Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-02-24DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104797
Fadia Mayyas
Background
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) represent a global health burden contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. The neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a small glycoprotein, is secreted by inflammatory neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells, playing a role in inflammation. However, its relevance as a predictor of ASCVDs risk across patients from low to very high-risk, and correlation with the need for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) remains largely unexplored. Our objective was to assess plasma NGAl levels in patients with low to very high risk of ASCVD and their relationship with the severity of CAD and the requirement for revascularization.
Methods
Outpatients and patients undergoing catheterization were categorized into low, moderate, high, and very high risk of ASCVD. Plasma levels of NGAL were measured using ELISA and analyzed in relation to CAD status and the need for revascularization by PCI or CABG.
Results
Plasma NGAl levels were elevated in CAD patients, with higher levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome compared to those with stable angina. A gradual increase in plasma NGAl levels was noted with the elevated risk of ASCVD and degree of coronary artery stenosis. Notably, plasma NGAl level was independently correlated with ASCVD risk and the need for revascularization by PCI.
Conclusion
Our study indicates that plasma NGAl levels are linked to the risk of ASCVD and may help predict the development and severity of CAD. Further research targeting NGAL could explore its potential to mitigate the risk of ASCVD.
{"title":"Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level as a predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in patients undergoing catheterization","authors":"Fadia Mayyas","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104797","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) represent a global health burden contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. The neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a small glycoprotein, is secreted by inflammatory neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells, playing a role in inflammation. However, its relevance as a predictor of ASCVDs risk across patients from low to very high-risk, and correlation with the need for revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) remains largely unexplored. Our objective was to assess plasma NGAl levels in patients with low to very high risk of ASCVD and their relationship with the severity of CAD and the requirement for revascularization.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Outpatients and patients undergoing catheterization were categorized into low, moderate, high, and very high risk of ASCVD. Plasma levels of NGAL were measured using ELISA and analyzed in relation to CAD status and the need for revascularization by PCI or CABG.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Plasma NGAl levels were elevated in CAD patients, with higher levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome compared to those with stable angina. A gradual increase in plasma NGAl levels was noted with the elevated risk of ASCVD and degree of coronary artery stenosis. Notably, plasma NGAl level was independently correlated with ASCVD risk and the need for revascularization by PCI.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study indicates that plasma NGAl levels are linked to the risk of ASCVD and may help predict the development and severity of CAD. Further research targeting NGAL could explore its potential to mitigate the risk of ASCVD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 104797"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143516123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prolonged sitting can impair physiological functions. We hypothesized that prolonged sitting attenuates forearm cutaneous vascular function but alternating local skin cooling and heating mitigates this attenuation. Eleven young adults (five women) sat for 75 min in thermoneutral condition (25 °C) during which skin temperature at four forearm skin sites was modulated: 1) maintained at 33 °C (control), 2) reduced to 15 °C for 4 min, then rised to 40 °C, repeated 5 times, 3) maintained at 33 °C for 4 min, then rised to 40 °C for 4 min, repeated 5 times or 4) elevated to 40 °C. Before and after 75-min prolonged sitting, venoarteriolar reflex (VAR) was assessed by a reduction in cutaneous blood flow (laser Doppler flowmetry) mediated by venous occlusion, whereas post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) was assessed by increases in cutaneous blood flow following arterial occlusion. After prolonged sitting, PORH decreased at the control (mean with 95%CI: 40.2 [34.5, 45.9] %max vs. 26.3 [19.3, 33.3] %max P < 0.001), but this response was not seen at the site subjected to alternating 15 °C cooling and 40 °C heating (P = 0.983). VAR remained unchanged before and after prolonged sitting at the control (P = 0.990), but increased with 15 °C cooling and 40 °C heating (−47.8 [−61.6, −34.1] %baseline vs. -68.0 [−75.3, −60.7] %baseline P = 0.029). We show that prolonged sitting decreases forearm cutaneous vasodilation function (PORH), but this response is mitigated by alternating local skin cooling and heating. Additionally, prolonged sitting does not affect forearm cutaneous VAR, but alternating local skin cooling and heating enhances VAR.
{"title":"Alternate local skin cooling and heating ameliorates impaired forearm skin vasodilation function mediated by prolonged sitting","authors":"Yudai Tomita , Kaname Tagawa , Takeshi Nishiyasu , Naoto Fujii","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104795","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104795","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prolonged sitting can impair physiological functions. We hypothesized that prolonged sitting attenuates forearm cutaneous vascular function but alternating local skin cooling and heating mitigates this attenuation. Eleven young adults (five women) sat for 75 min in thermoneutral condition (25 °C) during which skin temperature at four forearm skin sites was modulated: 1) maintained at 33 °C (control), 2) reduced to 15 °C for 4 min, then rised to 40 °C, repeated 5 times, 3) maintained at 33 °C for 4 min, then rised to 40 °C for 4 min, repeated 5 times or 4) elevated to 40 °C. Before and after 75-min prolonged sitting, venoarteriolar reflex (VAR) was assessed by a reduction in cutaneous blood flow (laser Doppler flowmetry) mediated by venous occlusion, whereas post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) was assessed by increases in cutaneous blood flow following arterial occlusion. After prolonged sitting, PORH decreased at the control (mean with 95%CI: 40.2 [34.5, 45.9] %max vs. 26.3 [19.3, 33.3] %max <em>P</em> < 0.001), but this response was not seen at the site subjected to alternating 15 °C cooling and 40 °C heating (<em>P</em> = 0.983). VAR remained unchanged before and after prolonged sitting at the control (<em>P</em> = 0.990), but increased with 15 °C cooling and 40 °C heating (−47.8 [−61.6, −34.1] %baseline vs. -68.0 [−75.3, −60.7] %baseline <em>P</em> = 0.029). We show that prolonged sitting decreases forearm cutaneous vasodilation function (PORH), but this response is mitigated by alternating local skin cooling and heating. Additionally, prolonged sitting does not affect forearm cutaneous VAR, but alternating local skin cooling and heating enhances VAR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 104795"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143425477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-02-15DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104796
S. Wilkinson , J. Wilkinson , A. Grace , D. Lyon , M. Mellor , T. Yunus , J. Manning , G. Dinsdale , M. Berks , S. Knight , N. Bakerly , A. Gebril , P. Dark , A. Herrick , C. Taylor , M. Dickinson , A. Murray
Objectives
It is understood that microvascular dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an automated, quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy system in identifying microvascular changes in those confirmed with or having had COVID-19.
Methods
Ninety-seven participants were enrolled into this study and grouped as follows: 52 participants with acute COVID-19 (further grouped by disease severity) and 45 participants with convalescent COVID-19 (further grouped into long COVID i.e. symptoms beyond 12 weeks, and fully recovered). Nailfold capillaroscopy images were obtained from the bilateral ring fingers using a Dino-Lite CapillaryScope 200 Pro, a small USB handheld microscope. Images were assessed quantitatively using bespoke automated measurement software and the number of haemorrhages noted for each participant.
Results
Capillaries were predominantly ‘normal’ in appearance with narrow capillary loops and evenly distributed, but with an increased number of haemorrhages (40 % in the convalescent group and 17 % in the acute group, p=0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean width of capillaries (20.9–21.8 μm) or vessel density (9.6–9.9 caps/mm; acute and convalescent group, respectively).
Conclusions
This study has demonstrated the feasibility of nailfold capillaroscopy at the critical care bedside. Capillary structure appeared normal across all groups of individuals affected by COVID-19. Although the small differences in the microvasculature in recovered patients compared to in acutely unwell patients may suggest delayed structural change due to COVID-19, these differences are unlikely to be clinically relevant. Longitudinal studies would be required to explore this in more detail.
{"title":"Imaging the microvasculature using nailfold capillaroscopy in patients with coronavirus disease-2019; A cross-sectional study","authors":"S. Wilkinson , J. Wilkinson , A. Grace , D. Lyon , M. Mellor , T. Yunus , J. Manning , G. Dinsdale , M. Berks , S. Knight , N. Bakerly , A. Gebril , P. Dark , A. Herrick , C. Taylor , M. Dickinson , A. Murray","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104796","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104796","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>It is understood that microvascular dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an automated, quantitative nailfold capillaroscopy system in identifying microvascular changes in those confirmed with or having had COVID-19.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ninety-seven participants were enrolled into this study and grouped as follows: 52 participants with acute COVID-19 (further grouped by disease severity) and 45 participants with convalescent COVID-19 (further grouped into long COVID i.e. symptoms beyond 12 weeks, and fully recovered). Nailfold capillaroscopy images were obtained from the bilateral ring fingers using a Dino-Lite CapillaryScope 200 Pro, a small USB handheld microscope. Images were assessed quantitatively using bespoke automated measurement software and the number of haemorrhages noted for each participant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Capillaries were predominantly ‘normal’ in appearance with narrow capillary loops and evenly distributed, but with an increased number of haemorrhages (40 % in the convalescent group and 17 % in the acute group, <em>p</em> <em>=</em> <em>0.007</em>). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean width of capillaries (20.9–21.8 μm) or vessel density (9.6–9.9 caps/mm; acute and convalescent group, respectively).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study has demonstrated the feasibility of nailfold capillaroscopy at the critical care bedside. Capillary structure appeared normal across all groups of individuals affected by COVID-19. Although the small differences in the microvasculature in recovered patients compared to in acutely unwell patients may suggest delayed structural change due to COVID-19, these differences are unlikely to be clinically relevant. Longitudinal studies would be required to explore this in more detail.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 104796"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143441369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104794
Lianfu Zhang , Shihui Ni , Weiwen Zhang , Jian Shi , Jun Ding , Xudong Xu , Shengbang Zhang , Yongming Zhang , Tao Jiang
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are precursors for endothelial cells, possess the capability of repairing vascular damage and predicting the extent of early vascular injury. However, the role of EPCs in the repair of fusiform aneurysms is not clear. Here, we constructed a fusiform aneurysm model using pancreatic elastase digestion and validated the improvement effect of EPCs through histological staining and immunofluorescence. HE staining and elastic fiber staining showed destruction of the tunica adventitia in the fusiform aneurysm, marked dilatation of the arterial lumen, and thinning of the elastic lamina in the fusiform aneurysm. In the fusiform aneurysm group, the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was notably decreased compared to both the control and the saline group. The level of EPCs in the peripheral blood was decreased in the model group. Transplantation of EPCs into fusiform aneurysms promoted vascular repair, indicated by the decrease of myeloperoxidase (MPO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), platelet factor 4 (PF4), and Fe2+. The level of VEGF was also elevated after EPCs transplantation. Finally, we noted a marked rise in lactate level in the peripheral blood of fusiform aneurysms. Lactate treatment led to an elevation of H3K18la levels in EPCs and inhibited cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study discovered that in mice with fusiform aneurysms, elevated lactate levels in the peripheral blood trigger histone lactylation, such impeding the proliferation of EPCs. Transplantation of EPCs into fusiform aneurysms facilitated aneurysm repair. These findings lay the groundwork for EPCs in the treatment of fusiform aneurysms.
{"title":"Transplantation of autologous endothelial progenitor cells promotes the repair of fusiform aneurysms","authors":"Lianfu Zhang , Shihui Ni , Weiwen Zhang , Jian Shi , Jun Ding , Xudong Xu , Shengbang Zhang , Yongming Zhang , Tao Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2025.104794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are precursors for endothelial cells, possess the capability of repairing vascular damage and predicting the extent of early vascular injury. However, the role of EPCs in the repair of fusiform aneurysms is not clear. Here, we constructed a fusiform aneurysm model using pancreatic elastase digestion and validated the improvement effect of EPCs through histological staining and immunofluorescence. HE staining and elastic fiber staining showed destruction of the tunica adventitia in the fusiform aneurysm, marked dilatation of the arterial lumen, and thinning of the elastic lamina in the fusiform aneurysm. In the fusiform aneurysm group, the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was notably decreased compared to both the control and the saline group. The level of EPCs in the peripheral blood was decreased in the model group. Transplantation of EPCs into fusiform aneurysms promoted vascular repair, indicated by the decrease of myeloperoxidase (MPO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), platelet factor 4 (PF4), and Fe<sup>2+</sup>. The level of VEGF was also elevated after EPCs transplantation. Finally, we noted a marked rise in lactate level in the peripheral blood of fusiform aneurysms. Lactate treatment led to an elevation of H3K18la levels in EPCs and inhibited cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study discovered that in mice with fusiform aneurysms, elevated lactate levels in the peripheral blood trigger histone lactylation, such impeding the proliferation of EPCs. Transplantation of EPCs into fusiform aneurysms facilitated aneurysm repair. These findings lay the groundwork for EPCs in the treatment of fusiform aneurysms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"159 ","pages":"Article 104794"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143382872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104763
Rui Tao , Zhenyu Wei , Xiaoxia Chen , Qian Wang , Xiuduo Liu , Qing Lu , Jie Zhao , Hui Zhou
Aim
To reveal alterations in retinal structure, vessels, and function, and their association with cognitive function and neuroimaging in white matter hyperintensities (WMH).
Methods
This study enlisted WMH and age-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent six different tests: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual field testing. Visual field can reflect the function of optic nerve and retina. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (p-RNFL) was analyzed using OCT. Image J software was employed to measure retinal vascular caliber in fundus photographs and to compute the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal venous equivalent (CRVE) and arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR).
Results
A total of 90 WMH patients and 93 HC participants. In comparison with the HC, the WMH group exhibited reduced cognitive function scores (MoCA: P < 0.001; MMSE: P < 0.001), narrower retinal arteries (P < 0.001), smaller AVR (P < 0.001) and thinner p-RNFL thickness (total: P = 0.026; temporal: P = 0.006). About visual field, both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that mean sensitivity decreased, and mean defect increased in WMH group (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between CRAE and AVR with MMSE and MoCA score (r = 0.424–0.57, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation with Fazekas score (CRAE: r = −0.515, P < 0.001; AVR: r = −0.554, P < 0.001), and p-RNFL was negatively correlated with Fazekas score (total p-RNFL: r = −0.192, P = 0.009; temporal p-RNFL: r = −0.217, P = 0.003). Notably, no significant correlation was found between cognitive function and p-RNFL.
Conclusion
WMH group exhibit narrower retinal arteries, smaller arteriole-to-venule ratio, damaged p-RNFL and visual function. These alterations in retinal vessels are associate with both neuroimaging and cognitive function. Our results suggest that retinal imaging could serve as a valuable instrument for evaluating WMH and provides some new approaches to study the characteristic markers of WMH.
目的：揭示白质高密度症（WMH）患者视网膜结构、血管和功能的改变及其与认知功能和神经影像学的关联：本研究招募了 WMH 和年龄匹配的健康对照组（HC）。所有参与者都接受了六项不同的测试：脑部磁共振成像（MRI）、迷你精神状态检查（MMSE）、蒙特利尔认知评估（MoCA）、眼底照相、光学相干断层扫描（OCT）和视野测试。视野可反映视神经和视网膜的功能。光学相干断层扫描分析了视网膜周围神经纤维层（p-RNFL）。使用 Image J 软件测量眼底照片中的视网膜血管口径，并计算视网膜中央动脉等值（CRAE）、视网膜中央静脉等值（CRVE）和动静脉比（AVR）：共有90名WMH患者和93名HC参与者。与 HC 相比，WMH 组患者的认知功能评分降低（MoCA：P 结论：WMH 组患者的视网膜变窄，而 HC 组患者的视网膜变窄：WMH 组表现出视网膜动脉变窄、动脉血管与小动脉之比变小、p-RNFL 和视觉功能受损。视网膜血管的这些改变与神经影像学和认知功能都有关联。我们的研究结果表明，视网膜成像可作为评估 WMH 的重要工具，并为研究 WMH 的特征标记提供了一些新方法。
{"title":"Retinal vascular alterations are associated with cognitive function and neuroimaging in white matter hyperintensities","authors":"Rui Tao , Zhenyu Wei , Xiaoxia Chen , Qian Wang , Xiuduo Liu , Qing Lu , Jie Zhao , Hui Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104763","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To reveal alterations in retinal structure, vessels, and function, and their association with cognitive function and neuroimaging in white matter hyperintensities (WMH).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study enlisted WMH and age-matched healthy controls (HC). All participants underwent six different tests: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual field testing. Visual field can reflect the function of optic nerve and retina. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (p-RNFL) was analyzed using OCT. Image J software was employed to measure retinal vascular caliber in fundus photographs and to compute the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal venous equivalent (CRVE) and arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 90 WMH patients and 93 HC participants. In comparison with the HC, the WMH group exhibited reduced cognitive function scores (MoCA: P < 0.001; MMSE: P < 0.001), narrower retinal arteries (P < 0.001), smaller AVR (P < 0.001) and thinner p-RNFL thickness (total: P = 0.026; temporal: P = 0.006). About visual field, both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that mean sensitivity decreased, and mean defect increased in WMH group (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between CRAE and AVR with MMSE and MoCA score (r = 0.424–0.57, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation with Fazekas score (CRAE: r = −0.515, P < 0.001; AVR: r = −0.554, P < 0.001), and p-RNFL was negatively correlated with Fazekas score (total p-RNFL: r = −0.192, P = 0.009; temporal p-RNFL: r = −0.217, P = 0.003). Notably, no significant correlation was found between cognitive function and p-RNFL.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>WMH group exhibit narrower retinal arteries, smaller arteriole-to-venule ratio, damaged p-RNFL and visual function. These alterations in retinal vessels are associate with both neuroimaging and cognitive function. Our results suggest that retinal imaging could serve as a valuable instrument for evaluating WMH and provides some new approaches to study the characteristic markers of WMH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 104763"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142681112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-11-23DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104772
Nik Nor Izah Nik Ibrahim , Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool , Razlina Abdul Rahman , Maryam Azlan , Aniza Abd Aziz
Background
Pulse wave analysis (PWA) assesses endothelial dependent vasodilation (EDV) via the change in augmentation index (AIx) and has been used as a tool to assess endothelial function. However, its effectiveness in assessing the response to lipid lowering treatment has not been evaluated. The study aimed to describe and correlate the change in EDV following lipid lowering intervention in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Methods
48 newly diagnosed patients with hypercholesterolemia underwent 6 months intervention with statin and/or therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) in clinical setting. Lipid profile measurement and endothelial function assessment using PWA were performed pre- and post-intervention.
Results
Significant reductions in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) with corresponding significant improvement in EDV (2.94 ± 3.69 % to 7.50 ± 3.79 %, p < 0.001) were observed following intervention. Sub-analyses revealed greater LDL-C reductions and EDV improvements in the statin group compared to TLC. There was a significant inverse correlation between the change in EDV and the change in LDL-C after intervention (r = −0.298, p = 0.040).
Conclusion
Endothelial function assessed by PWA showed a parallel change with lipid profile pattern following lipid lowering intervention. The simple and non-invasive method may provide a potential tool for evaluating endothelial function and treatment outcomes in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
{"title":"Pulse wave analysis as a tool to assess endothelial function following lipid lowering intervention in hypercholesterolemia","authors":"Nik Nor Izah Nik Ibrahim , Aida Hanum Ghulam Rasool , Razlina Abdul Rahman , Maryam Azlan , Aniza Abd Aziz","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104772","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104772","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pulse wave analysis (PWA) assesses endothelial dependent vasodilation (EDV) via the change in augmentation index (AIx) and has been used as a tool to assess endothelial function. However, its effectiveness in assessing the response to lipid lowering treatment has not been evaluated. The study aimed to describe and correlate the change in EDV following lipid lowering intervention in patients with hypercholesterolemia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>48 newly diagnosed patients with hypercholesterolemia underwent 6 months intervention with statin and/or therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) in clinical setting. Lipid profile measurement and endothelial function assessment using PWA were performed pre- and post-intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant reductions in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) with corresponding significant improvement in EDV (2.94 ± 3.69 % to 7.50 ± 3.79 %, <em>p</em> < 0.001) were observed following intervention. Sub-analyses revealed greater LDL-C reductions and EDV improvements in the statin group compared to TLC. There was a significant inverse correlation between the change in EDV and the change in LDL-C after intervention (<em>r</em> = −0.298, <em>p</em> = 0.040).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Endothelial function assessed by PWA showed a parallel change with lipid profile pattern following lipid lowering intervention. The simple and non-invasive method may provide a potential tool for evaluating endothelial function and treatment outcomes in patients with hypercholesterolemia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 104772"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142716771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104777
Luyun Zhang , Shaoya Rong , Hui Dong
Although the mouse mesenteric artery is widely used as a model of resistance vessels, it is unknown which order branch is the best representative and if there is a heterogeneity of vascular activity in different orders. We systematically compared the vasorelaxation between the mouse mesenteric artery's first- and second-order branches. The first- and second-order branches of the mesenteric artery (lumen diameter of >300 μm and 179.9 ± 11.1 μm, respectively) were taken from the location close to their branching points in wide-type (WT) and TRPV4−/− (KO) mice. Vasorelaxation of the mesenteric artery was measured using a Danish DMT520A microvascular system. Acetylcholine (ACh) induced much greater vasorelaxation via TRPV4 channels/endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH/H2S) in the second-order branch. The store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mediated much greater vasorelaxation via EDH in the second-order branch than that via NO in the first-order branch. However, capsaicin-induced vasorelaxation was much greater via TRPV1/NO and TRPV1/CGRP in the first-order branch than TRPV4/EDH only in the second-order branch. Moreover, sex differences in ACh-induced vasorelaxation were obviously in the first-order branch but marginally in the second-order branch. Mechanistically, the myoendothelial gap junction (MEGJ) is involved in ACh-induced vasorelaxation in the second-order branch but not in the first-order branch. However, endothelial IKCa and SKCa functions and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation were similar for both first- and second-order branches. TRPV1/NO/CGRP mediates endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the first-order branch as the best representative of conduit vessels, but TRPV4/EDH/H2S mediates endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the second-order branch as the best representative of resistance vessels in mice.
{"title":"Functional heterogeneity of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in different order branches of mesenteric artery in female/male mice","authors":"Luyun Zhang , Shaoya Rong , Hui Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104777","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104777","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the mouse mesenteric artery is widely used as a model of resistance vessels, it is unknown which order branch is the best representative and if there is a heterogeneity of vascular activity in different orders. We systematically compared the vasorelaxation between the mouse mesenteric artery's first- and second-order branches. The first- and second-order branches of the mesenteric artery (lumen diameter of >300 μm and 179.9 ± 11.1 μm, respectively) were taken from the location close to their branching points in wide-type (WT) and TRPV4<sup>−/−</sup> (KO) mice. Vasorelaxation of the mesenteric artery was measured using a Danish DMT520A microvascular system. Acetylcholine (ACh) induced much greater vasorelaxation via TRPV4 channels/endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH/H<sub>2</sub>S) in the second-order branch. The store-operated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry (SOCE) mediated much greater vasorelaxation via EDH in the second-order branch than that via NO in the first-order branch. However, capsaicin-induced vasorelaxation was much greater via TRPV1/NO and TRPV1/CGRP in the first-order branch than TRPV4/EDH only in the second-order branch. Moreover, sex differences in ACh-induced vasorelaxation were obviously in the first-order branch but marginally in the second-order branch. Mechanistically, the myoendothelial gap junction (MEGJ) is involved in ACh-induced vasorelaxation in the second-order branch but not in the first-order branch. However, endothelial IK<sub>Ca</sub> and SK<sub>Ca</sub> functions and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation were similar for both first- and second-order branches. TRPV1/NO/CGRP mediates endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the first-order branch as the best representative of conduit vessels, but TRPV4/EDH/H<sub>2</sub>S mediates endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the second-order branch as the best representative of resistance vessels in mice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 104777"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142755241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104780
Natallia Laptseva , Konstantinos Bitos , Valentina A. Rossi , Delia Nebunu , Thomas Haider , Matthias P. Nägele , Carina Mihai , Oliver Distler , Frank Ruschitzka , Isabella Sudano , Andreas J. Flammer
Background and aims
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by widespread microvasculopathy and fibrosis. Vascular and endothelial cell changes appear to precede other features of SSc. Retinal vascular analysis is a new, easy-to-use tool for the assessment of retinal microvascular function. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether retinal microcirculation is affected in patients with SSc compared to healthy controls.
Methods
Microvascular function was assessed non-invasively measuring flicker-light induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles (FIDart%). In addition, FID of retinal venules (FIDven%), central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents (CRAE and CRVE), and measurements of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse wave analysis were obtained. Patients with SSc were prospectively enrolled in the study (n = 40, mean age 56 ± 11 years, females 73 %) and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 40; mean age 59 ± 15 years, females 73 %).
Results
Patients with SSc showed significant impairment of retinal microvascular function compared to age- and gender-matched HC (FIDart%: 2.23 ± 2.0 % vs. 3.1 ± 1.9 %, respectively, p = 0.04). FMD and PWV were not significantly different between the groups. Impaired retinal microvascular function was associated with SSc disease duration.
Conclusion
Our study shows a significant impairment of retinal microvascular function in patients with SSc. Because this association seems to be independent of CV risk and dependent on disease duration, retinal vessel analysis may have the potential to serve as a tool for risk assessment and prognosis.
{"title":"Retinal microvascular dysfunction in systemic sclerosis","authors":"Natallia Laptseva , Konstantinos Bitos , Valentina A. Rossi , Delia Nebunu , Thomas Haider , Matthias P. Nägele , Carina Mihai , Oliver Distler , Frank Ruschitzka , Isabella Sudano , Andreas J. Flammer","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104780","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aims</h3><div>Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by widespread microvasculopathy and fibrosis. Vascular and endothelial cell changes appear to precede other features of SSc. Retinal vascular analysis is a new, easy-to-use tool for the assessment of retinal microvascular function. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether retinal microcirculation is affected in patients with SSc compared to healthy controls.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Microvascular function was assessed non-invasively measuring flicker-light induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles (FIDart%). In addition, FID of retinal venules (FIDven%), central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents (CRAE and CRVE), and measurements of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse wave analysis were obtained. Patients with SSc were prospectively enrolled in the study (<em>n</em> = 40, mean age 56 ± 11 years, females 73 %) and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 40; mean age 59 ± 15 years, females 73 %).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Patients with SSc showed significant impairment of retinal microvascular function compared to age- and gender-matched HC (FIDart%: 2.23 ± 2.0 % vs. 3.1 ± 1.9 %, respectively, <em>p</em> = 0.04). FMD and PWV were not significantly different between the groups. Impaired retinal microvascular function was associated with SSc disease duration.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study shows a significant impairment of retinal microvascular function in patients with SSc. Because this association seems to be independent of CV risk and dependent on disease duration, retinal vessel analysis may have the potential to serve as a tool for risk assessment and prognosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 104780"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142872547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic abnormality affecting 537 million people worldwide. Poor glycemic control, longer duration, and poor medication adherence increased the risk of DM complications. Comprehensive evidence on the pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients in Ethiopia is not available. Furthermore, individual study findings for the prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients, and associated factors were not consistent.
Objective
This systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients, and its associated risk factors in Ethiopia.
Methods
Systematic search on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct electronic database, Google Scholar search engine, and library registration was used to identify relevant studies following reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets were used to extract data, and Extracted data was analyzed using STATA software version 17.0. A Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the role of each study in the final result and the presence of publication bias was assessed by Egger's test. Heterogeneity across studies was checked by Cochran's Q statistic and I2 statistics and significant heterogeneity was assessed using subgroup analysis.
Results
The pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients was 32.89 % (95 % CI: 28.17–37.60). In addition, the pooled prevalence of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy in DM patients was 17.16 % (95 % CI: 12–22 %), 10.49 % (95 % CI: 8–13 %) and 11.52 % (95 % CI: 9–15 %) respectively. Age >60 years old (AOR = 1.08 (95%CI = 1.02–1.15), longer duration of DM (AOR = 1.57 (95 % CI = 1.31–1.84), poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.21 (95 % CI = 1.52–2.91), poor adherence to diabetic medications (AOR = 3.61 (95 % CI = 1.83–5.38) and presence of hypertension (AOR = 2.26 (95 % CI = 1.73–2.80) ware associated risk factors for microvascular complications in DM patients.
Concussion
Around one-third of DM patients had one or more microvascular complications. Patients with advanced age, longer duration of DM, poor glycemic control, poor medication adherence, and comorbidity like hypertension should be targeted to tackle the occurrence and severity of microvascular complications in DM patients.
Protocol registration
The review protocol was developed and was registered with PROSPERO registration number (CRD42023486459).
{"title":"Prevalence of microvascular complications and associated factors among diabetes mellitus patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Getinet Kumie , Marye Nigatie , Abebaw Alamrew , Solomon Gedifie , Woldeteklehaymanot Kassahun , Abdu Jemal , Chalie Mulugeta , Sisay Ayana , Mulat Ayele , Eyob Shitie , Belaynesh Gtsadik , Wagaw Abebe , Agenagnew Ashagre , Tadesse Misganaw , Zelalem Dejazmach , Assefa Sisay , Zelalem Asmare , Muluken Gashaw , Ermias Getachew , Yalewayker Gashaw , Melesse Abate Reta","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104779","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104779","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic abnormality affecting 537 million people worldwide. Poor glycemic control, longer duration, and poor medication adherence increased the risk of DM complications. Comprehensive evidence on the pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients in Ethiopia is not available. Furthermore, individual study findings for the prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients, and associated factors were not consistent.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients, and its associated risk factors in Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Systematic search on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct electronic database, Google Scholar search engine, and library registration was used to identify relevant studies following reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Microsoft Excel spreadsheets were used to extract data, and Extracted data was analyzed using STATA software version 17.0. A Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the role of each study in the final result and the presence of publication bias was assessed by Egger's test. Heterogeneity across studies was checked by Cochran's Q statistic and I2 statistics and significant heterogeneity was assessed using subgroup analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The pooled prevalence of microvascular complications in DM patients was 32.89 % (95 % CI: 28.17–37.60). In addition, the pooled prevalence of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy in DM patients was 17.16 % (95 % CI: 12–22 %), 10.49 % (95 % CI: 8–13 %) and 11.52 % (95 % CI: 9–15 %) respectively. Age >60 years old (AOR = 1.08 (95%CI = 1.02–1.15), longer duration of DM (AOR = 1.57 (95 % CI = 1.31–1.84), poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.21 (95 % CI = 1.52–2.91), poor adherence to diabetic medications (AOR = 3.61 (95 % CI = 1.83–5.38) and presence of hypertension (AOR = 2.26 (95 % CI = 1.73–2.80) ware associated risk factors for microvascular complications in DM patients.</div></div><div><h3>Concussion</h3><div>Around one-third of DM patients had one or more microvascular complications. Patients with advanced age, longer duration of DM, poor glycemic control, poor medication adherence, and comorbidity like hypertension should be targeted to tackle the occurrence and severity of microvascular complications in DM patients.</div></div><div><h3>Protocol registration</h3><div>The review protocol was developed and was registered with PROSPERO registration number (CRD42023486459).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 104779"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142896112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01Epub Date: 2024-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104781
Robert G. Hahn , Katerina Tlapakova , Hana Koudelova , Veronika Knoblochova , David Rehak , Vladimir Cerny , David Astapenko
Background
Excess fluid in the interstitium can adversely affect the microcirculation. We studied how gradual dilution of the blood plasma by crystalloid fluid influences microcirculatory variables and capillary filtration in 20 patients undergoing surgery.
Methods
Video recordings of the sublingual mucosal were made on four occasions during the surgery and compared with quasi-measurements of the capillary filtration rate using retrospective volume kinetic data collected over 5–10-minute periods during 262 infusion experiments with crystalloid fluid.
Results
The number of crossings (vessel density) increased up to plasma dilution of 15–20 % whereafter it decreased. The proportion of the vessels that were perfused (PPV) decreased and reached a nadir of −15 % at a dilution of 20–30 %. Changes in the number of crossings and the PPV correlated (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) but the curve was displaced so that crossings showed no change when PPV had decreased by approximately 10 %. However, the PPV of vessels with a thickness of ≤25 μm increased or remained constant in the dilution range of up to 20 %. The volume kinetic analysis showed that the capillary filtration was greater than expected from proportionality with the volume expansion up to a plasma dilution of 15 %, the greatest difference (+89 %) being for plasma dilution up to 5 %.
Conclusion
Plasma dilution of up to 15 % increased the vessel density, and the capillary filtration increased by more than suggested by the volume expansion. Dilution >15 % had a negative influence on these variables.
{"title":"Low-grade hemodilution improves the microcirculatory function in surgical patients","authors":"Robert G. Hahn , Katerina Tlapakova , Hana Koudelova , Veronika Knoblochova , David Rehak , Vladimir Cerny , David Astapenko","doi":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Excess fluid in the interstitium can adversely affect the microcirculation. We studied how gradual dilution of the blood plasma by crystalloid fluid influences microcirculatory variables and capillary filtration in 20 patients undergoing surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Video recordings of the sublingual mucosal were made on four occasions during the surgery and compared with quasi-measurements of the capillary filtration rate using retrospective volume kinetic data collected over 5–10-minute periods during 262 infusion experiments with crystalloid fluid.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The number of crossings (vessel density) increased up to plasma dilution of 15–20 % whereafter it decreased. The proportion of the vessels that were perfused (PPV) decreased and reached a nadir of −15 % at a dilution of 20–30 %. Changes in the number of crossings and the PPV correlated (<em>r</em> = 0.62, <em>P</em> < 0.001) but the curve was displaced so that crossings showed no change when PPV had decreased by approximately 10 %. However, the PPV of vessels with a thickness of ≤25 μm increased or remained constant in the dilution range of up to 20 %. The volume kinetic analysis showed that the capillary filtration was greater than expected from proportionality with the volume expansion up to a plasma dilution of 15 %, the greatest difference (+89 %) being for plasma dilution up to 5 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Plasma dilution of up to 15 % increased the vessel density, and the capillary filtration increased by more than suggested by the volume expansion. Dilution >15 % had a negative influence on these variables.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18534,"journal":{"name":"Microvascular research","volume":"158 ","pages":"Article 104781"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142910036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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