bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE SUPERNOVA PHENOMENON IN SURVIVORS OF THE LENINGRAD SIEGE
Authors: Moguchaia Ekaterina , Usoltsev Dmitry , Boyarinova Maria , Alieva Asiyat , Vasilyeva Elena , Rotar Oxana , Konradi Alexandra , Shlyakhto Evgeny , Artomov Mykyta
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The SUPERNOVA phenomenon as a protective phenotype is hypothesized to prevent vascular aging and therefore protect against adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of our study was to determine prevalence of SUPERNOVA in a unique cohort Survivors of the Leningrad Siege.

Design and method:

We assembled a cohort of 232 residents of besieged Leningrad aged 71-92 years. Anthropometry, blood pressure (BP) measurement, biochemical blood tests were performed. The arterial stiffness was assessed with SphygmoCor, through measurment of the pulse wave velocity (PWV). Based on the age-appropriate reference PWV values for subjects over 70 years old,we isolated the SUPERNOVA phenotype if the PWV value was less than the 10th percentile for this age group(PWV less or equal 7.9 m/s). Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0.

Results:

28 (10,7%) Siege survivors- 7 men (25.9%) and 21 women (74.1%) had the SUPERNOVA phenomenon, others formed control group (204) which was comparable by age and gender. Due to the significant difference in body mass index (BMI) between groups comparative analysis of the phenotypic features was adjusted for BMI. Table1. Clinical and laboratory parameters comparision between SUPERNOVA and other vascular phenotypes

Conclusions:

Despite malnutrition in early stage of life and lifetime exposure to risk factors,10.7 % of Leningrad Siege survivors had supernormal vascular aging at advanced. Lower blood pressure and body mass index burden was observed as factors associated with supernormal vascular aging in the cohort of Siege survivors.
FRANCE DURING MAY MEASUREMENT MONTH: RESULTS OF HYPERTENSION SCREENING UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FRENCH SOCIETY OF HYPERTENSION (SFHTA)
Authors: Lopez-Sublet Marilucy , Pathak Atul , Bergot Tessa , Dinic Miriana , Malefou Mireille , Yara Antakly Hanon , Mourad Jean-Jacques , Renaudineau Eric , Boivin Jean Marc , Dauchy Edith , Sosner Philippe , Escande Michele , Lequeux Benoit , Boulestreau Romain , Duly-Bouhanick Beatrice
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Launched by the International Society of Hypertension and supported by the World League Against Hypertension, May Measurement Month (MMM) is a worldwide campaign to screen for hypertension. The objective of this study is to identify, valorize, and publicize the data obtained in France and Monaco on the occasion of MMM 2022 under the auspices of the French Society of Hypertension (SFHTA).

Design and method:

The SFHTA proposed ‘an MMM protocol kit’ adapted in French and declared to the Committee for the Protection of Persons with the support of the French Society of Cardiology. A blood pressure monitor (Omron HEM-FL31/M3 Comfort) was sent to the centers that had requested it. 12 centers participated from June to October.

Results:

Are summarized in the table.

In this population of 1187 subjects, women were in the majority. Eight out of 10 screened subjects measured their BP at least once a year. 34% declared themselves to be hypertensive, and among the treated hypertensives, 56% reported being on monotherapy. 10% of the screened individuals are not vaccinated against COVID.

Conclusions:

The SFHTA, which is positively involved with European and International bodies to raise awareness of hypertension screening, has encouraged its members to participate collectively. Our MMM data collected remain limited about interpretation in public health and at the level of the French population. Nevertheless, the MMM approach could help alert to the public, health professionals, and government authorities to reduce the burden of hypertension.

Thanks to all the teams of each site who participated in this campaign.
TYPE 2 DIABETES AND CARDIORENAL SYNDROMES. A NATIONWIDE FRENCH HOSPITAL COHORT STUDY
Authors: Halimi Jean Michel , Maisons Valentin , Fauchier Laurent
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for cardiac and renal complications ; its effect on cardiorenal syndromes is unknown.

Design and method:

In a French nationwide cohort of 5,123,193 patients hospitalised in 2012 with at least 5 years of follow-up, we assessed the effect of T2DM on cardiorenal syndrome incidence and outcomes based on cardiorenal syndrome's subtype (cardiorenal, renocardiac, and simultaneous) using 1:1 propensity matching.

Results:

Among 4,605,236 patients without cardiorenal syndrome, 391 186 (8·5%) with T2DM were matched to 380,581 to patients without T2DM. During follow-up, cardiorenal syndrome occurred in 104,788 patients (simultaneous: 25,225 [24.0%]; cardiorenal: 51,745 [49.4%]; renocardiac 27,818 [26.5%]). T2DM doubled the risk of incident CRS (1.30% vs 0.65%/year; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for any cardiorenal syndrome: 1.92, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): (1.88 to 1.96); renocardiac: 2.21 (2.13 to 2.30); cardiorenal: 1.86 (1.81 to 1.91); simultaneous: 1.73 (1.66 to 1.81).

Among the 26,396 patients with CRS at baseline, 11,355 (43.0%) had T2DM and were younger than non-diabetic patients (77.4±9.5 vs 82.3±10.0); 8,314 patients with T2DM were matched to 8,314 patients without. T2DM increased risk of end-stage kidney disease (adjusted HR: 1.39 (1.29 to 1.50)), myocardial infarction (HR: 1.37 (1.21 to 1.56)), cardiovascular death (HR: 1.16 (1.10 to 1.23)), heart failure (HR: (1.17 (1.12 to 1.21)), and all-cause death (HR: 1.09 (1.05 to 1.12)), but not ischaemic stroke.

Conclusions:

Patients with T2DM represent almost half of patients with cardiorenal syndromes and are younger than their non-diabetic counterparts. T2DM doubles risk of cardiorenal syndrome and increases risk of death, cardiovascular outcomes, and end-stage kidney disease but not ischaemic stroke after cardiorenal syndrome.
PREVALENCE CHANGE IN THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK FACTORS IN PURE COLOMBIA COHORT (2005-2021)
Authors: Gonzalez Ana María , López-López Jose , Otero Johana , Martínez-Bello Daniel , Giraldo Juan Carlos , Lanza Paola , -Jaramillo Patricio López
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Describe the change in the prevalence of hypertension (HTA) and cardiometabolic risk factors (RF's) in PURE Colombia cohort during the period 2005-2021.

Design and method:

Design: Cohort study.

Methods:

7552 adults participants of the PURE Colombia cohort from 11 departments (Atlántico, Bolívar, Caldas, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Quindío, Santander, Tolima) followed up for a mean of 13 years (SD 2.3). A descriptive analysis was used to document the changes in prevalence of HTA and associated RF's such as body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and level of physical activity (PA) in the follow-up period 2005-2021. PA is divided into three levels and measured in metabolic equivalent of task (METs).

Results:

Of the participants, 64% were women, with a mean age at follow-up of 65 years (SD 9.7). Overall, the prevalence of HTA increased by 12% (p<0.001), reaching values of 47.5% and 51.5% in men and women, respectively. In addition, there was an increase in obesity prevalence (BMI > 30) in both men and women (increases of 6.8 and 5.8 %, respectively, p<0.001,), reaching an overall prevalence of 25% in the population. Consist with this, WHR increased from 0.93 to 0.95 in men (p<0.001) and from 0.86 to 0.89 in women (p<0.001Finally, we found that there was a global increase in the number of people with a low level of PA (17.7 to 43.8% p<0.001).

Conclusions:

We observed a significant increase in the prevalence of cardiometabolic RF's and HTA after over a decade of follow-up of adults in a middle-income American country. Increases in modifiable RF's such as higher BMI and WHR and reduced numbers with adequate PA concurrent with the trends in HTA suggest a positive relationship between them and reaffirm the necessity to emphasize strategies focused on potentially modifiable lifestyle RF's.
ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN DIABETICS: FREQUENCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS
Authors: Dahak Amel
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing hypertension. Its pathogenesis in diabetes is complex. It generally takes place in a context of metabolism and insulin resistance.

The association of these 2 pathologies worsens the prognosis of these patients.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the frequency of hypertension in diabetics, as well as the factors associated with its occurrence.

Design and method:

A retrospective study was conducted on 70 diabetic patients followed in the department and internal medicine consultations.

All the patients benefited from an interrogation and a complete clinical examination.

Results:

A female predominance was noted (74.6%). The mean age was 55.8 ± 14 years.

Our patients were mainly type 2 diabetics (88%), insulin-treated (78%), with an average seniority of 11.7 ± 7 years. More than half of the patients were known to be hypertensive (57.3%).

Dyslipidemia was present in 66.7% of cases. The presence of hypertension was associated in a way statistically significant for age, BMI and presence of dyslipidemia, type and duration of diabetes. It was also significantly correlated with diabetic nephropathy, and the degree of renal insufficiency.

Discussion: Hypertension is frequently associated with diabetes. It increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis. Hypertension is also a contributory factor to diabetic nephropathy and renal failure.

Conclusions:

The management of hypertension in diabetics and other risk factors is a vital prognostic element in a patient already at high cardiovascular risk.
OBESITIY AND HYPERTENSION IN PRIMARY BASIC SETTING
Authors: de Oliveira Monica Amorim , Rey Helena Cramer Veiga
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Evaluate the prevalence of obesity in a group of 1000 patients over 18 years of age treated in primary care in the city of Rio de Janeiro and its relationship with Hypertension (HTN)

Design and method:

Prospective cohort of 1000 patients over 18 years selected in 21 primary care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. At the initial consultation, the clinical form was filled out, in which medical history, socioeconomic variables, data on life habits and functional assessment were documented. Weight and height were measured at the initial visit, and, from these data, the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated in Kg/m2. The definition of HTN was bases on data from medical records.

Results:

Of the 1014 patients included, 737 (72.68%) were hypertensive. A sedentary lifestyle was present in 65.5% of the population studied and there was no difference between the group of patients with and without HTN. The average BMI of the general population was 29.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2. The average BMI among hypertensive patients was 30.1 kg/m2. Among non-hypertensive individuals, the mean was significantly lower, 27.8 kg/m2, but still above normal levels, 24.9 kg/m2.

Obesity was found in 41.2% of the population studied. The distribution according to the WHO BMI classification can be verified in the table below and showing the relationship between HTN and obesity.

Conclusions:

The present study showed a relationship between HTN and obesity. It is estimated that more than 2/3 of the incidence of HTN is related to obesity, which makes this condition an important a risk factor for the development of hypertension and an important public health problem. Obesity-related hypertension is often associated with other cardiovascular risk factors.

The treatment of hypertension in the obese requires a targeted approach to obesity. Adopting a healthy lifestyle facilitates weight loss, increases responsiveness to antihypertensive drug therapy, and produces independent beneficial effects on factors. The approach to obesity should be emphasized not only in hypertensive patients, but also in those who have not yet had HTN, as a measure to prevent its development and reduce the cardiovascular risk.
EXISTING STATE OF HYPERTENSION IN PAKISTAN - A REVIEW
Authors: Almas Aysha , Elahi Adil , Ali Arzina Aziz , Khan Aamir Hameed , Samad Zainab , Shaha Hunaina , Aziz Namra
Published: June 2023

Objective:

This review aims to describe existing literature on the state of hypertension in Pakistan, including the prevalence, associated risk factors, preventive strategies, barriers, and facilitators of the management of hypertension

Design and method:

A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted electronically using PubMed and Google Scholar. Using specific screening methodology, 55 articles were selected to be included.

Results:

There is a lack of recent data on prevalence of hypertension in Pakistan, although several smaller studies revealed a high prevalence. Lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, unhealthy diet, decreased physical activity, and low socioeconomic status and lack of access to care were the main associated factors with hypertension. Lack of blood pressure monitoring practices and medication non-adherence were also linked to uncontrolled hypertension in Pakistan and were more evident in primary care setups. The evidence presented is essential for delineating the burden of the disease, hence allowing for better management of this underserved population

Conclusions:

There is a need for updated surveys to depict the true prevalence and management of hypertension in Pakistan. Cost-effective implementation strategies and policies at the national level must be conducted for both prevention and control of hypertension.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND THE PREVALENCE OF OBESITY, HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES IN POPULATION LIVING IN THE CROATIAN RURAL AREA DAMAGED BY AN EARTHQUAKE
Authors: Abramovic Inga , Vuksan-Cusa Zrinka , Prgomet Luka , Jelakovic Bojan
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Hypertension, diabetes and obesity are becoming increasingly common nowadays. Socioeconomic status differences and their effects on the prevalence of those conditions are, however, still unknown.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of monthly income on the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity in the rural population from the earthquake damaged area.

Design and method:

This study included 249 patients who were a part of the Croatian Project ‘Chasing the Silent Killer’, a hypertension screening intervention in rural areas. Various anthropometric measurements were performed and a questionnaire was given to the participants. The participants were divided into two groups: those with an average monthly income of more than 500 Eu and those with less.

Results:

The average BMI was 28.9 kg/m2. Out of the 249 patients, 100 of them had a BMI > 30 kg/m2. The average blood pressure was 142/81 mmHg. Average systolic blood pressure was 6 mmHg lower in participants with a higher average monthly income in comparison to patients with a lower average monthly income (p = 0.056). Out of the total participants, 21 have type 2 diabetes. No significant association between BMI (p = 0.529), diabetes (p = 0.759) and the participants’ monthly income was proven.

Conclusions:

In this rural population we found a tendency for people with a higher average monthly income to have lower systolic blood pressure but no significant association between BMI, diabetes, and monthly income was noted. Lower monthly income, i.e. poor socioeconomic status is associated with higher systolic blood pressure, but not with obesity and diabetes. This result warrants further research.
MWF RAT AS A NOVEL ANIMAL MODEL OF CARDIORENAL SYNDROME TYPE IV
Authors: Sanz-Gómez Marta , Vega-Martín Elena , González-Moreno Daniel , Manzano-Lista Francisco Javier , Somoza Beatriz , Gil-Ortega Marta , Kreutz Reinhold , Fernández-Alfonso María S.
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS type 4) is characterized by primary chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to cardiac dysfunction and an increase in cardiovascular events. There is an unmet need for suitable animal models of CRS to further define the pathogenesis and progression of CRS to test new therapeutic strategies. We aim to determine if CKD in aged Munich Wistar Frömter (MWF) rat may translate to cardiovascular alterations of CRS.

Design and method:

Profibrotic markers and angiotensin receptor (ATR) expression was measured by RT-q-PCR in kidney, aorta and heart from 22 and 45-week-old (aged) male MWF rats (n = 7-10/group).

Results:

Aged MWF showed higher renal expression of tubular damage markers (Kim-1 and Ngal) and profibrotic factors (Col1A1, Col3A1, TGF-beta) together with lower levels of AT2R. Thoracic aorta also exhibited increased expression of profibrotic CTGF-1 and Col1-A1, as well as a lower AT2R expression. Both age groups were hypertensive with similar systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. However, aged MWF had an increased PWV and heart weight, together with increased intrinsic arterial stiffness and an outward hypertrophic remodeling in mesenteric arteries. In 45-week-old MWF, levels of cardiac CTGF-1, AT1R and AT2R were higher, whereas TGF-beta expression was lower. No differences were observed for Col1A1 or Col3A1.

Conclusions:

The presence of renal and vascular fibrosis, hypertension, arterial stiffness and cardiac hypertrophy, together with inflammation, vascular remodeling and early profibrotic cardiac environment, potentially counterregulated by AT2R make aged-MWF rat an useful model for CRS study.
PRELIMINARY DATA ON THE ENDOGENOUS OUABAIN IN IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION PATIENTS
Authors: Manfrini Valerio , Badagliacca Roberto , Messaggio Elisabetta , Poscia Roberto , Torre Roberto , Vizza Carmine Dario , Manunta Paolo
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The aim is to detect the endogenous ouabain (EO) in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients.

Design and method:

EO is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, EO plays other roles as brain protection against traumatic injury and seems involved in the adaptive response to hypoxia. Recently, we detected, for the first time, EO in a healthy human group of acute hypoxia (elite apnea divers) and in diving animals (common bottlenose dolphins, phocids and otariids, and loggerhead sea turtles). This study complements the above as we considered a human model of chronic hypoxia. We collected blood samples from five Caucasian males and measured EO with a Scintillation Proximity Assay.

Results:

We found that IPAH patients had higher plasma concentrations levels of EO than control subjects. In addition, EO plasma concentrations were negatively correlated with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure and total pulmonary vascular resistance (p-values <0.05). A positive correlation trend was observed with the cardiac index, a marker of healthy cardiac output. The results could suggest that high concentrations of EO are predictive of a better adaptation of the right ventricular afterload.

Conclusions:

Although these are preliminary results, they match data coming from other studies on clinical conditions that frequently occur in comorbidity with IPAH. It can represent a helpful hint for future investigations involving other pathological conditions for possible therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS UP-REGULATE MYOCARDIAL CONNEXIN-43 AND DECREASE A RISK OF MALIGNANT ARRHYTHMIAS IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Andelova Katarina , Bacova Barbara Szeiffova , Sykora Matus , Benova Tamara Egan , Knezl Vladimir , Tribulova Narcis
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Available data suggest that meta-inflammation and oxidative stress as well as endogenous deficiency of omega-3 and melatonin may be involved in hypertension-induced myocardial abnormalities that increase propensity to cardiac arrhythmias. We aimed to explore whether supplementation with omega-3 and melatonin as well as cold acclimation may affect arrhythmogenicity of rats suffering from essential hypertension. We focused on myocardial connexin-43(Cx43) channel protein, which ensures cardiac cell-cell coupling for electrical signal propagation, thereby is crucial factor impacting susceptibility of the heart malignant arrhythmias.

Design and method:

Experiments were performed using adult, male, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, wild type), hairless SHR (mutant strain) and normotensive Wistar rats. SHR were treated for two-month with omega-3 (Omacor,200mg/day) or melatonin (400ug/day) and compared with untreated rats. Hairless SHR adapted to cold were compared with wild type SHR and normotensive Wistar rats. Biometrical parameters were registered and left ventricular heart tissue was taken for analysis of Cx43 and PKC↙, which via phosphorylation affects Cx43 channel function. Isolated perfused heart was used for the examination of its susceptibility to electrically-induced sustained ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Results:

Supplementation with omega-3 or melatonin and cold acclimation did not affect significantly blood pressure as well as heart or left ventricular weights of SHR or hairless SHR. However, the electrical threshold to induce VF was significantly lower (∼20mA) in non-treated compared with treated SHR (∼35mA) as well as in wild type SHR compared to hairless SHR (∼40mA). Antiarrhythmic effect was associated with increased protein levels of Cx43 and its functional phosphorylated forms in left ventricles of treated SHR and hairless SHR compared to untreated wild type SHR. Moreover, pro-arrhythmic myocardial Cx43 distribution on lateral sides of the cardiomyocytes was attenuated by treatment or cold acclimation. In parallel, there was an increase of PKC↙ expression that may enhance cardio-protective Cx43 phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, findings indicate that non-pharmacological interventions can protect hypertensive rat heart from malignant arrhythmias, at least in part, by targeting myocardial Cx43. It is challenging to pay attention to non-pharmacological approaches in humans suffering from primary hypertension.
GINSENOSIDE-RG3 ENHANCES SOME ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENTS-INDUCED INHIBITION OF ADRENAL CATECHOLAMINE SECRETION
Authors: Koh Young Youp , Lim Dong Yoon
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The present study was designed to examine the influence of ginsenoside-Rg3 (Rg3), one of panaxadiol-type saponins, which is isolated from Korean Panax ginseng, in some antihypertensive agents-induced inhibition on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the perfused rat adrenal medullae.

Design and method:

The adrenal gland was isolated and perfused with Krebs-bicarbonate. CA was measured directly by using the fluorospectrophotometer.

Results:

Ginsenoside-Rg3 (3∼30 μM) during perfusion into an adrenal vein for 90 min significantly inhibited the CA secretion evoked by acetylcholine (ACh). Also, olmesartan (AT1 receptor blocker, 15 μM), simvastatin (an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, 60 μM), enalapril (an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme, 150 μM), and cilnidipine (a voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, 3 μM) significantly reduced the CA secretion evoked by ACh and angiotensin II (Ang II), respectively. In the simultaneous presence of ginsenoside-Rg3 (10 μM) along with four antihypertensive agents (olmesartan, enalapril, simvastatin or cilnidipine), the CA secretion evoked by ACh and Ang II was more strongly inhibited compared with that of each antihypertensive agent-treatment alone.

Conclusions:

Collectively, these results demonstrate that ginsenoside-Rg3 as well as antihypertensive agents can inhibit the CA secretion evoked by activation of both cholinergic and AT1 receptors from the perfused rat adrenal medulla. When this ginsenoside-Rg3 was used in combination with different antihypertensive agents, their effects of antihypertensive agents on reduction of adrenal CA secretion were significantly enhanced, which may also be clinically beneficial for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
GENOME-WIDE DNA METHYLATION ANALYSIS IDENTIFIES SERUM HOMOCYSTEINE-ASSOCIATED CPG SITES IN HYPERTENSIVES
Authors: Zhu Min , An Dewei , Zhang Jin , Tang Xiaofeng , Wang Yan , Zhu Dingliang
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with DNA methylation in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, the relationship between Hyperhomocysteine (HHcy) and CVD risk is stronger in individuals with hypertension. However, no research has focused on the influence of Hcy on DNA methylation status in patients with hypertension. We performed an epigenome-wide association study to identify DNA methylation loci associated with Hcy among 218 hypertensive patients using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip (850k chip) and further explored their effects on arteriosclerosis.

Design and method:

Epigenome-wide methylation profiles were assessed using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip (850k chip) in peripheral leukocyte DNA from 218 patients with hypertension. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with serum homocysteine levels were identified using a mixed linear regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were conducted to explore the possible functions of the identified DMPs. The association of these differentially methylated loci with hypertension- and Hcy- related arteriosclerosis, Cf-PWV (Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) was further analyzed.

Results:

Five DMPs at cg13169662, cg03179312, cg21976560, cg25262698, and cg09433843 showed significant association with serum Hcy levels (FDR-corrected p <0.05). Six additional CpG sites met the threshold for suggestive significance (p<1 × 10-6), among which three DMPs (cg25781123, cg26463106, and cg06679221) were annotated to the THUMPD3 gene. Furthermore, the methylation levels of cg13169662 and cg25262698 (RPRD1A) were significantly associated with Cf-PWV.

Conclusions:

Our study provides preliminary evidence for an association between DNA methylation and serum Hcy levels in patients with hypertension. This study may give an insight into the role of DNA methylation in cardiovascular injury underlying HHcy in patients with hypertension.
CASE SERIES OF DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY STUDIED WITH WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING
Authors: Yaneva-Sirakova Teodora , Tzveova Reni , Shumkova Monika , Kaneva Radka , Vassilev Dobrin , Karamfiloff Kiril
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The explanation of the genetic aspects of dilatative cardiomyopathy (DCM) is important for at least two major reasons: 1. there is a phenotypic and clinical overlap between the various cardiomyopathies with DCM - thus it might be suggested DCM may be an end phenotype; 2. genetic predisposition to DCM might render the myocardium susceptible to various exogenous factors such as infections, alcohol, toxins, etc.

Design and method:

We share the results from the Next Gene sequencing of 10 patients with DCM. They were of various ages, with the inclusion requirement to be without coronary or hypertensive disease, and clinical manifestations of the DCM from yearly age. Bioinformatics analysis of the data was done with the appropriate protocol on a Dragen server, as well as VarSeq (Goldenhelix) for all NGS data.

Results:

This case series of Caucasian patients with DCM presented with mutations in TTN, TTN-AS1, SCN5A, RYR2, DSG2, DSG2-AS1, FLNC, LAMA4, ACTN2, GATA6, DMD genes. All these genes are responsible for structural sarcomere, nucleus proteins or ion transporters. They are common also in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, muscular dystrophy and Brugada syndrome. Omim search found them as VUS or weak pathogenic and only a mutation in TTN as likely pathogenic. Nevertheless, the cumulation of data for the genetic aspects of cardiomyopathies is important. The echocardiographic ejection fraction of the patients varied with the medical treatment and could not be used as guiding in their risk assessment.

Conclusions:

As far as the ejection fraction and left ventricular morphology are modifiable factors, we need a more specific way to assess the inherent risk in our cardiac patients. NGS might provide the necessary information, but we need to accumulate clinical and genetic data to make specific cardiomyopathy risk profiles. These risk profiles should be based on genetic analysis and not on ejection fraction or other morphological criteria, as we have cardiomyopathies’ overlap.
IMMUNE AND METABOLIC DISORDERS IN HYPERTENSION, OBESITY, AND HEPATIC STEATOSIS ASSOCIATE WITH PPAR-GAMMA2 PRO12ALA AND ACE I/D GENES’ POLYMORPHISMS
Authors: Dzhuriak Valentina , Sydorchuk Larysa , Voroniuk Kseniia , Sydorchuk Ruslan , Sokolenko Alina , Repchuk Yulia , Semianiv Marianna , Iftoda Oksana
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Metabolic changes and obesity play important roles in arterial hypertension pathogenesis and progression. Whereas hepatic steatosis (HS) and AH have multiple common mechanisms of development involving metabolic and immune changes, the aim of study was to investigate the influence of Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPAR-↖2 gene and I/D polymorphism of ACE gene on metabolic profile and cytokines in obese patients with HS and AH.

Design and method:

Study involved 154 AH patients with HS (87 males, 67 females, age 50.06±7.34). Duration of HS 1-5 years, AH 3-21 years. Metabolic disorders were defined with body mass index (BMI), glycaemia, immunoreactive insulin (IRI), total cholesterol (TC), low and high density cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), C-peptide (CP) levels and HOMA-IR index. TNF- ↑ and leptin plasma levels were assessed by ELISA. Genes’ polymorphism of PPAR-↖2 (Pro12Ala), and ACE (I/D) alone or in combination was studied with PCR.

Results:

Differences of BMI, plasma glucose, IRI, HOMA-IR, CP and leptin are independent from ACE gene genotypes (p>.05). Pro-allele carriers of PPAR-↖2 gene have higher BMI than AlaAla carriers (32.7±2.1 and 27.9±1.1 kg/m2 vs 25.6±0.8 kg/m2, accordingly (p<.05), leptin level – 14.3±0.41 and 8.6±0.25 ng/ml vs 3.7±0.22 ng/ml, (p<.001), glucose level – to 10.2% and 10.9% accordingly (p<.05); CP level was higher in ProPro-genotype than in Ala-allele carriers to 15.7% (p<.05). Risk group of dyslipidemia are ProPro-genotype carriers of PPAR-↖2 gene with higher level of TC, TG and LDL-C to 16.4%, 17.3% and 27.9% (p<.05) and lower level of HDL-C in women to 25.6% (p = .038). Lipids levels are independent on ACE I/D polymorphism. Baseline TNF-↑ plasma levels did not significantly deviate between genotypes of PPAR-↖2 gene, but D-allele carriers (I/D+DD) of ACE gene had higher baseline TNF-↑ plasma levels (91.61 and 109.11 pg/ml, accordingly p<.01).

Conclusions:

In HS hypertensive patients metabolic disorders are clearly associated with PPAR-↖2 Pro-allele (carbohydrates) and ProPro-genotype (lipids). Presence of D-allele of ACE gene is associated with reliably higher level of TNF-↑ plasma levels.
LINKAGE OF BODY MASS INDEX AND ANTHROPOMETRIC, LABORATORY PARAMETERS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS DEPENDING ON ANGIOTENSINOGEN (AGT, RS699) GENE POLYMORPHISM
Authors: Repchuk Yuliia , Sydorchuk Larysa , Biletsky Semen , Petrynych Oksana , Kasantseva Tetiana , Ivashchuk Serge , Semianiv Marianna , Sokolenko Alina , Voroniuk Kseniia , Yarynych Yuliia , Dzhuryak Valentyna
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The aim of the study was to analyze the correlations between body mass index (BMI) and clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with essential hypertension (EH) depending on angiotensinogen gene (AGT, rs699) polymorphism.

Design and method:

The case-control study involved 72 patients with stage II EH, 1–3 degrees of blood pressure (BP) elevation, high and very high cardiovascular risk (CVR) (29.16% men, 70.84% women). The mean age of patients was 59.87±7.98 yo. The control group consisted of 48 healthy individuals comparable in age and gender. Polymorphism of the AGT gene (rs699) was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). BMI was defined as the ratio of weight to square of height (kg/m2). All enrolled/screened patients signed the Informed Consent to participate in the research. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin 25 (OH) D levels in blood serum were determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay (MAGLUMI).

Results:

In TT-genotype carriers of the AGT gene (rs699) BMI was directly related to anthropometric parameters of waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.70–0.81; p < 0.022), the concentration of vitamin D (r = 0.65; p = 0.043) and inversely with the blood level of ionized Ca2+ (r = -0.71; p = 0.02). Correlation matrix of laboratory, anthropometric indicators in hypertensive TC-genotype carriers showed that BMI is directly related to WC and HC (r = 0.68; p < 0.001 and r = 0.84; p < 0.001), as well as to PTH level (r = 0.43; p = 0.004), with a negative correlation with vitamin D level (r = -0.38 P = 0.011). PTH directly depends on BMI, WC and HC (r = 0.31–0.43; p < 0.042–0.004). A direct link between BMI and WC and HC was found in CC-genotype carriers (r = 0.73; p<0.001 and r = 0.78; p<0.001).

Conclusions:

Thus, the correlation matrix showed that BMI directly depended on the anthropometric parameters of WC, HC and/or WHR (r = 0.68-0.84; p<0.022-0.001) regardless of the AGT gene genotypes (r = 0,52-0.86; p<0.02-0.001) and inversely correlated with ionized Ca2+ level in the blood (r = -0.71; p = 0.02), but only in TT-genotype carriers of the AGT gene (rs699).
COMPARISON OF GENE EXPRESSION OF EPICARDIAL ADIPOSE TISSUE AND LEFT VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIUM IN END-STAGE HEART FAILURE
Authors: Kyselovic Jan , Mlynarova Jana , Musil Peter , Hulman Michal , Gasparovic Ivo , Gazova Andrea
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) an ectopic heart adipose, modulates the environment of both the coronary arteries and myocardium, and has a very different genes expression from that of other fat depots. Numerous studies propose interactions of EAT with the myocardium and show a role in the development of several cardiovascular diseases through complex mechanisms, including gene expression profile, pro-inflammatory and profibrotic proteome, neuromodulation, and metabolism.

Design and method:

Our study group consisted of 37 patients (7 women, 30 men; age 49±9 years) with end-stage heart failure (NYHAIII-IV) undergoing heart transplantation at the NICD Bratislava. Samples of EAT and left ventricular (LF) myocardium were collected from the mid-anterior to mid-anterolateral segment of LV within 20 min after heart explantation. The expression of 15 genes was analysed by qRT-PCR and SDS-Page/Western blot.

Results:

The analysed genes are implicated in heart development (VEGFA, PDGFB, TGFb1, SLUG, SNAIL) and/or cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling (CALN, NFAT3, IGF-1, ET-1, TGF-beta1). The expression levels are mostly higher in EAT (CALN, NFAT3, PDGFB, TGF-beta1, ET-1, IGF-1, SLUG and SNAIL) the transcription factor SNAIL has extremely higher expression in EAT compared to LV. Only VEGFA has a significantly lower expression in EAT compared to LV eft ventricle. Also, the onset of protein implicated in inflammatory reaction (NF-KB p50/p105), protective effects in the heart (adiponectin) and other functions (CX43, CAV-1, Bcl-2) are mostly higher expressed in EAT (NF-KB p105, CAV-1, BcL2). However, adiponectin monomer has a surprisingly lower expression in EAT than LV. Connexin 43 is not expressed in EAT and NF-KB p50 has equal expression in both tissues.

Conclusions:

We found that all studied genes are differentially expressed in EAT vs LV and AET in end-stage heart failure is more active tissue than LV myocardium regarding level of expression of several crucial genes for cardiac pathoetiology. EAT was considered mainly as a source of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors that regulate the risk of coronary artery disease and progression of heart failure. Therefore, we propose a significant role of epicardial adipose tissue in the processes of heart failure.
CHANGES IN THE CHARACTER OF THE COURSE OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN PATIENTS IN WAR ZONE IN THE KHARKIV REGION OF UKRAINE
Authors: Koval Sergiy , Rieznik Larisa , Penkova Marina , Mysnychenko Olga , Starchenko Tetyana , Lytvynov Vadim , Lytvynova Olga
Published: June 2023

Objective:

War and the stress associated with it are accompanied by a sharp increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including arterial hypertension (AH), among civilians who are in the war zone. The objective of the study was to evaluate the changes in the nature of the course of hypertension in patients (civilians) who were in the war zone in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine.

Design and method:

54 patients with grade 2-3 AH (25 men and 29 women, 54.6 ± 4.3 years ) were examined using standard clinical, biochemical and instrumental methods before the start of the war and 4-5 months after it started. All patients included in the survey during the war were in the Kharkov region of Ukraine - in the war zone. The interval between the first and re-examination was 8-9 months.

After the initial examination, all patients were prescribed combined antihypertensive and (if necessary) lipid-lowering therapy in accordance with modern European recommendations, and they achieved target levels of office blood pressure (BP) before the start of the war

Results:

It was found that in all 100% of the examined patients, hypertension acquired an uncontrolled character. 63.0% of patients often had periods of rapid increase in BP to a high level without acute organ damage. During the war, 5.6% of patients developed ischaemic stroke and 3.7% - acute myocardial infarction. Upon re-examination, stable angina grade II was first diagnosed in 7.4% of patients, various cardiac arrhythmias were first detected in 63.0 % of patients (sinus tachycardia in 37.1%, supraventricular extrasystole in 14.8%, ventricular extrasystole in 5.6% and atrial fibrillation in 5.6% of patients).

Conclusions:

The residence of patients with AH in a war zone catastrophically worsens the course of hypertension and leads to a significant increase in the frequency of acute organ damage, angina and cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.
DAILY COFFEE CONSUMPTION AND ASSOCIATED BELIEFS RELATED TO IMPACT ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: DOES HYPERTENSION MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE?
Authors: Petrovic Jelena , Radomirovic Marija , Djordjevic Ivana Petrovic , Petrovic Aleksandra , Markovic Milos , Vukicevic Vojin , Todorovic Jovana , Santric-Milicevic Milena , Ivanovic Branislava
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Light-to-moderate daily coffee consumption (dCC) has been associated with favourable cardiovascular outcomes. The frequency and amount of dCC as well as beliefs related to dCC impact on cardiovascular health (CVH) may vary in different populations. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and amount of dCC and beliefs related to dCC impact on CVH in a country with very high cardiovascular risk, depending on the presence of hypertension.

Design and method:

The pilot study included convenient sample of 795 adults divided in 2 groups, hypertensives (HTs, 252) and non-hypertensives (non-HTs, 543). They were compared according to demographics, frequency of dCC, amount of dCC (light-to-moderate: 1-3 cups/day; high: >3 cups/day) and beliefs related to dCC impact on CVH (negative or beneficial). The data were collected by voluntary filling of survey from April 1st to June 30th 2022.

Results:

The HTs were older (58±13 vs 42±12, p<0.01), more often male (52% vs 36%, p<0.01), less educated (71% vs 50% with only high school or less, p<0.01) and had lower incomes (84% vs 70% with less than average, p<0.01). The greatest proportion of respondents in both groups were daily coffee consumers (80% of HTs vs 78% of non-HTs, p>0.05), drinking mostly light-to-moderate amount of coffee (87% for HTs vs 86% for non-HTs, p>0.05). However, the majority of respondents in both groups considered dCC to be associated with negative impact on CVH (69% of HTs vs 69% of non-HTs, p>0.05), while barely a quarter of them were aware of CVH benefits from dCC (24% of HTs vs 23% of non-HTs, p>0.05).

Conclusions:

There are wrong beliefs about dCC impact on CVH and lack of awareness about CVH benefits from dCC, regardless of the presence of hypertension. High rates of light-to-moderate dCC in both HTs and non-HTs suggest possible association with other factors, such as dietary or cultural habits. However, spreading the knowledge about beneficial cardiovascular effects of dCC may be an important part of the preventive strategy, especially in countries with low rates of dCC and high or very high cardiovascular risk.
PULSE WAVE ANALYSIS IN YOUNG STUDY PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Mozos Ioana , Baba Mirela , Mozos Costin , Gug Cristina , Stoian Dana
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To perform pulse wave analysis in young study participants and find factors associated with cardiovascular risk.

Design and method:

A total of 48 clinically healthy study participants, aged 28±8 years, 58% male, underwent pulse wave analysis using a Mobil-O-Graph. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index and pressure (AI, AP), vascular age, central and peripheral blood pressure variables were assessed. Early vascular aging (EVA) was defined by a vascular age exceeding the chronological age.

Results:

Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), central systolic blood pressure (SBPc), central diastolic blood pressure (DBPc), PWV, AI, AP were as follows: 114±22 mmHg, 73±14 mmHg, 104±17 mmHg, 74±12 mmHg, 5.19 m/s, 23±14 % and 8.31±8.13 mmHg, respectively. EVA was detected in 28 (58%) study participants, related to increased AI (44%), increased PWV (21%) or both increased PWV and AI (12.5%). Significant correlations were found between PWV and chronological age, body mass index (BMI), central and peripheral blood pressure. AI significantly correlated with BMI (r = -0.46, p = 0.01) and AP with blood pressure variables, especially DBP (r = 0.754, p<0.00001) and DBPc (r = 0.73, p<0.00001). Comparing results obtained in male and female study participants, significant differences were obtained for PWV (5.34±0.78 m/s in male vs 4.99±0.39 m/s in female participants, p = 0.0381) and AI (17.46±14.03 % in male vs. 30.4±10.05 m/s in female participants, p = 0.0004). Early vascular aging and increased AI and PWV considering age were less common in male compared to female participants (50% vs 70%, 39% vs 65%, and 14% vs 30%, respectively). The correlation between PWV and DBP was stronger in male participants (r = 0.305, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Cardiovascular risk should be considered in young persons, regardless of gender, considering BMI, central and peripheral blood pressure, PWV, AI, AP and EVA.
SUBENDOCARDIAL VIABILITY RATIO AS A PREDICTOR OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AND MORTALITY IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Pierro Giuliano Di , Grillo Andrea , Barbato Vincenzo , Todoroff Sava , Puato Massimo , Parati Gianfranco , Salvi Paolo , Bilo Grzegorz , Bernardi Stella , Fabris Bruno
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) can usefully estimate the degree of myocardial perfusion relative to left-ventricular workload and is calculated from analysis of aortic pressure waves, which can be evaluated by arterial tonometry. Aim of this study was to determine the predictive ability of tonometry-derived SEVR for mortality and major cardiovascular events (MACEs) in treated hypertensives and to determine the optimal SEVR cut-offs for these endpoints.

Design and method:

336 hypertensive patients (mean age±standard deviation 63.2±14.0 years, 53.0% females) referring to a hypertension centre were enrolled and followed-up for 9.2±2.0 years. SEVR was estimated non-invasively by analysing the carotid pressure curve recorded by a PulsePen (DiaTecne, Milan) arterial tonometer, and calculated as the ratio between subendocardial oxygen supply (represented by the area between aortic and ventricular curves in the diastolic phase) and demand (represented by the area below the ventricle pressure curve in the systolic phase). Mortality and MACE cut-off values were calculated using the Youden Index on ROC curves and predictive ability was evaluated using Cox-regression models.

Results:

Mean SEVR at baseline was 105.3±25.8%; 54 deaths and 66 MACEs occurred in the follow-up. Optimal SEVR cut-offs for mortality and MACEs were respectively 88% and 82.5%. A SEVR below these cut-offs significantly predicted mortality and MACEs in univariate Cox-regression model (mortality risk ratio 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.29-3.80], p = 0.004, MACEs risk ratio 2.26; 95%CI [1.34-3.79], p = 0.002), and in a model corrected for age, sex, mean blood pressure and heart rate (mortality risk ratio 2.09; 95%CI [1.07-4.10], p = 0.032, MACEs risk ratio 2.05; 95%CI [1.08-3.89], p = 0.029).

Conclusions:

SEVR derived from arterial tonometry may be a useful predictor of mortality and MACEs in hypertensive patients.
DIETARY HABITS AND BODY COMPOSITION IN TUNISIAN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Authors: Chaabouni Khansa , Mzid Khloud , Jallouli Dana , Messedi Mariem , Hsan Khansa Bel , Ghalia Halima , Drira Houda , Gaddour Zahia , Sahnoun Hela , Elleuch Aida , Ayadi Fatma
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. About 50 % of diagnosed women are obese or overweight, suggesting that there is a possible link between abnormal dietary habits and PCOS.

Objective:

to compare the dietary intakes between women with PCOS and healthy controls.

Design and method:

A case-control study was performed. Women with PCOS and age-matched controls were recruited and asked to complete a questionnaire on their eating habits and a recall dietary diary, from which their caloric, macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, protein, fiber), and micronutrients (folic acid, iron, calcium, sodium…) intakes were calculated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anthropometric indexes (height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI), and body composition (lean mass and fat mass) were measured.

Results:

Sixteen women with PCOS and 8 controls were included. Mean age was 27.06 +/- 6.6 and 26.3 +/-5.9 years and BMI was 26.8 +/- 5 and 27.7+/- 7.8 kg/m2, respectively. We observed lower lean mass (45.6 vs 48.8 kg) and fat mass (23.6 vs 26.9 kg) in PCOS patients compared to controls. No significant difference in blood pressure was observed between the two groups. Both PCOS and control groups had similar energy (2114.1 vs 2155.6 kcal/d) and macronutrient intakes. In women with PCOS, the percentage of energy from fat was lower (35.2 vs 38.3%) and the percentage of energy from carbohydrates was slightly higher compared with normal controls (53.6 vs 51.3%). PCOS women had significantly higher zinc intake (8.6 vs 7.6 mg, p = 0.032). Daily cholesterol intake was higher in the PCOS group (281.3 mg versus 254.7 mg). All women had a low daily consumption of dietary fiber than the recommended value of 25 g.

Conclusions:

This study didn’t find major differences in macronutrient intake in PCOS patients compared to controls. Regarding micronutrients, a high zinc diet in PCOS patients could be a key observation. It could clear up PCOS pathophysiology, since zinc has major biological roles, as a catalyst, structural, and regulatory ion.