Vascular Alterations Research Articles

Relationship between arterial stiffness, left ventricular diastolic function, and renal function in chronic kidney disease

AimIn chronic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction have prognostic significance as well. However, the relationship between diastolic dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and renal function has not been fully elucidated.Methods79 IgA nephropathy patients (aged 46 ± 11 years) and 50 controls were investigated. Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure early (Ea) and late (Aa) diastolic velocities. Arterial stiffness was measured by a photoplethysmographic (stiffness index (SI)) and an oscillometric method (aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao)).ResultsWe compared the IgAN patients to a similar cardiovascular risk group with a preserved eGFR. A strong correlation was found between Ea/Aa and SI (p < 0.001), also with PWVao (p < 0.001), just in IgAN, and with eGFR (p < 0.001) in both groups. IgAN patients were divided into groups CKD1-2 vs. CKD3-5. In the CKD 3–5 group, the incidence of diastolic dysfunction increased significantly: 39% vs. 72% (p = 0.003). Left ventricle rigidity (LVR) was calculated, which showed a close correlation with SI (p = 0.009) and eGFR (p = 0.038). By linear regression analysis, the independent predictors of SI were age, E/A, and E/Ea; SI was the predictor of LVR; and E/A and hypertension were the predictors of eGFR.ConclusionIn chronic kidney disease, increased cardiac rigidity and vascular stiffness coexist with decreased renal function, which is directly connected to diastolic dysfunction and vascular stiffness. On the basis of comparing the CKD group to the control group, vascular alterations in very early CKD can be identified.

Upregulation of Orai Channels Contributes to Aging-Related Vascular Alterations in Rat Coronary Arteries.

Vascular territories display heterogeneous sensitivity to the impacts of aging. The relevance of the STIM/Orai system to vascular function depends on the vascular bed. We aimed to evaluate the contribution of the STIM/Orai system to aging-related vascular dysfunction in rat coronary circulation. Vascular function was evaluated according to myography in coronary arteries from young (three-month-old) and older (twenty-month-old) rats. The effects of aging and STIM/Orai inhibition on the contraction and relaxation of the coronary arteries and on the protein expression of STIM-1, Orai1, and Orai3 in these vessels were determined. Aging-related hypercontractility to serotonin and endothelin-1 in arteries from male rats was reversed by STIM/Orai inhibition with YM-58483 or by specifically blocking the Orai1 channel with Synta66. The inhibitory effects of Synta66 on coronary vasoconstriction were also observed in older female rats. YM-58483 relaxed serotonin- but not KCl-contracted arteries from males. STIM/Orai inhibition improved defective endothelial vasodilations in aged arteries, even in the presence of NO synthase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors, but not in KCl-contracted segments. YM-58483 significantly enhanced relaxations to calcium-activated potassium channel stimulation in aged vessels. Increased protein expression of Orai1 and Orai3 was detected in arterial homogenates and sections from older rats. Upregulation of the Orai channel contributes to aging-related coronary dysfunction, revealing a potential target in reducing CVD risk.

A new phenotype or retinal involvement in Steinert Disease: a case report.

To report a case illustrating the association of Steinert Disease (SD) with peripheral retinal non-perfusion areas and epiretinal membrane. Case report. A 47-year-old Caucasian female diagnosed with SD was referred for blurred vision in her right eye (RE). She presented bilateral ptosis with deficit of elevator muscle.Dilated fundus examination revealed altered macular reflex, peripheral vascular alterations, and ghost vessels bilaterally. Structural spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed an epiretinal membrane with a partial alteration of the foveal profile in the RE. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images revealed no evidence of neovascular membrane in the macular region. Fluoresceine angiography (FA) showed retinal peripheral non perfusion areas and leakage in the late phases of the examination. Any retinal alteration should be considered during the ophthalmological examination of patients suffering from type 1 myotonic dystrophy. OCT and fluoresceine angiography should be performed evaluating the SD patient that complains about visual impairment.

Update in the Understanding, Diagnosis, and Management of Sturge Weber Syndrome: Case Report

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a congenital, vascular, neurocutaneous, uncommon disease associated with facial angiomas port wine birthmark (PWB) or “nevus flammeus”, cerebral vascularity alterations (leptomeningeal vascular malformation), and ocular disorders. It is the third most common neurocutaneous syndrome after neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis. GNAQ R183Q is the most frequent related mutation, caused by a postzygotic, somatic, gain-of-function. 75% of patients present seizures during the first year of life, mainly focal motor seizures, with or without consciousness impairment. We present the case of a 33-year-old female with a diagnosis of SWS, with refractory seizures that started at 4 months of age. In this admission, she presented upper and lower respiratory tract infections that culminated in a convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), the reason for which she required sedation and advanced airway management with adjustment of the anti-seizure medication (ASM). An electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed that reported epileptic activity, as well as an imaging study with data suggestive of calcification in the frontal and right parietal region, compatible with vascular malformation.

Optical coherence tomography angiography allows longitudinal monitoring of angiogenesis in the critical-sized defect model

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the capability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for imaging the microvasculature within a critical bone defect, to longitudinally observe vascular alterations, and quantify the microvascular density and morphology in a model of a critical-sized defect.Methods: An OCTA system was used to longitudinally monitor angiogenesis in four rat models presenting critical-sized defects with observations recorded on days 7, 14, and 28 post-defect creation. Simultaneously, angiogenesis in three additional rat models was evaluated through a conventional histological analysis involving hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results: OCTA was successful in acquiring in vivo 3D vascular perfusion mapping within the critical-sized defect, and it allowed for quantitative analysis of the microvasculature’s density and morphology. The OCTA imagery of the blood microvasculature revealed a noticeable augmentation in the number and size of vessels, with more extensive vessel convergence observed on day 14 compared to both days 7 and 28. Complementing these observations, quantitative analysis demonstrated that the vessel area density (VAD) and maximum vascular diameter index (MVDI) were significantly larger on day 14 in comparison to measurements taken on days 7 and 28.Conclusion: Leveraging its ability to capture high-resolution images, OCTA facilitated longitudinal monitoring of angiogenesis in models of critical-sized defects. Therefore, it potentially serves as a non-invasive experimental tool beneficial for bone regeneration research.

Micro- and Macrovascular Effects of Inflammation in Peripheral Artery Disease-Pathophysiology and Translational Therapeutic Approaches.

Inflammation has a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. On the molecular level, inflammatory pathways negatively impact endothelial barrier properties and thus, tissue homeostasis. Conformational changes and destruction of the glycocalyx further promote pro-inflammatory pathways also contributing to pro-coagulability and a prothrombotic state. In addition, changes in the extracellular matrix composition lead to (peri-)vascular remodelling and alterations of the vessel wall, e.g., aneurysm formation. Moreover, progressive fibrosis leads to reduced tissue perfusion due to loss of functional capillaries. The present review aims at discussing the molecular and clinical effects of inflammatory processes on the micro- and macrovasculature with a focus on peripheral artery disease.

The vascular perspective on acute and chronic lung disease.

The pulmonary vasculature has been frequently overlooked in acute and chronic lung diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The primary emphasis in the management of these parenchymal disorders has largely revolved around the injury and aberrant repair of epithelial cells. However, there is increasing evidence that the vascular endothelium plays an active role in the development of acute and chronic lung diseases. The endothelial cell network in the capillary bed and the arterial and venous vessels provides a metabolically highly active barrier that controls the migration of immune cells, regulates vascular tone and permeability, and participates in the remodeling processes. Phenotypically and functionally altered endothelial cells, and remodeled vessels, can be found in acute and chronic lung diseases, although to different degrees, likely because of disease-specific mechanisms. Since vascular remodeling is associated with pulmonary hypertension, which worsens patient outcomes and survival, it is crucial to understand the underlying vascular alterations. In this Review, we describe the current knowledge regarding the role of the pulmonary vasculature in the development and progression of ARDS, PF, and COPD; we also outline future research directions with the hope of facilitating the development of mechanism-based therapies.

Propolis prevents vascular endothelial dysfunction by attenuating inflammation and oxidative damage in the chronic unpredictable stress model of depression in rats.

Chronic stress may lead to depression and vascular endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis on vascular functions and the possible mechanisms of its vascular effects in the rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, stress (exposure to CUMS), control+propolis and stress+propolis groups (n = 8/each group). CUMS model was induced by exposing rats to various mild stressors daily for 5 weeks. The extract of propolis (100 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to propolis-treated groups for 5 weeks. The depression-like behaviours were assessed with the forced swimming test (FST). Chronic stress resulted in increased immobility response in FST and elevated serum corticosterone levels. Thoracic endothelial functions and expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level were assessed. Compared to control group, stress group exhibited a significant decrease in endothelium-dependent relaxations, and eNOS, SOD and HO-1 expressions, whereas a significant increase in the thoracic expressions of TNFα and IL-1β. Propolis ameliorated depression-like behaviours, vascular endothelial dysfunctions and alterations of protein expressions. Propolis exerted antidepressant-like and vasculoprotective effects in CUMS-induced depression in rats. Chronic propolis treatment may have a protective effect on CUMS-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Liver Diseases: Focus on Thrombosis.

Vascular liver disorders (VLDs) comprise a wide spectrum of clinical-pathological entities that primarily affect the hepatic vascular system of both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. VLDs more frequently involve the portal and the hepatic veins, as well as liver sinusoids, resulting in an imbalance of liver homeostasis with serious consequences, such as the development of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis. Surprisingly, many VLDs are characterized by a prothrombotic phenotype. The molecular mechanisms that cause thrombosis in VLD are only partially explained by the alteration in the Virchow's triad (hypercoagulability, blood stasis, and endothelial damage) and nowadays their pathogenesis is incompletely described and understood. Studies about this topic have been hampered by the low incidence of VLDs in the general population and by the absence of suitable animal models. Recently, the role of coagulation imbalance in liver disease has been postulated as one of the main mechanisms linked to fibrogenesis, so a novel interest in vascular alterations of the liver has been renewed. This review provides a detailed analysis of the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms of VLD. We also focus on the promising role of anticoagulation as a strategy to prevent liver complications and to improve the outcome of these patients.

Effect of repeatedly applied cold water immersion on subclinical atherosclerosis, inflammation, fat accumulation and lipid profile parameters of volunteers.

Significant acute cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine changes have been traced to short-lasting cold water immersion (CWI); however, the long-term impact of recurrent CWI on atherogenesis, lipid parameters, and fat distribution has not yet been studied. The goal of this study was to investigate the alleged protective effect. A total of 35 healthy volunteers were monitored for a period of 5 months during which the CWI was performed under standardized conditions (three times per week for 7-10 min, without neoprene equipment). Volunteers with measured weight or muscle mass increases of more than 5% were ineligible. An analogous control group (N = 30) was included. At the onset and completion of the study, blood samples were obtained, and clinical assessments took place. PCSK9 and hsCRP levels were measured together with other lipid-related and non-lipid-related indicators. Carotid intima-media thickness test (cIMT) and echo-tracking for the identification of arterial stiffness (PWV, AI, and β) were used to identify early vascular alterations. Hepatorenal index (HRI) calculations served to quantify liver steatosis, while changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness were used to quantify fat distribution. The given protocol was successfully completed by 28volunteers. Long-term repeated CWI resulted in asignificant decline in cIMT (p = 0.0001), AI (p = 0.0002), Beta (p = 0.0001), and PWV (p = 0.0001). PCSK9 (p = 0.01) and hsCRP (p = 0.01) showed asignificant decrease when compared to initial values. In comparison to the starting values, liver fat accumulation decreased by 11% on average (HRI p = 0.001). LDL, TC, TG, and VLDL levels all significantly decreased as well. We suggest that repeated CWI may have beneficial impact on lipid, non-lipid, and lipid-related indices, as well as atherogenesis and liver fat storage.

New horizons in cognitive and functional impairment as a consequence of cerebral small vessel disease.

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a frequent finding in imaging of the brain in older adults, especially in the concomitance of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Despite the well-established link between cSVD and (vascular) cognitive impairment (VCI), it remains uncertain how and when these vascular alterations lead to cognitive decline. The extent of acknowledged markers of cSVD is at best modestly associated with the severity of clinical symptoms, but technological advances increasingly allow to identify and quantify the extent and perhaps also the functional impact of cSVD more accurately. This will facilitate a more accurate diagnosis of VCI, against the backdrop of concomitant other neurodegenerative pathology, and help to identify persons with the greatest risk of cognitive and functional deterioration. In this study, we discuss how better assessment of cSVD using refined neuropsychological and comprehensive geriatric assessment as well as modern image analysis techniques may improve diagnosis and possibly the prognosis of VCI. Finally, we discuss new avenues in the treatment of cSVD and outline how these contemporary insights into cSVD can contribute to optimise screening and treatment strategies in older adults with cognitive impairment and multimorbidity.

Vascular Effects, Potential Pathways and Mediators of Fetal Exposure to Alcohol and Cigarette Smoking during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.

(1) Background: Programming of atherosclerosis results in vascular structure and function alterations, which may be attributed to fetal exposure to maternal tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and several lifestyle factors in the first few years of life. This review aims to study the effects of teratogen exposure in utero on vascular dysfunction in offspring and consider mediators and pathways originating from the fetal environment. (2) Methods: Eligible studies were identified in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. After the full-text screening, 20 articles were included in the narrative synthesis. (3) Results: The literature presents evidence supporting the detrimental effects of fetal exposure to tobacco smoking on vascular alterations in both human and animal studies. Alcohol exposure impaired endothelial dilation in animal studies, but human studies on both tobacco and alcohol exposure are still sparse. Reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and alterations in the epigenome in infants through the upregulation of pro-oxidative and proinflammatory genes may be the common denominators. (4) Conclusion: While maternal smoking and alcohol consumption have more negative outcomes on the infant in the short term, several factors during the first few years of life may mediate the development of vascular dysfunction. Therefore, more prospective studies are needed to ascertain the long-term effects of teratogen exposure, specifically in South Africa.

Clinical Significance of Altered Vascular Morphology and Function in Normotension.

To review current literature examining the presence of subclinical micro- and macrovascular alterations in normotensive individuals and their clinical significance in terms of hypertension prediction. Emphasis is placed on alterations that can be detected in peripheral vascular beds using non-invasive, easily applicable methodology, as these are in general easier to capture and evaluate in clinical practice compared to more complex invasive or functional tests. Arterial stiffness, increased carotid intima-media thickness, and altered retinal microvascular diameters predict the progression from the normotensive to the hypertensive state. By contrast, there is substantial lack of relevant prospective studies for skin microvascular alterations. Although conclusions regarding causality cannot be safely deduced from available studies, detection of morphological and functional vascular alterations in normotensive individuals emerges as a sensitive indicator of progression to hypertension and hence increased CVD risk. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that early detection of subclinical micro- and macrovascular alterations would be clinically useful for the early identification of individuals at high risk for future hypertension onset. Methodological issues and gaps in knowledge need to be addressed before detection of such changes could guide the development of strategies to prevent new-onset hypertension in normotensive individuals.

Osteonecrosis Related to Steroid and Alcohol Use-An Update on Pathogenesis.

Osteonecrosis (ON) is usually a progressive disease that negatively affects the quality of life and leads to significant disability. Most patients are aged 30-50 years and require multiple surgical interventions throughout their lifetime. In non-traumatic ON, alcohol abuse and corticosteroids are involved in up to 80% of cases. This narrative review aims to summarize data on their impact on healthy bone and the development of pathophysiological processes leading to ON development. We conducted EMBASE and MEDLINE database reviews to identify relevant research. We found that for both agents, the risk was time and dose-dependent. ON in alcohol and steroid use shared many pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the development of necrosis, including increased adipogenesis, the induction of chronic inflammation, vascular alterations, and impaired bone-cell differentiation. Because both alcohol and steroid use are modifiable factors, both general physicians and orthopedic surgeons should encourage patients to limit ethanol intake and avoid corticosteroid overuse. In the presence of ON, because both alcohol- and steroid-induced disease tend to be multifocal, addiction treatment and limiting steroid use are justified.

Unveiling the Silent Danger of Childhood Obesity: Non-Invasive Biomarkers Such as Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Arterial Stiffness Surrogate Markers, and Blood Pressure Are Useful in Detecting Early Vascular Alterations in Obese Children.

Obese children present a higher cardio-metabolic risk. Measuring vascular biomarkers that assess the evolution of arterial stiffness, subclinical atherosclerosis, and hypertension in such patients could be helpful in the long term. We studied 84 children, aged from 6 to 18 years: 50 obese subjects, versus 34 of normal weight. Clinical examination involved: BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and detection of the presence of acanthosis nigricans and irregular menstrual cycles (the latter in adolescent girls). The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured with the Aixplorer MACH 30 echography device. The pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and peripheral and central blood pressures (i.e., SBP, DBP, cSBP, cDBP, and cPP) were acquired through a Mobil-O-Graph device. Obese subjects underwent body composition analysis with a Tanita BC-418. Blood tests were: HOMA-IR, lipid panel, uric acid, and 25-OH vitamin D. All vascular biomarkers presented increased values in obese subjects versus controls. The following cut-off values were significant in detecting obesity: for PWV > 4.6 m/s, cSBP > 106 mmHg for the <12-year-olds, PWV > 4.5 m/s and cSBP > 115 mmHg for the 12-15-year-olds, and PWV > 5 m/s, cSBP > 123 mmHg for the >15-year-olds. AIx is higher in obese children, regardless of their insulin resistance status. Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio correlate to all vascular parameters. HOMA-IR is an independent predictor for all vascular parameters except CIMT. Cut-off values for PWV of >4.8 m/s, SBP > 125 mmHg, and a cSBP > 117 mmHg predicted the presence of acanthosis nigricans. Obese girls with irregular menses displayed significantly higher PWV, SBP, and DPB. Elevated levels of uric acid, LDL-c, non-LDL-c, triglycerides, and transaminases, and low levels of HDL-c and 25-OH vitamin D correlated with higher arterial stiffness and CIMT values. We conclude that CIMT and the markers of arterial stiffness are useful in the early detection of vascular damage in obese children.

Lipoprotein profile assessed by 1H NMR, BMI and blood pressure are associated with vascular alterations in children with familial hypercholesterolaemia

Background and aimsChildren with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) have elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations since birth, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Arterial injury and stiffness parameters, including carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and distensibility (DIST), can be detected early in childhood. We studied the associations between cIMT, PWV and DIST with the lipoprotein profile assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and with influential variables such as blood pressure (BP) or body mass index (BMI) in children with FH. Methods and resultsIn this cross-sectional study, we included 201 children (96 with FH and 105 non-FH controls). Clinical history, physical examination and standard biochemical studies were performed. FH genetic testing was performed when clinically indicated. Carotid ultrasonography and an advanced lipoprotein profile by 1H NMR were performed. Multivariate and classification methods were used.There were no differences between cIMT, PWV and DIST between FH and non-FH children. FH children presented more total LDL and large, medium and small particles. Small LDL particles, BMI and systolic BP determined the presence of pathological IMT in the FH group. LDL size, high-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoprotein particles together with blood pressure determined the presence of pathological arterial wall elasticity. ConclusionsAlterations in lipoprotein parameters assessed by are associated with early structural and functional arterial characteristics in children with FH. BMI and BP act as boosting factors. Cardiovascular prevention should start early in children with FH, encompassing all components of a healthy lifestyle.

Deep-learning-enabled brain hemodynamic mapping using resting-state fMRI

Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally. Prevention and early intervention are known to be the most effective forms of its management. Non-invasive imaging methods hold great promises for early stratification, but at present lack the sensitivity for personalized prognosis. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), a powerful tool previously used for mapping neural activity, is available in most hospitals. Here we show that rs-fMRI can be used to map cerebral hemodynamic function and delineate impairment. By exploiting time variations in breathing pattern during rs-fMRI, deep learning enables reproducible mapping of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and bolus arrival time (BAT) of the human brain using resting-state CO2 fluctuations as a natural “contrast media”. The deep-learning network is trained with CVR and BAT maps obtained with a reference method of CO2-inhalation MRI, which includes data from young and older healthy subjects and patients with Moyamoya disease and brain tumors. We demonstrate the performance of deep-learning cerebrovascular mapping in the detection of vascular abnormalities, evaluation of revascularization effects, and vascular alterations in normal aging. In addition, cerebrovascular maps obtained with the proposed method exhibit excellent reproducibility in both healthy volunteers and stroke patients. Deep-learning resting-state vascular imaging has the potential to become a useful tool in clinical cerebrovascular imaging.

477-P: Thalamic Mitochondrial and Neuronal Function Is Preserved in Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy—A Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Aims: Previous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated cerebral structural, functional, and vascular alterations in Painful-Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). We present a multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) study to determine the structure, and neuronal and mitochondrial function of the thalamus in Painful-DPN. Methods: A total of 49 participants were enrolled, 38 with type 2 diabetes (9 without DPN [No-DPN]; 11 with Painless-DPN; and 18 with Painful-DPN) and 11 healthy volunteers (HV). Participants underwent detailed clinical and neurophysiological assessments, and multi-modal MR imaging of the thalami bilaterally including: Proton-Magnetic Spectroscopy (1H-MRS); 31-Phosphorus MRS (31P-MRS); and brain morphometric analysis. We calculated the N-acetyl aspartate to choline (NAA:Cho), a measure of neuronal function, and inorganic phosphate (Pi) to ATP (Pi:ATP), a measure of mitochondrial function. Results: There were no significant differences in thalamic volume between groups (ANOVA, p=0.927). There was a significant group effect in both metabolite ratios: NAA:Cho (ANOVA, p=0.013); Pi:ATP (p=0.021). The NAA:Cho was numerically the lowest in Painless-DPN, reaching significance compared with HV (p=0.001) and Painful-DPN (p=0.019). Additionally, the Pi:ATP was significantly higher in Painless-DPN compared with HV (p=0.013) and Painful-DPN (p=0.008). There was also a significant correlation between the NAA:Cho and Pi:PCr (Pearson’s r -0.336, p=0.034). Conclusion: This is the first study to determine perform cerebral 1H- and 31P-MRS in human DPN. We have demonstrated altered 1H- and 31P-MRS ratios in Painless- but not Painful-DPN, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may underlie thalamic neuronal dysfunction in Painless-DPN. Conversely, in Painful-DPN, preservation of thalamic mitochondrial and neuronal function may be involved in the maintenance of neuropathic pain signaling. Disclosure G.P.Sloan: None. K.Teh: None. D.Selvarajah: None. S.Tesfaye: Advisory Panel; Bayer Inc., Wörwag Pharma GmbH &amp; Co. KG, Angelini, Speaker's Bureau; Viatris Inc., Nevro Corp., Procter &amp; Gamble, Novo Nordisk, Berlin-Chemie AG.

The Potential of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) in Herbal Medicine as Anti-Inflammatory Agent

The inflammatory process involves increased vascular permeability, protein denaturation, and membrane alteration. Flavonoids are a class of secondary metabolites with biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory. The bitter leaf, Vernonia amygdalina (VA), are used in various alternative medicine in several countries, including Indonesia. Chemical components in VA leaf are polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenes, and coumarins. The previous study exhibited that the anti-inflammatory activities of plants are closely related to the levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of VA leaf and determine the total flavonoid-phenolic content of VA leaf ethanolic extract. The extraction method used maceration by ethanol as a solvent. The anti-inflammatory activity was measured by protein denaturation inhibition properties. The total flavonoid and phenolic content were determined by colorimetric and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, in which both procedures were measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometry at maximum wavelength. The results showed that VA leaf ethanolic extract has an anti-inflammatory effect with a half inhibition concentration (IC50) of 346.23 μg/mL. The total flavonoid and phenolic content of the ethanolic extract of VA leaves were 25.62 mgQE/g extracts and 21.47 mgGAE/g extract, respectively. Thus, the ethanolic extract of VA leaves can potentially be developed as an anti-inflammatory agent in herbal medicine.

WED-523 - Unraveling the individual contributions of the PPAR isotypes to the pan-PPAR agonist Lanifibranor-induced improvements of the vascular alterations and liver histology in a rat model of early NAFLD

WED-523 - Unraveling the individual contributions of the PPAR isotypes to the pan-PPAR agonist Lanifibranor-induced improvements of the vascular alterations and liver histology in a rat model of early NAFLD