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Piazzolla G, Candigliota M, Fanelli M, Castrovilli A, Berardi E, Antonica G, Battaglia S, Solfrizzi V, Sabbà C, Tortorella C. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2019; 11:87. [PMID: 31673296 PMCID: PMC6815401 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-019-0484-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clinical condition potentially promoting the development of atherosclerotic disease. To date, the clinical impact of elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in MetS is still under discussion. The aim of this cross sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between MetS and hyperhomocysteinemia and the potential role of Hcy in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic complications of MetS. METHODS We recruited 300 outpatients with MetS. All patients underwent a medical history collection, physical examination, blood sampling and carotid ultrasound echo-color Doppler. According to Hcy levels, MetS patients were divided into two groups: "normal" (< 10.7 μmol/l; n = 140, group 1) and "high" Hcy (≥ 10.7 μmol/l; n = 160, group 2). Comparisons between groups were made by Student's t-test or Chi-square test. The effects of potential covariates on group differences were evaluated by general linear models. The relationships between continuous variables were assessed by simple or multiple correlation and by linear regression. Multiple regression models were built to evaluate the effects of Hcy, together with other potential risk factors, on carotid atherosclerosis. RESULTS Patients with high Hcy were predominantly male and slightly older than group 1 patients. Smokers and non-smokers exhibited similar Hcy levels, nor was a statistical relationship between pack-years and Hcy observed. Group 2 showed lower levels of folic acid, vitamin D, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) than group 1, but higher levels of C-peptide, uric acid and triglycerides. In all patients, Hcy was positively correlated with C-peptide and uric acid and negatively with folic acid and e-GFR. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid stenosis degree were significantly higher in patients with high Hcy and a positive relationship between Hcy and both IMT and carotid stenosis was detected in all patients. Finally, Hcy atherogenic effects were independent of other well-known atherosclerosis risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight a link between MetS and hyperhomocysteinemia and a direct effect of Hcy on atherogenic process during MetS. Early correction of folic acid levels may contribute to prevent cardiovascular complications in MetS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Piazzolla
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mafalda Candigliota
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Fanelli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Castrovilli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Elsa Berardi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Antonica
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Battaglia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Cosimo Tortorella
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Maglia G, Arabia F, Aspromonte V, Mignano A, Candigliota M, Pirrotta S, D'argento C, Bavila R, Cerroni M, Malacrida M, Cassadonte F. P926Preliminary experience of maximum voltage-guided approach with a novel ultra-high density mapping system for atrial flutter ablation. Europace 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/eux151.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Merante A, Gareri P, Castagna A, Marigliano NM, Candigliota M, Ferraro A, Ruotolo G. Transient cerebral ischemia in an elderly patient with patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm. Clin Interv Aging 2015; 10:1445-9. [PMID: 26379429 PMCID: PMC4567244 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s80190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease is one of the most common causes of cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality in developed countries; up to 40% of acute ischemic strokes in young adults are cryptogenic in nature – that is, no cause is determined. However, in more than half of these patients, patent foramen ovale (PFO) is seen along with an increased incidence of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The following is a report of an interesting case: a 68-year-old man with ASA and transient cerebral ischemia. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed the presence of ASA; a test with microbubbles derived from a mixture of air and saline or colloids pointed out a shunt on the foramen ovale following Valsalva’s maneuver. The patient underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure of the interatrial communication by an interventional cardiologist. TEE and transcranial Doppler or TEE with the microbubbles test are the recommended methods for detecting and quantifying intracardiac shunts, both at rest and following Valsalva’s maneuver. In patients following the first event of transient ischemic attack, and without clinical and anatomical risk factors (such as the presence of ASA, PFO, and basal shunt), pharmacological treatment with antiplatelets or anticoagulants is closely recommended. On the contrary, in patients following the first event of transient ischemic attack, or a recurrent event during antiplatelet treatment, the percutaneous closure of PFO is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Merante
- Geriatric Unit, "Pugliese-Ciaccio" Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pietro Gareri
- Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP), Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alessandro Ferraro
- Intensive Cardiology Unit, "Pugliese-Ciaccio" Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
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Sciacqua A, Candigliota M, Ceravolo R, Scozzafava A, Sinopoli F, Corsonello A, Sesti G, Perticone F. Weight loss in combination with physical activity improves endothelial dysfunction in human obesity. Diabetes Care 2003; 26:1673-8. [PMID: 12766092 DOI: 10.2337/diacare.26.6.1673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether weight loss may improve endothelial dysfunction in human obesity, we recruited 28 healthy obese subjects, aged 30-46 years, with BMI 30-43 kg/m(2). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation were investigated by intra-arterial infusion of increasing doses of acetylcholine (ACh; 7.5, 15, and 30 microg x ml(-1) x min(-1)) and sodium nitroprusside (0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 microg x ml(-1) x min(-1)). Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Weight loss was obtained by caloric restriction and physical activity. RESULTS We observed a significant reduction in BMI (from 33.1 +/- 4.2 to 27.5 +/- 4.5 kg/m(2), -16.9%, P < 0.0001) and in waist circumference (from 108.2 +/- 12.1 to 96.8 +/- 12.9 cm, -10.5%, P < 0.0001). Weight loss was also associated with a significant increase in ACh-stimulated forearm blood flow (FBF), from 7.4 +/- 2.8 to 12.9 +/- 3.4 ml. 100 ml(-1) of tissue x min(-1) kg/m(2) (P < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the only independent predictor of FBF was HOMA, accounting for 44.5% of the variation, whereas the addition of BMI explained another 2.3% of the variation. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that energy-restricted diet associated with physical activity induce a significant and clinically relevant improvement in ACh-stimulated vasodilation in obese healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Sciacqua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine G. Salvatore, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Cuda G, Paternò R, Ceravolo R, Candigliota M, Perrotti N, Perticone F, Faniello MC, Schepis F, Ruocco A, Mele E, Cassano S, Bifulco M, Santillo M, Avvedimento EV. Protection of human endothelial cells from oxidative stress: role of Ras-ERK1/2 signaling. Circulation 2002; 105:968-74. [PMID: 11864927 DOI: 10.1161/hc0802.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species play a critical role in inducing apoptosis. The small GTPase p21 Ras and the ERK1/2 MAPK have been proposed as key regulators of the signaling cascade triggered by oxidative stress (H2O2). Harvey-Ras (Ha-Ras) and Kirsten-Ras (Ki-Ras) isoforms are so far functionally indistinguishable, because they activate the same downstream effectors, including ERK1/2. Moreover, ERK1/2 signaling has been involved in both protection and induction of apoptosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to H2O2, and apoptosis was detected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and caspase-3 activation. Transfection of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras genes in HUVECs was performed to evaluate the response to H2O2. We have found that, whereas Ha-Ras decreases tolerance to oxidative stress, Ki-Ras has a potent antiapoptotic activity. Both effects are mediated by ERK1/2. Tolerance to H2O2 is encoded by a unique stretch of lysines at the COOH terminus of the Ki-Ras, lacking in Ha-Ras, and it is relatively independent of the farnesylated anchor. Inhibition of p21 Ras signaling by farnesylation inhibitors increased the resistance to apoptosis in Ha-Ras-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings explain the opposite effects of ERK1/2 stimulation on apoptosis found in different cell types and suggest that local activation of ERK1/2 signaling may account for the opposing response to oxidative stress by Ha-Ras or Ki-Ras-expressing cells. Modulation of cell reactivity to oxidative stress by p21 Ras points to the specific and predictive effects of Ras inhibitors in vivo as potential therapeutic drugs in disorders produced by increase of reactive oxygen species inside the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cuda
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica G. Salvatore, Università di Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Napoli, Italy
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Perticone F, Ceravolo R, Candigliota M, Ventura G, Iacopino S, Sinopoli F, Mattioli PL. Obesity and body fat distribution induce endothelial dysfunction by oxidative stress: protective effect of vitamin C. Diabetes 2001; 50:159-65. [PMID: 11147782 DOI: 10.2337/diabetes.50.1.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction has been reported in obese subjects, but its mechanism has not been elucidated. We have therefore investigated 1) the possible relationship among BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and endothelium-dependent vasodilation and 2) whether oxidative stress participates in endothelial dysfunction. We recruited 76 healthy subjects (50 men and 26 women aged 21-45 years) and measured their BMI (kg/m2), WHR, and insulin resistance (IR) estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation were assessed by increasing doses of acetylcholine (ACh) (7.5, 15, and 30 pg x ml(-1) x min(-1)) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 microg x ml(-1) x min(-1)) during saline and vitamin C coinfusion (24 mg/min). The effects of cyclooxygenase activity were evaluated by a dose-response curve to intrabrachial coinfusion of ACh and indomethacin (500 microg/min). Three different groups have been identified according to their BMI: group A (BMI <25), consisting of 10 men and 5 women; group B (BMI between 25 and 29), consisting of 16 men and 8 women; and group C (BMI > or =30), consisting of 24 men and 13 women. Obese subjects had significantly lower forearm blood flow (FBF) during ACh infusions (means +/- SD): 19.8 +/- 2.8, 10.8 +/- 2.7, and 6.5 +/- 1.8 ml x 100 ml(-1) tissue x min(-1) (P < 0.0001) for groups A, B, and C, respectively. SNP caused comparable increments in FBF in all groups. Regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between BMI (r = -0.676, P < 0.0001), WHR (r = -0.631, P < 0.0001), fasting insulin (r = -0.695, P < 0.0001), HOMA-IR (r = -0.633, P < 0.0001), and percent peak increase in FBF during ACh infusion. In obese subjects, both vitamin C and indomethacin increased the impaired vasodilating response to ACh, whereas the SNP effect was unchanged. In conclusion, in obese subjects, ACh-stimulated vasodilation is blunted, and the increase in FBF is inversely related to BMI, WHR, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR. The effects of both vitamin C and indomethacin on impaired ACh-stimulated vasodilation support the hypothesis that oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction in human obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Perticone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine G. Salvatore, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Italy.
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Perticone F, Ceravolo R, Maio R, Cloro C, Candigliota M, Scozzafava A, Mongiardo A, Mastroroberto P, Chello M, Mattioli PL. Effects of atorvastatin and vitamin C on endothelial function of hypercholesterolemic patients. Atherosclerosis 2000; 152:511-8. [PMID: 10998481 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(00)00370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We tested the effects of vitamin C and atorvastatin treatment on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation in 18 hypercholesterolemic patients (ten men and eight women, aged 20-46 years) in comparison with 12 normal volunteers (seven men and five women, aged 20-45 years). The responses of the forearm blood flow (FBF) to acetylcholine (ACh) (7.5, 15 and 30 microg/min), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (0.8, 1.6, 3.2 microg/min) and L-NMMA (2, 4, 8 micromol/min) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 month of atorvastatin (10 mg/day) treatment. Drugs were infused into the brachial artery and FBF was measured by strain-gauge plethysmography. At baseline, the response to ACh was significantly attenuated in hypercholesterolemics versus controls: at the highest dose (30 microg/min), FBF was 27.0+/-3.4 versus 11.5+/-1.9 ml.100 ml tissue(-1).min(-1) respectively (P<0.0001). No significant differences were found between groups during SNP infusion. The atorvastatin treatment significantly improved ACh-stimulated FBF: at highest dose the FBF increased to 14.9+/-1.5 ml.100 ml tissue(-1). min(-1) (P<0.0001). Similarly, the L-NMMA endothelial effects were significantly enhanced by lipid-lowering treatment, supporting the improvement of basal nitric oxide. Vitamin C increased ACh-vasodilation in the same way before and after atorvastatin treatment. In conclusion, the endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemics is due to an oxidative stress and atorvastatin rapidly improves both basal and stimulated endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Perticone
- Cardiovascular Diseases Unit, Department of Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica 'G Salvatore', Policlinico Mater Domini, Via Tommaso Campanella, University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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