Common carotid intima-media thickness and von Willebrand factor serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis female patients without cardiovascular risk factors

High atherosclerosis prevalence was found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the von Willebrand factor (vWF) was shown to be a marker for endothelial damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of intima-media thickness of the left common carotid artery with vWF serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients without cardiovascular risk factors. We included 55 RA female patients, each with at least 5 years of duration of the disease, and 20 healthy female subjects as members of the control group. The vWF, cholesterol, triglycerides, and the immune variables—rheumatoid factor and reactive C protein—were evaluated. The media thickness and intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients and in the control subjects were assessed by Doppler ultrasound of the left common carotid artery. Although the ages for RA patients and healthy female controls were not different, the IMT of the left common carotid artery (IMT CCA) in rheumatoid arthritis patients was increased in comparison with healthy control measurements, the mean being 0.67 mm (SD 0.18) vs 0.58 mm (SD 0.10) with a p value 0.01. The vWF serum levels showed differences in RA patients from those in control patients, 145.6 (SD 30.08) vs 121.8 (SD 37.17), respectively, with p=0.007. A correlation was also found between vWF with IMT CCA in the RA patients: r=0.390 and p<0.05. We concluded that the measurements of the left common carotid artery intima-media thickness together with the von Willebrand factor serum levels could give valuable information about the artery status and the atherosclerosis process in early stages in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without cardiovascular risk factors.     

Arterial Wall Changes in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Arterial ultrasonic appearances using high resolution ultrasound were studied in 97 subjects with Type 2 diabetes and age- and sex-matched controls. The intima-media thickness of both common carotid arteries was measured 2 cm proximal to the bifurcation and the presence or absence of plaque on both common and femoral bifurcations was recorded. The mean intima-media thickness in subjects with diabetes was 0.82 ± 0.22 mm while in the controls 0.66 ± 0.13 mm (p < 0.001). Multiple regression in diabetic subjects only showed no correlation between age, sex, body mass index, smoking, duration of diabetes, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, HbA, and the common carotid artery intima-media thickness. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased intima-media thickness which has been found to be a marker of cardiovascular events in the general population.     

Evaluation of Metabolic Syndrome Frequency and Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness as Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate metabolic syndrome (MetS) frequency and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) as risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods A case-control study was conducted on 40 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and 40 age-matched healthy control subjects. Common carotid artery IMT and MetS criteria [according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Expert Panel on Detection, evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP-ATPIII), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the American Heart Association in conjunction with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI)] were evaluated for all study subjects. Results MetS according to NCEP-ATPIII, IDF and AHA/NHLBI criteria was present in 55, 67.5 and 62.5% of NAFLD patients, respectively. The mean IMT was significantly higher in NAFLD patients (0.646 ± 0.091 mm) than control subjects (0.544 ± 0.067 mm), (P < 0.001). Among the vascular risk factors evaluated, the diagnosis of NAFLD and increased body mass index were significant independent predictors of increased IMT. Conclusions As cardiovascular risk factors, both MetS and increased IMT occur frequently among NAFLD patients. Screening for both conditions might be beneficial for assessment of future atherosclerotic complications.     

Structural and functional changes in peripheral vasculature of Fabry patients

Summary Objective: Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder due to deficient α-galactosidase A activity, which leads to glycosphingolipid accumulation especially in vascular smooth-muscle and endothelial cells. Little is known about the effects of Fabry disease on peripheral artery function and structure. Therefore, we aimed to further characterize the peripheral vascular structural and functional changes in Fabry disease. Methods and results: We measured structural and functional vascular parameters, including intima-media thickness (IMT) of brachial and carotid arteries and abdominal aorta, carotid and aortic compliance, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in 17 Fabry patients and 34 healthy controls matched for age, sex and smoking. Carotid IMT (0.64 ± 0.15 vs 0.57 ± 0.12 mm), brachial IMT (1.02 ± 0.25 vs 0.74 ± 0.18 mm), and aortic IMT (0.31 ± 0.09 vs 0.26 ± 0.04 mm) were significantly increased, and brachial FMD was significantly impaired (6.3 ± 5.0 vs 9.7 ± 3.9%) in Fabry patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05 in all comparisons after adjustments for age, LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure). No differences were observed in arterial compliance between the groups. Conclusions: These data suggest that Fabry disease affects arterial function and structure by disturbing peripheral endothelial function and promoting intima-media thickening. Competing interests: None declared     

Comparison of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with stable angina pectoris versus patients with acute coronary syndrome

In this study, we found that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was significantly increased and carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques were detected more frequently in patients who had early-onset coronary artery disease compared with control subjects (0.73 +/- 0.10 vs 0.60 +/- 0.10 mm, p <0.001, and 40% vs 11%, p <0.001, respectively). Further, patients who had coronary artery disease and presented with an acute coronary syndrome were found to have significantly increased carotid IMT compared with patients who had stable angina pectoris (0.76 +/- 0.10 vs 0.70 +/- 0.10 mm, p <0.05). The IMT was greater in the patients who had acute coronary syndrome than in those who had stable angina pectoris.     

A phosphodiesterase inhibitor,cilostazol, prevents the onset of silent brain infarction in Japanese subjects with Type II diabetes

Aims/hypothesis: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, cilostazol, on the prevention of silent brain infarction in diabetic patients without symptoms of vascular events. Methods: A total of 89 subjects were allocated at random to the cilostazol group (n = 43) or the control group (n = 46). Results: After the study period (3.2 ± 0.5 years), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (means ± SD) had increased (p < 0.01) by 0.18 ± 0.19 mm in the control group. In the cilostazol group, intima-media thickness showed almost no change (–0.00 ± 0.16 mm). In the control group, 2 out of 46 subjects showed symptomatic brain infarctions and 10 out of 34 subjects without infarct-like region assessed by standard brain MRI examination showed silent brain infarctions after the observation period. On the other hand, no subjects in the cilostazol group showed silent brain infarction or strokes during the study period. Both at the beginning and end of the study period, the number of infarct-like regions positively correlated with IMT (r = 0.335, p < 0.001 or r = 0.347, p < 0.001 respectively). The progression of infarct-like regions was directly related to the increase in IMT during the study period (r = 0.299, p = 0.004). Conclusion/interpretation: These data demonstrated that cilostazol could prevent the onset of silent brain infarction in Japanese subjects with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Also, an increase in intima-media thickness of the carotid artery wall could be able to predict the onset of silent brain infarction. [Diabetologia (2002) 45: 188–194] Received: 10 July 2001 and in revised form: 3 October 2001     

陈旧性心肌梗死患者颈动脉粥样硬化与危险因素的关系

为探讨陈旧性心肌梗死患者颈动脉粥样硬化情况，对38例陈旧性心肌梗死患者的颈动脉内中膜厚度及斑块进行超声检测，与32例健康者作对照。结果发现，陈旧性心肌梗死患者的颈动脉内中膜厚度、斑块指数及斑块发生率明显高于对照组。多因素回归分析显示，年龄、总胆固醇、收缩压与颈动脉内中膜厚度密切相关。     

Carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance: a systematic review.

AIMS: To review the difference in carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT) between patients with Type 2 diabetes (DM) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and control subjects. METHODS: Systematic reviews were made in order to identify cross-sectional studies using the ultrasound method. The differences between IMT in DM or IGT and control subjects were calculated. Meta-analysis using random-effects modelling was used to calculate summary measures. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies included 24,111 subjects; 4019 with DM and 1110 with IGT. In 20 of 21 studies, the diabetic patients had greater carotid artery IMT than the subjects in the control groups. The estimated mean difference in IMT was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.12-0.14) mm. Heterogeneity was observed and likely sources of variation were study size, diabetes duration, and ultrasound method. In three out of nine studies, the IGT patients had significant greater carotid artery IMT than the subjects in the control groups. The estimated mean difference in IMT was 0.04 (95% CI: 0.014-0.071) mm. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetes was associated with an 0.13 mm increase in IMT compared with control subjects. In patients with IGT, the increase in IMT was about one-third of that observed in diabetes. The observed difference in IMT can be interpreted as if the diabetes patients were more than 10 years older than the control groups, and that the relative risks of myocardial infarction and stroke were increased by almost 40%, respectively.     

The association of early atherosclerosis and retinopathy in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: preliminary report

Recent studies have shown a close correlation between advanced diabetic retinopathy and the late stages of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to analyse the association between diabetic retinopathy and early atherosclerotic changes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We studied 28 adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Eight patients with nonproliferative retinopathy were compared with the remaining 20 patients, and with 11 healthy controls. The function of endothelium was assessed by measuring flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries and adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin). In the group with retinopathy FMD equalled 7.8±4.1% vs. 12.1±5.1% in the control group (p=0.04), and in the group without retinopathy, 7.6±5.5% (p=0.04 compared to controls). Higher IMT was found in all patients with diabetes in comparison with healthy controls: 0.49±0.06 mm vs. 0.42±0.03 mm (p=0.001). Patients with retinopathy had a significantly higher value of IMT in comparison not only with controls but also with patients without complications: 0.56±0.06 mm vs. 0.47±0.03 mm (p=0.0001). Adhesion molecule levels were not changed in patients with retinopathy. Higher IMT was found in adolescents with diabetic retinopathy in comparison with patients without complications, which may suggest that macrovascular changes are more advanced in these patients than in their diabetic peers without retinopathy.     

Divergent association of apolipoprotein E polymorphism with vascular disease in patients with NIDDM and control subjects

We analysed a well-characterized group of 83 patients (43 men, 40 women; mean age ± SEM: 65.5 ± 0.6 years at the 10-year examination) with non-insulin-dependent (Type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and in 123 control subjects (56 men, 67 women; mean age ± 0.9 years) retrospectively for the relationship of apolipoprotein E (apo E) genotypes (E2/3, E3/3 vs E3/4, E4/4) to the incidence of clinical macrovascular disease and its risk factors and the incidence of microvascular complications of diabetes during the first 10 years of NIDDM, as well as carotid intima-media thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound at the 10-year examination. In patients with NIDDM, apo E4 genotype showed no relationship to clinical events or carotid intima-media thickness. However, in the control subjects with apo E4, the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction during the follow-up was increased (apo E4 positivity: 17.1 %; apo E4 negativity 5.1 %; p = 0.035) and they had higher common carotid intima-media thickness than those with apo E2/3 or apo E3/3 (1.15 ± 0.05 mm vs 1.01 ± 0.03 mm, p = 0.008). Apo E genotype groups showed no relationship to microvascular complications of diabetes, although control subjects with apo E4 positivity showed a higher frequency of microalbuminuria than those lacking apo E4. We conclude that apo E4 was a marker of vascular disease and increased atherosclerosis in non-diabetic subjects, whereas in the diabetic patients these relationships were absent. It is likely that NIDDM per se influences the vascular risk so overwhelmingly that the effects of other risk factors are obscured. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

高频超声评价颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变的关系

目的利用高频超声检测颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)、斑块形成情况,并与冠状动脉(冠脉)病变程度的关系进行分析。方法应用ASPEN彩色多普勒超声诊断仪,对428例健康人(对照组)及89例冠心病患者(冠心病组)进行颈动脉IMT、斑块形成的检测。冠心病组患者以冠脉病变支数分为3个亚组。结果冠心病组患者颈动脉IMT为(1.19±0.14)mm,而对照组为(0.92±0.13)mm,(P<0.01);IMT增厚检出率及斑块形成检出率冠心病组为43.21%、74.65%,而对照组为14.49%、34.35%,(P<0.01)。1支冠脉病变组IMT为(1.00±0.014)mm,斑块形成检出率为42.86%;2支冠脉病变组IMT为(1.15±0.018)mm,斑块形成检出率为65.52%;3支及以上冠脉病变组IMT为(1.31±0.018)mm,斑块形成检出率为74.49%,(P<0.01)。结论颈动脉IMT增厚、斑块形成对冠心病具有预测价值;颈动脉IMT增厚、斑块形成与冠脉病变严重程度呈正相关。     

Atherosclerosis in patients with biopsy‐proven giant cell arteritis

Objective

To examine the presence of atherosclerosis in a series of giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients attended to in a community hospital and to determine whether clinical features or steroid therapy might be associated with the development of atherosclerotic disease.

Methods

Forty consecutive patients diagnosed with biopsy‐proven GCA, periodically followed at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of Hospital Xeral‐Calde, Lugo (Spain), who had ended steroid therapy and had at least 3 years of followup were assessed for the presence of atherosclerosis by determination of the carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques using high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasound. Forty matched controls were also studied.

Results

GCA patients exhibited less carotid artery IMT than did matched controls (mean ± SD 1.01 ± 0.16 mm versus 1.13 ± 0.20 mm; P = 0.005; difference in means 0.12, 95% confidence interval 0.04–0.20). Patients who required steroid therapy for >2 years had greater mean ± SD carotid IMT (1.04 ± 0.17 mm versus 0.95 ± 0.15 mm) but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). A positive correlation between age at the time of the study and the carotid artery IMT in GCA patients was observed (r = 0.673, P < 0.001). However, adjusting for age, sex, and classic atherosclerosis risk factors, no significant correlation between carotid IMT and the routine laboratory markers of inflammation assessed at the time of disease diagnosis, disease duration, or cumulative prednisone dose was found.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that atherosclerotic macrovascular disease is not increased in patients with GCA.     

Arterial wall thickening at different sites and its association with left ventricular hypertrophy in newly diagnosed essential hypertension

The impact of hypertension on vascular structure at different arterial sites and the relation of vascular hypertrophy with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in the early stages of essential hypertension are unclear. In 96 newly diagnosed, never-treated, uncomplicated hypertensive subjects aged < 55 years (43 ± 9 years, 68 men, clinic blood pressure 152/99 mm Hg, 24-h blood pressure 135/89 mm Hg), we measured LV mass (M-mode echocardiography) and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid and femoral arteries (high-resolution B-mode ultrasound). The average of 24 carotid and 24 femoral IMT readings (common and internal carotid or common and superficial femoral, right and left side, far and near wall, three sampling points per segment) was analyzed. Carotid and femoral IMT were strongly related to each other (r = 0.77). Subjects with LV hypertrophy (n = 33) had a greater IMT at the carotid (0.84 ± 0.2 v 0.71 ± 0.2 mm, P < .0001) and femoral (0.77 ± 0.1 v 0.64 ± 0.1 mm, P < .0001) level. Carotid IMT showed a positive correlation with LV mass (r = 0.46) and age (r = 0.38), and an inverse one with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r = −0.26). Femoral IMT was associated positively to LV mass (r = 0.50), age (r = 0.33) and triglycerides (r = 0.29), and inversely to HDL-cholesterol (r = −0.33). The association between IMT (both carotid and femoral) and LV mass held after controlling for age and other confounders in a multiple regression analysis. In summary, in the early stages of hypertension arterial wall thickening appears to be a diffuse process, which occurs in parallel at the carotid and femoral level and shows a positive association with LV hypertrophy.     

Carotid intima-media thickness in young patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of early atherosclerotic changes of the carotid arteries in young patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) detected as increased intima-media thickness (IMT), and to determine the relations between IMT and some clinical and blood variables such as lipid and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentration and haemostatic factors. DESIGN: The IMT of the carotid bifurcation, the proximal 1 cm of the internal carotid artery, and the distal 1 cm of the common carotid artery was determined in all subjects using B mode ultrasonography. Blood lipids, fasting glucose, and several haemostatic variables were also analysed. SUBJECTS: 28 patients with FH (12 males and 16 females aged 11 to 27 years, one homozygote, 27 heterozygotes) and 28 sex and age matched normolipidaemic healthy subjects. RESULTS: The mean carotid IMT (the average of six measurements of the maximum far wall IMT in the three carotid segments on each side) was significantly greater in patients with FH than in controls (mean (SD) 0.71 (0.15) v 0.49 (0.08) mm, P < 0.001). In all subjects, the mean IMT was significantly correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.59), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (r = 0.60), triglycerides (r = 0.27), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.47). No correlation was found between the mean IMT and Lp(a), fibrinogen, tissue plasminogen activator, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of young patients with FH have a greater intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries than healthy subjects. Since the individual susceptibility of patients with FH to increased LDL cholesterol is different, B mode ultrasonography could provide a useful tool to identify those who are more likely to develop premature atherosclerotic disease.     

Additional value of carotid artery intima-media thickness in cardiovascular risk assessment by Framingham risk-score in Type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study

Background: The intima–media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery is highly correlated with cardiovascular events in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to undertake a cardiovascular risk assessment in a group of patients (n = 102) who had been followed‐up for 10 years. Methods: Framingham risk score (FRS), IMT, and various other clinical parameters were evaluated retrospectively using Student’s t‐test, regression analysis, and χ² tests. Primary endpoints were defined as cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, angina, and ischemic stroke. Results: The IMT (1.09 ± 0.32 vs 0.89 ± 0.25; P < 0.001) and percentage coronary risk as determined by the FRS (24.33 ± 11.07 vs 16.54 ± 8.35; P = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients presenting with any of the primary endpoints compared with patients in whom no cardiovascular morbidity or mortality was recorded. Other factors that significantly predicted cardiovascular mortality and morbidity included diastolic blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion (UAE; P < 0.001). The likelihood of primary endpoints could be predicted by UAE >30 mg/day, carotid artery IMT ≥0.9 mm, and FRS ≥20 (odds ratios 8.800, 3.377, and 2.807, respectively). Conclusion: Although FRS predicts 10‐year risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in T2DM, we suggest that UAE and carotid artery IMT should also be considered in risk assessments.     

Flow-mediated vasodilation and distensibility in relation to intima-media thickness of large arteries in mild essential hypertension

Whether endothelial dysfunction in essential hypertension is a cause or a consequence of structural vessel wall alterations is not known. The purpose of the present study was to compare flow-mediated vasodilation and mechanical vessel wall properties of large arteries between never treated mild essential hypertensive patients with normal intima-media thickness (IMT) and those exhibiting intima-media thickening. We measured brachial and carotid artery diameter and distension by Doppler frequency analysis of vessel wall movements in M-mode in ten essential hypertensive patients with normal carotid artery IMT (HYP1), in ten patients with increased IMT (HYP2), and in 13 normotensive control subjects (CON).Thereafter, we measured changes in brachial artery (BA) diameters during distal reactive hyperemia after 4 min of forearm occlusion. Nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation was measured to assess endothelium-independent vasodilation, and BA blood flow was estimated using a pulsed Doppler system. Intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries was examined by high resolution B-mode ultrasound. IMT was 0.66 ± 0.02 mm in the HYP1 group, 0.84 ± 0.03 mm in the HYP2 group (P < .01 v HYP1, P < .01 v CON), and 0.71 ± 0.04 mm in the CON group. Forearm occlusion was reduced in both the HYP1 group (3.4% ± 3.6%, P < .01 v CON) and the HYP2 group (6.4% ± 1.5%, P < .05 v CON) when compared with the CON group (16.5% ± 2.8%). Nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation and BA blood flow were not different between study groups. BA distension (as well as carotid artery distension) was significantly lower in the HYP1 group (52 ± 6 μm, P < .05 v CON), but not in the HYP2 group (72 ± 10 μm) when compared with the CON group (88 ± 13 μm). The data suggest that endothelial dysfunction and reduced distensibility of large arteries in patients with essential hypertension occur in the absence of structural vessel wall alterations.     

锡伯族和汉族冠心病患者颈动脉粥样硬化及冠状动脉病变对比分析

目的 对比分析锡伯族、汉族冠心病患者颈动脉粥样硬化及冠状动脉病变情况.方法 对经冠状动脉造影明确的48例锡伯族、57例汉族冠心病患者和50例正常对照者均行颈动脉超声检查,比较各组间颈动脉内膜中膜厚度、斑块的发生率及冠状动脉病变的Gensini积分.结果 锡伯族、汉族冠心病患者内膜中膜厚度及颈动脉斑块的发生率均高于正常对照者(1.1±0.3 mm和1.0±0.1 mm比0.6±0.2 mm、88.3%和77.2%比38.0%,P<0.05),但锡伯族与汉族间比较没有统计学差异(P>0.05);锡伯族患者冠状动脉病变支数少于汉族(1.82±0.24比2.54±0.31, P<0.05),冠状动脉病变的Gensini积分也明显低于汉族(8.23±1.35比15.84±2.68,P<0.05),且冠状动脉病变支数越多,锡伯族、汉族冠心病患者颈动脉粥样硬化程度越重.结论 锡伯族和汉族冠心病患者颈动脉粥样硬化情况均重于正常对照者,但锡伯族和汉族间比较没有统计学意义;锡伯族和汉族冠心病患者冠状动脉病变存在差异,且锡伯族冠心病患者冠状动脉病变严重程度低于汉族;通过颈动脉内膜中膜厚度的程度可预测冠状动脉病变的存在及严重程度.     

Vascular alterations in apolipoprotein A-I amyloidosis (Leu75Pro). A case–control study

Background: Among hereditary amyloidoses, apolipoprotein A-I (APO A-I) amyloidosis (Leu75Pro) is a rare, autosomal dominant condition in which renal, hepatic, and testicular involvement has been demonstrated.

Objective: To investigate vascular structural as well as functional alterations.

Methods: In 131 carriers of the amyloidogenic Leu75Pro APO A-I mutation (mean age 52?+?16 years, 56 women) and in 131 subjects matched for age, sex, body mass index and clinic blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured.

Results: By definition no differences for age, sex, body mass index, and BP were observed. Meanmax IMT (Mmax–IMT) in the common (CC), bifurcation (BIF) and internal (ICA) carotid artery were comparable in the two groups. After adjustment for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and renal function differences between the two groups, a lower meanmax–IMT was observed in APO A-I Leu75Pro mutation carriers than in controls (CC Mmax–IMT 0.87?±?0.21 versus 0.93?±?0.2?mm, p?=?0.07; BIF Mmax–IMT 1.19?±?0.48 versus 1.36?±?0.46?mm, p?=?0.025; ICA Mmax–IMT 0.9?±?0.37 versus 1.02?±?0.35?mm, p?=?0.028). On the other hand, aortic stiffness was significantly greater in patients with APO A-I amyloidosis than controls (PWV 11.5?±?2.9 and 10.7?±?2.3?m/s, p?<?0.05), even after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions: In carriers of the amyloidogenic Leu75Pro APO A-I mutation, a significant increase in arterial stiffness is observed; on the contrary, carotid artery IMT is comparable to that of control subjects. These results may add significant information to the clinical features of this rare genetic disorder.     

可溶性OX40配体与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度的关系

目的 观察冠心病稳定型心绞痛患者及高危因素患者血浆中可溶性OX40配体水平,同时测定颈动脉内膜中膜厚度,分析两者的相关性,进一步探讨可溶性OX40配体与冠心病的关系.方法 采用酶联免疫吸附法测定35例稳定型心绞痛患者、30例高危因素者及20例正常对照者血浆中可溶性OX40配体浓度,同时利用彩色超声仪测量颈动脉内膜中膜厚度.结果 稳定型心绞痛患者血浆可溶性OX40配体水平(24.95±15.60 ng/L)高于正常对照者(16.44±11.31 ng/L;P<0.05);稳定型心绞痛患者和高危因素者的颈动脉内膜中膜厚度高于正常对照者(P<0.05),且与血浆可溶性OX40配体显著正相关(r=0.376,P=0.001).多因素回归分析显示,在控制年龄、血脂及血压影响后,可溶性OX40配体水平对内膜中膜厚度有独立的贡献(P=0.019).结论 冠心病患者可溶性OX40配体水平显著增高,且与颈动脉内膜中膜厚度独立相关,提示可溶性OX40配体可作为判断冠心痛及动脉粥样硬化新的炎症指标.     

Comparison of two diets of varying glycemic index on carotid subclinical atherosclerosis in obese children

Childhood obesity is associated with an increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and stiffness. Increased carotid wall thickening and rigidity are considered markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of two hypocaloric diets of varying glycemic index on weight loss and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in obese children. Seventy consecutive obese children attending the Outpatient Weight Clinic of the Department of Pediatrics were invited to participate in an intensive dietary protocol. Twenty-six accepted and were randomly assigned to two different groups: the first group followed a hypocaloric low-glycemic index diet and the second a hypocaloric high-glycemic index diet. Anthropometric measures and biochemical tests were performed in all children. Quantitative B-mode ultrasound scans were used to measure intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameters of the common carotid artery. Considering both groups together, at 6 months, body mass index decreased from 28.3 ± 3.1 to 25.8 ± 3.3 kg/m², systolic blood pressure from 119 ± 12 to 110 ± 11 mmHg (P< 0.001), diastolic blood pressure from 78 ± 8 to 74 ± 7 mmHg (P< 0.001), IMT from 0.48 ± 0.05 to 0.43 ± 0.07 mm (P< 0.001), stiffness from 3.57 ± 1.04 to 2.98 ± 0.94 mm (P = 0.002), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein from 1.5 ± 0.9 (values log transformed) to 0.4 ± 1.1 (P < 0.001). No differences were detectable in fasting serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Insulin resistance (calculated by the HOmeostatic Model Assessment index [HOMA] score) significantly reduced only in the low-glycemic-index diet group (P < 0.04). In conclusion, this study confirms a benefit of hypocaloric diets on carotid IMT and stiffness in obese children and demonstrates, for the first time, an amelioration of insulin sensitivity in obese children after a low-glycemic index diet. These results justify the advice to obese children to follow a low-glycemic index diet in order to improve their cardiometabolic profile.