1
|
Wu TC, Hsu BG, Kuo CH, Wang CH, Tsai JP. Serum Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 Levels Are Associated with Endothelial Function in Patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis. Life (Basel) 2023; 14:18. [PMID: 38276267 PMCID: PMC10817501 DOI: 10.3390/life14010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) plays an important role in lipid and lipoprotein trafficking and metabolism and is positively correlated with cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to evaluate the association between serum ANGPTL3 levels and endothelial function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We enrolled 116 patients on MHD and obtained their blood test results from their medical records. Using a noninvasive digital thermal monitor, we determined the vascular reactivity index (VRI) as a measure of endothelial function. Serum ANGPTL3 concentration was measured by a commercial-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Vascular reactivity was classified as poor in 17 (14.7%) patients, intermediate (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0) in 50 (43.1%) patients, and high (VRI ≥ 2.0) in 49 (42.2%) patients. Serum levels of ANGPTL3 (p < 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP, p = 0.025) increased significantly as the VRI decreased. The log-transformed serum ALP (log-ALP, r = -0.187, p = 0.045) and log-ANGPTL3 (r = -0.319, p < 0.001) showed a negative correlation with the VRI on univariate linear regression analysis. A significant negative correlation was found between log-ANGPTL3 and VRI (p < 0.001) on multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis. The findings of our investigation showed that, in patients with MHD, the ANGPTL3 concentration had a negative correlation with the VRI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chiang Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-C.W.); (B.-G.H.); (C.-H.K.); (C.-H.W.)
| | - Bang-Gee Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-C.W.); (B.-G.H.); (C.-H.K.); (C.-H.W.)
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Huang Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-C.W.); (B.-G.H.); (C.-H.K.); (C.-H.W.)
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsien Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; (T.-C.W.); (B.-G.H.); (C.-H.K.); (C.-H.W.)
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Pi Tsai
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi 62247, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hsiao CH, Hsu BG, Lu CW, Wang JH. Serum adiponectin level is positively associated with vascular reactivity index by digital thermal monitoring in patients with coronary artery disease. Tzu Chi Med J 2023; 35:348-354. [PMID: 38035059 PMCID: PMC10683526 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_30_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects and is important in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this cross-sectional study, our objective was to study the potential correlation between serum adiponectin levels and endothelial function in participants with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods We collected serum specimens from 125 fasting participants with CAD. The endothelial function was measured using the vascular reactivity index (VRI) determined by digital thermal monitoring, and VRI values of >2.0, 1.0-1.9, and <1.0 indicated good, intermediate, and poor vascular reactivity, respectively. A commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit was used to measure serum adiponectin levels. Results The cohort included 55, 57, and 13 patients with good, intermediate, and poor vascular reactivity, respectively. Poor vascular reactivity was shown to be associated with older age, higher levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), C-reactive protein, and lower levels of serum albumin and adiponectin. The linear regression analysis with multivariable forward stepwise approach revealed that age (β = -0.232), serum LDL-C (β = -0.264), and serum adiponectin (β = 0.574) were correlated with the VRI in CAD patients significantly. Conclusion Fasting serum adiponectin levels were associated with good endothelial function determined using the VRI in patients with CAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Hao Hsiao
- Division of Cardiology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Bang-Gee Hsu
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ji-Hung Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wong ND, Budoff MJ, Ferdinand K, Graham IM, Michos ED, Reddy T, Shapiro MD, Toth PP. ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK ASSESSMENT: An American Society for Preventive Cardiology Clinical Practice Statement. Am J Prev Cardiol 2022; 10:100335. [PMID: 35342890 PMCID: PMC8943256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2022.100335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) shows considerable heterogeneity both in generally healthy persons and in those with known ASCVD. The foundation of preventive cardiology begins with assessing baseline ASCVD risk using global risk scores based on standard office-based measures. Persons at low risk are generally recommended for lifestyle management only and those at highest risk are recommended for both lifestyle and pharmacologic therapy. Additional “risk enhancing” factors, including both traditional risk factors and novel biomarkers and inflammatory factors can be used to further assess ASCVD risk, especially in those at borderline or intermediate risk. There are also female-specific risk enhancers, social determinants of health, and considerations for high-risk ethnic groups. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis, especially with the use of coronary calcium screening, can further inform the treatment decision if uncertain based on the above strategies. Persons with pre-existing ASCVD also have variable risk, affected by the number of major ASCVD events, whether recurrent events have occurred recently, and the presence of other major risk factors or high-risk conditions. Current guidelines define high to very high risk ASCVD accordingly. Accurate ASCVD risk assessment is crucial for the appropriate targeting of preventive therapies to reduce ASCVD risk. Finally, the clinician-patient risk discussion focusing on lifestyle management and the risks and benefits of evidence-based pharmacologic therapies to best lower ASCVD risk is central to this process. This clinical practice statement provides the preventive cardiology specialist with guidance and tools for assessment of ASCVD risk with the goal of appropriately targeting treatment approaches for prevention of ASCVD events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D. Wong
- Heart Disease Prevention Program, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Corresponding author.
| | - Matthew J. Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Keith Ferdinand
- Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA United States
| | - Ian M. Graham
- Department of Cardiology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erin D. Michos
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tina Reddy
- Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA United States
| | | | - Peter P. Toth
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- CGH Medical Center, Sterling, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
High Frequency of Microvascular Dysfunction in US Outpatient Clinics: A Sign of High Residual Risk? Data from 7,105 Patients. Int J Vasc Med 2022; 2022:4224975. [PMID: 35036009 PMCID: PMC8758294 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4224975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have linked peripheral microvascular dysfunction measured by arterial tonometry to high residual risk in on-statin patients. Digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of microvascular function is a new and simplified technique based on fingertip temperature measurements that has been correlated with the burden of atherosclerosis and its risk factors. Here, we report analyses of DTM data from two large US registries: Registry-I (6,084 cases) and Registry-II (1,021 cases) across 49 US outpatient clinics. DTM tests were performed using a VENDYS device during a 5-minute arm-cuff reactive hyperemia. Fingertip temperature falls during cuff inflation and rebounds after deflation. Adjusted maximum temperature rebound was reported as vascular reactivity index (VRI). VRI distributions were similar in both registries, with mean ± SD of 1.58 ± 0.53 in Registry-I and 1.52 ± 0.43 in Registry-II. In the combined dataset, only 18% had optimal VRI (≥2.0) and 82% were either poor (<1.0) or intermediate (1.0-2.0). Women had slightly higher VRI than men (1.62 ± 0.56 vs. 1.54 ± 0.47, p < 0.001). VRI was inversely but mildly correlated with age (r = −0.19, p < 0.001). Suboptimal VRI was found in 72% of patients <50 years, 82% of 50-70 years, and 86% of ≥70 years. Blood pressure was not correlated with VRI. In this largest registry of peripheral microvascular function measurements, suboptimal scores were highly frequent among on-treatment patients, possibly suggesting a significant residual risk. Prospective studies are warranted to validate microvascular dysfunction as an indicator of residual risk.
Collapse
|
5
|
Portable, handheld, and affordable blood perfusion imager for screening of subsurface cancer in resource-limited settings. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2026201119. [PMID: 34983869 PMCID: PMC8764675 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026201119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing procedures of screening subsurface cancers are either prohibitively resource-intensive and expensive or are unable to provide direct quantitative estimates of the relevant physiological parameters for accurate classification accommodating interpatient variabilities and overlapping clinical manifestations. Here, we introduce a handheld and inexpensive blood perfusion imager that provides a noninvasive in situ screening approach for distinguishing precancer, cancer, and normal scenarios by precise quantitative estimation of the localized blood circulation in the tissue over an unrestricted region of interest without any unwarranted noise in the data, augmented by machine learning–based classification. Clinical trials in minimally resourced settings have established the efficacy of the method in differentiating cancerous and precancerous stages of suspected oral abnormalities, as verified by gold-standard biopsy reports. Precise information on localized variations in blood circulation holds the key for noninvasive diagnostics and therapeutic assessment of various forms of cancer. While thermal imaging by itself may provide significant insights on the combined implications of the relevant physiological parameters, viz. local blood perfusion and metabolic balance due to active tumors as well as the ambient conditions, knowledge of the tissue surface temperature alone may be somewhat inadequate in distinguishing between some ambiguous manifestations of precancer and cancerous lesions, resulting in compromise of the selectivity in detection. This, along with the lack of availability of a user-friendly and inexpensive portable device for thermal-image acquisition, blood perfusion mapping, and data integration acts as a deterrent against the emergence of an inexpensive, contact-free, and accurate in situ screening and diagnostic approach for cancer detection and management. Circumventing these constraints, here we report a portable noninvasive blood perfusion imager augmented with machine learning–based quantitative analytics for screening precancerous and cancerous traits in oral lesions, by probing the localized alterations in microcirculation. With a proven overall sensitivity >96.66% and specificity of 100% as compared to gold-standard biopsy-based tests, the method successfully classified oral cancer and precancer in a resource-limited clinical setting in a double-blinded patient trial and exhibited favorable predictive capabilities considering other complementary modes of medical image analysis as well. The method holds further potential to achieve contrast-free, accurate, and low-cost diagnosis of abnormal microvascular physiology and other clinically vulnerable conditions, when interpreted along with complementary clinically evidenced decision-making perspectives.
Collapse
|
6
|
You AS, Budoff M, Zeb I, Ahmadi N, Novoa A, Flores F, Hamal S, Kinninger A, Dailing C, Nakata T, Kovesdy CP, Nguyen DV, Brent GA, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Rhee CM. Elevated serum thyrotropin levels and endothelial dysfunction in a prospective hemodialysis cohort. Hemodial Int 2022; 26:57-65. [PMID: 34231302 PMCID: PMC10753993 DOI: 10.1111/hdi.12964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thyroid dysfunction is a highly prevalent yet under-recognized complication in hemodialysis patients. In the general population, hypothyroidism has been associated with endothelial dysfunction due to impaired vasodilator synthesis and activity. Little is known about the association of serum thyrotropin (TSH), the most sensitive and specific single biochemical metric of thyroid function, with endothelial function in hemodialysis patients. METHODS In a secondary analysis of 99 patients from the Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative nutrition in hypoalbuminemic dialysis patients (AIONID) trial, we examined measurements of serum TSH and endothelial function ascertained by fingertip digital thermal monitoring (DTM), a novel method used to measure micro-vascular reactivity, collected within a 90-day period. DTM was used to measure changes in fingertip temperature during and after an ischemic stimulus (blood pressure cuff occlusion) as an indicator of changes in blood flow, and two DTM indices were assessed, namely adjusted (a) Temperature Rebound (TR), defined as the maximum temperature rebound post-cuff deflation, and adjusted (b) Area Under the Temperature Curve (TMP-AUC), defined as area under the curve between the maximum and minimum temperatures. We examined the relationship between serum TSH with impaired TR (separately) and TMP-AUC (both defined as less than the median level of observed values) using multivariable logistic regression. FINDINGS In unadjusted and case-mix analyses, higher serum TSH levels (defined as the three highest quartiles) were associated with lower (worse) TR (ref: lowest TSH quartile): ORs (95% CI) 2.64 (1.01-6.88) and 2.85 (1.08-7.57), respectively. In unadjusted and case-mix analyses, higher TSH levels were associated with lower (worse) TMP-AUC: ORs (95% CI) 2.64 (1.01-6.88) and 2.79 (1.06-7.38), respectively. DISCUSSION In HD patients, higher serum TSH levels were associated with worse micro-vascular reactivity measured by DTM. Further studies are needed to determine if thyroid hormone supplementation improves endothelial function in hemodialysis patients with lower levels of thyroid function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy S. You
- Harold Simmons Center for Chronic Disease Research and Epidemiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Matthew Budoff
- Lundquist Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Irfan Zeb
- Division of Cardiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Naser Ahmadi
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alejandra Novoa
- Harold Simmons Center for Chronic Disease Research and Epidemiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Ferdinand Flores
- Lundquist Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Sajad Hamal
- Lundquist Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - April Kinninger
- Lundquist Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | | | - Tracy Nakata
- Harold Simmons Center for Chronic Disease Research and Epidemiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Csaba P. Kovesdy
- Division of Nephrology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Nephrology Section, Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Danh V. Nguyen
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Gregory A. Brent
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Harold Simmons Center for Chronic Disease Research and Epidemiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
- Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Connie M. Rhee
- Harold Simmons Center for Chronic Disease Research and Epidemiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Munasingha SC, Keerthi Priyankara K, Liyanagoonawardena SN, Vithanage Charith W, Pinto CS, Wickremasinghe K, Constantine GR, Jayasinghe S. A Hybrid Approach for Screening Endothelial Dysfunction using Photoplethysmography and Digital Thermal Monitoring. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:734-739. [PMID: 34891396 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9629748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases(CVDs) are the world's leading cause of death. Endothelial Dysfunction is an early stage of cardiovascular diseases and can effectively be used to detect the presence of the CVDs, monitor its progress and investigate the effectiveness of the treatment given. This study proposes a reliable approach for the screening of endothelial dysfunction via machine learning, using features extracted from a combination of Plethysmography, Digital Thermal Monitoring, biological features (age and gender) and anthropometry (BMI and pulse pressure). This case control study includes 55 healthy subjects and 45 subjects with clinically verified CVDs. Following the feature engineering stage, the results were subjected to dimension reduction and 5-fold cross-validation where it was observed that models Logistic Regression and Linear Discriminant provided the highest accuracies of 84% and 81% respectively. We propose that this study can be used as an efficient guide for the non-invasive screening of endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
|
8
|
Digital thermography and vascular involvement in β-thalassemia intermedia. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:2471-2477. [PMID: 34235558 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04588-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Beta-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) is associated with vascular dysfunction. We used digital thermal monitoring (DTM), a non-invasive tool that evaluates vascular function based on changes in fingertip temperature during and after cuff occlusion on β-TI patients. Thirty-three patients (18 years and older) were recruited in this study and divided into 3 groups: thalassemia, anemic controls, and healthy controls. Exclusion criteria included factors that are known to be associated with vascular damage. Patients underwent DTM and results were extracted as vascular reactivity index (VRI), a measure of how well the circulatory system responds to stimuli that require adjustments of blood flow. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the mean difference in VRI between the 3 groups. A multiple linear regression was also carried out with VRI as the outcome of interest and a function of covariates that were thought to be of clinical relevance to VRI. The frequency, mean VRI ± standard error (SE) for the thalassemic group were (N = 16), mean = 2.243 ± 0.111; for anemic controls (N = 9), mean = 2.374 ± 0.162; and for the controls (N = 8), mean = 2.338 ± 0.092. ANOVA test indicated a non-significant difference in mean VRI between the three groups (P value = 0.731). Multiple linear regression couldn't detect any significant association between VRI and any of the predictors including the groups. Our study did not show a significant difference in VRI between the 3 study groups. Prospective studies of larger sample size are warranted to establish DTM as a possible non-invasive tool used to evaluate vascular function in β-TI patients.
Collapse
|
9
|
Heath M, Gourley D, Naghavi M, Klies S, Tanaka H. Digital thermal monitoring techniques to assess vascular reactivity following finger and brachial occlusions. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021. [PMCID: PMC8030097 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Digital thermal monitoring (DTM) is an alternative, noninvasive, methodology to evaluate endothelial function using temperature change on finger as a surrogate measure of the magnitude of vascular reactivity index (VRI). A most recent modification to the technique includes the application of occlusion cuff at the base of a finger. We evaluated the validity of DTM compared with the standard flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) protocol. Thirty‐eight (22 males; 38 ± 15 years) participants were studied. Occlusion cuff was placed over the right antecubital fossa or at the base of the right index finger. Temperature monitors were placed on bilateral index fingers to assess change in temperature throughout 5‐min occlusion and recovery phases. VRI values obtained with the finger occlusion (1.58 ± 0.29 AU) were not significantly different from VRI measured with the brachial artery occlusion (1.55 ± 0.26 AU; p = .47), and the agreement of VRI values was confirmed in the Bland‐Altman plot with a mean difference of −0.03 ± 0.34 (95% confidence interval: −0.15 to 0.09). Shear rateAUCI was significantly correlated with VRI obtained from brachial occlusion (r = .34) and finger occlusion VRI (r = .54; all p < .05). Moreover, brachial FMD was significantly correlated with brachial occlusion VRI (r = .69; p < .05) and finger occlusion VRI (r = .53; p < .05). Therefore, finger‐based VRI may be a valid and novel alternative measure of endothelial function that is more suitable than the standard FMD or hyperemic shear rate for the assessment of endothelial function in the routine clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Heath
- Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory Department of Kinesiology and Health Education The University of Texas at Austin Austin TX USA
| | - Drew Gourley
- Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory Department of Kinesiology and Health Education The University of Texas at Austin Austin TX USA
| | | | - Stanley Klies
- Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Houston Houston TX USA
| | - Hirofumi Tanaka
- Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory Department of Kinesiology and Health Education The University of Texas at Austin Austin TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Non-invasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction: A novel method to predict severe COVID-19? Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:110229. [PMID: 33254535 PMCID: PMC7466972 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected millions and overburdened the healthcare infrastructure globally. Recent studies show that the endothelial dysfunction caused by the virus contributes to its high morbidity and mortality. A parameter that can identify patients who will develop complications early will be valuable in patient management and reducing the burden on medical resources. An emerging technology is currently being tested to predict the cardiovascular risk via non-invasively measuring the endothelial dysfunction. This paper reviews how the assessment of endothelial dysfunction using this technology can be used as a potential parameter in the prognostication and management of COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chaliha DR, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Visser E, Drummond P, Mamo JCL. A Paradoxical Vasodilatory Nutraceutical Intervention for Prevention and Attenuation of Migraine-A Hypothetical Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2487. [PMID: 32824835 PMCID: PMC7468811 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies suggest that migraine pain has a vascular component. The prevailing dogma is that peripheral vasoconstriction activates baroreceptors in central, large arteries. Dilatation of central vessels stimulates nociceptors and induces cortical spreading depression. Studies investigating nitric oxide (NO) donors support the indicated hypothesis that pain is amplified when acutely administered. In this review, we provide an alternate hypothesis which, if substantiated, may provide therapeutic opportunities for attenuating migraine frequency and severity. We suggest that in migraines, heightened sympathetic tone results in progressive central microvascular constriction. Suboptimal parenchymal blood flow, we suggest, activates nociceptors and triggers headache pain onset. Administration of NO donors could paradoxically promote constriction of the microvasculature as a consequence of larger upstream central artery vasodilatation. Inhibitors of NO production are reported to alleviate migraine pain. We describe how constriction of larger upstream arteries, induced by NO synthesis inhibitors, may result in a compensatory dilatory response of the microvasculature. The restoration of central capillary blood flow may be the primary mechanism for pain relief. Attenuating the propensity for central capillary constriction and promoting a more dilatory phenotype may reduce frequency and severity of migraines. Here, we propose consideration of two dietary nutraceuticals for reducing migraine risk: L-arginine and aged garlic extracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devahuti Rai Chaliha
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia; (D.R.C.); (M.V.); (R.T.); (V.L.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia; (D.R.C.); (M.V.); (R.T.); (V.L.)
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Ryu Takechi
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia; (D.R.C.); (M.V.); (R.T.); (V.L.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Virginie Lam
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia; (D.R.C.); (M.V.); (R.T.); (V.L.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Eric Visser
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle 6160, Australia;
| | - Peter Drummond
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education (SHEE), Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Australia;
| | - John Charles Louis Mamo
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia; (D.R.C.); (M.V.); (R.T.); (V.L.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St., Bentley 6102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lin L, Chiu LT, Lee MC, Hsu BG. Serum Osteocalcin Level is Negatively Associated with Vascular Reactivity Index by Digital Thermal Monitoring in Kidney Transplant Recipients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56080400. [PMID: 32784817 PMCID: PMC7466333 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56080400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Osteocalcin is the most abundant noncollagenous protein in bone matrix, which is considered a marker of bone formation. Previous studies indicate that circulating osteocalcin can be expressed by osteoblasts and even by osteoblast-like cells in vessel walls, and it is often associated with arterial stiffness. Our study aims to examine the potential association between osteocalcin levels and endothelial function among kidney transplant (KT) recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fasting blood samples were obtained from 68 KT recipients. To measure the endothelial function and vascular reactivity index (VRI), a digital thermal monitoring test (VENDYS) was used. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was also utilized to measure serum total osteocalcin levels. In this study, a VRI of less than 1.0 indicated poor vascular reactivity; a VRI of 1.0-2.0 indicated intermediate vascular reactivity; and a VRI of 2.0 or higher indicated good vascular reactivity. RESULTS Our findings show that 8 KT recipients (11.8%) had poor vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0), 26 (38.2%) had intermediate vascular reactivity (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0), and 34 (50%) had good vascular reactivity. Increased serum osteocalcin levels (p < 0.001) were found to be associated with poor vascular reactivity. Advanced age (r = -0.361, p = 0.002), serum alkaline phosphate level (r = -0.254, p = 0.037), and log-transformed osteocalcin levels (r = - 0.432, p < 0.001) were identified to be negatively correlated with VRI in KT recipients. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the serum level of osteocalcin (β = -0.391, adjusted R2 change = 0.174; p < 0.001) and advanced age (β = -0.308, adjusted R2 change = 0.084; p = 0.005) were significantly and independently associated with VRI in KT recipients. CONCLUSIONS Higher serum osteocalcin level was associated with lower VRI and poorer endothelial dysfunction among KT recipients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
| | - Liang-Te Chiu
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Che Lee
- Department of Surgery, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.L.); (B.-G.H.)
| | - Bang-Gee Hsu
- Division of Nephrology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97004, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.L.); (B.-G.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mogadam E, King K, Shriner K, Chu K, Sondergaard A, Young K, Naghavi M, Kloner RA. The association of nadir CD4-T cell count and endothelial dysfunction in a healthy HIV cohort without major cardiovascular risk factors. SAGE Open Med 2020; 8:2050312120924892. [PMID: 32537154 PMCID: PMC7268551 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120924892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: HIV-infected population may have increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The prevalence of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors such as
hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in HIV-infected individuals has made
it difficult to assess the direct effects of HIV and immune factors on
endothelial dysfunction and associated increased risk of atherosclerosis.
The purpose of this study was to investigate indicators of endothelial
dysfunction in an HIV cohort without hypertension and diabetes. Methods: We studied 19 HIV-infected patients between the ages of 25–76 years old with
effectively suppressed viral load and without diagnosis of hypertension or
diabetes. Endothelial function was measured by digital thermal monitoring of
vascular reactivity using the VENDYS technique. Endothelial function was
reported as vascular reactivity index. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic
blood pressure at the time of VENDYS test were measured and latest lipid
panels were recorded. The association between vascular reactivity index and
CD4-T cells count, different antiretroviral therapy types (non-nucleoside
reverse transcriptase, nucleoside reverse transcriptase, protease
inhibitors, integrase inhibitors), vitamins use, systolic blood pressure,
diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was investigated. Results: Mean vascular reactivity index was 1.87 ± 0.53. Vascular reactivity index,
marker of endothelial dysfunction, showed a significant correlation with
lower nadir CD4 count (p = 0.003) as well as low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (p = 0.02). No additional significant correlation between
vascular reactivity index and the rest of the investigated variables was
found. Conclusion: Vascular reactivity index, a clinical predictor of endothelial dysfunction,
is associated with lower nadir CD4-T cell and low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol in HIV-infected men with no history of hypertension or diabetes
and before clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emad Mogadam
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Kevin King
- Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - Karen Chu
- Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - Kristal Young
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Huntington Hospital, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - Robert A Kloner
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Karimzad SE, Shokr H, Gherghel D. Retinal and peripheral vascular function in healthy individuals with low cardiovascular risk. Microvasc Res 2019; 126:103908. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2019.103908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
15
|
Kim J, Lee D, Park K, Goh H, Lee Y. Silver fractal dendrites for highly sensitive and transparent polymer thermistors. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:15464-15471. [PMID: 31265046 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr04233d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Effective temperature measurement using non-invasive sensors finds applications in virtually every field of human life. Recently, significant efforts have been made toward developing polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors because they have advantages including flexibility, conformability, and biocompatibility. However, most polymer PTC thermistors still have issues such as low sensitivity, low optical transparency, and poor operational durability because of low electrical conductivity and inefficient hopping transport of conventional conductive filler. Here, a highly sensitive and transparent polymer thermistor composed of silver fractal dendrites (AgFDs) and a polyacrylate (PA) matrix has been successfully demonstrated. A AgFDs-PA composite film exhibits a superior PTC effect (about 104Ω°C-1) around 35 °C because of the high electrical conductivity of the AgFDs and the quantum tunneling effect among them. A thermistor based on the AgFDs-PA composite shows excellent sensitivity, PTC intensity (∼107), and sensing resolution through dramatic resistance changes from thousands to billions of ohms in the human body temperature range (34-37 °C). Moreover, it exhibits excellent optical transparency (82.14%), mechanical flexibility, and operational durability. An electrical impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that the distance between the AgFDs increases with temperature, which implies that the quantum tunneling effect amplified by the branches of the AgFDs has a significant influence on the changes in resistance. This characteristic makes the thermistor immediately suitable for monitoring body temperature. We anticipate that the new thermistor based on the AgFDs-PA composite can be a key component of various sensing applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jongyoun Kim
- Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang Daero, Hyeonpung-Eup, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Donghwa Lee
- Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang Daero, Hyeonpung-Eup, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyutae Park
- Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang Daero, Hyeonpung-Eup, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeonjin Goh
- Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang Daero, Hyeonpung-Eup, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngu Lee
- Department of Energy Science & Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), 333, Techno Jungang Daero, Hyeonpung-Eup, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Practicality and importance of selected endothelial dysfunction measurement techniques: review. Biomed Eng Lett 2018; 9:87-95. [PMID: 30956882 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-018-0089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The measurement of endothelial dysfunction (ED) has importance in that it indicates the presence of coronary artery disease (Kuvin et al. in J Am Coll Cardiol 38(7):1843-1849, 2001) in addition to acting as a predictor of future adverse events (Halcox et al. in Circulation 106:653-658, 2002). Various tools, methods, and metrics exist that can provide an indicator of endothelial dysfunction. Given the significance of ED, it is of utmost importance to find a measurement technique that is reliable, while defining a metric providing a framework for an overall system that is practical, accurate, and repeatable. Success would provide a tool for the early detection of cardiovascular disease not only moving patients that are currently classified as asymptomatic to symptomatic, but also providing a method to monitor the efficacy of treatments.
Collapse
|
17
|
Peripheral circulatory disorders in essential thrombocythemia. Microvasc Res 2017; 116:15-19. [PMID: 28495449 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant number of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) complain of symptoms including distal parts of the extremities (e.g., paresthesias or Raynaud's phenomenon). The aim of the present study was to examine peripheral circulation in the upper extremities of individuals with ET. The study included 45 ET patients and 30 control subjects. All participants were subjected to thermography, photoplethysmography, impedance plethysmography, and applanation tonometry pulse wave analysis. The patients with ET differed significantly from the control subjects in terms of 3rd finger skin temperature (mean 31.04 vs. 32.45°C), skin temperature gradient (mean 1.82 vs. 0.11°C), photoplethysmographic amplitude (median 0.25 vs. 0.74%), and pulse waveform in the radial artery (more frequent occurrence of type B waveform). Pulse wave parameters correlated with the skin temperature gradient. The study findings imply the altered regulation of peripheral circulation in ET, including a decreased flow and an increased resistance.
Collapse
|
18
|
New Indices of Endothelial Function Measured by Digital Thermal Monitoring of Vascular Reactivity: Data from 6084 Patients Registry. Int J Vasc Med 2016; 2016:1348028. [PMID: 27830091 PMCID: PMC5088311 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1348028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Endothelial function is viewed as a barometer of cardiovascular health and plays a central role in vascular reactivity. Several studies showed digital thermal monitoring (DTM) as a simple noninvasive method to measure vascular reactivity that is correlated with atherosclerosis risk factors and coronary artery disease. Objectives. To further evaluate the relations between patient characteristics and DTM indices in a large patient registry. Methods. DTM measures were correlated with age, sex, heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 6084 patients from 18 clinics. Results. DTM vascular reactivity index (VRI) was normally distributed and inversely correlated with age (r = -0.21, p < 0.0001). Thirteen percent of VRI tests were categorized as poor vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0), 70 percent as intermediate (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0), and 17 percent as good (VRI ≥ 2.0). Poor VRI (<1.0) was noted in 6% of <50 y, 10% of 50-70 y, and 18% of ≥70 y. In multiple linear regression analyses, age, sex, and diastolic blood pressure were significant but weak predictors of VRI. Conclusions. As the largest database of finger-based vascular reactivity measurement, this report adds to prior findings that VRI is a meaningful physiological marker and reflects a high level of residual risk found in patients currently under care.
Collapse
|
19
|
Piotrowski L, Urbaniak M, Jedrzejczak B, Marcinek A, Gebicki J. Note: Flow mediated skin fluorescence--A novel technique for evaluation of cutaneous microcirculation. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:036111. [PMID: 27036844 DOI: 10.1063/1.4945044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This note describes a newly developed technique for evaluation of cutaneous microcirculation. The technique called Flow Mediated Skin Fluorescence (FMSF) is based on monitoring of NADH fluorescence intensity emitted from the skin tissue cells of a forearm. The changes in fluorescence intensity as a function of time in response to blocking and releasing of blood flow in a forearm are used as a measure of oxygen transport with blood to the tissue, which directly correlates with the skin microcirculation status. Preliminary results collected for healthy volunteers and patients experiencing serious cardiovascular problems indicated a usefulness of FMSF technique for evaluation of health related perturbations in cutaneous microcirculation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Piotrowski
- Angionica Ltd., Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - M Urbaniak
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - B Jedrzejczak
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - A Marcinek
- Angionica Ltd., Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - J Gebicki
- Angionica Ltd., Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vlachopoulos C, Xaplanteris P, Aboyans V, Brodmann M, Cífková R, Cosentino F, De Carlo M, Gallino A, Landmesser U, Laurent S, Lekakis J, Mikhailidis DP, Naka KK, Protogerou AD, Rizzoni D, Schmidt-Trucksäss A, Van Bortel L, Weber T, Yamashina A, Zimlichman R, Boutouyrie P, Cockcroft J, O'Rourke M, Park JB, Schillaci G, Sillesen H, Townsend RR. The role of vascular biomarkers for primary and secondary prevention. A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on peripheral circulation. Atherosclerosis 2015; 241:507-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 476] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
21
|
Frolow M, Drozdz A, Kowalewska A, Nizankowski R, Chlopicki S. Comprehensive assessment of vascular health in patients; towards endothelium-guided therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:786-92. [PMID: 26321282 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial function has diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance. A number of non-invasive techniques were introduced for its assessment, including flow-mediated dilation (FMD), finger plethysmography (RH-PAT) and digital thermal monitoring (DTM). All these methods can be performed simultaneously. In addition, various methods for measuring arterial wall stiffness are available such as: pulse wave analysis (PWA), pulse wave velocity (PWV), pulse contour analysis (PCA) and carotid wall distensibility coefficient (DC). Finally, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and ankle brachial index (ABI) are used as surrogate read-outs of atherosclerosis. Here, we briefly describe the advantages, limitations and interrelationships of various methods used for the assessment of endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and present the concept of an integrated evaluation of vascular health based on multiple methods. This strategy may be useful to stratify cardiovascular risk and represents a step towards multiparametric assessment of endothelium for effective endothelium-guided therapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Frolow
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Department of Angiology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Agata Drozdz
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Kowalewska
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Rafal Nizankowski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Chair of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Carmona-Rubio AE, Lee AM, Puchner S, Ghoshhajra B, Sharma UC. A review of adherence to the guidelines for coronary CT angiography quantitative stenosis grading thresholds in published research. Postgrad Med 2014; 127:194-201. [PMID: 25540988 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2015.995065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The degree of coronary stenosis of potential hemodynamic significance is central to the interpretation of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), but has been variably defined in the literature. Societal guidelines have attempted to address this issue via recommended thresholds. OBJECTIVES We surveyed the various thresholds for defining significant coronary stenosis reported in research published since the introduction of the Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography guidelines regarding the interpretation and reporting of CCTA. METHODS We systematically reviewed the results of bibliographic searches of all original research articles on CCTA, focusing on studies reporting > 25 subjects, to assess the definitions of severity of coronary lesions as found on CCTA. To enable comparisons, we stratified the methods of reporting lesion severity into ≥ 50%, 50% to 69%, and "others" (including infrequent reporting methods). RESULTS Fifty-nine11 published studies were identified and met inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies reported the severity of coronary stenosis using a definition of 50% to 69% as moderate stenosis; 35 studies defined ≥ 50% coronary stenosis as "stenosis," "significant stenosis," or "obstructive lesion" without distinguishing a threshold for moderate versus severe stenosis. Six studies utilized other thresholds, such as 20% to 75%, 40% to 69%, 40% to 70%, 40% to 79%, and 50% to 75% to define moderate coronary stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Fifty-three of 59 studies were graded in accordance with the recommended threshold of ≥ 50% defining potentially significant stenosis, with 18 studies reporting precisely in accordance with the guidelines-recommended thresholds of ≥ 50% narrowing as defining moderate stenosis and ≥ 70% narrowing as defining severe stenosis. Six studies were reported using alternative thresholds for significant stenosis. However, a majority of research studies published since 2009 do not follow the societal guidelines for stenosis grading, since these studies do not clearly describe the degree of coronary stenosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres E Carmona-Rubio
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, School of Medicine , Buffalo, NY
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Schier R, Hinkelbein J, Marcus H, Smallwood A, Correa AM, Mehran R, El-Zein R, Riedel B. A novel technique for the assessment of preoperative cardiovascular risk: reactive hyperemic response to short-term exercise. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:837130. [PMID: 23691513 PMCID: PMC3652140 DOI: 10.1155/2013/837130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perioperative vascular function has been widely studied using noninvasive techniques that measure reactive hyperemia as a surrogate marker of vascular function. However, studies are limited to a static setting with patients tested at rest. We hypothesized that exercise would increase reactive hyperemia as measured by digital thermal monitoring (DTM) in association to patients' cardiometabolic risk. METHODS Thirty patients (58 ± 9 years) scheduled for noncardiac surgery were studied prospectively. Preoperatively, temperature rebound (TR) following upper arm cuff occlusion was measured before and 10 minutes after exercise. Data are presented as means ± SD. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA and Fisher's exact test, with P values <0.05 regarded as significant. RESULTS Following exercise, TR-derived parameters increased significantly (absolute: 0.53 ± 0.95 versus 0.04 ± 0.42°C, P=0.04, and % change: 1.78 ± 3.29 versus 0.14 ± 1.27 %, P=0.03). All patients with preoperative cardiac risk factors had a change in TR (after/before exercise, ΔTR) with values falling in the lower two tertiles of the study population (ΔTR <1.1%). CONCLUSION Exercise increased the reactive hyperemic response to ischemia. This dynamic response was blunted in patients with cardiac risk factors. The usability of this short-term effect for the preoperative assessment of endothelial function warrants further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Schier
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shao H, He Y, Mu L. Numerical analysis of dynamic temperature in response to different levels of reactive hyperaemia in a three-dimensional image-based hand model. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2012; 17:865-74. [PMID: 22994164 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2012.723698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Vascular reactivity (VR) is considered as an effective index to predict the risk of cardiovascular events. A cost-effective alternative technique used to evaluate VR called digital thermal monitoring (DTM) is based on the response of finger temperature to vessel occlusion and reperfusion. In this work, a simulation has been developed to investigate hand temperature in response to vessel occlusion and perfusion. The simulation consists of image-based mesh generation and finite element analysis of blood flow and heat transfer in tissues. In order to reconstruct a real geometric model of human hand, a computer programme including automatic image processing for sequential MR data and mesh generation based on the transfinite interpolation method is developed. In the finite element analysis part, blood flow perfused in solid tissues is considered as fluid phase through porous media. Heat transfer in tissues is described by Pennes bioheat equation and blood perfusion rate is obtained from Darcy velocities. Capillary pressure, blood perfusion and temperature distribution of hand are obtained. The results reveal that fingertip temperature is strongly dependent on larger arterial pressure. This simulation is of potential to quantify the indices used for evaluating the VR in DTM test if it is integrated with the haemodynamic model of blood circulation in upper limb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Shao
- a Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei , Anhui 230027 , China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zeb I, Ahmadi N, Molnar MZ, Li D, Shantouf R, Hatamizadeh P, Choi T, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Budoff MJ. Association of coronary artery calcium score and vascular dysfunction in long-term hemodialysis patients. Hemodial Int 2012; 17:216-22. [PMID: 22962941 DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-4758.2012.00739.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Long-term hemodialysis patients are prone to an exceptionally high burden of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The novel temperature-based technology of digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of vascular reactivity appears associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic population. We hypothesized that in hemodialysis patients, the DTM and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score have a gradient association that follows that of subjects without kidney disease. We examined the cross-sectional DTM-CAC associations in a group of long-term hemodialysis patients, and their 1:1 matched normal counterpart. Area under the curve for temperature (TMP-AUC), the surrogate of the DTM index of vascular function, was assessed after a 5-minute arm-cuff reactive hyperemia test. Coronary calcium score was measured via electron beam computed tomography or multidetector computed tomography scan. We studied 105 randomly recruited hemodialysis patients (age: 58 ± 13 years, 47% men) and 105 age- and gender-matched controls. In hemodialysis patients vs. controls, TMP-AUC was significantly worse (114 ± 72 vs. 143 ± 80, P = 0.001) and CAC score was higher (525 ± 425 vs. 240 ± 332, P < 0.001). Hemodialysis patients were 14 times more likely to have CAC score >1000 as compared with controls. After adjustment for known confounders, the relative risk for case vs. control for each standard deviation decrease in TMP-AUC was 1.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.12-1.93, P = 0.007). Vascular reactivity measured via the novel DTM technology is incrementally worse across CAC scores in hemodialysis patients, in whom both measures are even worse than their age- and gender-matched controls. The DTM technology may offer a convenient and radiation-free approach to risk-stratify hemodialysis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Zeb
- Harold Simmons Center for Chronic Disease Research & Epidemiology, Division of Cardiology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California 90509-2910, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Larijani VN, Ahmadi N, Zeb I, Khan F, Flores F, Budoff M. Beneficial effects of aged garlic extract and coenzyme Q10 on vascular elasticity and endothelial function: the FAITH randomized clinical trial. Nutrition 2012; 29:71-5. [PMID: 22858191 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2012.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aged garlic extract (AGE) is associated with a significant decrease in atherosclerotic plaque progression and endothelial function improvement. Similarly, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has significant beneficial effects on endothelial function. A stressful lifestyle is a well-known risk factor for the presence and progression of atherosclerosis. This study investigated the effect of AGE plus CoQ10 on vascular elasticity measured by pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and endothelial function measured by digital thermal monitoring (DTM) in firefighters. METHODS Sixty-five Los-Angeles County firefighters who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled in this placebo-controlled, double-blinded randomized trial. The firefighters were randomized to four tablets of AGE (300 mg/tablet) plus CoQ10 (30 mg/tablet) or placebo. The participants underwent quarterly visits and 1-year follow-up. PWV and DTM were measured at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, cardiovascular risk factors, PWV, and DTM between the AGE/CoQ10 and placebo groups at baseline (P > 0.5). At 1-y, PWV and DTM significantly improved in the AGE/CoQ10 compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). After an adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and statin therapy, the mean decrease in vascular stiffness (PWV) was 1.21 m/s in the AGE/CoQ10 compared with the placebo group (P = 0.005). Similarly, the mean increase in the area under the temperature curve, the DTM index of endothelial function, was 31.3 in the AGE/CoQ10 compared with the placebo group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION The combination of AGE and CoQ10 was independently associated with significant beneficial effects on vascular elasticity and endothelial function in firefighters with high occupational stress, highlighting the important role of AGE and CoQ10 in atherosclerotic prevention of such individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nabavi Larijani
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lacroix S, Gayda M, Gremeaux V, Juneau M, Tardif JC, Nigam A. Reproducibility of near-infrared spectroscopy parameters measured during brachial artery occlusion and reactive hyperemia in healthy men. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2012; 17:077010. [PMID: 22894522 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.17.7.077010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive technique evaluating microvascular function. The aim of this study was to assess the reproducibility of NIRS parameters during reactive hyperemia induced by a 5 min brachial artery occlusion. Twenty-four healthy young males (mean 34 ± 8 years old) had two microvascular function evaluations by NIRS over a 7 to 30-day period (mean 16 ± 10 days). Intra-subject and inter-observer reproducibility were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and standard error of measurement (SEM%) for every parameter. Mean NIRS parameters did not differ between both evaluations. Reproducibility was greatest for muscle oxygen consumption (ICC: 0.84; CV: 6.51%; SEM: 7.11%), time to basal O(2)Hb (ICC: 0.63, CV: 20.04%, SEM 27.22%), time to maximal O(2)Hb (ICC: 0.71; CV: 15.61%; SEM: 19.27%), peak of O(2)Hb (ICC: 0.63, CV: 6.68%, SEM 8.53%), time to maximal tHb (ICC: 0.73, CV: 19,61%, SEM 24.56%) and area under the O(2)Hb and tHb curves (ICC: 0.68, CV: 16.15%, SEM 22.93% and ICC: 0.62, CV: 18.59%, SEM 26.64%, respectively). Moreover, inter-observer reproducibility ranged from excellent to perfect (ICC from 0.85 to 1.00) for every parameter. NIRS parameters during reactive hyperemia are highly reproducible which enables their repeated measurement to study microvascular function in healthy subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lacroix
- Montreal Heart Institute Montreal, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention Centre (ÉPIC), Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ahmadi N, McQuilkin GL, Akhtar MW, Hajsadeghi F, Kleis SJ, Hecht H, Naghavi M, Budoff M. Reproducibility and variability of digital thermal monitoring of vascular reactivity. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2011; 31:422-8. [PMID: 21981452 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2011.01037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies demonstrated that digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of vascular reactivity, a new test for vascular function assessment, is well correlated with Framingham Risk Score, coronary calcium score and CT angiography. This study evaluates the variability and reproducibility of DTM measurements. We hypothesized that DTM is reproducible, and its variability falls within the accepted range of clinical diagnostic tests. METHOD A fully automated DTM device (VENDYS, Endothelix Inc., Houston, TX, USA) was used for repeated measurement of vascular function in 18 healthy volunteers (age 35 ± 4 years, 74% men) after 24 h. All subjects underwent overnight fasting, and the test was preceded by 30-min rest in a supine position inside a dimmed room with temperature 22-24°C. The measurements were obtained during and after a 2-min supra systolic arm-cuff occlusion-induced reactive hyperaemia procedure. As a part of this study, the Doppler ultrasound hyperaemic, low-frequency, blood velocity of radial artery and a fingertip DTM of vascular function were compared simultaneously. Postcuff deflation temperature rebound and area under the curve, DTM indices of vascular function, were studied. RESULTS Temperature rebound area under the curve correlated closely with Doppler hyperaemic, low-frequency, blood velocity (r = 0·97, P = 0·0001). Day-to-day intra-subject variability was 6·2% for baseline temperature, 8·7% for mean blood pressure and 11·4% for heart rate. The coefficient of repeatability of temperature rebound and area under the curve were 2·4% and 2·8%. CONCLUSION In a controlled environment, the repeatability of DTM is excellent. DTM can be used as a reproducible and operator-independent test for non-invasive measurement of vascular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naser Ahmadi
- Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Impact of blood pressure cuff inflation rates on flow-mediated dilatation and contralateral arm response. J Hum Hypertens 2011; 26:35-40. [PMID: 21248779 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2010.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is widely used as an index of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilator function, yet its methodology has not been well established. Previous research indicates that a rapid inflation of a blood pressure cuff evokes systemic vasoconstriction, as it was observed even on non-occluded contralateral arm. This would potentially contribute to the variability of FMD readings and complicate the emerging evidence that non-occluded contralateral arm fingertip temperature responses during the FMD procedure may be an indicator of the presence of coronary artery disease. To test the hypotheses that rapid inflation of a blood pressure cuff could reduce FMD values and influence contralateral vasodilatory states, 33 apparently healthy adults (18 males and 15 females, 29±6 years) were studied in two randomized FMD trials. The blood flow-occluding cuff was inflated rapidly (<1 s) in one trial or slowly over 10 s in the other trial. Arterial diameter, fingertip temperature and infrared thermography were obtained throughout each session. FMD values were not different between the rapid and slow cuff inflation trials (5.9±0.6 vs 5.9±0.4%). There were no differences in reactive hyperaemia (6.4±1.6 vs 6.2±1.7 AU), shear stress (80±20 vs 77±17 dyn cm(-2)) and fingertip temperature rebound (TR; 1.8±1.2 vs 1.9±1.0 °C) between the rapid and slow inflation. Changes in finger temperature on the contralateral (non-occluded) arm were positively associated with those on the occluded arm (r=0.26 to 0.61, P<0.05). We concluded that rates of inflating a blood pressure cuff do not affect FMD and TR response, and that neurovascular-induced vasodilatation of the contralateral arm was not observed regardless of cuff inflation rates.
Collapse
|
30
|
Ley O, Dhindsa M, Sommerlad SM, Barnes JN, DeVan AE, Naghavi M, Tanaka H. Use of temperature alterations to characterize vascular reactivity. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2010; 31:66-72. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2010.00981.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
31
|
The endothelial cell in health and disease: its function, dysfunction, measurement and therapy. Int J Impot Res 2009; 22:77-90. [PMID: 20032988 DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2009.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells have numerous endocrine functions and contribute to a variety of processes, including penile erection and vasodilation. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ED. This study reviews endothelial function, in addition to endothelial dysfunction and its role in atherosclerosis and ED. Measurement of endothelial function is reviewed, including catheter-based methods, venous occlusion plethysmography, high-frequency ultrasound, peripheral arterial tonometry, digital pulse amplitude tonometry, digital thermal monitoring, the L-arginine test and measurement of compounds released by endothelial cells. Therapy and medications that improve endothelial function are reviewed. As the scientific community learns more about the importance of the endothelium, it is increasingly important for the clinician to understand endothelial function, dysfunction, measurement of endothelial function and therapies that affect this remarkable cell type.
Collapse
|
32
|
van der Wall EE, Schuijf JD, Bax JJ, Jukema JW, Schalij MJ. Fingertip digital thermal monitoring: a fingerprint for cardiovascular disease? Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2009; 26:249-52. [PMID: 20012695 PMCID: PMC2817076 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-009-9552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
33
|
Liu S, Bluemke DA. Can a simple fingertip temperature measurement predict a cardiac event? Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2009; 25:867-8. [PMID: 19911305 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-009-9524-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|