300例高血压前期者脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉硬化改变及相关性

目的 探讨高血压前期人群大动脉顺应性和颈动脉硬化的情况及相关性.方法 分层随机抽取高血压前期、高血压、正常血压各300例作为研究对象.采用动脉硬化诊断装置VP-1000测定肱踝脉搏波传导速度和踝臂指数,多普勒彩色超声观察颈总动脉内膜-中膜厚度以及斑块形成情况,比较三组间差异.比较各血压组合并颈动脉斑块时脉搏波传导速度的变化情况,分析颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度与脉搏波传导速度的相关性.结果 (1)随着血压从正常向高血压转变,肱踝脉搏波传导速度呈上升趋势,高血压前期组(1 390±171 cm/s)较正常血压组(1 293±151 cm/s)升高但低于高血压组(1 652±291 cm/s,P<0.01);踝臂指数高血压前期组(1.115±0.060)与正常血压组(1.114±0.061)相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但在高血压组明显升高(1.132±0.067,P<0.01).(2)颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度增厚率及斑块发生率在高血压前期组与正常血压组相比差异均无统计学意义,但在高血压组显著升高(P<0.01);颈总动脉内膜-中膜厚度在高血压前期组(0.73±0.10mm)与正常血压组(0.72±0.12 mm)相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但在高血压组显著增厚(0.78±0.16 mm,P<0.01).(3)有或无合并颈动脉斑块时,高血压前期组脉搏波传导速度均较正常血压组升高(P<0.01),但低于高血压组(P<0.01);各血压组合并颈动脉斑块时脉搏波传导速度较无颈动脉斑块时均升高(P<0.01).肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈总动脉内膜-中膜厚度呈正相关(r=0.271,P<0.01),校正血压因素后相关性仍存在(r=0.156,P<0.01).结论 高血压前期肱踝脉搏波传导速度显著升高.提示存在早期动脉硬度改变.肱踝脉搏波传导速度与颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度呈正相关,肱踝脉搏波传导速度可作为评估高血压前期动脉硬度有效且简便易行的指标.     

中心动脉压与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度和心肌肥厚的相关性

目的 探讨高血压患者中心动脉压（CAP）与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度、心肌肥厚的相关性。方法 选取2009年1月至2011年10月新疆医科大学第一附属医院高血压科高血压患者314例，对患者进行肱踝脉搏波传导速度（BaPWV）、中心动脉压、颈动脉内膜中膜厚度、室壁厚度检测。按颈动脉内膜中膜厚度值将研究对象分为颈动脉内膜中膜厚度＜0.9 mm组和颈动脉内膜中膜厚度≥0.9 mm组。按是否合并左心室肥厚将研究对象分为不伴左心室肥厚组和伴左心室肥厚组。分别对比两组间BaPWV、CSP（中心动脉收缩压）、CDP（中心动脉舒张压）、CPP（中心动脉脉压）、AP（增强压）、AIx（增强指数）等数值以探讨之间的相关性。结果 BaPWV、CSP、AP、AIx、CPP均与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度、左心室肥厚相关（P<0.05）。结论 BaPWV、CSP、AP、AIx、CPP可能与颈动脉内膜增厚和心肌肥厚有关。     

高血压伴颈动脉粥样硬化患者的心率变异性

目的观察高血压伴内膜中膜厚度增大的患者其心率变异性是否改变。方法105例高血压病患者,男59例,女46例,年龄45~82岁。测定颈动脉内膜中膜厚度及心率变异性分析指标,包括总体标准差、均值标准差、标准差均值、差值的均方根和差值>50 ms的百分比。将内膜中膜厚度≥1.1 mm的患者分为颈动脉内膜增厚组,将内膜中膜厚度<1.1 mm的患者分为颈动脉内膜正常组,比较两组心率变异性分析指标。所有资料采用SPSS10.0统计软件进行分析处理。结果颈动脉内膜增厚组24 h心率总体标准差、均值标准差、标准差均值、差值的均方根和差值>50 ms的百分比分别为61.9±6.9、55.8±6.3、25.4±3.0、17.9±2.7 ms和3.22%±0.77%,颈动脉内膜正常组分别为86.0±8.0、78.2±7.4、34.1±3.5、22.7±3.4 ms和5.18%±1.59%。两组相比,颈动脉内膜增厚组总体标准差和均值标准差显著低于颈动脉内膜正常组(P<0.05),其它指标的差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论高血压伴颈动脉内膜增厚组的患者24 h心率总体标准差和均值标准差降低,可能为交感神经功能受损所致。     

高血压患者动脉硬度指数与颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度、斑块的关系

目的 进一步了解动脉硬度指数(ASI)定量检测动脉硬化程度的可靠性.方法 用YF-1血管硬度测量仪测量87例高血压病人的ASI,并用高频超声测量其颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度(IMT)和斑块.结果 (1)ASI与IMT呈正相关:r=0.395,P<0.01, ASI正常组(0～70)、轻度升高组(71～120)、中度升高组(121～180)和重度升高组(＞180)的IMT值依次为(0.74±0.13)、(0.88±0.12)、(0.94±0.12)和(0.97±0.15)mm,后3组与正常组的IMT比较,差异均有非常显著意义(P＜0.01).(2)0级斑块组ASI值为(120.1±57.7)、1级斑块组ASI值为(124.1±48.3)、2级斑块组ASI值为(158.6±49.8)和3级斑块组ASI值为(204.7±47.0), 2级斑块组和3级斑块组的ASI高于0级斑块组(P<0.01),3级斑块组的ASI高于1级斑块组(P<0.05).结论 ASI是一个较好的检测动脉硬化的指标.其应用价值尚需较大规模临床人群验证.     

大连地区血压、生化指标正常人群颈动脉内膜中膜厚度的影响因素

目的探讨大连地区血压、生化指标正常人群颈动脉内膜中膜厚度的危险因素。方法选取大连地区血压、生化指标正常人群736例。所有研究人群均已测量身高、体重、血压、腰围、臀围,检测空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白、75 g OGTT 2 h血糖、空腹胰岛素、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、血尿酸及血肌酐等指标,计算腰臀比、体质指数、尿白蛋白/肌酐、肌酐清除率、胰岛素抵抗指数及脉压差,应用血管彩色多普勒超声检测患者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度。将入选人群根据颈动脉内膜中膜厚度值分为C1组(颈动脉内膜中膜厚度0.9 mm)、C2组(0.9 mm≤颈动脉内膜中膜厚度1.2 mm)及C3组(颈动脉内膜中膜厚度≥1.2 mm),研究上述各指标与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度的相关关系。结果 (1)三组间在年龄、体质指数、腰围、腰臀比、血尿酸、收缩压及脉压差存在组间差异,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。随着年龄、腰围、血尿酸、收缩压及脉压差的升高,颈动脉内膜中膜厚度有增厚的趋势;而体质指数和腰臀比仅在C3组高于C2和C1组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)男性和女性人群颈动脉内膜中膜厚度均随年龄增加有逐渐增加的趋势,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);在40~50岁组,男性颈动脉内膜中膜厚度高于女性,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),在50~60岁组,女性颈动脉内膜中膜厚度高于男性,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。(3)偏相关分析显示,在控制年龄因素的影响后,无论男性、女性,脉压差、体质指数、腰围、收缩压及血尿酸均与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度呈正相关;单因素Logistic回归分析显示,无论男性、女性,年龄、脉压差均是颈动脉内膜中膜厚度的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论 (1)在血压、生化指标正常人群中,无论男性、女性,颈动脉内膜中膜厚度均随年龄增加有逐渐增加的趋势,男性颈动脉内膜中膜厚度在40~50岁组明显高于女性,女性颈动脉内膜中膜厚度在50~60岁组明显高于女性。(2)增龄和脉压差是颈动脉内膜中膜厚度增厚的独立危险因素。     

高血压患者动脉硬度指数与颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度、斑块的关系

目的进一步了解动脉硬度指数(ASI)定量检测动脉硬化程度的可靠性。方法用YF-1血管硬度测量仪测量87例高血压病人的ASI,并用高频超声测量其颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度(IMT)和斑块。结果(1)ASI与IMT呈正相关:r=0.395,P<0.01,ASI正常组(0～70)、轻度升高组(71～120)、中度升高组(121～180)和重度升高组(>180)的IMT值依次为(0.74±0.13)、(0.88±0.12)、(0.94±0.12)和(0.97±0.15)mm,后3组与正常组的IMT比较,差异均有非常显著意义(P<0.01)。(2)0级斑块组ASI值为(120.1±57.7)、1级斑块组ASI值为(124.1±48.3)、2级斑块组ASI值为(158.6±49.8)和3级斑块组ASI值为(204.7±47.0),2级斑块组和3级斑块组的ASI高于0级斑块组(P<0.01),3级斑块组的ASI高于1级斑块组(P<0.05)。结论ASI是一个较好的检测动脉硬化的指标。其应用价值尚需较大规模临床人群验证。     

血液透析患者颈总动脉僵硬度与无症状性脑梗死的相关性

目的探讨血液透析患者颈总动脉僵硬度与无症状性脑梗死之间的相关关系。方法选取血液透析患者218例,收集患者的临床资料和生物化学数据。超声血管壁跟踪系统测定颈总动脉硬化参数β作为评价颈总动脉僵硬度的指标。血管超声检测颈动脉内膜中膜厚度。颈动脉粥样硬化斑块指数采用Sutton法计算。结果 Pearson相关分析显示,动脉硬化参数β与年龄、透析时间、内膜中膜厚度和斑块指数显著正相关(P<0.05)。多元逐步回归分析显示,脉压(β=0.501,P<0.001)和年龄(β=0.488,P<0.001)是动脉硬化参数β的独立影响因素,内膜中膜厚度和斑块指数为协同影响因素。合并无症状性脑梗死的患者动脉硬化参数β明显高于未合并无症状性脑梗死患者(P<0.001),而两组患者的平均内膜中膜厚度和斑块指数无明显差异。结论合并动脉粥样硬化的血液透析患者颈总动脉僵硬度增加,颈总动脉僵硬度与血液透析患者并发无症状性脑梗死密切相关。     

高血压伴胰岛素抵抗患者非对称性二甲基精氨酸与颈动脉硬化的关系

目的 观察高血压伴胰岛素抵抗患者颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度和斑块的变化,探讨非对称性二甲基精氨酸与胰岛素抵抗及颈动脉粥样硬化的关系.方法 选择原发性高血压患者60例,根据HOMA指数分为伴胰岛素抵抗组35例和无胰岛素抵抗组25例;另选择20例作为正常对照组.测定血清胰岛素、非对称性二甲基精氨酸水平,检测颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度及斑块.结果 高血压伴胰岛素抵抗组颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度高于高血压无胰岛素抵抗组和正常对照组,高血压伴胰岛素抵抗组颈动脉斑块发生率高于正常对照组(P均<0.05);高血压伴胰岛素抵抗组血清非对称性二甲基精氨酸水平显著高于高血压无胰岛素抵抗组和正常对照组,高血压无胰岛素抵抗组血清非对称性二甲基精氨酸水平显著高于正常对照组(P均<0.05);在高血压患者中,直线相关分析显示颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度和血清非对称性二甲基精氨酸均与HOMA指数正相关(r=0.306和r=0.370,P<0.01).血清非对称性二甲基精氨酸与颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度正相关(r=0.381,P<0.01);多元逐步回归显示非对称性二甲基精氨酸是颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度增厚的独立危险因素.结论 血清非对称性二甲基精氨酸水平升高与高血压伴胰岛素抵抗状态下早期动脉粥样硬化的形成有关.     

原发性高血压患者动态动脉硬化指数与颈动脉粥样硬化的相关性

目的 探讨原发性高血压患者动态动脉硬化指数与颈动脉粥样硬化的相关性.方法 124例原发性高血压患者和70例健康对照者,根据颈动脉超声检查,将原发性高血压患者按内膜中膜厚度≥0.9 mm者分为颈动脉硬化组,内膜中膜厚度<0.9 mm者分为无颈动脉硬化组.通过24 h动态血压监测,分析血压参数特点,计算动态动脉硬化指数.结果 原发性高血压患者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度、颈动脉斑块积分明显高于健康对照者(1.178±0.214 mm和0.806±0.356比3.17±2.44 mm和1.02±1.51,P<0.01),原发性高血压患者和健康对照者动态动脉硬化指数值分别为0.56±0.14和0.41±0.12(P<0.01);颈动脉硬化组和无颈动脉硬化组动态动脉硬化指数分别为0.59±0.12和0.50±0.11(P<0. 05) ,动态动脉硬化指数与内膜中膜厚度呈正相关(r=0.325,P<0.01).结论 原发性高血压患者动态动脉硬化指数与颈动脉粥样硬化关系密切.     

血浆小而密低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平与颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度的相关性

目的　评估测定颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度增厚患者小而密低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量的价值。方法　吴江区第一人民医院2012年6月～2013年6月期间在体检中心行颈动脉超声的体检者130例，经颈动脉彩色多普勒超声检查，以颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度≥0.9　mm作为异常标准，分为正常组62例和增厚组68例；检测这些体检者的血浆小而密低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平，并与颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度进行相关性分析。结果　颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度增厚组小而密低密度脂蛋白胆固醇显著高于正常组（43.97±11.35　mg/dL比26.01±7.62　mg/dL,P＜0.001），且增厚组小而密低密度脂蛋白胆固醇与颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度厚度显著正相关　（r0.857,P＜0.001）。结论　小而密低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平对颈总动脉内膜中膜厚度的评价具有价值。     

凌晨血压增高与亚临床动脉粥样硬化密切相关

目的探讨高血压患者凌晨血压增高(MBPS)及动态血压监测参数与颈动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法高血压患者226例,分为MBPS组(51例)与非MBPS组(175例),并根据颈动脉内膜中膜厚度(IMT)分为IMT增厚组94例和非IMT增厚组132例,分别检查血脂、动态血压监测、颈动脉超声等,比较两组之间年龄、动态血压参数以及颈动脉IMT以及斑块Crouse积分的差别。结果1)MBPS组MBPS值、凌晨平均动脉压、凌晨脉压、颈动脉IMT、斑块积分显著高于非MBPS组(P<0.05);2)颈动脉IMT增厚组MBPS值、凌晨平均动脉压、凌晨脉压、24h平均收缩压、24h平均舒张压、白昼平均收缩压、白昼平均舒张压、夜间平均收缩压、夜间平均舒张压显著高于颈动脉非IMT增厚组(P<0.05)。结论MBPS者颈动脉粥样硬化程度较高,MBPS可能促进颈动脉粥样硬化进程。     

高龄老年高血压患者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度与动态血压参数的关系

目的 探讨高龄老年高血压患者颈动脉内膜中膜厚度(IMT)及其与动态血压参数特点相关性的研究.方法 将205例患者根据颈动脉超声检查结果分为3组:对照组为非颈动脉内膜中膜增厚(IMT＜1.0 mm),硬化组颈动脉内膜中膜增厚(1.0 mm＜IMT＜1.2 mm),斑块组为颈动脉内膜中膜增厚合并斑块(IMT≥1.2 mm),应用无创24 h动态血压监测系统记录24 h平均收缩压、24 h平均舒张压、白天平均收缩压、白天平均舒张压、夜间平均收缩压、夜间平均舒张压、24 h脉压及白天脉压、夜间脉压值,记录其中杓型高血压和非杓型高血压的比例和合并冠心病比例.用各组IMT均值与24 h平均收缩压、白天平均收缩压、夜间平均收缩压、24 h脉压、白天脉压、夜间脉压及冠心病发生率作相关分析.结果 斑块组和硬化组24 h平均收缩压、白天平均收缩压、夜间平均收缩压、24 h脉压、白天脉压及夜间脉压均高于对照组(P＜0.05).其中非杓型高血压在对照组中占54.3%,在硬化组占62.9%,斑块组占77.6%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).各组冠心病发生率对照组为42.1%,硬化组为53.1%,斑块组89.5%,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).各组IMT均值与冠心病发生率及24 h平均收缩压、白天平均收缩压、夜间平均收缩压、24 h脉压、白天脉压和夜间脉压均呈正相关(r值分别为r=0.878,r=0.487,r=0.514,r=0.469,=0.448,r=0.492,r=0.435,P＜0.05).结论 高龄老年高血压患者动态血压的平均收缩压升高、平均脉压增大和血压昼夜节律消失是造成颈动脉内膜中膜厚度增厚及斑块形成的重要因素.颈动脉内膜中膜厚度斑块形成与冠心病的发生有良好的相关性.     

Increased platelet activation markers in rheumatoid arthritis: Are they related with subclinical atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular mortality is increased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We evaluated the association of inflammatory response with platelet, endothelial, coagulation activation parameters; and subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients. We included 27 RA patients (21 female; six male) and 19 healthy subjects (14 female; five male). Disease activity score (DAS28) in RA patients was calculated; and patients were divided into two groups as active and inactive. Flow cytometry was used to determine platelet CD62P expression, platelet microparticles (PMP), platelet-monocyte (PMC) and platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNC). Plasma E-selectin, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex, and serum sCD40L levels were determined by ELISA. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries was determined by B-mode ultrasonography. In RA patients, platelet CD62P expression (p < 0.001), PMC (p = 0.037) and sCD40L (p < 0.001) levels were increased when compared to the control group. PNC (p = 0.07) and TAT levels (p = 0.1) were non-significantly higher, and PMP level (p = 0.075) was nonsignificantly lower in RA patients. Soluble E-selectin level was significantly higher in the active RA group than in the inactive RA group (p = 0.009). There was no correlation between carotid IMT and activity markers, the evaluated parameters (p > 0.05).The increase in markers of active platelets, CD62P and sCD40L, and PMC levels might be associated with the increased cardiovascular mortality in RA. Nevertheless, none of these parameters were associated with carotid IMT: this suggests that one cross-sectional value might not be a good marker for atherosclerosis.     

Association of carotid atherosclerosis with genetic polymorphisms of the klotho gene in patients with hypertension

Aim: Previous studies suggest that klotho gene polymorphisms may be associated with atherosclerosis, but did not assess the relationship between klotho gene polymorphisms and atherosclerosis parameters such as carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT). Here, we studied whether klotho single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were associated with carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: All subjects were Japanese. Eight‐hundred and fifty‐three patients with hypertension (465 men and 388 women) in the outpatient clinic and 1783 subjects from the general population (821 men and 962 women) attending health check‐ups were analyzed in the present study. We measured mean IMT of the common carotid artery to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (rs7323281; intron1, rs5644481; exon4, rs3752472; exon3, rs650439; intron4) of klotho were selected as representative SNP in haplotype blocks. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted by confounding factors showed a significant association of rs650439 with carotid atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients (TT vs TA vs AA, P < 0.01; TT + TA vs AA, P < 0.01). By ancova considering confounding factors, rs650439 was also significantly associated with mean IMT (TT + TA vs AA, P = 0.04) in the hypertensive population. However, there was no significant association between klotho SNP and carotid IMT in the general population. Compared to the general population, the subject group with hypertensive patients clearly had more atherosclerosis risk factors. Conclusion: Only in hypertensive patients was klotho rs650439 strongly associated with mean IMT thickening of the common carotid artery. Therefore, klotho SNP (rs650439) may influence on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with hypertension. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010 ; 10: 311–318.     

Carotid enlargement and serum levels of von Willebrand factor in rheumatoid arthritis: a follow-up study

This follow-up study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of von Willebrand factor (vWf) and common carotid intima?Cmedia thickness (IMT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the initial assessment, 34 female rheumatoid arthritis patients and 30 sex- and age-matched controls were included. The relationship among vWf serum levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and inflammation was initially assessed. The effects of these variables on carotid IMT were evaluated 5?years later. There were no significant differences between the RA patients and the controls in terms of IMT at the first evaluation. Five years later, the carotid IMT increased more significantly in RA patients if compared to controls (p?<?0.001). The progression of carotid IMT significantly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r?=?0.368, p?=?0.032) and C-reactive protein (r?=?0.506, p?=?0.002). The progression of carotid IMT did not significantly correlate with vWf serum levels in the RA patients, although, at initial and repeated measurements, it showed statistically higher values of vWF in the RA patients compared to the control group (p?<?0.01). The RA patients displayed accelerated development of atherosclerosis, as indicated by the increased IMT of carotid artery. Increased serum levels of vWF may suggest its potential role in cardiovascular risk prediction in RA patients.     

High red blood cell distribution width is closely associated with risk of carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with hypertension

BACKGROUND:

A high red blood cell distribution width (RDW) may be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and risk of death, and cardiovascular events in people with previous myocardial infarction. Ultrasound detection of carotid plaque helps to identify asymptomatic patients with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis, which can predict risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. However, the relationship of RDW and carotid artery atherosclerosis in hypertensive people is less certain.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between RDW and carotid artery atherosclerosis in people with hypertension.

METHODS:

RDW was determined using a Coulter counter together with white blood cell count in 156 hypertensive inpatients 60 to 85 years of age. Carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) and carotid atherosclerotic plaques were identified by ultrasound imaging. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined using a multichannel analyzer. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured manually.

RESULTS:

The number of patients with carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque, as well as the carotid IMT to inner diameter ratio, were significantly different among the different RDW groups of hypertensive inpatients (P<0.01). With linear regression analysis, increased carotid IMT and higher white blood cell count were identified to be significant and independent contributors to the RDW of hypertensive inpatients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

A close relationship between high RDW and IMT, and the incidence of carotid plaque, was identified in 156 hypertensive inpatients.     

Vascular remodeling of the carotid artery in patients with untreated essential hypertension increases with age.

We examined whether hypertrophy of the carotid artery in patients with untreated essential hypertension is associated with compensatory carotid artery enlargement as these patients age. Carotid ultrasonography was evaluated in 163 patients with untreated essential hypertension (74 males and 89 females) and in 76 normotensive subjects. Intima-media end-diastolic thickness (IMT) and outer vessel diameter (VD) were measured, and relative wall thickness (IMT/R, R=VD/2) and vascular mass (VM) were calculated. Determinants of vascular hypertrophy in patients with untreated essential hypertension were also investigated. VD, VM, and IMT were significantly correlated with age in both the normotensive and hypertensive groups. Additionally, IMT was significantly correlated with VD in both groups. There was no correlation between increasing age and IMT/R in either group. IMT, VD and VM were significantly higher in the hypertensive group >50 years than in age-matched normotensive controls. However, IMT/R was significantly higher in the 50-59 years hypertensive group than in normotensive controls of the same age group. In addition to age, VM was related to systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, fasting blood sugar, IMT, VD, and IMT/R in the hypertensive group. Multivariate regression analysis in the hypertensive group indicated that IMT/R was the strongest predictor of carotid vascular mass. Age and pulse pressure were also independently related to vascular mass. These results indicate that, as patients with untreated hypertension age, carotid arteries undergo remodeling. This should add further impetus to the implementation of appropriate hypertension treatment for such patients.     

Two years of growth hormone replacement therapy in a group of patients with Sheehan’s syndrome

To investigate the effects of GH replacement on lipid profile, carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), glucose metabolism and visceral fat in patients with Sheehan’s syndrome, ten patients, mean age 44.8 ± 9.5 yr, compared with 10 controls matched for age and body mass index were studied. Total cholesterol, Triglycerides (TG), HDL-c, LDL-c, Apolipoprotein A and B (apoA and apoB) and Lipoprotein (a), serum IGF-1, ultrasonography of the carotid arteries, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HOMA insulin resistance index, insulin sensitivity index (ISI)-composite and abdominal CT scan were performed. When compared to a control group, patients presented lower HDL concentrations (p = 0.05) and 2-h OGTT insulin levels (p < 0.04) and increased TG levels (p < 0.04). After 24 months of GH replacement a reduction in the relation ApoB/ApoA (p = 0.04) was observed, as well as an increase in HDL (p < 0.004). A decrease in carotid artery IMT and in visceral fat over time was found, p < 0.03 and p < 0.04 respectively, though without any significant differences during post hoc comparisons of means, which may be explained by the small number of cases studied, but there was a tendency, p = 0.08 and p = 0.09 respectively. The 2-h OGTT insulin levels increased (p < 0.02) as well as the prevalence of glucose intolerance (prevalence = 42.8%, p < 0.05). GH replacement therapy promoted favorable effects on carotid artery IMT, lipid profile and visceral fat in patients with Sheehan’s syndrome. On the other hand, patients developed abnormal glucose tolerance probably due to an increase in insulin resistance, demonstrated by higher insulin levels, despite favorable changes in body composition.     

Elevated plasma phospholipid transfer protein activity is a determinant of carotid intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim/hypothesis The plasma activity of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), which has putative pro- and anti-atherogenic roles in lipoprotein metabolism, is increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analysed the relationship between carotid artery intima–media thickness (IMT), an established marker of atherosclerosis, and PLTP activity in diabetic patients and control subjects. Methods The IMT (mean of three segments in both carotid arteries by ultrasonography), clinical variables, plasma PLTP activity (phospholipid vesicle–HDL system), lipoproteins, C-reactive protein and insulin were measured in 87 non-smoking men and women, who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, no cardiovascular disease, and were not on insulin or lipid-lowering medication, and in 83 age-matched control subjects. Results In diabetic patients, carotid IMT (p=0.02), pulse pressure (p=0.003), plasma PLTP activity (p<0.001), triglycerides (p=0.01), C-reactive protein (p<0.01) and insulin (p<0.001) were higher, whereas HDL cholesterol was lower (p<0.001) than in control subjects. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis demonstrated that in type 2 diabetic patients IMT was independently associated with age (p<0.001), sex (p=0.001), pulse pressure (p=0.003), plasma PLTP activity (p=0.03) and HDL cholesterol (p=0.03), but not with very low density lipoprotein+LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and insulin (all p>0.20). The relationship between plasma PLTP activity and IMT was not significant in control subjects. Conclusions/interpretation Plasma PLTP activity is a positive determinant of IMT in type 2 diabetes mellitus, suggesting that high PLTP activity is involved in accelerated atherosclerosis in this disease.