Global endothelial function assessment using pulse wave analysis in hypercholesterolemia

To compare global endothelial function assessed by pulse wave analysis (PWA) using the ratio of endothelium dependent vasodilatation (EDV) to endothelium independent vasodilatation (EIV) in patients with hypercholesterolemia and controls. 92 subjects [46 hypercholesterolemics, 46 controls] were studied at standardized conditions. Baseline augmentation index (AIx) was assessed followed by the administration of 0.5 mg sublingual nitroglycerine, an endothelium independent vasodilator. AIx was assessed and the maximum change in AIx after nitroglycerine was recorded as EIV. After a washout period of 30 minutes, 400 µg of inhaled salbutamol, an endothelium dependent vasodilator was administered. AIx was assessed again and the maximum change in AIx after salbutamol was recorded as EDV. Global endothelial function was calculated as EDV:EIV ratio. EDV and EIV in patients with hypercholesterolemia compared to controls were 2.97 ± 3.95 and 6.65 ± 3.80 (p<0.001); and 13.41 ± 4.57 and 15.88 ± 4.78 (p=0.01) respectively. EDV:EIV ratio was significantly reduced in patients with hypercholesterolemia compared to controls; 0.21 ± 0.38 and 0.44 ± 0.24 (p<0.001) respectively. EDV:EIV ratio was significantly reduced in patients with hypercholesterolemia compared to controls. PWA is a potential clinical tool to assess global endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterole

Clinacanthus nutans: Its potential against diabetic vascular diseases

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, with approximately 80% of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity linked to vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. It has been estimated that up to one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus use some form of complementary and/or alternative medicine. One plant that has received attention from diabetic patients for its perceived antidiabetic properties is Clinacanthus nutans, a member of the Acanthaceae family that is known as snake grass. Ethnomedical applications of this herb have been identified for the treatment of certain conditions, including fever, diabetes, skin rashes, and insect bites. This review aims to assess the potential of C. nutans to be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diabetic vasculopathy. Evidence for antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and dyslipidemic properties of C. nutans, as shown from experimental studies, is presented and discussed. Diabetes, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia are known to play significant roles in the initiation and severity of diabetic cardiovascular disease; thus, targeting these factors might be beneficial for preventing and/or treating diabetic vasculopathy.