Cytokine and microbiota profiles in obesity-related hypertension patients.

Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases on a global scale. In Mexico, nearly half of adults in vulnerable conditions experience hypertension. Imbalance in the oral and intestinal microbiota composition has been observed in patients with hypertension, documented by a decrease of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids, which play a critical role in blood pressure regulation. Aim: To examine the cytokines' profile and assess the characteristics of oral and gut microbiota in obesity-related hypertension in Mexican patients. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was carried out. Twenty-two patients were categorized by their body mass index (BMI) as overweight and obese, and the diagnosis of primary hypertension. DNA from supragingival dental plaque and feces samples was used to carry out 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, 13 cytokines were quantified. Results: In the oral microbiota, Kluyvera was found to be significantly enriched in obese compared to overweight patients. Instead, the gut microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes. However, the correlation between certain genera and proinflammatory cytokines was noted. Conclusion: This exploratory study provides insights into the complex relationship between the oral and gut microbiota and their association with systemic inflammation in obesity-related hypertension.

Central blood pressure and vascular stiffness in Mexican population.

Introduction: Central blood pressure (CBP) is considered a measure of prognostic value for cardiovascular risk. In turn, the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVAo) and augmentation index (Aix) have been related to arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk. Controversies exist regarding the reference values in different ethnic groups, ages, and anthropometrics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the CBP and arterial stiffness parameters in a Mexican population by age, gender, and anthropometry. Methods: Between 2015 and 2016, 1009 apparently healthy subjects were recruited in the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Using the Arteriograph (TensioMed) equipment with an oscillometric technique, CBP, central pulse pressure (cPP), PWVAo, and Aix were acquired. All results were automatically obtained by computer software version 3.0.0.4. Results: Female sex was prevalent (72%), mean age was 47 ± 12 years; 26% had normal weight, 43% were overweight, and 30% had obesity. The reference values were higher than those reported in other populations. PWVAo and Aix were always found to be higher in females. A central-brachial pressure gradient was observed in < 40 years with lower CBP. Body mass index (BMI) presented a direct and positive correlation with CBP (p < 0.001); however, PWVAo and Aix were not modified. Conclusion: CBP, cPP, PWVAo, and Aix parameters should be considered based on age, gender, and BMI. In Mexican population, CBP and cPP values were higher compared with other previously reported values, especially in women, the elderly, and obese. PWVAo and Aix are higher in older women; however, they are not modified by BMI.

Introducción: La presión central aórtica (PCA) se considera una medida del valor pronóstico. A su vez, la velocidad de la onda del pulso aórtico (VOPA) y el índice de aumento (IA) se han relacionado con la rigidez arterial y riesgo cardiovascular. Existen controversias sobre los valores de referencia en diferentes grupos. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar estos parámetros en una población mexicana por edad, género y antropometría. Métodos: Entre 2015 y 2016 se reclutaron 1,009 sujetos aparentemente sanos en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Usando el equipo de Arteriograph (TensioMed) con técnica oscilométrica, se adquirieron: PCA, presión de pulso central, VOPA e IA. Todos los resultados fueron obtenidos automáticamente. Resultados: El sexo femenino fue prevalente (72%), edad de 47 ± 12 años; 26% con peso normal, 43% con sobrepeso y 30% con obesidad. Todos los valores fueron superiores a los reportados en otras poblaciones. VOPA e IA siempre fueron más altos en mujeres. Se observó un gradiente de presión central-braquial en < 40 años, con menor PCA. El IMC presentó una correlación directa y positiva con la PCA (p < 0,001), sin embargo, VOPA e IA no se modificaron. Conclusión: Los parámetros de PCA, VOPA e IA deben considerarse en función de edad, género e IMC. En una población mexicana, los valores de PCA fueron más altos en comparación con informados previamente (Europa y Asia), especialmente en mujeres, ancianos y obesos. VOPA e IA son más altos en mujeres mayores; sin embargo, no son modificados por el IMC.

Myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending coronary artery is associated with reduced myocardial perfusion reserve: a 13N-ammonia PET study.

Myocardial Bridging (MB) refers to the band of myocardium that abnormally overlies a segment of a coronary artery. This paper quantitatively evaluates the influence of MB of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) on myocardial perfusion of the entire left ventricle. We studied 131 consecutive patients who underwent hybrid rest/stress 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) due to suspected myocardial ischemia. Patients with previous myocardial infarction and/or significant coronary artery disease (≥ 50% stenosis) were excluded. Myocardial perfusion measurements were compared between patients with and without LAD-MB. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between anatomical characteristics (length and depth) of LAD-MB and myocardial perfusion measurements. 17 (13%) patients presented a single LAD-MB. Global myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) was lower in patients with LAD-MB than in patients without LAD-MB (1.9 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). Global stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) was similar in patients with and without LAD-MB (2.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 0.7 ml/g/min, p = 0.40). Global rest MBF was higher in patients with LAD-MB than in patients without LAD-MB (1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 ml/g/min, p < 0.01). Global rest MBF, stress MBF, and MPR quantifications were similar in patients with superficial and deep LAD-MB (all p = NS). We did not find any correlation between length and global rest MBF, stress MBF nor MPR (r = - 0.14, p = 0.59; r = 0.44, p = 0.07; and r = 0.45, p = 0.07 respectively). Quantitative myocardial perfusion suggests that LAD-MB may be related to impaired perfusion reserve, an indicator of microvascular dysfunction. Anatomical characteristics of LAD-MB were not related to changes in myocardial perfusion.

Central blood pressure and vascular stiffness in Mexican population / Presión central aórtica y rigidez vascular en mexicanos

Abstract Introduction: Central blood pressure (CBP) is considered a measure of prognostic value for cardiovascular risk. In turn, the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVAo) and augmentation index (Aix) have been related to arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk. Controversies exist regarding the reference values in different ethnic groups, ages, and anthropometrics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the CBP and arterial stiffness parameters in a Mexican population by age, gender, and anthropometry. Methods: Between 2015 and 2016, 1009 apparently healthy subjects were recruited in the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Using the Arteriograph (TensioMed) equipment with an oscillometric technique, CBP, central pulse pressure (cPP), PWVAo, and Aix were acquired. All results were automatically obtained by computer software version 3.0.0.4. Results: Female sex was prevalent (72%), mean age was 47 ± 12 years; 26% had normal weight, 43% were overweight, and 30% had obesity. The reference values were higher than those reported in other populations. PWVAo and Aix were always found to be higher in females. A central-brachial pressure gradient was observed in < 40 years with lower CBP. Body mass index (BMI) presented a direct and positive correlation with CBP (p < 0.001); however, PWVAo and Aix were not modified. Conclusion: CBP, cPP, PWVAo, and Aix parameters should be considered based on age, gender, and BMI. In Mexican population, CBP and cPP values were higher compared with other previously reported values, especially in women, the elderly, and obese. PWVAo and Aix are higher in older women; however, they are not modified by BMI.

Resumen Introducción: La presión central aórtica (PCA) se considera una medida del valor pronóstico. A su vez, la velocidad de la onda del pulso aórtico (VOPA) y el índice de aumento (IA) se han relacionado con la rigidez arterial y riesgo cardiovascular. Existen controversias sobre los valores de referencia en diferentes grupos. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar estos parámetros en una población mexicana por edad, género y antropometría. Métodos: Entre 2015 y 2016 se reclutaron 1,009 sujetos aparentemente sanos en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Usando el equipo de Arteriograph (TensioMed) con técnica oscilométrica, se adquirieron: PCA, presión de pulso central, VOPA e IA. Todos los resultados fueron obtenidos automáticamente. Resultados: El sexo femenino fue prevalente (72%), edad de 47 ± 12 años; 26% con peso normal, 43% con sobrepeso y 30% con obesidad. Todos los valores fueron superiores a los reportados en otras poblaciones. VOPA e IA siempre fueron más altos en mujeres. Se observó un gradiente de presión central-braquial en < 40 años, con menor PCA. El IMC presentó una correlación directa y positiva con la PCA (p < 0,001), sin embargo, VOPA e IA no se modificaron. Conclusión: Los parámetros de PCA, VOPA e IA deben considerarse en función de edad, género e IMC. En una población mexicana, los valores de PCA fueron más altos en comparación con informados previamente (Europa y Asia), especialmente en mujeres, ancianos y obesos. VOPA e IA son más altos en mujeres mayores; sin embargo, no son modificados por el IMC.