Markers of inflammation and fibrosis are related to cardiovascular damage in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with an increased susceptibility to develop cardiovascular damage (CD). Experimental evidence indicates that inflammation and fibrosis could play a critical role in the development of CD in hypertension. This issue has not been clarified yet in patients with MS. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between markers of inflammation and fibrosis with CD in hypertensive patients with and without MS. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight essential hypertensive patients were included in the study: 51 with MS and 77 without MS. Clinical, biochemical parameters, 24-h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and procollagen type 1 carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) were measured. All patients underwent an echocardiographic examination with transmitral Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). RESULTS: Left ventricular mass indexed by height(2.7) (LVM/h(2.7)) (P < .001), early diastolic peak flow velocity/early myocardial diastolic velocity ratio (E/Em ratio), a TDI index of diastolic function (P < .001), and 24-h UAER (P < .05) were significantly higher in the group with MS, whereas peak myocardial systolic velocity (Sm), a TDI index of systolic function (P < .001), was lower. Serum levels of CRP (P < .001), TNF-alpha (P < .05), TGF-beta (P < .01), and PICP (P < .001) were significantly increased in MS. These markers were significantly related to higher LVMI(2.7), higher E/Em ratio, and increased 24-h UAER and a lower Sm in the whole population, with a further significant enhancement in MS. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular damage is more frequent in hypertensives with MS than in hypertensives without MS, and this is significantly related to the increased levels of inflammation and fibrosis found in hypertensives with MS.     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with clinically advanced peripheral vascular disease

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among 100 patients with progressive peripheral arterial disease (PAD) referred for diagnostic angiography in preparation for a revascularization procedure. The prevalence of MetS was more than 95%. Diabetes mellitus was the most prevalent component followed by hypertension and low high-density lipoprotein. Almost half the patients aggregated in the highest metabolic score category. A direct relationship was identified between the number of MetS components and serum uric acid (P = .001) and C-reactive protein (P = .826), whereas an inverse relationship was seen between the clustering of components and androgen levels in men (P < .001). For PAD, which could have a benign clinical course, early screening for MetS might identify those at greater risk of failing conservative therapy and progressing to a more aggressive atherosclerotic disease typically associated with high morbidity and mortality.     

冠心病患者炎性标志物的检测水平及意义

目的:探讨血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)和可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)在冠心病(CHD)发病机制中的意义。方法:采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA),检测86例CHD患者TNF-α、IL-8和sICAM-1水平,并与30例正常对照者进行比较。结果:CHD患者TNF-α、IL-8和sICAM-1水平显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01),急性心肌梗死患者和不稳定型心绞痛患者TNF-α、IL-8和sICAM-1水平显著高于稳定型心绞痛患者(P<0.01)。结论:TNF-α、IL-8和sICAM-1可能参与了CHD的发病过程,且与病变稳定性有关。     

冠心病炎性标志物检测的意义

目的 :探讨不同类型冠心病患者可溶性E 选择素 (SES)、C 反应蛋白 (CRP)的变化及其临床意义。方法 :将 81例患者按临床诊断分为 4组 :急性心肌梗死 (AMI)组 17例 ,不稳定型心绞痛 (UAP)组 2 4例 ,稳定型心绞痛 (SAP)组 2 0例和对照组 2 0例。分别检测各组患者SES及CRP水平 ,对冠心病患者的冠状动脉损害行Gensini评分 ,并比较各组间的差异。结果 :①AMI组、UAP组及SAP组的SES、CRP水平高于对照组 ;②AMI组、UA组SES及CRP水平与SAP组相比 ,其值明显增加 ;AMI组和UAP组SES水平相近 ,AMI组CRP高于UA组 ;③冠状动脉多支病变组SES、CRP的含量高于单支病变组。随着冠状动脉病变Gensini评分的增加 ,SES、CRP升高越明显。结论 :SES、CRP是冠心病病情监测和评价粥样斑块不稳定性的非侵入性指标 ;它们的升高程度与冠状动脉病变程度有良好的相关性     

High prevalence of aspirin resistance in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome

Objective Metabolic syndrome is known to be a prothrombotic state. We undertook this study to examine a hypothesis that aspirin resistance may be associated with metabolic syndrome, and to assess other potential determinants of aspirin resistance in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods A total of 469 elderly patients with CVD were recruited. One hundred and seventy-two patients with metabolic syndrome and 297 without metabolic syndrome (control group) received daily aspirin therapy (≥ 75 mg) over one month. Platelet aggregation was measured by light transmission aggregometry (LTA). Aspirin resistance was defined as ≥ 20% arachidonic acid (AA)- and ≥ 70% adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ADP-induced aggregation according to LTA. Aspirin semi-responders were defined as meeting one (but not both) of these criteria. Results By LTA, 38 of 469 (8.1%) patients were aspirin resistant. The prevalence of aspirin resistance was higher in the metabolic syndrome group compared with the control group [11.6 % vs. 6.6%, odds ratio (OR) = 2.039; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.047–3.973]. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, metabolic syndrome (OR = 4.951, 95% CI = 1.440–17.019, P = 0.011) was a significant risk factor for aspirin resistance. Conclusions A significant number of patients with CVD and metabolic syndrome are resistant to aspirin therapy. This might further increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these patients.     

High prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

The objective of this work is to investigate the occurrence of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients (pts). Twenty-four consecutive AS pts (men, 87.5%; median age, 50.5 years; median disease duration, 16.5 years), fulfilling the modified 1984 New York criteria for AS criteria, and 19 age- and sex-matched controls were investigated. Clinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by physical examination for cardiovascular (CV) diseases and history or drug use for CV events. Subclinical atherosclerosis was detected by mean intima media thickness (a-IMT) and maximum IMT (max-IMT) of carotid arteries using ultrasonography. Laboratory investigations including fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides were assessed by standard methods, while homocysteine was assessed by chemiluminescence. MetS was assessed using the updated NCEP-ATP III criteria. Disease activity was defined according to the International Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment Study criteria. The 10-year CV risk (%) profile was evaluated in agreement to the Progetto Cuore criteria. No major CV event was detected in the study population. No significant differences were found when AS pts and controls were compared according to the mean a-IMT (0.52±0.26 vs 0.51±0.13 mm), max-IMT (0.92±0.20 vs 0.85±0.39 mm), prevalence of abnormal max-IMT >1 mm (27.2 vs 5.3%), and 10-year CV risk (9.9±9.6 vs 3.6±1.8%). Systolic blood pressure (p=0.04), triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio (p=0.002), and LDL cholesterol (p=0.03) were found significantly higher in AS pts than in controls; on the contrary, HDL cholesterol was pointed out as significantly lower (p<0.001). MetS was found in 11/24 (45.8%) AS pts and in 2/19 (10.5%) controls (p=0.019). No significant relationship emerged in MetS prevalence among AS pts regarding the mean value of age, disease duration, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and the Italian version of Health Assessment Questionnaire. This preliminary report points out a higher prevalence of MetS in AS pts than in controls. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.     

Profile and prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome

Objective Aspirin has been used extensively in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease,particularly for subjects at high risk such as metabolic syndrome.However,the responsiveness to aspirin treatment may vary among individuals.The present study was conducted to investigate the profile and prevalence of aspirin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome.Methods In 221 consecutive patients,platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (0.5mg/ml) was assessed after 10 days of aspirin treatment (200mg/d).Aspirin resistance was defined as mean optical platelet aggregation =20%.Results Aspirin resistance occurred in 39 patients (17.6%).Serum fibrinogen level was higher in patients with than in those without aspirin resistance (2.6_+0.4g/l vs 2.4±0.4g/L,P=0.017).The 2 groups,aspirin resistance group and no aspirin resistance group,did not differ significantly,with regard to gender,age,body mass index,waist-hip ratio,blood pressure level,serum cholesterol level and history of myocardial or cerebral infarction.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only serum fibrinogen level entered the model (odds ratio 2.973,p=0.023).Subgroup analysis further showed that aspirin resistance occurred more in male patients with myocardial infarction (50% vs14.5%,P=0.02) and in female patients with diastolic blood pressure=85mmHg (34% vs 15.5%,P=0.043).But after multifactor logistic regression,in women blood pressure=85mmHg was not a predictor any more.Conclusions In patients with metabolic syndrome,aspirin resistance is not uncommon,especially for men with history of myocardial infarction.Patients with aspirin resistance have an increased serum fibrinogen level.(J Geriatr Cardio12008;5:7-10)     

Peripheral vascular disease: prevalence, mortality and relationship with inflammation in hemodialysis

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common disease among patients undergoing hemodialysis leading to increase morbidity and mortality with a high risk of inflammation and sepsis. The aim of the present study was to determinate PVD prevalence in our hemodialysis population and association with inflammation. The study sample consisted of 220 patients prevalents in hemodialysis. A basal study was made in 2001 and a follow up for 47 months. Data were collected retrospectively. PVD diagnosis was made attending to limb pulses and doppler in revisions. Diagnosis was classified as rest pain, ischemic ulceration and gangrene. Among a total of 220 patients, 89 had prevalent PVD. Thirty per cent had rest pain, 6,5% had ischemic ulceration and 3% had gangrene. Ninety five per cent underwent medical treatment, 0,5% were treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), 2% were treated with surgical revascularization and 2,5% were treated with amputation. Patients with PVD were older, with higher Charlson index, diabetes, they hay higher CRP and fibrinogen serum levels; and lower albumin and prealbumine serum levels. Survival PVD was decreased in Kaplan-Meier (log rank =12,4; p<0,000). Adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that PVD (p =0,034; OR =2,10; IC [1,06 ; 4,23]) ; age (p =0,001; OR =1,06; IC [1,03 ; 1,09]) and low serum albumin levels (p =0,012; OR =0,93; IC [0,89 ; 0,98]) predicted significantly the risk of mortality. PVD is an independent mortality risk factor in hemodialysis patients. An early diagnosis and treatment are able with examination and doppler. In our sample, a few patients are treated with PTA or surgical revascularization. There is an association between PVD and inflammation.     

Microalbuminuria accounts for the increased vascular disease risk in diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the metabolic syndrome on vascular disease risk in patients with type-2 diabetes. A prospective cohort study was carried out. The main dependent variable was the combination of coronary disease, stroke and lower leg amputation. Cox regression modeling was used. In total, 317 patients were followed for a mean of 7.7 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 87%. Multivariate analysis identified the following as predictors of incident vascular disease: age (relative risk [RR] =1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.1; P=.0003), baseline cardiovascular disease (RR=1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0; P=.017), and the simultaneous presence of four metabolic risk factors (RR=5.8; 95% CI, 1.8-18; P=.003). The most predictive factor was microalbuminuria (chi2=5.9; P=.015). Microalbuminuria accounts for the increased risk of vascular disease in patients with metabolic syndrome. In evaluating vascular disease risk in patients with type-2 diabetes, it is more important to consider the total number of metabolic risk factors than the presence of metabolic syndrome alone.     

乌鲁木齐地区脂肪肝发病率及非酒精性脂肪肝与代谢综合征的关系

目的了解乌鲁木齐地区机关汉族成人非酒精性脂肪肝及酒精性脂肪肝的流行状况,并分析非酒精性脂肪肝与代谢综合征的关系。方法对1037例体检者的问卷调查、体格检查、生化、肝脏超声检查等相关资料进行分析。结果乌鲁木齐地区成人脂肪肝检出278例,脂肪肝发生率为检出率为26.8%,非酒精性脂肪肝188例,占18.1%,其中男性161例,女性27例;酒精性脂肪肝90例,占8.7%,其中男性84例,女性6例,男性NAFLD高于女性。NAFLD患者合并MS共计115例,伴有率为61.2%。结论乌鲁木齐地区机关汉族成人脂肪肝（NAFLD及AFLD）患病率远高于国内以及世界范围平均患病率,体现了低龄化趋势及中年年龄段的患病高峰特点;年龄、BMI、WHR、TG以及FPG为NAFLD的相关危险因素,NAFLD可以作为MS组成成分之一。     

Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease in recently diagnosed celiac disease patients

AIM To evaluate novel risk factors and biomarkers of car-diovascular disease in celiac disease(CD) patients compared with healthy controls. METHODS Twenty adult patients with recent diagnosis of CD and 20 sex, age and body mass index-matched healthy controls were recruited during a period of 12 mo. Indicators of carbohydrate metabolism, hematological parameters and high sensitive C reactive protein were determined. Moreover, lipoprotein metabolism was also explored through evaluation of the lipid profile andthe activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2, which is also considered a specific marker of vascular inflammation. The protocol was approved by the Ethic Committee from School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires and from Buenos Aires Italian Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.RESULTS Regarding the indicators of insulin resistance, CD patients showed higher plasma insulin levels [7.2(5.0-11.3) m U/L vs 4.6(2.6-6.7) m U/L, P 0.05], increased Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance [1.45(1.04-2.24) vs 1.00(0.51-1.45), P 0.05] and lower Quantitative Sensitive Check index [0.33(0.28-0.40) vs 0.42(0.34-0.65), P 0.05] indexes. Folic acid concentration [5.4(4.4-7.9) ng/m L vs 12.2(8.0-14.2) ng/m L, P 0.01] resulted to be lower and High-sensitivity C reactive protein levels higher(4.21 ± 6.47 mg/L vs 0.98 ± 1.13 mg/L, P 0.01) in the patient group. With respect to the lipoprotein profile, CD patients showed lower high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C)(45 ± 15 mg/d L vs 57 ± 17 mg/d L, P 0.05) and apo A-I(130 ± 31 mg/d L vs 155 ± 29 mg/d L, P 0.05) levels, as well as higher total cholesterol/HDL-C [4.19(3.11-5.00) vs 3.52(2.84-4.08), P 0.05] and apo B/apo A-I(0.75 ± 0.25 vs 0.55 ± 0.16, P 0.05) ratios in comparison with control subjects. No statistically significant differences were detected in lipoprotein-associated lipid transfer protein and enzymes.CONCLUSION The presence and interaction of the detected alterations in patients with CD, would constitute a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.     

Markers of chronic inflammation in patients with ischemic heart disease with in-stent restenosis

Concentrations of interleukins 6 and 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta and C-reactive protein were measured in 42 patients before and in remote period after coronary stenting. Patients with angiographically documented in-stent restenosis compared with those without restenosis had higher initial levels of interleukin 6 and more often discontinued therapy with statins.     

Gender differences in the prevalence and management of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with peripheral artery disease

We compared the prevalence and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in men and women with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A total of 70 men and 70 women with PAD were evaluated for presence of MetS. There was no significant gender difference in presence of MetS (P = .399) and the number of MetS components (P = .411). Among PAD patients with each MetS component, there was no significant gender difference in the use (P = .617) and number (P = .716) of blood pressure medications, the use (P = .593) and number (P = .591) of lipid-lowering medications, and the number (P = .155) of diabetic medications. Significantly more women were treated with diabetic medications compared with men (85 vs 57%, P = .026). The prevalence and management of MetS and its components was similar between men and women with PAD, except that more women were treated for diabetes. Patients with PAD having MetS did not receive optimal medical management.     

Targeting vascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome but without diabetes

There are no prospective data on the effect of a multitargeted treatment approach on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction in nondiabetic patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Furthermore, the optimal hypolipidemic drug treatment in these patients remains controversial. In this prospective, randomized, open-label, intention-to-treat, and parallel study, 300 nondiabetic patients with MetS, free of CVD at baseline, were studied for a period of 12 months. Age- and sex-matched subjects without MetS (n = 100) acted as controls. All patients received lifestyle advice and a stepwise-implemented drug treatment of hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, and obesity. For hypolipidemic treatment, the patients were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups: atorvastatin (n = 100, 20 mg/d), micronized fenofibrate (n = 100, 200 mg/d), and both drugs (n = 100). Clinical and laboratory parameters, including the lipid profile and C-reactive protein (CRP), were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. The primary end point was the proportion of patients not having MetS or its component features at the end of the 12-month treatment period. The secondary end points were the difference in 10-year CVD risk (Prospective Cardiovascular Munster risk calculator) and the degree of CRP reduction. By the end of the study, 76% of the patients no longer had MetS, and 46% had only one diagnostic MetS factor. The estimated 10-year (Prospective Cardiovascular Munster) risk of all patients with MetS at baseline was 14.6%. This was reduced in the atorvastatin group to 6.4%, in the fenofibrate group to 9.2%, and in the combination group to 5.5% (P < .0001 for all vs baseline). The 10-year risks of the atorvastatin and combination groups were not different from that of the control group (5.0%). C-reactive protein was significantly reduced in all treatment groups, with the atorvastatin and combination groups having the greatest reduction (65% and 68%, respectively, P < .01 vs the fenofibrate group, 44%). Lipid values were significantly improved in all 3 treatment groups, with those on the combined treatment attaining lipid targets to a greater extent than those in the other 2 groups. A target-driven and intensified intervention aimed at multiple risk factors in nondiabetic patients with MetS substantially offsets its component factors and significantly reduces the estimated CVD risk. The atorvastatin-fenofibrate combination had the most beneficial effect on all lipid parameters and significantly improved their CVD risk status. Atorvastatin and combination treatment were more effective than fenofibrate alone in reducing CRP levels.     

代谢综合征对皮质下缺血性脑血管病影像学损害的影响

目的 探讨代谢综合征及其各因子对皮质下缺血性脑血管病(SIVD)影像学损害的影响. 方法 选取120例SIVD患者(SIVD组),年龄其中包括非代谢综合征患者25例,代谢综合征倾向患者25例,代谢综合征患者70例.代谢综合征的诊断标准采用美国国家胆固醇教育计划成人治疗专家组Ⅲ(NCEP-ATPⅢ)标准.SIVD影像学损害采用改良Scheltens量表对头颅MRI进行评价,分为脑室旁、脑白质、基底节三个脑区评定并计算总分. 结果 代谢综合征倾向组脑室旁、脑白质、基底节评分、Scheltens总分[(3.75±1.60)分、(10.67±5.26)分、(3.21±2.62)分、(17.62±8.32)分]和代谢综合征组[(4.21±1.09)分、(13.79±5.25)分、(6.90±4.25)分、(24.90±9.25)分]均显著高于非代谢综合征组[(2.76±1.62)分、(6.36±3.93)分、(1.52±1.50)分、(10.58±5.89)分,均P＜0.05].腰围与脑白质得分及Scheltens总分呈显著正相关(r=0.185,P=0.046; r=0.488,P＜0.001);三酰甘油(TG)与脑白质、基底节得分有显著正相关(r=0.188,P=0.042; r=0.311,P=0.001);空腹血糖与脑白质、基底节得分以及Scheltens总分呈显著正相关(r=0.235,P=0.011; r=0.229,P=0.013; r=0.206,P=0.027);高密度脂蛋白胆同醇(HDL C)与脑白质、基底节以及Schehens总分呈显著负相关(r=-0.238,P=0.010; r=-0.189,P=0.042;r=-0.335,P＜0.001).进一步多元线性逐步回归分析结果发现空腹血糖、HDL C与脑白质评分显著相关(P均＜0.05);TG与基底节评分显著相关(P＜0.05);腰围、空腹血糖、HDL-C与Scheltens总分显著相关(P均＜0.05). 结论 代谢综合征及其各因子与SIVD影像学损害相关,其中腹型肥胖、TG、空腹血糖、HDL-C是SIVD的重要危险因素.     

冠状动脉慢血流患者血清炎性标志物的检测水平及意义

目的:探讨重要炎症因子高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、白介素-6(IL-6)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)及肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)在冠状动脉慢血流(CSF)发生发展中的作用及临床意义。方法:选择经冠状动脉造影(CAG)检查诊断为CSF患者20例,CAG显示无管腔狭窄及无慢血流的正常血流速度(NCF)者24例为对照组,使用校正的TIMI血流分级(CTFC)方法评价冠状动脉血流速度,并分别测定2组的血清高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、白介素-6(IL-6)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)及肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)。结果:2组在年龄、性别、高血压史、早发冠心病家族史、吸烟及血脂等方面均无明显差别。CSF组血清MMP-9、TNF-α水平较NCF组明显增高(P<0.05),但2组的hs-CRP、IL-6水平差异无统计学意义。结论:血清MMP-9、TNF-α2种炎症因子可能介导或参与了CSF形成的发生、发展过程,对血清MMP-9、TNF-α水平的检测及对CSF的诊断有一定的判断作用,值得临床进一步地探讨。     

隐蔽性高血压对冠心病合并代谢综合征患者心脑血管事件的影响

目的探讨隐蔽性高血压(MH)对冠心病合并代谢综合征患者心脑血管事件的影响。方法选择2015-08～2017-08在该院经冠脉造影确诊的冠心病合并代谢综合征患者66例,根据24 h动态血压监测结果将其分为正常血压组(n=32)和MH组(n=34),分析两组动态血压参数的差异,随访并比较两组患者主要心脑血管事件(MACCE)的发生情况。结果 MH组体质量指数(BMI)、腰围水平高于正常血压组(P 0. 05)。MH组24 h平均收缩压(24hSBP)、白天平均收缩压(d SBP)、夜间平均收缩压(n SBP)、白天收缩压平台、夜间收缩压平台、清晨收缩压上升速度水平均高于正常血压组(P 0. 05)。单因素相关分析显示,24hSBP与腰围及BMI呈正相关(P 0. 05)。Logistic回归分析显示,较大的腰围和BMI是MH的危险因素(P 0. 05)。Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,MH患者发生MACCE风险增加(P 0. 05)。Cox回归分析显示,较高水平的24hSBP和患有MH是MACCE发生的危险因素(P 0. 05)。结论超重和肥胖会升高血压水平和加剧清晨血压波动,24hSBP水平升高是冠心病合并代谢综合征患者发生MACCE的危险因素。