bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE GUT MICROBIOTA IN THE OBESE HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
Authors: Koval Sergiy , Snihurska Iryna , Yushko Kostiantyn 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Recent studies showed that the gut microbiota (GM) is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension (AH). Changes in the composition of the GM are associated with various metabolic diseases and the risk factors of development of AH, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the features of the composition of the GM in the patients with AH, which occurs against the background of abdominal obesity (AO).

Design and method:
In the study was included 70 patients with AH, 2–3 degrees (46 patients with AO and 24 patients with normal body weight (NBW) aged 40 to 65 years. The control group consisted of 20 practically healthy individuals. The investigation complex included standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods. Determination of the quantitative composition of GM was carried out by the method of polymerase chain reaction with hybridization-fluorescence detection of results in real time.

Results:
In patients with AH, both with AO and without obesity (with NBW), there was a significant decrease in the number of Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05), Bifidobacterium spp (p < 0.05), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p < 0.05) compared with the control group/ At the same time, in the group of the patients with AH and AO, a more significant decrease in the number of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was detected, compared with the group of patients with AH with NBW (p < 0.05). The amount of Akkermansia Muciniphila was significantly lower in the patients with AH and AO compare with the patients with NBW (p < 0.05) and the control group (p < 0.01). Also, in the patients with AH and AO the ratio of Bacteroides fragilis group/Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was significant higher than in the patients with NBW (p < 0.05) and control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:
The results of our study indicate a possible role of the identified GM imbalance (deficiency of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Akkermansia Muciniphila, increased ratio of Bacteroides fragilis group/Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) in the pathogenesis of AH in the obese patients.
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, LUNG FUNCTION AND ASTHMA CONTROL IN OBESE ASTHMATIC INDIAN CHILDREN
Authors: Yadav Rashmi , Nandy Arnab , Kabra Sushil Kumar , Lodha Rakesh 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Obesity is a major risk factor for asthma in children. Obese children have an increased risk of asthma; have more frequent and severe exacerbations, decreased lung function, and poor quality of life. However, the relationship between obesity, lung function, and asthma control remains unclear in obese asthmatic Indian children. Therefore, we examined the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with lung function, asthma control, and quality of life in obese asthmatic children.

Design and method:
Forty-seven children (8–15 years) with asthma according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines were enrolled in the study from the Pediatric Chest Clinic of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Weight was recorded to the nearest 0.1 kg and height was measured using a stadiometer nearest to 0.1 cm. The measurements of height and weight were used to calculate BMI. BMI derived was categorized by using Z score tables of WHO-BMI for age standards for boys and girls between 5 and 19 years. Lung function was assessed using spirometry parameters (Super spiro MK2 Micro Medical Ltd, UK), HRQoL was assessed using Juniper’s Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), and level of asthma control was assessed by Juniper’s Asthma control questionnaire (ACQ). ACQ score ranges from 0 (well controlled) to 6 (extremely poorly controlled). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed to study the relationship between BMI, lung function parameters, PAQLQ score, and asthma control score

Results:
Obese children had mean (SD) age of 10.7 (2.5) years, BMI = 25.9 ± 7.5 kg/m2, forced expiratory volume-1 second (FEV1)/ forced vital capacity (FVC) was 82.8 ± 10.7%, ACQ score of 1.5 (0.8), and PAQLQ score of 5.5 (1.1).BMI was significantly directly correlated with ACQ score (r = 0.610, p < 0.001), and inversely correlated with predicted FEV1/FVC (r = -0.537, p = 0.002) and PAQLQ score (r = -0.625, p < 0.002).

Conclusions:
In obese asthmatic children, obesity is associated with a reduction in lung function and poor asthma control, and quality of life. Early weight-loss interventions could play role in preventing obesity and related pulmonary function impairment in asthmatic children.
ALTERATION OF RENAL DOPAMINERGIC SYSTEM IN RATS FED WITH HIGH FAT DIET: A POSSIBLE MECHANISM PROMOTING ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Cantú Silvana María , Lee Hyun Jin , Mikusic Natalia Laura Rukavina , Kouyoumdzian Nicolás Martín , Höcht Christian , Donoso Adriana Susana , Puyó Ana María , Choi Marcelo Roberto 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
A chronic high fat diet (HFD) induces insulin resistance and enhances renal sodium reabsorption. The renal dopaminergic system (RDS) is a local natriuretic system involved in blood pressure regulation. We analyzed the effect of a HFD on the RDS and its impact on blood pressure regulation in rats.

Design and method:
Six weeks old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups (n = 4–6), and studied for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. C (Control): standard diet (SD) and tap water to drink; HFD: 50% w/w bovine fat added to SD and tap water to drink. We determined: Systolic blood pressure (SBP); urine excretion of L-dopa and dopamine by HPLC (L-dopa/dopamine index was calculated); plasmatic, urinary biochemical, and kidney function parameters; and organic cation transporter N1, 2 and 3 (OCT-N1/2/3) protein expression in renal cortex tissue by western blot.

Results:
SBP (mmHg): HFD4: 134 ± 2 vs. C4: 120 ± 2; HFD8: 135 ± 2 vs. C8: 121 ± 2; HFD12: 147 ± 2 vs. C12 115 ± 3; p < 0.01. fractional sodium excretion (FENa, %): HFD4: 0.19 ± 0.03 vs. C4: 0.63 ± 0.04; HFD8: 0.18 ± 0.02 vs. C8: 0.49 ± 0.06; HFD12: 0.05 ± 0.02 vs. C12 0.35 ± 0.05; p < 0.01. urinary sodium excretion (UNa.V, mEq/24hs): HFD4: 0.53 ± 0.05 vs. C4: 2.09 ± 0.15; HFD8: 0.51 ± 0.07 vs. C8: 1.94 ± 0.11; HFD12: 0.16 ± 0.04 vs. C12: 0.97 ± 0.17, p < 0.01. Daily diuresis (ml/24hs): HFD4: 3.6 ± 0,7 vs. C4: 13.5 ± 1.3; HFD8: 3.5 ± 0.3 vs. C8: 16.4 ± 2.2; HFD12: 4.3 ± 0.7 vs. C12: 15.3 ± 1.6, p < 0,0001. L-dopa/dopamine index: HFD4: 3.6 ± 0.3 vs. C4: 1.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.005; HFD8: 3.7 ± 0.7 vs. C8: 1.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.05; HFD12: 4.8 ± 0.2 vs. C12: 2.0 ± 0.3, p < 0.01. A positive correlation between SBP vs the L-dopa/dopamine index: p < 0.001, r = 0.985, R2 = 0.97; and a negative correlation between UNa.V vs L-dopa/dopamine index: p < 0.001, r = -0.959, R2 = 0.92 were found. Expression of transporter OCT-N1/2/3 / GAPDH were: HFD8: 0.6 ± 0.1 vs. C8: 1.0 ± 0.2, p < 0.05.

Conclusions:
The reduction in natriuresis could be related to the decrease in dopamine excretion to the proximal convoluted tubular lumen caused by the reduced expression of OCT-N1/2/3 transporters, contributing to increase blood pressure.
VITAMIN D STATUS IN TUNISIAN OBESE PATIENTS
Authors: Othman Rym Ben , Gamoudi Amel , Mizouri Ramla , Amor Nadia Ben , Loukil Insaf , Souissi Cyrin , Berriche Olfa , Mahjoub Faten , Jamoussi Henda 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Aims: The objectives of this study were to estimate the vitamin D deficiency in obese, identify risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, demonstrating a possible association between vitamin D levels and metabolic parameters.

Design and method:
This was a transversal study that involved 84 obese adults consultant to the obesity unit in the national institute of nutrition of tunis.

Results:
The deficit of vitamin D (<30 ng / ml) among obese was 98.8%. Half of them had a rate < 10 ng / ml. We observed a significant relationship between vitamin D levels and the origin of the North West (p = 0,04). Environmental factors involved in vitamin D deficiency are: the veil (p = 0,001), and dietary factors are represented by the calcium intake (p = 0,001) and the daily caloric intake (p = 0,0001).
The perc ent of fat mass was negatively related to vitamin D levels (p = 0.01) but not with BMI (p = 0.118) or waist circumference (p = 0,88). Similarly, lipid profile, glucose profile, blood pressure had no link with vitamin D, serum uric acid was positively associated with vitamin D (p = 0.03), as well as the rate of hemoglobin (p = 0,0001). Insulin resistance evaluated by fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were not related to vitamin D levels (p = 0,38 and p = 0,31).

Conclusions:
At the end of our study, we have identified a very important vitamin D deficiency among obese. Dosage and systematic supplementation should be applied and for that physician awareness is needed.
IT IS SOMETHING MAKING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME VERSUS HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITHOUT METABOLIC SYNDROME IN SARS-COV-2 INFECTION?
Authors: Stirban Raluca , Dragoi Doina , Grigore Cristiana , Balaceanu Beatrice , Gurau Cristian-Dorin , Voiculet Cornelia , Zaharia Magda , Zara Octavian , Dediu Giorgiana , Giuglea Carmen , Calin Camelia , Dina Ion , Balaceanu Alice 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
The aim of the study was to compare the clinical particularities and the lab tests in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome, versus hypertensive patients without metabolic syndrome, admitted for SARS-COV2 infection.

Design and method:
We performed a retrospective study on 217 patients admitted to a Clinical Emergency Hospital between January 2021 and October 2021.

Results:
We had 217 patients admitted in internal medicine clinic for infection with SARS-COV2 virus. Patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome (subgroup 1, 93 patients) were aged between 37 and 91 years (average age of 69 years). Patients with hypertension without metabolic syndrome (subgroup 2, 55 patients) were aged between 47 and 97 (average age of 72 years).
Gender distribution in subgroup 1: 50% male, 50% female. In the subgroup 2, the gender distribution was: 51.52% male, 48.48% female.
At admission, the stages of SARS-COV2 infection in subgroup 1, according to CT examination, were severe in 54.41%, moderate in 27.94%, and mild in 17.64%, and in subgroup 2 were severe in 47.16%, moderate in 24.52%, and mild in 28.30%.
As comorbidities in subgroup 1: cancer in 5.88%, chronic heart failure in 26.47% of cases, atherosclerosis in 55.88%, COPD in 7.35%, depression in 7.35% and dementia in 5.88% of cases.
In subgroup 2 the comorbidities were: cancer in 4.55% of patients, chronic heart failure in 36.36% of patients, atherosclerosis in 62.12%, COPD in 4.55%, depression in 3.03%, dementia in 10.61% of patients.
High levels of the inflammatory markers in subgroup 1: CRP in 98.53% of cases, D-dimers in 85.29%, NT-proBNP in 76.34%, IL6 in 83.87%.
In subgroup 2: high levels of CRP in 93.94% of cases, D-dimers in 84.85%, NT-proBNP in 69.09%, IL6 in 83.63%.
Permanent atrial fibrillation was more prevalent in subgroup 2 (18.18% of cases) compared to subgroup 1 (9.67% of cases) while the prevalence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was higher in subgroup 1 (5.45% versus 8.60% of cases).

Conclusions:
Increased NT-proBNP and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation had a higher prevalence in patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome for the same age group and degree of SARS-COV2 pulmonary infection.
UPREGULATION OF PPET-1 AND DOWNREGULATION OF ENOS ASSOCIATE WITH VASCULAR REMODELING AND INFLAMMATION IN THE HEART AND KIDNEY OF RATS WITH HIGH FAT DIET
Authors: Anantawikrama Widyan Putra Ana , Sari Dwi Cahyani Ratna , Setyaningsih Wiwit Ananda Wahyu , Syifanie Yaura , Kamila Alya , Rivaldo Reza Ahmad , Rizqia Mumtaz , Arfian Nur 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Obesity alters several metabolic activities leading to cardiovascular diseases. The insulin resistance-caused obesity stimulates vasodilator and vasoconstrictor agent disturbances that ended up with cardiac vascular remodeling. This study aims to investigate the effect of obesity to the heart and kidney, focusing on inflammatory mediators associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Design and method:
Rats (3 months-old, weight 200 g) were divided into control (n = 6), and rats fed on high-fat diet (HFD) for 1 month (n = 6, OB1), 2 months (n = 6, OB2), and 4 months (n = 6, OB4). Then, rats were terminated, and the heart and kidney were harvested for histological quantification and the quantification of mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators, eNOS and ppET-1 using RT-PCR. Sirius Red staining was done to assess vascular remodeling and the immunohistochemistry staining of CD68 protein expression was performed to assess the localization of macrophage.

Results:
HFD induced high body weight compared to the control group. It was followed by increase of mRNA expression of NF-KB, MCP-1 and CD68 in heart of HFD groups compared to the control group, especially in OB4. Immunostaining revealed positive staining of macrophage (CD68) in the heart of OB groups. Histological staining of the kidney showed slight tubular injury and glomerulosclerosis in OB4 group. Long-term obesity promoted vascular remodeling with increased wall in the heart of OB4 group. OB4 group demonstrated upregulation of ppET-1 with downregulation of eNOS mRNA expression in the heart and kidney.

Conclusions:
HFD induced upregulation of ET-1 and downregulation of eNOS which may associate with cardiac vascular remodeling, kidney injury and inflammation in the heart and kidney.
SKIN MICROVASCULAR FLOWMOTION IS UNALTERED IN ABDOMINALLY OBESE MEN
Authors: Jimenez Zaida Abad , Kusters Yvo Ham , Joris Peter J. , Plat Jogchum , Mensink Ronald P. , Da Stehouwer Coen , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Houben Alfons Jhm 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Abdominal obesity represents a systemic metabolic pathology, being related to the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Microvascular dysfunction is multifactorial and alters, among other things, insulin-mediated glucose disposal. We have previously shown that insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment in skeletal muscle is impaired in obese men and that weight loss can reverse this impairment. Our objective was to examine whether impairment of insulin-mediated microvascular function and subsequent reversal by weight loss can be detected in skin as well using flowmotion analyses.

Design and method:
Twenty-five lean and 53 abdominally obese men (waist circumference 102–110 cm; aged18–65 yrs.; no cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes) were recruited. Following baseline measurements, the obese men were randomized to either an 8-week program of low calorie diet (LCD), or usual diet (control). Skin flowmotion was measured by laser-doppler flowmetry and Fourier analyses resulted in the contribution of five frequency domains: endothelial, 0.01–0.02 Hz; neurogenic, 0.02–0.06 Hz; myogenic, 0.06–0.15 Hz; respiratory, 0.15–0.40 Hz and cardiac, 0.40–1.60 Hz. Flowmotion was measured before and during a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp.

Results:
Baseline flowmotion was not different between lean and obese men. In both lean and obese men, hyperinsulinaemia induced a similar increase in total flowmotion (lean: 6.5% (1.5, 11.5); obese: 3.6% (0.6, 6.6); p = 0.309 vs lean) and the endothelial domain (lean: 12.3% (1.7, 22.9); obese: 8.6% (2.5, 14.7); p = 0.538 vs lean), and a decrease in the neurogenic domain (lean: -14.2% (-24.8, -3.7); obese: -4.6% (-13, 3.8); p = 0.149 vs lean). The LCD intervention did not statistically significantly affect flowmotion.

Conclusions:
In contrast to insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment in skeletal muscle, skin microvascular flowmotion is unaltered in abdominally obese men versus lean. In addition, a weight loss intervention in the obese men did not affect skin microvascular flowmotion. These findings indicate that the sensitivity of the microvasculature to systemic mediators may differ between tissues.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAT MASS AND ORGAN DAMAGE IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING ELDERLY CHINESE: THE NORTHERN SHANGHAI STUDY
Authors: Xu Chong , Yu Shikai , Chi Chen , Fan Ximin , Teliewubai Jiadela , Zhao Song , Tang Jiamin , Xu Yawei , Zhang Yi 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Body fat mass (FM) is associated with multiple organ damage. However, the available data on the relationship between FM and different organ damage is inconsistent and differs according to gender. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between FM and organ damage in elderly men and women in the Chinese community.

Design and method:
After excluding missing data, data from 3331 participants were included in this analysis. Based on age, height, weight, waist circumference, race, predicted FM was calculated. Organ damage includes arterial stiffness (AS), lower extremity atherosclerosis (LEA), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), micro-albuminuria, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results:
Of the 3331 participants, 1881 (56.4%) were female. After adjusted for multiple risk factors, among women, participants with higher quantiles of FM had a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for AS (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.18–2.27, p for trend = 0.011), LEA (OR = 2.867, 95% CI: 1.73–4.74, p for trend < 0.001), LVH (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.40–2.60, p for trend < 0.001), CKD (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12–3.00, p for trend = 0.008), but not for micro-albuminuria. In men, higher FM was only associated with an increased incidence of LVH (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.34–3.36, p for trend < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Elevated FM is associated with more organ damage in elderly women in the Chinese community. Therefore, in order to alleviate the occurrence of organ damage, elderly women should pay more attention to the management of body fat.
STRENGTHENING OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN FRAIL ELDERLY WOMEN WITH METABOLIC SINDROME
Authors: D’Amico Ferdinando , D’Amico Rossella 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
This study assessed homeostatic reserves which frailty includes through the differences in physical performances by elderly women affected by Metabolic Syndrome.

Design and method:
We examined 32 women (mean age 68+ 3) with Metabolic Syndrome.Metabolic Syndrome was assessed through the NCEP standards: 1) obesity (waist>cm 88 for women and> 102 cm for men); 2) high values of triglyceride (>150 mg/dl); 3) low values of HDL cholesterol (>40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women);4) high levels of blood pressure (> 130/85 mmHg) or antihypertensive treatment; 5) high glycemia at awakening (110–126 mg/dl). The design of the study included: 1) blood tests; 2) clinical measurement of blood pressure.Blood Pressure was under control when< 140/90 mmHg and > 130/80 mmHg in patients affected by diabetes mellitus.The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) combines a balance test following 3 different positions on increasing difficulty, a 4-metre walking path and a repeated stand-up exercise from a chair.Self-sufficient elderly women with reduced physical performance and with a reported SPPB score comprised between 5 and 9 can be considered frail and at high risk of disability.

Results:
Among all subjects 16 had a < 9 SPPB score (group A); while 18 had a > 9 score (group B). We did not detect considerable differences in the 2 groups considering age, waist length, glycemia, cholesterol, triglyceride, while we detected an uncontrolled hypertension (SBP 154 + 3 and DBP 90 + 4 mmHg, p< 0.005) in group A. A substantial connection between reduced physical performance (SPPB < 9) and uncontrolled hypertension in group A (p < 0.01) was noted. The latter was administered a 6 month program of home adapted workout supervised by an occupational therapist every 2 months.

Conclusions:
In elderly women affected by Metabolic Syndrome, the study assesses a relationship between uncontrolled hypertension and a reduced physical performance. Evaluation through SPPB is able to assess specific features in elderly patients’ health beyond the clinical evaluation and the specific markers for disease gravity, therefore indicating the reduced homeostatic reserves included in frailty. A combination of pharmacological therapy with occupational therapy is able to empower physical performance in frail elderly patients.
CLASSIC CARDIOVASCULAR PROTECTIVE SIGNALING IN ANGIOTENSIN II-INDUCED NOVEL PREECLAMPSIA RAT MODEL
Authors: Huixing Cui , Liyuan Jin , Junxian Liu , Yinhua Zhang 
Published: June 2022

Objective:
Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induces vasoconstriction, in vivo perfusion has been shown to induce preeclampsia (PE) in pregnant rats. In this study, we aimed to examine the protein and mRNA expressions of endothelial and neuronal NOS (eNOS, nNOS) as well as angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) in normal pregnant and Ang II-induced PE rats.

Design and method:
Pregnant (8 weeks) and non-pregnant SD rats (8 weeks, GD-8) were infused with Ang II via an osmotic minipump (1 ug/kg/min), and the rats (GD-21) were sacrificed 13 days later. Pregnant and non-pregnant rats without Ang II were taken as sham controls. The fetal weight, crown-rump length and placental weight of PE rats were significantly lower compared to those without Ang II infusion. Immunohistochemistry results showed an approximately 30% increase in glomerular volume, suggesting morphological changes in the kidney and Ang II infusion exhibits a PE phenotype.

Results:
Ang II infusion did not affect AT2R, AT1R and nNOS protein or mRNA expression in the uterus of non-pregnant or pregnant rats. However, eNOS mRNA expression was reduced in PE rats (p < 0.0001) although protein expression was not affected by Ang II infusion. However, in the placenta, AT1R and AT2R protein expression were not different in PE, but AT2R mRNA was decreased (p < 0.0001). eNOS protein was only expressed in fetal vascular endothelial cells, and eNOS protein expression was higher in PE rats (P = 0.001) but eNOS mRNA was decreased (p = 0.0096). Notably, strong nNOS expression was observed in placental trophoblast cell groups of sham and PE rats, and both mRNA and protein expression of nNOS was decreased in placental lysates of Ang II rats (respectively p = 0.0287 and p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that we have recapitulated the PE model of Ang II infusion in rats. The expression of nNOS was reduced, and the localization of nNOS in the trophoblast suggested a new functional remodeling in the fetal vasculature.
In the placenta, decreased expression of AT2R and nNOS may be a novel mechanism of impaired fetal development.