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Shimizu Y, Kawashiri SY, Noguchi Y, Sasaki N, Matsuyama M, Nakamichi S, Arima K, Nagata Y, Maeda T, Hayashida N. Association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to growth differentiation factor-15 levels in older individuals in a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16492. [PMID: 39019981 PMCID: PMC11255208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67187-3] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Although fast eating speed has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, no studies have reported an association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Rapid glucose ingestion is known to cause glucose spikes, which may accelerate atherogenesis and increase levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Therefore, GDF-15 levels may influence the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis. To evaluate the association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to GDF-15, this cross-sectional study analyzed 742 Japanese aged 60-69 years. They were required to have normal thyroid hormone levels, because both GDF-15 levels and atherosclerosis (CIMT ≥ 1.1 mm) can be influenced by thyroid dysfunction. Participants were stratified by the median GDF-15 level. A significant positive association was observed between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis, but only among participants with a high GDF-15 level: the sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.95 (1.09, 3.48) in participants with a high GDF-15 level, and 0.83 (0.37, 1.88) in those with a low GDF-15 level. This association remained even after further adjustment for thyroid function and metabolic factors. Serum concentrations of GDF-15 may mediate the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan.
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Nagisa Sasaki
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Matsuyama
- Division of Strategic Collaborative Research, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Seiko Nakamichi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Nagasaki University Health Center, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Arima
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Island and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 853-0031, Japan
| | - Naomi Hayashida
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Division of Strategic Collaborative Research, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Honda E, Sasaki N, Takada M, Yoshida T, Motomura K. Association between underweight, serum albumin levels, and height loss in the Japanese male population: a retrospective study. J Physiol Anthropol 2024; 43:15. [PMID: 38802949 PMCID: PMC11129465 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-024-00362-7] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous study has shown that height loss (defined as the highest quartile of height loss per year) was inversely associated with serum albumin levels. Furthermore, comparatively healthy hyponutrition has been linked with being underweight; as such, underweight might be inversely associated with serum albumin levels and positively associated with height loss. METHODS To clarify the associations between serum albumin level, underweight status, and height loss, we conducted a retrospective study of 8,096 men over 4.0 years (median). RESULTS Serum albumin level at baseline was inversely associated with being underweight (body mass index [BMI]: < 18.5 kg/m2) at baseline and height loss. The known cardiovascular risk factor adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of underweight at baseline and of height loss for 1 standard deviation increment of serum albumin (0.28 g/dL) was 0.79 (0.70, 0.90) and 0.84 (0.80, 0.88). Underweight was also shown to be positively associated with height loss: with the reference of normal-low weight (BMI: 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), the adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.60 (1.21, 2.10). CONCLUSION Comparative healthy hyponutrition, which is related to low serum albumin levels and being underweight, is a significant risk factor for height loss among Japanese men. These results help to clarify the mechanisms underlying height loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Eiko Honda
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nagisa Sasaki
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Midori Takada
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazushi Motomura
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Arima K, Yamanashi H, Kawashiri SY, Noguchi Y, Honda Y, Nakamichi S, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Association between atherosclerosis and height loss among older individuals. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7776. [PMID: 38565613 PMCID: PMC10987634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57620-y] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and height loss are each reportedly associated with cardiovascular disease. However, no studies have found an association between atherosclerosis and height loss. A retrospective study of 2435 individuals aged 60-89 years who underwent annual health check-ups was conducted. Atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 1.1 mm. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quintile of height decrease per year, as in our previous studies. Among study participants, 555 were diagnosed as having atherosclerosis. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, atherosclerosis was positively associated with height loss. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.46 (95% confidence interval, 1.15, 1.83). Essentially the same associations were observed for men and women. The adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.43 (1.01, 2.04) for men and 1.46 (1.07, 1.99) for women. Among older individuals, atherosclerosis is associated with height loss. This result can help clarify the mechanism underlying the association between height loss and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Arima
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yukiko Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8315, Japan
| | - Seiko Nakamichi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Nagasaki University Health Center, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
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Digpal R, Arkill KP, Doherty R, Yates J, Milne LK, Broomes N, Katsamenis OL, Macdonald J, Ditchfield A, Narata AP, Darekar A, Carare RO, Fabian M, Galea I, Bulters D. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Pathology Underlying Aneurysm Enhancement on Vessel Wall Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2700. [PMID: 38473947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052700] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracranial aneurysms are common, but only a minority rupture and cause subarachnoid haemorrhage, presenting a dilemma regarding which to treat. Vessel wall imaging (VWI) is a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used to identify unstable aneurysms. The pathological basis of MR enhancement of aneurysms is the subject of debate. This review synthesises the literature to determine the pathological basis of VWI enhancement. PubMed and Embase searches were performed for studies reporting VWI of intracranial aneurysms and their correlated histological analysis. The risk of bias was assessed. Calculations of interdependence, univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Of 228 publications identified, 7 met the eligibility criteria. Individual aneurysm data were extracted for 72 out of a total of 81 aneurysms. Univariate analysis showed macrophage markers (CD68 and MPO, p = 0.001 and p = 0.002), endothelial cell markers (CD34 and CD31, p = 0.007 and p = 0.003), glycans (Alcian blue, p = 0.003) and wall thickness (p = 0.030) were positively associated with enhancement. Aneurysm enhancement therefore appears to be associated with inflammatory infiltrate and neovascularisation. However, all these markers are correlated with each other, and the literature is limited in terms of the numbers of aneurysms analysed and the parameters considered. The data are therefore insufficient to determine if these associations are independent of each other or of aneurysm size, wall thickness and rupture status. Thus, the cause of aneurysm-wall enhancement currently remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronneil Digpal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Kenton P Arkill
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Regan Doherty
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Joseph Yates
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Lorna K Milne
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Nicole Broomes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Orestis L Katsamenis
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, µ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jason Macdonald
- Department of Neuroradiology, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Adam Ditchfield
- Department of Neuroradiology, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ana Paula Narata
- Department of Neuroradiology, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Angela Darekar
- Medical Physics, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Roxana O Carare
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark Fabian
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ian Galea
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Department of Neurology, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Diederik Bulters
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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Shimizu Y. Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Partly Indicates the Prevention of Hypertension among Older Individuals in the General Population. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1588. [PMID: 37511963 PMCID: PMC10381883 DOI: 10.3390/life13071588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural atherosclerosis, as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), is reported to be positively associated with hypertension. However, angiogenesis, which plays an important role in the progression of structural atherosclerosis, prevents hypertension by reducing peripheral vascular resistance. These associations evoke a contradiction: characteristics associated with the progression of structural atherosclerosis, which is related to hypertension, might prevent hypertension. To clarify novel mechanisms underlying the association between structural atherosclerosis and hypertension, multifaceted analyses are necessary. We performed several epidemiological studies based on this concept. This study summarizes those epidemiological studies and adds some discussion. Studies focusing on circulating CD34-positive cells, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), SNPs in BRACA1-associated protein (BRAP), platelets, human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and SNPs in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) have shown that active endothelial repair, which leads to the progression of structural atherosclerosis, helps prevent hypertension. These associations indicate that the progression of structural atherosclerosis could act as a marker of angiogenesis, which reduces peripheral vascular resistance. In general, a positive association between structural atherosclerosis and hypertension has been reported. However, the progression of structural atherosclerosis could act as a marker of activity that prevents hypertension via reductions in peripheral vascular resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka 537-0025, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Hayashida N, Yamanashi H, Noguchi Y, Kawashiri SY, Takada M, Arima K, Nakamichi S, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Serum Concentration of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Atherosclerosis among General Older Japanese Individuals with Normal Weight. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1572. [PMID: 37371667 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), which modulates cellular energy balance, is reported to be positively associated with cardiovascular disease. However, there have been no reports about the association between serum GDF-15 concentration and atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) among the general population. A cross-sectional study of 536 Japanese individuals aged 60 to 69 years was conducted. To avoid the influence of abnormal cellular energy balance, this study only included participants who had a normal body mass index (BMI) and normal thyroid hormone (free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine) levels. A significant positive association between serum GDF-15 concentration and atherosclerosis was observed. In the sex- and age-adjusted model (Model 1), the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for the logarithmic value of GDF-15 and atherosclerosis was 2.62 (1.67, 5.87). This association remained after adjusting for thyroid function and renal function (Model 2) and further adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors (Model 3). The corresponding values were 2.61 (1.15, 5.93) for Model 2 and 2.49 (1.08, 5.71) for Model 3, respectively. Serum GDF-15 concentrations could help us to estimate the risk of atherosclerosis by indicating the status of cellular energy balance, which is related to mitochondrial activity among comparative healthy older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka 537-0025, Japan
| | - Naomi Hayashida
- Division of Strategic Collaborative Research, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-8523, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-8523, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Midori Takada
- Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Osaka 537-0025, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Arima
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | | | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-8523, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-8523, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Yamanashi H, Kitamura M, Miyata J, Nonaka F, Nakamichi S, Saito T, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease by functional atherosclerosis status among older Japanese individuals: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Periodontol 2023; 50:430-439. [PMID: 36415174 DOI: 10.1111/jcpe.13755] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to clarify the influence of functional atherosclerosis on the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study of 998 older Japanese individuals aged 60-99 years who participated in an oral health check-up was conducted. Early and advanced periodontitis were defined as periodontal pocket depth of 4.0-5.9 mm and ≥6.0 mm, respectively. Functional atherosclerosis was defined as cardio-ankle vascular index ≥9.0. RESULTS Of the 998 study participants, 238 (23.8%) had CKD. No significant associations between periodontitis and CKD were observed in participants without functional atherosclerosis. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.31 (0.81-2.11) for early periodontitis and 0.74 (0.41-1.34) for advanced periodontitis. Significant positive associations were observed for participants with functional atherosclerosis; the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.76 (1.04-3.01) for early periodontitis and 1.95 (1.05-3.63) for advanced periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS A significant positive association between periodontitis and CKD was established for older participants with functional atherosclerosis. No significant associations were observed for those without functional atherosclerosis. These results can help clarify the influence of periodontitis on systemic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masayasu Kitamura
- Department of Oral Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jun Miyata
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Nonaka
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Seiko Nakamichi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Health Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Saito
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Oral Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Structural Atherosclerosis, and Functional Atherosclerosis in Older Japanese. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010183. [PMID: 36615839 PMCID: PMC9824696 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010183] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive endothelial repair results in the progression of both structural and functional atherosclerosis, while insufficient endothelial repair worsens functional but not structural atherosclerosis. Aging increases the risk of inadequate endothelial repair. Since low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) activates endothelial repair, LDLc may be positively associated with structural atherosclerosis but inversely associated with functional atherosclerosis in older individuals. This cross-sectional study analyzed 1458 participants aged 60 to 79 years. We defined structural atherosclerosis as a carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) of at least 1.1 mm and functional atherosclerosis as a cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) of at least 9.0. LDLc was significantly positively associated with structural atherosclerosis and significantly inversely associated with functional atherosclerosis, independently of known cardiovascular risk factors. For 1 standard increment of LDLc (28 mg/dL for men and 29 mg/dL for women), the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals after adjustment for known cardiovascular risk factors were 1.28 (1.10, 1.50) for structural atherosclerosis and 0.85 (0.75, 0.96) for functional atherosclerosis. LDLc activates endothelial repair, which results in the development of structural atherosclerosis but maintains endothelial function in older individuals. To evaluate atherosclerosis in clinical practice, the combination of structural and functional assessment of atherosclerosis could be informative.
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Shimizu Y. Mechanism underlying vascular remodeling in relation to circulating CD34-positive cells among older Japanese men. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21823. [PMID: 36528703 PMCID: PMC9759540 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of structural atherosclerosis, an established cardiovascular risk factor, requires hematopoietic stem cells known as CD34-positive cells. However, an inverse association between circulating CD34-positive cell count and cardiovascular disease has been reported. These studies evoke a contradiction: characteristics associated with a low risk of developing structural atherosclerosis are also associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. To clarify the mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling, we conducted several epidemiological studies of Japanese men aged 60 to 69 years who participated in annual health check-ups. The present study summarizes those epidemiological studies and adds some discussion. From the perspective of endothelial repair activity, there are significant differences between functional versus structural atherosclerosis. Aggressive endothelial repair increases both functional and structural atherosclerosis. Deficient endothelial repair related to a shortage of CD34-positive cells due to consumption furthers functional atherosclerosis but not structural atherosclerosis. Therefore, the lack of structural atherosclerosis does not always reflect a favorable condition for the endothelium. Although further investigation is necessary, the present study suggests that higher endothelial repair activity that leads to structural atherosclerosis might have a beneficial effect on vascular health among older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- grid.174567.60000 0000 8902 2273Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523 Japan ,grid.416963.f0000 0004 1793 0765Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Kawashiri SY, Noguchi Y, Nakamichi S, Nagata Y, Maeda T, Hayashida N. Height and Active Arterial Wall Thickening in Relation to Thyroid Cysts Status among Elderly Japanese: A Prospective Study. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121756. [PMID: 36552266 PMCID: PMC9775353 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Height is inversely associated with inflammation that stimulates endothelial repair. In our previous study involving elderly men aged 60-69 years, we found that active arterial wall thickening, which is known as the process of endothelial repair, requires CD34-positive cells. As thyroid hormone regulates CD34-positive cell production and as the absence of thyroid cysts might indicate latent damage in the thyroid, the status of thyroid cysts possibly influences the association between height and active arterial wall thickening. We conducted a 2-year follow-up study of Japanese aged 60-69 years. For participants with thyroid cysts, height was significantly inversely associated with active arterial wall thickening (thyroid function and baseline CIMT adjusted odds ratio of active arterial wall thickening for one increment of standard deviation of height (5.7 cm for men and 4.8 cm for women), 0.66 [0.49, 0.89]), while for those without thyroid cysts, a positive tendency between the two parameters was observed (1.19 [0.96, 1.50]). An inverse association between height and active arterial wall thickening was observed only for elderly participants with thyroid cysts possibly because of a supportive role of thyroid hormone, as the absence of thyroid cysts might indicate latent damage in the thyroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka 537-8511, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-95-819-7578
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Seiko Nakamichi
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Nagasaki University Health Center, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Department of Community Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Naomi Hayashida
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Division of Strategic Collaborative Research, Center for Promotion of Collaborative Research on Radiation and Environment Health Effect, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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11
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Shimizu Y, Yamanashi H, Miyata J, Takada M, Noguchi Y, Honda Y, Nonaka F, Nakamichi S, Nagata Y, Maeda T. VEGF Polymorphism rs3025039 and Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus 1 (HTLV-1) Infection among Older Japanese Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9100527. [PMID: 36290496 PMCID: PMC9598135 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9100527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have reported a close correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays an important role in angiogenesis, and human T-cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1). However, an association between genetic characteristics related to VEGF and HTLV-1 infection has not yet been reported. Because the VEGF polymorphism rs3025039 is inversely associated with serum concentrations of VEGF, we focus on rs3025039 in the present study. To clarify the association between the VEGF polymorphism rs3025039 and HTLV-1 infection, a cross-sectional study of 1924 Japanese individuals aged 60–79 years who participated in general health check-ups was conducted. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HTLV-1 infection in relation to rs3025039 genotype were calculated with adjustment for known confounders. Compared with rs3025039 CC-homozygotes, (T) allele carriers had a significantly lower OR for HTLV-1 infection. The adjusted OR and 95% CI for HTLV-1 infection was 0.70 (0.54–0.91) (p = 0.009). Genetic characteristics related to lower angiogenesis activity might be associated with a lower chance of establishing HTLV-1 infection. Although further investigation is necessary, angiogenesis might play a crucial role in the establishment of HTLV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka 536-0025, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-95-819-7578
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Jun Miyata
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-0031, Japan
| | - Midori Takada
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka 536-0025, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yukiko Honda
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Nonaka
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-0031, Japan
| | - Seiko Nakamichi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Nagasaki University Health Center, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 853-0031, Japan
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12
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Scicali R, Mandraffino G, Scuruchi M, Lo Gullo A, Di Pino A, Ferrara V, Morace C, Aragona CO, Squadrito G, Purrello F, Piro S. Effects of Lipid Lowering Therapy Optimization by PCSK9 Inhibitors on Circulating CD34+ Cells and Pulse Wave Velocity in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Subjects without Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Real-World Data from Two Lipid Units. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071715. [PMID: 35885020 PMCID: PMC9312801 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071715] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circulating CD34+ progenitor cells (CD34+CPCs) are characterized by pronounced tissue regeneration activity. Dyslipidemic subjects seemed to have reduced CD34+CPCs, and statin therapy appeared to restore their levels. We aimed to evaluate the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9-i) on CD34+CPCs and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in a cohort of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) subjects. Methods: We determined CD34+ cell count and its change after PCSK9-i in 30 selected HeFH subjects and 30 healthy controls. Lipid profile and PWV were evaluated at baseline (T0), 6 months after intensive lipid lowering strategy (statin plus ezetimibe, T1), and after 6 months of optimized therapy with PCSK9-i (T2); CD34+ cell count was reported at T1 and T2. Results: At T1, the median value of CD34+ cells was not significantly different between HeFH subjects and controls, and the same result was obtained at T2. PWV was significantly reduced at T1 (ΔPWV − 14.8%, p < 0.001 vs. T0) and T2 (ΔPWV − 10.96%, p < 0.001 vs. T1). Dividing HeFH subjects into two groups of high- and low-CD34+ cell count, CD34+CPCs appeared to be polarized with a significant difference between the two groups (1.2 (0.46) vs. 4.74 (1.92), p < 0.001), also with respect to controls (both p < 0.001). This polarization was no longer observed at T2, and neither with respect to controls. ΔCD34+ was +67.4% in the low-CD34+ group and −39.24% in the high-CD34+ group (p < 0.001). Lastly, we found a significant correlation between ΔCD34+ cell number and ΔPWV in HeFH subjects (rho = −0.365, p < 0.05), particularly in the low-CD34+ group (rho = −0.681, p < 0.001). Conclusion: PCSK9-i exhibited favorable effects on CD34 + CPCs as was on PWV values in a cohort of FH subjects. Our preliminary findings suggest a possible positive role of this novel lipid-lowering strategy on vascular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scicali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (G.M.); Tel.: +39-0957598401 (R.S.); +39-0902212359 (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Mandraffino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, University Hospital G. Martino, Lipid Center, 98100 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (C.M.); (C.O.A.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (G.M.); Tel.: +39-0957598401 (R.S.); +39-0902212359 (G.M.)
| | - Michele Scuruchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, University Hospital G. Martino, Lipid Center, 98100 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (C.M.); (C.O.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Alberto Lo Gullo
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95100 Catania, Italy;
| | - Antonino Di Pino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Viviana Ferrara
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Carmela Morace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, University Hospital G. Martino, Lipid Center, 98100 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (C.M.); (C.O.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Caterina Oriana Aragona
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, University Hospital G. Martino, Lipid Center, 98100 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (C.M.); (C.O.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, University Hospital G. Martino, Lipid Center, 98100 Messina, Italy; (M.S.); (C.M.); (C.O.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Purrello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Salvatore Piro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
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13
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Tooth Loss and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Relation to Functional Atherosclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11143993. [PMID: 35887757 PMCID: PMC9317227 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11143993] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural arterial stiffness can be evaluated with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Functional arterial stiffness can be evaluated with cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). A positive association between CIMT and tooth loss has been reported, but no studies have evaluated the association between CIMT and tooth loss in relation to functional arterial stiffness (functional atherosclerosis). A cross-sectional study of 1235 Japanese individuals aged 40–89 years was conducted. Tooth loss was defined as being in the lowest tertile for the number of remaining teeth (≤20 in men and ≤19 in women). Functional atherosclerosis was defined as CAVI ≥ 9.0. Independent of known confounding factors, CIMT was positively associated with tooth loss only in participants without functional atherosclerosis. Adjusted odds ratios for tooth loss and a 1 standard deviation increment in CIMT were 1.27 (1.04–1.55) for participants without functional atherosclerosis and 0.99 (0.77–1.26) for participants with functional atherosclerosis. CIMT and functional atherosclerosis had a significant effect on tooth loss; the fully adjusted p-value for the interaction on tooth loss was 0.019. Independent of known confounding factors, CIMT is positively associated with tooth loss only in participants without functional atherosclerosis. This finding helps clarify the influence of the progression of arterial stiffness on tooth loss because the progression of structural atherosclerosis might have a beneficial influence on the maintenance of the microcirculation.
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14
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Association between circulating CD34-positive cell count and height loss among older men. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7175. [PMID: 35504933 PMCID: PMC9064966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11040-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Height loss starting in middle age is reportedly significantly associated with death due to cardiovascular disease. Impaired blood flow is the main pathology in cardiovascular disease. Hematopoietic stem cells such as CD34-positive cells play an important role in maintaining the microcirculation and preventing impaired blood flow by activating endothelial repair and angiogenesis. Therefore, circulating CD34-positive cell count could be associated with height loss. To clarify the association between circulating CD34-positive cell count and height loss, we conducted a follow-up study of 363 Japanese men aged 60-69 years over 2 years. Height loss was defined as being in the highest quartile of height decrease per year. Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, circulating CD34-positive cell count was significantly inversely associated with height loss. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of height loss for circulating CD34-positive cell count (logarithmic values) was 0.49 (0.32, 0.74). This study suggests that a lower capacity to maintain the microcirculation due to a fewer CD34-positive cells might affect height loss.
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15
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Shimizu Y, Arima K, Noguchi Y, Yamanashi H, Kawashiri SY, Nobusue K, Nonaka F, Aoyagi K, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism rs3025039 and atherosclerosis among older with hypertension. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5564. [PMID: 35365727 PMCID: PMC8976085 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis inhibition therapy causes hypertension by increasing peripheral vascular resistance. Vasa vasorum angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which contributes to the progress of angiogenesis, is reported to be inversely associated with the minor allele of polymorphism rs3025039, the minor allele of rs3025039 could be inversely associated with atherosclerosis among individuals with hypertension. A cross-sectional study of 1793 older Japanese adults aged 60–89 years with hypertension who participated in general health check-ups was conducted. Atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≥ 1.1 mm. The minor allele of polymorphism rs3025020 was positively associated with VEGF. Therefore, in addition to known cardiovascular risk factors, rs3025020 genotype acted as a confounding factor in the present study. Independent of known confounding factors, the minor allele of rs3025039 was inversely associated with atherosclerosis among older Japanese adults with hypertension. The fully adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for atherosclerosis with the minor allele of rs3025039 was 0.78 (0.64, 0.96). The angiogenesis-related polymorphism rs3025039 was associated with the development of atherosclerosis among older Japanese individuals. This study indicates that the development of atherosclerosis among older individuals might partly indicate a capacity for angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan. .,Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Arima
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nobusue
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Nonaka
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Aoyagi
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Leading Medical Research Core Unit, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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16
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Comment on "Does body height affect vascular function?". Hypertens Res 2022; 45:1091-1092. [PMID: 35332286 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-00887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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17
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Effect of Subclinical Hypothyroidism on the Association between Hemoglobin A1c and Reduced Renal Function: A Prospective Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020462. [PMID: 35204553 PMCID: PMC8871099 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was reported to be associated with accelerating endothelial dysfunction, which is recognized as one of the upstream mechanisms that leads to glomerular injury (lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR)). SCH was also reported to be associated with hyperglycemia, which is associated with higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and induces endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, SCH status could influence the association between HbA1c and reduced eGFR. To clarify those associations, we conducted a prospective study of 1580 Japanese individuals who participated in an annual health check-up in 2014 with 2.8 years of follow-up. All participants had free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) levels in the normal range. Among study participants, 88 were diagnosed as having SCH. Even though no significant correlation was observed between HbA1c and annual change in estimated GFR among participants without SCH (multi-adjusted standardized parameter estimate (β) = 0.03, p = 0.250), a significant inverse association was observed among participants with SCH (β = −0.26, p = 0.014). When those analyses were performed among participants who were not taking glucose lowering medication, the observed associations were essentially the same: β = 0.03, p = 0.266 for participants without SCH and β = −0.32, p = 0.006 for participants with SCH, respectively. Therefore, SCH status could influence the association between HbA1c and renal function.
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18
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Normal Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO-Ab) Titers and Active Arterial Wall Thickening among Euthyroid Individuals: A Prospective Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030521. [PMID: 35159980 PMCID: PMC8836412 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Among euthyroid individuals, having an anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) titer in the normal range (negative) is positively associated with atherosclerosis as evaluated based on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Atherosclerosis is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but no significant association between yearly progression in CIMT and cardiovascular disease has been reported. Therefore, clarifying the association between having a TPO-Ab titer in the normal range and yearly progression in CIMT (i.e., active arterial wall thickening) among euthyroid individuals could help inform strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease. We conducted a prospective study of 1069 Japanese subjects with free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels within the normal range. Having a TPO-Ab titer in the normal range was significantly positively associated with baseline atherosclerosis and significantly inversely associated with active arterial wall thickening. After adjusting for known confounding factors, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of log (TPO-Ab titer) for baseline atherosclerosis and active arterial wall thickening was 2.16 (1.07, 4.35) and 0.59 (0.37, 0.93), respectively. Since progression in CIMT is a process of aggressive endothelial repair, deficient endothelial repair inhibits active arterial wall thickening. Therefore, high–normal TPO-Ab titers might induce a deficiency in endothelial repair.
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Shimizu Y. Reduced Renal Function and Stroke Subtypes. J Atheroscler Thromb 2021; 28:926-927. [PMID: 33342940 PMCID: PMC8532061 DOI: 10.5551/jat.ed151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention.,Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science
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20
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Shimizu Y, Kawashiri SY, Arima K, Noguchi Y, Yamanashi H, Nobusue K, Nonaka F, Nakamichi S, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Association between height-related polymorphism rs17081935 and reduced handgrip strength in relation to status of atherosclerosis: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:83. [PMID: 34445960 PMCID: PMC8393436 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-01000-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aging is a process that increases oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress leads to the development of atherosclerosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria contribute to energy production that might have a beneficial influence on maintaining muscle strength. Therefore, the height-related single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17081935, which is also reported to be associated with mitochondrial metabolism, might be associated with reduced muscle strength and this association might be affected by atherosclerosis status. To clarify those associations, a cross-sectional study of 1374 elderly Japanese individuals aged 60–89 years was conducted. Methods Logistic regression was used to clarify the association between rs17081935 and reduced handgrip strength. Since atherosclerosis might affect handgrip strength, participants were stratified by atherosclerosis status. Reduced handgrip strength was defined as being in the lowest quintile of handgrip strength (< 25.6 kg for men and < 16.1 kg for women). Results No significant associations were found between a minor allele of rs17081935 and reduced handgrip strength among elderly participants without atherosclerosis. A significant inverse association was observed among elderly participants with atherosclerosis. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors and height, the adjusted odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for reduced handgrip strength and a minor allele of rs17081935 were 1.13 (0.86, 1.43) for elderly participants without atherosclerosis and 0.55 (0.36, 0.86) for those with atherosclerosis, respectively. Conclusion A minor allele of the height-related SNP rs17081935 was significantly inversely associated with reduced handgrip strength among older individuals with atherosclerosis, but not among those without atherosclerosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12199-021-01000-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Arima
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nobusue
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Nonaka
- Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Seiko Nakamichi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Department of Islands and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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21
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Shimizu Y, Kawashiri SY, Nobusue K, Yamanashi H, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Associations between handgrip strength and hypertension in relation to circulating CD34-positive cell levels among Japanese older men: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:62. [PMID: 34088260 PMCID: PMC8178925 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-00982-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A positive association between handgrip strength and blood pressure has been reported. Since these factors are linked to the condition of the endothelium, the activity of endothelial repair might influence the association between handgrip strength and hypertension. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 257 Japanese men aged 60–69 years who underwent an annual health checkup. As individuals with high level of circulating CD34-positive cells might show active endothelial repair, which plays an important role in vascular homeostasis, participants were stratified by circulating CD34-positive cell levels, using the median value of this population (0.96 cells/μL) as the cutoff. Results Independent of known cardiovascular risk factors, for participants with a high CD34-positive cell, handgrip strength is significantly positively associated with hypertension (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of hypertension for 1 standard deviation increment of handgrip strength were 1.85 (1.19, 2.88) but not for participants with a low CD34-positive cell (0.91 (0.61, 1.37)). Conclusion The positive association between handgrip strength and hypertension is limited to high CD34-positive cells. This result may help clarify the role of vascular homeostasis in maintaining muscle strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nobusue
- Department of Island and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Department of Island and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Maeda T. Influence of height on endothelial maintenance activity: a narrative review. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:19. [PMID: 33549053 PMCID: PMC7866474 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-00941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed an inverse association between height and cardiovascular disease. However, the background mechanism of this association has not yet been clarified. Height has also been reported to be positively associated with cancer. Therefore, well-known cardiovascular risk factors, such as increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, are not the best explanations for this inverse association because these risk factors are also related to cancer. However, impaired blood flow is the main pathological problem in cardiovascular disease, while glowing feeding vessels (angiogenesis) are the main characteristic of cancer pathologies. Therefore, endothelial maintenance activity, especially for the productivity of hematopoietic stem cells such as CD34-positive cells, could be associated with the height of an individual because this cell contributes not only to the progression of atherosclerosis but also to the development of angiogenesis. In addition, recent studies have also revealed a close connection between bone marrow activity and endothelial maintenance; bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells contribute towards endothelial maintenance. Since the absolute volume of bone marrow is positively associated with height, height could influence endothelial maintenance activity. Based on these hypotheses, we performed several studies. The aim of this review is not only to discuss the association between height and bone marrow activity, but also to describe the potential mechanism underlying endothelial maintenance. In addition, this review also aims to explain some of the reasons that implicate hypertension as a major risk factor for stroke among the Japanese population. The review also aims to clarify the anthropological reasons behind the high risk of atherosclerosis progression in Japanese individuals with acquired genetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Shimizu Y, Arima K, Noguchi Y, Kawashiri SY, Yamanashi H, Tamai M, Nagata Y, Maeda T. Possible mechanisms underlying the association between human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and hypertension in elderly Japanese population. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:17. [PMID: 33514303 PMCID: PMC7846982 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-021-00938-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) activates inflammatory cascades by activating the NF-κB pathway. The minor allele of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in breast cancer suppressor BRCA1-associated protein (BRAP), which has a common etiology with HTLV-1 infection, has been reported to be positively associated with carotid atherosclerosis, but inversely associated with hypertension. Therefore, HTLV-1 infection may be inversely associated with hypertension by activating endothelial maintenance, including atherosclerosis. To clarify these associations, a cross-sectional study was conducted using 2989 Japanese individuals aged 60–99 years participating in a general health check-up. Methods Logistic regression models were used to clarify the association between HTLV-1 and hypertension. Platelet levels stratified analyses were also performed since platelet production, which plays a crucial role in endothelium maintenance, can be stimulated by activating the NF-κB pathway. Results HTLV-1 infection was found to be significantly inversely associated with hypertension, particularly in subjects with high platelet levels (≥ second tertiles of platelet levels); the fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.75 (0.62, 0.92) for total and 0.64 (0.50, 0.82) for high platelet levels, respectively. Further analysis of the non-hypertensive subjects demonstrated that HTLV-1 infection was significantly positively associated with atherosclerosis in subjects with the highest tertile of platelet levels (2.11 [1.15, 3.86]) but not in subjects with low platelet levels (first and second tertiles of platelet level) (0.89 [0.57, 1.39]). Conclusion Asymptomatic HTLV-1 infection is inversely associated with hypertension, possibly by activating endothelial maintenance, including atherosclerosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Shimizu
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Department of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Arima
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuko Noguchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Kawashiri
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Mami Tamai
- Department of Island and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nagata
- Center for Comprehensive Community Care Education, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki-shi, Sakamoto 1-12-4, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Island and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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Yamanashi H, Nagaoki K, Kanbara S, Shimizu Y, Murase K, Tsujino A, Maeda T. Relationships of handgrip strength with the presence of cerebral microbleeds and platelet count in older Japanese adults. Oncotarget 2020; 11:1705-1713. [PMID: 32477460 PMCID: PMC7233806 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Lower handgrip strength is a manifestation of sarcopenia and frailty, and has been reported to be associated with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), which appear on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance scans as low-intensity spots. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that vascular endothelial injury could be the common factor in loss of handgrip strength and CMBs. We aimed to clarify the relationship between handgrip strength and CMBs, with reference to a marker of vascular repair capability. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 95 60- to 87-year-old Japanese people who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging in 2016–2017. Baseline information was obtained by trained interviewers regarding the age, sex, smoking status, nutrient intake, cognition, medical history, education, and household income of the participants. Physical activity was assessed using a tri-axial accelerometer. We used the Fried frailty phenotype definition. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Results: Handgrip strength was independently associated with the presence of CMB after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, classical cardiovascular risk factors, protein intake, and daily activity (B = −3.43, p = 0.027). This association was shown in participants with a low (B = −4.05, p = 0.045) but not high platelet count (B=−2.23, p = 0.479). Frailty was also independently associated with the presence of CMB after adjustment for confounders (B = 0.57, p = 0.014). Although this association was not present in participants a high platelet count, there was a positive trend in those with a low platelet count (B = 0.50, p = 0.135). Conclusions: Platelet count, a marker of vascular repair capability, appears to modify the relationship between handgrip strength and CMBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotomo Yamanashi
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Hospital, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Nagaoki
- Nagasaki Prefecture Goto Central Hospital, Goto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sinsuke Kanbara
- Nagasaki Prefecture Goto Central Hospital, Goto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuji Shimizu
- Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Murase
- Nagasaki Prefecture Goto Central Hospital, Goto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Tsujino
- Department of Neurology and Strokology, Nagasaki University Hospital, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Department of General Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Island and Community Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Goto, Nagasaki, Japan
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