Clinical utility of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in the prediction of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients

Age-related annual changes in arterial stiffness in healthy adults: Insights from a large Korean cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Arterial stiffness, a known cardiovascular risk factor, is associated with increasing age and arteriosclerosis. This study examines age-related annual changes in arterial stiffness in a large cohort of healthy individuals without cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

The study included 195,405 Korean adults aged 30-79 years who attended a health check-up between 2006 and 2019. Arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and the final cohort for the baPWV annual change analysis comprised 147,313 participants.

RESULTS

The study found that baPWV values increase progressively with age in both sexes, with the most notable changes occurring in the 70-79 age group. The spread in baPWV measurements, as indicated by the interquartile ranges, generally increases with age but was particularly pronounced in women in the 50s and 60s age groups, with men showing a greater spread in the 70-79 age group. The average annual change in baPWV (ΔbaPWV) values increased from 1.48 cm/s (95 % CI: 0.80-2.16) in the 30-39 age group to 23.72 cm/s (95 % CI: 16.25-31.19) in the 70-79 age group in men. Similarly, for women, the average ΔbaPWV values increased from 1.80 cm/s (95 % CI: 0.93-2.68) to 18.51 cm/s (95 % CI: 7.18-29.85) in the 30-39 and 70-79 age groups, respectively. The study observed that arterial stiffness in men consistently increases across all age groups, whereas in women, it does not significantly increase annually before age 50 but shows a steeper rise after this age.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the progressive nature of arterial stiffness with aging in a healthy population. It highlights notable differences in the rate of progression and the distribution of baPWV between men and women, with men exhibiting a greater spread in the oldest age group.

Prognostic value of pulse wave velocity for cardiovascular disease risk stratification in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Arterial stiffness, a significant cardiovascular risk marker, is particularly important in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a non-invasive measure of arterial stiffness, has emerged as an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, its precise prognostic value in DM patients for cardiovascular risk stratification remains unclear. To address this, a systematic review was conducted.

METHOD

A thorough search of Ovid and Scopus databases was performed for cohort studies on PWV measurements for cardiovascular risk stratification in DM patients. Nine studies were included, examining the relationship between PWV and cardiovascular events or composite endpoints in DM patients asymptomatic of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

RESULTS

The review revealed that optimal PWV cutoffs to predict composite cardiovascular events ranged from 10 to 12.16 m/s (aortic PWV) and 14 to 16.72 m/s (brachial-ankle PWV). In addition, meta-analysis yielded a HR of 1.15 (95 % CI 1.07-1.24, p < 0.001, I2 = 70 %) for aortic PWV in predicting cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of arterial stiffness via PWV shows promise as an early diagnostic marker for CVD in DM patients, aiding in improved disease management. This underscores the potential of PWV in enhancing cardiovascular risk assessment and guiding clinical decisions in this high-risk population, without invasive procedures or radiation exposure.

Association between glycemia risk index and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes

AIM

This study aims to investigate the association of glycemia risk index (GRI), a novel composite metric derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 342 adults with type 2 diabetes were enrolled between April and June 2023 from 11 communities in Shanghai, China. Medical examinations, including measurements of anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and venous blood samples were conducted. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was examined to evaluate arterial stiffness. All the participants underwent a 14 day CGM recording and GRI was calculated from the CGM data.

RESULTS

The mean age was 70.3 ± 6.8 years, and 162 (47.4%) were male. Participants with a higher baPWV had significantly higher levels of GRI and hyperglycemia component (both P for trend < 0.05). Linear regression revealed the significant positive linear associations of the GRI with baPWV in unadjusted or adjusted models (All P < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic analysis, each increase in the GRI quartile was associated with a 1.30-fold (95% CI 1.01-1.68, P for trend < 0.05) higher prevalence of increased arterial stiffness after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, diabetes duration, current smoking status, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Subgroup analyses showed that the association between the GRI quartiles and increased arterial stiffness was stronger among participants with a diabetes duration ≥15 years (P for interaction = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Glycemia risk index assessed by continuous glucose monitoring is associated with increased arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.

Evaluation of changes in glycemic control and diabetic complications over time and factors associated with the progression of diabetic complications in Japanese patients with juvenile-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in glycemic control and diabetic complications over time in Japanese patients with juvenile-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus and to clarify the factors associated with the progression of diabetic complications.

METHODS

We tracked 129 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (21.8 ± 4.1 years old [mean ± SD] with a diabetes duration of 12.6 ± 5.7 years) for up to 19 years and analyzed data on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and indicators related to the severity of diabetic complications (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], urinary albumin excretion rate [UAE], carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT], and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV]) using linear mixed model and decision tree analysis.

RESULTS

Although the HbA1c and UAE levels improved over time, the eGFR, CIMT, and baPWV worsened. Decision tree analysis showed that HbA1c and the glycoalbumin/HbA1c ratio for eGFR; HbA1c and systolic blood pressure for UAE; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, glycoalbumin/HbA1c ratio, and body mass index (BMI) for CIMT; and HbA1c for baPWV were associated factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective observational study, glycemic control and albuminuria improved; however, renal function and arteriosclerosis worsened over time. HbA1c levels, glycemic excursion, and blood pressure are associated with nephropathy progression. HbA1c levels, glycemic excursion, lipid levels, and BMI are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis.

Precision prognostics for cardiovascular disease in Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Precision medicine has the potential to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction in individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies to identify potentially novel prognostic factors that may improve CVD risk prediction in T2D. Out of 9380 studies identified, 416 studies met inclusion criteria. Outcomes were reported for 321 biomarker studies, 48 genetic marker studies, and 47 risk score/model studies.

RESULTS

Out of all evaluated biomarkers, only 13 showed improvement in prediction performance. Results of pooled meta-analyses, non-pooled analyses, and assessments of improvement in prediction performance and risk of bias, yielded the highest predictive utility for N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (high-evidence), troponin-T (TnT) (moderate-evidence), triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index (moderate-evidence), Genetic Risk Score for Coronary Heart Disease (GRS-CHD) (moderate-evidence); moderate predictive utility for coronary computed tomography angiography (low-evidence), single-photon emission computed tomography (low-evidence), pulse wave velocity (moderate-evidence); and low predictive utility for C-reactive protein (moderate-evidence), coronary artery calcium score (low-evidence), galectin-3 (low-evidence), troponin-I (low-evidence), carotid plaque (low-evidence), and growth differentiation factor-15 (low-evidence). Risk scores showed modest discrimination, with lower performance in populations different from the original development cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high interest in this topic, very few studies conducted rigorous analyses to demonstrate incremental predictive utility beyond established CVD risk factors for T2D. The most promising markers identified were NT-proBNP, TnT, TyG and GRS-CHD, with the highest strength of evidence for NT-proBNP. Further research is needed to determine their clinical utility in risk stratification and management of CVD in T2D.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with intracranial artery calcification in acute stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Intracranial artery calcification (IAC) is closely associated with cerebrovascular disease. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a noninvasive method for estimating arterial stiffness, which reflects the stiffness of peripheral arteries. This study aimed to examine the association of baPWV with the presence and degree of IAC in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 143 ischemic stroke subjects were recruited. A head computed tomography (CT) scan was used to assess the presence and severity of IAC. The oscillometric method was used to simultaneously measure bilateral brachial and posterior tibial arterial pulse waveforms and arterial BP. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent relationship between baPWV and IAC.

RESULTS

143 subjects were included in this study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the study population were classified according to the baPWV quartile. A higher prevalence of IAC was noted across increasing baPWV quartiles (Q1: 53 %, Q2: 69 %, Q3: 86 %, Q4: 94 %, P < 0.001). IAC scores were also increased with elevated ccPWV values (1.60 ± 1.71; 2.56 ± 1.99; 3.44 ± 1.91; 4.64 ± 1.58. P < 0.001). After an additional adjustment for age and hypertension, the odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) for the IAC scores was 1.61 (1.06-2.45; P = 0.025) in the top quartile of baPWV compared with those in the lowest quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffness as defined by baPWV was positively associated with the degree of IAC in patients with acute ischemic stroke, suggesting the severity of IAC may also be a marker of peripheral or systemic arterial stiffness.

Precision Prognostics for Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background Precision medicine has the potential to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies to identify potentially novel prognostic factors that may improve CVD risk prediction in T2D. Out of 9380 studies identified, 416 studies met inclusion criteria. Outcomes were reported for 321 biomarker studies, 48 genetic marker studies, and 47 risk score/model studies. Results Out of all evaluated biomarkers, only 13 showed improvement in prediction performance. Results of pooled meta-analyses, non-pooled analyses, and assessments of improvement in prediction performance and risk of bias, yielded the highest predictive utility for N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (high-evidence), troponin-T (TnT) (moderate-evidence), triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index (moderate-evidence), Genetic Risk Score for Coronary Heart Disease (GRS-CHD) (moderate-evidence); moderate predictive utility for coronary computed tomography angiography (low-evidence), single-photon emission computed tomography (low-evidence), pulse wave velocity (moderate-evidence); and low predictive utility for C-reactive protein (moderate-evidence), coronary artery calcium score (low-evidence), galectin-3 (low-evidence), troponin-I (low-evidence), carotid plaque (low-evidence), and growth differentiation factor-15 (low-evidence). Risk scores showed modest discrimination, with lower performance in populations different from the original development cohort. Conclusions Despite high interest in this topic, very few studies conducted rigorous analyses to demonstrate incremental predictive utility beyond established CVD risk factors for T2D. The most promising markers identified were NT-proBNP, TnT, TyG and GRS-CHD, with the highest strength of evidence for NT-proBNP. Further research is needed to determine their clinical utility in risk stratification and management of CVD in T2D.

Increased arterial stiffness elevates the risk of heart failure in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that arterial stiffness (AS) was a risk factor for heart failure (HF) in nondiabetic patients. We aimed to analyze this impact in a community-based diabetic population.

METHODS

Our study excluded those who had HF before brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement and included 9041 participants finally. Subjects were divided into the normal (<14 m/s), intermediate (14-18 m/s), and elevated baPWV groups (>18 m/s) based on baPWV values. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the effect of AS on HF risk.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 4.19 years, 213 patients had HF. The results of Cox model showed that HF risk in the elevated baPWV group was 2.25 times higher than that in the normal baPWV group (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-4.11). HF risk increased by 18% (95% CI:1.03-1.35) for every 1 additional standard deviation(SD)of baPWV. Restricted cubic spline results showed statistically significant overall and non-linear associations between AS and HF risk (P < 0.05). The subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were consistent with that of total population.

CONCLUSIONS

AS is an independent risk factor for developing HF in the diabetic population, and AS exhibits a dose-response relationship with HF risk.

Remote Photoplethysmography with a High-Speed Camera Reveals Temporal and Amplitude Differences between Glabrous and Non-Glabrous Skin

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a noninvasive optical technology with applications including vital sign extraction and patient monitoring. However, its current use is primarily limited to heart rate and oxygenation monitoring. This study aims to demonstrate the utility of PPG for physiological investigations. In particular, we sought to demonstrate the utility of simultaneous data acquisition from several regions of tissue using remote/contactless PPG (rPPG). Specifically, using a high-speed scientific-grade camera, we collected rPPG from the hands (palmar/dorsal) of 22 healthy volunteers. Data collected through the red and green channels of the RGB CMOS sensor were analyzed. We found a statistically significant difference in the amplitude of the glabrous skin signal over the non-glabrous skin signal (1.41 ± 0.85 in the red channel and 2.27 ± 0.88 in the green channel). In addition, we found a statistically significant lead of the red channel over the green channel, which is consistent between glabrous (17.13 ± 10.69 ms) and non-glabrous (19.31 ± 12.66 ms) skin. We also found a statistically significant lead time (32.69 ± 55.26 ms in the red channel and 40.56 ± 26.97 ms in the green channel) of the glabrous PPG signal over the non-glabrous, which cannot be explained by bilateral variability. These results demonstrate the utility of rPPG imaging as a tool for fundamental physiological studies and can be used to inform the development of PPG-based devices.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity as a predictor of long-term cardiovascular events in 2174 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study

The prognostic value of arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in people with DM. A total of 2714 subjects (mean age, 63.6 years; males, 59.3%) with type 2 DM and without documented cardiovascular disease and stroke were analyzed. The primary end-point of this study was composite cardiovascular events of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and stroke. There were 118 composite events (4.3%) during a median follow-up period of 3.84 years (interquartile range, 1.60-5.52 years). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, higher baPWV (≥1672 cm/s) was associated with composite events even after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-3.07; P = .001). Compared to the lowest baPWV tertile, both middle (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.03-3.27; P = .037) and the highest (HR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.69-5.22; P < .001) tertile of baPWV were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in the same multivariable model. In conclusion, the baPWV was associated with cardiovascular events in people with type 2 DM. Considering the simplicity and convenience of baPWV measurement, baPWV may be useful for risk stratification of people with type 2 DM.

Sağlıklı bir popülasyonda kardiyovasküler hastalık risk faktörleri bilgi düzeyi, Framingham skoru ve kardiyak belirteçlerin değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı eğitimli ve sağlıklı bir popülasyonun kardiyovasküler hastalık (KVH) bilgi düzeylerini değerlendirmek ve bunu günlük yaşama ne kadar aktardıklarını belirlemektir. Bu çalışmada üniversitemiz bünyesinde çalışan ve sağlıklı görünen katılımcılarda KVH farkındalığı değerlendirilmiş ve 10 yıllık kardiyovasküler hastalık gelişme riski (Framingham Skoru) hesaplanıp Nabız Dalga Hızı (NDH) ve labaratuvar parametreleri arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışma, Çukurova Üniversitesi bünyesinde çalışan sağlıklı 192 gönüllü katılımcı ile yapıldı. Katılımcıların farkındalığı kardiyovasküler hastalık risk faktörleri bilgi düzeyi ölçeği (KARRİF-BD) ile 10 yıllık KVH gelişim riski ise Framingham risk skoru ile değerlendirildi. NDH değerleri invaziv olmayan arteriografi cihazı kullanıldı. Tüm katılımcılardan kan örnekleri alındı. Bulgular: Tüm katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 45,3 ± 8,0 yıl (% 53,6 kadın) idi. Katılımcıların ortalama KARRİF-BD skoru 20,4 ± 4,0 ve Framingham skoru ortalaması 6,9±5,6 olarak bulundu. NDH ortalaması 7,9±1,5m/sn bulundu. Korelasyon analizlerinde NDH, hem ortalama KARRİF-BD skoru hem de Framingham skoru ile belirgin ilişkili bulundu. En yüksek KARRİF-BD puanına sahip olan katılımcılar aynı zamanda en yüksek Framingham puanına ve NDH' na sahipti. Sonuç: Eğitim ve bilgi düzeyi yüksek olmasına rağmen bu bilginin KVH risk faktörleri açısından günlük yaşama yansımadığı görülmektedir. Bilginin davranış ve risk faktörü düzeylerini etkilemesi için ulaşılması gereken KVH farkındalığı eşik düzeyi olup olmadığı konusunda daha ileri çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır. Etkili koruma için, bilgi davranışsal danışmanlık müdahaleleri ile desteklenmelidir.

Effects of ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity on all-cause mortality in a community-based elderly population

Background

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are both important indicators of arterial stiffness and vascular injury. At present, most studies on the relationship between ABI and baPWV and all-cause mortality in community-based elderly are analyzing ABI or baPWV alone, and will focus on a single special population such as diabetes and stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ABI and baPWV in a Chinese community-based elderly population, and to analyze their impact on all-cause mortality in a community-based population through a follow-up of nearly 10 years.

Methods

Participants were residents of the Wanshou Road community in Beijing, China. A total of 2,162 people in the community were included, with an average age of 71.48 years. During a mean follow-up period of 9.87 years, 1,826 subjects completed follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and different Cox regression models were used to verify the association of ABI and baPWV with all-cause mortality. The selected subjects were divided into two groups according to ABI and baPWV, and ABI was divided into two groups with 0.90 as the cut-off point (group 1: 0.9 < ABI ≤ 1.3; group 2: ABI ≤ 0.9); according to the level of baPWV, they were divided into three groups (Tertile 1: baPWV <1761.5 cm/s; Tertile 2: 1761.5 ≤ baPWV <2121.5 cm/s; Tertile 3: baPWV ≥2121.5 cm/s).

Results

1,826 people were included in the statistical analysis, and the total mortality rate was 181.3/1000. The 10-year all-cause mortality rate of the abnormal ABI group (group 2) was 44.7%, and that of the normal ABI group (group 1) was 17.0%; The 10-year all-cause mortality rates from low to high in the baPWV tertile were 10.0%, 18.7%, and 26.4%. In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjusting for possible confounders, the effect of baPWV on all-cause mortality was significant, with the 3rd tertile having a 1.647-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality than the 1st tertile (P = 0.014 ).

Conclusions

ABI and baPWV are risk factors affecting all-cause mortality in the elderly community population, and baPWV is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in the elderly community population.

Left ventricular mass as a predictor of cardiovascular events in the era of hypertension management using home blood pressure measurement: the J-HOP study

Target organ damage (TOD) is associated with a risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of blood pressure (BP); however, this association has been observed based on the assessment of office BP. We studied 1641 patients (mean age 64.8 ± 11.7 years) with CVD risk factors who underwent home BP measurement over a 14-day period and evaluated TOD at baseline and then performed follow-up examination of the J-HOP (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure) study results. During the median follow-up of 6.6 ± 3.5 years, 115 participants experienced a CVD event. After adjustment for CVD risk factors, including office systolic BP, the adjusted hazard ratios expressing the risk of CVD events were 1.30 (95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.52), 1.27 (1.04-1.56), and 1.25 (1.11-1.40) per one-SD increase in log-transformed urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR, 0.57 mg/gCre), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, 342 cm/s) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI, 26.6 g/m²) assessed by echocardiography, respectively. Even after adding home systolic BP as a covariate, these associations remained except for the association with baPWV (all P < 0.05). The C-statistic for the base model including office and home systolic BP for the risk of CVD events was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.743, 0.824), which significantly increased to 0.795 (95% CI: 0.757, 0.834) after adding LVMI, and changed slightly but not significantly with the addition of UACR or baPWV. Adding UACR, baPWV, or both to the model including LVMI did not improve CVD event prediction. In the modern era of hypertension management using home BP measurement, TOD indicators, especially LVMI, provide superior CVD event prediction independent of and beyond home BP.

Towards Development of Specular Reflection Vascular Imaging

Specular reflection from tissue is typically considered as undesirable, and managed through device design. However, we believe that specular reflection is an untapped light-tissue interaction, which can be used for imaging subcutaneous blood flow. To illustrate the concept of subcutaneous blood flow visualization using specular reflection from the skin, we have developed a ray tracing for the neck and identified conditions under which useful data can be collected. Based on our model, we have developed a prototype Specular Reflection Vascular Imaging (SRVI) device and demonstrated its feasibility by imaging major neck vessels in a case study. The system consists of a video camera that captures a video from a target area illuminated by a rectangular LED source. We extracted the SRVI signal from 5 × 5 pixels areas (local SRVI signal). The correlations of local SRVIs to the SRVI extracted from all pixels in the target area do not appear to be randomly distributed, but rather form cohesive sub-regions with distinct boundaries. The obtained waveforms were compared with the ECG signal. Based on the time delays with respect to the ECG signal, as well as the waveforms themselves, the sub-regions can be attributed to the jugular vein and carotid artery. The proposed method, SRVI, has the potential to contribute to extraction of the diagnostic information that the jugular venous pulse can provide.

Causal Associations of Obesity With Chronic Kidney Disease and Arterial Stiffness: A Mendelian Randomization Study

CONTEXT

Observational studies have been associated obesity with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and arterial stiffness, but the causality remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the causality of obesity with CKD and arterial stiffness using mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

METHODS

We genotyped 14 body mass index (BMI)-associated variants validated in East Asians in 11 384 Chinese adults. A genetic risk score based on the 14 variants and the 14 individual single-nucleotide variations (SNVs, formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) were respectively used as instrumental variables (IVs). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Arterial stiffness was defined as brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity greater than 1550 cm/s.

RESULTS

Using the genetic risk score as the IV, we demonstrated causal relations of each 1-SD increment in BMI with CKD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.36; 95% CI, 1.11-5.00) and arterial stiffness (OR: 1.71; 95% CI, 1.22-2.39). Using the 14 SNVs individually as IVs, each 1-SD increment in BMI was casually associated with CKD (OR: 2.58; 95% CI, 1.39-4.79) and arterial stiffness (OR: 1.87; 95% CI, 1.24-2.81) in the inverse-variance weighted analysis, and MR-Egger regression revealed no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (both P for intercept ≥ .34). The causality between obesity and CKD was validated in 2-sample MR analysis among Europeans (681 275 of Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits and 133 413 of CKD Genetics).

CONCLUSION

This study provided novel insights into the causality of obesity with CKD and arterial stiffness, highlighting the importance of weight management for primary prevention and control of subclinical vascular diseases.

The Association Between Arterial Stiffness and Muscle Indices Among Healthy Subjects and Subjects With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: An Evidence-Based Review

Skeletal muscle is one of the major tissues in the body and is important for performing daily physical activity. Previous studies suggest that vascular dysfunction contributes to reduced skeletal muscle mass. However, the association between vascular dysfunction and muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle flexibility are less established. Therefore, the focus of this review was to investigate the association between arterial stiffness (AS) which is a marker of vascular function, and muscle indices among healthy and those with cardiovascular risk factors. Three databases were used to search for relevant studies. These keywords were used: "arterial stiffness" OR "vascular stiffness" OR "aortic stiffness" OR "pulse wave velocity" OR "carotid femoral pulse wave velocity" OR "pulse wave analysis" AND "muscle" OR "skeletal" OR "flexibility" OR "range of motion" OR "articular" OR "arthrometry" OR "strength" OR "hand strength" OR "pinch strength" OR "mass" OR "lean" OR "body composition." The criteria were; (1) original, full-text articles, (2) articles written in English language, (3) human studies involving healthy adults and/or adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or CVD risk factors (4) articles that reported the relationship between AS (measured as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity or brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity) and muscle indices (measured as muscle mass, muscle flexibility and muscle strength) after adjusting for relevant confounders. The search identified 2295 articles published between 1971 and June 2021. Only 17 articles fulfilled the criteria. Two studies showed an inverse association between AS and muscle strength in healthy subjects, whereas in subjects with CVD risk factors, five out of seven studies found an inverse correlation between the two parameters. Eleven studies showed an inverse association between AS and muscle mass in subjects with CVD and CVD risk factors. The association between AS and muscle flexibility was not studied in any of the articles reviewed. In conclusion, there is an inverse correlation between muscle indices and AS in healthy adults and those with CVD or CVD risk factors. However, most of the studies were cross-sectional studies, hence the need for future prospective studies to address this issue.

Temporal Relationship Between Changes in Serum Calcium and Hypercholesteremia and Its Impact on Future Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Levels

Background: The high levels of serum calcium and cholesterol are the important risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which frequently influence each other during the development of CVD. However, few studies have examined their temporal relationship to confirm the precursor, and it is still largely unknown whether and how their temporal relationship would influence the development of CVD. This study aimed to establish the temporal relationship between the changes in serum calcium and cholesterol using the longitudinal cohort data, and examine whether this temporal relationship influenced the arterial elasticity indicated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Methods: This is a cohort study with a sample of 3,292 Chinese participants (aged 20-74 years) with 5.7 years follow-up. Serum calcium and cholesterol were measured at baseline and follow-up survey. The cross-lagged path analysis was used to examine their temporal relationship, and mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the potential mediating effect. Results: The cross-lagged path coefficients (β₂ values) from baseline serum calcium to follow-up cholesterol was significantly greater than the path coefficients (β₁ values) from baseline cholesterol to follow-up serum calcium (β₂ = 0.110 vs. β₁ = 0.047; P = 0.010) after adjusting for the multiple covariates. The path coefficients from baseline serum calcium to follow-up cholesterol in the participants with high baPWV was significantly greater than the participants with low baPWV (β₂ = 0.155 for high baPWV and β₂ = 0.077 for low baPWV, P = 0.028 for the difference between the β₂ values). Moreover, cholesterol partially mediated the association between the higher serum calcium and greater subsequent baPWV values, the percentage of the total effect mediated by cholesterol was estimated at 21.7%. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that increased serum calcium precedes increased in serum cholesterol, and this temporal relationship may contribute to the development of higher baPWV levels.

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Arterial stiffness (AS), one of the complications of diabetes, associated with many metabolic factors. This study aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D) and AS in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We identified 1335 diabetic patients from the Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital. Finally, 603 T2DM patients were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: AS group (baPWV ≥ 15,500 cm/s) and the control group (baPWV < 1550 cm/s).

RESULTS

(1) Heart rate (HR) and systolic pressure (SBP) were higher while body weight and body mass index (BMI) were smaller in AS group than the control group (all P < 0.05). (2) Compared to patients without AS, patients with AS showed lower 25(OH)D and higher rate of 25(OH)D deficiency (42 ± 16 vs. 45 ± 17 mol/l, 68% vs. 64%, all P < 0.05). (3) BaPWV was negatively associated with 25(OH)D (r = -0.12, P = 0.004), while positively associated with age, duration of diabetes, HR, SBP, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and negatively associated with body weight and BMI (all P < 0.05). (4) Multiple linear regression showed that 25(OH)D was the negatively influencing factor of baPWV (β = -2.2, P = 0.01). Logistic regression showed that age and SBP were risk factor of AS (OR:1.07, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10, P < 0.001; OR:1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04, P < 0.001) while 25(OH)D was protective factor of AS (OR:0.987, 95% CI: 0.976-0.998, P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM patients with AS had lower 25(OH)D and higher rate of 25(OH)D deficiency. There was a negative relationship between 25(OH)D and AS assessed by baPWV.

The 2017 ACC/AHA stage 1 hypertension is associated with arterial stiffness: a prospective analysis

Objective: To examine the association between stage 1 hypertension defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline and risk of developing arterial stiffness.

Methods: During 2010-2015, 4595 adults aged ≥40 years without cardiovascular disease were followed up for a median of 4.3 years. BP levels at baseline were categorized into normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. The development of arterial stiffness was defined as a normal brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) at baseline and an increased ba-PWV at follow-up.

Results: Compared with participants with normal BP, participants with stage 1 hypertension had a 1.48-fold increased risk of developing arterial stiffness [odds ratio (OR) =2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.59-3.85] after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. The association was more evident in adults aged 40-59 years (OR =4.08; 95% CI =2.06-8.08) than that in those aged ≥60 years (OR =1.47; 95% CI =0.81-2.67). A systolic BP 130~139 mmHg was significantly associated with arterial stiffness independent of diastolic BP (OR =2.90; 95% CI =1.86-4.52). Stage 1 hypertension either at baseline or at follow-up was associated with increased risks compared with normal BP at both baseline and follow-up.

Conclusions: The 2017 ACC/AHA stage 1 hypertension was significantly associated with higher risks of arterial stiffness.

Effect of tofogliflozin on arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes: prespecified sub-analysis of the prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group comparative UTOPIA trial

BACKGROUND

Tofogliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is associated with favorable metabolic effects, including improved glycemic control and serum lipid profile and decreased body weight, visceral adipose tissue, and blood pressure (BP). This study evaluated the effects of tofogliflozin on the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without a history of apparent cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

The using tofogliflozin for possible better intervention against atherosclerosis for type 2 diabetes patients (UTOPIA) trial is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, parallel-group, comparative study. As one of the prespecified secondary outcomes, changes in baPWV over 104 weeks were evaluated in 154 individuals (80 in the tofogliflozin group and 74 in the conventional treatment group) who completed baPWV measurement at baseline.

RESULTS

In a mixed-effects model, the progression in the right, left, and mean baPWV over 104 weeks was significantly attenuated with tofogliflozin compared to that with conventional treatment (- 109.3 [- 184.3, - 34.3] (mean change [95% CI] cm/s, p = 0.005; - 98.3 [- 172.6, - 24.1] cm/s, p = 0.010; - 104.7 [- 177.0, - 32.4] cm/s, p = 0.005, respectively). Similar findings were obtained even after adjusting the mixed-effects models for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure (SBP), hypertension, smoking, and/or administration of drugs, including hypoglycemic agents, antihypertensive agents, statins, and anti-platelets, at baseline. The findings of the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models, which included the treatment group, baseline baPWV, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, resembled those generated by the mixed-effects models.

CONCLUSIONS

Tofogliflozin significantly inhibited the increased baPWV in patients with T2DM without a history of apparent cardiovascular disease, suggesting that tofogliflozin suppressed the progression of arterial stiffness. Trial Registration UMIN000017607. Registered 18 May 2015. ( https://www.umin.ac.jp/icdr/index.html ).

On the Feasibility of Pulse Wave Velocity Imaging for Remote Assessment of Physiological Functions

INTRODUCTION

Pulse wave velocity imaging (PWVi) is a novel technology developed by our group for real-time assessment of ischemia. The objectives of this proof-of-concept study included (1) remote detection of blood flow pulse and (2) assessing the feasibility of pulse wave velocity (PWV) imaging.

METHODS

PWVi is based on a 12-bit RGB camera (Basler acA-2000-165uc) capturing videos at up to 1000 fps. Videos of the hands of healthy individuals were taken, segmented, and processed to assess pulse wave velocity (PWV) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals.

RESULTS

PWV and PPG waveforms were readily collected for multiple segments. The PWVi device performed well, even without an external source of illumination. Mean PWV of 341.3 (±151.0) cm/s was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

PWVi is a portable, accessible, and cost-effective technology for assessing physiological parameters remotely.

State of the Art Review: Brachial-Ankle PWV

The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (brachial-ankle PWV), which is measured simply by wrapping pressure cuffs around the four extremities, is a simple marker to assess the stiffness of the medium- to large- sized arteries. The accuracy and reproducibility of its measurement have been confirmed to be acceptable. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, especially advanced age and high blood pressure, are reported to be associated with an increase of the arterial stiffness. Furthermore, arterial stiffness might be involved in a vicious cycle with the development/progression of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. Increase in the arterial stiffness is thought to contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease via pathophysiological abnormalities induced in the heart, brain, kidney, and also the arteries themselves. A recent independent participant data meta-analysis conducted in Japan demonstrated that the brachial-ankle PWV is a useful marker to predict future cardiovascular events in Japanese subjects without a previous history of cardiovascular disease, independent of the conventional model for the risk assessment. The cutoff point may be 16.0 m/s in individuals with a low risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 18.0 m/s in individuals with a high risk of CVD and subjects with hypertension. In addition, the method of measurement of the brachial-ankle PWV can also be used to calculate the inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference and ankle-brachial pressure index, which are also useful markers for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Plasma metabolites associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Although an increased arterial stiffness has been associated with traditional coronary risk factors, the risk factors and pathology of arterial stiffness remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the plasma metabolites associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We used the metabolomic data of 209 patients with type 2 diabetes as the first dataset for screening. To form the second dataset for validation, we enlisted an additional 31 individuals with type 2 diabetes. The non-targeted metabolome analysis of fasting plasma samples using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and the measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 65 annotated metabolites were detected. In the screening dataset, there were statistically significant associations between the baPWV and plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate (r = 0.226, p = 0.001), mannitol (r = 0.178, p = 0.010), mesoerythritol (r = 0.234, p = 0.001), and pyroglutamic acid (r = 0.182, p = 0.008). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that the plasma levels of mesoerythritol were significantly (β = 0.163, p = 0.025) and that of indoxyl sulfate were marginally (β = 0.124, p = 0.076) associated with baPWV, even after adjusting for traditional coronary risk factors. In the independent validation dataset, there was a statistically significant association between the baPWV and plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate (r = 0.430, p = 0.016). However, significant associations between the baPWV and plasma levels of the other three metabolites were not confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate were associated with arterial stiffness in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Although the plasma levels of mannitol, mesoerythritol, and pyroglutamic acid were also associated with arterial stiffness, further investigation is needed to verify the results.

Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with arterial stiffness in community-dwelling Chinese aged 45 years and older

Background

Evidence suggests that body composition has impact on arterial stiffness. However, evidence in Chinese are limited, and results remain controversial. The aim of our study is to investigate whether skeletal muscle mass is associated with arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling men and women aged 45 years and older.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 20,477 participants (age range: 45–80 years, 68.8% women) were included in the analysis. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness was measured using a waveform device. Total muscle mass and muscle mass of arm, leg and trunk were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Height and weight were measured and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (sum of arm and leg muscle mass) divided by height square.

Results

After adjustment for age, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, ASMI was negatively associated with baPWV [β (SE) for men: − 0.208 (0.016), p < 0.0001; for women: − 0.245 (0.012), p < 0.0001]. High ASMI was a protective factor for the presence of arterial stiffness (defined as baPWV) [OR (95%CI) for men: 0.730 (0.682, 0.782), p < 0.0001; women: 0.634 (0.593, 0.677), p < 0.0001]. Similar associations were found between quantity of muscle mass (total and appendicular muscle mass, muscle mass of arm, leg and trunk) and arterial stiffness in men and women after further adjustment for height (all p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with increased risk of arterial stiffness in Chinese community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older.

Comparison of renal arterial resistive index in type 2 diabetic nephropathy stage 0-4

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of world health problems and its prevalence and incidence is increasing. Chronic Kidney Failure involves a range of pathophysiologic processes that are associated with impaired renal function, leading to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Renal artery resistive index (RI) is indicator of atherosclerotic change in small vessels. The current study was aimed to assess RI in diabetic nephropathy patients at stage 0-4 and to compare RRI with HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In this cross sectional study,100 diabetic nephropathy patients who attend to nephrology clinic of Ali-ibn Abi Talib Hospital were entered to the study. Ultrasound Doppler renal resistive index was measured and other information was recorded from their last lab data that was recorded in their medical records. Variable included: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, albuminuria, GFR, HbA1c. All data was analyzed by Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. The findings indicated a significant correlation of RI with systolic BP (p=0.04 R=0.75), microalbuminuria (P=0.001 R=0.67), and GFR (P=0.001 R=0.76), while diastolic BP (P=0/45 R=0/32), HbA1c (P=0/56 R=0/43) were not found to be associated with RI. The findings indicated that increased systolic blood pressure, albumin excretion (microalbuminuria) and severity of disease were capable of increasing RI values in diabetic nephropathy patients. In addition, decreased GFR.

Association between Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Microalbuminuria and to Predict the Risk for the Development of Microalbuminuria Using Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Measurement in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) provides a useful means of assessing cardiovascular events and diabetic complications. However, the nature of associations between baPWV and microalbuminuria (MAU) and its presence in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between baPWV and MAU coupled with prediction of MAU using baPWV measurement among Type 2 DM patients. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 424 Type 2 DM patients who visited the cardiology and endocrinology department at a tertiary level health care facility, Republic of Korea between 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2008. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and risk factors associated with MAU and prediction of risk for the development of MAU using baPWV measurement. The association between MAU and baPWV was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis and predicted MAU by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Of the 424 Type 2 DM patients, 93 (21.9%) had MAU (20-200 μg/min). baPWV (cm/sec) was found to be significantly correlated with MAU levels (ug/min) (r = 0.791, p < 0.001). Further, baPWV was significantly associated MAU with higher odds ratio (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 10.899; 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.518-26.292)). Similarly, smoking (AOR 10.899; 95% CI (4.518-26.292)), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (mg/dL) (AOR 1.017; 95% CI (1.001-1.033)) were also significantly associated with MAU. The appropriate cut-off value for baPWV to predict MAU 20 μg/min in our study was 1700 cm/sec (area under ROC curve = 0.976). This study shows that baPWV, cigarette smoking, and LDL-cholesterol are associated with MAU in Type 2 DM patients and suggests that a baPWV cut-off of 1700 cm/sec could be used to predict the presence of MAU (20 μg/min) in Type 2 DM patients in the Korean community.

A Vascular Aging Index as Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Events and Total Mortality in an Elderly Urban Population

The morphology and function of the arteries can be directly measured using different established methods. This prospective cohort study aimed to translate 2 of these, aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), into a combined Vascular Aging Index (VAI) and then evaluate the predictive power of aPWV, cIMT, and VAI. Patients (n = 2718) were included from the cardiovascular arm of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (median age 71.9 years, 62.2% females). Total follow-up time was 16 448 person-years and a composite cardiovascular disease (CVD) end point was used. Cox regressions yielded adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) per 1 standard deviation increment of log_e aPWV, log_e cIMT, and log_e VAI of 1.25 (1.08-1.45, P = .003), 1.27 (1.13-1.44, P < .001), and 1.45 (1.26-1.68, P < .001), respectively. The C-statistics increased from 0.714 to 0.734 when adding aPWV and cIMT to a model of conventional risk factors. Net Reclassification Index also showed a significant (P < .001) improvement for the classification of event-free patients and no change for patients with events. A VAI based on aPWV and cIMT had a good predictive performance. Used together, aPWV and cIMT incrementally and significantly improve the prediction of CVD events by correctly down-adjusting the predicted risk for noncases.

Effect of Curcuma longa on vascular function in native Tamilians with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, parallel arm, placebo-controlled trial

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased central arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction leading to increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Curcuma longa on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 136 patients of type 2 diabetes. Among them, 114 completed at least one follow-up visit and included for data analysis. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured at baseline and every month for 3 months and endothelial dysfunction markers at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with C. longa or placebo. These parameters were compared between the two groups. Both C. longa and placebo groups were comparable at baseline. After 3 months of treatment, C. longa produced significant reduction from baseline in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (p = .002), left brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (p = .001), aortic augmentation pressure (p = .007), aortic augmentation index (p = .007), and aortic augmentation index at heart rate 75 (p = .018) as compared with the placebo group. Three months treatment with C. longa significantly decreases arterial stiffness as compared with placebo in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Prognostic tools for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of C-statistics

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Risk prediction models are tools widely used to identify individuals at particularly high-risk of adverse events. Many CVD risk prediction models have been developed but their accuracy and consistency vary.

OBJECTIVE

This study reviews the literature on available CVD risk prediction models specifically developed or validated in patients with diabetes and performs a meta-analysis of C-statistics to assess and compare their predictive performance.

METHODS

The online databases and manual reference checks of all identified relevant publications were searched.

RESULTS

Fifteen CVD prediction models developed for patients with diabetes and 11 models developed in a general population but later validated in diabetes patients were identified. Meta-analysis of C-statistics showed an overall pooled C-statistic of 0.67 and 0.64 for validated models developed in diabetes patients and in general populations respectively. This small difference in the C-statistic suggests that CVD risk prediction for diabetes patients depends little on the population the model was developed in (p = 0.068).

CONCLUSIONS

The discriminative ability of diabetes-specific CVD prediction models were modest. Improvements in the predictive ability of these models are required to understand both short and long-term risk before implementation into clinical practice.

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, cardio-ankle vascular index, and prognosis

Background

Brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) are indices of arterial stiffness, and several studies have used these indices. However, there is no comprehensive review of these parameters in the prognostic significance.

Methods

The aim of this study was to review the articles exploring the prognostic significance of these parameters. Articles demonstrating independent significance after multivariate analysis on the Cox proportional hazards model were defined as “successful.” The success rate was compared using Fisher’s exact test. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the independent determinants of the success of prognostic prediction.

Results

The success rate of the baPWV articles (65.7% [46/70]) tended to be higher than that of the CAVI articles (40.0% [6/15]; P=0.083). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that log (number of patients) (OR 11.20, 95% CI 2.45–51.70, P=0.002) and dialysis population (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08–0.94, P=0.039) were positive and negative independent determinants of the success of prognostic prediction, respectively. In addition, after redefining two studies as the absence of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) exclusion, baPWV (OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.86–13.20, P=0.083) and the existence of exclusion criteria of ASO (OR 3.08, 95% CI 0.96–9.93, P=0.060) exhibited statistical tendency in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the number of study participants and dialysis population were the independent determinants of the success of prognostic prediction. This study also showed the importance of exclusion criteria of ASO when using these indices. In addition, a prospective large-scale study to confirm the superiority in the prognostic prediction of these indices is warranted.

Traditional practices and recent advances in Nadi Pariksha: A comprehensive review

The significance of Nadi Pariksha is well understood and effectively used by Ayurveda practioners for assessing Tridoshas and various physiological and psychological states of the patient. The traditional texts Sarangadhara Samhita, YogaRatnakara, Basavarajeeyam and Bhavaprakasha have discussed the details of Nadi Pariksha in succinct set of slokas. Ayurveda has thousands of years of rich experience in Nadi Pariksha with strong literature support but is subjective in nature and the need for studying nadi with a scientific approach is well understood. Recently, pulse wave velocity has gained significant research interest as it is considered to be a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease; however, the relevance of pulse wave analysis to Nadi Pariksha has not been studied. In this review, traditional methods of Nadi Pariksha as defined in Ayurveda classics and the recent advances in pulse wave analysis are discussed. As per classical texts, qualities or properties of pulse such as pulse movement (gati), speed of the pulse (vega), stability of the pulse (sthiratva) and hardness of the artery (kathinya) play major role in Nadi Pariksha and in the current review these properties were analyzed and compared with the modern pulse parameters namely pulse wave velocity, pulse rate variability and arterial stiffness. The significance of pulse wave velocity in cardiovascular studies is discussed and the need for extending these studies to Ayurveda is highlighted.

Relationships between chronic comorbidities and the atherosclerosis indicators ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study aimed to determine associations between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) with different comorbidities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Records of patients with type 2 DM who received an ABI and baPWV examination between August 2013 and February 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Associations of ABI and baPWV with chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic liver disease (CLD), coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) were examined by regression analysis. A total of 1232 patients (average age, 65.1±10.0 years) were included in the analysis. CKD and DN were associated with low ABI and increased baPWV (all, P<0.001). No associations were found between CAD and CLD and ABI or baPWV. Thus, regression analysis was performed for CKD and DN. Low ABI was associated with risk of CKD in the crude model (OR 0.724, 95% CI 0.648 to 0.808, P<0.001) and adjusted model (OR 0.872, 95% CI 0.762 to 0.999, P=0.048), whereas baPWV was only significant in the crude model (OR 1.199, 95% CI 1.112 to 1.294, P<0.001). Low ABI was associated with risk of DN in the crude model (OR 0.873, 95% CI 0.780 to 0.977, P=0.018) and adjusted model (OR 0.884, 95% CI 0.782 to 0.999, P=0.048). No association was found for baPWV. In conclusion, low ABI was associated with risk of CKD and DN in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure

Although brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has been widely used as an index of arterial stiffness, no consensus exists about whether baPWV can reflect central aortic stiffness. The authors investigated the association between baPWV and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP) in a total of 109 consecutive patients (mean age, 62.3 ± 11.3 years; 67.9% men). Most patients (91%) had obstructive coronary artery disease, and mean baPWV and APP values were 1535 ± 303 cm/s and 66.8 ± 22.5 mm Hg, respectively. In univariate analysis, there was a significant linear correlation between baPWV and APP (r = .635, P < .001). The correlation between baPWV and APP remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (β = 0.574, P < .001; R²  = .469). Arterial stiffness measured by baPWV showed a strong positive correlation with invasively measured APP, independent of clinical confounders. Therefore, baPWV can be a good marker of central aortic stiffness.

Positive correlation of serum leptin levels and peripheral arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Leptin plays a pathophysiologic role in the pathogenesis of aortic dysfunction and peripheral arterial stiffness (PAS). Our aim was to evaluate the risk factors for developing PAS and the association of leptin and PAS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical data and leptin determinations from 105 patients with type 2 DM. In this study, we applied an automatic pulse wave analyzer (VaSera VS-1000) to measure the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV); a baPWV value >14.0 m/s on either side was considered high PAS.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (71.4%) had high PAS and they included a higher percentage of patients with hypertension (P < 0.001), older age (P < 0.001), and a higher body fat mass (P = 0.043), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.016), serum blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.003), and leptin level (P < 0.001), and lower height (P = 0.027) and glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.001) compared with type 2 DM patients with low PAS. After adjusting for factors significantly associated with PAS in these patients by multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (β = 0.470, adjusted R2 change = 0.279; P < 0.001), logarithmically transformed leptin (log-leptin, β = 0.259, adjusted R2 change = 0.085; P = 0.001), and hypertension (β = 0.197, adjusted R2 change = 0.031; P = 0.011) were significant independent predictors of PAS in type 2 DM patients.

CONCLUSION

The serum leptin level could be a predictor of PAS in type 2 DM patients.

Arterial stiffness, endothelial and cognitive function in subjects with type 2 diabetes in accordance with absence or presence of diabetic foot syndrome

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular disease so endothelial and arterial stiffness indexes are good indicators of vascular health. We aimed to assess whether the presence of diabetic foot is associated with arterial stiffness and endothelial function impairment.

Methods

We studied 50 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) compared to 50 diabetic subjects without diabetic foot, and 53 patients without diabetes mellitus, by means of the mini mental state examination (MMSE) administered to evaluate cognitive performance. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) were also evaluated by Applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor version 7.1), and the RH-PAT data were digitally analyzed online by Endo-PAT2000 using reactive hyperemia index (RHI) values.

Results

In comparison to diabetic subjects without diabetic foot the subjects with diabetic foot had higher mean values of PWV, lower mean values of RHI, and lower mean MMSE. At multinomial logistic regression PWV and RHI were significantly associated with diabetic foot presence, whereas ROC curve analysis had good sensitivity and specificity in arterial PWV and RHI for diabetic foot presence.

Conclusions

Pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, mean RHI values, and mean MMSE were effective indicators of diabetic foot. Future research could address these issues by means of longitudinal studies to evaluate cardiovascular event incidence in relation to arterial stiffness, endothelial and cognitive markers.

Arterial Stiffness Is More Associated with Albuminuria than Decreased Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The REBOUND Study

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between arterial stiffness and albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study analyzed 2613 patients with type 2 diabetes. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was used as a noninvasive marker of arterial stiffness. Additionally, the patients were categorized into four groups according to their albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR, normoalbuminuria versus albuminuria) and estimated GFR (eGFR, <60 mL/min/1.73 m² versus ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²).

RESULTS

A univariate analysis revealed that maximal baPWV was significantly associated with both the ACR (r = 0.297, P < 0.001) and eGFR (r = -0.220, P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis adjusted for significant clinical variables and eGFR showed that baPWV remained significantly correlated with the ACR (r = 0.150, P < 0.001). Also, baPWV was correlated positively with the ACR in patients with an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (r = 0.146, P < 0.001). However, baPWV was not correlated with eGFR after adjustment for significant clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that arterial stiffness is more associated with albuminuria than a decrease in GFR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Ankle-brachial index and incident diabetes mellitus: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study

Background

Individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often have reduced physical activity, which may increase the future risk of diabetes mellitus. Although diabetes is a risk factor for PAD, whether low ankle-brachial index (ABI) predates diabetes has not been studied.

Methods

We examined the association of ABI with incident diabetes using Cox proportional hazards models in the ARIC Study. ABI was measured in 12,247 black and white participants without prevalent diabetes at baseline (1987–1989). Incident diabetes cases were identified by blood glucose levels at three subsequent visits (1990–92, 1993–95, and 1996–98) or self-reported physician diagnosis or medication use at those visits or during annual phone interview afterward through 2011.

Results

A total of 3305 participants developed diabetes during a median of 21 years of follow-up. Participants with low (≤0.90) and borderline low (0.91–1.00) ABI had 30–40% higher risk of future diabetes as compared to those with ABI of 1.10–1.20 in the demographically adjusted model. The associations were attenuated after further adjustment for other potential confounders but remained significant for ABI 0.91–1.00 (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.04–1.31) and marginally significant for ABI ≤ 0.90 (HR = 1.19, 0.99–1.43). Although the association was largely consistent across subgroups, a stronger association was seen in participants without hypertension, those with normal fasting glucose, and those with a history of stroke compared to their counterparts.

Conclusions

Low ABI was modestly but independently associated with increased risk of incident diabetes in the general population. Clinical attention should be paid to the glucose trajectory among people with low ABI but without diabetes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0476-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity is Associated with Composite Carotid and Coronary Atherosclerosis in a Middle-Aged Asymptomatic Population

Aim: Although arterial stiffness has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis, the role of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) for diagnosing composite coronary and carotid atherosclerosis has not been completely elucidated.

Method: We enrolled 773 asymptomatic individuals who were referred from 25 public health centers in Seoul and who underwent carotid ultrasonography and coronary computed tomography. Noninvasive hemodynamic parameters, including baPWV, were also measured. Composite coronary and carotid atherosclerosis was defined as follows: 1) coronary artery calcium (CAC) score ≥ 100, 2) coronary artery stenosis (CAS) ≥ 50% of diameter stenosis, 3) carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) ≥ 0.9 mm, or 4) presence of carotid artery plaque (CAP).

Results: The incidence of composite coronary and carotid atherosclerosis was 28.2%. Coronary atherosclerosis (CAC and CAS) was significantly associated with carotid atherosclerosis (CIMT and CAP). Subjects with higher baPWV (highest quartile) had a higher prevalence of composite coronary and carotid atherosclerosis (p < .001). Although multivariate analysis failed to show baPWV as an independent predictor for composite atherosclerosis, baPWV had moderate diagnostic power to detect a subject with more than two positive subclinical atherosclerosis exams [area under the curve (AUC), 0.692].

Conclusion: baPWV was associated with the composite coronary and carotid atherosclerotic burden in a community-based asymptomatic population.

The coexistence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis further increases cardio-cerebrovascular risk in type 2 diabetes

Background

Both carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis are associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. However, it is still unclear whether the concomitant presence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis further increases the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. Therefore, our aim is to investigate whether the coexistence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis was associated with higher cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed in 2830 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. Based on carotid and lower limb Doppler ultrasound results, the patients were divided into three groups including 711 subjects without atherosclerosis, 999 subjects with either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis, and 1120 subjects with both carotid and lower limb atherosclerosis. And we compared the clinical characteristics and prevalence of both cardio-cerebrovascular events (CCBVEs) and self-reported cardio- cerebrovascular diseases (CCBVDs) among the three groups.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, there were significant increases in the prevalence of both CCBVEs (3.8 vs. 11.8 vs. 26.4 %, p < 0.001 for trend) and self-reported CCBVDs (6.9 vs. 19.9 vs. 36.5 %, p < 0.001 for trend) across the three groups (diabetics without atherosclerosis, diabetics with either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis, and diabetics with both carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis). A fully adjusted logistic regression analysis also revealed that compared with those without atherosclerosis, those with either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis had higher risk of CCBVEs (OR 1.724, 95 % CI 1.001–2.966) and self-reported CCBVDs (OR 1.705, 95 % CI 1.115–2.605), and those with concomitant presence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis had the highest risk of CCBVEs (OR 2.869, 95 % CI 1.660–4.960) and self-reported CCBVDs (2.147, 95 % CI 1.388–3.320)(p < 0.001 for trend in CCBVEs and p = 0.002 for trend in CCBVDs, respectively).

Conclusions

Either carotid or lower limb atherosclerosis was obviously related to increased cardio-cerebrovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. The concomitant presence of carotid and lower extremity atherosclerosis further increased cardio-cerebrovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. The combined application of carotid and lower extremity ultrasonography may help identify type 2 diabetics with higher cardio-cerebrovascular risk.

Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity: Background, Method, and Clinical Evidence

BACKGROUND

The populations of many developed countries are becoming progressively older. In aged societies, assessment of total vascular risk is critically important, because old age is usually associated with multiple risks. In this regard, pulse wave velocity (PWV) could be a global cardiovascular marker, since it increases with advancing age, high blood pressure, hyperglycaemia, and other traditional risks, summating cardiovascular risks. Carotid-femoral PWV has been widely applied in Western countries and has been used as a gold-standard PWV measure. However, this measure has never been implemented by general practitioners in Japan, possibly because of methodological difficulties. The life expectancy of Japanese people is now the highest in the world, and the establishment of an adequate total vascular risk measure is an urgent need. Against this background, brachial-ankle PWV was developed at the beginning of this century.

SUMMARY

Measurement of this parameter is easy, and its reproducibility is good. Moreover, the generality of the methodology is guaranteed. Brachial-ankle PWV has been reported to consistently increase with most traditional cardiovascular risk factors except dyslipidaemia. A meta-analysis of cohort studies including various levels of risk has shown that a 1 m/s increase in brachial-ankle PWV is associated with a 12% increase in the risk of cardiovascular events. Moreover, simultaneous evaluation of the ankle-brachial index could allow further risk stratification of high-risk individuals, who are common in aged societies. This unique feature is indispensable for the management of aged populations, who usually are exposed to multiple risks and have polyvascular diseases. This evidence, however, is chiefly derived from East Asian countries. The collection of data from Caucasian populations, therefore, remains a task for the future.

KEY MESSAGE

Brachial-ankle PWV has the potential to become a measure of arterial stiffness worldwide.

Is visceral adiposity a modifier for the impact of blood pressure on arterial stiffness and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes?

Background

We aimed to investigate whether visceral adiposity could modify the impact of blood pressure on arterial stiffness and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examines the interaction of visceral adiposity with increased blood pressure on arterial stiffness and albuminuria. 638 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64 ± 12 years; 40 % female) were enrolled. Visceral fat area (VFA, cm²) was assessed by a dual-impedance analyzer, whereby patients were divided into those with VFA < 100 (N = 341) and those with VFA ≥ 100 (N = 297). Albuminuria was measured in a single 24-h urine collection (UAE, mg/day) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV, cm/s) was used for the assessment of arterial stiffening. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and VFA with UAE and baPWV.

Results

Patients with VFA ≥ 100 were significantly younger, had higher SBP, HbA1c, triglycerides, UAE, alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein and lower high-density lipoprotein and shorter duration of diabetes than those with VFA < 100. SBP was significantly and almost equivalently associated with ba-PWV both in VFA < 100 (standardized β 0.224, p = 0.001) and VFA ≥ 100 (standardized β 0.196, p = 0.004) patients in the multivariate regression analysis adjusting for covariates including age, gender, HbA1c, diabetic complications and the use of insulin and anti-hypertensive agents. By contrast, the association of SBP with UAE was stronger in patients with VFA ≥ 100 (standardized β 0.263, p = 0.001) than that in patients with VFA < 100 (standardized β 0.140, p = 0.080) in the multivariate regression model. In the whole cohort, the significant interaction between SBP and VFA on UAE (standardized β 0.172, p = 0.040) but not on ba-PWV (standardized β −0.008, p = 0.916) was observed.

Conclusions

The effect of increased blood pressure on arterial stiffness is almost similar in type 2 diabetic patients with both low and high visceral adiposity, while its association with albuminuria is stronger in the latter.

Indirect measure of visceral adiposity 'A Body Shape Index' (ABSI) is associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Among indirect measures of visceral adiposity, A Body Shape Index (ABSI), which is defined as waist circumference (WC)/(body mass index (BMI)(2/3)×height(1/2)), is unique in that ABSI is positively correlated with visceral adiposity and is supposed to be independent of BMI. ABSI has been also shown to be linearly and positively associated with visceral fat mass and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. It is, however, uncertain whether ABSI could be associated with arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 607 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64±12 years; 40.0% female). Visceral fat area (VFA, cm(2)) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA, cm(2)) were assessed with a dual-impedance analyzer. In order to estimate the risk for CVD, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, cm) was used for the assessment of arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

ABSI was significantly and positively correlated with VFA (r=0.138, p=0.001) and negatively associated with BMI (r=-0.085, p=0.037). The correlation of z-score for ABSI with VFA remained significant (r=0.170, p<0.001) but not with BMI (r=0.009, p=0.820). ABSI (standardized β 0.095, p=0.043) but not WC (standardized β -0.060, p=0.200) was significantly and positively correlated with baPWV in the multivariate model including BMI as a covariate.

CONCLUSIONS

ABSI appears to reflect visceral adiposity independently of BMI and to be a substantial marker of arterial stiffening in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and progression of coronary artery calcium: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated the association between coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression and arterial stiffness measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). We examined the influence of the severity of baseline baPWV on CAC progression in a large prospective cohort.

METHODS

A total of 1600 subjects who voluntarily participated in a comprehensive health-screening program between March 2010 and December 2013 and had baseline baPWV as well as CAC on baseline and serial follow-up computed tomography performed approximately 2.7 ± 0.5 years apart were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 1124 subjects were included in the analysis (1067 men; mean age, 43.6 ± 5.1 years). An increased CAC score was found in 318 subjects (28.3%) during the follow-up period. Baseline higher baPWV was significantly correlated with CAC progression, especially in subjects with third- and fourth-quartile values (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-3.15 and OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.34-3.41, respectively) compared with the lowest-quartile values (P for trend <0.001). A similar effect was observed in diabetic subjects. Among the 835 subjects with a baseline CAC score = 0, progression to CAC score >0 was associated with male sex, diabetes, and higher baPWV. However, among the 289 individuals with a baseline CAC score >0, only the presence of CAC itself was predictive of CAC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher arterial stiffness measured by baPWV could be significantly associated with CAC progression.

Gender differences in the progression of target organ damage in patients with increased insulin resistance: the LOD-DIABETES study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze the evolution of vascular, cardiac and renal target organ damage (TOD) in patients with increased insulin resistance over a 3.5 year follow-up and to investigate gender difference and factors that influence its progression.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study involving 112 patients (71 men, 41 women) who were followed for 3.5 years. Measurements included blood pressure, blood glucose, lipids, smoking, body mass index (BMI) and HOMA-Ir Vascular TOD included carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ankle/brachial index (ABI). Cardiac TOD included Cornell voltage-duration product and Sokolow. Renal TOD included creatinine, glomerular filtration and albumin/creatinine ratio.

RESULTS

The IMT increased in both genders. Each year, the IMT increased 0.005 mm in men and 0.011 in women and the PWV 0.024 and 0.020 m/sec, respectively. The highest increase was in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who had an increase in TOD carotid (40%), PWV (24%) and renal TOD (20 %). Multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for age and gender, showed a negative association between duration since diabetes diagnosis and ABI (β = -0.006; p = 0.017) and between BMI and glomerular filtration (β = -0.813; p = 0.014). HbA1c was positively associated with PWV (β = 0.501; p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the progression of vascular and renal TOD differs by gender. The increase in vascular and renal TOD was higher in women, especially in diabetic women. The PWV increase showed a positive association with mean HbA1c levels during the follow-up. Glomerular filtration was associated with BMI and the ABI was associated with duration since type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01065155.

Predictive value of dynamic renal resistive index (DRIN) for renal outcome in type 2 diabetes and essential hypertension: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension (EH) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and identification of predictors of CKD onset is advisable. We aimed to assess whether dynamic renal resistive index (DRIN), as well as other markers of systemic vascular damage, are able to predict albuminuria onset and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in patients with T2DM or EH.

METHODS

In this prospective observational cohort study, 27 T2DM and 43 EH patients, free of CKD at baseline, were followed-up for 4.1 ± 0.6 years. Resistive Index (RI), endothelium-dependent (FMD) and independent vasodilation in the brachial artery (after glyceryl trinitrate - GTN - 25 μg s.l.), carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), Augmentation Index (AIx), DRIN (%RI change after GTN 25 μg s.l.) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients developing microalbuminuria were older, more frequently T2DM, with higher UACR at baseline, and showed higher DRIN (-2.8 ± 6.7 vs -10.6 ± 6.4 %, p = 0.01) and PWV (9.9 ± 1.3 vs 7.9 ± 1.5 m/s, p = 0.004) at baseline. The best predictors of microalbuminuria onset were DRIN > -5.16 % in T2DM (sensitivity 0.83, specificity 0.80) and PWV > 8.6 m/s in EH (sensitivity 0.96, specificity 1.00). Individuals whose eGFR declined (n = 27) had higher eGFR at baseline, but similar vascular characteristics; however in EH showing eGFR decline, baseline DRIN and PWV were higher. PWV showed a steeper progression during follow-up in patients developing albuminuria (Visit-outcome interaction: p = 0.01), while DRIN was early compromised but no further impaired (Visit-outcome interaction: p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

PWV and DRIN are able to predict microalbuminuria onset in newly diagnosed EH and T2DM. DRIN is early compromised in T2DM patients developing microalbuminuria.

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels is associated with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease in Chinese female diabetic patients

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an emerging metabolic regulator associated with glucose and lipid metabolism, and it is still unclear whether FGF21 is related to atherosclerosis. Here, we explored the potential link between FGF21 and lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD) in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 504 type 2 diabetic patients (283 men, 221 women). LEAD was defined by Ankle-brachial index (ABI) <0.9 and lower extremity arterial plaque evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound. Serum FGF21 concentrations were quantified by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The total FGF21 levels of male and female patients had no significant differenence ((299.14(177.31-534.49) vs 362.50(214.01-578.73), P=0.516). Serum FGF21 levels in LEAD group were significantly higher than non-LEAD group in females (385.34(243.89-661.54) vs 313.13(156.38-485.79), P=0.006), while not in male patients (295.52(177.09-549.64) vs 342.09 (198.70-549.87), P=0.613). In diabetic women, subjects with LEAD had significantly higher serum FGF21 regardless of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (P < 0.05). And serum FGF21 levels were positively correlated with waist circumference and systolic blood pressure after adjusted for age and BMI (r=0.198, P=0.004; r=0.152, P=0.027; respectively). Moreover, FGF21 was independently tied to femoral intima-media thickness (FIMT) (β=0.208, P=0.031). After adjusted for other LEAD risk factors, FGF21 was demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for LEAD in type 2 diabetic women (OR, 1.106; 95%CI 1.008-1.223; P=0.028). In addition, FGF21 was negatively correlated with estradiol in premenopausal diabetic women (r=−0.368, P=0.009). After adjusted for estradiol, serum FGF21 levels were still positively associated with FIMT in premenopausal diabetic women (r=0.381, P=0.007). In diabetic men, serum FGF21 levels were correlated with triglyceride and C-reactive protein even after adjusted for age and BMI (r=0.204, P=0.001; r=0.312, P < 0.001; respectively). However, serum FGF21 was not an independent impact factor for LEAD in men (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Serum FGF21 level independently and positively links LEAD in Chinese women with type 2 diabetes. The gender difference may be due to different estrogen levels.

Impact of increased visceral adiposity with normal weight on the progression of arterial stiffness in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Normal-weight abdominal obesity has been reported to be associated with poor mortality. We aimed to investigate the impact of increased visceral adiposity with normal weight (OB(-)VA(+)) on the progression of arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 414 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64±12 years; 40.3% female). Visceral fat area (VFA, cm(2)) was measured by a dual bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, cm/s). Patients were divided into four groups by VFA and body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) as the following: BMI<25 kg/m(2) and VFA<100 cm(2) (obesity (OB)(-)visceral adiposity (VA)(-)), BMI≥25 kg/m(2) and VFA<100 cm(2) (OB(+)VA(-)), BMI<25 kg/m(2) and VFA≥100 cm(2) (OB(-)VA(+)), and BMI≥25 kg/m(2) and VFA≥100 cm(2) (OB(+)VA(+)). Multivariate linear regression analysis was done to determine the impact of OB(-)VA(+) on arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

Among the patients, 7.2% were OB(-)VA(+) with higher baPWV levels (1956±444 cm/s) than those with OB(+)VA(-) (1671±416 cm/s, p=0.014), those with OB(+)VA(+) (1744±317 cm/s, p=0.048), and those with OB(-)VA(-) (1620±397 cm/s, p=0.024). In multivariate linear regression analysis, OB(-)VA(+) remained independently associated with baPWV (standardized β 0.184, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for the burden of arterial stiffness in OB(-)VA(+) patients with type 2 diabetes; therefore, evaluation of visceral adiposity is of clinical relevance for the better management of non-obese individuals as well as obese populations.

Cardio-ankle vascular index is associated with cardiovascular target organ damage and vascular structure and function in patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, LOD-DIABETES study: a case series report

Background

The cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a new index of the overall stiffness of the artery from the origin of the aorta to the ankle. This index can estimate the risk of atherosclerosis. We aimed to find the relationship between CAVI and target organ damage (TOD), vascular structure and function, and cardiovascular risk factors in Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We included 110 subjects from the LOD-Diabetes study, whose mean age was 61 ± 11 years, and 37.3% were women. Measurements of CAVI, brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), and ankle brachial index (ABI) were taken using the VaSera device. Cardiovascular risk factors, renal function by creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, and albumin creatinine index were also obtained, as well as cardiac TOD with ECG and vascular TOD and carotid intima media thickness (IMT), carotid femoral PWV (cf-PWV), and the central and peripheral augmentation index (CAIx and PAIx). The Framingham-D’Agostino scale was used to measure cardiovascular risk.

Results

Mean CAVI was 8.7 ± 1.3. More than half (54%) of the participants showed one or more TOD (10% cardiac, 13% renal; 48% vascular), and 13% had ba-PWV ≥ 17.5 m/s. Patients with any TOD had the highest CAVI values: 1.15 (CI 95% 0.70 to 1.61, p < 0.001) and 1.14 (CI 95% 0.68 to 1.60, p < 0.001) when vascular TOD was presented, and 1.30 (CI 95% 0.51 to 2.10, p = 0.002) for the cardiac TOD. The CAVI values had a positive correlation with HbA1c and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and a negative correlation with waist circumference and body mass index. The positive correlations of CAVI with IMT (β = 0.29; p < 0.01), cf-PWV (β = 0.83; p < 0.01), ba-PWV (β = 2.12; p < 0.01), CAIx (β = 3.42; p < 0.01), and PAIx (β = 5.05; p = 0.04) remained after adjustment for cardiovascular risk, body mass index, and antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetic drugs.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the CAVI is positively associated with IMT, cf-PWV, ba-PWV, CAIx, and PAIx, regardless of cardiovascular risk and the drug treatment used. Patients with cardiovascular TOD have higher values of CAVI.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01065155