bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS ENRICHED HEN EGGS CONSUMPTION ENHANCES MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
Authors: Stupin Marko , Kolar Luka , Stupin Ana , Jukic Ivana , Susnjara Petar , Mihaljevic Zrinka , Matic Anita , Drenjancevic Ines 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
We reported previously that consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) enriched hen eggs (777 mg of n-3 PUFAs per day for three weeks) enhances forearm skin microvascular reactivity to vascular occlusion (post occlusion reactive hyperemia; PORH), and decreases arterial blood pressure (BP), serum triglycerides and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) level in healthy individuals. Present study aimed to determine the effect of n-3 PUFAs enriched hen eggs consumption on microvascular reactivity in professional athletes.

Design and method:
23 young healthy professional athletes (3 women and 20 men, age ranged 18–28 years) have consumed three standard hen eggs per day (249 mg of n-3 PUFAs/day) (Control group) or three n-3 PUFAs enriched hen eggs per day (1053 mg of n-3 PUFAs/day) (n-3 PUFA group) for three weeks. Forearm skin microvascular blood flow in response to vascular occlusion (PORH) and iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) (endothelium-dependent vasodilation) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (endothelium-independent vasodilation) were assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry before and after diet protocols. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), BP, fasting lipid panels, fasting blood glucose (fBG) and hsCRP were measured in all subjects before and after diet protocols.

Results:
BMI, WHR, BP, fasting lipid panels, fBG and hsCRP were not significantly changed after consumption of either eggs compared to baseline measurements within n-3 PUFAs or Control group. Consumption of n-3 PUFAs eggs significantly improved PORH and ACh-induced dilation (AChID) compared to baseline measurement within n-3 PUFAs group. Contrary, consumption of standard eggs did not induce any significant change in PORH and AChID compared to baseline in Control group. SNP-induced dilation was similar before and after respective diet protocol in both Control and n-3 PUFA groups.

Conclusions:
This is the first study to demonstrate that consumption of n-3 PUFAs enriched functional food (hen eggs) for three weeks enhances skin endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity in professional athletes. This result provides foundation for future investigation of potential mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs could improve endothelial function, and overall vascular adaptation to regular physical activity in professional athletes.
ASSESSMENT OF MICROVASCULAR REACTIVITY IN RANDOMLY SELECTED ADULT POPULATION EHUH STUDY CROATIAN SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION
Authors: Jukic Ivana , Stupin Ana , Kolar Luka , Peric Leon , Vincetic Ivo , Susnjara Petar , Jelakovic Ana , Dika Zivka , Karanovic Sandra , Matasin Marija , Krtalic Branimir , Jelakovic Bojan , Drenjancevic Ines 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
To assess the forearm skin microvascular reactivity and anthropometric parameters in randomly selected population and seek the differences between a group of people who had elevated blood pressure at the time of measurement and those who were normotensive.

Design and method:
Total of 148 randomly selected individuals (50 men/98 women) participated in this study. The exclusion criteria were less than 1l of urine collected at 24 h, and creatinine values below the reference values. Forthy eight individuals included in this study had arterial hypertension (HT) and 44 had normal arterial blood pressure values (NT). Post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) in skin microcirculation following 1 minute of vascular occlusion period was assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, heart rate were measured, and 24-hour urine was collected to sodium excretion and creatinine measurement. P < 0,05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Sistolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean (MAP) arterial blood pressure were significantly higher, while PORH was significantly lower in HT group compared to NT individuals. HT had higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, while there were no differences in heart rate between HT and NT group. In HT individuals, PORH was negatively associated with waist circumference (r = -0,438), and positively associated with heart rate (r = 0,316). Sodium excretion was positively associated with DBP (r = 0,361). In NT group, PORH was negatively associated with SBP (r = -0,362) and MAP (r = -0,37). SBP and MAP were positively associated with BMI (r = 0,484,r = 0,312) and waist circumference (r = 0,421,r = 0,319). Sodium excretion was positively associated with BMI (r = 0,546) and waist circumference (r = 0,523). Analyzes of all individuals together showed that PORH was negatively associated with BMI (r = -0,253), SBP (r = -0,274) and MAP (r = -0,24), while BMI was positively associated with SBP (r = 0,359), DBP (r = 0,219) and MAP (r = 0,312).

Conclusions:
High blood pressure attenuated microvascular function. Arterial blood pressure is related to obesity (BMI, waist circumference).
ASSOCIATION OF CARDIO-METABOLIC RISK FACTORS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Unurjargal Tsolmon , Erdenedagva Oyunsuren , Byambatsogt Bolortuul , Vanchin Byambasuren 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
The main cardio-metabolic risk factors including arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, tobacco consumption, diabetes mellitus and obesity prevalence are increasing. During the recent 20 years prevalence of cardiovascular disease increased 5 times and leading cause of mortality in Mongolia. Thereby, we aim to study cardio-metabolic risk factors’ prevalence and their association in hypertensive and non-hypertensive subjects.

Design and method:
Materials and method: The hospital based study was conducted by case-control design. The case group was consisted of patients who are between the age of 20–64 years, with arterial hypertension and without signs and symptoms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. But the control group was consisted of patients who are between the age of 20–64 years and without any signs and symptoms of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases as well as no history of hypertension. If blood pressure is = > 130/80 mm Hg, we defined as hypertensive. The serum lipid measurements and glucose were tested by “ChemWell®2910” full automated open-system analyzer of USA in “Express” diagnostic center. Data analysis was processed by using STATA 12.1 program.

Results:
Result: Total participants of the current study were 314 patients and 113 (36%) of them were male, 201 (64%) of them were female and average age were defined as 46.5 ± 10.4. Furthermore, 68.8% of total participants were diagnosed with dyslipidemia and 59.6% of them were diagnosed with arterial hypertension. In the case group, 187 of individuals were participated and 57.75% of them were with 2 of risk factors and in the control group, 127 of individual were participated and 43.31% of them were with 1 of risk factors. Moreover, in the arterial hypertension group, the average Body mass index was 28.97 ± 5.14 kg/m2, average waist circumference was 94.68 ± 13.17 cm, average of total cholesterol was 5.59 ± 1.53 mmol/l and the average level of LDL was 3.89 ± 4.32 mmol/l.

Conclusions:
Conclusion: According to our study, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and more than two risk factors were associated with the hypertension (P < 0.01).
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERIRENAL ADIPOSE TISSUE AND OTHER VISCERAL FAT DEPOTS IN PATIENTS WITH ABDOMINAL OBESITY
Authors: Blinova Natalia , Azimova Marina , Zhernakova Yulia , Zheleznova Ekaterina , Azimova Makka , Shamshilina Vera , Saidova Marina , Ternovoy Sergey , Chazova Irina 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Perirenal adipose tissue is the fat pad surrounding the kidneys. It is proposed as new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of study to assess the correlation between perirenal adipose tissue (PAT) volume with waist circumference, abdominal adipose tissue volume and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and thickness in patients with abdominal obesity.

Design and method:
The study included 104 patients (37,5% - men, 62.5% - women), mean age 38.59 ± 6.09 years with abdominal obesity (waist circumference (WC) > 80 cm in women and > 94 cm in men), without cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Abdominal adipose tissue volume (visceral and subcutaneous), EAT volume and perirenal adipose tissue (PAT) volume were measured by multislice computed tomography (ToshibaAquillion 640, Japan). EAT thickness was determined using transthoracic echocardiography (Vivid 7, Vivid 9 (GE Healthcare, USA)) on the free wall of the right ventricle from both parasternal long- and short-axis views at end-systole and end-diastole during three cardiac cycles.

Results:
The mean BMI was 32,3 ± 5,3 kg/m2, the mean WC was 105,9 ± 13,6 cm. In all patients, the mean visceral abdominal adipose tissue volume was 144,9 ml (range: 36,2 to 367,2 ml), the mean subcutaneous adipose tissue volume was 225,3 ml (range: 101,8 to 425,3 ml), the mean PAT volume was 116,0 ml (range: 28,2 to 311,7 ml), the mean EAT volume was 90,1 ml (range: 21,0 to 284,0 ml). PAT volume was significantly correlated with intraabdominal visceral adipose tissue volume (r = 0,58; p < 0,05). There are no association between PAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue volume (r = 0,02; p < 0,05). PAT volume has strong correlation with EAT volume (r = 0,43; p < 0,05), EAT thickness (at end-systole r = 0,36; p < 0,05, at end-diastole r = 0,40; p < 0,05).

Conclusions:
This study showed strongly association between PAT with intraabdominal visceral adipose tissue, EAT. It confirms that PAD is one of the ectopic visceral fat depots and could indicated visceral obesity
CARDIOVASCULAR FEATURES OF PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME
Authors: Bertone Gianandrea , Bilo Grzegorz 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder and the most common cause of syndromic obesity. With increased lifespan of the affected patients, an association of this syndrome with elevated cardiovascular morbi-mortality was observed, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully known. Aim of this study was to characterize the cardiovascular phenotype of PWS patients compared with obese controls, focusing on the possible presence of a number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Design and method:
A case control-study was performed including 20 PWS patients and 20 age and sex-matched obese controls. All participants underwent an extensive cardiovascular evaluation which included clinic blood pressure (BP; (measurements performed according to ESH guidelines, by a validated oscillometric device), 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (validated AND TM2430 device, with readings every 15 min during daytime and every 30 min at night), echocardiography, arterial tonometry (validated Pulse Pen device, Dia Tecne, Italy) and laboratory analyses.

Results:
We observed no significant differences between PWS patients (F/M 15/5) and controls (F/M 15/5) in terms of age (31.9 ± 6.2 vs. 33.1 ± 7.8 y), BMI (37.9 ± 9.3 vs. 35.6 ± 8.8 kg/m2), clinic BP (119.0 ± 11.7/75.15 ± 8.6 vs. 119.0 ± 8.5/75.15 ± 8.6 mmHg), echocardiographic variables, central systolic BP (110.6 ± 12.3 vs. 111.6 ± 11.7 mmHg) or carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (6.6 ± 1.3 vs. 6.7 ± 1.2 m/s). Conversely, PWS was associated with higher ambulatory BP values, in particular with regard to nocturnal BP, increased BP variability, increased augmentation pressure (AP) and augmentation index (AIx); see Table. PWS patients had also higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; 40% vs. 10%, p = 0.028) and diabetes (35% vs. 10%, p = 0.058). In multivariable analysis increased nocturnal systolic BP was independently predicted by PWS presence (p = 0.010) and greater BMI (p = 0.019) while increased nocturnal systolic BP variability only by PWS (p = 0.033).

Conclusions:
We provide for the first time evidence that, compared to obese controls, patients with PWS display distinct cardiovascular characteristics including higher nocturnal BP and BP variability, also after controlling for possible confounders such as OSA and diabetes. These differences, whose determinants need to be investigated, may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in this group.
INCIDENCE OF OBESITY AND ACCOMPANYING RISK FACTORS IN URBAN AREAS OF SINDH, PAKISTAN
Authors: Shaheen Sumera 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
To analyze the occurrence of obesity and its connected risk factors among urban population.

Design and method:
This observational study was conducted for a period of about six months from April 2019 to September 2019 in urban areas of sindh province. Data was collected from 400 patients in a suitably designed form which included demographic details of the patients, their biochemical and physical examinations.

Results:
According to the results, 56.8% patients were found to be obsessed. Females being single, married, widow and eating more meat were generally suffering from obesity. The percentage of three types of obesity was as: General obesity only (3.0%), central obesity only (34.2%) and combined obesity (19.6%). It was further found that general obesity was generally associated with hypertension, diabetes and high levels of triglycerides and on the other hand combined obesity and central obesity only were found to be associated with high total cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol.

Conclusions:
This study concluded that there was more incidence of obesity in the population of urban areas of Sindh., Pakistan
NON-INTERVENTIONAL WEIGHT CHANGES AFFECT SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN NORMOTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Shlomai Gadi , Grossman Ehud , Klempfner Robert , Leibowitz Avshalom , Ovdat Tal 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
The association between obesity and hypertension is well established. Weight loss has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive patients. Nevertheless, the effect of weight changes on BP in normotensive individuals is less clear. We explored the association between non-interventional weight alterations and BP changes in a large cohort of normotensive adults.

Design and method:
a retrospective analysis of normotensive individuals, between 2010–2018. All weight changes were non-interventional. Body mass index (BMI) and BP were measured annually. Patients were divided according to the change in BMI between visits: reduction of more than 5% (’large reduction’), between 2.5–5% (’moderate reduction’), reduction of less than 2.5% or elevation of less than 2.5% (’unchanged’), elevation between 2.5–5% (’moderate increase’) and elevation of more than 5% (’large increase’). The primary outcome was the change in systolic BP (SBP) between the visits.

Results:
The final analysis included 8,723 individuals. 20% of the subjects reduced their BMI by at least 2.5% and 24.5% increased their BMI by more than 2.5%. ’High reduction’ inferred an absolute decrease of 3.6 mmHg in SBP, while ’large increase’ resulted in an absolute increase of 1.9 mmHg in SBP. The proportion of individuals with at least 10 mmHg decrease in SBP progressively declined according to the relative decrease in BMI, and the proportion of patients with at least 10 mmHg increase in SBP progressively increased. This effect was more pronounced in individuals with higher baseline SBP.

Conclusions:
Among normotensive adults, modest non-interventional weight changes may have significant effects on SBP.
LATE GESTATIONAL TESTOSTERONE CAUSES REDUCED PLACENTAL MASS, ADIPONECTIN AND NRF2 IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: Olatunji Lawrence , Areola Emmanuel , Adewuyi Ifeoluwa , Ogunlade Ayodele 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Gestational excess androgen has been linked to preeclampsia-related intrauterine growth restriction and is associated with future cardiometabolic derangement in offspring. Excess androgen plausibly results in oxidative stress as one of the multiple mechanisms by which it may negatively impact the placental and fetal growth. Adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant adipocytokine is also expressed in the placenta. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of excess gestational testosterone on placental weight, adiponectin and nuclear erythroid-derived 2 factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant defense in Wistar rats.

Design and method:
Ten pregnant Wistar rats were grouped into two (n = 5) and treated with distilled water (p.o.) or testosterone (0.5 mg/kg; sc) from gestational day 14 to 19.

Results:
Results showed that testosterone-exposed pregnant rats during the third trimester had 4-folds increase in circulating testosterone (20.9 ± 2.8 vs 5.1 ± 1.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001) whereas testosterone levels in the placenta of both groups were comparable. Reduced placental weight, fetal number, fetal weight, adiponectin, Nrf2, SOD 1, SOD 2, catalase and aconitase activities were observed in rats exposed to excess late gestational testosterone. Data also showed increased placental xanthine oxidase activity, uric acid, triglyceride, free fatty acid, total cholesterol, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase activity and lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions:
Taken together, excess late gestational testosterone caused decreased placental adiponectine, disrupted Nrf2-dependent anti-oxidant defense and lipid deposition in the placenta, leading to poor fetal outcomes. Therefore adiponectin/Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense pathway can be considered for further mechanistic elucidation and therapeutic target for testosterone-induced poor fetal development.
VASCULAR STATUS AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PREGNANCY
Authors: Evsevyeva Maria , Sergeeva Oksana , Prokhorenko-Kolomoytseva Irina , Frantseva Victiria 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Recently, there has been interest of researchers in assessing vascular stiffness in various complications of pregnancy (P). However, there is little data on profile of this parameter in healthy pregnants. Purpose: to assess the dynamics of the main indicators of vascular stiffness in physiological P.

Design and method:
Prospective longitudinal study was performed. 95 women with singleton pregnancies aged 18 to 23 years were examined. Exclusion criteria: BMI at beginning of pregnancy >25 kg/ m2; any somatic disease, all variants of hypertension (including those developed during pregnancy), smoking, infectious diseases, multiple pregnancy, as well as pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technologies. The control group consisted of 45 healthy young non-pregnant women, comparable in age and anthropometric data. Non-invasive assessment of vascular stiffness was performed by oscillometric method on apparatus BpLab Vasotens (Peter Telegin, Russia). The device complies with international accuracy standards for oscillometric BP recorders and is recommended for use in pregnant women. Estimated parameters such as augmentation index in brachial artery (AIX,%), augmentation index in aorta (AIXao,%), pulse wave velocity in aorta (PWVao, m/s). Measurements were taken several times at different gestation periods.

Results:
Parameters of vascular stiffness in healthy pregnants differed significantly from those in control. Thus, AIX in the brachial artery during P had significantly lower values regardless of gestation. Its dynamics has following features: the decrease of this indicator from very beginning of the P, maximum decrease was recorded between 25 and 30 weeks, then its value increased, but did not reach the control values. AIXao in healthy pregnant women was also significantly lower. Maximum reduction occurred at same time as for peripheral AIX. In healthy P, there was a lower RWVao. Dynamics of this indicator had more complex picture: lowest value was observed between 15 and 20 weeks, then RWVao increased, reaching maximum by 35 weeks, followed by slight decrease.

Conclusions:
There is clear dependence of vascular stiffness on timing of gestation, which is due to a whole complex of physiological changes occurring in body of pregnants. Obtained data are useful for improving system of cardiovascular support for pregnants.
ACE2 CONTRIBUTES TO THE NORMAL REGULATION OF ARTERIAL PRESSURE AND IMMUNITY IN FEMALES OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE
Authors: Colafella Katrina Mirabito , Vinh Antony , Tikellis Chris , Widdop Robert , Denton Kate 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Hypertension and cardiovascular disease are age and sex dependent. These differences may, in part, be mediated by the depressor/pressor balance of the renin angiotensin system. Here we determined the role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the regulation of arterial pressure in females of reproductive age and investigated whether targeting deficits in ACE2-generated angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7) restores the normal regulation of arterial pressure during pregnancy.

Design and method:
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured via telemetry in 14 week old wild-type (WT) and ACE2 knockout (ACE2-KO) male mice and WT and ACE2-KO female mice receiving vehicle or the MasR agonist, AVE-0991 (24 ug/kg/min s.c) prior to and during pregnancy. FACS analysis was used to determine circulating immune cell activation and infiltration into kidneys (baseline and Gd18) and placentae (Gd18).

Results:
Basal MAP was lower in WT females than ACE2-KO females, WT males and ACE2-KO males (91 ± 2 vs 100 ± 1, 98 ± 1 and 102 ± 2 mmHg, respectively; all P < 0.05 vs WT female). In ACE2-KO females, AVE-0991 lowered basal MAP by 5 ± 1 mmHg (P = 0.03). In WT females, MAP decreased during pregnancy reaching a nadir at Gd9 before returning to pre-conception levels during late gestation. In contrast, in ACE2-KO mice, MAP increased significantly during late gestation (P < 0.0001 vs WT) and this effect was prevented by AVE-0991 (P < 0.05 vs vehicle). This effect of AVE-0991 on MAP was due to changes in diastolic rather than systolic arterial pressure. ACE2-KO mice had smaller litters but greater birth/pup weight than WT mice. AVE-0991 normalised litter size and birth/pup weight in ACE2-KO mice to that observed in WT mice. Circulating and renal T-regulatory cells were lower in non-pregnant and pregnant female and male ACE2-KO mice than their WT counterparts. Treatment with AVE-0991 did not alter the proportion of T-regulatory cells.

Conclusions:
These data indicate that ACE2 plays an important role in the regulation of arterial pressure and immunity in females of reproductive age. A corollary of this is that deficits in ACE2-generated Ang-(1–7) may contribute to an increased risk of hypertension in non-pregnant and pregnant premenopausal females and therefore may be a novel therapeutic target.