Effects of melatonin on blood pressure, arterial stiffness and quality of life in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Studies suggest that melatonin may promote cardiovascular protection. Previous trials have primarily been performed on co-morbid patients. Little information exist on the effect in postmenopausal women with general good health. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: In a double-blinded placebo-controlled study, we randomized 41 postmenopausal women to either 10 mg melatonin per day or placebo for 3 months. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes of the trial was changes in blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and quality of sleep evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: Thirty-nine women completed the study. Mean age was 63 years (range 55-75 years). Over the 3 months of the trial, PWV did not differ between groups: Placebo 1.1% (IQR -2.1;9.9) vs. melatonin 0.0% (IQR-9.8;4.1), p = 0.43). The were no significant differences in blood pressure bewteen melatonin and placebo group. Both groups had a pour quality of sleep at baseline (placebo: PSQI 6.0 (IQR 3.3; 8.8) vs. melatonin PSQI 6.0 (IQR 3.0; 10.0), p = 0.94), which did not change in response to treatment. CONCLUSION: In healthy postmenopausal women, supplementation with 10 mg melatonin was well-tolerated, but we did not observe any significant improvements in pulse wave velocity, blood pressure or quality of sleep compared with placebo.

L-Citrulline supplementation attenuates aortic pressure and pressure waves during metaboreflex activation in postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal women have augmented pressure wave responses to low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) due to an overactive metaboreflex (postexercise muscle ischaemia, PEMI), contributing to increased aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP). Menopause-associated endothelial dysfunction via arginine (ARG) and nitric oxide deficiency may contribute to exaggerated exercise SBP responses. L-Citrulline supplementation (CIT) is an ARG precursor that decreases SBP, pulse pressure (PP) and pressure wave responses to cold exposure in older adults. We investigated the effects of CIT on aortic SBP, PP, and pressure of forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) waves during IHG and PEMI in twenty-two postmenopausal women. Participants were randomised to CIT (10 g/d) or placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Aortic haemodynamics were assessed via applanation tonometry at rest, 2 min of IHG at 30 % of maximal strength, and 3 min of PEMI. Responses were analysed as change (Δ) from rest to IHG and PEMI at 0 and 4 weeks. CIT attenuated ΔSBP (−9 ± 2 v. −1 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·006), ΔPP (−5 ± 2 v. 0 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·03), ΔPf (−6 ± 2 v. −1 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·01) and ΔPb (−3 ± 1 v. 0 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·02) responses to PEMI v. PL. The ΔPP during PEMI was correlated with ΔPf (r = 0·743, P < 0·001) and ΔPb (r = 0·724, P < 0·001). Citrulline supplementation attenuates the increase in aortic pulsatile load induced by muscle metaboreflex activation via reductions in forward and backward pressure wave amplitudes in postmenopausal women.

[Feasibility study of arterial pressure measurement by snuff pot artery puncture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of snuff pot arterial pressure measurement for patients undergoing routine elective surgery during anesthesia. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients undergoing elective surgery admitted to the Handan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 1, 2020 to June 1, 2022 were enrolled. Patients who needed arterial pressure measurement for hemodynamic monitoring were randomly divided into routine radial artery puncture group and snuff pot artery puncture group with their informed consent. The patients in the routine radial artery puncture group were placed a catheter at the styloid process of the patient's radius to measure pressure. In the snuff pot artery puncture group, the snuff pot artery, that was, the radial fossa on the back of the hand (snuff box), was selected to conduct the snuff pot artery puncture and tube placement for pressure measurement. The indwelling time of arterial puncture catheter, arterial blood pressure, and complications of puncture catheterization of patients in the two groups were observed. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the relevant factors that affect the outcome of arterial catheterization. RESULTS: Finally, a total of 252 patients were enrolled, of which 130 patients received routine radial artery puncture and 122 patients received snuff pot artery puncture. There was no statistically significant difference in general information such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and surgical type of patients between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the indwelling time of artery puncture catheter between the routine radial artery puncture group and the snuff pot artery puncture group (minutes: 3.4±0.3 vs. 3.6±0.3, P > 0.05). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measured in the snuff pot artery puncture group were significantly higher than those in the conventional radial artery puncture group [SBP (mmHg, 1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 162.3±14.3 vs. 156.6±12.5, DBP (mmHg): 85.3±12.6 vs. 82.9±11.3, both P < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications such as arterial spasm, arterial occlusion, and pseudoaneurysm formation between the two groups. However, the incidence of hematoma formation in the snuff pot artery puncture group was significantly lower than that in the conventional radial artery puncture group (2.5% vs. 4.6%, P < 0.05). Based on the difficulty of arterial puncture, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that gender [odds ratio (OR) = 0.643, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.525-0.967], age (OR = 2.481, 95%CI was 1.442-4.268) and BMI (OR = 0.786, 95%CI was 0.570-0.825) were related factors that affect the outcome of arterial catheterization during anesthesia in patients undergoing elective surgery (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Catheterization through the snuff pot artery can be a new and feasible alternative to conventional arterial pressure measurement.

Analysis of Results of Continuous Invasive Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring in Postoperative Patients.

Objective: In patients with postoperative circulatory instability, the exploration of invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) monitoring is of great significance because it can provide real-time cardiovascular function information and help medical staff to better assess and manage the patient's circulatory status. To explore the value of IABP monitoring for patients with postoperative circulatory instability in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Methods: From January to December 2021, 160 postoperative patients with circulatory instability were randomly divided into a control group and a study group (80 patients in each group). A random number sequence is generated through a random number table, and random numbers are distributed to different patients to achieve random grouping. SPSS was used for data processing and statistical analysis, t test was used for continuous variables, chi-square test was used for count data, and the significance level was P < .05.We compared various parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), PACU observation time, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), total hospitalization time, heart rate (HR), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), re-intubation rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), adverse events, and blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), between the two groups. Flow cytometry was used to analyze changes in immune lymphocyte subsets in the patient's peripheral blood. Results: During the postoperative observation period, there were no significant differences in SBP, PaCO2, HR, SaO2, MAP, and PaO2 between the two groups (P > .05)The study group showed higher SBP, SaO2, MAP, and PaO2, and lower HR and PaCO2 compared to the control group (P < .05). The study group also had shorter PACU observation time, total hospitalization time, and a lower re-intubation rate compared to the control group (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of adverse events between the two groups (7.50% vs 3.75%) (P > .05). The study group showed significantly higher proportions of lymphocytes, CD3+ T cells, CD3+ CD4+ T cells, and CD3+ CD4+/CD3+ CD8+ ratio compared to the control group (P < .05). This change may reflect the patients with a positive response of the immune system, help to resist disease progress and infection. Conclusion: IABP monitoring can continuously, dynamically and accurately collect arterial blood pressure data of patients with postoperative circulatory instability, contributing to the recovery of immune competence in patients to help formulate the best clinical treatment and intervention plan. The dynamic and accurate arterial blood pressure data collection provided by IABP monitoring contributes not only to immune competence recovery but also to overall patient management and treatment planning.

CBD supplementation reduces arterial blood pressure via modulation of the sympatho-chromaffin system: A substudy from the HYPER-H21-4 trial.

Data concerning the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on blood pressure (BP) is controversial. HYPER-H21-4 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial which sought to elucidate if 5-week administration of CBD will reduce BP in hypertensive patients. In the substudy of this trial, we aimed to establish the mechanistic background of CBD-induced BP reduction. Specifically, we explored the dynamic of catestatin, a sympathoinhibitory peptide implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. In the present analysis, 54 patients with Grade 1 hypertension were included. 5-week administration of CBD but not placebo reduced serum catestatin concentration in comparison to baseline (13.50 [10.85-19.05] vs. 9.65 [6.37-12.26] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum catestatin levels at the start of the treatment period demonstrated a negative correlation with the extent of reduction in mean arterial pressure (r = -0.474, p < 0.001). Moreover, the extent of change in catestatin serum levels showed a strong correlation with the extent of mean arterial pressure reduction (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Overall, the results of the present study imply that the antihypertensive effects of CBD may be explained by its interaction with the sympatho-chromaffin system, although further research is warranted.

Caracterización de pacientes no adherentes al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial / Characterization of patients not adherent to high blood pressure treatment

Introducción. La falta del cumplimiento terapéutico es un problema en el control de la hipertensión arterial. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes no adherentes al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial en pobladores de la V Región Sanitaria del Paraguay. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó pacientes hipertensos conocidos que se encontraban en tratamiento para la hipertensión arterial. Se utilizó la Escala de adherencia a la medicación de Morisky 8 ítems que mide comportamientos de adherencia específicos asociados a la ingesta de medicamentos. Resultados. Se incluyeron163 pacientes, todos considerados no adherentes al tratamiento según la Escala Morinsky MMAS-8. El 52,2% tenía más de 40 años, 66,3% del sexo femenino, 40,5% de nivel universitario, 57,1% casado y el 87,7% vive con la familia. El 66,9% informó trabajar hasta 8 horas por día y el 58,3% con ingresos mayores a 2 salarios mínimos. En cuanto al conocimiento el 53,9% fue alto. El 50% de los pacientes declaró utilizar plantas medicinales para su tratamiento, el 7,4% con depresión frecuentemente o casi siempre y el 22,1% ansiedad frecuentemente o casi siempre. En cuanto a las preguntas de no adherencia, el 53,4% olvidó tomar alguna vez su medicación o dejar de tomarla cuando siente que está bajo control (53,3%),el 44,2% deja de tomar su medicación porque se siente peor con ella y el 46,5% la olvida cuando viaja. Conclusión. La no adherencia en los pacientes de la V Región fue alarmante, por tanto, se deben de realizar medidas de acción respecto a las mismas. Palabras Clave: hipertensión; presión arterial; cumplimiento y adherencia al tratamiento; epidemiologia

Introduction. The lack of therapeutic compliance is a problemto control high blood pressure.Objective. To characterize patients who do not adhere to the treatment of arterial hypertension in the Vsanitary region of Paraguay. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in known hypertensive patients who were undergoing treatment for high blood pressure. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used, which measures specific adherence behaviors associated with medication intake. Results.163 patients were included, all considered non-adherent to treatment according to the Morinsky MMAS-8 Scale. 52.2% were over 40 years old, 66.3% female, 40.5% with university level, 57.1% married, and 87.7% lived with their family. 66.9% reported working up to 8 hours per day and 58.3% with income greater than 2 minimum wages. Regarding knowledge, 53.9% was high. 50% of the patients declared using medicinal plants for their treatment, 7.4% with depression frequently or almost always and 22.1% with anxiety frequently or almost always. Regarding the non-adherence questions, 53.4% ever forgot to take their medication or stopped taking it when they feel they are under control (53.3%), 44.2% stop taking their medication because they feel worse with it and 46.5% forget it when traveling. Conclusion. The non-adherence in patients from Region V was alarming, therefore, action measures must be taken regarding them. Key words:hypertension; blood pressure; treatment adherence and compliance; epidemiology

Medical nutrition therapy in obesity management

Healthy eating is important for all Canadians, regardless of body size, weight or health condition. Key messages from Canada's Food Guide for Healthy Eating can be used as a foundation for nutrition and food-related education (Figure 1). Use evidence-based nutrition resources to give your patients nutrition and behaviour change advice that aligns with their values, preferences and social determinants of health. (Figure 1) There is no one-size-fits-all eating pattern for obesity management. Adults living with obesity may consider various nutrition intervention options that are client-centred and flexible. Evidence suggests this approach will better facilitate long-term adherence. (Table 1, Figure 2) Nutrition interventions for obesity management should focus on achieving health outcomes for chronic disease risk reduction and quality of life improvements, not just weight changes. 5 Table 2 outlines health-related outcomes to support patients/clients in obesity management. Nutrition interventions for obesity management should emphasize individualized eating patterns, food quality and a healthy relationship with food. Including mindfulness-based eating practices that may help lower food cravings, reduce reward-driven eating, improve body satisfaction and improve awareness of hunger and satiety. 6­11 Caloric restriction can achieve short-term reductions in weight (i.e.< 12 months) but has not shown to be sustainable long-term (i.e. > 12 months). Caloric restriction may affect neurobiological pathways that control appetite, hunger, cravings and body weight regulation that may result in increased food intake and weight gain.64-66 People living with obesity are at increased risk for micronutrient deficiencies including but not limited to vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies. Restrictive eating patterns and obesity treatments (e.g. medications, bariatric surgery) may also result in micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. Assessment including biochemical values can help inform recommendations for food intake, vitamin/mineral supplements, and possible drug-nutrient interactions. Collaborate care with a registered dietitian who has experience in obesity management and medical nutrition therapy. 12 Dietitians can support people living with obesity who also have other chronic diseases, malnutrition, food insecurity or disordered patterns of eating. Future research should use nutrition-related outcomes and health behaviours in addition to weight and body composition outcomes. Characterization of population sample collections should use the updated definition of obesity as a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease characterized by the presence of adiposity that impairs health and social well-being rather than BMI exclusively. Qualitative data is needed to understand the lived experience of people with obesity.

Angiotensin-(3-4) normalizes the elevated arterial blood pressure and abnormal Na+/energy handling associated with chronic undernutrition by counteracting the effects mediated by type 1 angiotensin II receptors.

We investigated the mechanisms by which chronic administration of a multideficient diet after weaning alters bodily Na+ handling, and culminates in high systolic blood pressure (SBP) at a juvenile age. From 28 to 92 days of age, weaned male Wistar rats were given a diet with low content and poor-quality protein, and low lipid, without vitamin supplementation, which mimics the diets consumed in impoverished regions worldwide. We measured food, energy and Na+ ingestion, together with urinary Na+ excretion, Na+ density (Na+ intake/energy intake), plasma Na+ concentration, SBP, and renal proximal tubule Na+-transporting ATPases. Undernourished rats aged 92 days had only one-third of the control body mass, lower plasma albumin, higher SBP, higher energy intake, and higher positive Na+ balance accompanied by decreased plasma Na+ concentration. Losartan or Ang-(3-4) normalized SBP, and the combination of the 2 substances induced an accentuated negative Na+ balance as a result of strong inhibition of Na+ ingestion. Na+ density in undernourished rats was higher than in control, irrespective of the treatment, and they had downregulated (Na++K+)ATPase and upregulated Na+-ATPase in proximal tubule cells, which returned to control levels after Losartan or Ang-(3-4). We conclude that Na+ density, not only Na+ ingestion, plays a central role in the pathophysiology of elevated SBP in chronically undernourished rats. The observations that Losartan and Ang-(3-4) normalized SBP together with negative Na+ balance give support to the proposal that Ang II⇒AT1R and Ang II⇒AT2R axes have opposite roles within the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system of undernourished juvenile rats.

[Comprehensive medical rehabilitation using therapeutic physical factors including hydrokinesiotherapy in a pool with mineral water and its effect on circadian rhythms of arterial pressure and autonomic regulation in patients with arterial hypertension and with chronic psychoemotional stress]. / Kompleksnaya reabilitatsiya lechebnymi fizicheskimi faktorami s vklyucheniem gidrokinezioterapii v basseine s mineral'noi vodoi i ee vliyanie na tsirkadnye ritmy arterial'nogo davleniya i vegetativnuyu regulyatsiyu u bol'nykh arterial'noi gipertoniei i s khronicheskim psikhoemotsional'nym napryazheniem.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the course-based comprehensive rehabilitation using the therapeutic physical factors of the Belokurikha resort, including hydrokinesiotherapy in a pool with mineral water on the circadian rhythms of arterial pressure and its autonomous regulation in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) associated with chronic psychoemotional stress (CPES). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 83 patients with stage I-II grade 1-2 of AH, whose professional activities were associated with CPES. Each participant had 24-hours Holter blood pressure monitored, and cardiointervalography (CIG) was performed before and after the medical rehabilitation course. The rehabilitation complex of the main group (II) included medication therapy for AH, diet, morning hygienic gymnastics, manual massage, total magnet therapy, and hydrokinesiotherapy in a pool with mineral water. Patients in the comparison group (I) were exposed to similar therapeutic physical factors with identical parameters of the procedures, except hydrokinesiotherapy, which was replaced by full baths with mineral water. RESULTS: Medical rehabilitation using the therapeutic physical factors of the Belokurikha resort with hydrokinesiotherapy in a pool promotes a decrease in the activity of a sympathetic nervous system and increase of vagal effects contribute to the regulation of vital functions of the AH patients, associated with CPES, thus minimizing the frequency of abnormal daily profiles night-peaker and over-dipper to 12.5% and 1.78% of cases, respectively, and increasing the percentage of subjects with its normal type (dipper) to 57.1% (p=0.039). CONCLUSION: The study results show the benefits of hydrokinesiotherapy in a pool with mineral water as a part of the course-based comprehensive rehabilitation in patients with hypertension and chronic psychoemotional stress in terms of normalizing circadian rhythms of arterial pressure and optimizing the activity of higher autonomous centers, which largely determine the cardiovascular system performance in this setting.

Relação entre o perfil de adesão e as barreiras para a permanência no programa de extensão "yoga: awaken one" / Relationship between the membership profile and the barriers to stay in the "yoga: awaken one" extension program

Objetivo: Investigar a relação entre o perfil de adesão e barreiras percebidas por estudantes universitários para permanência no Programa de Extensão "Yoga: Awaken ONE". Métodos: Foram realizados dois cortes transversais com universitários da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia. O primeiro foi composto por 16 indivíduos e investigou o perfil demográfico, socioeconômico, antropométrico, da aptidão física e da qualidade de vida dos universitários que ingressaram no Programa de Extensão. O segundo visou identificar as barreiras para permanência de 13 estudantes (dentre os 16 iniciais) que haviam se afastado do Programa após quatro meses do início. Resultados: Houve predominância de indivíduos do sexo feminino, dos cursos de graduação em Educação Física e Pedagogia e da classe socioeconômica C. A maioria dos participantes estava com indicadores adequados de gordura corporal. Observou-se grande proporção de indivíduos com indicadores baixos de flexibilidade e força muscular. Para a qualidade de vida, a menor mediana foi observada para o domínio meio ambiente e a maior para o domínio relações sociais. As principais barreiras percebidas para a prática de yoga pelos universitários foram "jornada de estudos extensa" e "jornada de trabalho extensa". Observou-se correlação do perfil sociodemográfico, indicadores de obesidade, variáveis hemodinâmicas, flexibilidade, força muscular e qualidade de vida com barreiras percebidas para permanência no Programa de Extensão universitária "Yoga: Awaken ONE". Conclusões: Estes achados sugerem que o perfil do público universitário pode ser determinante para a permanência ou evasão de programas de promoção de exercícios físicos e precisa ser considerado em propostas de programas de extensão universitária.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between the member adherence profile and barriers perceived by university students to remain in the "Yoga: Awaken ONE" Extension Program. Methods: Two cross-sections were carried out with university students from the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia. The first was composed of 16 individuals and investigated the demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, physical fitness, and quality of life profile of university students joining the Extension Program. The second aimed at identifying the barriers to remain in the program faced by 13 students (out of the initial 16) who had withdrawn from the Program four months after the beginning. Results: There was a predominance of female individuals, from undergraduate courses in Physical Education and Pedagogy, and from the C socioeconomic class. Most participants had adequate body fat indexes. There was a large proportion of individuals with low flexibility and muscle strength. For quality of life, the lowest median was observed for the environment domain, while the highest could be noted for the social relationship domain. The main barriers perceived for the practice of yoga by university students were "long study hours" and "long work hours". There was a correlation between sociodemographic profile, obesity indicators, hemodynamic variables, flexibility, muscle strength, and QOL with the perceived barriers to stay in the "Yoga: Awaken ONE" university extension program. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the profile of the university audience can be a determinant for the permanence or dropout of programs that promote physical exercise and therefore, it should be taken into consideration in proposals for university extension programs.

L-Citrulline supplementation attenuates aortic pulse pressure and wave reflection responses to cold stress in older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Augmented aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP) and wave reflection via sympathetic-mediated vasoconstriction elevates the risk for adverse cardiovascular events in older adults. L-citrulline (L-CIT) supplementation has shown to reduce aortic SBP and pulse pressure (PP) responses to cold pressor test (CPT) induced sympathoactivation in young men. The aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy of L-CIT supplementation to attenuate aortic hemodynamic responses to CPT in older adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen older adults were randomly assigned to placebo or L-CIT (6 g/day) for 14-days in a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Brachial SBP and aortic SBP, PP, augmented pressure (AP), augmentation index standardized at 75 bpm (AIx@75), and pressure of the forward (Pf) and reflected (Pb) waves were evaluated at rest and during CPT pre- and post-intervention. Although no hemodynamic changes at rest, brachial SBP (Δ-12 ± 18 vs. Δ4 ± 14 mmHg; P = 0.008) and aortic SBP (Δ-10 ± 14 vs. Δ4 ± 12 mmHg; P = 0.005), PP (Δ-10 ± 12 vs. Δ4 ± 11 mmHg; P = 0.002), AP (Δ-4 ± 4 vs. Δ2 ± 7 mmHg; P = 0.004), AIx@75 (Δ-3.2 ± 7.2 vs. Δ2.2 ± 6.9%; P = 0.038), Pf (Δ-6 ± 10 vs. Δ3 ± 9 mmHg; P = 0.019), and Pb (Δ-4 ± 6 vs. Δ2 ± 6 mmHg; P = 0.008) responses to the CPT were significantly attenuated following L-CIT supplementation vs. placebo. CONCLUSIONS: L-CIT supplementation attenuated aortic pulsatile pressure and pressure wave reflection responses to CPT in older adults, providing possible cardioprotection during cold-induced sympathoactivation in older adults.

Acute Citrulline Blunts Aortic Systolic Pressure during Exercise and Sympathoactivation in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women.

PURPOSE: Hypertensive postmenopausal women (PMW) have exaggerated exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) due to impaired functional sympatholysis. l-Citrulline (CIT) supplementation attenuates aortic SBP responses to cold pressor test (CPT)-induced vasoconstriction in young men. We hypothesized that acute CIT ingestion would attenuate aortic SBP and leg hemodynamic responses during exercise and CPT (EX + CPT). METHODS: Fifteen hypertensive PMW (61 ± 7 yr) were randomly assigned to consume either 6 g of CIT or placebo (PL) separated by a minimum 3-d washout phase. Brachial and aortic blood pressure, femoral artery blood flow (FBF), and vascular conductance (FVC) were measured at rest and during 5 min of unilateral plantarflexion exercise with a CPT applied during minutes 4 and 5. RESULTS: No differences between conditions were found in FBF, FVC, and brachial and aortic blood pressure at rest and during exercise alone. Changes in brachial SBP (CIT vs PL, 29 ± 12 vs 40 ± 10 mm Hg) and mean arterial pressure (CIT vs PL, 21 ± 10 vs 33 ± 11 mm Hg), and aortic SBP (CIT vs PL, 27 ± 11 vs 38 ± 9 mm Hg) and mean arterial pressure (CIT vs PL, 23 ± 9 vs 33 ± 11 mm Hg) to EX + CPT were lower in the CIT versus PL condition (P < 0.05). FBF, FVC, and functional sympatholysis (%ΔFVC) were not significantly different between conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Acute CIT ingestion attenuated aortic SBP response to exercise and cold-induced sympathetic activation that may prevent left ventricle overload in hypertensive PMW.

Prolonged isoflurane anesthesia-induced acidosis decreases penile intracavernous pressure in rats.

BACKGROUND: Intracavernous pressure measurement following cavernous nerve electrostimulation has been extensively adopted for the evaluation of erectile function in animals. However, the effect of measurement time and acidosis during anesthesia is still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of measurement time and acidosis during anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were used and anesthetized by a spontaneous inhalation of isoflurane. In the first step, rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three time-delayed measurement groups (intracavernous pressure measurement beginning at 15, 30, and 45 min after cavernous nerve exposure). In the second step, rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group and two time-delayed measurement groups. Two intravenous fluid support strategies were used in time-delayed measurement groups: a normal saline solution and an isotonic Na2 CO3 solution. RESULTS: Isoflurane-anesthetized rats developed systemic acidosis that worsens with time during intracavernous pressure measurement, which results in a significant decrease in the maximum intracavernous pressure value, intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio, and total intracavernous pressure measured. The Na2 CO3 infusion could effectively correct acidosis. The decrease in intracavernous pressure was related to the reduced nitric oxide synthase activity, decreased cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration, and reactive oxygen species activation in rat penis under acidosis conditions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Prolonged isoflurane anesthesia-induced acidosis markedly depresses the erectile response to cavernous nerve electrostimulation in rats. In this situation, it is recommended to supplement with a Na2 CO3 infusion to maintain a normal acid-base balance.

Compensatory depression of arterial pressure and reversal of ECG abnormalities by Annona muricata and Curcuma longa in hypertensive Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing hypertension incidence in Sub-Sahara Africa and the current cost of management of the metabolic disorder has necessitated research on medicinal plants employed in African Traditional Medicine for hypertension. Thus, this study evaluated antihypertensive effect of Annona muricata leaves or Curcuma longa rhizomes in experimentally-induced hypertensive male Wistar rats (n=70) which were unilaterally nephrectomized and daily loaded with 1% salt. Cardiovascular and haematological changes, as well as urinalysis were determined. METHODS: Rats were uninephrectomized and NaCl (1%) included in drinking water for 42 days. Extract-treated hypertensive rats were compared to normotensive, untreated hypertensive and hypertensive rats treated with lisinopril (5 mg/70 kg) or hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg/70 kg). A. muricata extract or C. longa extract were administered at 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean arterial) and electrocardiogram was measured on day 41. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected from day 42. Blood samples were collected on day 43 for haematology (PCV, red cell indices, WBC and its differentials, and platelets). RESULTS: A. muricata or C. longa extracts caused a decline in elevated blood pressure of hypertensive rats. Heart rate and QT segment reduction coupled with prolonged QRS duration were reversed in extract-treated rats, with significant increases in hemogram parameters indicating increased blood viscosity. Also, leukocyturia, proteinuria and ketonuria with increased urine alkalinity, urobilinogen and specific gravity which are classical indicators of poor prognostic outcomes in hypertension were reversed in extract-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, A. muricata and C. longa have cardioprotective effect with reversal of derangements in haemogram and urinalysis associated with hypertension.

Oral L-Arginine (5 g/day) for 14 Days Improves Microcirculatory Function in Healthy Young Women and Healthy and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Elderly Women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral supplementation with L-arginine on serum biochemical profile, blood pressure, microcirculation, and vasoreactivity/endothelial function in young controls, and elderly women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Healthy young (n = 25), healthy elderly (n = 25), and elderly women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DME, n = 23, glycated Hb ≥6.4% and mean of 7.7 years for duration of the disease), aged 18-30 and older than 65 years, respectively, were included in the study. All patients underwent biochemical analysis (fasting glycemia and lipidogram), arterial blood pressure, nailfold videocapillaroscopy (capillary diameters, functional capillary density [FCD], peak red blood cell velocity [RBCVmax] after 1 min ischemia, time to reach peak RBCV [TRBCVmax]), and venous occlusion plethysmography (vasoreactivity), before and after 14 days of oral supplementation with L-arginine (5 g/day). RESULTS: L-Arginine did not change fasting glycemia and lipidogram, but it decreased systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure in elderly women, increased RBCVmax in all groups, and did not decrease TRBCVmax in T2DME. Capillary diameters and FCD remained unchanged in all groups. L-Arginine improved vasoreactivity during reactive hyperemia and after sublingual nitroglycerin (0.4 mg) in all groups. CONCLUSION: L-Arginine supplementation (5g/day during 14 days) was able to improve vascular/microvascular health in the elderly women with or without T2DM.

Ziziphus Oxyphylla hydro-methanolic extract ameliorates hypertension in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats through NO/cGMP pathway and suppression of oxidative stress related inflammatory biomarkers.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ziziphus Oxyphylla belongs to family Ziziphus and has been used traditionally in hypertension. It is enriched with quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, catechin and cyclopeptide alkaloids. AIM: The current research evaluates the antihypertensive potential of aqueous methanolic extract of Z. oxyphylla (AMEZO) in NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (LNAME) induced hypertension in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Phytochemical analysis of AMEZO was carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Antihypertensive activities of AMEZO (200 and 400 mg/kg) and Kaempferol were assessed in L-NAME (185 µmol/kg, intraperitoneal) injected hypertensive rats. In normotensive rats, blood pressure was assessed using Power Lab data system. Serum and tissue samples were preserved for estimation of nitric oxide (NO), Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF- α) and oxidative stress markers respectively. mRNA levels of eNOS, ACE, COX-2 and NF-kB genes were assessed through qPCR. RESULTS: The HPLC and ESI-MS/MS identified kaempferol, quercetin, catechin, ceanothic acid, zizybernalic acid and oxyphylline F. Chronic administration of AMEZO and kaempferol in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats significantly (p < 0.001) reduced systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure. AMEZO and kaempferol caused meaningfully improved (p < 0.001) serum NO and cGMP levels. AMEZO administration also noticeably decrease the elevated IL-6 and TNF- α concentration in hypertensive animals. Administration of AMEZO and kaempferol also improved oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, GSH). The antihypertensive activity of AMEZO also resulted in upregulation of eNOS and downregulation of ACE. CONCLUSION: These data depict that AMEZO and kaempferol showed antihypertensive activity in LNAME induced hypertensive rats possibly mediated through improvement in NO and cGMP levels, modulation of mRNA expression of eNOS, ACE, COX-2 and NF-kB and suppression of oxidative stress related inflammatory markers, proposing a defensive role in cardiovascular diseases.

Efeitos da ingestão do suco de laranja Pera e suco de laranja Moro na microbiota intestinal e marcadores inflamatórios em indivíduos com obesidade / Effect of Pera and Moro orange juice consumption on the gut microbiota and inflammatory parameters in volunteers with obesity

A obesidade é uma doença complexa que está associada inflamação crônica de baixo grau que contribui para o desenvolvimento de diversos distúrbios metabólicos como a resistência à insulina e estudos recentes sugerem a influência da microbiota intestinal no desenvolvimento e manutenção da doença. Diversos estudos apontam para o benefício da ingestão de frutas e vegetais na prevenção e tratamento de doenças crônicas. O suco de laranja contém diversos compostos bioativos com ações anti-inflamatórias, antioxidantes com efeitos na composição da microbiota intestinal. Deste modo, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da ingestão do suco de laranja Pera e Moro sobre a composição da microbiota intestinal e de parâmetros inflamatórios em voluntários com obesidade e resistência à insulina. Foi realizado um ensaio clínico crossover com suplementação de suco de laranja (400ml/dia) por 15 dias com um período de washout de 40 dias. As análises de sangue, fezes, urina, composição corporal, consumo alimentar foram realizadas antes e após cada intervenção. A comparação entre os tratamentos foi realizada utilizando equações de estimativas generalizadas e adotou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Em relação à microbiota intestinal, em ambos os tratamentos, os dois filos mais abundantes foram Firmicutes e Actinobateria. Dos gêneros analisados, observou-se maior abundância de Bifidobacterium após a suplementação com o suco de laranja Moro. O suco de laranja Pera promoveu uma diminuição da zonulina e o suco de laranja Moro contribuiu para redução de citocinas inflamatórias, diminuição da pressão arterial e aumento nos níveis de acetato nas fezes. Após a separação dos voluntários por grau de obesidade, observamos que o suco de laranja Moro contribuiu para o aumento na abundância de Akkermansia, Alistipes, Bacteroides e Catenibacterium em indivíduos com obesidade grau 3. Além disso, em ambos os sucos encontramos redução da razão Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes e aumento da excreção de metabólitos de flavonoides após os tratamentos. Diante destes resultados, conclui-se que o suco de laranja Pera apresentou ações positivas sobre a permeabilidade intestinal e o suco de laranja Moro promoveu efeitos mais expressivos na modulação da inflamação associada à obesidade e da microbiota intestinal

Obesity is a complex disease that is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, and it contributes to the development of several metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, and recent studies suggest the influence of the intestinal microbiota in the development and maintenance of the disease. Several studies have suggested the benefit of fruits and vegetables consumption in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. The orange juice contains some bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions with effects in the composition of the gut microbiota. Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pera and Moro orange juice consumption on the composition of the gut microbiota and inflammatory parameters in volunteers with obesity and insulin resistance. A crossover clinical trial was carried out with orange juice supplementation (400ml/day) for 15 days with a washout period of 40 days. Blood, feces, urine, body composition, food consumption were analyzed before and after each intervention. Comparison between treatments was performed using generalized estimating equations and a significance level of 5% was adopted. In relation to gut microbiota, in both treatments, the two most abundant phyla were Firmicutes and Actinobateria. In the analysis of bacterial genera, a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium was observed after supplementation with Moro orange juice. The Pera orange juice reduced zonulin and Moro orange juice contributed to a reduction on inflammatory cytokines, a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in acetate levels in the stool. After separating the volunteers by degree of obesity, we observed that Moro orange juice contributed to the increase in the abundance of Akkermansia, Alistipes, Bacteroides and Catenibacterium in individuals with grade 3 obesity. Furthermore, in both juices we found a reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased excretion of flavonoid metabolites after treatments. Therefore, we concluded that Pera orange juice had positive actions on intestinal permeability and Moro orange juice promoted more expressive effects on the modulation of inflammation associated with obesity and on the intestinal microbiota

Efeitos do sal de ervas sobre a pressão arterial e a excreção de sódio urinário de pessoas com hipertensão / Effects of herbal salt on blood pressure and urinary sodium excretion in people with hypertension

A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar os efeitos da substituição do sal de cozinha por sal de ervas sobre os valores de pressão arterial e excreção de sódio urinário de pessoas com hipertensão arterial. Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem quantitativa e delineamento quasi-experimental, tipo "cross-over", com amostra de hipertensos cadastrados em três unidades públicas de saúde de um município do estado de Mato Grosso. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de maio de 2020 a maio de 2022. Por meio de entrevista, foi aplicado o questionário para identificação das variáveis sociodemográficas e o "Questionário de Adesão a Medicamentos - Qualiaids" (QAM-Q). Posteriormente, foi realizada a avaliação antropométrica e a medida casual da pressão arterial. A pesquisa foi dividida em três etapas: Etapa 1 - os participantes permaneceram em uso habitual do sal de cozinha, durante sete dias; Etapa 2 - os participantes fizeram uso exclusivo de cinco gramas de sal por dia, durante 10 dias; Etapa 3 - os participantes usaram exclusivamente o sal de ervas para o preparo das refeições, durante 10 dias. Em todas as etapas, foi realizada a Monitorização Residencial da Pressão Arterial (MRPA) e a dosagem de sódio urinário. As análises descritivas foram realizadas por meio do pacote estatístico IBM Statistical Package for Social Science - SPSS®, versão 25.0. O teste ANOVA foi utilizado para comparações entre as médias pareadas. Os resultados foram expressos como valores médios, desvio padrão (dp), mínimo, máximo e mediana. Para diferença estatística foi considerado p<0,05. Participaram do estudo 24 indivíduos, com idade média de 63,2 ± 10 anos, a maioria mulheres (54,2%), que convivem com companheiro (70,8%), de cor da pele autodeclarada branca (54,2%), com média de 7,6 anos de estudo e aposentados (45,8%). Em relação às variáveis clínicas, houve predomínio de participantes com pressão arterial ótima (45,8%), na categoria sobrepeso (45,8%), com risco cardiovascular elevado segundo relação cintura-estatura (87,5%) e risco muito elevado de acordo com a medida da circunferência da cintura (54,1%); 62,5% se mostraram aderentes ao tratamento. Na comparação entre as três etapas, observou-se redução significante nos valores de Pressão Arterial Sistólica (p=0,003) e Pressão Arterial Diastólica (p=0,001), sem diferença nas variáveis consumo de sal (p=0,66) e excreção de sódio urinário (p=0,66). Ainda que o uso do sal de ervas seja uma estratégia não medicamentosa interessante e inovadora para o controle da pressão arterial, os participantes não aderiram de forma expressiva à intervenção proposta. De qualquer forma, salienta-se que a monitorização do consumo de sódio é primordial para a avaliação do uso do sal pela população, tendo em vista a implementação de medidas visando a redução da pressão arterial e a prevenção de eventos cardiovasculares

The present research aimed to analyze the effects of replacing table salt with herbal salt on blood pressure values and urinary sodium excretion in people with hypertension. This study has a quantitative approach and quasi-experimental design, "cross-over" type, with a sample of hypertensive patients registered in three public health units in a municipality in the state of Mato Grosso. Data collection was carried out from May 2020 to May 2022. Through an interview, the questionnaire to identify sociodemographic variables and the "Medication Adherence Questionnaire - Qualiaids" (QAM-Q) were applied. Subsequently, anthropometric assessment and casual blood pressure measurements were performed. The research was divided into three stages: Stage 1 - the participants kept the usual use of table salt for seven days; Stage 2 - participants made exclusive use of five grams of salt per day for ten days; Stage 3 - participants used only herbal salt to prepare meals for 10 days. Residential blood pressure monitoring and urinary sodium measurement were performed at all stages. Descriptive analyzes were performed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science - SPSS® program, version 25.0. The One Way test was used for comparisons between the paired mean values. Results were expressed as mean values, standard deviation (sd), minimum, maximum, and median. For statistical difference, p<0.05 was considered. Participated in the research 24 individuals, with a mean age of 63.2 ± 10 years, most of them was women (54.2%), who live with a partner (70.8%), self-declared white skin color (54.2%), with an average of 7.6 years of formal education and retired (45.8%). Regarding clinical variables, it was observed a predominance of participants with optimal blood pressure (45.8%), in the overweight category (45.8%), with high cardiovascular risk according to the waist-to-height ratio (87.5%), and very high risk according to waist circumference measurement (54.1%), 62.5% were adherent to the treatment. When comparing the three stages, there was a significant reduction in the values of systolic blood pressure (p=0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001), with no difference in the variables salt consumption (p=0.66) and urinary sodium excretion (p=0.66). Although the use of herbal salt is an interesting and innovative non-drug strategy for blood pressure control, participants did not significantly adhere to the proposed intervention. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the monitoring of sodium consumption is essential for the evaluation of the use of salt by the population and to implement measures aimed at reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events

Performance of Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm for first trimester preeclampsia screening in an indigenous south Asian population.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) preterm preeclampsia (PE) screening algorithm in an indigenous South Asian population. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary maternal fetal unit in Delhi, India over 2 years. The study population comprised of 1863 women carrying a singleton pregnancy and of South Asian ethnicity who were screened for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation using Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), transvaginal Mean Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index (UtAPI) and biochemical markers - Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) and Placental Growth Factor.. Absolutemeasurements of noted biomarkers were converted to multiples of the expected gestational median (MoMS) which were then used to estimate risk for preterm PE < 37 weeks using Astraia software. Women with preterm PE risk of ≥1:100 was classified as as high risk. Detection rates (DR) at 10% false positive rate were calculated after adjusting for prophylactic aspirin use (either 75 or 150 mg). RESULTS: The incidence of PE and preterm PE were 3.17% (59/1863) and 1.34% (25/1863) respectively. PAPP-A and PlGF MoM distribution medians were 0.86 and 0.87 MoM and significantly deviated from 1 MoM. 431 (23.1%) women had a risk of ≥1:100, 75 (17.8%) of who received aspirin. Unadjusted DR using ≥1:100 threshold was 76%.Estimated DRs for a fixed 10% FPR ranged from 52.5 to 80% depending on biomarker combination after recentering MoMs and adjusting for aspirin use. CONCLUSION: The FMF algorithm whilst performing satisfactorily could still be further improved to ensure that biophysical and biochemical markers are correctly adjusted for indigenous South Asian women.