1
|
Iorga RE, Costin D, Munteanu-Dănulescu RS, Rezuș E, Moraru AD. Non-Invasive Retinal Vessel Analysis as a Predictor for Cardiovascular Disease. J Pers Med 2024; 14:501. [PMID: 38793083 PMCID: PMC11122007 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050501] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most frequent cause of death worldwide. The alterations in the microcirculation may predict the cardiovascular mortality. The retinal vasculature can be used as a model to study vascular alterations associated with cardiovascular disease. In order to quantify microvascular changes in a non-invasive way, fundus images can be taken and analysed. The central retinal arteriolar (CRAE), the venular (CRVE) diameter and the arteriolar-to-venular diameter ratio (AVR) can be used as biomarkers to predict the cardiovascular mortality. A narrower CRAE, wider CRVE and a lower AVR have been associated with increased cardiovascular events. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DRVA) allows the quantification of retinal changes using digital image sequences in response to visual stimulation with flicker light. This article is not just a review of the current literature, it also aims to discuss the methodological benefits and to identify research gaps. It highlights the potential use of microvascular biomarkers for screening and treatment monitoring of cardiovascular disease. Artificial intelligence (AI), such as Quantitative Analysis of Retinal vessel Topology and size (QUARTZ), and SIVA-deep learning system (SIVA-DLS), seems efficient in extracting information from fundus photographs and has the advantage of increasing diagnosis accuracy and improving patient care by complementing the role of physicians. Retinal vascular imaging using AI may help identify the cardiovascular risk, and is an important tool in primary cardiovascular disease prevention. Further research should explore the potential clinical application of retinal microvascular biomarkers, in order to assess systemic vascular health status, and to predict cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Eugenia Iorga
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Strada Universitatii No. 16, 700115 Iași, Romania; (R.E.I.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Damiana Costin
- Doctoral School, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania
| | | | - Elena Rezuș
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Discipline of Reumathology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania;
| | - Andreea Dana Moraru
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Ophthalmology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Strada Universitatii No. 16, 700115 Iași, Romania; (R.E.I.); (A.D.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nkeh-Chungag BN, Engwa GA, Businge C, Kutllovci-Hasani K, Kengne AP, Goswami N. Assessment of the Cardiovascular Risk Profile of Infants Exposed to Pre-eclampsia in-utero: A Prospective Case-Control Study in South African Children of African Ancestry. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:773841. [PMID: 34888368 PMCID: PMC8650009 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.773841] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It has been reported that maternal gestational environment may be programmed to have a significant impact on foetal and offspring health later in life. Studies have shown that children born to pre-eclamptic mothers are prone to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in their adult life. However, such findings are yet to be established in an African population. This protocol is for a study aiming to investigate the relationship between pre-eclampsia (PE) and cardiovascular risk in children born to pre-eclamptic mothers in a South African population of African descents. Methods: A prospective case-control design will be employed to recruit pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women and their offspring after birth. Pregnant women will be assessed for cardiovascular risk factors including PE, obesity, haemodynamics, lipids, glycaemic indices, oxidative stress, and vascular function at 30 weeks of gestation. The cardiovascular risk profile of their offspring will be assessed at birth and 6 weeks later. The difference in cardiovascular risk profile between children born to the pre-eclamptic and normotensive mothers will be compared and the correlation between maternal and offspring cardiovascular risks will be investigated. Discussion: This will be the first prospective study to assess the in-utero effect of cardiovascular risk in offspring born to pre-eclamptic women of African ancestry. It is expected that findings from this study will provide information on the cardiovascular effect of in-utero exposure to PE in a population of African ancestry. This knowledge will advise policy on the management of women with PE with a view of protecting cardiovascular health in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University PBX1, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Godwill Azeh Engwa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University PBX1, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Charles Businge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
| | | | - Andre P Kengne
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University PBX1, Mthatha, South Africa.,Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nkeh-Chungag BN, Engwa GA, Businge C, Mdondolo M, Pajaro Medina M, Goswami N. Assessment of the impact of HIV infection and anti-retroviral treatment on the cardiometabolic health of pregnant mothers and their offspring (ARTMOMSBABES). BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:322. [PMID: 34193034 PMCID: PMC8247111 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02130-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is becoming more prevalent in pregnant women though not much data is available for pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Foetoplacental vascular endothelial dysfunction is thought to be at the origin of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity later on in life. Because HIV and anti-retroviral treatment (ARTs) are associated with endothelial dysfunction, children exposed in utero to these conditions may be at greater risk of developing CVDs. Despite the high prevalence of HIV in pregnant South African women, little is known about the effects of ART on the cardiovascular health of the mother and offspring. Hence, the proposed study intends to investigate how HIV/ARTs may affect the cardiovascular health of the mother and offspring at different time points during the pregnancy and up to 2 years after birth. METHODS A longitudinal case-control study in HIV positive pregnant women on ART and HIV negative pregnant women will be conducted. All pregnant women will be assessed for cardio-metabolic risk factors and markers (lipids, anthropometric and glycaemic indies, oxidative stress), hemodynamic status (blood pressure parameters) and vascular function (arterial compliance, retinal microvasculature, uterine artery mean pulsatility index). Child health will be monitored in utero and postnatally via routine foetal health screening, placental integrity, anthropometry, blood pressure parameters, markers of oxidative stress and endothelial function in cord blood and cardiovascular epigenetic markers in urine. DISCUSSION There is a paucity of studies in South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa as a whole that utilised a longitudinal study model to assess the effects of ARTs on vascular endothelial changes in pregnant women living with HIV and the cardiometabolic health of their offspring. This study will therefore help to monitor changes in cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy and in children exposed in utero to HIV-infection and ART use. Findings from this study will provide useful information for developing guidelines on the use of ARTs in pregnancy and management of cardiometabolic health of the offspring of HIV positive mothers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University PBX1, Mthatha, 5117 South Africa
| | - Godwill Azeh Engwa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University PBX1, Mthatha, 5117 South Africa
| | - Charles Businge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha, 5117 South Africa
| | - Mziwohlanga Mdondolo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mthatha Regional Hospital, Private Bag x 5014, Mthatha, 5099 South Africa
| | - Magdevy Pajaro Medina
- Department of Peadiatrics, Mthatha Regional Hospital, Private Bag x 5014, Mthatha, 5099 South Africa
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Center for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8036 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maugana VF, Kruger R, Schutte AE, Smith W. Socioeconomic inequalities, modifiable lifestyle risk factors, and retinal vessel calibers: The African-PREDICT Study. Microcirculation 2021; 28:e12714. [PMID: 34008905 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12714] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lifestyle risk factors vary between socioeconomic status (SES) groups and may influence cardiovascular function differently. The retinal microvasculature allows for monitoring early changes in cardiovascular health, and therefore, we investigated whether retinal vessel calibers associate differently with modifiable risk factors in different SES groups. METHODS We included 1064 young adults (aged 20-30 years) grouped by low and high SES. The central retinal artery and vein equivalents (CRAE, CRVE) were determined from fundus images captured using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems GmbH, Jena, Germany). We collected anthropometry, self-reported alcohol consumption, and biochemical data. RESULTS Retinal vessel calibers did not differ between SES groups (p ≥ .80) after adjusting for sex and ethnicity. Unique independent associations were observed in the low SES group, where CRAE (β = 0.08, p = .042) and CRVE (β = .14, p = .001) associated positively with cotinine and body mass index, respectively. In the high SES group, CRAE (β = -0.09, p = .027) associated negatively with alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION At young ages, retinal vessel calibers associated differently with modifiable lifestyle risk factors within each SES group. Our data highlight the importance of detecting adverse lifestyle risk factors among young adults from diverse socioeconomic settings to improve prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruan Kruger
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Aletta Elisabeth Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,School of Population Health, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jacobs A, Pieters M, Smith W, Schutte AE. Retinal vasodilatory responses are inversely associated with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1: The African-PREDICT study. Microvasc Res 2021; 137:104180. [PMID: 34015274 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), traditionally associated with fibrinolysis, is increasingly implicated in impaired vascular function. However, studies on its association with microvascular function are limited to the cutaneous and coronary microvascular beds in older and diseased individuals. To better understand its potential involvement in the early stages of disease development, we investigated the associations of retinal vasodilatory responses to flicker light with PAI-1 activity (PAI-1act) in young and healthy individuals. METHODS We included healthy Black and White women and men (n = 518; aged 20-30 years), and measured plasma PAI-1act and retinal vasodilatory responses to flicker light provocation. We also collected demographic and lifestyle data, measured blood pressure, anthropometry, blood lipids, inflammatory and other biomarkers. RESULTS In multivariate regression analyses, maximal retinal venular dilation associated independently and inversely with PAI-1act (adj. R2 = 0.11; β = -0.15; p = 0.001) in the total group. In exploratory subgroup analyses, this association remained in White women (adj. R2 = 0.07; β = -0.23; p = 0.005), and was more robust with younger age and lower blood pressure and in non-smokers, but also with greater central adiposity, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and inflammation (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that in young individuals, PAI-1 may already be associated with subclinical microvascular dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan Jacobs
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Marlien Pieters
- Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN), North-West University, Private bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Aletta E Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Private bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Breet Y, Craig A, Smith W, Botha-Le Roux S, Gafane-Matemane LF, Brits S, van Rooyen JM, Hanssen H, Kruger R. Cross-Talk Between Large Artery Stiffness and Retinal Microvasculature in Children: The ExAMIN Youth SA Study. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:795301. [PMID: 34976899 PMCID: PMC8716632 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.795301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cross-talk between the macro-and microvasculature is considered an important contributor to target organ damage. Previous findings were predominantly in adult populations and investigation into this mechanism in children may provide insight into the development of early adverse vascular changes. Whether any ethnic differences in cross-talk is evident, also remains to be determined. Objective: To determine whether retinal microvascular diameters are associated with large artery stiffness in young children and whether ethnic differences are evident. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 730 black (n = 437) and white (n = 293) school children aged 5-9 years were included. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured and the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) diameters were calculated from fundus images. The arterio-venous ratio (AVR) was subsequently calculated. Results: Pulse wave velocity was lower (p ≤ 0.001) in the black group when compared to the white group. The black group had a narrower CRAE, wider CRVE and lower AVR (all p < 0.001). Pulse wave velocity associated negatively with CRAE (r = -0.141, p = 0.003) and AVR (r = -0.185, p ≤ 0.001) in the black group only. A positive association between PWV and CRVE was seen in the black (r = 0.174, p ≤ 0.001) and white (r = 0.119, p = 0.043) group. Conclusion: Large artery stiffness is associated with retinal arterial narrowing and venular widening in children, suggesting cross-talk between the macro-and microvasculature. Ethnic differences in these associations are also evident. Our findings warrant further investigation into environmental and sociocultural risk factors contributing to premature cardiovascular disease development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolandi Breet
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Ashleigh Craig
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Shani Botha-Le Roux
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lebo F Gafane-Matemane
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Sanette Brits
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Johannes M van Rooyen
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Henner Hanssen
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ruan Kruger
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fourie CMT, Botha-Le Roux S, Smith W, Schutte AE, Breet Y, Mels CMC, Gafane-Matemane LF, Lammertyn L, Uys L, Burger A, Joseph JS, Goswami N, De Boever P, Strijdom H. Vascular function and cardiovascular risk in a HIV infected and HIV free cohort of African ancestry: baseline profile, rationale and methods of the longitudinal EndoAfrica-NWU study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:473. [PMID: 32620082 PMCID: PMC7333423 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05173-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) have an increased susceptibility to develop non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Infection with HIV contributes to the development of CVD independent of traditional risk factors, with endothelial dysfunction being the central physiological mechanism. While HIV-related mortality is declining due to antiretroviral treatment (ART), the number of deaths due to CVD is rising in South Africa - the country with the highest number of PLHIV and the world's largest ART programme. The EndoAfrica study was developed to determine whether HIV infection and ART are associated with cardiovascular risk markers and changes in vascular structure and function over 18 months in adults from different provinces of South Africa. This paper describes the rationale, methodology and baseline cohort profile of the EndoAfrica study conducted in the North West Province, South Africa. METHODS In this case-control study, conducted between August 2017 and June 2018, 382 volunteers of African descent (276 women; 106 men), comprising of 278 HIV infected and 104 HIV free individuals were included. We measured health behaviours, a detailed cardiovascular profile, and performed biomarker analyses. We compared baseline characteristics, blood pressure, vascular function and biochemical markers between those infected and HIV free. RESULTS At baseline, the HIV infected participants were older (43 vs 39 years), less were employed (21% vs 40%), less had a tertiary education (7% vs 16%) and their body mass index was lower (26 vs 29 kg/m2) than that of the HIV free participants. While the cardiovascular profile, flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity did not differ, glycated haemoglobin was lower (p = 0.017) and total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyltransferase and tobacco use were higher (all p < 0.047) in PLHIV. CONCLUSION Despite PLHIV being older, preliminary cross-sectional analysis suggests that PLHIV being treated with ART do not have poorer endothelial or vascular function compared to the HIV free participants. More detailed analyses on the baseline and follow-up data will provide further clarity regarding the cardiovascular profile of South Africans living with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla M T Fourie
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa. .,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Shani Botha-Le Roux
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Aletta E Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yolandi Breet
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Carina M C Mels
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lebo F Gafane-Matemane
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Leandi Lammertyn
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lisa Uys
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Adele Burger
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Private Bag X1290, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jitcy S Joseph
- Toxicology and Biochemistry Department, National Institute for Occupational Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Division of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Patrick De Boever
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium.,Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hans Strijdom
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ahiante BO, Smith W, Lammertyn L, Schutte AE. Leptin and the Retinal Microvasculature in Young Black and White Adults: The African-PREDICT Study. Heart Lung Circ 2020; 29:1823-1831. [PMID: 32622912 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.05.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin is a vasoactive peptide that has been linked to diseases associated with macrovascular deterioration. What is still uncertain is its involvement in the microvasculature. Since microvascular changes are presumed to precede macrovascular deterioration, we examined whether measures of the retinal microvasculature are associated with leptin in healthy, young Black and White individuals. METHOD We included 283 Black and 289 White men and women (aged 20-30 years). We determined serum leptin, calculated central retinal artery and vein equivalents and arterio-venous ratio. We also measured retinal vessel responses to light flicker provocation. RESULTS Black men were leaner and had lower leptin than White men, whereas Black women had increased adiposity and leptin compared to White women (all p<0.001). Black groups had narrower retinal arteries, and greater maximum arteriolar and venular dilations in response to light flicker than the White groups (p<0.001). Arterio-venous ratio associated negatively with leptin (all p≤0.044) in all groups (except Black women), but was lost upon adjustment for body mass index and other covariates. We found an inverse association between maximal venular dilation and leptin only in Black men in single and multiple regression analyses (Std β= -0.22; R2=0.05; p=0.035). No associations were found between other retinal measures with leptin in the other groups. CONCLUSION We found an independent, negative association between retinal vein dilation with leptin in healthy, young Black men, suggesting a potential detrimental role for leptin in regulating microvascular responses in a population group known to be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Leandi Lammertyn
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Aletta Elisabeth Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Strauss-Kruger M, Smith W, Wei W, Bagrov AY, Fedorova OV, Schutte AE. Microvascular function in non-dippers: Potential involvement of the salt sensitivity biomarker, marinobufagenin-The African-PREDICT study. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2019; 22:86-94. [PMID: 31873989 DOI: 10.1111/jch.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Suppressed nighttime blood pressure dipping is associated with salt sensitivity and may increase the hemodynamic load on the microvasculature. The mechanism remains unknown whereby salt sensitivity may increase the cardiovascular risk of non-dippers. Marinobufagenin, a novel steroidal biomarker, is associated with salt sensitivity and other cardiovascular risk factors independent of blood pressure. The authors investigated whether microvascular function in non-dippers is associated with marinobufagenin. The authors included 220 dippers and 154 non-dippers (aged 20-30 years) from the African-PREDICT study, with complete 24-hour urinary marinobufagenin and sodium data. The authors determined dipping status using 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and defined nighttime non-dipping <10%. The authors measured microvascular reactivity as retinal artery dilation in response to light flicker provocation. Young healthy non-dippers and dippers presented with similar peak retinal artery dilation, urinary sodium, and MBG excretion (P > .05). However, only in non-dippers did peak retinal artery dilation relate negatively to marinobufagenin excretion after single (r = -0.20; P = .012), partial (r = -0.23; P = .004), and multivariate-adjusted regression analyses (Adj. R2 = 0.34; β = -0.26; P < .001). The authors also noted a relationship between peak artery dilation and estimated salt intake (Adj. R2 = 0.30; β = -0.14; P = .051), but it was lost upon inclusion of marinobufagenin (Adj. R2 = 0.33; β = -0.015; P = .86). No relationship between microvascular reactivity and marinobufagenin was evident in dippers (P = .77). Marinobufagenin, representing salt sensitivity, may be involved in early microvascular functional changes in young non-dippers and thus contributes to the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michél Strauss-Kruger
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, MRC Research Unit, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Wen Wei
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexei Y Bagrov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga V Fedorova
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aletta E Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, MRC Research Unit, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|