Construction and analysis of the structural equation model for the influencing factors of endothelial function of the brachial artery / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To examine the influencing factors of endothelial injury using the structural equation model (SEM).Methods:A total of 6 861 asymptomatic individuals free of cardiovascular disease underwent health examinations at the health management center of the third Xiangya hospital, Central South University from May 2015 to August 2020. And collected their questionnaire and checkup data. Spearman′s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze metabolic factors and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Exploratory factor analysis (3 430/6 861) and confirmatory factor analysis (3 431/6 861) were conducted on the diet items. An SEM was constructed using the diet pattern data, cardiovascular risk factors and FMD, and using multi-path regression analysis to determine the correlation between the indicators.Results:Based on the factor analysis, diet items were divided into three patterns: healthy food, meat, and supplementary food. The SEM indicated that age ( β=0.27) and blood pressure ( β=0.12) had obvious effects on low FMD. Triglyceride ( β=0.03), fasting blood glucose ( β=0.04), and body mass index ( β=0.08) were positively correlated with low FMD. On the upstream, healthy food was negatively correlated with blood pressure ( β=-0.04) and body mass index ( β=-0.04), meat was positively correlated with triglyceride ( β=0.33), blood pressure ( β=0.06), fasting blood glucose ( β=0.20), and body mass index ( β=0.16), and supplementary food was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose ( β=-0.30). This was the only pattern that was directly correlated with FMD ( β=0.05). Conclusions:SEM is an effective method to analyze the influence of various risk factors on the population and the relationship between individual indicators. This study revealed direct and indirect correlations between age, diet pattern, cardiovascular-metabolic risk, and FMD impairment. Comprehensive control of dietary patterns and metabolic indicators could prevent and improve early cardiovascular injury.

Effect of radiation on endothelial functions in workers exposed to radiation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Our aim is to determine whether radiation affects the endothelial function of hospital staff working in the radiation unit for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We have evaluated endothelial function with vascular imaging parameters such as flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and aortic stiffness index (ASI). METHODS A total of 75 employees, 35 of whom are exposed to radiation due to their profession and 40 as the control group, were included in our single-centered study. Demographic data, FMD, aortic stiffness, and echocardiographic findings of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no significant differences in demographic data. Median FMD values tended to be lower in the radiation exposure group [7.89 (2.17-21.88) vs. 11.69 (5.13-27.27) p=0.09]. The FMD value was significantly lower in the catheter laboratory group than in the radiation-exposed (p=0.034) and control (p=0.012) groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the non-catheter lab radiation exposed group and the control group (p=0.804). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the ASI value between the groups (p=0.201). CONCLUSION We have found that FMD is decreased among hospital staff working in radiation-associated areas. This may be an early marker for radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O nosso objetivo é determinar se a radiação afeta a função endotelial de funcionários do hospital que trabalham em unidades com exposição à radiação para fins diagnósticos e terapêuticos. Avaliamos a função endotelial com parâmetros de imagens vasculares, tais como dilatação fluxo-mediada (FMD) e o índice de rigidez aórtica (ASI). METODOLOGIA Um total de 75 funcionários, 35 expostos à radiação devido à sua ocupação e 40 como grupo de controle, foram incluídos em nosso estudo monocêntrico. Os dados demográficos, de FMD, rigidez aórtica e ecocardiográficos dos dois grupos foram comparados. RESULTADOS Não houve diferenças significativas nos dados demográficos. Os valores médios de FMD, em geral, foram mais baixos no grupo de exposição à radiação [7,89 (2,17-21,88) e 11,69 (5,13-27,27) p=0,09]. O valor de FMD foi significativamente menor no grupo laboratorial com cateter do que no exposto à radiação (p=0,034) e no de controle (p=0,012). No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo laboratorial sem cateter e exposto à radiação e o grupo de controle (p=0,804). Além disso, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quanto ao valor de ASI entre os grupos (p=0,201). CONCLUSÃO Observamos que a FMD é menor entre funcionários que trabalham em setores hospitalares associados à radiação. Isso pode ser um marcador inicial de disfunção endotelial induzida por radiação.

Impact of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Therapy on Myocardial Function and Endothelial Dysfunction in Female Patients with Microvascular Angina

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured group program that employs mindfulness meditation to alleviate suffering associated with physical, psychosomatic, and psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigate the impact of MBSR on left ventricular (LV) and endothelial function in female patients with microvascular angina. METHODS: A total of 34 female patients (mean age 52.2 ± 13.8 years) diagnosed with microvascular angina underwent a MBSR program with anti-anginal medication for 8 weeks. The global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the LV was used as a parameter to assess myocardial function and reactive brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was used to assess endothelial function. Symptoms were analyzed by the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised to determine emotional stress. Changes in GLS and FMD between baseline and post-MBSR were analyzed. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of programmed MBSR treatment, stress parameters were significantly decreased. In addition, GLS (−19.5 ± 2.1% vs. −16.6 ± 2.5%, p < 0.001) and reactive FMD significantly improved (8.9 ± 3.0% vs. 6.9 ± 2.6%, p = 0.005) after MBSR compared to baseline. The changes in GLS correlated to changes in FMD (r = 0.120, p = 0.340) and with the changes in most stress parameters. CONCLUSION: MBSR has beneficial impacts on myocardial and endothelial function in female patients with microvascular angina.

Sulfasalazine Improves Insulin Resistance and Endothelial Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients.

Aim: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and all its components are independently characterized by the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation. The study aimed at controlling inflammation using sulfasalazine 500mg, once a day treatment in comparison to placebo in MetS patients. Study Design: Double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study. Place and Duration of Study: Sadbhavna Medical and Heart Institute, Patiala; and, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, between January-November 2014. Methodology: 50 eligible subjects (Male / Female = 45/5, n=25/group), fulfilling the National Cholesterol education Program-Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) diagnostic criteria of MetS, were randomly assigned to once daily drug or placebo tablets for 20 weeks. Blood pressure, serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-α), lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery, right common carotid artery’s intima-media thickness (IMT) and artery stiffness indices [(Young elastic modulus (YEM), stiffness index (SI) and carotid arterial compliance (CAC)] by Doppler Ultrasound were assessed at baseline and after 20 weeks treatment. Tolerability of drug was also measured using hematological and biochemical analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤.05. Results: FMD improved as 25.66±6.47% versus 12.41±3.22%, p<0.01; and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased as 7.05±3.48 versus 11.32±6.08, p<0.01, from baseline in drug group as compared to placebo group, whereas endothelium-independent vasodilatation (p=0.23) and baseline brachial artery diameter (p=0.95) remained unchanged in both the groups. Serum triglycerides (p=0.04), hsCRP (p<0.01) and TNF-α (p<0.01) levels were considerably altered, but there was no effect on carotid IMT, YEM, CAC and SI (all p≥0.05). Biochemical and hematological safety variables were significantly altered, but were still found with-in the normal limits. Conclusion: Thus, sulfasalazine may prevent cardiovascular disease risk in MetS patients by reducing insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction via halting inflammatory process. Moreover, it was found tolerable.

Association between anthropometry, cardiometabolic risk factors, & early life factors & adult measures of endothelial function: Results from the New Delhi Birth Cohort.

Background & objectives: Abnormal endothelial function represents a preclinical marker of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to evaluate associations between anthropometry, cardiometabolic risk factors, and early life factors and adult measures of endothelial function in a young urban Indian cohort free of clinical cardiovascular disease. Methods: Absolute changes in brachial artery diameter following cuff inflation and sublingual nitroglycerin (400 μg) were recorded to evaluate endothelium-dependent and -independent measures of endothelial function in 600 participants (362 men; 238 women) from the New Delhi Birth Cohort (2006-2009). Data on anthropometry, cardiometabolic risk factors, medical history, socio-economic position, and lifestyle habits were collected. Height and weight were recorded at birth, two and 11 yr of age. Age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models were developed to evaluate these associations. Results: The mean age of participants was 36±1 yr. Twenty two per cent men and 29 per cent women were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131±14 and 119±13 mmHg, and diabetes prevalence was 12 and 8 per cent for men and women, respectively. Brachial artery diameter was higher for men compared with women both before (3.48±0.37 and 2.95±0.35 cm) and after hyperaemia (3.87±0.37 vs. 3.37±0.35 cm). A similar difference was seen before and after nitroglycerin. Markers of increased adiposity, smoking, SBP, and metabolic syndrome, but not early life anthropometry, were inversely associated with endothelial function after adjustment for age and sex. Interpretation & conclusions: The analysis of the current prospective data from a young urban Indian cohort showed that cardiometabolic risk factors, but not early life anthropometry, were associated with worse endothelial function.

Vitamin D & endothelial function.

There is increasing interest in the extra-skeletal roles of vitamin D for health and well-being. Poor vitamin D status has been associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and mental health. Endothelial dysfunction may underscore insulin resistance and hence predispose to both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. The objective of this review was to gain an appreciation of the recent causative evidence linking vitamin D and endothelial function. The PubMed database was searched from 2009 to date. Key words used were vitamin D, supplementation, systemic inflammation, endothelium, endothelial dysfunction and humans. Selected articles were restricted to the English language and to randomized control trials (RCTs) of vitamin D supplementation with direct measures of endothelial function. Final inclusion was based on a quality rating ≥ 3, based on the Jadad score. Ten RCTs met these criteria and were summarized for their outcomes. Only two studies showed an improvement in flow mediated dilatation with vitamin D. Three other studies reported decreases in C-reactive protein, platelet activation inhibitor-1, tissue plasminogen activator or B type natriuretic peptide. Recent evidence from good quality RCTs did not support a beneficial effect of vitamin D on vascular reactivity. Future intervention studies may need to target a higher vitamin D status and longer duration to determine whether the vitamin has a regulatory role in endothelial function.

Correlation of Coronary Angiographic Severity with Carotid intima Media Thickness and Flow mediated dilatation of brachial Artery in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Background: Ischemic Heart Disease which encompasses Acute Coronary Syndrome and Chronic Stable Angina is the most common cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is a non-invasive ultrasonographic technique to image the carotid arteries which measures the thickness of the intima and media of these vessels. It is a marker of atherosclerotic process. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) is a marker of endothelial function of arteries. Ischemic heart disease can be predicted long before its actual occurrence by observing these two phenomenons. Methods: This cross sectional study done in the Department of Cardiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period of Oct 2010- Sept 2011.We enrolled 102 patients admitted with IHD by purposive sampling. We assessed FMD of brachial artery, CIMT by vascular duplex. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed by vessel score, stenosis score and extent score from angiography. Results:The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 50.9(±11.3) years. The male- female ratio was 5:1. CIMT has significant negative correlation with FMD (r=-.407, p=<.001). Flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery has weak but significant negative co-relation with vessel score(r=-.609, p=<.001), stenosis score(r=- .493, p=<.001) and extent score (r=-.477, p=<.001). However, carotid intima media thickness has weak but positive correlation with vessel score (r=.447, p=<.001), stenosis score (r=.417, p=<.001) and extent score(r=.412, p=<.001). Conclusion: The present study concludes CIMT has significant negative correlation with flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery. FMD has weak but significant negative co-relation and CIMT has weak but positive correlation with vessel score, stenosis score and extent score of coronary arteries.

Dilatação Fluxo-Mediada da artéria braquial como método de avaliação da função endotelial na pré-eclâmpsia e em gestantes normotensas / Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery as a method of evaluating endothelial function in preeclampsia and in normotensive pregnant women

Introdução: durante as últimas duas décadas, a ativação de células endoteliais tornou-se o evento mais estudado na compreensão da fisiopatologia da pré-eclâmpsia (PE).Acredita-se que fatores desconhecidos, provavelmente de origem placentária, são secretados na circulação materna, provocando ativação e lesão endotelial. A dilatação fluxo mediada (DILA) da artéria braquial é técnica não invasiva, capaz de avaliar a integridade endotelial. Objetivos: este estudo avalia o índice de dilatação da artéria braquial medido pelo DILA em portadoras de PE, comparativamente a gestantes normotensas.Materiais e métodos: foram estudadas 78 gestantes atendidas na Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, sendo 51 delas com diagnóstico de PE e 27 normotensas. Adilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial foi obtida de acordo com a técnica descrita por Anderson e Mark, em 1989, modificada. Resultados: a dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial mostrou-se significativamente reduzida nas gestantes portadoras de pré-eclâmpsia em relação às normotensas (6,098±5,633; 15,48±8,56; p menor que 0,01). Conclusões: pacientes em pré-eclâmpsia possuem DILA significativamente alterado quando comparadas às gestantes normais, sugerindo que tenham lesão endotelial.

Introduction: activation of endothelial cells became the most studied event in understanding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE) during the past two decades. Unknown factors, probably of placental origin, are secreted into the maternal blood flow, causing activation and endothelial damage. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery is a noninvasive technique able to evaluate endothelial integrity. Objectives: this study evaluates the rate of the brachial artery dilatation measured by FMD in women with PE compared to normotensive pregnant women. Materials and methods: a total of 78pregnant women seen at the University Hospital from Minas Gerais were studied. From the total, 51 were diagnosed with PE diagnostic and 27 were normotensive. The flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was obtained according to the technique described by Anderson and Mark in 1989, adapted. Results: Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was significantly reduced in pregnant women with preeclampsia when compared to the normotensive patients (6.098 ± 5.633, 15.48 ± 8.56, p less than 0.01). Conclusion: patients in preeclampsia have significantly altered FMD when compared to the normal pregnancies, suggesting endothelial lesion.

Dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial e complexo médio-intimal das artérias carótida e braquial: avaliação de indivíduos com e sem fatores de risco para aterosclerose / Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation and intima-media thickness of carotid and brachial arteries: evaluation of individuals with and without risk factors for atherosclerosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função endotelial em pacientes com fatores de risco para aterosclerose pela dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial (DILA) e complexo médio-intimal (CMI) das artérias carótida e braquial. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, caso controle, no qual foi avaliada a função endotelial pelo DILA e CMI das artérias carótida e braquial e presença ou não de fatores de risco para aterosclerose, em 112 pacientes assim distribuídos: mulheres com fatores de risco (n = 49), mulheres grupo controle (n = 24), homens com fatores de risco (n = 21) e homens grupo controle (n = 18). RESULTADOS: O DILA esteve comprometido significativamente no grupo fator de risco, quando comparado ao controle, independente do sexo: em mulheres, 15,2 × 25,3 (p < 0,01); em homens, 11,8 × 16,8 (p < 0,02). Já o CMI, tanto na braquial quanto na carótida, não foi significativo, independente do sexo: braquial em mulheres, 0,3 × 0,3 (p < 0,06); braquial em homens, 0,36 × 0,23 (p < 0,07); carótida em mulheres, 0,6 × 0,4 (p < 0,07); carótida em homens, 0,85 × 0,38 (p < 0,08). Utilizou-se como índice de significância p < 0,05. CONCLUSÃO: O DILA foi eficiente para atestar comprometimento endotelial em população de risco para aterosclerose.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endothelial function in patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis by measuring brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (BAFMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid and brachial arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, case-control study in which endothelial function was evaluated by measurement of BAFMD and IMT of carotid and brachial arteries and presence or absence of risk factors in 112 patients distributed as follows: women with risk factors (n = 49), women control group (n = 24), men with risk factors (n = 21), men control group (n = 18). RESULTS: BAFMD was significantly compromised in the group with risk factors as compared with the control group, regardless of sex: in women, 15.2 × 25.3 (p < 0.01); in men, 11.8 × 16.8 (p < 0.02). On the other hand, IMT was not significant both for the carotid and brachial arteries, regardless of sex: brachial artery in women, 0.3 × 0.3 (p < 0.06); brachial artery in men, 0.36 × 0.23 (p < 0.07); carotid artery in women, 0.6 × 0.4 (p < 0.07); carotid artery in men, 0.85 × 0.38 (p < 0.08). The significance level was set at 5 percent (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Measurement of BAFMD was effective for detecting endothelial impairment in a population with risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Relationship between endothelial function of coronary heart disease and the severity of coronary artery disease / 中国综合临床

Objective To evaluate the relationship between vascular endothelial function of coronary heart disease and the severity of coronary artery disease(CHD).Methods 73 patients undergoing coronary angiography were divided into two groups:CHD group(n=39)and non-CHD group(n=34)according to the result of coronary angiography.13 healthy subjects without risk factor of CHD were chosen as normal control group.FMD and NTG-MD of endothelial-dependent and independent dilatation of brachial artery were measured by using of high frequency linear-array uhrasonography for assessment of the vascular endothelial function.and the relationship between the vascular endothelial function and the severity of coronary artery stenosis was analyzed.Results A significant difference was obtained in the FMD among the CHD group,non-CHD group and control group[(4.81±2.33)%vs.(9.29±3.88)%vs.(13.58±1.80)%,F=48.012,P＜0.01).Significant difference was shown in NTG.MD among the three groups[(13.72±3.27)%vs.(15.64±2.65)%vs.(16.54±2.98)%,F=6.015,P＜0.01]and significant difference was shown between CHD group and the other two group(P＜0.05).The FMD was negatively correlated with the basdine value of the brachial artery.tlle number of stenotic coronary ateries and the severity of coronary artery stenosis(r=-0.224,-0,316,-0.721,P=0.038,0.003 and ＜0.001).NTG-MD was also negatively correlated with the baseline value of the brachial artery,the number of stenotic coronary arteries and the severity of coronary artery stenosis(r=-0.483,-0.258,-0.372,P＜0.001,0.027,0.001).Stepwise regression analysis displayed a linear relationship between FMD and the severity of coronary artery stenosis,the baseline value of the brachial artery(r=-0.012,-0.022,P＜0.001).NTG-MD was linearly related to the baseline value ofthe brachial artery and the severity of coronary artery stenosis(r=-0.032,-0.0073,P＜0.001).Conclusion The degree of damage of endothelial function of coronary heart disease is linearly correlated with severity of coronary arteIT stenosis.

Dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial em mulheres com artrite reumatóide / Brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation in women with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função endotelial em pacientes com artrite reumatóide, pela dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Sessenta e oito pacientes, sendo 32 com artrite reumatóide e 36 do grupo controle, foram avaliadas pela dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial (método ultra-sonográfico, no modo B, de avaliação de risco cardiovascular). Em um segundo tempo, foi avaliada a correlação entre a dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial, a proteína C reativa e o tempo de doença em pacientes com artrite reumatóide. RESULTADOS: A dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial na artrite reumatóide foi igual a 5,6 ± 9,69 por cento e no grupo controle foi igual a 23,24 ± 5,65 por cento, diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,00001). A proteína C-reativa teve resultado de 4,8 ± 9,1 mg/l. A correlação entre a idade, a dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial e a proteína C reativa nas pacientes com artrite reumatóide não mostrou resultado estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres com artrite reumatóide apresentam importante disfunção endotelial quando comparadas com mulheres normais.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the endothelial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by means of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients, 32 with rheumatoid arthritis and 36 in the control group, underwent brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (B-mode ultrasound for evaluating cardiovascular risk). Afterwards, the correlation among brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation, C-reactive protein, and disease duration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was evaluated. RESULTS: The brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery in rheumatoid arthritis corresponded to 5.6 ± 9.69 percent, and in the control group, to 23.24 ± 5.65 percent, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.00001). C-reactive protein result was 4.8 ± 9.1 mg/l. The correlation among age, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation, and C-reactive protein in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has not shown a statistically significant result. CONCLUSION: Women with rheumatoid arthritis present a significant endothelial dysfunction when compared with normal women.

Impact of Allopurinol on Heart Function,Endothelial Function and Indexes of Inflammation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To observe the impact of allopurinol on heart function,endothelial function and indexes of inflammation in controlling hyperuricemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).METHODS:A total of 98 patients with AMI complicated with hyperuricemia were randomized to treatment group(treated with allopurinol plus alimentary control)and control group(alimentary control alone)for 6wk.Heart function,endothelial function and inflammation indexes between 2 groups before and after treatment were observed.RESULTS:In treatment group,serum uric acid level were decreased significantly(t=2.317,P=0.046),LVEF and flow-mediated dilatation(FMD)function improved significantly(t=— 2.106,P=0.073;t=— 3.47,P=0.007),and C reactive protein level were significantly lower than in the control group(t=4.78,P=0.002).CONCLUSION:Allopurinol can decrease hyperuricemia level,improve endothelial dysfunction,heart function and inflammatory reactions.