bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL AORTIC REMODELING EFFECTS OF NOREPINEPHRINE- AND ANGIOTENSIN II-INDUCED HYPERTENSION IN MICE
Authors: Spronck Bart , Caulk Alexander W. , Ramachandra Abhay B. , Murtada Sae-Il , Humphrey Jay D. 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Arterial stiffness strongly predicts cardiovascular events and mortality. Hypertension causes the arteries to remodel and potentially stiffen. It is, however, unclear whether this remodeling response differs if hypertension is induced by adrenergic receptor activation, or by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the aortic remodeling response to hypertension as induced through infusion of norepinephrine (NE) versus infusion of angiotensin II (AngII).

Design and method:
Adult male C57BL/6J mice were studied under seven conditions: untreated, and after 7, 14, or 28-day subcutaneous infusion of either 3880 ng/kg/min NE or 1000 ng/kg/min AngII. After euthanasia, ascending and descending thoracic (ATA and DTA) and infrarenal abdominal (IAA) aortas were dissected and placed within a computer-controlled biaxial testing device. Aortas were subjected to a series of isobaric (90 mmHg) vasoreactivity experiments to 100 mM potassium chloride, 1 M AngII, 1 M phenylephrine, 10 M acetylcholine (on top of phenylephrine), and 1 mM L-NAME (on top of acetylcholine and phenylephrine). Under passive conditions, pressure-diameter tests were then performed at 95%, 100%, and 105% of the <I>in vivo</I> axial stretch and axial force-length tests at 10, 60, 100, and 140 mmHg. Data were fit using a nonlinear constitutive model.

Results:
Figure shows passive biomechanical metrics for all seven groups (bar charts, <I>n</I> = 4–8 per group), calculated at <I>in vivo</I> axial stretch and group-specific blood pressures. AngII caused comparatively larger increases in wall thickness than NE. Both NE and AngII led to significant structural arterial stiffening, driven by a combination of wall thickening and stiffening of the wall material. Figure also shows correlation of wall thickness with contractility to L-NAME on top of phenylephrine (scatter plots, <I>n</I>=4–7 per group; symbols represent individual aortas) at a pressure of 90 mmHg. Strikingly, the stronger an individual aorta was able to contract (larger absolute stress change; to the left on <I>x</I>-axis), the weaker its remodeling response.

Conclusions:
NE- and AngII-induced hypertension elicit distinct aortic remodeling responses. However, independent of the hypertensive stimulus, aortic contractile capacity emerged as protective against hypertensive arterial remodeling.
DYNAMICS OF BLOOD PRESSURE DURING LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK DEPENDING ON THE CARRIER OF DIFFERENT VARIANTS OF ECONOMICAL GENES
Authors: Isayeva Ganna , Vovchenko Maryna , Shalimova Anna 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The aim was to analyze the relationship between changes blood pressure and anthropometric parameters depending on different genes variants PPARG2 (Pro12Ala), ADRB2 (Gln27Glu), ADRB2 (Agr16Gly), ADRB3 (Trp64Agr), FABP2 (Thr54Ala) with the expansion of physical activity in people with high cardiovascular risk.

Design and method:
205 people with high cardiovascular risk were examined sinse. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Anthropometric parameters, body composition (bioelectrical impedance method), blood lipids were evaluated. Amplification of DNA and genotyping in the genes PPARG2, ADRB2, ADRB3, FABP2 was carried out by PCR using reagents SNP-EXPRESS-SHOT. SPSS Statistics 19 was used for statistical analysis.

Results:
The patients were instructed to expand physical activity in the form of regular exercise. According to IPAQ 39.5 % (81 patients) proved a rise in physical activity. Depending on the changes in anthropometric parameters, patients were divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup 1 did not show significant decrease in BMI (30.7 ± 7.3 vs 29.0 ± 6.8; p = 0.436) kg /m2, but in subgroup 2 a significant decrease in BMI to (31.9 ± 3.7 vs 26.8 ± 3.9; p = 0.041) kg/m2 was stated. In both groups, blood pressure was significantly reduced regardless of the BMI response. Subgroup 1 - SBP (133.4 ± 9.7 vs 126.7 ± 8.2; p = 0.03) mm Hg, DBP (87.8 ± 8.1 vs 85.1 ± 8.6; p = 0.04) mm Hg. 2nd subgroup - SBP (134.9 ± 11.2 vs 127.8 ± 9.9; p = 0.02) mm Hg, DBP (88.2 ± 7.3 vs 84.7 ± 8.7; p = 0.03) mm Hg. Changes of blood pressure did not depend on carrying of any genetic variants. Contrastly, an association between changes of HDL during physical exercise modification and carrying of PPARG2 (Pro12Ala), ADRB2 (Gln27Glu) and ADRB3 (Trp64Agr) polymorphic variants was detected.

Conclusions:
There are no relation between carrying of PPARG2 (Pro12Ala), ADRB2 (Gln27Glu), ADRB2 (Agr16Gly), ADRB3 (Trp64Agr), FABP2 (Thr54Ala) and blood pressure decrease during physical activity expansion.
POLYPHENOLS CONTENT OF MEDICAL PLANTS AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS IN BULGARIA
Authors: Gruev Ivan , Tsanova-Savova Sivia , Paneva Slaveyka , Koleva Petya 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Flavonoids have proven beneficial effects on cardiovascular system.Medicinal plants are a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols and in particular flavonoids. Recently many food supplements has gained popularity, despite of lack of evidence based data and strict regulatory control.

Design and method:
In the present study 5 Bulgarian medical plants and 5 food supplements, present at the Bulgarian market, were analyzed for their Total phenolic, Total flavonoids and selected individual flavonoids content. A HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and rutin in plant and supplements, using PDA detection.

Results:
The results show that polyphenols in the selected food supplements are lower than those of the medical plants analyzed. Mentha piperita and Melissa officinalis have the highest polyphenols content (67.38 and 65.17 mg GAE/g; 54.59 and 57.76 mg RE/g respectively). Rutin was detected in all samples analyzed, reaching highest levels in Mentha piperita (7332.5 g/g), followed by fruits of Sambucus nigra (2818.7 g/g).

Conclusions:
The results of the study are a practical contribution to a more complete characterization of the polyphenolic composition in Bulgarian medicinal plants.They also showed that medical plants, used in traditional folk medicine may be a more effective and cheaper alternative to food supplements.
EFFECT OF DIETARY APPROACHES TO STOP HYPERTENSION DIET OR MEDITERRANEAN DIET ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH OR WITHOUT HYPERTENSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Manta Eleni , Thomopoulos Costas , Konstantinidis Dimitris , Tatakis Fotis , Polyzos Dimitris , Drogkaris Sotiris , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
To determine whether the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is accompanied by blood pressure (BP) reduction in adults with and without hypertension.

Design and method:
We systematically searched Medline and the Cochrane Collaboration Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the BP effects of the DASH diet and the MedDiet in individuals with and without hypertension. We identified 30 RCTs (n = 5,545 participants) that explored the BP effects of the DASH diet compared to the control diet and 35 RCTs (n = 13,943 participants) that explored the MedDiet BP effects compared to the usual diet or another dietary intervention (e.g., low-fat diet). For each diet, the random-effects model was used to calculate the mean attained systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) differences during follow-up.

Results:
Compared to the control diet, the DASH diet reduced SBP and DBP (difference in means: -3.2 mm Hg; 95% CI: -4 .2, -2. 3 mm Hg; P < 0.001, and -2. 5 mm Hg; 95% CI: -3. 5, -1. 5 mm Hg; P < 0.001, respectively). Hypertension status did not modify the diet’s effects on BP reduction. Compared to the usual diet the MedDiet reduced SBP and DBP (difference in means: -3.1 mm Hg; 95% CI: -4.8, -1.3; P = 0.001, and -1. 6 mm Hg; 95% CI: -2. 6, -0. 6; P = 0.002, respectively), while compared to all other active intervention diets or only to the low-fat diet the MedDiet did not reduce SBP or DBP (Figure). We were unable to compare the BP effects of the MedDiet between hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients, but in a limited number of studies conducted in normotensive individuals, the MedDiet BP effects were not significant.

Conclusions:
The adoption of the DASH diet or the MedDiet was accompanied by significant BP reduction in adults with and without hypertension. Our findings give further support to the current guidelines, supporting the adoption of a healthy, balanced diet, such as the DASH diet or the MedDiet.
EFFECTS OF HOME-BASED ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP OR AEROBIC EXERCISE TRAINING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH PRE-HYPERTENSION AND HYPERTENSION
Authors: Pinto Diogo , Rato Nuno D. , Garcia Catarina , Teixeira Manuel , Marques Maria J. , Amaral Teresa , Amaral Leonor , Ruivo Pedro , Abreu Ricardo , Oliveira Ana P. , Carneiro Cristiana , Figueiredo Daniela , Polónia Jorge , Mesquita-Bastos José , Viana João L. , Pescatello Linda S. , Ribeiro Fernando , Alves Alberto J. 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Isometric handgrip exercise training (IHT) is a promising non-pharmacological treatment to hypertension. In HoldAge (NCT04275037) we compared the effects of a home-based IHT intervention to home-based aerobic exercise training (AET) intervention or usual care on blood pressure (BP) in older adults with high normal BP and hypertension.

Design and method:
53 participants with high normal BP to stage I hypertension were (24 men, age 71.7 ± 4.2 years, systolic BP 138.2 ± 16.2 and diastolic BP 80.4 ± 8.7 mmHg) were randomized into IHT (n = 19), AET (n = 19) or an attention control group (AC, n = 15). Participants performed IHT or AET, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks. IHT consisted of 4x45 sec bilateral contractions, at an intensity of 50% of the maximum voluntary contraction, with a 1-min rest between sets. AET was walking at an intensity of 50–70% of the estimated peak maximal oxygen consumption. The AC group received standardized optimal medical care, including lifestyle advice.

Results:
Of the 53 participants, 49 finished the intervention (92.5%) with one dropout in AET and 3 in AC. Three participants were excluded due to changes in the antihypertensive medication (AET:1 and AC:2). The self-reported exercise adherence was 96.6% for IHT and 83.8% for AET. There were no significant differences at baseline for SBP (p = 0.343), DBP (p = 0.107) and pulse pressure (PP, p = 0.386). Both exercise interventions elicited similar reductions in SBP from baseline to postintervention (IHT: 138.8 ± 14.9 vs 129.2 ± 10.4 mmHg; p = 0.003; AET: 139.8 ± 19.6 vs 132.6 ± 9.5 mmHg; p = 0.049). There were no changes in BP in the AC group (130.6 ± 12.7 vs 127.9 ± 18.3 mmHg; p = 0.392). DBP decreased after IHT (78.6 ± 7.9 vs 74.7 ± 8.1 mmHg; p = 0.025) but not AET (83.1 ± 9.2 vs 80.8 ± 9.5 mmHg; p = 0.360) or AC (76.5 ± 5 vs 76.5 ± 10.1 mmHg; p = 0.942). Both exercise interventions also elicited similar reductions in PP (IHT: 60.2 ± 10.5 vs 54.4 ± 8.9 mmHg; p = 0.014; AET: 56.7 ± 13.2 vs 51.7 ± 13.5 mmHg; p = 0.016) with no differences for the AC (54.1 ± 10.3 vs 51.2 ± 13.3 mmHg; p = 0.285).

Conclusions:
The preliminary results from HoldAge indicate home-based IHT and AET elicit significant reductions in office SBP among older adults with high-normal BP to Stage 1 hypertension.
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND MICROVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION: A J-SHAPED ASSOCIATION– THE MAASTRICHT STUDY
Authors: Heide Frank van der , Eussen Simone , Houben Alfons , Henry Ronald , Kroon Abraham , Kallen Carla van der , Dagnelie Pieter , Dongen Martien Van , Berendschot Tos , Schouten Jan , Webers Carroll , Schram Miranda , Greevenbroek Marleen Van , Wesselius Anke , Schalkwijk Casper , Koster Annemarie , Jansen Jacobus , Backes Walter , Beulens Joline , Stehouwer Coen 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Alcohol consumption may be a determinant of microvascular dysfunction (MVD), an important contributor to major clinical disease such as stroke, dementia, depression, retinopathy, and chronic kidney disease. Main objectives were 1) to study whether alcohol consumption was associated with MVD as assessed in the brain, retina, skin, kidney and in the blood; and 2) to investigate whether associations differed by history of cardiovascular disease or sex.

Design and method:
We used cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study (N = 3,120 participants, 50.9% men, mean age 60 years, 16.8% with a history of cardiovascular disease, and 27.5% with type 2 diabetes [the latter oversampled by design]). We used regression analyses with adjustment for potential confounders to study the association between total alcohol, consumption (moderate versus light) and MVD, where all measures of MVD were combined into a total MVD composite score (expressed in standard deviation “standardized beta’’). We tested for interaction by history of cardiovascular disease and sex.

Results:
The association between total alcohol consumption and MVD was non-linear, i.e. J-shaped. Moderate versus light total alcohol consumption was significantly associated with less MVD, after adjustment for potential factors (moderate versus light total alcohol consumption, standardized beta [95% confidence interval], -0.10 [-0.19; -0.01]). History of cardiovascular disease (Pinteraction < 0.001) and sex (Pinteraction = 0.03) modified the associations. In stratified analyses the mathematical minimum was at higher levels of alcohol consumption for individuals with, versus without, a history of cardiovascular disease and for men versus women. In addition, moderate versus light alcohol consumption was considerably more strongly associated with less MVD in individuals with, versus without a history of cardiovascular disease; however, the strength of this association did not materially differ between women and men.

Conclusions:
The present population-based study found a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption and MVD, where the exact shape of the association differed by history of cardiovascular disease and sex. Therefore, alcohol consumption may be a determinant of MVD. Hence, although increasing alcohol consumption cannot be recommended as a policy, this study suggests that prevention of MVD may be possible through dietary interventions.
CORRELATION OF COGNITIVE STATUS WITH IMPAIRED SKIN MICROVASCULAR REACTIVITY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED UNTREATED HYPERTENSIVES
Authors: Mastrogiannis Konstantinos , Lazaridis Antonios , Triantafillou Areti , Koletsos Nikolaos , Anyfanti Panagiota , Kyriazidou Anastasia , Douma Stella , Eugenia Gkaliagkousi 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Untreated hypertension (HT) in the early midlife is strongly correlated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) later on, in the elderly. HT is also associated with significant microvascular alterations in several vascular beds including skin. Skin microcirculation has been correlated with microvascular alterations in other beds and has been proposed as a model of generalized microvascular dysfunction. We sought to estimate the prevalence of MCI in newly diagnosed untreated hypertensive patients (UHTs) and compare it to normotensive healthy individuals (NTs). We also investigated possible associations between MCI and parameters of skin microvascular reactivity by using a novel laser technique, namely Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI).

Design and method:
We consecutively enrolled 51 individuals including 31 UHTs and 20 NTs. All patients were free from diabetes mellitus or any cardiovascular disease. Diagnosis of HT was based on conventional office BP and 24h-Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (24h-ABPM) criteria, according to standard guidelines. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA test) was used to assess cognitive function with a score equal to or lower than 26 being suggestive of MCI for all participants. The LSCI technique combined with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) protocol was used to assess skin microvascular reactivity. Skin microvascular results are expressed as percentage increase of cutaneous perfusion from baseline to peak condition (base to peak flux, %).

Results:
Base to peak flux was significantly lower in UHTs compared to NTs (211.0 ± 53.1 vs 154.0 ± 53.0 %, p < 0.01). Although the prevalence of MCI did not differ between UHTs and NTs, there was also a significant positive correlation between the MoCA test score and base to peak flux in the UHTs group (r = 0.491, p = 0.02).

Conclusions:
Although UHTs did not present impaired cognitive status compared to NTs, they do present impaired skin microvascular reactivity which is strongly correlated with their cognitive status from the very early stages of hypertension. Early and effective treatment of essential hypertension may contribute to the prevention of MCI and the improvement of skin microvascular function in hypertensive patients.
RADIAL-DIGITAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY: RESPONSE OF SMALL ARTERIES TO A MODIFICATION OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS GRADIENT INDUCED BY NITROGLYCERIN
Authors: Fortier Catherine , Garneau Charles-Antoine , Paré Mathilde , Obeid Hasan , Côté Nadège , Duval Karine , Goupil Rémi , Agharazii Mohsen 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
We previously demonstrated that it is possible to modulate the arterial stiffness gradient with the administration of nitroglycerin (NTG). This alteration of the physiological stiffness gradient would increase the transmission of greater pulsatility to the microcirculation, thus explaining the damage to the pressure-sensitive organs. We aimed to describe small conducting arteries response following the pharmacological alteration of the stiffness gradient using regional stiffness of the hand (radial-digital PWV, rd-PWV).

Design and method:
The simultaneous application of piezoelectric sensors (Complior) at the level of the carotid ®, the radial artery ®, and the tip of the index finger (d) was used to calculate the rd-PWV by the following formula (rd-PWV = cd-cr distances/cd-cr transit time). Rd-PWV was obtained before and 4 minutes after a sublingual administration of 0.4 mg of NTG, in healthy adults (controls, n = 23) and patients with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD, n = 18). Changes in arterial stiffness pre-post NTG and comparisons between the two groups were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results:
Pre NTG, despite similar cr-PWV, rd-PWV in CKD seemed lower than controls (3.7 ± 1.6 m/s vs. 4.6 ± 1.5 m/s, p = 0.067). This difference between the two groups faded (p = 0.865) after adjusting for age, where the standardized coefficient B of age = -0.407 (p = 0.037). Post NTG, cr-PWV decreased in both groups (p < 0.001) while rd-PWV increased similarly (no interaction, p = 0.111)), between controls (from 4.62 ± 1.49 m/s to 5.94 ± 2.29m /s, p < 0.001) and CKD (from 3.71 ± 1.60 m/s to 5.18 ± 2.12m/s, p < 0.001). There was no difference in changes of brachial pressures between the two groups.

Conclusions:
Again, we observed opposite changes in arterial stiffness in two different arterial territories following the administration of NTG. In contrast with cr-PWV, regional stiffness of the hand increase after NTG administration. Rd-PWV is a new approach for the measurement of the regional stiffness of small arteries that could open the way to a better hemodynamic understanding of the consequences of the inversion of the stiffness gradient.
SKIN MICROVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION IS IMPAIRED IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS AND CORRELATE WITH THE DURATION OF THE DISEASE
Authors: Dolgyras Panagiotis , Lazaridis Antonios , Anyfanti Panagiota , Triantafyllou Areti , Koletsos Nikolaos , Prousalis Theodosios , Aroutsidis Fotios , Douma Stella , Galiagkousi Eygenia 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Systemic Vasculitides (SVs) are a highly inflammatory group of diseases characterized by significant cardiovascular mortality. Microvascular damage closely linked with accelerated atherosclerosis and thrombosis represent core pathophysiologic mechanisms contributing to the excess CV risk of patients with SVs. Skin represents a very easy accessible tissue, facilitating mechanistic non-invasive microvascular studies. In this study we aimed to assess skin microvascular function (SMF) using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) technique coupled with Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperemia (PORH) in patients with SVs and investigate correlations with inflammatory status and disease characteristics.

Design and method:
We consecutively recruited 60 individuals including 15 with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis, 15 with Bechet disease and 30 healthy controls matched for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors. SMF was assessed with LSCI coupled with PORH following a standardized protocol. Results are expressed as percentage increase of flux from baseline to the peak post-occlusive response, as cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) during baseline (baseline CVC), peak CVC and as the percentage increase (CVC increase). CVC was calculated as the ratio of mean flux in each respective period divided by mean blood pressure (BP). Moreover, we investigated the correlation between SMF and disease duration as well as disease activity, as evaluated by the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) and biomarkers of acute inflammation(C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

Results:
No differences were found in office BP, and basic demographic parameters between groups. Patients with SVs presented a lower base to peak flux [207 (60.1) vs 143.7 (41.0) LSPUs, p < 0.001] and CVC increase (190.0 ± 49.6 vs 149.6 ± 48.9 %, p = 0.002) compared to controls. Importantly, base to peak flux and CVC increase were significantly correlated with disease duration (p < 0.001, r = -0.563 and p < 0.001, r = 0.442 respectively). However, no significant correlation was found with disease activity markers and inflammatory status

Conclusions:
Patients with SVs exhibit impaired SMF as shown by a dynamic and reproducible method, namely LSCI combined with PORH. Moreover, skin microvascular impairment correlates with disease duration but not with disease activity, suggesting that a chronic, low-grade inflammatory background instead of acute inflammation may be responsible for cutaneous damage.