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Tang WSW, Lau NXM, Krishnan MN, Chin YC, Ho CSH. Depression and Eye Disease-A Narrative Review of Common Underlying Pathophysiological Mechanisms and their Potential Applications. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3081. [PMID: 38892791 PMCID: PMC11172702 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113081] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Depression has been shown to be associated with eye diseases, including dry eye disease (DED), cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). This narrative review explores potential pathophysiological connections between depression and eye disease, as well as its potential correlations with ocular parameters. Methods: A literature search was conducted in August 2022 in PUBMED, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Published articles related to the subject were consolidated and classified according to respective eye diseases and pathophysiological mechanisms. Results: The literature reviewed suggests that common pathophysiological states like inflammation and neurodegeneration may contribute to both depression and certain eye diseases, while somatic symptoms and altered physiology, such as disruptions in circadian rhythm due to eye diseases, can also influence patients' mood states. Grounded in the shared embryological, anatomical, and physiological features between the eye and the brain, depression is also correlated to changes observed in non-invasive ophthalmological imaging modalities, such as changes in the retinal nerve fibre layer and retinal microvasculature. Conclusions: There is substantial evidence of a close association between depression and eye diseases. Understanding the underlying concepts can inform further research on treatment options and monitoring of depression based on ocular parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wymann Shao Wen Tang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Nicole Xer Min Lau
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | | | - You Chuen Chin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Raffles Medical Group, Singapore 188770, Singapore
| | - Cyrus Su Hui Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study. Hypertens Res 2020; 43:1231-1238. [PMID: 32555326 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20-30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R2 = 0.267, β = -0.097 (95% CI = -0.165; -0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life.
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Wentzel A, Malan L, von Känel R, Smith W, Malan NT. Heart rate variability, the dynamic nature of the retinal microvasculature and cardiac stress: providing insight into the brain-retina-heart link: the SABPA study. Eye (Lond) 2020; 34:835-846. [PMID: 31278382 PMCID: PMC7182573 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Decreased heart-rate-variability (HRV) indicates increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and modulation with a shift in the sympatho-vagal balance towards SNS predominance. Increased SNS activity may precede volume-loading hypertension, contribute to increases in cardiac troponin T (cTnT), endothelial dysfunction and small vessel disease. Therefore, we investigated the retinal vasculature, HRV during flicker-light-induced-provocation (FLIP) and systemic cTnT, a marker of cardiac stress, to provide further evidence in support of the brain-retina-heart link. METHODS Cross-sectional observations were obtained from a bi-ethnic cohort (N = 264), aged 23-68 years. Fasting serum samples for cTnT were obtained. Retinal vascular calibres were quantified from mydriatic eye fundus images and dynamic retinal vessel calibre responses were determined during FLIP. Time-and frequency domain parameters of HRV were calculated during FLIP for each participant. RESULTS Africans had wider venules and attenuated time domain parameters during FLIP. In Africans, inverse associations emerged between arteriolar dilation and both cTnT and root-mean squared of the standard deviations of successive RR-intervals (rMSSD) (p = 0.030), and between arteriolar constriction and both low-frequency expressed in normalised units (LFnu) (p = 0.003) and high-frequency expressed in normalised units (p = 0.021). Wider venules inversely associated with standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN) as well as LFnu (p = 0.009) in Africans. An opposite profile was observed in Caucasians with both time-and frequency domain parameters of HRV in relation to retinal vessel structure and function. CONCLUSION FLIP elicited increased SNS activity and modulation in this bi-ethnic cohort. In Africans, decreased HRV during FLIP accompanied arteriolar and venular responses and elevated systemic levels of cTnT, implying that the SNS exerted a significant effect on the smooth muscle tone of the retinal vasculature. Disrupted retinal autoregulation may imply general autonomic nervous system dysfunction; exemplifying central control by the brain on all systemic regulatory functions, across different vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Wentzel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Roland von Känel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Nicolaas T Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Sabel BA, Thut G, Haueisen J, Henrich-Noack P, Herrmann CS, Hunold A, Kammer T, Matteo B, Sergeeva EG, Waleszczyk W, Antal A. Vision modulation, plasticity and restoration using non-invasive brain stimulation – An IFCN-sponsored review. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:887-911. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Malan L, Hamer M, von Känel R, van Wyk RD, Wentzel A, Steyn HS, van Vuuren P, Malan NT. Retinal-glia ischemia and inflammation induced by chronic stress: The SABPA study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 2:100027. [PMID: 38377420 PMCID: PMC8474432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100027] [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: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychobiological processes linking stress and vascular diseases remain poorly understood. The retina and the brain share a common embryonic-diencephalon origin and blood-barrier physiology e.g. ongoing ischemia facilitates S100B release with astrocytic activity and glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein expression (GFAP). However, GFAP decreases revealed astrocyte pathology in the prefrontal cortex of depression/suicide cases; and might be a key mechanism in stress - disease pathways. Methods A chronic emotional stress phenotype independent of age, ethnicity or sex was used to stratify the current prospective cohort (N = 359; aged 46 ± 9 years) into Stress (N = 236) and no-Stress groups (N = 123). Prospective data for glia ischemia risk markers were obtained, including 24 h BP, fasting S100B, GFAP, HbA1C and tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α). At 3-yr follow-up: diastolic-ocular-perfusion-pressure (indicating hypo-perfusion risk) was measured and retinal vessel calibers were quantified from digital images in the mydriatic eye. Results Higher hypertension (75% vs. 16%), diabetes (13% vs. 0%) and retinopathy (57% vs. 45%) prevalence was observed in Stress compared to no-Stress individuals. Stressed individuals had consistently raised S100B, TNF-α, HbA1C and higher diastolic-ocular-perfusion-pressure, but decreases in GFAP and GFAP:S100B. Furthermore stroke risk markers, arterial narrowing and venous widening were associated with consistently raised S100B, GFAP:S100B (p = 0.060), TNF-α and higher diastolic-ocular-perfusion-pressure [Adj. R2 0.39-0.41, p ≤ 0.05]. No retinal-glia associations were evident in the no-Stress group. Conclusions Retinal-glia ischemia and inflammation was induced by chronic stress. Persistent higher inflammation and S100B with GFAP decreases further reflected stress-induced astrocyte pathology in the human retina. It is recommended to increase awareness on chronic stress and susceptibility for brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Mark Hamer
- Division Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Roelof D. van Wyk
- Surgical Ophthalmologist, 85 Peter Mokaba Street, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Annemarie Wentzel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Hendrik S. Steyn
- Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Pieter van Vuuren
- School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Nico T. Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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Wentzel A, Malan L, von Känel R, Malan NT. Ethnicity-Specific Changes in Cardiac Troponin T in Response to Acute Mental Stress and Ethnicity-Specific Cutpoints for the R Wave of the aVL Lead. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:1444-1455. [PMID: 30927365 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute mental stressor-induced cardiac stress responses might contribute to excessive myocardial strain and resultant cardiovascular episode risk. We assessed ethnicity-specific acute cardiac stress (by measuring cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide) related to hemodynamic activity. The prospective Sympathetic Activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans (SABPA) study was conducted during 2007-2008 in South Africa. In the cross-sectional phase of the SABPA study, 388 black and white participants underwent a 1-minute acute mental stressor, during which blood pressure was continuously measured. Fasting blood samples for cardiac stress markers were obtained before and 10 minutes after stress (% change). Resting 10-lead electrocardiogram measured the R wave of the aVL lead (RaVL). Black participants exhibited greater cardiac stress responses (P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure, total peripheral resistance, and stroke volume compared with white participants, who displayed decreases in cardiac stress and increases in cardiac output. Prestress and stressor cTnT cutpoints of 4.2 pg/mL predicted 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime diastolic hypertension in black participants (P < 0.001). These cTnT cutpoints were associated with an ethnicity-specific RaVL cutpoint of 0.28 mV (odds ratio = 3.49, 95% confidence interval: 2.18, 5.83; P = 0.021). Acute mental stress elicited an α-adrenergic activation pattern and cardiac stress hyperreactivity only in black participants. Mental stress might increase the black population's risk for ischemic episodes and heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Wentzel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Excellence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Excellence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Roland von Känel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Excellence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Department of Consultation-Liaison-Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolaas T Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Excellence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Genc A, Dalkıran M, Pirdoğan Aydın E, Türkyılmaz Uyar E, Alkan A, Guven D, Özer ÖA, Karamustafalıoğlu O. The alteration of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with treatment resistant major depression. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2019; 23:57-61. [PMID: 30596524 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2018.1480785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The nerves and axons of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) are similar to those in the brain and therefore retina is considered as the extension of the brain. We aimed to evaluate the RNFL thickness in the treatment-resistant major depressive patients before and after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment and at least 6 months later after rTMS treatment using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS Thirty patients with treatment resistant major depression and 24 healthy controls were included in the study. rTMS was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of the patients. RESULTS rTMS was initiated in 28 patients. OCT assessments were performed in 24 patients at baseline and after rTMS treatment and in 19 patients at least sixth months after the rTMS treatment. We found significant increase in RNFL thickness compared with controls at the baseline and further increase in RNFL thickness after rTMS treatment. Although there was a decreasing trend in RNFL thickness 6 months after rTMS treatment, 6 months later RNFL thickness was still higher compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS RNFL thickness is increased in treatment resistant major depression and rTMS over the left DLPFC further increases RNFL thickness in treatment resistant major depressive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Genc
- a Department of Psychiatry , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Mihriban Dalkıran
- a Department of Psychiatry , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Efruz Pirdoğan Aydın
- a Department of Psychiatry , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Ece Türkyılmaz Uyar
- a Department of Psychiatry , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Alparslan Alkan
- b Department of Ophthalmology , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Dilek Guven
- b Department of Ophthalmology , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Ömer Akil Özer
- a Department of Psychiatry , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Oğuz Karamustafalıoğlu
- a Department of Psychiatry , Sisli Etfal Education and Research State Hospital , Istanbul , Turkey
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Wentzel A, Malan L, Smith W, von Känel R, Malan NT. Retinal Vasculature Reactivity During Flicker Light Provocation, Cardiac Stress and Stroke Risk in Africans: The SABPA Study. Transl Stroke Res 2018; 10:485-494. [DOI: 10.1007/s12975-018-0673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Chronic depression symptoms desensitize renin activity to protect against volume-loading hypertension in Blacks: The SABPA study. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:474-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Myburgh CE, Malan L, Wentzel A, Scheepers JDW, Malan NT. Coping and Cardiac Troponin T - A Risk for Hypertension and Sub-Clinical ECG Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The SABPA Study. Heart Lung Circ 2018; 28:908-916. [PMID: 29895484 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.05.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defensive coping (DefS) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) susceptibility in Blacks. Whether coping strategies will associate with sub-clinical left ventricular hypertrophy (electrocardiographic-left ventricular hypertrophy [ECG-LVH] or Cornell product), cardiomyocyte injury and blood pressure (BP), is unclear. Therefore, we assessed relationships between ECG-LVH, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and 24-hour BP in bi-ethnic groups when habitually utilising a certain coping style, and these groups when having a stress-related cTnT cut-point of 4.2ng/L. METHODS A target population study included a Black (n=190) and White (n=204) teachers' gender cohort (20-65years) from South Africa. The Coping Strategy Indicator determined DefS, social support and avoidance coping scores. Fasting blood samples, 10-lead ECG, 24-hour BP and ECG data were obtained. RESULTS Interaction effects showed no gender, social support and avoidance coping differences. Stratification of groups was done for ethnicity and DefS. Blacks sought more social support, used less avoidance coping and presented with higher CVD susceptibility. Hypertension prevalence and ECG-LVH levels in DefS Blacks (63%) were higher compared to DefS Whites (40%). Multivariate regression analyses showed positive associations between Cornell product, cTnT and BP [p≤0.05] in DefS Blacks only. Their 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with time-domain depressed heart-rate-variability and prolonged ST-segment-depression especially when applying an established stress-related cTnT ≥ 4.2ng/L cut-point. CONCLUSIONS Defensive coping facilitated autonomic hyperactivity, myocardial injury and subsequent compensatory BP elevations as possible homeostatic reflexes to alleviate myocardial perfusion deficits. The resulting pressure overload increased sub-clinical wall remodelling and ischaemic heart disease risk in Blacks utilising habitual defensiveness. We therefore recommend regular ECG and high sensitivity cTnT screening in asymptomatic patients with emotional stress susceptibility. Longitudinal evidence is needed to confirm causality and progression of cardiomyopathy risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa.
| | - Annemarie Wentzel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
| | - Jacobus De Wet Scheepers
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
| | - Nicolaas Theodor Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
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Malan L, Hamer M, von Känel R, Lambert GW, Delport R, Steyn HS, Malan NT. Chronic defensiveness and neuroendocrine dysfunction reflect a novel cardiac troponin T cut point: The SABPA study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 85:20-27. [PMID: 28787643 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.07.492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sympatho-adrenal responses are activated as an innate defense coping (DefS) mechanism during emotional stress. Whether these sympatho-adrenal responses drive cardiac troponin T (cTnT) increases are unknown. Therefore, associations between cTnT and sympatho-adrenal responses were assessed. METHODS A prospective bi-ethnic cohort, excluding atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and stroke cases, was followed for 3 years (N=342; 45.6±9.0years). We obtained serum high-sensitive cTnT and exposure measures [Coping-Strategy-Indicator, depression/Patient-Health-Questionnarie-9, 24h BP, 24h heart-rate-variability (HRV) and 24h urinary catecholamines]. RESULTS Blacks showed moderate depression (45% vs. 16%) and 24h hypertension (67% vs. 42%) prevalence compared to Whites. A receiver-operating-characteristics cTnT cut-point 4.2ng/L predicting hypertension in Blacks was used as binary outcome measure in relation to exposure measures [AUC 0.68 (95% CI 0.60-0.76); sensitivity/specificity 63/70%; P≤0.001]. Bi-ethnic cTnT-incidence was similar (Blacks=27%, Whites=25%) with cTnT-recovery better in Blacks (9%) compared to Whites (5%), P=0.001. In cross-sectional analyses, elevated cTnT was related to DefS [OR 1.08 (95% CI 0.99-1.16); P=0.06]; 24h BP [OR 1.03-1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.08); P≤0.02] and depressed HRV [OR 2.19 (95% CI 1.09-4.41); P=0.03] in Blacks, but not in Whites. At 3year follow-up, elevated cTnT was related to attenuated urine norepinephrine:creatinine ratio in Blacks [OR 1.46 (95% CI 1.01-2.10); P=0.04]. In Whites, a cut point of 5.6ng/L cTnT predicting hypertension was not associated with exposure measures. CONCLUSION Central neural control systems exemplified a brain-heart stress pathway. Desensitization of sympatho-adrenal responses occurred with initial neural- (HRV) followed by neuroendocrine dysfunction (norepinephrine:creatinine) in relation to elevated cTnT. Chronic defensiveness may thus drive the desensitization or physiological depression, reflecting ischemic heart disease risk at a novel 4.2ng/L cTnT cut-point in Blacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Mark Hamer
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Roland von Känel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gavin W Lambert
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia; Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rhena Delport
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hendrik S Steyn
- Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Nicolaas T Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Malan NT, von Känel R, Steyn HS, Kruger R, Malan L. The protective role of oestradiol against silent myocardial ischemia and hypertension risk in South African men: The SABPA study. Int J Cardiol 2017. [PMID: 28629624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oestradiol has a protective effect on coronary artery health in women but the effect it has on men, is controversial. A translational approach was followed to assess whether sex hormone levels are associated with silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) and hypertension risk over a 3year period. METHODS Participants included 89 Black and 91 White men (aged 21-63years) participating in both phases of the Sympathetic activity and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Africans prospective study. Fasting blood samples, ambulatory blood pressure and 2-lead ECG recordings were obtained. RESULTS No difference in the levels of the various baseline serum T fractions between the two ethnic groups occurred. Oestradiol of the Black men increased by 54.2% compared to a decrease of 24.1% in the White men. Changes in total oestradiol (adjusted R2=0.33, β=-0.31, p=0.023) and free oestradiol (adjusted R2=0.34, β=-0.33, p=0.019) were inversely associated with changes in SMI in the Black men but not in White men. Baseline serum nitric oxide metabolites were inversely associated with ΔSMI in the Blacks only (adjusted R2=0.33, β=-0.28, p=0.047). Chronic SMI was associated with 24h hypertension in Blacks [cut point 1.5 events: Area under the curve 0.71 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.82); p=0.006; with sensitivity/specificity 44%/94%]. CONCLUSIONS Chronic SMI events facilitated future ischemic heart disease in Black men. Up-regulated free oestradiol seems to be involved in the protection of the heart against SMI and hypertension risk in Black but not in White men. A similar protective role for testosterone could however not be shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaas T Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Roland von Känel
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Clinic Barmelweid, CH-5017 Barmelweid, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik S Steyn
- Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Ruan Kruger
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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Schutte AE, Botha S, Fourie CMT, Gafane-Matemane LF, Kruger R, Lammertyn L, Malan L, Mels CMC, Schutte R, Smith W, van Rooyen JM, Ware LJ, Huisman HW. Recent advances in understanding hypertension development in sub-Saharan Africa. J Hum Hypertens 2017; 31:491-500. [PMID: 28332510 DOI: 10.1038/jhh.2017.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Consistent reports indicate that hypertension is a particularly common finding in black populations. Hypertension occurs at younger ages and is often more severe in terms of blood pressure levels and organ damage than in whites, resulting in a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality. This review provides an outline of recent advances in the pathophysiological understanding of blood pressure elevation and the consequences thereof in black populations in Africa. This is set against the backdrop of populations undergoing demanding and rapid demographic transition, where infection with the human immunodeficiency virus predominates, and where under and over-nutrition coexist. Collectively, recent findings from Africa illustrate an increased lifetime risk to hypertension from foetal life onwards. From young ages black populations display early endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular tone and reactivity, microvascular structural adaptions as well as increased aortic stiffness resulting in elevated central and brachial blood pressures during the day and night, when compared to whites. Together with knowledge on the contributions of sympathetic activation and abnormal renal sodium handling, these pathophysiological adaptations result in subclinical and clinical organ damage at younger ages. This overall enhanced understanding on the determinants of blood pressure elevation in blacks encourages (a) novel approaches to assess and manage hypertension in Africa better, (b) further scientific discovery to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies and
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - S Botha
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - C M T Fourie
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - L F Gafane-Matemane
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - R Kruger
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - L Lammertyn
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - L Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - C M C Mels
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - R Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Department of Medicine and Healthcare Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - W Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - J M van Rooyen
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - L J Ware
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - H W Huisman
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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14
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Schutte CE, Malan L, Scheepers JD, Oosthuizen W, Cockeran M, Malan NT. Cortisol:brain-derived neurotrophic factor ratio associated with silent ischaemia in a black male cohort: the SA BPA study. Cardiovasc J Afr 2017; 27:387-391. [PMID: 27966001 PMCID: PMC5408496 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2016-065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Emotional distress has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Africans. Cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as markers of emotional distress, increase cardiometabolic risk. We therefore aimed to investigate associations between cardiometabolic risk markers and the cortisol-to-BDNF ratio (cortisol:BDNF). Methods A cross-sectional study included a bi-ethnic gender cohort (n = 406) aged 44.7 ± 9.52 years. Ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM), ECG, fasting serum cortisol and BDNF levels and cardiometabolic risk markers were obtained. Results Africans had increased incidence of hyperglycaemia and 24-hour silent ischaemic events, and elevated 24-hour blood pressure (BP) and cortisol:BDNF ratios compared to Caucasians. Forward stepwise linear regression analysis underscored a similar trend with associations between hyperglycaemia, 24-hour BP [Adj R2 0.21–0.29; β 0.23 (0.1–0.4); p = 0.01], silent ischaemia [Adj R2 0.22; β 0.40 (0.2–0.6); p < 0.01] and cortisol:BDNF levels in Africans, mostly in the men. Conclusion Attenuated cortisol levels in this group may be indicative of emotional distress and if chronic, drive the cortisol:BDNF ratio to desensitise BDNF. Desensitised cortisol:BDNF may sustain cardiometabolic risk and induce neurodegeneration in African men via silent ischaemia. Compensatory increases in blood pressure to increase perfusion and maintain homeostasis may increase coronary artery disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan E Schutte
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
| | - Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa.
| | - Jacobus D Scheepers
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
| | - Woudri Oosthuizen
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
| | - Marike Cockeran
- Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
| | - Nicolaas T Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
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15
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Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis dysregulation and double product increases potentiate ischemic heart disease risk in a Black male cohort: the SABPA study. Hypertens Res 2017; 40:590-597. [PMID: 28179626 DOI: 10.1038/hr.2017.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Emotional distress has been associated with a poorer prognosis in myocardial infarction patients. Elevated adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), lower cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and cortisol:DHEAS, as measures of emotional distress, might correlate with silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) and workload. Thus, we assessed the relationship between emotional distress, SMI and double product (systolic blood pressure (SBP) × heart rate). Cross-sectional South African biethnic single-set cohorts (N=378), aged 44.7±9.52 years, were investigated. Depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anthropometric, fasting blood, 24-h double product and 24-h 2-lead electrocardiogram (ST-segment depression) values were obtained. Blacks, mostly men, had increased depressive symptoms, hyperglycemia, SMI, double product, SBP hypertension and ACTH but lower cortisol, DHEAS and cortisol:DHEAS than their White counterparts. Black men had the highest combined SBP hypertension and below-median cortisol prevalence, 38%, compared with 5.9-13.8% in the other groups. Their SMI was associated with ACTH and cortisol:DHEAS (adj. R2 0.29; β 0.27-0.31 (0.12-0.64); P⩽0.05), double product (adj. R2 0.29; β 0.38 (0.18-0.57); P=0.050) and SBP hypertension (area under the curve: 0.68 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.80); P=0.042; sensitivity/specificity 49/85%). Double product was positively associated with central obesity in all sex groups and with cortisol in the Black men (P<0.05). A dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis (HPAA) showed signs of a hyporesponsive adrenal cortex, suggesting chronic emotional stress in the Black male cohort. In this cohort, HPAA dysregulation and compensatory increases in double product occur as a potential defense mechanism to alleviate perfusion deficits, thereby potentiating ischemic heart disease risk.
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16
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Malan L, Malan NT. Emotional Stress as a Risk for Hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africans: Are We Ignoring the Odds? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 956:497-510. [PMID: 27421968 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2016_37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Globally most interventions focus on improving lifestyle habits and treatment regimens to combat hypertension as a non-communicable disease (NCD). However, despite these interventions and improved medical treatments, blood pressure (BP) values are still on the rise and poorly controlled in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Other factors contributing to hypertension prevalence, such as chronic emotional stress, might provide some insight for future health policy approaches.Currently, Hypertension Society guidelines do not mention emotional stress as a probable cause for hypertension. Recently the 2014 World Global Health reports, suggested that African governments should consider using World Health Organization hypertension data as a proxy indicator for social well-being. However, the possibility that a stressful life and taxing environmental factors might disturb central neural control of BP regulation has largely been ignored in SSA.Linking emotional stress to vascular dysregulation is therefore one way to investigate increased cardiometabolic challenges, neurotransmitter depletion and disturbed hemodynamics. Disruption of stress response pathways and subsequent changes in lifestyle habits as ways of coping with a stressful life, and as probable cause for hypertension prevalence in SSA, may be included in future preventive measures. We will provide an overview on emotional stress and central neural control of BP and will include also implications thereof for clinical practice in SSA cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoné Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Hoffman street, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Nico T Malan
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Hoffman street, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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