Association of HDL cholesterol with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in primary hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent reports have shown that subjects with high high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels are paradoxically at increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The aim was to study the association of HDLc concentration with mortality in subjects with high cholesterol. METHODS: We analyzed total mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and non-cardiovascular mortality in a cohort of 2992 subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia, who were followed for 10.2 years (range 1-25 years), with a total of 30,602 subject-years of follow-up. RESULTS: During follow-up, 168 subjects died, with 52 (13.7 %), 105 (4.80 %), and 11 (2.60 %) in the low, normal, and high HDLc groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The risk of death was 2.89 times higher (95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.50-5.57, p < 0.001) in subjects in the low HDLc group compared to those in the high HDLc group and 1.48 times higher (95 % CI 0.80-2.76, p = 0.214) in the normal HDLc group compared to the high HDLc group. However, HDLc concentration and HDLc groups based on HDLc concentration were not independently associated with mortality in Cox regression analysis. Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortalities showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: All types of mortality were lower in subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia and with high HDLc in univariate analysis. Elevated HDLc was not associated with total, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality when adjusted for major cardiovascular risk factors.

Urinary Phosphate and Subclinical Atherosclerosis: The AWHS Study.

(1) Background: Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of vascular death worldwide. High urinary phosphate has recently been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor, but its role has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between urinary phosphate and subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid, femoral as well as coronary territories; (2) Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 1169 middle-aged men, aged 50.9 years (SD 3.7), without previous cardiovascular disease, belonging to the Aragon Workers Health Study (AWHS). Urinary phosphate was analyzed in urine samples using the Fiske-Subbarow method. The presence of carotid plaque and femoral plaque was assessed by ultrasound and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) by computed tomography. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were collected at annual medical examinations. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence of adjusted atherosclerosis in the different vascular arteries; (3) Results: A significant inverse association was observed between urinary phosphate and subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid [OR 95% CI 0.69 (0.49-0.99)] and coronary (CACS > 200) [OR 95% CI 0.46 (0.23-0.88)] arteries; however, no statistically significant association was found between urinary phosphate and the presence of atheroma plaques in the femoral territory [OR 1.02 (0.72-1.45)]; (4) Conclusions: In middle-aged men, a higher urinary phosphate concentration is associated with a lower prevalence of subclinical carotid and coronary atherosclerosis compared with those with a lower urinary phosphate concentration.

Phthalate exposure and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Phthalates may be associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases by interfering with glucose and lipid metabolism and by promoting adipogenesis. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between phthalate exposure and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, using surrogate markers such as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques. The literature search was performed using four databases (Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus), and this systematic review includes all available observational studies until July 6th, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed, and random effects models were used. Six high-quality cross-sectional studies and 2570 participants aged 12 to 70 were included. Six phthalate metabolites showed significant associations with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Exposure to MBzP, ΣDEHP, and MnBP was associated with increased carotid IMT. Exposure to MEP was associated with a higher prevalence of carotid plaques, and MiBP was associated with a lower prevalence. Mixed results were observed for MMP in older adults. The meta-analyses showed a high degree of heterogeneity, and the results are based on single studies. This study accurately describes the evidence of this association to date, suggesting that phthalates are associated with increased carotid IMT and a higher prevalence of carotid plaques. Further research is needed to elucidate this association, as phthalates are still used in the manufacture of everyday products, humans continue to be exposed to them, and atherosclerosis is a public health concern.

SEA 2024 Standards for Global Control of Vascular Risk. / Estándares de la Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis 2024 para el control global del riesgo vascular.

One of the objectives of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis is to contribute to the knowledge, prevention and treatment of vascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Spain and entail a high degree of disability and health expenditure. Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and its prevention requires a global approach that takes into account the associated risk factors. This document summarises the current evidence and includes recommendations for patients with established vascular disease or at high vascular risk: it reviews the symptoms and signs to evaluate, the laboratory and imaging procedures to request routinely or in special situations, and includes the estimation of vascular risk, diagnostic criteria for entities that are vascular risk factors, and general and specific recommendations for their treatment. Finally, it presents aspects that are not usually referenced in the literature, such as the organisation of a vascular risk consultation.

Higher Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index is a predictor of type 2 diabetes in a German population sample.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes has been described to be associated with hypothyroidism but we recently found that a decrease in pituitary sensitivity to thyroid hormone is associated with diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome.We aim to assess the longitudinal nature of this association in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania(SHIP) in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 77% of a population-based sample of 4308 participants between 20 and 79 years was followed for 5 years. We studied 2542 participants without diabetes or thyroid medication at baseline and complete data in the variables of interest. Data of baseline thyroxine(fT4) and thyrotropin(TSH) were used to calculate the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index(PTFQI), which measures whether TSH remains elevated despite fT4 being high. It uses the average population response as reference. PTFQI association with incidence of type 2 diabetes over 5 years was estimated with Poisson regression models adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index(BMI). RESULTS: Compared with the 1st PTFQI quartile, Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) for diabetes were 1.54(95% CI 0.97 to 2.46), 1.55(0.94 to 2.57), and 1.97(1.27 to 3.10) for the upper quartiles (p-trend=0.004) after adjusting for age and sex. The association remained statistically significant after additionally adjusting for BMI: 1.64(1.05 to 2.59) for the 4th vs the 1st quartile (p-trend=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: An elevation of the pituitary TSH-inhibition threshold is associated with incident type 2 diabetes independently of BMI. The PTFQI might have clinical potential for prognosis and metabolic status monitoring.

Low-Quality Carbohydrate Intake Is Associated With a Higher Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome: The AWHS Study.

CONTEXT: The relationship between carbohydrate quality intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is of growing interest. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the association between the adherence to a dietary carbohydrate quality index (CQI) with the occurrence of MetS in a Spanish cohort of working adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 2316 middle-aged men, aged 50.9 (SD 3.9) years, with no previous cardiovascular disease, and pertaining to the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS) cohort. Diet was collected with a 136-item semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The CQI (range 4-15) was based on: dietary fiber intake, a low glycemic index, the ratio of whole grains/total grains, and the ratio of solid carbohydrates/total carbohydrates. The higher the CQI, the healthier the diet. MetS was defined by using the harmonized National Cholesterol Education Programme-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) definition. The associations across 3-point categories of the CQI and the presence of MetS were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: An inverse and significant association between the CQI and MetS was found. Fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for MetS risk among participants in the 10- to 12-point category (second highest CQI category) was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.45-0.94), and in the 13- to 15-point category (highest category) was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.30-0.88), when compared with the 4- to 6-point category (lowest category). Participants with 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 points on the CQI showed a lower risk of hypertriglyceridemia: OR 0.61 (95% CI, 0.46-0.81), and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.32-0.71) respectively. CONCLUSION: Among middle-aged men, a higher adherence to a high-quality carbohydrate diet is associated with a lower prevalence of MetS. Triglyceridemia is the MetS component that contributed the most to this reduced risk.

Influence of triglyceride concentration in lipoprotein (a) as a function of dyslipidemia. / Influencia de la concentración de triglicéridos en la lipoproteína(a) en función de la dislipidemia.

BACKGROUND: Recently, an inverse relationship between the blood concentration of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and triglycerides (TG) has been demonstrated. The larger the VLDL particle size, the greater the presence of VLDL rich in apoliprotein E and in subjects with the apoE2/E2 genotype, the lower Lp(a) concentration. The mechanism of this inverse association is unknown. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the Lp(a)-TG association in patients treated at the lipid units included in the registry of the Spanish Society of Atherosclerosis (SEA) by comparing the different dyslipidemias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five thousand two hundred and seventy-five subjects ≥18 years of age registered in the registry before March 31, 2023, with Lp(a) concentration data and complete lipid profile information without treatment were included. RESULTS: The mean age was 53.0 ± 14.0 years, with 48% women. The 9.5% of subjects (n = 502) had diabetes and the 22.4% (n = 1184) were obese. The median TG level was 130 mg/dL (IQR 88.0-210) and Lp(a) 55.0 nmol/L (IQR 17.9-156). Lp(a) concentration showed a negative association with TG concentration when TG values exceeded 300 mg/dL. Subjects with TG > 1000 mg/dL showed the lowest level of Lp(a), 17.9 nmol/L, and subjects with TG < 300 mg/dL had a mean Lp(a) concentration of 60.1 nmol/L. In subjects without diabetes or obesity, the inverse association of Lp(a)-TG was especially important (p < 0.001). The median Lp(a) was 58.3 nmol/L in those with TG < 300 mg/dL and 22.0 nmol/L if TG > 1000 mg/dL. No association was found between TG and Lp(a) in subjects with diabetes and obesity, nor in subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia. In subjects with multifactorial combined hyperlipemia with TG < 300 mg/dL, Lp(a) was 64.6 nmol/L; in the range of 300-399 mg/dL of TG, Lp(a) decreased to 38. 8 nmol/L, and up to 22.3 nmol/L when TG > 1000 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show an inverse Lp(a)-TG relationship in TG concentrations > 300 mg/dL in subjects without diabetes, obesity and without familial hypercholesterolemia. Our results suggest that, in those hypertriglyceridemias due to hepatic overproduction of VLDL, the formation of Lp(a) is reduced, unlike those in which the peripheral catabolism of TG-rich lipoproteins is reduced.

Phthalate exposure and the metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Phthalates are chemicals widely used in plastic-based consumer products, and human exposure is universal. They are classified as endocrine disruptors, and specific phthalate metabolites have been associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the association between phthalate exposure and the metabolic syndrome in the general population. A comprehensive literature search was performed in four databases (Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus). We included all the observational studies that evaluate the association between phthalate metabolites and the metabolic syndrome available until January 31st, 2023. Pooled Odds Ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using the inverse-variance weighted method. Nine cross-sectional studies and 25,365 participants aged from 12 to 80 were included. Comparing extreme categories of phthalate exposure, the pooled ORs for the metabolic syndrome were: 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.16, I2 = 28%) for low molecular weight phthalates, and 1.11 (95% CI, 1.07-1.16, I2 = 7%) for high molecular weight phthalates. For individual phthalate metabolites, the pooled ORs that achieved statistical significance were: 1.13 (95% CI, 1.00-1.27, I2 = 24%) for MiBP; 1.89 (95% CI, 1.17-3.07, I2 = 15%) for MMP in men; 1.12 (95% CI, 1.00-1.25, I2 = 22%) for MCOP; 1.09 (95% CI, 0.99-1.20, I2 = 0%) for MCPP; 1.16 (95% CI, 1.05-1.28, I2 = 6%) for MBzP; and 1.16 (95% CI, 1.09-1.24, I2 = 14%) for DEHP (including ΣDEHP and its metabolites). In conclusion, both low molecular weight and high molecular weight phthalates were associated with an 8 and 11% higher prevalence of the MetS, respectively. The exposure to six specific phthalate metabolites was associated with a higher prevalence of the MetS.

Absence of the influence of the APOE gene on the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a cohort of workers: Effect of diet and shift work.

BACKGROUND: APOE gene encoded a multifunctional protein in lipid metabolism, also associated with inflammatory markers. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disease related to increased blood glucose, triglycerides and VLDL and associated with different dyslipidaemias. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the APOE genotype could determining the risk of developing T2D in a large cohort of workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the Aragon Workers Health Study (AWHS) (n=4895) were used to investigate the relationship between glycemic levels and APOE genotype. All patients in the AWHS cohort had their blood drawn after an overnight fast and laboratory tests were performed on the same day as the blood drawn. Dietary and physical assessment was assessed by face-to-face interview. APOE genotype was determined by the Sanger sequencing method. RESULTS: The relationship between APOE genotype and glycemic profile showed that glucose, Hb1Ac, insulin and HOMA levels did not seem to be associated with the APOE genotype (p=0.563, p=0.605, p=0.333 and p=0.276, respectively). In addition, the T2D prevalence did not show an association with the APOE genotype (p=0.354). Along the same lines, blood glucose levels and T2D prevalence did not show association with the APOE allele. Shift work had some effect on the glycaemic profile, showing that night shift workers have significantly lower levels of glucose, insulin and HOMA (p<0.001). However, the APOE genotype did not show difference in the concentration of glycaemic parameters adjusting by sex, age and BMI, work shift and dietary parameters. CONCLUSION: Glycemic profile and T2D prevalence did not show any significant association with the APOE genotype. Besides, individuals, who worked in non-rotating night shift showed significantly lower glycemic levels, while workers in the morning-afternoon-night shift showed significantly higher values.

Association of beverage consumption with subclinical atherosclerosis in a Spanish working population.

Beverages play a substantial role meeting water, calorie, and nutrient requirements; however, they are presented as being major contributors to the current obesity epidemic. Although, the relationship between beverage consumption and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults has been frequently studied, its association with subclinical atherosclerosis is of increased interest. We studied the association of beverage consumption with the presence of peripheral subclinical atherosclerosis among Spanish workers. We performed a cross-sectional study of 2089 middle-aged males, with a mean age of 50.9 (SD 3.9), and without CVD, carried out in the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS). A food frequency questionnaire was used to measure beverage consumption of low-fat milk, coffee and tea (unsweetened), whole-fat milk, sugar-sweetened beverages, bottled fruit juice, artificially-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice. Atherosclerotic plaques were measured by ultrasound (in carotid arteries, and in femoral arteries). Atherosclerotic plaque was defined as a focal structure protruding ≥ 0.5 mm into the lumen, or reaching a thickness ≥ 50% of the surrounding intima-media thickness. As statistical analysis, we use logistic regression models, simultaneously adjusted for all beverage groups. As results, unsweetened coffee was the beverage most associated with peripheral subclinical atherosclerosis with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.25 (1.10-1.41), and 1.23 (1.09-1.40) 100g/day] for carotid, and femoral territories respectively. Moreover, subclinical atherosclerosis was positively associated with whole-fat milk [OR 1.10 (1.02-1.18) 100 g/day] in the femoral territory. The association was protective for low-fat milk in the carotid territory [OR 0.93 (0.88-0.99) 100g/day]. There was also a protective association with bottled fruit juices in the femoral territory [0.84 (0.74-0.94) 100g/day]. Our results suggest a detrimental association with the consumption of coffee, as well as with whole-fat milk and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, an element of prudence excluding water and low-fat milk, must be applied when recommending beverage consumption.

Contribution of APOE Genetic Variants to Dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND: apo (apolipoprotein) E has crucial role in lipid metabolism. The genetic variation in APOE gene is associated with monogenic disorders and contributes to polygenic hypercholesterolemia and to interindividual variability in cholesterol. APOE rare variants may be involved in the phenotype of genetic hyperlipidemias. METHODS: Exon 4 of APOE were sequenced in all consecutive unrelated subjects with primary hyperlipidemia from a Lipid Unit (n=3667) and 822 random subjects from the Aragon Workers Health Study. Binding affinity of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) to LDL receptor of pathogenic predicted apoE variants was analyzed in vitro. Lipoprotein particle number, size, and composition were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance. RESULTS: In addition to common polymorphisms giving rise to APOE2 and APOE4, 14 gene variants were found in exon 4 of APOE in 65 subjects. p.(Leu167del) in 8 patients with isolated hypercholesterolemia and in 8 patients with combined hyperlipidemia. Subjects with p.(Arg121Trp), p.(Gly145Asp), p.(Arg154Ser), p.(Arg163Cys), p.(Arg165Trp), and p.(Arg168His) variants met dysbetalipoproteinemia lipid criteria and were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance. VLDL affinity for the LDL receptor of p.(Arg163Cys) and p.(Arg165Trp) heterozygous carriers had intermedium affinity between APOE2/2 and APOE3/3. p.(Gly145Asp) and p.(Pro220Leu) variants had higher affinity than APOE3/3. CONCLUSIONS: APOE genetic variation contributes to the development of combined hyperlipidemia, usually dysbetalipoproteinemia, and familial hypercholesterolemia. The lipid phenotype in heterozygous for dysbetalipoproteinemia-associated mutations is milder than the homozygous APOE2/2-associated phenotype. Subjects with dysbetalipoproteinemia and absence of APOE2/2 are good candidates for the study of pathogenic variants in APOE. However, more investigation is required to elucidate the significance of rarer variants of apoE.

An elevated parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index is associated with atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is associated with hyperthyroidism. Within the euthyroid range, it is also associated with high thyroxine (fT4), but not with thyrotropin (TSH). We aim to describe differences in thyroid regulation, measured by the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-Based Index (PTFQI), between patients with atrial fibrillation and the general population. Materials and methods: Thyroid parameters (PTFQI, TSH, and fT4) of a sample of 84 euthyroid subjects with atrial fibrillation (cases) were compared to a reference sample of euthyroid healthcare patients (controls). We calculated age and sex adjusted ORs for atrial fibrillation across tertiles of these parameters. Also, within cases, we studied thyroid parameters association with clinical characteristics of the atrial fibrillation. Results: After adjusting for age and sex, fT4 and PTFQI were higher in subjects with atrial fibrillation when compared to the general sample (p<0.01 and p=0.01, respectively). Atrial fibrillation ORs of the third versus the first PTFQI tertile was 1.88(95%CI 1.07,3.42), and there was a gradient across tertiles (p trend=0.02). Among atrial fibrillation patients, we observed that higher PTFQI was associated with sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) (p=0.03), higher fT4 was associated with the presence of an arrhythmogenic trigger (p=0.02) and with heart failure (p<0.01), and higher TSH was also associated with OSAS (p<0.01). Conclusions: Euthyroid subjects with atrial fibrillation have an elevation of the pituitary TSH-inhibition threshold, measured by PTFQI, with respect to the general population. Within atrial fibrillation patients, high PTFQI was associated with OSAS, and high fT4 with heart failure. These results hint of the existence of a relationship between thyroid regulation and atrial fibrillation.

Association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and the Risk of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: The increasing occurrence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is largely related to harmful food habits. Among them, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is noteworthy. However, to our knowledge, there are not enough high-quality methodological studies summarizing the association between the intake of SSBs and the MetS. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the existing published results on this association among adults by synthesizing the existing evidence. (2) Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant information was extracted and presented following the PRISMA recommendations. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies published until June 2022 that assessed the association between SSB consumption (including soft drinks, bottled fruit juices, energy drinks, and milkshakes) and the occurrence of MetS. Random effect models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% coefficient interval, and I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. (3) Results: A total of 14 publications from 6 different countries were included in this meta-analysis (9 cross-sectional and 5 cohort studies). For the cross-sectional studies, which included 62,693 adults, the pooled OR for the risk of MetS was 1.35 (95% CI 1.15, 1.58; I2 57%) when the highest versus the lowest categories of SSB consumption were compared. For the cohort studies, which included 28,932 adults, the pooled OR was 1.18 (95% CI 1.06, 1.32; I2 70%). (4) Conclusions: The consumption of SSBs was positively associated with an increased risk of MetS. The published literature supports public health strategies and the need to reduce the consumption of SSBs to prevent MetS.

Association of single and joint metals with albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration longitudinal change in middle-aged adults from Spain: The Aragon workers health study.

The nephrotoxicity of low-chronic metal exposures is unclear, especially considering several metals simultaneously. We assessed the individual and joint association of metals with longitudinal change in renal endpoints in Aragon Workers Health Study participants with available measures of essential (cobalt [Co], copper [Cu], molybdenum [Mo] and zinc [Zn]) and non-essential (As, barium [Ba], Cd, chromium [Cr], antimony [Sb], titanium [Ti], uranium [U], vanadium [V] and tungsten [W]) urine metals and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (N = 707) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (N = 1493) change. Median levels were 0.24, 7.0, 18.6, 295, 3.1, 1.9, 0.28, 1.16, 9.7, 0.66, 0.22 µg/g for Co, Cu, Mo, Zn, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Sb, Ti, V and W, respectively, and 52.5 and 27.2 ng/g for Sb and U, respectively. In single metal analysis, higher As, Cr and W concentrations were associated with increasing ACR annual change. Higher Zn, As and Cr concentrations were associated with decreasing eGFR annual change. The shape of the longitudinal dose-responses, however, was compatible with a nephrotoxic role for all metals, both in ACR and eGFR models. In joint metal analysis, both higher mixtures of Cu-Zn-As-Ba-Ti-U-V-W and Co-Cd-Cr-Sb-V-W showed associations with increasing ACR and decreasing eGFR annual change. As and Cr were main drivers of the ACR change joint metal association. For the eGFR change joint metal association, while Zn and Cr were main drivers, other metals also contributed substantially. We identified potential interactions for As, Zn and W by other metals with ACR change, but not with eGFR change. Our findings support that Zn, As, Cr and W and suggestively other metals, are nephrotoxic at relatively low exposure levels. Metal exposure reduction and mitigation interventions may improve prevention and decrease the burden of renal disease in the population.

APOE Genotypes Modulate Inflammation Independently of Their Effect on Lipid Metabolism.

The association between APOE genotypes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is partially mediated by LDL-cholesterol concentration but persists after adjusting for lipid levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. Data from the Aragon Workers Health Study (AWHS) (n = 4159) and the Lipid Unit at the Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet (HUMS) (n = 3705) were used to investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and APOE genotype. Lipoprotein particle and GlycA concentrations were analyzed in a subsample from AWHS. APOE genotyping was carried out by the Sanger method in both cohorts. APOE4 carriers had significantly lower levels of CRP than APOE3 carriers. Furthermore, APOE4 carriers had cholesterol-enriched LDL particles compared to APOE2 carriers. APOE4 carriers also had higher concentrations of small, medium, and large LDL particles. CRP levels were not associated with lipoprotein particle number, size, or composition. GlycA levels were not associated with APOE genotypes. However, GlycA levels were significantly associated with the size and the amount of cholesterol contained in HDL, VLDL, and LDL particles. APOE genotype influences CRP concentration regardless of lipid profile. APOE2 carriers showed the highest CRP levels, followed by APOE3 and APOE4. A more atherogenic lipid profile, but not inflammatory markers could partly explain the higher CVD risk observed in APOE4 carriers.

Cardiorespiratory fitness decreases the odds for subclinical carotid plaques in apolipoprotein e4 homozygotes.

Some studies suggest that being an apolipoprotein e4 (APOE e4) carrier increases the risk of atherosclerosis, and others suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) could play a key role in atherosclerotic prevention. Our aim was to analyze the association of APOE e4 with carotid atherosclerosis and the association of CRF with atherosclerosis in APOE e4 carriers. A cross-sectional analysis based on a subsample of 90 participants in the Aragon Workers' Health Study was carried out. Ultrasonography was used to assess the presence of plaques in carotid territory; the submaximal Chester Step Test was used to assess CRF; and behavioral, demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were obtained by trained personnel during annual medical examinations. APOE e4e4 participants were categorized into Low-CRF (VO2max < 35 mL/kg/min) and High-CRF (VO2max ≥ 35 mL/kg/min) groups. After adjusting for several confounders, compared with APOE e3e3, those participants genotyped as APOE e3e4 and APOE e4e4 showed an OR = 1.60 (95% CI 0.45, 5.71) and OR = 4.29 (95% CI 1.16, 15.91), respectively, for carotid atherosclerosis. Compared to Low-CRF APOE e4e4 carriers, the odds of carotid plaque detection were 0.09 (95% CI 0.008, 0.98) times lower among High-CRF APOE e4e4 carriers. The APOE e4e4 genotype was associated with increased carotid atherosclerosis. However, CRF is a modifiable factor that may be targeted by APOE e4e4 to decrease the elevation of atherosclerotic risk due to this genetic condition.

Current causes of death in familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a codominant autosomal disease characterized by high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). The molecular bases have been well defined, and effective lipid lowering is possible. This analysis aimed to study the current major causes of death of genetically defined heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH). METHODS: A case‒control study was designed to analyse life-long mortality in a group of heFH and control families. Data from first-degree family members of cases and controls (nonconsanguineous cohabitants), including deceased relatives, were collected from a questionnaire and review of medical records. Mortality was compared among heFH patients, nonheFH patients, and nonconsanguineous family members. RESULTS: A total of 813 family members were analysed, 26.4% of whom were deceased. Among the deceased, the mean age of death was 69.3 years in heFH individuals, 73.5 years in nonheFH individuals, and 73.2 years in nonconsanguineous individuals, without significant differences. CVD was the cause of death in 59.7% of heFH individuals, 37.7% of nonheFH individuals, and 37.4% of nonconsanguineous individuals (P = 0.012). These differences were greater after restricting the analyses to parents. The hazard ratio of dying from CVD was 2.85 times higher (95% CI, (1.73-4.69) in heFH individuals than in individuals in the other two groups (non-FH and nonconsanguineous), who did not differ in their risk. CONCLUSIONS: CVD mortality in heFH individuals is lower and occurs later than that described in the last century but is still higher than that in non-FH individuals. This improved prognosis of CVD risk is not associated with changes in non-CVD mortality.

Triglyceride Metabolism Modifies Lipoprotein(a) Plasma Concentration.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Knowing the mechanisms that regulate its concentration can facilitate the development of Lp(a)-lowering drugs. This study analyzes the relationship between triglycerides (TGs) and Lp(a) concentrations, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and the influence of the number and composition of TG-rich lipoproteins, and the APOE genotype. METHODS: Data from Aragon Workers Health Study (AWHS) (n = 5467), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III phase 2 (n = 3860), and Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet (HUMS) (n = 2079) were used for cross-sectional TG and Lp(a) relationship. Lp(a) intrasubject variation was studied in AWHS participants and HUMS patients with repeated measurements. TG-rich lipoproteins were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance in a subsample from AWHS. Apolipoproteins B and E were quantified by Luminex in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) isolated by ultracentrifugation, from HUMS samples. APOE genotyping was carried in AWHS and HUMS participants. Regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to study the association. RESULTS: The 3 studies showed an inverse relationship between TG and Lp(a). Increased VLDL number, size, and TG content were associated with significantly lower Lp(a). There was an inverse association between the apoE concentration in VLDL and Lp(a). No significant association was observed for apolipoprotein (apo)B. Subjects carrying the apoE2/E2 genotype had significantly lower levels of Lp(a). CONCLUSION: Our results show an inverse relationship Lp(a)-TG. Subjects with larger VLDL size have lower Lp(a), and lower values of Lp(a) were present in patients with apoE-rich VLDL and apoE2/E2 subjects. Our results suggest that bigger VLDLs and VLDLs enriched in apoE are inversely involved in Lp(a) plasma concentration.

A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile Index and Its Relationship with Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Background: The usual inverse correlation between thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormone disappears in syndromes of central resistance to thyroid hormone, where both are high. TSH and thyroid hormone are also simultaneously high when there is an elevation of the set point of the thyroid regulation axis. This can be estimated with indices, such as the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (PTFQI), which was designed for the general population. The PTFQI is positively associated with diabetes prevalence, but association with other pathologies has not been yet explored. The aim of this project was to explore the potential relationship of the PTFQI with metabolic and cardiovascular disease in a sample of ambulatory adult patients from Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the patients who underwent thyroid hormones measurement (6434 measurements from September to November 2018 in a central laboratory in Spain). We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of a subgroup of adults aged >18 years with normal TSH and free thyroxine (fT4) belonging to groups that represent extreme PTFQI (n = 661). Individuals with known conditions interfering the thyroid axis were excluded (remaining n = 296). Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to calculate odds ratio (OR) of diseases and differences of clinical parameters, and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Results: Across levels with higher PTFQI, there was an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (High vs. Low PTFQI OR: 2.88 [CI: 1.14-7.86], p-Trend = 0.02), ischemic heart disease (16.4% vs. 0%, unadjusted Haldane-Anscombe corrected OR: 23.90 [CI: 1.36-21.48], adjusted p-Trend = 0.04), atrial fibrillation (OR: 8.13 [CI: 1.33-158.20], p-Trend = 0.05), and hypertension (OR: 3.19 [CI: 1.14-9.94], p-Trend = 0.05). While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was similarly associated with TSH and fT4, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension were more strongly associated with the differences in fT4 values. Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension may be associated with a higher central regulation set point for thyroid hormone. These findings should be confirmed in other populations.