bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
RIGHT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION (M-MODE ECHOCG STUDY)
Authors: Tsverava Mikheil , Ugiadze Sophio 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Until recently Researchers underestimated right ventricular (RV) physiological and described it as passive conduit with a little pumping capability which just connects right atrium (RA) with pulmonary artery. Over the last decades, numerous studies have demonstrated the physiological and clinical importance of RV function. Contrary to the LV, the RV has much complex geometry. It consists of an inlet, outlet, and apical trabecular portion which are different structurally and functionally.
There is no information about Right ventricular outflow structure and function in patients with Arterial Hypertension (AH).
The aim of the research was to study the changes of RV Outflow and Inflow functional parameters in patients with Arterial Hypertension.

Design and method:
We studied 214 patients AH (male-115, fem-99, mean age 55.6±12.2, mean arterial pressure – systolic 174.1±15.2, diastolic 96.8±11.2). Control group consist from 180 normal persons (male-88, fem-92, mean age 49.7±12.2, mean arterial pressure – systolic 122.1±12.2, diastolic 71.8±10.2). All participants undergone standard EchoCG examination. Two-dimensional echocardiograms of the parasternal short axis view at the level of the aortic root were obtained for the RVOT sizes and fractional shortening (RVOT-FS) values. M-mode recordings of the RVOT were obtained and dimensions were measured at end -diastole and end systole. RV outflow Fractional Shortening (RVoutFS%, calculated with formula (RVoutDiastD-RVoutSystD)/RVoutDiastD%).

Results:
12 patients had stage-1 AH, 138- stage 2 and 64 stage 3 AH. In AH group RV wall thickness (4.2±0.9 mm versus 3.5±0.7mm), RV outflow tract systolic and diastolic diameters (32.8±4.8mm and 14.7±3.2mm versus 30.8±4.7 and 13.2±2.8mm) where greater and RVoutFS% (55.1±4.8% versus 58.8±4.3%) Pulmonary flow acceleration time (121.6±17.1versus 132.6±12.2 msec) lesser then in control. On the other hand, there was no difference in TAPSE between the groups.

Conclusions:
Despite any differences in RV inflow function There are prominent changes in RV outflow tract function and structure in patients with AH. RVoutFS% is a marker of early functional changes of RV in patients with AH
DISTINCT CARDIAC CONNEXIN-43 EXPRESSION IN HEMODYNAMICALLY UPLOADED AND UNLOADED HEART MAY IMPACT VULNERABILITY TO MALIGNANT ARRHYTHMIAS
Authors: Bacova Barbara Szeiffova , Andelova Katarina , Sykora Matus , Benova Tamara Egan , Kurahara Lin Hai , Slezak Jan , Tribulova Narcis 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Experimental and clinical studies suggest that myocardial hypertrophy in response to hypertension and hyperthyroidism increases propensity to cardiac arrhythmias. While these are rare in conditions resulting in myocardial atrophy, such as hypothyroidism or type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). One of the crucial factors impacting the susceptibility of the heart to life-threatening arrhythmias is gap junction channel protein connexin-43 (Cx43), which ensure cardiac cell-to-cell coupling for electrical signal propagation that induce contraction.
We aimed to explore abundance of Cx43 protein and its cardiomyocyte topology in hemodynamically uploaded hypertrophied versus unloaded hypotrophic cardiac phenotype.

Design and method:
Analysis were performed in left ventricular tissue of adult male rats of following groups: 1. spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR); 2. normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) treated for 8-weeks with L-thyroxine (0.15 μg/kg, i.v.) to induce hyperthyroid status; 3. WKY rats treated with methimazol (0.05% solution, p.o.) to induce hypothyroid status; 4. WKY rats treated with strepotozotocin (50mg/kg, i.p.) to induce T1DM. Animals were compared with non-treated normotensive control rats.

Results:
Comparing to healthy non-treated rats there was a decrease of total myocardial Cx43 protein and its variant phosphorylated at serine368 in SHR and hyperthyroid rats. Besides, enhanced abnormal localisation of Cx43 was demonstrated on lateral sides of hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. In contrast, total Cx43 protein and its serine368 variant were increased in atrophied left ventricle of hypothyroid and T1DM rats. It was associated with less pronounced alterations in Cx43 topology. In parallel, the abundance of PKC epsilon, which phosphorylates Cx43 at serine368 that stabilize Cx43 function and distribution was reduced in hypertrophied heart while enhanced in atrophied once.

Conclusions:
Findings suggest that differences in the abundance of cardiac Cx43, its variant phosphorylated at serine368 and Cx43 topology may explain, in part, distinct propensity of uploaded and unloaded heart to malignant arrhythmias. It suggests that hemodynamically overloaded heart might benefit from interventions promoting unloading.
This research was supported by VEGA grants 2/0002/20, 2/0006/23, Slovak Research and Development Agency under the Contract no. 21-0410