Re-examining the relationship between alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease with a new lens

A burden of proof study on alcohol consumption and ischemic heart disease

Cohort and case-control data have suggested an association between low to moderate alcohol consumption and decreased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), yet results from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies designed to reduce bias have shown either no or a harmful association. Here we conducted an updated systematic review and re-evaluated existing cohort, case-control, and MR data using the burden of proof meta-analytical framework. Cohort and case-control data show low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased IHD risk - specifically, intake is inversely related to IHD and myocardial infarction morbidity in both sexes and IHD mortality in males - while pooled MR data show no association, confirming that self-reported versus genetically predicted alcohol use data yield conflicting findings about the alcohol-IHD relationship. Our results highlight the need to advance MR methodologies and emulate randomized trials using large observational databases to obtain more definitive answers to this critical public health question.

Association between the atherogenic index of plasma and carotid artery plaques in patients with coronary heart disease in different glucose metabolism states: an RCSCD-TCM study in Tianjin, China

BACKGROUND

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is considered a powerful biomarker of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis (AS). However, limited evidence is available regarding the relationship between the AIP and carotid artery plaques (CAPs) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 9281 patients with CHD who underwent carotid ultrasound. Participants were divided according to the AIP tertiles: T1, AIP < 1.02; T2, 1.02 ≤ AIP < 1.25; and T3, AIP ≥ 1.25. The presence or absence of CAPs was assessed using carotid ultrasound. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the AIP and CAPs in patients with CHD. The relationship between the AIP and CAPs was assessed according to sex, age, and glucose metabolic status.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics revealed significant differences in related parameters among patients with CHD after stratification into the three groups according to the AIP tertiles. Compared with T1, the odds ratio (OR) of T3 in patients with CHD was 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.35-1.74). The association between AIP and CAPs was higher in females (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.38-1.92) than in males (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.12-1.70). The OR for patients aged ≤60 years (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.14-1.71) was lower than that for patients aged >60 years (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.26-1.76). AIP was significantly associated with the risk of CAPs formation in different glucose metabolic states, with diabetes having the highest OR value (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.19-1.43).

CONCLUSION

The AIP and CAPs were significantly associated in patients with CHD, and the association was higher in female than in male patients. The association was lower in patients aged ≤60 years than in patients aged >60 years. Under different glucose metabolism statuses, the association between the AIP and the CAPs among patients with CHD was highest in patients with diabetes.

Association between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and dyslipidemia in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Thyroid hormones affect lipid metabolism via central and peripheral regulation. However, there have been few studies on the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia. We aimed to investigate the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

A total of 31,678 patients with CHD were included in this large multicenter retrospective study. Central thyroid hormone sensitivity was evaluated using the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index (PTFQI), thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotropin thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI); peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity was assessed by the ratio of free triiodothyronine (FT3)/free thyroxine (FT4). Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Among 31,678 participants, 21,648 (68.34%) had dyslipidemia. In the multi-adjusted models, the risk of dyslipidemia was positively correlated with TFQI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.05), PTFQI (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1.12), TSHI (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.11), and TT4RI (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05-1.11). Conversely, the risk of dyslipidemia was negatively correlated with FT3/FT4 (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.97). In stratified analyses, the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and dyslipidemia was statistically significant for different sexes, glucose levels, and blood pressure states.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant association between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and dyslipidemia, regardless of sex, glucose level, or blood pressure. Graphical abstract.

Relationship between red cell distribution width/albumin ratio and carotid plaque in different glucose metabolic states in patients with coronary heart disease: a RCSCD-TCM study in China

BACKGROUND

Red cell distribution width/albumin ratio (RAR) is thought to be associated with the prognosis of a variety of diseases, including diabetes and heart failure. To date, no studies have focused on the relationship between RAR and carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

A total of 10,267 patients with CHD were divided according to RAR quartiles (Q1: RAR ≤ 2.960; Q2: 2.960 < RAR ≤ 3.185; Q3: 3.185 < RAR < 3.441; Q4: RAR ≥ 3.441). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in CHD patients. The relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in according to sex, age and glucose regulation state groups were also assessed.

RESULTS

Among the 10,267 participants, 75.43% had carotid plaques. After adjusting for confounding factors, RAR was found to be associated with carotid plaque formation (OR: 1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.39). The risk of carotid plaque formation in the Q4 group was 1.24 times higher than that in the Q1 group. After multivariate adjustment, RAR was associated with the risk of carotid plaque in female (OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.09-1.52). And the relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in patients younger than 60 years old (OR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.16-1.75) was stronger than that in those older than 60 years old (OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.51). Under different glucose metabolism states, RAR had the highest correlation with the risk of carotid plaques in diabetes patients (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.04-1.58).

CONCLUSIONS

RAR was significantly related to carotid plaques in patients with CHD. In addition, the correlation between RAR and the incidence of carotid plaque in patients with CHD was higher in women and middle-aged and elderly patients. In patients with CHD and diabetes, the correlation between RAR and carotid plaque was higher.

Association between triglyceride glucose index and carotid artery plaque in different glucose metabolic states in patients with coronary heart disease: a RCSCD-TCM study in China

Background

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index serves as a surrogate indicator of insulin resistance. However, there is limited evidence on the association between the TyG index and carotid artery plaque (CAP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

The 10,535 CHD patients were divided according to TyG index quartiles (Q1: TyG index < 8.52; Q2: 8.52 ≤ TyG index < 8.93; Q3: 8.93 ≤ TyG index ≤ 9.40; Q4: TyG index > 9.40). The presence or absence of CAP was determined by carotid ultrasonography. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the TyG index and CAP in CHD patients. The relationship between the TyG index and CAP in according to sex, age groups, and glucose metabolism states were also assessed.

Results

The baseline analysis showed that there were significant differences in related parameters among CHD patients divided into four groups according to the quartile of the TyG index. In the multi-adjusted modles, compared to Q1 of the TyG index, the odds ratios (OR) for Q4 of the TyG index for CAP were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.47) in CHD patients. The association between the TyG index and CAP in female (OR: 1.35; 95% CI 1.29–1.43) was higher than that in male (OR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.13–1.27). The OR value of middle-aged (≤ 60 years old) patients (OR: 1.34; 95% CI 1.26–1.42) was higher than that in elderly (> 60 years old) patients (OR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.11–1.22). In different glucose metabolism states, the TyG index of CHD patients was significantly related to the risk of CAP, with the highest OR value observed for diabetes (OR: 1.36; 95% CI 1.26–1.46).

Conclusions

The TyG index and CAP showed a significant association in CHD patients. This association between TyG index and CAP in CHD patients is higher in female than in male, and the association in middle-aged and elderly patients is higher than that in elderly patients. In the condition of DM, the association between TyG index and carotid artery plaque in CHD patients is higher.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01470-3.

Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones and carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease: A RCSCD-TCM study in China

CONTEXT

Previous studies on the association between thyroid function and carotid plaque have shown contradictory results, which may be attributable to the sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices. This study aimed to analyze the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and risk of carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and further explore this association according to sex, age, smoking, and drinking status.

METHODS

This large-scale, multi-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study included 6679 patients with CHD (age 35-75). Central sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index (PTFQI), thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI). Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was assessed by free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio. Taking no carotid plaque as a reference, this study used logistic regression to analyze the association between central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity and carotid plaque in patients with CHD.

RESULTS

Of the 6679 patients with CHD, 4843 (72.50%) had carotid plaque. In the multi-adjusted models, the TFQI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-1.78; P < 0.001), PTFQI (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.46-2.12; P < 0.001), TSHI (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10-1.33; P < 0.001), and TT4RI (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00-1.01; P = 0.003) were positively associated with the risk of carotid plaque. Compared with that in females and people > 60 years, the OR value for carotid plaque was higher in males and people ≤ 60 years. Similarly, smokers and drinkers had higher OR values for carotid plaque than non-smokers and non-drinkers. Conversely, FT3/FT4 ratio (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.70-0.81; P < 0.001) was negatively associated with carotid plaque, and the OR value for carotid plaque was lower in males, patients ≤ 60 years, smokers, and drinkers.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that thyroid hormone sensitivity is significantly associated with carotid plaque in patients with CHD. This association is more significant in males, patients ≤ 60 years, smokers, and drinkers.

Association between alcohol consumption in midlife and cognitive function in old age: Findings from the China health and Nutrition Survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Alcohol consumption has been reported to impair the physical and mental health of the elderly. This study aimed to explore the association between alcohol consumption patterns in midlife and cognition in the elderly among the Chinese population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Study subjects were individuals aged ≥45 years in the shared database of the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 1997, who were followed up in 2006. A questionnaire was used to collect information about alcohol consumption (frequency, amount and type). Alcohol consumption (grams/week) was classified into none, light (≤84), light-to-moderate (84.01-168), moderate-to-heavy (168.01-336) and heavy (≥336.01) categories in men, and none, light (<42) and moderate (≥42) categories in women. Cognitive function was measured in 2006 using a subset of items from the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. The lowest quintile was used as the cut-off point for cognitive impairment. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied. The study involved 1926 participants with a mean age of 56.91 years, and men accounted for 51.66% of the total participants. Drinking behaviours and cognitive scores had significant sexual difference (P < 0.001). Cognitive impairment was identified in 135 men and 237 women. Compared with light drinking, heavy drinking and non-drinking were associated with cognitive impairment in men [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% CI were 2.19 (1.59-3.00), 1.54 (1.21-1.96), respectively; P < 0.001]. Compared with light drinkers, female non-drinkers and moderate drinkers were associated with cognitive impairment [aOR and 95% CI were 1.54 (1.16-2.03) and 1.75 (1.08-2.85), respectively; P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Scientific evidence on the adverse effects of heavy drinking on elderly cognition and the possibly protective effects of light drinking could influence policy decisions on alcohol consumption in China.

Low-/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and carotid plaques in patients with coronary heart disease: a Chinese cohort study

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the relationship between the low-/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C) and carotid plaques remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between LDL-C/HDL-C and carotid plaques in participants with coronary heart disease (CHD) and to further explore the extent to which a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of LDL-C/HDL-C-related carotid plaques.

METHODS

This large-scale and multi-centre retrospective study included 9426 CHD patients (aged 35-75 years) between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2020. The LDL-C/HDL-C values were converted to the following tertiles: lowest (< 2.15), middle (2.15-3), and highest (> 3). Healthy lifestyle-related factors referred to whether or not the participant was a non-smoker and non-drinker. Participants were divided into an unfavourable group (those who did not adhere to healthy lifestyle factors), intermediate (only one unhealthy factor), and favourable (neither of the two unhealthy factors). Logistic regression was used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 9426 participants, 6989 (74.15%) CHD patients had carotid plaques. After adjustment for confounders, each unit increase in the LDL-C/HDL-C was significantly associated with carotid plaques (OR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.43-1.84; P <  0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that carotid plaques risk for the highest tertile (> 3) was 1.18 times that of the lowest quartile (< 2.15). Compared with an unfavourable lifestyle, an intermediate or a favourable lifestyle was associated with a significant 30% (OR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.64-0.78; P <  0.001) or 67% (OR: 0.33; 95%CI: 0.29-0.37; P <  0.001) reduction in carotid plaques risk, respectively, among CHD patients with high LDL-C/HDL-C. There were significantly additive and multiplicative interactions between lifestyle and LDL-C/HDL-C with regards to carotid plaques.

CONCLUSION

A high LDL-C/HDL-C is associated with a risk of carotid plaques developing in CHD patients. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle has additive beneficial effects on reducing the risk of carotid plaques, especially in relation to the highest LDL-C/HDL-C.

Knockdown of lncRNA ENST00000609755.1 Confers Protection Against Early oxLDL-Induced Coronary Heart Disease

Background: This study investigated the association between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and coronary heart disease (CHD) and further elucidated the potential biological roles of lncRNAs in CHD pathogenesis.

Methods: A case-control study (590 patients and 590 controls) was conducted from February 2017 and March 2019 in Fuzhou, China. Environmental factors were investigated using questionnaires and physical examinations. Five representative lncRNAs were screened using lncRNA microarray (peripheral blood in 5 cases and 5 controls) and further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (peripheral blood leukocyte in 100 cases and 100 controls). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) was used to induce a human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAECs) injury model, and loss of function was used to elucidate the role of lncRNA ENST00000609755.1 (lnc-MICALL2-2) in oxLDL-induced HCAECs injury.

Results: A total of 320 lncRNAs were found dysregulated in CHD patients (fold change> 2, p < 0.05). The results of a discovery microarray, population verification and HCAEC experiments suggested the lnc-MICALL2-2 is upregulated in CHD subjects and in an oxLDL-induced HCAECs injury model. Conversely, lnc-MICALL2-2 inhibition in vitro attenuated the effects of oxLDL on HCAECs morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Conclusion: Elevated expression of lnc-MICALL2-2 is an independent risk factor for CHD, and knockdown subsequently confers protection against early pathological processes of oxLDL-induced CHD.

Prevalence and Correlates of Past-Year Recovery From DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III

BACKGROUND

Little is known about remission, recovery, and other outcomes of alcohol use disorder (AUD) as defined by the DSM-5.

METHODS

Data from a large representative sample of the United States was used to examine correlates of past-year AUD status among individuals with prior-to-past-year AUD: persistent AUD, symptomatic high-risk drinking, asymptomatic high-risk drinking, symptomatic low-risk drinking, asymptomatic low-risk drinking (nonabstinent recovery, NAR), and abstainer (abstinent recovery, AR). Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare: (i) AR and NAR with persistent AUD, (ii) AR with NAR, and (iii) asymptomatic and symptomatic high-risk drinking with AR and NAR.

RESULTS

Among individuals with AUD prior to past year (n = 7,785), 34.2% were classified with persistent AUD, 8.8 and 1.6% were symptomatic high-risk and symptomatic low-risk drinkers, respectively, 21.5% were asymptomatic high-risk drinkers, 17.9% were asymptomatic low-risk drinkers, and 16.0% were abstainers. One-quarter of individuals with AUD prior to past year achieved AR or NAR without the benefit of treatment, while a much greater percentage of individuals achieving AR (43.2%) reported receiving treatment relative to those with NAR (12.3%). The number of lifetime AUD symptoms was greater among those achieving AR (among the treated) and lower among those achieving NAR relative to persistent AUD. The number of AUD symptoms was also greater among those achieving AR than NAR and lower among asymptomatic and symptomatic risk drinkers relative to those achieving AR and NAR. Consumption was greater among those achieving AR relative to those achieving NAR and greater among asymptomatic and symptomatic risk drinkers relative to AR and NAR. Odds of achieving AR or NAR relative to persistent AUD were generally lower among non-Hispanic Blacks and those with higher education, greater among women and married individuals, and lower among illicit drug users and individuals with histories of a personality disorder or mood/anxiety disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be a substantial level of recovery from AUD. Information on specific factors associated with AUD outcomes can be useful in targeting appropriate treatment efforts.

[Alcohol and the Bariatric Patient: When One Drink Becomes Two Drinks]

Alcohol and the Bariatric Patient: When One Drink Becomes Two Drinks Abstract. Moderate consumption of alcohol is a risk factor for weight gain and obesity. Alcohol affects all components of the energy balance. Alcohol consumption is - as in the general population - also a widespread phenomenon in obese and bariatric patients. As a function of the bariatric surgery technique, alcohol metabolism is altered: gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy lead to a faster absorption of alcohol, higher peak alcohol concentration and a longer alcohol persistence in the circulation. Further reward mechanisms for alcohol are changed, so that alcohol consumption is enhanced and promoted, with an increased risk to develop alcohol dependency. It is time to address these issues in the daily practice and to fill the existing research gaps.