Abdominal aortic aneurysm volume and relative intraluminal thrombus volume might be auxiliary predictors of rupture-an observational cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The study aimed to identify differences and compare anatomical and biomechanical features between elective and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: Data (clinical, anatomical, and biomechanical) of 98 patients with AAA, 75 (76.53%) asymptomatic (Group aAAA) and 23 (23.46%) ruptured AAA (Group rAAA), were prospectively collected and analyzed. Anatomical, morphological, and biomechanical imaging markers like peak wall stress (PWS) and rupture risk equivalent diameter (RRED), comorbid conditions, and demographics were compared between the groups. Biomechanical features were assessed by analysis of Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine images by A4clinics (Vascops), and anatomical features were assessed by 3Surgery (Trimensio). Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used and adjusted for confounders. Accuracy was assessed using receiving operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: In a multivariable model, including gender and age as confounder variables, maximal aneurysm diameter [MAD, odds ratio (OR) = 1.063], relative intraluminal thrombus (rILT, OR = 1.039), and total aneurysm volume (TAV, OR = 1.006) continued to be significant predictors of AAA rupture with PWS (OR = 1.010) and RRED (OR = 1.031). Area under the ROC curve values and correct classification (cc) for the same parameters and the model that combines MAD, TAV, and rILT were measured: MAD (0.790, cc = 75%), PWS (0.713, cc = 73%), RRED (0.717, cc = 55%), TAV (0.756, cc = 79%), rILT (0.656, cc = 60%), and MAD + TAV + rILT (0.797, cc = 82%). Conclusion: Based on our results, in addition to MAD, other important predictors of rupture that might be used during aneurysm surveillance are TAV and rILT. Biomechanical parameters (PWS, RRED) as valuable predictors should be assessed in prospective clinical trials. Similar studies on AAA smaller than 55 mm in diameter, even difficult to organize, would be of even greater clinical value.

Effects of monacolin K-containing nutraceutical on cholesterol homeostasis re-establishment and CVD risk reduction in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Hypercholesterolemia is caused by cholesterol homeostasis (CH) disruption, and it contributes to cardiovascular diseases pathogenesis and progression. Status of CH can be assessed by measuring serum concentrations of non-cholesterol sterols (NCS) which serve as cholesterol synthesis and absorption surrogate markers. Monacolin K, isolated from red yeast rice, influences cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity and reduces serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study included 30 hypercholesterolemic patients, with systematic coronary risk estimation (SCORE) values <10%, who received 3-months-long supplementation with nutraceutical mixture containing monacolin K, and vitamins C, B1 and K2. Serum NCS were quantified by HPLC-MS/MS method. Atherogenic indexes were calculated from lipid status parameters concentrations. Albumin degradation inhibition test was conducted to estimate in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the nutraceutical mixture, whereas in vitro antioxidant activity was measured in serum enriched with prooxidants and antioxidants. RESULTS: TC, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) concentrations (p<0.001), as well as atherogenic indexes and SCORE values (p<0.001, p<0.01, respectively) were lowered following the supplementation. Concentrations of cholesterol synthesis markers were decreased (p<0.001), whereas levels of cholesterol absorption markers remained unchanged after the supplementation. Reduction in cholesterol synthesis went alongside reductions in lipid status parameters and atherogenic indexes. In vitro analyses showed certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the nutraceutical. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that supplementation with monacolin K containing nutraceutical favorably influences lipid status parameters and atherogenic indexes by acting on cholesterol synthesis. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of this unique nutraceutical mixture may exhibit beneficial pleiotropic effects.

Paraoxonase 1 low activity and SYNTAX score may predict postoperative complications after coronary artery surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) seems to present a powerful trigger of oxidative stress (OS) and acute inflammatory response. This study aimed to estimate the effects of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting on the OS that is commonly observed in patients undergoing operation under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Additionally, we aimed to examine the relationship between and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and the degree of stenosis, severity and complexity of the atherosclerotic lesions, estimated by SYNTAX score (SS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study group of 107 patients scheduled for CABG were divided into CPB and OPCAB group. Blood samples for OS markers measurement were collected at six-time intervals: before skin incision (t1), immediately after surgery (t2), 6h (t3), 24h (t4), 48h (t5) and 96h after cessation of the operation and surgical trauma (t6). SS was calculated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels after both types of surgeries were observed, whereas PON1 reduction was observed higher in the CPB than in the OPCAB group. A significant inverse correlation between SS values and PON1 activity, preoperatively and during the early postoperative hours after surgery [in t2, t3 time intervals (p<0.05 for all)] was found. ROC analysis showed that for CPB patients, Model with all OS parameters showed excellent accuracy (AUC=0.957, p<0.001) for prediction postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in PON1 activity during the early post-operative phases was related to higher SS. This relationship was more convincing in CPB, compared with OPCAB patients. Moreover, integrated models of OS status parameters have the capability to predict the development of postoperative complications.

Effects of short- and long-term physical activity on DNA stability and oxidative stress status in young soccer players.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine whether single soccer training is able to cause oxidative stress and DNA instability. We have also sought to investigate if adaptive response will be developed during 45 days training period and to what extent. METHODS: This study was conducted on 16 soccer players aged 18.13±0.35 years. We used single cells gel electrophoresis (comet assay) to investigate leukocyte DNA stability. The results were presented as DNA score and percent of cells with medium and high damage. Oxidative status of our subjects was estimated through blood levels of superoxide anion, the thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARs), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and sulfhydryl-groups (SH-groups). RESULTS: During single soccer training, DNA score and percent of the cells with medium and high damage were increased after training but without significance. Sulphydryl-groups (P=0.033), TOS (P=0.002) and PAB (P=0.045) were significantly lower after training. After 45 days training period DNA score was decreased but with no significance. However, percent of cells with medium and high damage was significantly lower (P=0.01). TOS (P=0.001) and MDA (P=0.038) levels were also significantly lower, while sulphydryl-groups levels were significantly higher (P=0.006). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that single soccer training had not compromised DNA stability. Possible development of oxidative stress was effectively neutralized by very well preserved antioxidative mechanisms. It was also shown that during 45 days adaptive response was induced. All measured parameters should be considered as useful information on oxidative status of trainees.

Gender-specific oxidative stress parameters.

The aim of the present study was to examine the association of proteins that regulate iron transport/storage content and acute phase response with oxidative stress in male and female athletes. Serum ferritin, transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and oxidative stress parameters (reactive oxygen metabolites, superoxide anion, advanced oxidation protein products, lipid hydroperoxides, superoxide-dismutase and pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance) were determined in 138 athletes (73 females and 65 males). A general linear model indicated significant gender differences between athletes in terms of reactive oxygen metabolites (307.48 ± 61.02 VS. 276.98 ± 50.08; P=0.030), superoxide-dismutase (114.60 ± 41.64 VS. 101.42 ± 38.76; P=0.001), lipid hydroperoxides (149.84 ± 38.95 VS. 101.43 ± 39.26; P<0.001), pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (512.40 ± 148.67 VS. 413.09 ± 120.30; P=0.002), advanced oxidation protein products (1.49 ± 0.30 VS. 0.91 ± 0.25; P<0.001) and superoxide (2.61 ± 0.36 VS. 2.22 ± 0.35; P=0.001), which were all significantly higher in females. Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated gender (P<0.001), training experience (P=0.004), C-reactive protein (P=0.002), soluble transferrin receptor (P=0.004) and transferrin (P<0.001) as significant covariates. Gender accounted for the largest proportion of variability for all oxidative stress parameters (46.3%) and female athletes were more susceptible to oxidative stress. Iron transport and storage proteins (transferrin and ferritin), but also acute phase reactants, were negatively related factors for oxidative stress. In conclusion, variation in the ferritin level may contribute to the different oxidative stress level between the sexes.

Oxidative stress and anti-oxidative defense in schoolchildren residing in a petrochemical industry environment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible relationship between industrial air pollution and oxidative stress in schoolchildren by comparing parameters from children residing in two nearby localities with contrasting environmental conditions. PARTICIPANTS: 42 schoolchildren (12-15 years) from Pancevo (site of Serbias largest petrochemical installation) formed the exposed group. 82 schoolchildren from Kovacica village, located 30 km north of Pancevo, formed the non-exposed group. METHODS: Oxidative stress status, anti-oxidative defense parameters, paraoxonase-1 status, lipid status, glucose concentration and leukocyte counts were compared in two groups. RESULTS: The children from Pancevo showed higher level of oxidative stress demonstrated by an elevated malondialdehyde concentration (P <0.001) and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (P<0.01) in comparison to the non-exposed group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested a relationship between the presence of air pollutants and increased oxidative stress in schoolchildren residing in an industrial environment.