The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Microvascular Structure and Function, Peripheral Pressure Waveform and General Cardiovascular Risk: A Longitudinal Study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on retinal microvascular calibre, peripheral microvascular function, peripheral pressure waveforms, and the general cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in obese individuals after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. METHODS: A total of 29 obese participants were included in the study. All of the measurements were conducted at two time points: before and one year following the bariatric surgery procedure. General anthropometric data, as well as blood markers for glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were assessed in all individuals. In all participants, the Framingham risk score (FRS), and retinal vessel calibre measurements, using a Zeiss fundus camera and VesselMap software (ImedosSystems, Jena, Germany), were performed. Systemic arterial stiffness was measured by pulse wave analysis (PWA), and peripheral microvascular reactivity by way of digital thermal monitoring (DTM) in all participants. RESULTS: As expected, various general anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and neck circumference, were significantly decreased post-surgery comparing to baseline in all individuals (all p < 0.001). In addition, their general CVD risk, as measured using FRS, was significantly improved (p < 0.001). At the retinal vascular level, central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) as well as, central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) had increased after surgery comparing to the baseline values (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). In addition, both systemic arterial stiffness and peripheral microvascular reactivity had improved in all participants (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that bariatric surgery has a positive effect on the overall vascular health, as well as on the general CVD risk of the obese patients undergoing this procedure.

Patterns of Drug Utilization and Self-Medication Practices: A Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Self-medication (SM) is a growing phenomenon worldwide that has recently been classified as one of the most serious public health problems. SM can result in an incorrect self-diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, potential adverse reactions, interactions, and the masking of more sinister disease. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of SM practices amongst healthcare professionals and the general population in Saudi Arabia and to identify the sociodemographic contributing factors to this practice. METHODS: A total of 540 participants were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked to complete the study questionnaire comprising two sections to gather demographic information and to collect data regarding SM practice. RESULTS: The prevalence of SM practice among the study participants was 78.6%, and it was the highest among the middle age groups of (21-40 years) 82% compared to the younger and older age groups. The observed prevalence was higher in the female participants (53.7%) and those who live alone. Type of education did not affect the attitude of SM (p = 0.374); however, level of education strongly affected the prevalence of the SM, with higher incidence among university graduates (p < 0.001). Analgesics with antipyretics properties were the most self-medicated drugs. Patients considering their illnesses minor was the main reason behind the high prevalence of this practice. Among healthcare professions the highest prevalence of SM was found among pharmacists (95%), followed by physicians, nurses, and other medical practitioners. CONCLUSION: The general population should be better educated and made conscious about the consequences, risks, and side effects of SM. Awareness campaigns may prove to be useful in this matter, allowing the patient to consider the appropriateness of this practice. Individuals in the age group of 21-40 years, females, and those who live alone should be considered priority target populations in the design and implementation of SM awareness projects.

Transdermal delivery of mitochondrial-targeted hydrogen sulphide donor, AP39 protects against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an important gaseous signalling molecule with emerging roles as a neuroprotectant. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of transdermal delivery of mitochondrial-targeted H2S donor, AP39 whilst investigating the ability of permeated AP39 on abrogating 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-dop)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as a model of Parkinson's disease, established in human neuroblastoma cells, SHSY-5Y. Aqueous hypromellose gels (5% w/v) were prepared with up to 10% v/v propylene glycol (PG) with 0.002% w/w AP39. AP39 permeation from formulations across excised murine skin into PBS was quantified over 24 h using HPLC-UV detection. Media was collected and applied to a microvasculature blood-brain-barrier (BBB) model to evidence AP39 permeability. Following, the permeate was applied to neuroblastoma cells SHSY-5Y to evidence its therapeutic potential in modulating the mitochondrial bioenergetics and antioxidant in response to 6-OH-dop-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. The presence of PG in gel formulations significantly increased the cumulative amount of AP39 permeated across murine skin over 24 h from 24.40 ± 2.39 % to 48.59 ± 2.93 %. Conditioned media applied to a microvasculature BBB model observed AP39 permeation across the barrier and H2S release. Finally, permeated AP39 enhanced parameters of mitochondrial bioenergetics in SHSY-5Y exposed to 6-OH-dop. Moreover, permeated AP39 abrogated mitochondrial-specific reactive oxygen species generation induced by 6-OH-dop. These findings demonstrate transdermal delivery of AP39 may provide a promising alternative to deliver this mitochondrial-targeted H2S donor and this approach allows the potential to cross the BBB reaching CNS organs in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Moreover, our observations show that gels prepared with 10% v/v PG have the potential for use in conditions requiring rapid H2S delivery whereas gels without PG have potential for therapy requiring sustained H2S delivery.

Macro- and Microvascular Function in Middle-Aged Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

Aims: To investigate the microvascular function in apparently healthy individuals showing signs of early macrovascular endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Healthy participants aged between 30−55 years were recruited for the present study. Baseline measurements included body-mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), 24-h blood pressure, as well as fasted venous glucose, triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total). Brachial artery reactivity was measured using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique and retinal vessel reactivity was assessed by using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyser (DVA) in all individuals. The enrolled participants were separated in two groups, based on either a reduced (group 1: <5%­n = 53) or a normal FMD response (group 2: 7−10%­n = 47). Results: Individuals exhibiting reduced FMD responses showed a reduced baseline-corrected microvascular arterial dilation response to flickering light (p = 0.039). In addition, they also exhibited a reduced arteriolar maximum dilation (p = 0.034), as well as a longer dilation reaction time (p = 0.048) and a lower dilation amplitude (p = 0.042) when compared to those with normal FMD values. Conclusion: In otherwise healthy middle-aged individuals, early signs of vascular dysfunction are reflected simultaneously at both macro- and microvascular levels.

Retinal Microvascular Dysfunction Occurs Early and Similarly in Mild Alzheimer's Disease and Primary-Open Angle Glaucoma Patients.

Purpose: To assess the similarities and differences in retinal microvascular function between mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, early-stage primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and healthy controls. Methods: Retinal vessel reactivity to flickering light was assessed in 10 AD, 19 POAG and 20 healthy age matched control patients by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA, IMEDOS, GmbH, Jena, Germany) according to an established protocol. All patients additionally underwent BP measurements and blood analysis for glucose and lipid metabolism markers. Results: AD and POAG patients demonstrated comparable alterations in retinal artery reactivity, in the form of an increased arterial reaction time (RT) to flicker light on the final flicker cycle (p = 0.009), which was not replicated by healthy controls (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the sequential changes in RT on progressing from flicker one to flicker three were found to differ between healthy controls and the two disease groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: AD and POAG patients demonstrate comparable signs of vascular dysfunction in their retinal arteries at the early stages of their disease process. This provides support for the concept of a common underlying vascular aetiology in these two neurodegenerative diseases.

Sodium Thiosulphate-Loaded Liposomes Control Hydrogen Sulphide Release and Retain Its Biological Properties in Hypoxia-like Environment.

Hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen availability is a common feature in the development of a myriad of cardiovascular-related conditions including ischemic disease. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) donors, such as sodium thiosulphate (STS), are known for their cardioprotective properties. However, H2S due to its gaseous nature, is released and cleared rapidly, limiting its potential translation to clinical settings. For the first time, we developed and characterised liposome formulations encapsulating STS and explored their potential for modulating STS uptake, H2S release and the ability to retain pro-angiogenic and biological signals in a hypoxia-like environment mirroring oxygen insufficiency in vitro. Liposomes were prepared by varying lipid ratios and characterised for size, polydispersity and charge. STS liposomal encapsulation was confirmed by HPLC-UV detection and STS uptake and H2S release was assessed in vitro. To mimic hypoxia, cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was administered in conjunction with formulated and non-formulated STS, to explore pro-angiogenic and metabolic signals. Optimised liposomal formulation observed a liposome diameter of 146.42 ± 7.34 nm, a polydispersity of 0.22 ± 0.19, and charge of 3.02 ± 1.44 mV, resulting in 25% STS encapsulation. Maximum STS uptake (76.96 ± 3.08%) from liposome encapsulated STS was determined at 24 h. Co-exposure with CoCl2 and liposome encapsulated STS resulted in increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA as well as protein expression, enhanced wound closure and increased capillary-like formation. Finally, liposomal STS reversed metabolic switch induced by hypoxia by enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics. These novel findings provide evidence of a feasible controlled-delivery system for STS, thus H2S, using liposome-based nanoparticles. Likewise, data suggests that in scenarios of hypoxia, liposomal STS is a good therapeutic candidate to sustain pro-angiogenic signals and retain metabolic functions that might be impaired by limited oxygen and nutrient availability.

The Use of Retinal Microvascular Function and Telomere Length in Age and Blood Pressure Prediction in Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Risk.

Ageing represents a major risk factor for many pathologies that limit human lifespan, including cardiovascular diseases. Biological ageing is a good biomarker to assess early individual risk for CVD. However, finding good measurements of biological ageing is an ongoing quest. This study aims to assess the use retinal microvascular function, separate or in combination with telomere length, as a predictor for age and systemic blood pressure in individuals with low cardiovascular risk. In all, 123 healthy participants with low cardiovascular risk were recruited and divided into three groups: group 1 (less than 30 years old), group 2 (31-50 years old) and group 3 (over 50 years old). Relative telomere length (RTL), parameters of retinal microvascular function, CVD circulatory markers and blood pressure (BP) were measured in all individuals. Symbolic regression- analysis was used to infer chronological age and systemic BP measurements using either RTL or a combination of RTL and parameters for retinal microvascular function. RTL decreased significantly with age (p = 0.010). There were also age-related differences between the study groups in retinal arterial time to maximum dilation (p = 0.005), maximum constriction (p = 0.007) and maximum constriction percentage (p = 0.010). In the youngest participants, the error between predicted versus actual values for the chronological age were smallest in the case of using both retinal vascular functions only (p = 0.039) or the combination of this parameter with RTL (p = 0.0045). Systolic BP was better predicted by RTL also only in younger individuals (p = 0.043). The assessment of retinal arterial vascular function is a better predictor than RTL for non-modifiable variables such as age, and only in younger individuals. In the same age group, RTL is better than microvascular function when inferring modifiable risk factors for CVDs. In older individuals, the accumulation of physiological and structural biological changes makes such predictions unreliable.

Retinal Microvascular Abnormalities and Systemic Arterial Stiffness Are the First Manifestation of Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Patients with Untreated Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and with Low to Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk-A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate macro- and microvascular function parameters and their relationship with known markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with untreated moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Fourteen patients with moderate to severe OSA and fourteen controls were included in the present study. General assessments included BMI, systemic blood pressure (BP) and circulating markers for oxidative stress and endothelial function. Additional assessments included 24 h BP and heart rate monitoring, as well as the assessment of heart rate variability. Macro- and microvascular assessments included augmentation index, carotid intima-media thickness, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, as well as various retinal microvascular function assessments, using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer. All participants completed the Short Form Health Survey, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The results show that, in comparison to controls, BMI (p = 0.003) and AIx (p = 0.025) were significantly higher in the OSA group. There was, however, no significant difference between groups with regard to other measured systemic general, vascular and circulatory parameters (all p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the retinal microvascular function showed various alterations in the OSA patients, including a delayed reaction time in response to flicker (p = 0.047), as well as a decreased dilation amplitude (p = 0.004), dilation slope (p = 0.004), and post-flicker constriction (p = 0.015). In addition, the observed SlopeAD alterations correlated negatively with BMI values only in the OSA group (r = −0.46, p = 0.045). In conclusion, individuals with untreated moderate to severe OSA but without overt CVD, exhibit signs of increased arterial stiffness and retinal microvascular dysfunction, which can be early indicators for future vascular complications.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery-Induced Weight Loss on Anterior Eye Health in Patients with Obesity.

The aim of the present research was to assess the effect of bariatric surgery-induced weight loss on the tear film and ocular surface of patients with obesity. A total of 29 participants with obesity (aged 47.2 ± 10.1 years, 8 male) were measured at baseline and followed up one year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. General anthropometric data, as well as serum lipid markers of cholesterol, were assessed in all individuals. Bilateral anterior eye measurements of tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time, bulbar and limbal redness and infrared meibography were captured using the Keratograph K5M (Oculus) and ocular surface damage was evaluated using fluorescein sodium and lissamine green staining. Bariatric surgery resulted in significant loss of weight (body mass index p < 0.001) and an improvement in the blood lipid profile (p < 0.01) in all participants. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the baseline and one-year follow-up for any of the measured clinical ocular surface and tear film variables (all p > 0.05). Although there were trends for a reduced TMH and a decrease in meibomian gland dropout after bariatric surgery, these differences were also insignificant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, weight reduction through bariatric surgery did not have an effect on the tear film or ocular surface in unselected patients with obesity.

Oxysterols and Oxysterol Sulfates in Alzheimer's Disease Brain and Cerebrospinal Fluid.

BACKGROUND: Brain cholesterol levels are tightly regulated but increasing evidence indicates that cholesterol metabolism may drive Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated pathological changes. Recent advances in understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD brain have presented a vital role played by mitochondria in oxysterol biosynthesis and their involvement in pathophysiology. Oxysterol accumulation in brain is controlled by various enzymatic pathways including sulfation. While research into oxysterol is under the areas of active investigation, there is less evidence for oxysterol sulfate levels in human brain. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the hypothesis that AD brain oxysterol detoxification via sulfation is impaired in later stages of disease resulting in oxysterol accumulation. METHODS: Lipids were extracted from postmortem frozen brain tissue and cerebrospinal (CSF) from late- (Braak stage III-IV) and early- (Braak stage I-II) stage AD patients. Samples were spiked with internal standards prior to lipid extraction. Oxysterols were enriched with a two-step solid phase extraction using a polymeric SPE column and further separation was achieved by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Oxysterols, 26-hydroxycholesterol (26-OHC), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC), and 7-oxycholesterol levels were higher in brain tissue and mitochondria extracted from late-stage AD brain tissue except for 24S-hydroxycholesterol, which was decreased in late AD. However, oxysterol sulfates are significantly lower in the AD frontal cortex. Oxysterols, 25-OHC, and 7-oxocholesterol was higher is CSF but 26-OHC and oxysterol sulfate levels were not changed. CONCLUSION: Our results show oxysterol metabolism is altered in AD brain mitochondria, favoring synthesis of 26-OHC, 25-OHC, and 7-oxocholesterol, and this may influence brain mitochondrial function and acceleration of the disease.

Transdermal Delivery of a Hydrogen Sulphide Donor, ADT-OH Using Aqueous Gel Formulations for the Treatment of Impaired Vascular Function: an Ex Vivo Study.

PURPOSE: Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an important signalling molecule involved in the regulation of several physiological and pathophysiological processes. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of transdermal delivery of ADT-OH, a H2S donor, by investigating the transdermal flux of aqueous gels loaded with penetration enhancers or liposomes. Furthermore, we explored the ability of permeated ADT-OH to promote angiogenesis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in HUVEC cells. METHODS: Aqueous hypromellose gels (5% w/v) were prepared with up to 10% v/v propylene glycol (PG) or deformable liposomes with 0.025% w/w ADT-OH. ADT-OH permeation from formulations across excised murine skin into PBS was quantified over 24 h using HPLC-UV detection. Media was collected and applied to HUVEC cells to evidence ADT-OH functionality following permeation. Tube formation assays were performed as indicative of angiogenesis and mitochondrial oxygen consumption was evaluated using a Seahorse XF24. RESULTS: Increasing the loading of PG caused an increase in ADT-OH permeation rate across skin and a decrease in dermal drug retention whereas liposomal gels produced a slow-release profile. Treatment of HUVEC's using conditioned media collected from the ADT-OH loaded permeation studies enhanced tube formation and the basal oxygen consumption rates after 30 min of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that transdermal delivery of ADT-OH may provide a promising approach in the treatment of impaired vascular function. Gels prepared with 10% v/v PG have the potential for use in conditions requiring rapid H2S release whereas liposomal loaded gels for treatment requiring sustained H2S release.

Lactate Dehydrogenase/Albumin To-Urea Ratio: A Novel Prognostic Maker for Fatal Clinical Complications in Patients with COVID-19 Infection.

Objective: To investigate lactate dehydrogenase/Albumin to-urea (LAU) ratio as a potential predictor for COVID-19-induced fatal clinical complications in hospitalized patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving blood analyses from 1139 hospitalised COVID-19 infection survivors and 349 deceased cases post-COVID-19 infection. Laboratory tests included complete blood picture, inflammatory markers, and routine organ function tests. Results: The non-survivor group showed lower haemoglobin (p < 0.001), platelet (p < 0.0001) and higher mean corpuscular volume, neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocytes ratio (NLR), and LAU (p < 0.001, p < 0.0013, p < 0.001, p < 0.0126) than the patients who survived the infection. The non-survivors also exhibited higher markers for infection-related clinical complications, such as international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, urea, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALK), creatinine, c-reactive protein (CRP), and serum ferritin levels (all p < 0.05). In addition, LAU ratio was positively correlated with infection prognostic parameters including INR (r = 0.171), D-dimer (r = 0.176), serum urea (r = 0.424), total bilirubin (r = 0.107), ALK (r = 0.115), creatinine (r = 0.365), CRP (r = 0.268), ferritin (r = 0.385) and negatively correlated with serum albumin (r = −0.114) (p ≤ 0.05). LAU ratio had an area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.67 compared to 0.60 with NLR. Conclusion: Patients with a high LAU ratio are at increased risk of mortality due to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, early assessment of this parameter, intensive intervention and close monitoring could improve their prognosis.

Oxysterols and Retinal Microvascular Dysfunction as Early Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Disease in Normal, Ageing Individuals.

The aim of the present paper is to assess the relationship between oxysterol levels and retinal microvascular function in individuals of various age groups, free of clinically evident diseases. Forty-two apparently healthy individuals were included in the present study (group 1: 19-30 years, group 2: 31-50 years, and group 3: 51-70 years). Retinal microvascular function was assessed using the dynamic retinal vessel analyzer (DVA, IMEDOS GmbH, Jena, Germany). Fasting plasma was obtained from all subjects and quantification of monohydroxy and dihydroxy oxysterols assessment was performed using LC-MS/MS following reverse phase chromatography. A Griess assay was used to evaluate the Nitric Oxide (NO) concentration in all individuals. The glutathione redox ratio was also analyzed by means of whole blood glutathione recycling assay. In all participants, the levels of 7-Ketocholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol and 7ß-hydroxycholesterol correlated significantly and positively with the time to maximum arteriolar dilation. In addition, 25-hydroxycholesterol and 7ß-hydroxycholesterol negatively correlated to the percentage of maximum arteriolar dilation. A negative correlation was observed for 27-hydroxycholesterol and 7ß-hydroxycholesterol with microvascular arteriolar constriction. These results suggest that, with age, abnormal oxysterol levels correlate with early changes in microvascular bed function. This relationship could signal early risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in an ageing population.

Dry eye disease is associated with retinal microvascular dysfunction and possible risk for cardiovascular disease.

PURPOSE: To explore the presence of microvascular endothelial dysfunction as a measure for early cardiovascular disease in individuals diagnosed with dry eye disease (DED) as compared to age-matched normal controls. METHODS: Systemic blood pressure, Body Mass Index, intraocular pressure, blood levels of glucose (GLUC), triglycerides, cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] as well as retinal and peripheral microvascular function were assessed in twenty-five 35-50 year olds with diagnosed with DEDa (using the TFOS DEWS II criteria) and 25 age and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: After controlling all the influential covariates, individuals diagnosed with DED exhibited significant lower retinal artery baseline (p = 0.027), artery maximum diameter (p = 0.027), minimum constriction (p = 0.039) and dilation amplitude (p = 0.029) than controls. In addition, the time to reach the vein maximum diameter was significantly longer in the DED patients than in normal controls (p = 0.0052). Only in individuals diagnosed with DED, artery maximum constriction correlated statistically significantly and positively with HDL-C blood levels (p = 0.006). Similarly, artery slopeAD correlated positively with T-CHOL and LDL-C (p = 0.006 & 0.011 respectively). Additionally, artery baseline diameter and maximum constriction were significantly and negatively correlated to T-CHOL/HDL-C ratio (p = 0.032 and p = 0.013 respectively) in DED individuals only. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with positive diagnosis of DED exhibit abnormal retinal microvascular function and possible higher risk for CVD.

Microvascular function and oxidative stress in adult individuals with early onset of cardiovascular disease.

The current study aims to investigate retinal vascular function and its relationship with systemic anti-oxidative defence capacity in normal individuals versus those with early hypertensive changes according to the current ESC/ESH guidelines. Retinal microvascular function was assessed in 201 participants by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis. Blood pressure, lipid panel, oxidized (GSH) & reduced glutathione (GSSG) were also evaluated for each participant. Individuals classed as grade 1 hypertension demonstrated higher retinal arterial baseline diameter fluctuation (p = 0.0012), maximum dilation percentage (p = 0.0007), time to maximum constriction (p = 0.0003) and lower arterial constriction slope (p = 0.0131). Individuals classed as high normal and grade 1 hypertension also demonstrated higher time to maximum dilation than individuals classed as optimal or normal. GSH levels correlated negatively with SBP, DBP and MBP values in all participants (p = 0.0010; p = 0.0350 and p = 0.0050) as well as with MBP values in high normal and grade 1 hypertension (p = 0.0290). The levels of GSSG correlated positively with SBP, DBP and MBP values in all participants (p = 0.0410; p = 0.0330 and, p = 0.0220). Our results point to the fact that microvascular alterations can be identifiable at BP values still considered within normal values and go in parallel with the changes observed in the level of oxidative stress.

Retinal and peripheral vascular function in healthy individuals with low cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE: To assess retinal and peripheral microvascular function in individuals with low cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Retinal microvascular function was assessed using the dynamic vessel analyser (DVA) and peripheral vascular reactivity was measured using the digital thermal monitor (DTM) in 136 healthy participants. In addition, systemic blood pressure (BP) profiles, blood analyses for glucose and lipid metabolism markers (CHOL, HDL-c, LDL-c), as well as the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) were assessed in all participants. Based on peripheral vascular reactivity scores, participants were separated into 3 groups: high, intermediate and low risk. Participants with high risk showed a significant higher retinal arteriolar time to reach maximum dilation (tMD) than those with intermediate and low risk (p < 0.001). In addition, retinal arterial dilation amplitude (DA), and constriction slope (SlopeAC) were higher in subjects with low risk (p = 0.006, p = 0.019). Only in high risk participants, peripheral vascular reactivity parameters correlated with retinal arterial functional parameters DA, (r = 0.3800, p = 0.029) and tMD (r = -0.5904, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that signs of abnormal vascular function are similarly present and detectable in various microvascular beds, despite existing differences in their anatomical and physiological properties.

Retinal vascular function in asymptomatic individuals with a positive family history of cardiovascular disease.

PURPOSE: To compare retinal microvascular function in healthy individuals with and without a positive family history (FH) of cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Retinal vessel reactivity was assessed by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis in 38 healthy subjects aged between 30 and 66 years with a positive FH of CVD and 37 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Other assessments included blood pressure (BP) profiles, blood glucose and lipid metabolism markers, Framingham risk scores (FRS), carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD). RESULTS: Family history-positive subjects showed decreased retinal arterial baseline diameter fluctuation, dilation amplitude, percent dilation, and overall constriction response slope (p = 0.001; p = 0.015; p = 0.001; and p < 0.001, respectively) and increased percent constriction (p = 0.008). On the venous side, baseline-corrected flicker response and dilation response slope were decreased in the FH-positive group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.010, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups in c-IMT scores or FMD parameters (all p > 0.05). The arterial MC% correlated negatively with decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.52, p = 0.002) in only FH-positive group. CONCLUSION: Although macrovascular function is preserved in individuals with FH positive for CVD but with low FRS, there are, however, functional impairments at the retinal microvascular level that correlate with established plasma markers for cardiovascular risk.