Association Between Nutrients and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) constitute a leading cause of global mortality. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key molecular underpinnings of CVD pathogenesis. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted role of nutrients in cardiovascular health beyond their impact on cardiac events. The manuscript examines the influence of macronutrients such as fats and carbohydrates, as well as micronutrients including vitamins and folate, on CVD. Additionally, the interplay between dietary supplements and CVD risk reduction is investigated. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse mechanisms through which nutrients contribute to cardiovascular well-being, addressing both cardioprotective effects and their broader implications. Through an analysis of pertinent studies, we illuminate the complex relationship between nutrition, lifestyle, and cardiovascular health, underscoring the significance of a holistic approach to CVD prevention and management.

Physiological Evidence and Therapeutic Outcomes of Vitamin D on Cardiovascular Diseases.

Vitamin D hormone is an important regulator of various physiological functions, and its deficiency is characterized by an imbalance in parathyroid hormone and calcium homeostasis. The role of vitamin D in cardiovascular physiology is well demonstrated in animal and humanbased studies. In this context, hyperlipidemia, increased atherogenic plaques, cardiac inflammation, hypertension, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure are some of the commonest known conditions connected with vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin D is recommended to achieve normal serum vitamin D concentrations, nonetheless, in clinical trials often seen discrepancies concerning the supplementation effects and effectiveness. This review summarizes the data on the role of vitamin D in cardiovascular health along with some recent clinical findings regarding the effects of vitamin D supplementation.

Post-angioplasty Psychosis Following Inferior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report Highlighting an Uncommon Occurrence.

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common disease. Nowadays, progress in the rapid management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has resulted in saving time and reduction of MI complications. CASE REPRESENTATION: A 68-year-old male musician with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), while playing fiddle, complained of severe compressive retrosternal chest pain. In the present study, we report a case of inferior ST-segment elevation MI with a post-angioplasty delusion of persecution. CONCLUSION: Our case report has presented a distinctive occurrence of post-angioplasty psychosis following inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The patient displayed symptoms consistent with brief psychosis, including persecutory delusions, jealousy delusions, and second-person auditory hallucinations.

Investigation of the association between habitual dietary FODMAP intake, metabolic parameters, glycemic status, and anthropometric features among apparently healthy overweight and obese individuals.

BACKGROUND: The predisposition of humans to metabolic syndrome is affected by many factors, including diet and lifestyle. Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are a set of carbohydrates that are fermented by gut microbiota. In animal studies, supplementation with FODMAP-rich diets as prebiotics can alter body composition and gut microbiota. This study evaluates any relationship between FODMAP and metabolic syndrome risk factors among adults with metabolic syndrome in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on sociodemographic information from 347 overweight and obese participants selected from outpatient clinics through public declaration. Participants body composition and anthropometric measures were also determined. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 questions was used to collect dietary data. Biochemical parameters, including serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting serum glucose (FSG), and insulin levels, were determined by enzymatic methods. In addition, the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were calculated. RESULTS: In moderate FODMAP and low FODMAP groups, lower waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and higher fat-free mass (FFM) were achieved in higher tertiles. In high FODMAP groups, higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) was shown in the higher tertile (P < 0.05). Higher insulin, HOMA-IR, and lower QUICKI in the second tertile of the high FODMAP group were also observed. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study highlight the potential role of FODMAP in managing metabolic syndrome and open a new field of research.

Dietary branched-chain amino acids intake, glycemic markers, metabolic profile, and anthropometric features in a community-based sample of overweight and obese adults.

BACKGROUND: Existing research provides conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between estimated branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake and metabolic, glycemic markers, and anthropometric characteristics. This research seeks to examine the association between estimated dietary BCAA consumption and glycemic, and metabolic markers, as well as anthropometric parameters in adults classified as overweight or obese. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis, we gathered data from 465 overweight and obese individuals aged between 18 and 37 years. To evaluate dietary data, we employed the food frequency questionnaire, and the BCAA content in foods was determined via the United States Department of Agriculture website. We utilized ELISA kits to measure fasting blood glucose (FBS) and lipid profile markers, and additionally calculated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and insulin sensitivity markers. We assessed sociodemographic status, physical activity (PA), and anthropometric attributes through a method recognized as both valid and reliable. For statistical analysis, we conducted analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), making adjustments for variables including sex, PA, age, energy, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Upon adjusting for confounders, those in the highest tertiles of BCAA intake exhibited an increase in weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and fat-free mass (FFM). Conversely, they demonstrated reduced fat mass (FM) (%) and FM (kg) compared to their counterparts in the lowest tertiles (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a noted association between greater estimated BCAA intake and reduced LDL levels. Nonetheless, our findings did not reveal a significant relationship between dietary BCAA and glycemic indices. CONCLUSIONS: From our findings, an increased estimated intake of BCAA seems to correlate with diminished serum LDL concentrations. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this association, it is imperative that further experimental and longitudinal studies be conducted.

Prevention of Preterm Labor by Isosorbide Dinitrate and Nitroglycerin Patch.

BACKGROUND: Preterm labor is one of the most important causes of hospitalization during pregnancy and can lead to serious complications in neonates. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the effect of transdermal nitroglycerin (TNG) patches and sublingual tablets of Isosorbide dinitrate (ISD) for the prevention of preterm delivery. METHODS: A total of 110 healthy pregnant women aged 18-35 years with a healthy and alive fetus and gestational age between 24-34 weeks who had at least 8 regular uterine contractions per hour were included in this single-blinded clinical trial. After exclusion, the women were randomly divided into TNG (n = 50) and ISD (n = 49) groups. After the first dose of medication (TNG or ISD), patients who developed complications such as hypotension, headache, or both, were also excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients completed the treatment course (29 patients in each group). A significant difference in delayed preterm labor and recovery time was reported between the TNG and ISD groups. CONCLUSION: Complications and the number of contractions were not statistically different in the two groups. We concluded that the TNG patch is more effective than ISD in delaying labor. Both drugs are likely to have a similar incidence of side effects.

Prolonged screen watching behavior is associated with high blood pressure among children and adolescents: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Numerous cardio-metabolic risk factors influence screen-related behaviors in children and adolescents. Numerous studies with inconsistent results revealed a relationship between blood pressure and screen time in the children and adolescents. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarized the data regarding the relationship between screen time and hypertension (HTN) in children and adolescents. METHODS: We examined three electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Embase to find the recent research on the relationship between screen time and HTN up to 19 July 2022. Twenty papers were included in the final two-class and dose-response meta-analysis. We conducted subgrouping to identify the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS: The highest category of screen time increased the odds of HTN by 8% [odds ratio (OR): 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08, 1.23; P < 0.001; I2 = 83.20%] and 1.9 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD): 1.89; 95% CI: 0.18-3.62; P = 0.030; I2 = 83.4]. However, there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure. Moreover, screen time in hypertensive children and adolescents was 0.79 h (47.4 min) higher than normotensive subjects (WMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.02, 1.56; P = 0.046; I2 = 92.8). A departure from linearity was observed between increased screen time [digital video discs, personal computers, and video games and HTN (Pnonlinearity = 0.049). CONCLUSION: This systematic meta-analysis review is the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between screen time and HTN in children and adolescents.

Difference of cardiac rehabilitation in the morning or evening on indexes of left ventricular and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide: a randomized controlled trial.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) performed in the morning or evening on left ventricular (LV) filling indices and the level of N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a randomized controlled single-blinded clinical trial. Ninety-six patients (mean age: 50.2 ± 8.1 years, 36 women and 44 men) with percutaneous coronary angioplasty were divided into two groups of intervention and control. In each group, the CRP was performed in either morning or evening. The CRP included walking and performing push-ups and sit-ups for 8 weeks. The participants of the control groups received routine care. The functional indices of LV, including LV ejection fraction, systolic function, and diastolic function (i.e. the transmitral flow), the E/e' to left atrium peak strain ratio (as an estimation for LA stiffness), and NT-proBNP level were measured in all participants before starting and at the end of the CRP. Results: In the intervention group, the individuals performing the CRP in the evening had significantly higher E-wave (0.76±0.02 vs. 0.75±0.03; P=0.008), ejection fraction (52.5±5.64 vs. 55.5±3.59; P=0.011), and diastolic function velocity (E/A ratio, 1.03±0.06 vs. 1.05±0.03; P=0.014) and significantly lower A-wave (0.72±0.02 vs. 0.71±0.01; P=0.041), E/e' ratio (6.74±0.29 vs. 6.51±0.38; P=0.038), and NT-proBNP level (2007.9±214.24 vs. 1933.9±253.13; P=0.045) compared with those performing the program in the morning. Conclusions: A supervised CRP performed in the evening compared with morning was more effective in improving LV functional indices. Therefore, such home-based interventions are recommended to be performed in the evening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (DAQS), serum lipids, markers of glucose homeostasis, blood pressure and anthropometric features among apparently metabolically healthy obese adults in two metropolises of Iran (Tabriz and Tehran): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with a variety of non-communicable diseases, including MetS, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease through increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Antioxidants can protect cells against free radical damage, so it seems important to determine the relationship between the quality of dietary antioxidants intake and chronic diseases. The Dietary Antioxidant Quality Score (DAQS) is obtained by adding the daily intake of known dietary vitamins and minerals, including selenium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, compared to the recommended daily intake (RDI). Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between DAQS, serum lipids, markers of glucose homeostasis, blood pressure and anthropometric features among obese adults. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 338 individuals who were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) aged 20-50 years were recruited from Tabriz and Tehran, Iran. A validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 168 food items was used to quantify dietary consumption; accordingly, DAQS was computed. Blood biomarkers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A standard mercury sphygmomanometer was used to assess blood pressure, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to determine body composition. The association between the DAQS tertiles and biochemical variables was investigated using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants in the highest tertile of DAQS have a lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values in all of the adjusted models [odds ratio (OR) = 0.920; confidence interval (CI)= 0.852-0.993, P-value = 0.03] in the analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) model. Similarly, subjects at the second tertile of DAQS had lower DBP compared with the first tertile in age and sex-adjusted model [OR= 0.937; CI= 0.882-0.997]. There was no statistically significant difference for other metabolic parameters in different DAQS tertiles. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, higher DAQS was associated with lower DBP among obese adults with obesity in two major cities of Iran (Tehran and Tabriz). Other studies with interventional design are needed to better elucidate these associations and underlying mechanisms.

Dietary pro-oxidant score (POS) and cardio-metabolic panel among obese individuals: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the natural balance between oxidative and anti-oxidative processes, which is the major effective factor in cardiovascular disorders and metabolic syndrome (MetS), due to the role of pro-oxidants in inducing oxidative stress, and as a result, the occurrence and exacerbation of components of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors, this cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the status of dietary pro-oxidants score (POS) and metabolic parameters including serum lipids, glycemic markers and blood pressure among obese adults. METHODS: 338 individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2), aged between 20 and 50 years were recruited in the present cross-sectional study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine the dietary pro-oxidant score (POS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post-hoc comparisons after adjustment for confounders and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors among the tertiles of POS. RESULTS: Participants with higher POS had lower levels of body mass index (BMI), weight and waist circumference (WC). There were no significant associations between metabolic parameters including glycemic markers and lipid profile in one-way ANOVA and multivariate multinomial logistic regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study revealed that greater dietary pro-oxidant intake might be associated with lower BMI, body weight, and WC in Iranian obese individuals. Further studies with interventional or longitudinal approaches will help to better elucidate the causality of the observed associations.

Association between maternal serum uric acid and preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the changes in serum uric acid levels among preeclamptic pregnant women and healthy pregnant women. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-four (224) pregnant women were enrolled. Serum uric acid levels were analysed in the two groups at the time of referral and prior to the delivery. RESULTS: The mean uric acid in all pregnant women was 5.61 mg/dL. The mean uric acid in women with preeclampsia was 6.51 ± 1.53 and in normotensive women was 4.72 ± 1.58, which was seen significant. The mean age of the mother, gestational age and BMI were not significant with the levels of uric acid. The elevation in serum levels of uric acid increased the risk of preeclampsia by 1.98 folds. CONCLUSION: There is a significant increase in the serum levels of uric acid in pregnant women with preeclampsia as compared to normotensive women. This can be one of a significant indicator of preeclampsia.

Frequency of recurrence of peripheral artery disease among angioplasty and stenting patients.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a cardiovascular disease that is characterized by obstruction of peripheral artery. It is associated with comorbidities, reduced quality of life and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of recurrence of PAD among patients who underwent angioplasty or stenting and associated risk factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all patients referred to the cardiovascular center of (XXX) with the diagnosis of lower extremity PAD were included. Patients' demographic information, age, gender, smoking status, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, number of vessels, type of stent, recurrence of the disease, and size of the lesion were obtained from the hospital database. Endovascular revascularization therapy was either performed by angioplasty or stenting method. The data were analyzed by SPSS v21. RESULTS: Of 88 patients included in this study, 12.5% were reported with restenosis. Gender, age, size of the lesion, the status of smoking, history of hypertension, and dyslipidemia were not significantly associated with the recurrence of stenosis, p > 0.05. There was a significant relationship between the vessels involved and the type of revascularization method and the recurrence of the PAD. CONCLUSION: Endovascular revascularization technique and type of vessel involved in PAD are significant factors contributing to restenosis in our population of study. However, further studies with a greater sample size are required in this area.

Incidence of Restenosis Following Rapamycin or Paclitaxeleluting Stent in Coronary Stent Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is chiefly characterized by atherosclerosis and plaque formation in coronary arteries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of coronary anatomy as a predictor of restenosis and stent thrombosis in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients 5 years after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: In this prospective study, 1070 patients with stent restenosis or stent thrombosis over past 5 years were enrolled. Coronary angiography was performed to evaluate coronary restenosis and stent thrombosis 5 years after PCI. Stent restenosis was defined as >50% angiographic in-stent lumen reduction. Stent thrombosis was defined as sudden complete occlusion of stent presenting with acute myocardial infarction in that territory. Demographic data, clinical features and anatomic factors were prospectively reviewed. Baseline, procedural, and post-procedural characteristics of patients were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Among demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension and diabetes mellitus) and anatomic factors were predictive risk factors for restenosis/thrombosis, p=0.001. The most common site for stent restenosis was proximal to the mid part of the LAD artery, followed by RCA and LCX. A greater diameter of LCX, a greater angle of LM-LAD than LM-LCX and left dominancy increase the incidence of LAD stent restenosis/thrombosis. In this study, the least common restenosis/thrombosis rate in relation to the total number of PCI was in the Ramus intermedius artery. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of the study indicated that anatomic factors can predict increased risk of restenosis among CAD patients who underwent PCI.

An idiopathic case of precordial deep T-wave inversion.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: One percent of the patients referred to cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) are presented with T-wave inversion. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 78-year-old woman with chest pain and dyspnea. ECG showed precordial deep T-wave inversion. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Cardiomyopathies, ischemia and other pathologies were ruled out. CONCLUSION: It is likely to be a first reported case of idiopathic deep T-wave inversion seen in the family without any cardiac or non-cardiac etiology.

The role of anti-proliferative effects of atorvastatin on uterine fibroids: findings from a clinical study.

AIM: Uterine myomas/fibroids are one of the most common benign tumors of the reproductive system in women. Given pleiotropic effects of statins, the aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of atorvastatin on uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical study included 90 women aged 35-45 years with uterine fibroids. The patients were randomly allocated into the intervention group (received one tablet, 20 mg of atorvastatin every day for three months) and placebo. Ultrasound was performed every month, and the change in the size of fibroids was recorded for each patient. At the end of the study, the data obtained were analyzed using SPSSv22 and a p value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age in the placebo and intervention group was 39.63 ± 36.3 and 40.35 ± 3.32 years, respectively. The number and location of the tumor was comparable for the two groups. We observed a statically significant reduction in fibroid size from the treatment initiation until completion of three months, (41.06 ± 6.68 mm3 vs 35.16 ± 6.67 mm3) p = .0001. However, the decrease in fibroid size from 1st month to the 3rd month was not statistically significant, p = .189 (36.71 ± 5.54 mm3 vs 35.16 ± 6.67 mm3). CONCLUSION: This study shows that treatment with atorvastatin might positively reduce the size of fibroids. The decrease was only statistically significant during the first month. Further studies with a detailed analysis of the intervention's clinical impact are required to consider statins as a therapeutic tool.

The comparison of side effects of methyldopa, amlodipine, and metoprolol in pregnant women with chronic hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the complication of Antihypertensive drug; in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 300 pregnant women  with chronic hypertension. Results:  a relative risk of preeclampsia among methyldopa group was 3.45 times higher than the metoprolol, the relative risk of preterm labor was not significantly between methyldopa and metoprolol group, LBW, and IUGR in methyldopa and amlodipine groups . CONCLUSION: Methyldopa and amlodipine are associated with the least side effects in pregnant women treated for chronic hypertension.the incidence of preeclampsia was greater in methyldopa group.

Correlation between Plasma Adiponectin Levels and the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: The existing evidence suggests that plasma adiponectin concentrations can be indicative of the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the results of the studies conducted hitherto on this subject are inconsistent. We sought to investigate the possible correlation between plasma adiponectin levels and the presence and severity of CAD in patients undergoing non-urgent coronary angiography. METHODS: In 399 consecutive patients undergoing non-urgent coronary angiography for CAD survey, plasma adiponectin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar levels were measured and demographic characteristics such as age, sex, Body Mass Index, diabetes mellitus history, systemic hypertension history, and family history of CAD were collected. According to the angiography results, the patients were divided into two groups of CAD and non-CAD. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis in the CAD group was defined using the Gensini score system. RESULTS: Average age was 61.4 ± 9.94 years in the CAD group and 57.9 ± 10.75 years in the non-CAD group. Also, 73.7% of the CAD group and 55.4% of the non-CAD group were male. Totally, 278 (69.7%) patients were found to have CAD. Patients without CAD did not have higher mean plasma adiponectin concentrations than did those with CAD (13.38 ± 11.96 vs. 14.95 ± 14.11 mcg/ml; p value = 0. 896). After adjustment for CAD conventional risk factors, plasma adiponectin levels still were not associated with CAD. No association was found between plasma adiponectin levels and the Gensini score. Furthermore, in contrast to the fairly strong correlation previously reported, there was no correlation between adiponectin levels and conventional CAD risk factors. CONCLUSION: We could not observe any relationship between plasma adiponectin concentrations and the presence or severity of CAD in patients undergoing coronary angiography.