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Lam S, Lindsey J, Carranza Leon BG, Takkouche S. Shedding light on eye disease in obesity: A review. Clin Obes 2024; 14:e12616. [PMID: 37532290 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is known to be associated with numerous ocular manifestations, including but not limited to, diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye disease. This review aims to provide an overview of the ophthalmological findings in obesity. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases for studies describing randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies published from 1 January 2017 to 1 April 2023. The search terms used included relevant keywords such as 'obesity', 'body mass index', 'waist-to-hip ratio', 'bariatric', 'ophthalmology', 'eye disease', 'myopia', 'retinopathy', 'glaucoma', and 'cataract'. This literature search was performed on 1 April 2023. Obesity is associated with increased risk of developing DR, a sight-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Similarly, obesity has been shown to increase risk of AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, and ocular surface disease. Multiple mechanisms linking obesity to ophthalmic disease have been proposed. Adipose tissue produces various inflammatory cytokines that can affect ocular tissues, leading to disease progression. Additionally, obesity is associated with systemic metabolic changes that can influence ocular health. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be protective against development of ophthalmic disease. Obesity is a significant risk factor for several ophthalmological diseases. Healthcare providers should encourage weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity to prevent or delay the onset of ocular complications. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of this association, and to identify effective strategies for preventing or managing ophthalmic disease in patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravika Lam
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer Lindsey
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Sahar Takkouche
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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2
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Danielescu C, Dabija MG, Nedelcu AH, Lupu VV, Lupu A, Ioniuc I, Gîlcă-Blanariu GE, Donica VC, Anton ML, Musat O. Automated Retinal Vessel Analysis Based on Fundus Photographs as a Predictor for Non-Ophthalmic Diseases-Evolution and Perspectives. J Pers Med 2023; 14:45. [PMID: 38248746 PMCID: PMC10817503 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of retinal vessels in relation to cardiovascular risk has a long history. The advent of a dedicated tool based on digital imaging, i.e., the retinal vessel analyzer, and also other software such as Integrative Vessel Analysis (IVAN), Singapore I Vessel Assessment (SIVA), and Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina (VAMPIRE), has led to the accumulation of a formidable body of evidence regarding the prognostic value of retinal vessel analysis (RVA) for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (including arterial hypertension in children). There is also the potential to monitor the response of retinal vessels to therapies such as physical activity or bariatric surgery. The dynamic vessel analyzer (DVA) remains a unique way of studying neurovascular coupling, helping to understand the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative conditions and also being complementary to techniques that measure macrovascular dysfunction. Beyond cardiovascular disease, retinal vessel analysis has shown associations with and prognostic value for neurological conditions, inflammation, kidney function, and respiratory disease. Artificial intelligence (AI) (represented by algorithms such as QUantitative Analysis of Retinal vessel Topology and siZe (QUARTZ), SIVA-DLS (SIVA-deep learning system), and many others) seems efficient in extracting information from fundus photographs, providing prognoses of various general conditions with unprecedented predictive value. The future challenges will be integrating RVA and other qualitative and quantitative risk factors in a unique, comprehensive prediction tool, certainly powered by AI, while building the much-needed acceptance for such an approach inside the medical community and reducing the "black box" effect, possibly by means of saliency maps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Danielescu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Marius Gabriel Dabija
- Department of Surgery II, Discipline of Neurosurgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Alin Horatiu Nedelcu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Vasile Valeriu Lupu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (V.V.L.); (I.I.)
| | - Ancuta Lupu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (V.V.L.); (I.I.)
| | - Ileana Ioniuc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (V.V.L.); (I.I.)
| | | | - Vlad-Constantin Donica
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (V.-C.D.); (M.-L.A.)
| | - Maria-Luciana Anton
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (V.-C.D.); (M.-L.A.)
| | - Ovidiu Musat
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucuresti, Romania;
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Gomes JAP, Azar DT, Baudouin C, Bitton E, Chen W, Hafezi F, Hamrah P, Hogg RE, Horwath-Winter J, Kontadakis GA, Mehta JS, Messmer EM, Perez VL, Zadok D, Willcox MDP. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of elective medications and procedures on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:331-385. [PMID: 37087043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The word "elective" refers to medications and procedures undertaken by choice or with a lower grade of prioritization. Patients usually use elective medications or undergo elective procedures to treat pathologic conditions or for cosmetic enhancement, impacting their lifestyle positively and, thus, improving their quality of life. However, those interventions can affect the homeostasis of the tear film and ocular surface. Consequently, they generate signs and symptoms that could impair the patient's quality of life. This report describes the impact of elective topical and systemic medications and procedures on the ocular surface and the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, elective procedures performed for ocular diseases, cosmetic enhancement, and non-ophthalmic interventions, such as radiotherapy and bariatric surgery, are discussed. The report also evaluates significant anatomical and biological consequences of non-urgent interventions to the ocular surface, such as neuropathic and neurotrophic keratopathies. Besides that, it provides an overview of the prophylaxis and management of pathological conditions resulting from the studied interventions and suggests areas for future research. The report also contains a systematic review investigating the quality of life among people who have undergone small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Overall, SMILE refractive surgery seems to cause more vision disturbances than LASIK in the first month post-surgery, but less dry eye symptoms in long-term follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alvaro P Gomes
- Dept. of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo/Paulista School of Medicine (UNIFESP/EPM), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Dimitri T Azar
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christophe Baudouin
- Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital & Vision Institute, IHU FOReSIGHT, Paris, France
| | - Etty Bitton
- Ecole d'optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Wei Chen
- Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - Pedram Hamrah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruth E Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Victor L Perez
- Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, Duke University Eye Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David Zadok
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated to the Hebrew University, School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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4
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Markoulli M, Ahmad S, Arcot J, Arita R, Benitez-Del-Castillo J, Caffery B, Downie LE, Edwards K, Flanagan J, Labetoulle M, Misra SL, Mrugacz M, Singh S, Sheppard J, Vehof J, Versura P, Willcox MDP, Ziemanski J, Wolffsohn JS. TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of nutrition on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:226-271. [PMID: 37100346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Nutrients, required by human bodies to perform life-sustaining functions, are obtained from the diet. They are broadly classified into macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and water. All nutrients serve as a source of energy, provide structural support to the body and/or regulate the chemical processes of the body. Food and drinks also consist of non-nutrients that may be beneficial (e.g., antioxidants) or harmful (e.g., dyes or preservatives added to processed foods) to the body and the ocular surface. There is also a complex interplay between systemic disorders and an individual's nutritional status. Changes in the gut microbiome may lead to alterations at the ocular surface. Poor nutrition may exacerbate select systemic conditions. Similarly, certain systemic conditions may affect the uptake, processing and distribution of nutrients by the body. These disorders may lead to deficiencies in micro- and macro-nutrients that are important in maintaining ocular surface health. Medications used to treat these conditions may also cause ocular surface changes. The prevalence of nutrition-related chronic diseases is climbing worldwide. This report sought to review the evidence supporting the impact of nutrition on the ocular surface, either directly or as a consequence of the chronic diseases that result. To address a key question, a systematic review investigated the effects of intentional food restriction on ocular surface health; of the 25 included studies, most investigated Ramadan fasting (56%), followed by bariatric surgery (16%), anorexia nervosa (16%), but none were judged to be of high quality, with no randomized-controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sumayya Ahmad
- Icahn School of Medicine of Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jayashree Arcot
- Food and Health, School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Reiko Arita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Itoh Clinic, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katie Edwards
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Judith Flanagan
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Vision CRC, USA
| | - Marc Labetoulle
- Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Bicêtre, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; IDMIT (CEA-Paris Saclay-Inserm U1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stuti L Misra
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Sumeer Singh
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Sheppard
- Virginia Eye Consultants, Norfolk, VA, USA; Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Jelle Vehof
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Section of Ophthalmology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Piera Versura
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Analysis - Translation Research Laboratory, Ophthalmology Unit, DIMEC Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Italy; IRCCS AOU di Bologna Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jillian Ziemanski
- School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James S Wolffsohn
- College of Health & Life Sciences, School of Optometry, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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Patel S, Shokr H, Greenstein A, Gherghel D. Macro- and Microvascular Function in Middle-Aged Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Disease Risk. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236962. [PMID: 36498535 PMCID: PMC9740681 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: To investigate the microvascular function in apparently healthy individuals showing signs of early macrovascular endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Healthy participants aged between 30−55 years were recruited for the present study. Baseline measurements included body-mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), 24-h blood pressure, as well as fasted venous glucose, triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total). Brachial artery reactivity was measured using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique and retinal vessel reactivity was assessed by using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyser (DVA) in all individuals. The enrolled participants were separated in two groups, based on either a reduced (group 1: <5%—n = 53) or a normal FMD response (group 2: 7−10%—n = 47). Results: Individuals exhibiting reduced FMD responses showed a reduced baseline-corrected microvascular arterial dilation response to flickering light (p = 0.039). In addition, they also exhibited a reduced arteriolar maximum dilation (p = 0.034), as well as a longer dilation reaction time (p = 0.048) and a lower dilation amplitude (p = 0.042) when compared to those with normal FMD values. Conclusion: In otherwise healthy middle-aged individuals, early signs of vascular dysfunction are reflected simultaneously at both macro- and microvascular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunni Patel
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Hala Shokr
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Adam Greenstein
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Doina Gherghel
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-0121-204-4120
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Mroczkowska S, Shokr H, Benavente-Pérez A, Negi A, Bentham P, Gherghel D. Retinal Microvascular Dysfunction Occurs Early and Similarly in Mild Alzheimer's Disease and Primary-Open Angle Glaucoma Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6702. [PMID: 36431179 PMCID: PMC9717733 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the similarities and differences in retinal microvascular function between mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, early-stage primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and healthy controls. Methods: Retinal vessel reactivity to flickering light was assessed in 10 AD, 19 POAG and 20 healthy age matched control patients by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA, IMEDOS, GmbH, Jena, Germany) according to an established protocol. All patients additionally underwent BP measurements and blood analysis for glucose and lipid metabolism markers. Results: AD and POAG patients demonstrated comparable alterations in retinal artery reactivity, in the form of an increased arterial reaction time (RT) to flicker light on the final flicker cycle (p = 0.009), which was not replicated by healthy controls (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the sequential changes in RT on progressing from flicker one to flicker three were found to differ between healthy controls and the two disease groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: AD and POAG patients demonstrate comparable signs of vascular dysfunction in their retinal arteries at the early stages of their disease process. This provides support for the concept of a common underlying vascular aetiology in these two neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mroczkowska
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Eye and Vision Research Group, School of Health Professions, Plymouth University, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Hala Shokr
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Alexandra Benavente-Pérez
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Anil Negi
- Medical Innovation Development and Research Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 1NT, UK
| | - Peter Bentham
- Medical Innovation Development and Research Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 1NT, UK
| | - Doina Gherghel
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Ophthalmic Research Group, College Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Seshadri S, Shokr H, Gherghel D. Retinal Microvascular Abnormalities and Systemic Arterial Stiffness Are the First Manifestation of Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Patients with Untreated Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and with Low to Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk-A Pilot Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102669. [PMID: 36289930 PMCID: PMC9599073 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate macro- and microvascular function parameters and their relationship with known markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with untreated moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Fourteen patients with moderate to severe OSA and fourteen controls were included in the present study. General assessments included BMI, systemic blood pressure (BP) and circulating markers for oxidative stress and endothelial function. Additional assessments included 24 h BP and heart rate monitoring, as well as the assessment of heart rate variability. Macro- and microvascular assessments included augmentation index, carotid intima-media thickness, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, as well as various retinal microvascular function assessments, using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer. All participants completed the Short Form Health Survey, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The results show that, in comparison to controls, BMI (p = 0.003) and AIx (p = 0.025) were significantly higher in the OSA group. There was, however, no significant difference between groups with regard to other measured systemic general, vascular and circulatory parameters (all p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the retinal microvascular function showed various alterations in the OSA patients, including a delayed reaction time in response to flicker (p = 0.047), as well as a decreased dilation amplitude (p = 0.004), dilation slope (p = 0.004), and post-flicker constriction (p = 0.015). In addition, the observed SlopeAD alterations correlated negatively with BMI values only in the OSA group (r = −0.46, p = 0.045). In conclusion, individuals with untreated moderate to severe OSA but without overt CVD, exhibit signs of increased arterial stiffness and retinal microvascular dysfunction, which can be early indicators for future vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Seshadri
- Vascular Research Laboratory, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Hala Shokr
- Vascular Research Laboratory, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Doina Gherghel
- Vascular Research Laboratory, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (D.G.)
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8
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Shokr H, Lush V, Dias IH, Ekárt A, De Moraes G, Gherghel D. The Use of Retinal Microvascular Function and Telomere Length in Age and Blood Pressure Prediction in Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Risk. Cells 2022; 11:3037. [PMID: 36230999 PMCID: PMC9563868 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing represents a major risk factor for many pathologies that limit human lifespan, including cardiovascular diseases. Biological ageing is a good biomarker to assess early individual risk for CVD. However, finding good measurements of biological ageing is an ongoing quest. This study aims to assess the use retinal microvascular function, separate or in combination with telomere length, as a predictor for age and systemic blood pressure in individuals with low cardiovascular risk. In all, 123 healthy participants with low cardiovascular risk were recruited and divided into three groups: group 1 (less than 30 years old), group 2 (31-50 years old) and group 3 (over 50 years old). Relative telomere length (RTL), parameters of retinal microvascular function, CVD circulatory markers and blood pressure (BP) were measured in all individuals. Symbolic regression- analysis was used to infer chronological age and systemic BP measurements using either RTL or a combination of RTL and parameters for retinal microvascular function. RTL decreased significantly with age (p = 0.010). There were also age-related differences between the study groups in retinal arterial time to maximum dilation (p = 0.005), maximum constriction (p = 0.007) and maximum constriction percentage (p = 0.010). In the youngest participants, the error between predicted versus actual values for the chronological age were smallest in the case of using both retinal vascular functions only (p = 0.039) or the combination of this parameter with RTL (p = 0.0045). Systolic BP was better predicted by RTL also only in younger individuals (p = 0.043). The assessment of retinal arterial vascular function is a better predictor than RTL for non-modifiable variables such as age, and only in younger individuals. In the same age group, RTL is better than microvascular function when inferring modifiable risk factors for CVDs. In older individuals, the accumulation of physiological and structural biological changes makes such predictions unreliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Shokr
- Vascular Research Laboratory, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Victoria Lush
- Computer Science, School of Informatics and Digital Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Irundika Hk Dias
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Anikó Ekárt
- Computer Science, School of Informatics and Digital Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Gustavo De Moraes
- Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Research Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Doina Gherghel
- Vascular Research Laboratory, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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