An update on markers of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with Type 2 diabetes

The interplay between statins and adipokines. Is this another explanation of statins' 'pleiotropic' effects?

Statin therapy comprises an integral part of secondary and to a lesser extent of primary cardiovascular disease prevention. This is attributed not only to their lipid-lowering properties, but as well to a plethora of pleiotropic actions. Recently, the cytokines secreted by adipose tissue, the so-called adipokines, have been proved to play a critical role in various pathophysiological functions, among which inflammation and atherosclerosis development and vulnerability. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the effects of statins and the underlying mechanisms on the circulating levels of the most common adipokines regulating atherosclerosis process, as a part of their pleiotropic function. Up to now, robust evidence implicates a significant statin-induced reduction of pro-inflammatory adipokines IL-6, TNF-a and visfatin. Weak evidence from limited, small and mostly non-randomized studies suggest increased levels of anti-inflammatory adipokines apelin, vaspin and omentin-1 after statin therapy. In the rest of most known adipokines, statins have shown either controversial (adiponectin, retinol binding protein-4 and fetuin-A) or negligible effects (leptin and resistin) on their circulating levels. Therefore, statins may favourably alter the balance of inflammatory/anti-inflammatory adipokines, implicating a novel atheroprotective mechanism. However, the interplay between statins and adipokines is still not fully elucidated and its potential clinical relevance is warranted.

Biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque: Physiopathology and Prediction

AIMS

To study the role of cytokines and vascular inflammatory biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque.

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies showed that not only the degree of stenosis but also the type of carotid plaque can be responsible for ipsilateral ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to suggest a role for vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic disease in the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and reference lists have been used to evaluate articles published until February 15, 2021.

RESULTS

Several factors may be involved in unstable plaque. Clinical studies support the involvement of brain inflammatory biomarkers as well as cytokines in the unstable carotid plaque.

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarkers could help to stratify patients with a vulnerable carotid plaque and to personalize the drug treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of vulnerable plaque and the role of biomarkers in the vulnerable carotid plaque.

The Role of Carotid Stenosis in a Prediction of Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease

Aims: The aim of this paper is to indicate if carotid stenosis is predictive for the prognosis of coronary artery disease.Method and materials: Our study is a prospective cohort study. 1031 patients with proven coronary artery disease (CAD) were recruited consecutively. Carotid ultrasound was used to assess IMT, plaque, or stenosis. They were followed for 24 months for adverse cardiovascular events. Selected demographic date such as smoking history, dyslipidemia, hypertension, laboratory values, and clinical data (associated diseases and risk) were collected from each patient. Total cardiovascular events and mortality rate were followed up for the study population. The results were collected prospectively and retrospectively. The study was organized as a clinical, cross-sectional study and comparative study.From the data collected with the clinical research, a file was formed in the statistical program with the help of which the data were statistically analyzed.From the methods of descriptive statistics, absolute frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean, median, measures of variability, minimum, maximum, standard deviation and logistic regression models were used.Result: Of the total number of patients 1026 had arterial hypertension (HTA). Data on hyperlipidemia (HLP) had been reported in 895 patients. 1.023 patients had peripheral artery disease (PAB). 1031 patients were presented with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). There were 1,029 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), while 1,013 patients had coronary artery by-pass (CABG), and 1,012 had stroke (CVI). Elevated systolic blood pressure was reported in 966 patients. 184 patients had elevated triglycerides and 187 had elevated cholesterol. 1,008 patients have had a history of myocardial infarction. Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) has been found in 1,009 patients, increased body mass index (BMI) in 270 patients.1.031 patients were followed for 24 months. Cardiovascular events were reported in 54 patients (or 5.2%). Revascularization was performed in 28 (4.1%) patients, while 12 (1.8%) of patients died. Diabetes mellitus (OR 1.878 95% CI 0.491 7.184) and Carotid stenosis (OR 2.185 95% CI 0.731 6.53) were found to be predictive factors for future cardiovascular events.Conclusion: Due to our results carotid ultrasound may be a useful tool for risk stratification of coronary artery disease pts.

Omentin-1 and vaspin serum levels in patients with pre-clinical carotid atherosclerosis and the effect of statin therapy on them

BACKGROUND

Omentin-1 and vaspin are novel adipokines, and their association with atherosclerosis is still under investigation. The present study aimed to assess the relationship of those adipokines with preclinical, non-significant carotid atherosclerosis and the impact of statin therapy on their levels, suggesting a link between adiposity and atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Eighty-four statin-free subjects with non-significant, preclinical carotid atherosclerosis and elevated LDL- cholesterol levels (>130 mg/dl) were recruited to receive atorvastatin (from 10 to 80 mg per day) (atorvastatin group - AG group). Forty-six age- and gender-matched healthy individuals, without any chronic disease served as controls (control group - CG). Clinical parameters, metabolic profile, serum omentin-1, vaspin concentrations and ultrasound measurements of carotid thickening were obtained at the beginning and after 12 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, AG showed lower omentin-1 and vaspin serum levels than CG (p ≤ 0.001). Along the entire study population at baseline, omentin-1 levels were independently related to LDL-cholesterol, while vaspin levels were independently associated with hsCRP and the presence of carotid atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Within AG, 12-months atorvastatin treatment significantly increased omentin-1 (from 202.79 ± 91.41 ng/ml to 262.56 ± 101 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and vaspin concentrations (from 1.29 ± 0.51 ng/ml to 1.70 ± 0.5 ng/ml, p = 0.002). In standard multiple regression analysis, the presence of carotid atherosclerosis related to baseline vaspin levels (β = -0.232, p < 0.001), while the atorvastatin-induced increase of vaspin was independently associated with hsCRP reduction (β = -0.198, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Low omentin-1 and vaspin serum levels associated with preclinical, non-significant carotid atherosclerosis. Notably, atorvastatin administration significantly increased both adipokines, but the underlying mechanisms and the clinical impact of those changes requires further investigation.

Sleep Apnea, Obesity, and Disturbed Glucose Homeostasis: Epidemiologic Evidence, Biologic Insights, and Therapeutic Strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity, and disturbed glucose homeostasis are usually considered distinct clinical condition, although they are tightly related to each other. The aim of our manuscript is to provide an overview of the current evidence on OSA, obesity, and disturbed glucose homeostasis providing epidemiologic evidence, biological insights, and therapeutic strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The mechanisms hypothesized to be involved in this complex interplay are the following: (1) "direct weight-dependent" mechanisms, according to which fat excess compromises respiratory mechanics, and (2) "indirect weight-dependent" mechanisms such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and secondary hyperinsulinemia, leptin resistance and other hormonal dysregulations frequently found in subjects with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and/or sleep disorders. Moreover, the treatment of each of these clinical conditions, through weight loss induced by diet or bariatric surgery, the use of anti-obesity or antidiabetic drugs, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), seems to positively influence the others. These recent data suggest not only that there are multiple connections among these diseases but also that treating one of them may result in an improvement of the others.

Metabolic Consequences of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Especially Pertaining to Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Sensitivity

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetes has been known to be closely related to each other and both diseases impact highly on the public health. There are many evidence of reports that OSA is associated with diabetes with a bidirectional correlation. A possible causal mechanism of OSA to diabetes is intermittent hypoxemia and diabetes to OSA is microvascular complication. However, OSA and diabetes have a high prevalence rate in public and shares the common overlap characteristic and risk factors such as age, obesity, and metabolic syndrome that make it difficult to establish the exact pathophysiologic mechanism between them. In addition, studies demonstrating that treatment of OSA may help prevent diabetes or improve glycemic control have not shown convincing result but have become a great field of interest research. This review outlines the bidirectional correlation between OSA and diabetes and explore the pathophysiologic mechanisms by approaching their basic etiologies.

Relationship between intracranial internal carotid artery calcification and enlarged cerebral perivascular space

PURPOSE

The association between intracranial internal carotid artery (IICA) calcification and lacunes, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) has been well researched. However, enlarged cerebral perivascular space (PVS) has not yet been reported to correlate with intracranial internal carotid artery calcification. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IICA calcification and enlarged PVS.

METHODS

A total of 189 patients with ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory who presented within 7 days of ictus from 2012 to 2015 were enrolled respectively. All patients were required to have undergone head computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, or computed tomography angiography. Clinical characteristics were recorded. IICA calcification and enlarged PVS were semi-quantitatively evaluated, and the presence of lacunes, WMH, and CMBs was recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 189 patients, 63.5% were male. Mean age of the patients was 68.6 ± 12.2 years. There were 104 patients with IICA calcification. Age, diabetes mellitus, lacunes, and white matter hyperintensity were significantly associated with IICA calcification (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, diabetes mellitus, and lacunes were independent predictors of IICA calcification (P < 0.05). A lower risk of IICA calcification was found in patients with a higher enlarged PVS score (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Higher enlarged PVS scores were associated with a lesser degree of IICA calcification. There appears to be a relationship between reduced risk of IICA calcification and enlarged PVS.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Relation to the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent all over the world and dietary intakes of vitamin D are very low in China. In this study we aimed to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients aged over 50 y. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured in a cross-sectional sample of 270 T2DM patients aged over 50 y from Zhejiang. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometry and other variables were collected. The mean of serum 25(OH)D was 22.93 ng/mL, and percentages of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 43.71% and 39.63%, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with MetS than in those without MetS (21.74 vs 24.96 ng/mL, p=0.001), and the prevalence of MetS significantly increased according to tertiles of serum 25(OH)D concentrations. After adjusting for multivariate factors, the adverse effect of lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations was significant (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.03-7.34; p=0.044) in the group with BMI≥24 kg/m² while the change in OR of MetS for each 10 ng/mL decrease in the serum 25(OH)D concentrations was 2.03 (95% CI: 1.10-3.79). These results suggest that serum 25(OH)D deficiency may be a risk factor of MetS among Chinese type 2 diabetic patients, especially in the T2DM with BMI≥24 kg/m². The challenge is determining the mechanisms of vitamin D action for recommendation of vitamin D supplementation that reduces the risks of MetS and progression to T2DM.

National trends in carotid endarterectomy and stenting in Korea from 2004 to 2013

Stroke imposes a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) are proven procedures in stroke prevention for the lesions of extracranial carotid disease. Although several studies have addressed national trends regarding carotid revascularization in Western countries, limited data is available with respect to the Korean population. The aim of the present study was to identify the national trend in carotid revascularization in Korea over the previous decade. A serial, cross-sectional study was conducted with the use of time trends to analyze patients undergoing carotid revascularization using CEA and CAS between 2004 and 2013. Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data was used. The present study endeavored to analyze trends in the number of CEA and CAS procedures for the treatment of extracranial carotid disease in Medicare beneficiaries. A linear-by-linear association was performed to determine the changes of carotid revascularization for the aforementioned period. A total of 23,142 patients received carotid revascularization between 2004 and 2013. CEA was performed in 4,012 and CAS in 19,130 patients. The rate of total carotid revascularization per 1,000,000 Medicare beneficiaries substantially increased during the study period from 22 procedures in 2004 to 57 in 2013 (risk ratio (RR), 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58-4.24; P=0.001). CAS increased from 18 procedures in 2004, to 45 in 2013 (RR, 2.50; 95% CI; 1.45-4.32; P=0.001). In addition, the number of CEA procedures performed per 1,000,000 Medicare beneficiaries increased from four procedures in 2004, to 11 in 2013 (RR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.88-8.64; P=0.08). In conclusion, total carotid revascularization increased by 255% during the previous 10 years in Korea. This increase predominantly resulted from the 249% increase of CAS. The number and population-based rates of carotid revascularization remained low, as compared with Western countries.

Measurement of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis may help in predicting risk for stroke in patients with diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most important risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in young patients. The control of classical vascular risk factors failed in terms of prevention of stroke in patients with diabetes. In addiction, in these patients the glycemic control showed a benefit on microvascular disease but lacked an established benefit in macrovascular disease. Therefore, implementations of effective stroke prevention strategies appear necessary in patients with diabetes. Ultrasound surrogate or intermediate markers of carotid atherosclerosis include carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid plaque (CP), and carotid stiffness (STIFF) have been demonstrated to increase in patients with diabetes and to be able to predict risk for stroke. In this editorial we discuss the opportunity to prevent the onset of vascular disease in their "preclinical or subclinical" stage in patients with higher risk for stroke such as diabetic patients.

Plasma vitamin D and biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease risk in adult Canadians, 2007-2009

Introduction

Vitamin D may modulate cardiometabolic disease risk, although the relationship has not been investigated in the general Canadian population. Understanding this relationship may inform public health strategies to curb the incidence of cardiometabolic disease in Canada and elsewhere. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between vitamin D and traditional and novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease and to describe the extent of the month-to-month fluctuations of vitamin D in the Canadian population.

Methods

We examined the association between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and a range of cardiometabolic risk biomarkers in participants (n = 1,928; age range, 16–79 years) from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. We conducted linear regressions analyses (adjusted for sex, waist circumference, physical activity, hormone use, and season) to assess the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and biomarkers of dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in the study population. We repeated analyses stratified by sex, and we evaluated monthly fluctuations in 25-hydroxyvitamin D in men and women.

Results

We observed wide month-to-month variations in 25-hydroxyvitamin D; fluctuations were more pronounced in men. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was inversely associated with insulin, insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not with fasting glucose, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, or homocysteine. This pattern varied between men and women.

Conclusion

Vitamin D may modulate various metabolic processes and may influence cardiometabolic disease risk in Canadians. These findings may have public health implications when recommending vitamin D for the prevention of cardiometabolic disease and related conditions.

The differential anti-inflammatory effects of exercise modalities and their association with early carotid atherosclerosis progression in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Adipokines, visfatin, apelin, vaspin and ghrelin have emerged as novel cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the effects of different exercise modalities on the aforementioned novel adipokines and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

One hundred patients with Type 2 diabetes were equivalently (n = 25) randomized into four groups: (1) a control group with patients encouraged to perform self-controlled exercise; (2) a supervised aerobic exercise group (exercise four times/week, 60 min/session, 60-75% of maximum heart rate); (3) a resistance training group (60-80% baseline maximum load achieved in one repetition); and (4) a combined aerobic exercise plus resistance training group, as in groups 2 and 3. All participants had HbA(1c) levels ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%), without overt diabetic vascular complications. Blood samples, clinical characteristics, peak oxygen uptake and carotid intima-media thickness measurements were obtained at baseline and at the end of the study, after 6 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, there were non-significant differences between groups. All active groups significantly ameliorated glycaemic profile, insulin sensitivity and triglycerides levels compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Aerobic training further improved lipids, systolic blood pressure and exercise capacity compared with the resistance training and the control groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and visfatin decreased, while vaspin and apelin circulating levels increased within the aerobic exercise group and the aerobic exercise plus resistance training group, and compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Within- and between-group comparisons showed negligible alterations in ghrelin serum levels and body weight after all exercise modalities. Finally, aerobic training attenuated the carotid intima-media thickness progression (0.017 ± 0.006 mm) compared with the control subjects (0.129 ± 0.042 mm, P < 0.001). That effect was independently associated with visfatin and amelioration of peak oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

In subjects with Type 2 diabetes, all exercise training modalities improved metabolic profile. Importantly, aerobic training predominantly ameliorated adipokines concentrations and carotid intima-media thickness progression.

Influence of fibrinogen and C-RP on progression of peripheral arterial disease in type 2 diabetes: a preliminary report

Background

Limited studies have suggested that inflammatory biomarkers play a role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. This study assesses the effect of inflammatory biomarkers: fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (C-RP) on the progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients.

Methods

Sixty two patients with T2D and PAD (mean age 60.28 ± 27 years and diabetes duration of 8.58 ± 6.17 years) were enrolled in a cohort prospective study of 36 months. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured in all patients at baseline and after 36 months. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictivity of variables for fibrinogen, C-RP, plasma lipid fractions, fasting plasma glucose, Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of diabetes status and the age on changes in ABI value.

Results

Linear regression analysis defined F as a predictor for endpoint value of ABI (β = 0.469, p = 0.007). Value of C-RP determinates change of minimal value of ABI (β = 0.449, p = 0.037) and change of mean ABI per year (β = 0.442, p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that plasma determination of fibrinogen and C-RP might have a clinical implication in defining the process of progression of PAD in T2D population.

Apelin-13 increases expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 via activating protein kinase C α signaling in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells

Apelin has an antiatherogenic function through activating protein kinase C (PKC) to initiate a series of cellular signaling pathways. PKC phosphorylates and stabilizes ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) through inhibiting its degradation mediated by calpain. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether apelin-13 affects expression of ABCA1 through PKC signaling. The results showed that apelin-13 dramatically increased cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells and reduced cellular cholesterol levels. ABCA1 protein but not mRNA levels were dramatically increased by apelin-13, and calpain-induced degradation of ABCA1 and calpain activity were suppressed with treatment of apelin-13. However, the effects of apelin-13 on ABCA1 protein expression, cellular cholesterol efflux and calpain activity were abolished by depletion of PKCα, suggesting the potential important role of PKCα. In addition, apelin-13 was shown to phosphorylate serine residues in ABCA1 through the PKCα pathway. Thus, apelin-13 appears to activate PKCα, phosphorylate ABCA1 and inhibit calpain-mediated proteolysis, thereby promoting cholesterol efflux and reducing foam cell formation. Our study herein described a possible mechanism for understanding the antiatherogenic effects of apelin on attenuating the progression of atherosclerosis.

Adipokines: a novel link between adiposity and carotid plaque vulnerability

BACKGROUND

In patients with carotid stenosis, we prospectively investigated the association of novel adipokines, apelin and visfatin, with gray-scale median (GSM) score, a valid index of carotid plaque vulnerability. We also assessed the impact of atorvastatin therapy on the above biochemical and imaging markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-four overweight [body-mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m(2) , fat-mass > 30%], statin-free patients, with carotid stenosis, but without indications for intervention were enrolled. Thirty-eight age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy subjects served as healthy controls (HC). All patients received gradual titrated (10-80 mg) atorvastatin therapy to target LDL-C < 100 mg/dL. GSM score, blood pressure (BP), fat-mass, lipid profile, and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), apelin and visfatin levels were obtained at baseline and after 24 months.

RESULTS

At baseline, patients with carotid atherosclerosis had worse lipid profile, lower apelin and higher systolic BP, hsCRP, visfatin levels compared with HC (P < 0·05). Notably, decreased apelin (P < 0·001) and GSM score (P = 0·010), while increased visfatin (P = 0·019) and hsCRP (P = 0·039) levels were found in symptomatic rather than asymptomatic patients. At baseline, GSM score correlated with fat-mass, BMI, LDL-C, visfatin and apelin (P < 0·05). Apelin, visfatin and fat-mass remained independent determinants of baseline GSM score (R(2) = 0·391, P = 0·007). In parallel, we found that apelin increment and LDL-C reduction were independently associated with the atorvastatin-induced GSM increase (R(2) = 0·411, P = 0·011).

CONCLUSION

Increased fat-mass, low apelin and high visfatin serum levels seem to correlate with carotid plaque vulnerability in patients with carotid stenosis. The atorvastatin-induced modification of apelin and LDL-C may beneficially affect carotid plaque stability.

The impact of aerobic exercise training on novel adipokines, apelin and ghrelin, in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Accumulating data support the atheroprotective role of the novel adipokines, apelin and ghrelin. The aim of the present randomized study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on these adipokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIAL/METHODS

Fifty-four overweight (BMI >25 kg/m²) patients with T2DM, but without vascular complications, were randomized to either the aerobic exercise training group (EG, N=27), 4 times/week, 45-60 min/session; or to the control group (CG, N=27), orally instructed to increase physical activity. Clinical glycemic and lipid parameters, exercise capacity (VO₂peak), insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum levels of apelin and ghrelin were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Aerobic exercise significantly improved lipid and glycemic profile and insulin sensitivity compared to CG (p<0.05). Furthermore, between-groups comparison showed a considerable exercise-induced upregulation in apelin (p=0.007) and VO₂peak (p<0.001) levels. Negligible changes in body-weight, waist-hip ratio and ghrelin concentrations were detected within and between groups after the completion of the study (p>0.05). However, subgroup analysis revealed a considerable increment in ghrelin levels only in the exercise-treated women compared to their control counterparts (p=0.038). LDL and HOMA-IR reduction were found to be independent predictors of apelin increment in multiple regression analysis (R²=0.391, p=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2DM, systemic, long-term, aerobic exercise exerts positive effects on apelin and ghrelin (only in women), even in the absence of significant weight loss, suggesting its pleiotropic effects.

OSA and atherosclerosis

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Research in recent decades has uncovered many components of the complex pathological events leading to the atherosclerotic vascular diseases in OSA, which involve heightened oxidative stress as a result of intermittent hypoxia, vascular inflammation, activation of platelet and coagulation cascades, endothelial dysfunction and ultimately the formation of atherosclerotic plagues. The close association of OSA and conventional cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and obesity adds to the adverse cardiovascular sequelae. Further studies are required to clarify further on the pathophysiological processes, and the effect size of OSA therapy, and other potential preventive strategies.

Genetic variation of IL-12B (+1188 region) is associated with its decreased circulating levels and susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most common types of endocrine disease and the immune system plays a predominant role in its pathogenesis.

AIMS

The present study aimed to examine known gene polymorphisms within IL-12B (+1188) region and its circulating serum levels in Type 2 diabetic patients from the southeastern region of Iran and compare them with unrelated controls.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In this clinical study, peripheral blood was collected from 114 Type 2 diabetic patients and 100 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-12B were measured by ELISA. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and polymorphisms at the +1188 position of the IL-12B gene were assessed using PCR restriction fragment-length polymorphism.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that the AA genotype and the A allele of IL-12B were increased significantly in Type 2 diabetic patients when compared with controls. Our results also showed that the circulating levels of IL-12B were significantly decreased in Type 2 diabetic patients when compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings of the current study, we concluded that IL-12B and its +1188 polymorphism may play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes. Further replicative investigations using a larger sample size are essential to identify additional IL-12B genetic variants associated with a risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The association of physical activity with novel adipokines in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Adipose-tissue derivatives, known as adipokines, have been involved in the inflammatory-mediated metabolic and cardiovascular disorders of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study examined the association between novel adipokines and self-reported physical activity, a potential anti-inflammatory mediator.

METHODS

We enrolled 247 men and women with T2DM, free from overt cardiovascular disease. Based on a physical activity questionnaire, patients were classified into groups: A) sedentary, who did not report any physical activity or reported light activities<2 h/week and B) active, referring to low or moderate-intensity physical activities>2 h/week. Among them, 88 patients were randomly selected to perform a cardiorespiratory ergocycle testing. Clinical parameters, glycemic and lipid profiles, HOMA-IR, and serum levels of visfatin, apelin, vaspin, ghrelin and adiponectin were assessed.

RESULTS

With the exception of fat-mass, our groups did not differ in anthropometric parameters and pharmaceutical regimen. Active patients showed ameliorated glucose regulation, HOMA-IR, hsCRP and exercise capacity compared to sedentary counterparts (p<0.01). Active rather than sedentary patients showed lower visfatin (10.16±5.53 ng/ml vs 14.77±8.48 ng/ml, p=0.013), higher apelin (1.39±0.65 ng/ml vs 1.04±0.35 ng/ml, p=0.018) and adiponectin (11.82±3.06 μg/ml vs 7.81±2.11 μg/ml, p=0.033) levels. There were non-significant differences in the rest of parameters between groups. After adjusting for age, sex and BMI, physical activity along with hsCRP and ghrelin remained independent determinants of visfatin levels (R(2)=0.328, p=0.032), while physical activity was independently associated with apelin (R(2)=0.221, p=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-controlled physical activity of, even, moderate intensity ameliorates adipokines, such as visfatin, apelin and adiponectin, in patients with T2DM. Prospective interventional studies will confirm our results. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is: NCT00306176.

Current role of biomarkers in carotid disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Accumulating evidence suggests that carotid plaque vulnerability can be used as a determinant of ischemic stroke risk stratification and carotid intervention. Novel markers of high-risk carotid plaque in patients are needed.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

Advances in cellular and molecular pathophysiology, the demand for accurately predicting carotid risk, and choosing the optimal prevention strategy are stimulating great interest in the development of novel surrogate markers. Biomarkers in cardiovascular disease are expected to predict the natural history, clinical outcomes, and the efficacy of disease-modifying interventions. We aimed to review the literature regarding clinical data on novel serum biomarkers related to ischemic cerebrovascular events associated with carotid artery disease. We provide background information on the biomarkers related to all aspects of carotid disease: natural history, carotid intervention strategies for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, perioperative risk prediction, and their therapeutic implications.

CONCLUSION

At present, heterogeneous data support evidence that biological markers can help existing practices to more accurately assess patients at risk for stroke. Randomized-controlled trials for carotid artery disease and carotid intervention, incorporating biomarkers, are needed.

Obstructive sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are diseases with high prevalence and major public health impact. There is evidence that regular snoring and OSA are independently associated with alterations in glucose metabolism. Thus, OSA might be a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Possible causes might be intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, which are typical features of OSA. OSA might also be a reason of ineffective treatment of type 2 diabetes. There is further evidence that the treatment of OSA by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy might correct metabolic abnormalities in glucose metabolism. It is assumed that this depends on therapy compliance to CPAP. On the other hand, there are also hints in the literature that type 2 diabetes per se might induce sleep apnea, especially in patients with autonomic neuropathy. Pathophysiological considerations open up new insights into that problem. Based on the current scientific data, clinicians have to be aware of the relations between the two diseases, both from the sleep medical and the diabetological point of view. The paper summarizes the most important issues concerning the different associations of OSA and type 2 diabetes.