A useful predictor of early atherosclerosis in obese children: serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

Childhood obesity seems to contribute to the development of vascular inflammation and the progression of arterial wall changes. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has recently emerged as a useful biomarker for vascular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association of the serum hs-CRP level with ultrasonic findings of early atherosclerosis, carotid intima-media wall thickness (IMT) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in obese children. Thirty eight obese children and 45 sex/age-matched healthy control children were recruited. Serum CRP levels were measured by the high-sensitive latex turbidimetric immunoassay, and we measured carotid IMT and brachial FMD using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Obese children had significantly higher hs-CRP levels (1.40+/-0.74 mg/L vs. 0.55+/-0.49 mg/L, p<0.01), as well as increased IMT (0.52+/-0.09 mm vs. 0.41+/-0.07 mm, p<0.01) and impaired FMD (7.35+/-7.78% vs. 20.34+/-16.81%, p<0.01) compared to healthy controls. Serum hs-CRP correlated positively with IMT (r=0.413, p<0.05) and inversely with FMD (r=-0.350, p<0.05) in the obesity group. Measurement of the serum hs-CRP level is a simple, cheap, and highly reproducible assay and correlates with IMT and FMD in obese children. Thus, it would be a useful marker for evaluating and estimating the degree of atherosclerosis in children.     

H型高血压合并腔隙性脑梗死患者Hcy水平与动脉粥样硬化的关系

目的 观察H型高血压合并腔隙性脑梗死(lacunar infarction,LI,简称腔梗)患者血浆同型半胱氨酸(hyperhomocysteine,Hcy)的水平与颈动脉粥样硬化的关系.方法 对入选的高血压合并腔梗患者,依据Hcy水平分为H型高血压合并腔梗组(Hcy≥10μmol/L,H型高血压组,n=120);普通高血压合并腔梗组(Hcy＜ 10μmol/L,普通高血压组,n =120);选择同期健康体检人群为对照组(n=115).用酶联免疫吸附试验法(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA法)检测各组受试者Hcy的水平,同时检测一般生化指标.采用彩色多普勒超声测定各组受试者颈动脉IMT.结果 H型高血压组的颈动脉IMT水平明显高于普通高血压组及对照组[IMT:H型高血压组(1.37±0.20)比普通高血压组(1.15±0.18)比对照组(0.57 ±0.22) mm,P＜0.001;Hcy:H型高血压组(19.2±3.5)比普通高血压组(9.2±1.4)比对照组(9.0±1.3).μmol/L,P＜0.001];Pearson线性分析结果显示高血压合并腔梗患者的Hcy水平与IMT呈正相关(r=0.413,P＜0.05),H型高血压组相关性更大(r=0.585,P＜0.05).以IMT为因变量进行多元逐步线性回归分析显示,Hcy(β=0.535,P＜0.01)是颈动脉IMT的影响因素.结论 高血压合并腔梗患者血浆Hcy水平升高与颈动脉IMT增厚呈正相关.H型高血压合并腔梗患者颈动脉粥样硬化更显著.     

Intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity in hypertensive adolescents

Increased intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are noninvasive markers of early arterial wall alteration and are more widely used in adult clinical research. We investigated whether IMT and PWV are useful predictors of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive adolescents. Fifteen hypertensive adolescents (13-18 yr old, systolic BP > or = 140 mmHg, diastolic BP > or = 90 mmHg) and seventeen normotensive subjects were included. Height, weight, obesity index, body mass index (BMI), and fat distribution were obtained from each group. Serum lipid, insulin, vitamine B12, folate, renin, aldosterone, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and homocysteine levels were compared. The carotid IMT and PWV were measured. Arterial wall compliance and distensibility were calculated with the equation. High systolic blood pressure significantly correlated with height, weight, BMI, obesity index, arm circumference, fat mass, and fat distribution. Hypertensive adolescents had significantly greater cIMT (carotid intima-media thickness) and lower elastic properties such as cross-sectional compliance and distensibility of the carotid artery. The carotid IMT significantly correlated with brachial-ankle PWV. In conclusion, the measurement of carotid IMT and brachial-ankle PWV might be useful to predict the development of atherosclerosis in hypertensive adolescents.     

冠心病患者动脉粥样硬化与人巨细胞病毒检测结果的相关性分析

目的 观察人巨细胞病毒(HCMV)在冠心病患者动脉粥样硬化发病过程的相关性.方法 选取我院2014年8月至2016年4月心内科收治的动脉粥样硬化患者136例为观察对象,其中冠心病(CHD)患者103例,非CHD患者33例.使用多普勒超声对颈动脉内膜—中层厚度(IMT)进行监测,酶联免疫吸附试验法对血清HCMV-IgM进行检测.结果 HCMV感染组心肌梗死发生几率明显高于非HCMV感染组.HCMV感染组冠状动脉多支病变的发生几率亦显著高于非HCMV感染组.病变过程中HCMV感染和患者颈动脉IMT的相关性发现:HCMV感染患者颈动脉IMT(1.31 ±0.27) mm,非HCMV感染(1.14±0.22)mm,P＜0.05,差异有统计学意义;HCMV感染组的MMP-9以及软斑组织水平明显高于非HCMV感染组.将HCMV感染作因变量,将其他因素作自变量,筛选出3个影响因素,即:颈动脉IMT、MMP-9、软斑组织.结论 冠心病动脉粥样硬化与HCMV感染呈正相关,作为其影响因素可能会增加HCMV感染的几率.     

Cardiovascular reactivity to psychological stress and carotid intima-media thickness in children

The relationship between cardiovascular stress reactivity and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) has been established in adults, but not yet studied in children. Cardiovascular reactivity to an ad lib speech was measured in 20 boys and 20 girls age 11.0 ± 1.4 years. Measures included heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure reactivity, and mean common carotid artery IMT. Sequential regression analyses were used to establish the incremental increase in R ²     for the prediction of IMT due to cardiovascular reactivity independent of age, socioeconomic status, race, percentage body fat, and baseline BP or HR. SBP reactivity (β=0.002,     , p <.05), but not DBP reactivity ( p =.12) or HR reactivity ( p =.82), independently predicted carotid artery IMT. This study provides initial evidence that SBP reactivity is associated with IMT and perhaps the early pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in childhood.     

红斑狼疮患者外周血内皮祖细胞数量与颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度相关性研究

目的探讨系统性红斑狼疮（SLE）患者外周血内皮祖细胞（EPC）与颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度（IMT）的关系。方法连续选入40例SLE患者做为SLE组,超声检测颈动脉IMT按IMT增厚与否分为IMT正常组和IMT增厚组,20名门诊健康体检者为对照组。流式细胞分析计量外周血EPC（CD34和KDR双阳性细胞）;比较各组EPC数量及直线相关分析EPC数量和IMT相关性。结果SLE组外周血EPC数量较对照组显著减少,P〈0.01;同时在SLE组中IMT增厚组EPC数量低于IMT正常组,P〈0.01,且IMT与外周血EPC数量呈负相关（n=40,r=-0.494,P=0.006）。结论SLE患者存在早期动脉粥样硬化,外周血EPC数量降低与颈动脉IMT增加密切相关,外周血EPC数量降低可能是SLE引起早期动脉粥样硬化的重要原因之一。     

Relationships of Differential Leukocyte and Lymphocyte Subpopulations with Carotid Atherosclerosis in Elderly Men

To examine the relationship between systemic immune status and carotid atherosclerosis in elderly men, differential leukocyte counts and lymphocyte subpopulations were measured in 557 apparently healthy Japanese men aged 60-75 years. Each individual also underwent high-resolution ultrasonography for measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries. The increased numbers of circulating lymphocyte subpopulations, including memory T cells (CD4+CD45RO+T cells) and late-phase activated B cells (CD19+CD80+B cells) correlated significantly and positively with the mean IMT of the common carotid artery after adjustment for age, smoking, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The positive associations of CD19+CD80+B and CD4+CD45RO+ T cell counts with mean IMT were more evident among nonsmokers, hypertensives, and men with lower HDL-cholesterol levels. The present epidemiological study provided the evidence that alterations in lymphocyte subpopulations, in particular memory T cells and late-phase activated B cells concur with carotid atherosclerosis among free-living elderly men.     

Serum lipids and blood pressure in relation to age and sexual maturity.

This study was designed to examine serum lipid profile and blood pressure in relation to age and sexual maturity. Written informed consent to participate was obtained from 42% of the eligible population of two Devon communities. The blood pressure of 343 boys and 336 girls, aged 11-16 years, was recorded and sufficient blood for analysis was obtained from 320 boys and 301 girls. Of these, sexual maturity of 221 boys and 209 girls was visually assessed using the indices developed by Tanner. In girls there was a significant (p less than 0.05) correlation between age and serum triglyceride level (r = 0.16) and in boys both serum cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were significantly (p less than 0.01) and negatively correlated with age (r = -0.25 and -0.18 respectively). Girls had significantly higher (p less than 0.05) levels of HDL-cholesterol than boys but neither sex demonstrated significant changes (p greater than 0.05) in serum lipids or lipoproteins with sexual maturity. No significant differences (p greater than 0.05) were detected between the mean diastolic blood pressures of boys and girls but older boys had significantly higher (p less than 0.05) systolic blood pressures than similarly aged girls. Age was positively and significantly correlated (p less than 0.01) with blood pressure in both boys (systolic, r = 0.49; diastolic, r = 0.30) and girls (systolic, r = 0.28; diastolic, r = 0.29). More mature children were demonstrated to have both higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures than less mature children (p less than 0.05) but when allowance was made for school year group through analysis of co-variance the relationship for diastolic blood pressure in boys no longer remained significant. Blood pressures observed in this study do not raise general cause for concern but the data indicate that unfavourable serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles are common.     

Somatotype and blood pressure of rural South African children aged 6-13 years: Ellisras longitudinal growth and health study

BACKGROUND: Physique has been useful in assessing the outcome of underlying growth and maturity processes, which leads to a better understanding of variation in child and adult health. However, a high endomorphy rating has been associated with hypertension in adults, posing a serious threat to their health status, while receiving little attention in children. AIM: The study examined the association between somatotypes, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) in 6-13-year-old rural children, in Ellisras, South Africa. SUBJECTS: A total of 1902 subjects (980 boys and 922 girls) aged 6-13 years were studied as part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. Height, weight, four skinfold sites, two breadths, and two girths were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The Heath-Carter method of somatotyping was used, together with internationally recommended cut-off points for BMI in children. Hypertension, defined as the average of three separate BP readings, where the systolic or diastolic BP is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex, was determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 1 to 5.8% in boys and 3.4-11.4% in girls. The prevalence of overweight ranges from 1.1 to 2.9% in boys and 0.6-4.6% in girls. Systolic BP and BMI showed a significant positive correlation at age 6 years (r = 0.436) and 10-13 years (r = 0.180-0.246 in boys and r = 0.221-0.271 in girls). Diastolic BP showed an insignificant correlation with the BMI and somatotype components in boys and girls. CONCLUSION: A significant association exists between BP and BMI, and ectomorphy components even after being adjusted for age, gender and height. The need to manage hypertensive individuals is evident in this sample to combat this chronic disease from an early age. Follow-up studies should investigate the relationship between BP and the dietary intake of these children.     

Sleep apnoea inducing hypoxemia is associated with early signs of carotid atherosclerosis in males

The intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries as a marker of preclinical atherosclerosis was measured by ultrasonography in 49 subjects to determine, how strongly the obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome is associated with atherosclerosis. Maximal IMT was higher in patients with cardiovascular diseases and with or without risk factors of atherosclerosis, presenting also OSA (apnoea-hypopnoea index=26.1+/-15.6/h) compared to controls without OSA (0.91+/-0.21 mm versus 0.77+/-0.18 mm, p<0.05). The prevalence of IMT > or = 0.85 mm was also higher in patients with cardiovascular pathology presenting OSA than without it (p<0.05). IMT(max) was increased in subjects with mild to moderate OSA alone (AHI=20.4+/-8.7/h) versus healthy controls (0.83+/-0.14 mm versus 0.63+/-0.08 mm, p<0.01). Regression analysis revealed a correlation of IMT(max) with the frequency, intensity and duration of intermittent hypoxemia reflected by AHI (p<0.01), minimal oxygen saturation (p<0.01) and time spent with Sa(O2) < 90% (p<0.05) in patients presenting OSA. The results indicate clear association between early signs of carotid atherosclerosis and moderate OSA in males with and without concomitant cardiovascular pathology.     

Carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Aim of the study was to explore the correlation between the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and the evolution of cognitive impairment in 66 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). They underwent cognitive status evaluation and ultrasonography (US) to investigate carotid arteries intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque index (PI). After a 12-month follow-up period, neuropsychological and US examinations were repeated to assess the progression of carotid atherosclerosis and of cognitive decline [in terms of changes in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores]. MMSE score changes were related to baseline IMT (p=0.018), changes in IMT (p<0.001) and PI (p=0.006), and "antihypertensive drug intake" (p<0.001). While the first three variables correlated with increased cognitive impairment, the last one was associated with a reduced extent of MMSE score decline. Results show a link between progression of carotid wall changes and of cognitive decline, and suggest a possible protective role of antihypertensive therapy. Given the potential clinical implications, our preliminary findings could stimulate further investigations into the role of vascular impairment in patients with AD.     

Carotid Intima-media thickness in childhood and adolescent obesity relations to abdominal obesity,high triglyceride level and insulin resistance

Aim: To investigate risk factors which impact on common carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT).Methods: A total of 86 obese children and adolescents and 22 healthy children and adolescents with normal weight were enrolled. Moreover, 23 of 86 obese children and adolescents were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The clinical, biochemical data and the IMT of the common carotid artery were measured in all subjects.Results: Obese and obese with MetS subjects demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.01) thicker intima media (0.69mm, 0.66mm) as compared to the control group (0.38mm), but there was no significant difference of IMT between obese and MetS group. IMT was correlated to body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and fatty liver. Waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, triglyceride and homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were independent determinants of mean IMT level.Conclusion: Obesity especially abdominal obesity, high TG and insulin resistance may be the main risk predictors of increased IMT.     

原发性高血压成人尿钠排泄量与颈动脉硬化及血基质金属蛋白酶9的关系

目的探讨原发性高血压成人尿钠排泄量与颈动脉粥样硬化及血基质金属蛋白酶9的关系。方法选择成人原发性高血压117例,通过24h尿钠排泄量测定钠盐摄入量,将人选人群分为低盐组（n=30）,低中盐组（n=28）,中高盐组（n=27）,高盐组（n=32）。测量颈动脉内膜中层厚度（IMT）值,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测血基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）水平。用多元逐步线性回归分析法分析24h尿钠排泄量、年龄、性别、血压、脉率、BMI、胆固醇、三酰甘油、血糖对IMT值的影响。对MMP-9与尿钠排泄量及IMT值进行相关性分析。结果4组患者的收缩压、舒张压、IMT值,随24h尿钠排泄量的增加而增高（P〈0．05）。多元逐步线性回归分析结果显示24h尿钠排泄量增高是IMT增加的独立危险因素（回归系数0．021,P〈0．05）。MMP-9与尿钠排泄量存在正相关性（r=0．33,P〈0．05）。结论高血压患者高钠饮食可能有独立于血压之外的影响,促进动脉粥样硬化的形成。MMP。9的活性可能发挥了作用。     

多囊卵巢综合征患者脂联素和C一反应蛋白与颈动脉内膜中层厚度的关系

目的观察多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者血清脂联素(APN)水平和C一反应蛋白(CRP)浓度与颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)的关系,探讨PCOS患者是否存在早期动脉粥样硬化。方法选择我院PCOS患者51例作为研究对象,分为肥胖组与非肥胖组,同期选择非PCOS患者50例作为对照,测定血清APN水平和CRP浓度及内分泌代谢指标,同时采用彩色多普勒显像仪测量颈总动脉IMT。结果 PCOS肥胖组及非肥胖组血清APN水平低于对照组(P<0.05),CRP浓度、颈动脉IMT均明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。PCOS肥胖组血清APN水平低于非肥胖组(P<0.05);PCOS肥胖组血清CRP浓度、IMT高于非肥胖组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。相关分析显示PCOS组APN与CRP,IMT、HOMA-IR均有显著的负相关(P<0.05或P<0.01)。CRP与IMT、HOMA-IR具有显著的正相关(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论 PCOS患者尤其伴有肥胖者血清脂联素水平降低,CRP浓度升高,胰岛素抵抗增加,IMT增加,可能存在早期动脉粥样硬化。炎症反应可能参与了PCOS患者尤其伴有肥胖者早期动脉粥样硬化的发生发展。     

Intima-media thickness in treated and untreated patients with and without familial hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism leading to premature atherosclerosis. From early onset, status and progression of atherosclerosis of the large peripheral arterial walls can be quantified by ultrasound intima-media thickness (IMT) measurements. Here we describe differences in IMT in treated and untreated FH patients versus unaffected controls over a broad age range. We conducted a systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Trials.gov up to April 2020 for studies addressing IMT in FH patients and controls. Our search yielded 558 articles of which 42 (6,143 participants) were included. Meta-analysis showed a mean (95%CI) difference between FH patients vs controls of 0.11 (95%CI 0.06-0.15) mm in carotid IMT (p<0.001), and 0.47 (0.19-0.74) mm in femoral IMT (p <0.001). We found a smaller mean (95%CI) difference in carotid IMT in treated FH patients vs controls: 0.05 (0.03-0.08) mm (p <0.001), than in untreated FH patients vs controls 0.12 (0.03-0.21) mm (p=0.009). When plotted against age, the mean (95%CI) difference in carotid IMT between FH patients vs controls increases with 0.0018 (-0.0007-0.0042) mm/year. This increase was smaller in treated vs untreated FH patients, when compared to controls (0.0023 (0.0021 to 0.0025) mm/year vs 0.0104 (0.0100-0.0108) mm/year, respectively). Our findings suggest that more robust earlier treatment initiation and achieving treatment targets could be beneficial to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with FH.     

Relationship of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism to carotid wall thickness in middle-aged men

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a major determinant of circulating ACE levels. The D allele has been suggested to be a potent risk factor for coronary artery disease; however, the effect of the ACE gene on carotid atherosclerosis remains controversial. We therefore studied the relationship between the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). A random sample of 300 men aged 50-59 years living in southern Finland were selected, and 233 agreed to participate (74%). Data were collected in 219 subjects. Quantitative B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure the maximum near and far wall IMT of right and left common, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery. The mean maximum IMT (overall mean) was calculated as the mean of 12 maximum IMTs at 12 standard sites. Patients with an IMT higher than 1.7 mm in at least one of 12 standard sites were assumed to have carotid atherosclerosis. The I/D polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Overestimation of the frequency of the DD genotype was eliminated by insertion-specific primer and the inclusion of 5% dimethylsulfoxide. No significant differences were found in carotid wall thickness between the three genotypes; the overall mean IMT were 1.18 +/- 0.30, 1.22 +/- 0.24, and 1.08 +/- 0.40 mm in genotypes of II, ID, and DD, respectively. Similarly, the ACE genotypes and allele frequencies did not differ significantly between the subjects with and those without carotid atherosclerosis. There was no association in the subgroups among only nonsmoking subjects or subjects without chronic medication. The present data indicate that the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene is not related to carotid IMT and is unlikely to play a major role in carotid atherosclerosis.     

社会支持对农村留守儿童问题行为的影响:希望感的中介作用

目的:探讨希望感在社会支持对留守儿童问题行为影响中的中介作用。方法:采用长处和困难问卷、领悟社会支持问卷与希望感量表对1238名11~17岁留守儿童进行问卷调查,其中男生547人,女生691人。结果:(1)独立样本t检验显示,农村留守儿童的希望感、内化问题行为和亲社会行为均存在显著的性别差异(t=2.682,-3.228,-3.310;P0.01);(2)相关分析显示,社会支持与外化问题行为(r=-0.202,P0.01)和内化问题行为(r=-0.125,P0.01)呈显著负相关,与希望感(r=0.510,P0.01)、亲社会行为(r=0.370,P0.01)呈显著正相关,希望感与外化问题行为呈显著负相关(r=-0.138,P0.01),与亲社会行为呈显著正相关(r=0.366,P0.01);(3)多元线性回归分析对中介效应的检验表明,希望感在社会支持与外化问题行为、亲社会行为之间均起部分中介效应,中介效应分别占总效应的11.1%、32.3%。结论:农村留守儿童社会支持、问题行为、希望感三者关系密切,且希望感在社会支持和外化问题行为、亲社会行为之间起中介作用。     

留守儿童的安全感与应对方式及其关系

目的探讨初中阶段留守儿童安全感与应对方式的特点及两者之间的关系,为留守儿童心理健康教育提供科学依据。方法采用修订后的马斯洛安全感-不安全感问卷和中学生应对方式量表对493名农村初中生进行测查。结果①初二和初三年级留守儿童的人际信任感明显高于初一(F=3.15,P<0.05),男生的自信感水平高于女生(t=2.71,P<0.01),但指向问题的应对得分上显著低于女生(t=-2.94,P<0.01);②除情绪安全感外,留守儿童的安全感及其他因子与指向问题的应对呈显著正相关(r=0.26,0.26,0.29;P<0.01),安全感及各因子与指向情绪的应对呈显著负相关(r=-0.35,-0.15,-0.14,-0.30;P<0.01);③人际安全感能正向预测指向问题的应对(t=5.67,P<0.01),情绪安全感能负向预测指向情绪的应对(t=-5.53,P<0.01)。结论留守儿童的安全感与应对方式之间的关系密切。     

Coronary artery calcification, common carotid artery intima-media thickness and aortic pulse wave velocity in patients on peritoneal dialysis

An increasing body of evidence suggests that atherosclerosis in patients with uremia differs from that found in general population in terms of advancement and localization of vascular lesions. It has also been suggested that different non-invasive techniques of vascular system evaluation are designed to show different types of lesions (i.e. vascular calcification, stiffness or 'classical' atherosclerosis). The aim of the study was to search for possible associations between results obtained with three different non-invasive methods of vascular system assessment in three different vascular sites in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). 61 patients (28 F, 33 M), mean age of 50.4+/-13.6 years, on maintenance PD for a median period of 10 months (range 1-96 months) were included. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was present in 21 subjects. In all subjects coronary artery calcification score (CaSc) using multi-row spiral computed tomography (MSCT), aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV) and ultrasound-based common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were performed as methods for assessing coronary calcium burden, arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, respectively. Median value of CaSc equaled 11.5 Agatston units (range 0-5502.8 units). Median AoPWV was 10.4 m/s (range 7.56-18.1 m/s), and median CCA-IMT-0.6 mm (range 0.3-1.0 mm). In 16 patients (26.2%) at least one plaque in at least one common carotid artery was found on ultrasound. CaSc correlated with AoPWV (R=0.32, p<0.01) and with CCA-IMT (R=0.35, p<0.005), whereas no association was found between AoPWV and CCA-IMT. AoPWV, but not CaSc nor IMT correlated with blood pressure. The values of CCA-IMT and AoPWV increased together with consecutive Agatston categories (with p<0.001 for differences in AoPWV and p<0.05 for CCA-IMT). Patients with at least one plaque found in at least one CCA and patients with CAD were characterized with significantly higher values of CaSc, IMT and PWV, when compared to plaque-free and CAD- negative subjects, respectively. Association between CaSc and both IMT and PWV may suggest that the mechanism of three assessed vascular pathologies may be based, to some extent, on the process of pathologic calcium-phosphate deposition. Lack of correlation found between PWV and IMT may suggest that aortic stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis may partially differ in their pathologic background and/or are dissociated in time.     

A higher burden of small low-density lipoprotein particles is associated with profound changes in the free androgen index in male adolescents

From a young age, males are at higher cardiovascular risk than females. Dyslipidemia, including a higher burden related to small low-density lipoproteins (LDL), plays an important role in precipitating atherosclerosis in both males and females. We investigated sex differences in atherogenic lipoprotein burden and the independent predictors of LDL particle size in children and adolescents. We measured the concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL particle size in 135 children and adolescents (67 boys, 68 girls). The free androgen index was significantly and negatively correlated with LDL particle size (r = -0.273, P = 0.026) in boys, but estrogen and LDL particle size were not related. In a stepwise multiple regression analysis adjusted for body mass index, age, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, free androgen index was still an independent predictor of LDL particle size in boys (R(2) = 0.075, P = 0.026). The prominent decrease in LDL particle size along with increased testosterone concentrations in males might explain why they are more likely to display atherogenic dyslipidemia from adolescence.