9p21 Locus Polymorphisms: Risk and Severity Factors of Coronary Artery Disease in Venezuelan Patients

Abstract Background: The 9p21 region is the most relevant locus associated with coronary heart disease in different populations. However, there are no studies that prove that this region is a risk factor in the Venezuelan population. Objectives: To analyze whether or not the 9p21 rs1333049 polymorphism is a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Venezuelan patients, as well as to investigate its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), age of occurrence, type and severity of infarction, and the correlation of the rs10757274 polymorphism with severity of coronary artery disease. Methods: This was an association study, including 487 unrelated Venezuelan individuals, grouped in 354 patients with AMI and 133 controls. The rs1333049 and rs10757274 polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with sequence-specific primers. The analysis of association was determined using the SNPStats tool. The continuous variable description and the correlations were performed using the SPSS statistical software. Significance was established at p<0.05. Results: A positive correlation was observed between the rs1333049 polymorphism and the presence of hypertension ( r: 0.145, p: 0.006), and between hypertension and heart infarction ( r: 0.318, p: <0.0001). A positive correlation was found between the rs10757274 polymorphism and the number of coronary vessels that presented obstructive lesions in patients aged ≤ 55 years ( r: 0.276, p: 0.0078). Conclusion: The rs1333049 polymorphism at the 9p21 locus is correlated with hypertension in Venezuelan patients, while the rs10757274 polymorphism is associated with the progression of coronary atherosclerosis, suggested by the correlation with the number of coronary vessels that presented significant obstructive lesions.

Ischemic Heart Disease in German Immigrants and Their Descendants in a Region of Southern Brazil: A Comparison of Initial Symptoms Reported between two Generations

Abstract Background Nothing is known about ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the Germans who emigrated to Brazil during the last century. Objective We sought to compare age at diagnosis and IHD manifestations between German immigrants and their first-generation descendants in the region of Blumenau, Brazil. Methods We reviewed medical records of hospitals in Blumenau. Comparison of the groups in the evaluation times was made by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, and comparison of two factors was made by two-way ANOVA. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results Study population comprised 68 patients who were born in Germany (group G) and 99 descendants (group D). Twenty-nine patients of group D had two German parents and 70 had one. Mean age at diagnosis was 66.8 ± 10.6 years, with a significant difference between the groups, four years higher in Group G than group D (69.0 ± 8.8 vs 65.4 ± 11.5 years old) (p = 0.025). There was no significant difference in risk factors or coronary angiography data between the groups. HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in group G than in group D (48.4 ± 11.1 mg/dL vs 43.3 ± 11.2 mg/dL, p = 0.005). Conclusion At the time of first IHD diagnosis, mean age of the group G was significantly higher than group D, with no differences between groups in sex, risk factors, LDL levels, or clinical and angiographic manifestations. An earlier manifestation of the disease could be part of lifestyle changes in descendants, in this population that mantained eating habits characterized by high saturated fat consumption.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Associated with the Presence and Morphology of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was associated with the presence and morphology of coronary atherosclerotic plaques shown by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in asymptomatic subjects without a history of cardiovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 772 consecutive South Korean individuals who had undergone both dualsource 64-slice MDCT coronary angiography and hepatic ultrasonography during general routine health evaluations. The MDCT studies were assessed for the presence, morphology (calcified, mixed, and non-calcified), and severity of coronary plaques. RESULTS: Coronary atherosclerotic plaques were detected in 316 subjects (40.9%) by MDCT, and NAFLD was found in 346 subjects (44.8%) by hepatic ultrasonography. Subjects with NAFLD had higher prevalences of all types of atherosclerotic plaque and non-calcified, mixed, and calcified plaques than the subjects without NAFLD. However, the prevalence of significant stenosis did not differ between groups. After adjusting for age, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, NAFLD remained a significant predictor for all types of coronary atherosclerotic plaque [odds ratio (OR): 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-2.08; p=0.025] in binary logistic analysis, as well as for calcified plaques (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.07-2.70; p=0.025) in multinomial regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that NAFLD was significantly associated with the presence and the calcified morphology of coronary atherosclerotic plaques detected by MDCT. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to clarify the exact physiopathologic role of NAFLD in coronary atherosclerosis.

Associations between CD36 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to coronary artery heart disease

Associations between polymorphisms of the CD36 gene and susceptibility to coronary artery heart disease (CHD) are not clear. We assessed allele frequencies and genotype distributions of CD36 gene polymorphisms in 112 CHD patients and 129 control patients using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Additionally, we detected CD36 mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR, and we quantified plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There were no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05) in allele frequencies of rs1761667 or in genotype distribution and allele frequencies of rs3173798. The genotype distribution of rs1761667 significantly differed between CHD patients and controls (P=0.034), with a significantly higher frequency of the AG genotype in the CHD group compared to the control group (P=0.011). The plasma levels of ox-LDL in patients with the AG genotype were remarkably higher than those with the GG and AA genotypes (P=0.010). In a randomized sample taken from patients in the two groups, the CD36 mRNA expression of the CHD patients was higher than that of the controls. In CHD patients, the CD36 mRNA expression in AG genotype patients was remarkably higher than in those with an AA genotype (P=0.005). After adjusted logistic regression analysis, the AG genotype of rs1761667 was associated with an increased risk of CHD (OR=2.337, 95% CI=1.336-4.087, P=0.003). In conclusion, the rs1761667 polymorphism may be closely associated with developing CHD in the Chongqing Han population of China, and an AG genotype may be a genetic susceptibility factor for CHD.

Síndrome Metabólica, Strain e Redução da Função Miocárdica: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis / Metabolic Syndrome, Strain, and Reduced Myocardial Function: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Fundamento: A doença cardiovascular subclínica é prevalente em pacientes com síndrome metabólica (SM). O strain circunferencial (εCC) e o strain longitudinal (εLL) do ventriculo esquerdo (VE), avaliados pelo ecocardiograma com speckle tracking (STE), são índices de função sistólica: o encurtamento das fibras circunferenciais e longitudinais do VE é indicado por um valor negativo do strain. Portanto, quanto mais negativo o strain, melhor a função sistólica do VE. O εCC e o εLL têm sido usados para demonstrar disfunção ventricular subclínica em vários distúrbios clínicos. Objetivo: Levantamos a hipótese de que a SM está associada com comprometimento da função miocárdica, quando avaliada pelo STE. Métodos: Este estudo analisou participantes do Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) que realizaram o STE e foram avaliados para todos os componentes da SM. Resultados: Entre os 133 participantes incluídos (mulheres: 63%; idade: 65 ± 9 anos), a prevalência de SM foi de 31% (41/133). Indivíduos com SM apresentaram valores menores do εCC e do εLL que aqueles sem SM (-16,3% ± 3,5% vs. -18,4% ± 3,7%, p < 0,01; e -12,1% ± 2,5% vs. -13,9% ± 2,3%, p < 0,01, respectivamente). A fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE) foi semelhante nos dois grupos (p = 0,09). Na análise multivariada, a SM associou-se a um valor mais baixo do strain circunferencial (B = 2,1%, IC 95%: 0,6-3,5; p < 0,01), mesmo após ajuste para idade, etnia, massa VE e FEVE. De maneira semelhante, a presença de SM (B = 1,3%, IC 95%: 0,3-2,2; p < 0,01) e a massa do VE (B = 0,02%, IC 95%: 0,01 0,03; p = 0,02) associaram-se a um valor menor do strain longitudinal após ajuste para etnia, FEVE e creatinina. Conclusão: O εCC ...

Background: Subclinical cardiovascular disease is prevalent in patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn). Left ventricular (LV) circumferential strain (εCC) and longitudinal strain (εLL), assessed by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE), are indices of systolic function: shortening is indicated by negative strain, and thus, the more negative the strain, the better the LV systolic function. They have been used to demonstrate subclinical ventricular dysfunction in several clinical disorders. Objective: We hypothesized that MetSyn is associated with impaired myocardial function, as assessed by STE. Methods: We analyzed Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants who underwent STE and were evaluated for all MetSyn components. Results: Among the 133 participants included [women: 63%; age: 65 ± 9 years (mean ± SD)], the prevalence of MetSyn was 31% (41/133). Individuals with MetSyn had lower εCC and lower εLL than those without MetSyn (-16.3% ± 3.5% vs. -18.4% ± 3.7%, p < 0.01; and -12.1% ± 2.5% vs. -13.9% ± 2.3%, p < 0.01, respectively). The LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was similar in both groups (p = 0.09). In multivariate analysis, MetSyn was associated with less circumferential myocardial shortening as indicated by less negative εCC (B = 2.1%, 95%CI:0.6 3.5, p < 0.01) even after adjusting for age, ethnicity, LV mass, and LVEF). Likewise, presence of MetSyn (B = 1.3%, 95%CI:0.3 2.2, p < 0.01) and LV mass (B = 0.02%, 95% CI: 0.01-0.03, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with less longitudinal myocardial shortening as indicated by less negative εLL after adjustment for ethnicity, LVEF, and creatinine. Conclusion: Left ventricular εCC and εLL, markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease, are impaired in asymptomatic individuals with MetSyn and no history of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and/or LVEF < 50%. .

Parâmetros ecocardiográficos de deposição de gordura epicárdica e sua relação com doença arterial coronariana / Echocardiographic parameters of epicardial fat deposition and its relation to coronary artery disease / Parámetros ecocardiográficos de deposición de grasa epicárdica y su relación con la enfermedad arterial coronaria

FUNDAMENTO: Gordura epicárdica tem sido associada com a presença de doença arterial coronariana (DAC) significante. Entretanto, a associação entre infiltração lipomatosa do septo atrial e a infiltração de gordura do ventrículo direito (VD) permanece incerta. Nenhum desses parâmetros foi totalmente estudado em pacientes hispânicos. OBJETIVO: Determinar a associação entre a gordura epicárdica, infiltração lipomatosa do septo atrial e a infiltração de gordura do VD na presença de DAC. MÉTODOS: Duzentos e cinquenta pacientes hispânicos (86 mulheres e 164 homens, média da idade 61,5 ± 8 vs 62 ± 10 respectivamente), submetidos à sua primeira angiografia coronariana invasiva (ACI) foram estudados. No dia seguinte ao ACI, parâmetros de deposição de gordura epicárdica foram avaliados através de ecocardiografia modo 2D. Variáveis clínicas (idade, sexo, antecedentes pessoais do hábito de fumar, hipertensão e diabete melito, bem como a apresentação clínica da DAC) e antropométricas (circunferência da cintura e índice de massa corporal [IMC]) também foram coletadas. RESULTADOS: A gordura epicárdica (OR 1,27 p = 0,009), bem como a infiltração de gordura no VD (OR 2,94 p = 0,027), apresentaram uma associação significante e independente com a presença, mas não com a extensão (p = 0,516) e apresentação clínica (p = 0,153) da DAC. A extensão da deposição da gordura epicárdica mostrou uma associação proporcional e significante (p = 0,001) com a presença de DAC. CONCLUSÃO: A Gordura epicárdica e a infiltração de gordura do VD foram fatores significantes e independentes associados com a presença de DAC, a qual estava proporcionalmente aumentada de acordo com a extensão da deposição de gordura epicárdica.

BACKGROUND: Epicardial fat has been associated to the presence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association of lipomatous infiltration of the atrial septum and fat infiltration of the right ventricle remains uncertain. None of these parameters has been thoroughly studied in Hispanic patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between epicardial fat, lipomatous infiltration of the atrial septum and fat infiltration of the right ventricle with the presence of CAD. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty Hispanic patients (86 women and 164 men, mean age 61.5 ± 8 vs 62 ± 10 respectively), undergoing their first invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were studied. The day after the ICA, parameters of cardiac fat deposition were evaluated using 2D-echocardiography. Clinical (age, sex, personal antecedents of smoking habit, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as clinical presentation of CAD) and anthropometric (waist circumference and body mass index [BMI]) variables were also collected. RESULTS: Epicardial fat (OR 1.27 p = 0.009), as well as fat infiltration of the right ventricle (OR 2.94 p = 0.027), had a significant and independent association with the presence, but not the extent (p = 0.516) and clinical presentation (p = 0.153) of CAD. The extent of epicardial fat deposition showed a proportional and significant association (p = 0.001) with the presence of CAD. CONCLUSION: Epicardial fat and fat infiltration of the right ventricle were both significant and independent factors associated to the presence of CAD, which was proportionally increased according to the extent of cardiac fat deposition.

FUNDAMENTO: La grasa epicárdica ha venido siendo asociada con la presencia de enfermedad arterial coronaria (EAC) significativa. Sin embargo, la asociación entre la infiltración lipomatosa del septo atrial y la infiltración de grasa del ventrículo derecho (VD) permanece como algo indeterminado. Ninguno de esos parámetros fue totalmente estudiado en pacientes hispánicos. OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre la grasa epicárdica, la infiltración lipomatosa del septo atrial y la infiltración de grasa del VD en presencia de EAC. MÉTODOS: Doscientos cincuenta pacientes hispánicos (86 mujeres y 164 hombres, con un promedio de edad entre los 61,5 ± 8 vs y 62 ± 10 años respectivamente), fueron sometidos a su primera angiografía coronaria invasiva (ACI) y se estudiaron. El día posterior a la ACI, los parámetros de deposición de grasa epicárdica fueron evaluados a través de la ecocardiografía bidimensional. Las variables clínicas como la edad, el sexo, antecedentes personales como el hábito de fumar, la hipertensión y la diabetes mellitus, como también la presentación clínica de la EAC, y antropométricas (circunferencia de la cintura e índice de masa corporal [IMC]), también se recolectaron. RESULTADOS: La grasa epicárdica (OR 1,27 p = 0,009), y la infiltración de grasa en el VD (OR 2,94 p = 0,027), presentaron una asociación significativa e independiente con la presencia, pero no con la extensión (p = 0,516) y presentación clínica (p = 0,153) de la EAC. La extensión de la deposición de la grasa epicárdica mostró una asociación proporcional y significativa (p = 0,001) en presencia de EAC. CONCLUSIÓN: La grasa epicárdica y la infiltración de grasa del VD fueron factores significativos e independientes asociados a la presencia de EAC, que estaba proporcionalmente aumentada a tono con la extensión de la deposición de grasa epicárdica.

Persuasão como estratégia para modificar as crenças nos comportamentos de risco para a doença arterial coronariana / Persuasion as a strategy to modify beliefs in risk behaviors related to coronary arterial disease / La persuasión como estrategia para modificar creencias en comportamientos de riesgo para la enfermedad arterial coronaria

Considerando os preceitos da Teoria de Persuasão de Fotheringham e o Sistema de Crenças de Rokeach, buscou-se identificar quanto um material didático pedagógico é capaz de modificar as crenças que favorecem a adoção de comportamentos de prevenção de doença coronariana. Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental cuja amostra foi de 200 sujeitos: 50% do sexo masculino, idade entre 30 e 73 anos; 34% com hipertensão grau I; 75% com 10% risco para DAC; e 34% com níveis aumentados de colesterol total. Foram emitidas 1 297 crenças nos comportamentos de fumar, ingerir bebida alcoólica, ingerir alimentos ricos em gordura em excesso, estresse, não controlar PA, não controlar o diabetes, ingerir sal e açúcar em excesso, não controlar o peso e não realizar atividades físicas. Dessas, 248 eram referentes a comportamentos envolvidos na determinação de escores de risco para desenvolvimento de doença arterial coronariana, assim distribuídas: crenças do tipo B (36,%), D (28%) e E (36%). Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste Mcnemar ou Binomial e o teste x2. Após a exposição ao material didático, foram realizadas duas avaliações (pós-teste 1 e pós-teste 2). Os resultados foram estatisticamente significantes para a maioria dos comportamentos considerados, exceto no comportamento de controlar o diabetes e dosagem de glicemia. O referencial de crenças mostrou-se oportuno para explicar a dificuldade de obter adesão às recomendações terapêuticas e de prevenção, bem como a técnica da persuasão válida por maximizar o impacto dos riscos e influenciar no deslocamento de crenças.

The study aims to identify the extent to which didactic-pedagogic material can modify beliefs favoring the adoption of preventive behavior towards coronary artery disease (CAD). The premises of Fotheringham's Persuasion Theory and Rokeach's Beliefs System were taken into account. It is a quasi-experimental study with a sample of 200 participants, half of whom were men. Participants'age ranged from 30 to 73 years. Thirty four percent of the patients had hypertension level I and 75% had a 10% CAD risk. Total cholesterol levels were increased in 34% of the patients. In all, 1,297 beliefs in several behaviors were produced: smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive intake of high-fat food, stress, not controlling blood pressure, not controlling diabetes, excessive salt and sugar intake, not controlling weight and not exercising; of these, 248 were related to behaviors involved in the assessment of risk scores for coronary artery disease, distributed as follows: Type B (36%), D (28%) and E (36%) beliefs. McNemar's Binomial test and chi-square test were used for data analysis. After exposure to didactic material, two assessments took place (post-test 1 and post-test 2). The results concerning most of the behaviors under analysis were statistically significant, except those for diabetes control and blood glucose measurement. The beliefs reference framework was appropriate to explain the difficulty in achieving adherence to therapeutic and preventive recommendations and the persuasion technique was valid to maximize the impact of risks and influence the displacement of beliefs.

Considerando los preceptos de la Teoría de la Persuasión de Fotheringham y el Sistema de Creencias de Rokeach, se intentó identificar en qué grado un material didáctico pedagógico es capaz de modificar las creencias que favorecen la adopción de comportamientos de prevención de la enfermedad coronaria. Se trata de un estudio casi-experimental cuya muestra incluyó a 200 sujetos, el 50% del sexo masculino, con edad entre 30 y 73 años, el 34% con hipertensión grado I, el 75% con el 10% de riesgo para EAC, el 34% con niveles aumentados de colesterol total. Se emitieron 1297 creencias en los comportamientos de fumar, ingerir bebida alcohólica, ingerir alimentos ricos en grasas, estrés, no controlar PA, no controlar la diabetes, ingerir sal y azúcar en exceso, no controlar el peso y no realizar actividades físicas; entre ellas: 248 se refirieron a comportamientos involucrados en la determinación de scores de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedad arterial coronaria, distribuidas así: creencias tipo B (36%), D (28%) y E (36%). Para el análisis de datos se utilizaron el test Mcnemar o Binomial y el test x2. Tras la exposición al material didáctico se efectuaron dos evaluaciones (post-test 1; post-test 2). Los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos para la mayoría de los comportamientos considerados, excepto para el comportamiento de controlar la diabetes y dosaje de glicemia. El referente de creencias se mostró oportuno para explicar la dificultad para obtener adhesión a las recomendaciones terapéuticas y de prevención y la técnica da persuasión válida por maximizar el impacto de los riesgos e influir en el desplazamiento de creencias.

Apolipoprotein CIII polymorphism and triglyceride levels of a Japanese population living in Southern Brazil

Apolipoprotein CIII (apo-CIII) participates in the regulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism. Several polymorphic sites have been detected within and around the apo-CIII gene. Here, we examined the relationship between apo-CIII SstI polymorphism (CC, CG, GG genotypes) and plasma triglyceride (TG) levels in a group of 159 Japanese individuals living in Southern Brazil. The sample was divided into a group of Japanese descendants (N = 51) with high TG (HTG; >200 mg/dL) and a group of Japanese descendants (N = 108) with normal TG (NTG; <200 mg/dL). TG and total cholesterol levels were analyzed by an enzymatic method using the Labtest-Diagnostic kit and high- and low-density lipoproteins by a direct method using the Labtest-Diagnostic kit and DiaSys Diagnostic System International kit, respectively. A 428-bp sequence of apo-CIII gene was amplified using oligonucleotide primers 5' GGT GAC CGA TGG CTT CAG TTC CCT GA 3' and 5' CAG AAG GTG GAT AGA GCG CTG GCC T 3'. The PCR products were digested with a restriction endonuclease SstI. Rare G allele was highly prevalent in our study population (0.416) compared to Caucasians (0.00-0.11). G allele was almost two times more prevalent in the HTG group compared to the NTG group (P < 0.001). The genotype distribution was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was a significant association between rare G allele and HTG in Japanese individuals living in Southern Brazil as indicated by one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05.