population is indicating that levels of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) might be considered as possible surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. Recent data in the postmenopausal population suggested no link between subclinical atherosclerosis and levels of RBP4., however, associations with arteriosclerosis remain unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the possible link between RBP4 values and cardiovascular risk factors as well as homocysteine, which is directly involved in retinoic acid synthesis, in a sample of apparently healthy postmenopausal women.

Association of Breast Arterial Calcification With Coronary Artery Disease

Breast arterial calcification (BAC) detected on mammography is purported to be a surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk. We aimed to determine if BAC is associated with prevalent coronary artery plaque (CAP) detected on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Alpha-tocopherol concentrations correlate with carotid artery intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes

Background and Aims: A recent meta-analysis shows that higher circulating plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations (Vit-E) is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality. We studied the association between Vit-E and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) (a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk) in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Ideal Cardiovascular Health Index and Its Determinants in a Rural South African Population.

Background:The ideal cardiovascular health index (CVHI) is a measure to summarize cardiovascular (CV) health, and includes smoking, body-mass index, physical activity, blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, and diet.Objective:This study aimed to assess CV health using the CVHI and determinants on CV health in a rural African population, and correlate carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis, with CVHI.Methods:A cross-sectional analysis was performed on baseline data of the Ndlovu Cohort Study, located in rural South Africa. CVHI score (CVHIs) was calculated by the sum of favourable CVHI factors (range 0 to 7). Logistic regression was performed to examine the association of age, sex, HIV-status, education level, employment status, and income with good CV health (5–7 favourable health factors). Mean CIMT was displayed by poor, intermediate and good CV health.Results:The study included 1927 participants with a mean age of 38.7 years (SD ± 12.8). Of the factors contributing to the CVHI, glucose and total cholesterol scored best; diet least good. Average CVHIs for the population was 4.4 (SD ± 1.2) and 53% of the population had a good CV health. Determinants associated with good CV health were younger age, higher educational attainment, and HIV positivity. CVHIs showed good agreement with CIMT.Conclusion:CVHIs showed that more than half of the participants had a good CV health. Agreement between CVHIs and CIMT indicates potential use of CVHIs as a surrogate marker for CV risk. The study highlights the importance of education for health promotion; good CV health in HIV-positive participants may in part be attributed to more frequent health care contact and provision of chronic disease care.HighlightsGood cardiovascular health (CVH) was observed in 53% of the study population.In global comparison, rural African study participants showed a good CVH score.HIV positivity was associated with a good CVH score.CVH score showed good agreement with carotid intima-media thickness.

Vitamin K for kidney transplant organ recipients: investigating vessel stiffness (ViKTORIES): study rationale and protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundRenal transplant recipients (RTRs) exhibit increased vascular stiffness and calcification; these parameters are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Activity of endogenous calcification inhibitors such as matrix gla protein (MGP) is...

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression as Surrogate Marker for Cardiovascular Risk: Meta-Analysis of 119 Clinical Trials Involving 100 667 Patients.

To quantify the association between effects of interventions on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression and their effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We systematically collated data from randomized, controlled trials. cIMT was assessed as the mean value at the common-carotid-artery; if unavailable, the maximum value at the common-carotid-artery or other cIMT measures were used. The primary outcome was a combined CVD end point defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedures, or fatal CVD. We estimated intervention effects on cIMT progression and incident CVD for each trial, before relating the 2 using a Bayesian meta-regression approach. We analyzed data of 119 randomized, controlled trials involving 100 667 patients (mean age 62 years, 42% female). Over an average follow-up of 3.7 years, 12 038 patients developed the combined CVD end point. Across all interventions, each 10 μm/y reduction of cIMT progression resulted in a relative risk for CVD of 0.91 (95% Credible Interval, 0.87-0.94), with an additional relative risk for CVD of 0.92 (0.87-0.97) being achieved independent of cIMT progression. Taken together, we estimated that interventions reducing cIMT progression by 10, 20, 30, or 40 μm/y would yield relative risks of 0.84 (0.75-0.93), 0.76 (0.67-0.85), 0.69 (0.59-0.79), or 0.63 (0.52-0.74), respectively. Results were similar when grouping trials by type of intervention, time of conduct, time to ultrasound follow-up, availability of individual-participant data, primary versus secondary prevention trials, type of cIMT measurement, and proportion of female patients. The extent of intervention effects on cIMT progression predicted the degree of CVD risk reduction. This provides a missing link supporting the usefulness of cIMT progression as a surrogate marker for CVD risk in clinical trials.

Increased circulating levels of irisin are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with acromegaly.

Irisin, a peptide secreted from muscle and adipose tissues, is associated with insulin resistance as well as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Acromegaly is a rare disorder caused by overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and is associated with functional and structural differentiation of adipose and muscle tissues. Acromegalic subjects are also at risk of vascular diseases and metabolic dysfunctions. We aimed to determine the altered levels of irisin in subjects with active acromegaly and controlled acromegaly and in controls, and to ascertain whether there is an association between irisin and hormonal and cardiometabolic parameters. We enrolled 40 subjects with active acromegaly, 30 subjects with controlled acromegaly, and 40 control subjects of matched age, gender, BMI, and occurrence of hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome distribution in the present cross-sectional study. Hormonal and metabolic parameters, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) of the subjects were evaluated. Irisin levels were measured using ELISA. Circulating levels of irisin were significantly higher in acromegalic subjects compared to both controlled acromegalic subjects and controls. Moreover, irisin levels were elevated in controlled acromegalic subjects compared to controls. Irisin displayed a positive correlation with insulin resistance, cIMT, EFT, BMI, GH, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in acromegalic subjects. Irisin levels were independently associated with cIMT and EFT according to multiple regression analyses. There was an independent relationship between irisin and IGF-1. Elevated irisin levels in acromegalic subjects were associated with cIMT and EFT, suggesting that irisin is a surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk in acromegalic subjects.

Atrial Fibrillation: A New Indicator for Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia in Screening Colonoscopy.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and potentially preventable malignancy. Evidence has emerged that coronary artery disease patients are at increased risk for developing CRC by shared risk factors. Here we investigated an association between CRC and atrial fibrillation (AF), a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk, in the setting of routine screening colonoscopy. Methods: We investigated 1949 asymptomatic participants (median age 61 [54–67] years, 49% females) undergoing screening colonoscopy within the SAKKOPI registry (Salzburg Colon Cancer Prevention Initiative). Forty-six participants with AF (2.4%) were identified, and colonoscopy findings were compared to non-AF participants. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to create 1:1 and 3:1 age- and gender-matched couples. Results: Abnormal findings on screening colonoscopy (any form of adenoma or carcinoma) were more common in AF participants with an odds ratios (OR) of 2.4 [1.3–4.3] in the unmatched analysis, and 2.6 [1.1–6.3] and 2.0 [1.1–4.0] in the 1:1 and 3:1 matched groups, respectively. Correspondingly, the odds of finding advanced adenomas or carcinomas was elevated about three-fold across the different matched and unmatched analyses (OR 3.3 [1.1–10.8] for 3:1 matched participants). At the same time, the prevalence and number of colonic lesions were significantly higher in AF participants (63.0% vs. 33.4% for 3:1 matched participants, p < 0.001). Non-CRC related findings on colonoscopy, like diverticulosis, were non-different between groups. Conclusion: Participants with AF had a higher burden of advanced premalignant adenomas and CRC in routine colonoscopy screening. Our data suggest that practitioners should monitor the CRC screening status, especially in AF patients.

PB2039 PLATELET INDICES, COAGULATION BIOMARKERS AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN TREATMENT‐NAÏVE HIV‐INFECTED ADULTS IN LAGOS UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Background:With the use of antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of AIDS‐defining illnesses and opportunistic infections has reduced significantly, leading to increased life span of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals. Non‐infectious causes of morbidity and mortality, including cardiovascular diseases, have since emerged. Platelet indices and coagulation biomarkers are surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk in several disease conditions but their relevance in HIV infection is uncertain.Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate platelet indices and coagulation biomarkers in untreated HIV infection and to determine their relationship with HIV disease severity and cardiovascular risk factors.Methods:A cross‐sectional study of 115 treatment‐naïve HIV‐infected adult patients attending the HIV clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and 115 age‐ and gender‐matched non‐infected adults was carried out. Socio‐demographic characteristics and history of cardiovascular risk factors were obtained from all participants, followed by body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure measurements and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical staging of the HIV‐infected subjects.Laboratory evaluation of full blood count, including platelet indices; platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit (PCT), CD4+ T lymphocyte count, fasting lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, fibrinogen and D‐dimer levels were done for all participants.Results:The HIV‐infected group had significantly higher MPV (9.2 ± 1.0fL vs.8.5 ± 0.8 fL, P &lt; 0.01), PDW (15.7 ± 0.4% vs.15.6 ± 0.4%, P = 0.01), PCT (0.236 ± 0.095% vs. 0.201 ± 0.051%, P &lt; 0.01) and fibrinogen levels (250.2 ± 93.4 mg/dL vs. 193.6 ± 46.8 mg/dL, P &lt; 0.01) than the non‐infected group. There was no significant difference in the platelet count [244 (187‐305) vs. 241 (192‐271) x109/L, P = 0.31] and D‐dimer levels [395.08 (303.23‐519.45) vs. 399.42 (316.35‐483.58) ng/mL, P = 0.96) between the HIV‐infected subjects and the non‐infected controls.The CD4+ T lymphocyte count inversely correlated with PDW (r = ‐0.248, P &lt; 0.01) and fibrinogen levels (r = ‐0.229, P = 0.01) while the WHO clinical stage directly correlated with fibrinogen levels (r = 0.193, P = 0.04) in the HIV‐infected subjects. Lower BMI was associated with higher PLT (β = ‐0.258, P &lt; 0.01) and PCT (β = ‐0.278, P &lt; 0.01) while higher triglyceride (β = 0.292, P &lt; 0.01) and HDL‐cholesterol levels (β = 0.213, P = 0.04) were associated with higher PDW in the HIV‐infected subjects. Diabetes was associated with higher fibrinogen levels in the HIV‐infected subjects (β = 0.276, P &lt; 0.01).Summary/Conclusion:Platelet indices and fibrinogen levels are increased in HIV infection. Platelet distribution width and fibrinogen levels increase with HIV disease severity. Cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia are associated with increase in platelet indices and fibrinogen levels in HIV infection.image

Effects of sex steroids on cardiovascular risk profile in transgender men under gender affirming hormone therapy

PurposeGender affirming hormone therapy (HT) in transgender men both improves and impairs several surrogate cardiovascular risk markers. However, few prospective works with long follow-up and control group are available. In this context, this work aimed to assess the changes in the metabolic and cardiovascular risk pattern after 12 months of HT in transgender men. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate early effects on target tissues that may reflect an initial vascular damage. MethodsProspective observational study, including 20 transgender men, attended in the Gender Identity Unit (UIG) of the Hospital Clinic from July 2013 to November 2015. Anthropometric and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), hormonal, metabolic and coagulation parameters, endothelial dysfunction by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and intima–media thickness (IMT) by carotid ultrasound, were assessed at baseline, at 6 and 12 months of HT. ResultsWe observed an impairment of lipid profile, and increase of homocysteine and leucocytes count, as well as changes in body composition with increased total lean mass together with decreased total fat mass. In addition, higher mean-maximum common IMT was observed after 12 months of HT. ConclusionOur work shows changes in metabolic and inflammatory parameters after HT after short-medium follow-up, which could increase cardiovascular risk in this setting, together with initial evidence of vascular changes.

FEV1 and total Cardiovascular mortality and morbidity over an 18 years follow-up Population-Based Prospective EPIC-NORFOLK Study

BackgroundOur study aimed to determine the association between forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and subsequent fatal and non-fatal events in a general population.MethodsThe Norfolk (UK) based European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC-Norfolk) recruited 25,639 participants between 1993 and 1997. FEV1 measured by portable spirometry, was categorized into sex-specific quintiles. Mortality and morbidity from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and respiratory disease were collected from 1997 up to 2015. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used with adjustment for socio-economic factors, physical activity and co-morbidities.ResultsMean age of the population was 58.7 ± 9.3 years, mean FEV1 for men was 294± 74 cL/s and 214± 52 cL/s for women. The adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality for participants in the highest fifth of the FEV1 category was 0.63 (0.52, 0.76) for men and 0.62 (0.51, 0.76) for women compared to the lowest quintile. Adjusted HRs for every 70 cL/s increase in FEV1 among men and women were 0.77 (p < 0.001) and 0.68 (p < 0.001) for total mortality, 0.85 (p<0.001) and 0.77 (p<0.001) for CVD and 0.52 (p <0.001) and 0.42 (p <0.001) for respiratory disease.ConclusionsParticipants with higher FEV1 levels had a lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. Measuring the FEV1 with a portable handheld spirometry measurement may be used as a surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk. Every effort should be made to identify those with poorer lung function even in the absence of cardiovascular disease as they are at greater risk of total and CV mortality.

New-onset Diabetes Mellitus Following Successful Kidney Transplantation Facilitates Aortic Stiffening

BackgroundFollowing kidney transplantation (KT), new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) is one of the most common complications. NODM usually occurs early after KT, and is diagnosed according to the general guidelines relevant for general diabetes mellitus patients. Arterial stiffness is a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. According to the literature, a successful KT has only limited and late beneficial effects on aortic elastic properties. The present study aimed to assess whether NODM has any additive value on the worsening of echocardiography-derived aortic elastic properties in transplanted patients. MethodsWe have included 28 nondiabetic post-KT patients in the study, older than 18 years (mean age: 48.2 ± 6.9 years; 13 men, 15 women). After an oral glucose tolerance test, 8 patients were diagnosed with NODM, and their results were compared to 23 age-, sex-, and risk factor-matched controls (mean age: 54.9 ± 11.0 years; 9 men, 14 women). All post-KT patients and matched controls underwent a complete transthoracic 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiography, together with an assessment of echocardiographic aortic elastic properties. The assessments included aortic strain, aortic distensibility, and aortic stiffness index. ResultsAortic elastic properties showed alterations in post-KT patients compared to matched controls (aortic strain: .084 ± .039 vs .057 ± .032, P < .05; aortic distensibility: 2.36 ± 1.09 cm2/dynes 10–6 vs 1.83 ± 1.18 cm2/dynes 10–6, P = .07; aortic stiffness index: 7.15 ± 3.58 vs 11.2 ± 6.1, P < .05). Further deterioration in the aortic stiffness index (14.8 ± 7.6 vs 9.68 ± 4.88, P < .05) was detected in the presence of NODM. ConclusionsNODM following successful KT facilitates aortic stiffening.

In the Deep End of Dipping: Nocturnal Blood Pressure Fall and Surrogate Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Individuals With Optimal 24-Hour Blood Pressure

In the Deep End of Dipping: Nocturnal Blood Pressure Fall and Surrogate Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Individuals With Optimal 24-Hour Blood Pressure

Anthocyanins: From Sources and Bioavailability to Cardiovascular-Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of Action.

Anthocyanins are phytochemicals widely found in plant foods, with berries and fruit-derived beverages as the main dietary sources. Accumulating evidence suggests the positive role of anthocyanins in preserving cardiovascular health. Epidemiological data show an association between anthocyanin intake and lower risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular-disease-related mortality. Clinical studies report the beneficial effects of the consumption of different anthocyanin-rich sources on surrogate markers of cardiovascular risk. Animal and in vitro evidence suggest the protective role of anthocyanins in dysfunctions related to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Still, the underlying molecular mechanisms of anthocyanin action seem complex and are not entirely clear. This review aims to give a comprehensive update on anthocyanins and their cardioprotective properties. It provides information on their sources; quantities consumed through diet; absorption; bioavailability; cardiovascular properties; and underlying mechanisms of action, including their effects on gene and protein expression and their interactions with cell-signaling pathways and miRNAs.

Effects of sex steroids on cardiovascular risk profile in transgender men under gender affirming hormone therapy

PurposeGender affirming hormone therapy (HT) in transgender men both improves and impairs several surrogate cardiovascular risk markers. However, few prospective works with long follow-up and control group are available. In this context, this work aimed to assess the changes in the metabolic and cardiovascular risk pattern after 12 months of HT in transgender men. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate early effects on target tissues that may reflect an initial vascular damage. MethodsProspective observational study, including 20 transgender men, attended in the Gender Identity Unit (UIG) of the Hospital Clinic from July 2013 to November 2015. Anthropometric and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), hormonal, metabolic and coagulation parameters, endothelial dysfunction by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and intima–media thickness (IMT) by carotid ultrasound, were assessed at baseline, at 6 and 12 months of HT. ResultsWe observed an impairment of lipid profile, and increase of homocysteine and leucocytes count, as well as changes in body composition with increased total lean mass together with decreased total fat mass. In addition, higher mean-maximum common IMT was observed after 12 months of HT. ConclusionOur work shows changes in metabolic and inflammatory parameters after HT after short-medium follow-up, which could increase cardiovascular risk in this setting, together with initial evidence of vascular changes.