Acute effects of exercise with blood flow restriction on endothelial function in healthy young and older populations: a systematic review / Efeitos agudos do exercício com restrição do fluxo sanguíneo na função endotelial de jovens e idosos saudáveis: uma revisão sistemática

The objective of this review is to identify the acute effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) with vs without exercise on endothelial function in healthy individuals and the changes in endothelial function in young and older adults following different levels of exclusive BFR vs free flow. Systematic searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, from inception to July 17, 2021. The studies included healthy individuals who underwent assessments of endothelial function before and after experimental protocols through endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation. In total, 4890 studies were screened, and 6 studies of moderate-to-high methodological quality (Physiotherapy Evidence Database scores 6 ­ 10) including 82 subjects (aged 24 ­ 68 years) were eligible. Overall, flow-mediated dilatation increased in the non-cuffed arm immediately and 15 minutes after exercise, with no change in the cuffed arm (BFR of 60 ­ 80 mmHg). In protocols without exercise, cuff pressures of 25 ­ 30 mmHg applied for 30 minutes did not promote changes in the endothelial function, while those > 50 mmHg induced a dose-dependent attenuation of flow-mediated dilatation only in young individuals. A moderate level of BFR appears to have no effect on endothelial function after acute exercise. In non-exercise conditions, reductions in flow-mediated dilatation seem to result from increased retrograde shear provoked by cuff pressures ≥ 50 mmHg in young but not in older adults. An exercise-related increase in antegrade shear rate leads to a greater nitric oxide-mediated vasodilator response. However, BFR appears to attenuate this effect in young but not in older individuals. (AU)

O objetivo desta revisão foi identificar os efeitos agudos da restrição do fluxo sanguíneo (RFS) com vs. sem exercício na função endotelial de indivíduos saudáveis, bem como as alterações na função endotelial em jovens e idosos após diferentes níveis de RFS vs. fluxo livre. Pesquisas sistemáticas foram realizadas nas bases United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus e Cochrane Library até 17 de julho de 2021. Os estudos incluíram indivíduos saudáveis que avaliaram a função endotelial antes e após protocolos experimentais, por meio da dilatação mediada por fluxo. Foi selecionado o total de 4.890 estudos, e foram elegíveis seis de moderada a alta qualidade metodológica (Physioterapy Evidence Database 6 ­ 10 pontos), incluindo 82 indivíduos (24 ­ 68 anos). No geral, a dilatação mediada por fluxo aumentou no braço sem manguito, imediatamente e 15 minutos após o exercício, sem alteração no braço com manguito (RFS de 60 ­ 80 mmHg). Em protocolos sem exercício, pressões do manguito de 25 ­ 30 mmHg aplicadas por 30 minutos não promoveram alterações na função endotelial, enquanto aquelas > 50 mmHg induziram uma atenuação dose-dependente da dilatação mediada por fluxo em indivíduos jovens. Um nível moderado de RFS parece não ter efeito na função endotelial após uma sessão de exercício. Em condições sem exercício, as reduções na dilatação mediada por fluxo parecem resultar do aumento do cisalhamento retrógrado provocado por pressões do manguito ≥ 50 mmHg em jovens, mas não em idosos. O aumento da taxa de cisalhamento anterógrado relacionada ao exercício leva a maior resposta vasodilatadora mediada pelo óxido nítrico. No entanto, a RFS parece atenuar esse efeito em jovens, mas não em . (AU)

Ácidos grasos omega-3 y función endotelial en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo / Omega-3 fatty acids and endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, manifestándose principalmente como enfermedad isquémica coronaria. El pronóstico y desenlace del Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA) depende en gran proporción de la disfunción endotelial asociado a este cuadro. Objetivo:Evaluar el efecto de los ácidos grasos omega­3, sobre la función endotelial en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo (SCA). Métodos: Se realizó estudio con 16 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) tratados con Omega-3 a dosis de 3 gramos/día+Terapia Convencional (O3+Tc) durante 30 días. Se les realizó a las 12 horas del ingreso y los a 30 días, perfil lipídico, proteína C reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus), Endotelina 1 (ET-1), y Péptido Natriurético cerebral (NTproBNP). Resultados: Durante 4 semanas de seguimiento, el uso de 3 gramos/día de ácidos grasos omega-3, añadido a la terapia convencional en el Síndrome Coronario Agudo, mostró una reducción significativa de la concentración plasmática de NTproBNP (p = 0,000), PCRus (p =0,000) y triglicéridos (p = 0,004). Conclusión: Tres gramos al día de ácidos grasos omega-3 contribuye a la reducción de la concentración plasmática de Triglicéridos y NTproBNP en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo(AU)

Mainly as coronary ischemic disease. the prognosis and outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) depend largely on the endothelial dysfunction associated with this condition. Objective: To evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on endothelial function in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Method: A study was conducted with 16 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with Omega-3 at a dose of 3 grams/day+Conventional erapy (O3+Tc) for 30 days. Lipid profile, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP), Endothelin 1 (ET-1), and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NTproBNP) were performed 12 hours aer admission and 30 days later. Results: During 4 weeks of follow-up, the use of 3 grams/day of omega-3 fatty acids, added to conventional therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome, showed a significant reduction in the plasma concentration of NTproBNP (p = 0.000), hsCRP (p =0.000) and Triglycerides (p = 0.004). Conclusion: three grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to the reduction of the plasmatic concentration of Triglycerides and NTproBNP in patients with acute coronary syndrome(AU)

O efeito da atorvastatina + aspirina na função endotelial difere com a idade em pacientes com HIV: Um estudo de caso-controle / The effect of atorvastatin + aspirin on the endothelial function differs with age in patients with HIV: A case-control study

Resumo Fundamento Pacientes com HIV têm maior probabilidade de apresentar doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados à população em geral. Objetivo Este foi um estudo de caso-controle que teve como objetivo avaliar quais fatores estavam associados a uma redução na espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) da carótida e ao aumento na dilatação mediada por fluxo (DMF) da artéria braquial em pacientes com HIV que receberam atorvastatina + aspirina por um período de 6 meses. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise secundária de um ensaio clínico, que incluiu pessoas vivendo com HIV e baixo risco cardiovascular. Um total de 38 pacientes alocados para o braço de intervenção e tratados por 6 meses com uma combinação de atorvastatina + aspirina foram incluídos. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a ultrassonografia da carótida e da artéria braquial, tanto no início quanto no final do estudo. Os casos que responderam com aumento >10% da dilatação braquial (DMF) e redução da espessura médio-intimal da carótida (IMT) foram considerados casos, e aqueles que não responderam foram considerados controles. Avaliamos os fatores associados às respostas positivas obtidas através da IMT e DMF. Resultados A redução do IMT não se associou significativamente a nenhum dos fatores de risco avaliados: idade (p = 0,211), sexo (p = 0,260), tabagismo (p = 0,131) ou tempo de diagnóstico do HIV (p = 0,836). Um aumento na DMF foi significativamente associado com a idade entre aqueles na faixa etária de 40-59 anos, p = 0,015 (OR = 4,37; IC 95%: 1,07-17,79). Conclusões Os indivíduos mais velhos foram mais propensos a apresentar um aumento na DMF após 6 meses de tratamento com atorvastatina + aspirina.

Abstract Background Patients with HIV are more likely to present with cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population. Objective This was a case-control study that aimed to assess which factors were associated with a reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and an increase in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in HIV patients who received atorvastatin + aspirin during a period of 6 months. Methods A secondary analysis of a clinical trial was conducted, which included people living with HIV infection and low cardiovascular risk. A total of 38 patients allocated to the intervention arm and treated for 6 months with a combination of atorvastatin + aspirin were included. All participants underwent a carotid and brachial artery ultrasound, both at the beginning and the end of the study. Cases that responded with an increase of >10% of the brachial dilatation (FMD) and reduction of the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were considered cases, and those who did not respond were considered controls. We assessed the factors associated with the positive responses obtained through IMT and FMD. Results A reduction in the IMT was not significantly associated with any of the evaluated risk factors: age (p=0.211), gender (p=0.260), smoking (p=0.131) or time since HIV diagnosis (p=0.836). An increase in the FMD was significantly associated with age amongst those in the 40-59 age group, p = 0.015 (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.07-17.79). Conclusions Older individuals were more likely to present with an increased FMD after 6 months of treatment with atorvastatin + aspirin.

Cardioprotective solutions exposure for 1 hour in hypoxia and low temperatures affects vascular reactivity differently

Abstract Introduction: Heart preservation benefits cardiac performance after operations decreasing morbidity but the contribution of the vascular reactivity has been neglected. Objective: We evaluated whether cardioprotective solutions, Krebs-Henseleit (KH), Bretschneider-HTK (BHTK), St. Thomas No. 1 (STH-1), and Celsior (CEL), affect vascular reactivity. Methods: Aortic rings from Wistar rats were used in two protocols. First, the rings were exposed to BHTK, STH-1 or CEL for 1 hour of hypoxia at 37 °C. Second, the rings were exposed to 10 °C or 20 °C for 1 hour under hypoxia. After treatment, the rings were immersed in KH at 37 °C, endothelial integrity was tested and concentration-response curves to phenylephrine were performed. Results: In the first protocol, the solutions did not damage the endothelium; CEL and BHTK reduced KCl-induced contractions but not STH-1; only CEL and BHTK reduced vascular reactivity; there was a positive correlation between Rmax and KCl concentration. At 20 °C, 1 hour under hypoxia, the solutions produced similar KCl-induced contractions without endothelial damage. CEL, BHTK and STH-1 decreased vascular reactivity. At 10 °C, STH-1 increased reactivity but CEL and BHTK decreased. After 1 hour under hypoxia in CEL or BHTK solutions, reactivity was similar at different temperatures. At 20 °C, endothelial damage after exposure to STH-1 produced more vasoconstriction than CEL and BHTK. However, at 10 °C, endothelial damage after CEL and BHTK exposure elicited more vasoconstriction while STH-1 showed a small vasoconstrictor response, suggesting endothelial damage. Conclusion: STH-1 decreased reactivity at 20 °C and increased at 10 °C. CEL promoted greater endothelial modulation at 10 °C than at 20 °C, while STH-1 promoted higher modulation at 20 °C than at 10 °C. Vascular tone was reduced by CEL and BHTK exposure, also depending on the KCl concentration.

Dietary supplementation with whey protein improves systemic microvascular function in heart failure patients: a pilot study

Endothelial dysfunction is a well-known component of the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF), with proven prognostic value. Dietary supplementation with whey protein (WP) has been widely used to increase skeletal muscle mass, but it also has vascular effects, which are less understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WP supplementation on the systemic microvascular function of HF patients. This was a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effects of 12-week WP dietary supplementation on systemic microvascular function, in patients with HF New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I/II. Cutaneous microvascular flow and reactivity were assessed using laser speckle contrast imaging, coupled with pharmacological local vasodilator stimuli. Fifteen patients (aged 64.5±6.2 years, 11 males) received WP supplementation and ten patients (aged 68.2±8.8 years, 8 males) received placebo (maltodextrin). The increase in endothelial-dependent microvascular vasodilation, induced by skin iontophoresis of acetylcholine, was improved after WP (P=0.03) but not placebo (P=0.37) supplementation. Moreover, endothelial-independent microvascular vasodilation induced by skin iontophoresis of sodium nitroprusside, was also enhanced after WP (P=0.04) but not placebo (P=0.42) supplementation. The results suggested that dietary supplementation with WP improved systemic microvascular function in patients with HF.

Quais são os mecanismos celulares relacionados aos eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes com COVID-19? / What cellular mechanisms are related to thromboembolic events in patients with COVID-19?

Resumo O SARS-CoV-2 é o vírus responsável pela pandemia da COVID-19. Essa doença começou a ser melhor entendida devido a outras manifestações clínicas além das respiratórias. Ao longo dos meses de atendimento aos pacientes infectados pelo vírus, foram identificadas alterações clínicas e laboratoriais que incitaram os pesquisadores a discutir sobre o potencial do SARS-CoV-2 no desencadeamento de uma resposta imunológica exacerbada capaz de alterar a homeostase endotelial, através de mecanismos diretos e indiretos. Com esse intuito, foram revisados os possíveis mecanismos que desencadeiam este fenômeno em pacientes portadores de COVID-19. Dessa forma, torna-se importante o entendimento fisiopatológico dos mecanismos imunológicos relacionados à doença para a compreensão do potencial de dano endotelial que a COVID-19 pode promover.

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. This disease is beginning to be better understood in terms of its other, non-respiratory, clinical manifestations. Over the course of months caring for patients infected by the virus, clinical and laboratory changes have been identified that have prompted researchers to debate the potential that SARS-CoV-2 has to trigger an exacerbated immune response that is capable of changing endothelial homeostasis through both direct and indirect mechanisms. With the intention of contributing to this debate, a review was conducted of the possible mechanisms that could trigger these phenomena in patients with COVID-19. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of the immunological mechanisms related to this disease in order to understand the potential endothelial damage that COVID-19 can provoke.

Uric acid as a predictor of endothelial dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective: We conducted a study to examine the association of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress with uric acid levels in patients of metabolic syndrome. Subjects and methods: One hundred and two patients of Metabolic Syndrome (International Diabetes Federation definition) were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements, serum uric acid levels, fasting blood sugar levels and lipid levels, as well as malondialdehyde and reactive nitrogen intermediates were measured after an 8-hour fasting period. Flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured and endothelial dysfunction was defined as an increase in diameter < 10% post compression. Results: A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Mean uric acid level was 5.49 ± 1.61 mg%. A total of 59 patients in the study had endothelial dysfunction, defined by an abnormal FMD. Patients with an abnormal FMD had higher levels of serum uric acid which was statistically significant (p value = 0.010). Serum RNI and MDA levels were negatively correlated with uric acid, but did not reach statistical significance. Patients with an abnormal FMD had a lower RNI level, but this did not reach statistical significance. Serum MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with an abnormal FMD (p value = 0.038). Conclusions: Uric acid was significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome in our study. It was inversely correlated with serum RNI and MDA levels, but this did not reach statistical significance.

Acute myocardial infarction associated with cocaine use / Infarto agudo al miocardio asociado al uso de cocaína

Abstract Cocaine abuse is related to a greater risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and ischemic cerebrovascular accidents. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, although the formation of intravascular thrombi and accelerated atherosclerosis are notable findings. We report the case of a 38-year-old man addicted to cocaine who presented ischemic events in the form of acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure. The pathophysiology of cocaine-induced vascular damage and the treatment of complications are discussed.

Resumen El abuso de cocaína se asocia con un mayor riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares, como infarto de miocardio y accidente cerebrovascular isquémico. Los mecanismos fisiopatológicos no se entienden completamente, aunque la formación de trombos intravasculares y la aterosclerosis acelerada son hallazgos destacados. Reportamos el caso de un hombre de 38 años adicto a la cocaína, que presentó eventos isquémicos caracterizados por infarto agudo de miocardio complicado por insuficiencia cardíaca. Se discute la fisiopatología del daño vascular inducido por la cocaína y el manejo de las complicaciones.

Covid-19 - endothelial axis and coronary artery bypass graft patency: a target for therapeutic intervention?

Abstract It has been reported that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces endothelial inflammation, therefore facilitating the progression of endothelial and vascular dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) involves mainly the use of the saphenous vein (SV) and internal mammary artery as graft material in the stenosed coronary arteries. Unfortunately, graft patency of the SV is low due to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 might cause vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis in coronary artery bypass graft vessels by binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Therefore, in this Special Article, we consider the potential influence of COVID-19 on the patency rates of coronary artery bypass graft vessels, mainly with reference to the SV. Moreover, we discuss the technique of SV graft harvesting and the therapeutic potential of focusing on endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and thrombosis for protecting coronary artery bypass grafts in COVID-19 infected CABG patients.

Efeito do Diterpeno Manool sobre a Pressão Arterial e Reatividade Vascular em Ratos Normotensos e Hipertensos / Effect of Diterpene Manool on the Arterial Blood Pressure and Vascular Reactivity in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

Resumo Fundamento: Diversos estudos têm mostrado que as classes de diterpenos exercem efeito significativo no sistema cardiovascular. Os diterpenos, em particular, estão entre os principais compostos associados às propriedades cardiovasculares, como a propriedade vasorrelaxante, inotrópica, diurética e a atividade hipotensora. Embora o mecanismo de vasorrelaxamento do manool seja visível, seu efeito sobre a pressão arterial (PA) ainda é desconhecido. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito hipotensor in vivo do manool e verificar o efeito de vasorrelaxamento ex vivo em anéis aórticos de ratos. Métodos: Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: normotensos e hipertensos. O grupo normotenso foi submetido à cirurgia sham e adotou-se o modelo 2R1C para o grupo hipertenso. Realizou-se monitoramento invasivo da PA para testes com manool em diferentes doses (10, 20 e 40 mg/kg). Foram obtidas curvas de concentração-resposta para o manool nos anéis aórticos, com endotélio pré-contraído com fenilefrina (Phe) após incubação com Nω-nitro-L-arginina metil éster (L-NAME) ou oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalina-1-ona (ODQ). Os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico (NOx) foram medidos por ensaio de quimioluminescência. Resultados: Após a administração de manool, a PA se reduziu nos grupos normotenso e hipertenso, e esse efeito foi inibido pelo L-NAME em animais hipertensos apenas na dose de 10 mg/kg. O manool ex vivo promoveu vasorrelaxamento, inibido pela incubação de L-NAME e ODQ ou remoção do endotélio. Os níveis plasmáticos de NOx aumentaram no grupo hipertenso após a administração de manool. O manool induz o relaxamento vascular dependente do endotélio na aorta de ratos, mediado pela via de sinalização NO/cGMP e redução da PA, e também pelo aumento plasmático de NOx. Esses efeitos combinados podem estar envolvidos na modulação da resistência periférica, contribuindo para o efeito anti-hipertensivo do diterpeno. Conclusão: Esses efeitos em conjunto podem estar envolvidos na modulação da resistência periférica, contribuindo para o efeito anti-hipertensivo do diterpeno.

Abstract Background: Many studies have shown that the diterpenoid classes exert a significant effect on the cardiovascular system. Diterpenes, in particular, are among the main compound links to cardiovascular properties such as vasorelaxant, inotropic, diuretic and hypotensive activity. While the manool vasorelaxation mechanism is visible, its effect on blood pressure (BP) is still unknown. Objective: To evaluate the in vivo hypotensive effect of manool and check the ex vivo vasorelaxation effect in rat aortic rings. Methods: The animals were divided randomly into two groups: normotensive and hypertensive. The normotensive group was sham-operated, and the 2K1C model was adopted for the hypertensive group. Invasive BP monitoring was performed for manool tests at different doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). Concentration-response curves for manool were obtained in the aorta rings, with endothelium, pre-contracted with phenylephrine (Phe) after incubation with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME) or oxadiazole [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Nitric oxide (NOx) plasma levels were measured by chemiluminescence assay. Results: After manool administration, BP was reduced in normotensive and hypertensive groups, and this effect was inhibited by L-NAME in hypertensive animals only in 10 mg/kg dose. Ex vivo manool promoted vasorelaxation, which was inhibited by L-NAME and ODQ incubation or endothelium removal. NOx plasma levels increased in the hypertensive group after manool administration. Manool elicits endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in rat aorta mediated by the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and BP reduction, also by NOx plasma increase. These combined effects could be involved in modulating peripheral resistance, contributing to the antihypertensive effect of diterpene. Conclusion: These effects together could be involved in modulating peripheral resistance, contributing to the antihypertensive effect of diterpene.

A hiperemia reativa correlaciona-se com presença de sepse e degradação de glicocálix na unidade de terapia intensiva: um estudo de coorte prospectiva / Reactive hyperemia correlates with the presence of sepsis and glycocalyx degradation in the intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar se a hiperemia reativa correlaciona-se com marcadores de disfunção endotelial e pode ser utilizada para identificar sepse na doença crítica. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo em uma coorte de pacientes críticos. A disfunção endotelial foi avaliada quando da admissão, por meio da quantificação de hiperemia por tonometria arterial periférica e níveis plasmáticos de endotelina 1, E-selectina solúvel, endocana e sindecano 1. Os pacientes sépticos foram comparados com pacientes sem evidência de infecção. Resultados: Cinquenta e oito pacientes sépticos foram comparados com 28 controle. O logaritmo natural da tonometria arterial periférica teve correlação negativa com comorbidades cardiovasculares, severidade da doença e níveis plasmáticos de E-selectina solúvel (p = 0,024) e sindecano 1 (p < 0,001). O logaritmo natural da tonometria arterial periférica foi mais baixo nos pacientes sépticos quando comparado com os de pacientes controle (0,53 ± 0,48 versus 0,69 ± 0,42, respectivamente) e, quando ajustado à idade, o modelo multivariado predisse que cada 0,1 de diminuição em unidades de logaritmo natural da tonometria arterial periférica levou a aumento de 14,6% na probabilidade de infecção. Conclusão: A hiperemia reativa avaliada por tonometria arterial periférica tem estreita relação com E-selectina solúvel e sindecano 1, o que sugere associação entre ativação endotelial, degradação de glicocálix e reatividade vascular. A hiperemia reativa por tonometria arterial periférica parece estar comprometida em pacientes críticos, especialmente os com sepse.

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether reactive hyperemia measured by peripheral arterial tonometry correlates with markers of endothelial dysfunction and may be used to identify sepsis in critical illness. Methods: A prospective study was performed using a cohort of critically ill patients. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed on admission by quantifying reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry and plasma levels of endothelin-1, soluble E-selectin, endocan and syndecan-1. Septic patients were compared to patients without evidence of infection. Results: Fifty-eight septic patients were compared to 28 controls. The natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry was negatively correlated with cardiovascular comorbidities, disease severity and plasma levels of soluble E-selectin (p = 0.024) and syndecan-1 (p < 0.001). The natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry was lower in septic patients than in controls (0.53 ± 0.48 versus 0.69 ± 0.42, respectively). When adjusted for age, the multivariable model predicted that each 0.1-unit decrease in natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry increased the odds for infection by 14.6%. m. Conclusion: Reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry is closely related to soluble E-selectin and syndecan-1, suggesting an association between endothelial activation, glycocalyx degradation and vascular reactivity. Reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry appears to be compromised in critically ill patients, especially those with sepsis.

Disfunción endotelial en una etapa precoz del diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial / Endothelial dysfunction in hypertension early stage

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial tiene una asociación compleja con la disfunción endotelial, una alteración fenotípica del endotelio vascular que precede al desarrollo de eventos cardiovasculares adversos y presagia un riesgo cardiovascular futuro. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de disfunción endotelial en pacientes hipertensos precozmente diagnosticados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico de corte transversal entre marzo 2017 y marzo 2019, con los datos de los pacientes que acudieron al examen médico de control de Salud del Hospital Militar Central Dr. Luis Díaz Soto. El grupo A (GA) estuvo conformado por pacientes hipertensos de reciente diagnóstico (hasta un año) sin lesión en órganos diana; mientras el Grupo B (GB) fueron sujetos sin hipertensión arterial. Previo consentimiento informado, se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas, y se realizaron determinaciones de laboratorio y prueba de vasodilatación por flujo. Resultados: La prevalencia de disfunción endotelial en el grupo A fue de 39,0 por ciento(p=0,021). Predominaron los hombres (55,0 por ciento) y la edad media 41,7 ± 8,6 años sin diferencias significativas. El 73,0 por ciento de los hipertensos eran sobrepeso u obesos. El colesterol total elevado (60,0 por ciento) y la microalbuminuria (69,0 por ciento) fueron las variables que aportaron mayor riesgo de disfunción endotelial en los pacientes hipertensos. Conclusiones: Se comprobó una elevada prevalencia de disfunción endotelial en los pacientes hipertensos de reciente diagnóstico, la cual se asoció a factores de riesgo ateroscleróticos: colesterol total elevado y microalbuminuria(AU)

Introduction: The arterial hypertension has a complex association with the endothelial dysfunction, and phenotypic alteration of the vascular endothelia that precedes the development of cardiovascular adverse events and it foreshadows future risk cardiovascular. Objective: To determine the presence of endothelial dysfunction in precociously diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: A transversal analytic study was conducted from March 2017 to March 2019, using data of the patients who attended to the military physical medical control at Dr. Luis Díaz Soto Military Hospital. Group A (GA) was formed by hypertensive patients recently diagnosed (up to a year) with no lesion in target organs; whereas Group B (GB) gathered the subjects with no hypertension. After establishing the informed consent, demographic, clinical variables were collected, and laboratory determinations and flow vasodilatation tests were performed. Results: Endothelial dysfunction prevalence in Group A was 39, 0 percent (p=0, 021). Men (55, 0 percent) and the mean age 41, 7 ± 8, 6 years prevailed with no significant differences. 73, 0 percent of the hypertensive subjects was overweight or obese. The total high cholesterol (60, 0 percent) and the micro albuminuria (69, 0 percent) were the variables that contributed to the higher risk of endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive patients. Conclusions: High prevalence of endothelial dysfunction was proven in recently diagnosed hypertensive patients. This endothelial dysfunction was associated to atherosclerosis risk factors as total high cholesterol and microalbuminuria(AU)

Effect of radiation on endothelial functions in workers exposed to radiation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Our aim is to determine whether radiation affects the endothelial function of hospital staff working in the radiation unit for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. We have evaluated endothelial function with vascular imaging parameters such as flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and aortic stiffness index (ASI). METHODS A total of 75 employees, 35 of whom are exposed to radiation due to their profession and 40 as the control group, were included in our single-centered study. Demographic data, FMD, aortic stiffness, and echocardiographic findings of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no significant differences in demographic data. Median FMD values tended to be lower in the radiation exposure group [7.89 (2.17-21.88) vs. 11.69 (5.13-27.27) p=0.09]. The FMD value was significantly lower in the catheter laboratory group than in the radiation-exposed (p=0.034) and control (p=0.012) groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the non-catheter lab radiation exposed group and the control group (p=0.804). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the ASI value between the groups (p=0.201). CONCLUSION We have found that FMD is decreased among hospital staff working in radiation-associated areas. This may be an early marker for radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O nosso objetivo é determinar se a radiação afeta a função endotelial de funcionários do hospital que trabalham em unidades com exposição à radiação para fins diagnósticos e terapêuticos. Avaliamos a função endotelial com parâmetros de imagens vasculares, tais como dilatação fluxo-mediada (FMD) e o índice de rigidez aórtica (ASI). METODOLOGIA Um total de 75 funcionários, 35 expostos à radiação devido à sua ocupação e 40 como grupo de controle, foram incluídos em nosso estudo monocêntrico. Os dados demográficos, de FMD, rigidez aórtica e ecocardiográficos dos dois grupos foram comparados. RESULTADOS Não houve diferenças significativas nos dados demográficos. Os valores médios de FMD, em geral, foram mais baixos no grupo de exposição à radiação [7,89 (2,17-21,88) e 11,69 (5,13-27,27) p=0,09]. O valor de FMD foi significativamente menor no grupo laboratorial com cateter do que no exposto à radiação (p=0,034) e no de controle (p=0,012). No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o grupo laboratorial sem cateter e exposto à radiação e o grupo de controle (p=0,804). Além disso, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quanto ao valor de ASI entre os grupos (p=0,201). CONCLUSÃO Observamos que a FMD é menor entre funcionários que trabalham em setores hospitalares associados à radiação. Isso pode ser um marcador inicial de disfunção endotelial induzida por radiação.

Possible mechanisms involved in the effect of the subchronic administration of rosuvastatin on endothelial function in rats with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition associated with a greater risk of various disorders (e.g., diabetes and heart disease). In a rat model of metabolic syndrome, an acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin causes relaxation of aortic rings. Since the outcome of a subchronic rosuvastatin treatment is unknown, the present study explored its effect on acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation of aortic rings from rats with metabolic syndrome. Animals were submitted to a 16-week treatment, including a standard diet, a cafeteria-style diet (CAF-diet), or a CAF-diet with daily rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg/kg). After confirming the development of metabolic syndrome in rats, aortic segments were extracted from these animals (those treated with rosuvastatin and untreated) and the acetylcholine-induced relaxant effect on the corresponding rings was evaluated. Concentration-response curves were constructed for this effect in the presence/absence of L-NAME, ODQ, KT 5823, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), tetraethylammonium (TEA), apamin plus charybdotoxin, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, and cycloheximide pretreatment. Compared to rings from control rats, acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation decreased in rings from animals with metabolic syndrome, and was maintained at a normal level in animals with metabolic syndrome plus rosuvastatin treatment. The effect of rosuvastatin was inhibited by L-NAME, ODQ, KT 5823, TEA, apamin plus charybdotoxin, but unaffected by 4-AP, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, or cycloheximide. In conclusion, the subchronic administration of rosuvastatin to rats with metabolic syndrome improved the acetylcholine-induced relaxant response, involving stimulation of the NO/cGMP/PKG/Ca2+-activated K+ channel pathway.

Inhibition of miR-383 suppresses oxidative stress and improves endothelial function by increasing sirtuin 1

Previous research has shown that suppression of miR-383 can prevent inflammation of the endothelium, as well as postpone the development of atherosclerosis. However, the role of miR-383 in endothelial cell apoptosis in diabetes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of miR-383 in high glucose-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in endothelial cells. A series of experiments involving qualitative polymerase chain reaction, cell transfection, luciferase assay, assessment of cell death, detection of catalase and superoxide dismutase concentrations, detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and western blot analysis were performed in this study. We found that miR-383 expression was promoted, while NAD+-dependent deacetylase and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expressions were suppressed in the endothelium of the aorta in db/db mice as well as in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which were treated with high glucose (HG). Increased expression of miR-383 decreased expression of SIRT1, while suppression of miR-383 promoted expression of SIRT1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, suppression of miR-383 following transfection with miR-383 suppressor repressed cell death and generation of ROS in HUVECs. SIRT1 knockdown by siRNA-SIRT1 reversed the suppressive effect of miR-383 inhibition on ROS production and cell apoptosis induced by HG treatment. Overall, the findings of our research suggested that suppression of miR-383 repressed oxidative stress and reinforced the activity of endothelial cells by upregulation of SIRT1 in db/db mice, and targeting miR-383 might be promising for effective treatment of diabetes.

Trombose arterial recorrente em paciente com doença de Fabry: relato de caso / Recurrent arterial thrombosis in a patient with Fabry disease: case report

Resumo A doença de Fabry é definida como uma doença rara de depósito lisossomal ligada ao cromossomo X que apresenta sintomas multissistêmicos, incluindo comprometimento vascular com eventos trombóticos. Paciente do sexo feminino, 57 anos, com diagnóstico de doença de Fabry há 11 anos, apresentava hiperidrose, hipoacusia e angioqueratoma nas mãos. Na história patológica pregressa, relatou episódio de acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico prévio aos 40 anos de idade e trombose arterial crônica agudizada em membro inferior direito há 1 ano, a qual foi tratada por meio de angioplastia com uso de stent, apresentando melhora temporária e recente recidiva do quadro. Os eventos trombóticos se enquadram nos sintomas típicos da doença de Fabry, e são resultantes do depósito de globotriaosilceramida no endotélio vascular, implicando em um estado pró-trombótico, justificando a reincidência dos sintomas e da trombose arterial em membro inferior.

Abstract Fabry disease is a rare disease, defined as an X-linked lysosomal deposition disease that presents with multisystemic symptoms, including vascular impairment with thrombotic events. A 57-year-old female patient diagnosed with Fabry disease 11 years previously, presented with hyperhidrosis, hypoacusis, and angiokeratoma on the hands. Her previous pathological history included an episode of ischemic stroke before the age of 40 years and chronic acute thrombosis in the right lower limb, 1 year previously, which had been treated with stent angioplasty, with temporary improvement followed by recent relapse of the condition. Thrombotic events fit the typical symptoms of Fabry disease and are caused by deposition of globotriaosylceramide in the vascular endothelium, constituting a prothrombotic state and explaining the recurrence of symptoms and arterial thrombosis in the lower limb.