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Clinical Interventions in Aging 2017Epidemiologic and clinical data have suggested the existence of a biologic linkage between the bone system and the vascular system. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are effective... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Epidemiologic and clinical data have suggested the existence of a biologic linkage between the bone system and the vascular system. Bisphosphonates (BPs) are effective inhibitors of bone resorption and are currently considered the drugs of choice for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and related fractures. Data from several publications have suggested that BPs may also be effective in reducing the atherosclerotic process and vascular calcification, but the results of these studies are contrasting. This review aimed to allow a better understanding of the relationships between BPs and atherosclerosis in humans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Electronic databases of Pubmed-Medline, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS from inception to June 30, 2016 were searched. The full texts of the articles potentially eligible were carefully assessed and reviewed. Finally, 20 studies were found to be eligible and were included in the systematic review. All included studies were published between 2000 and 2014.
RESULTS
In several studies, etidronate limited the progression of aortic and coronary calcification in hemodialysis patients, whereas the nitrogen-containing-BPs given orally did not significantly reduce vascular calcifications in patients with chronic kidney disease, kidney trasplant or in those with osteoporosis. Nitrogen-containing-BPs present favorable effects both on vessel wall thickness and on arterial elasticity due to both a reduction in serum lipids and the interaction of BPs with the bone tissue, with the consequent release of bone turnover markers and cytokines into the bloodstream.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, the BPs seem to have the potential of influencing atherosclerosis and calcium homeostasis at the level of vascular walls with several possible mechanisms which may differ according to the type, potency, dosage and administration route of BPs. Additional studies are needed to specifically address the mechanism by which BP use could influence cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Bone and Bones; Diphosphonates; Humans; Osteoporosis; Vascular Calcification
PubMed: 29133976
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S138002 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2020Thyroid dysfunction, both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, has been associated with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Thyroid dysfunction, both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, has been associated with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between thyroid dysfunction and atherosclerosis measured mostly by carotid intima-media thickness, as well as discuss whether L-T4 replacement is able to reverse or slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The review was conducted according the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed on PubMed a literature search from May 2004 to January 2020, using the search terms 'subclinical hypothyroidism' or 'thyroid disorders' and 'carotid artery', 'carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)', 'levothyroxine', and 'atherosclerosis'.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were eligible and included in the analysis. Overall, the studies encompassed a total of 36.434 patients included in this review. Most studies indicated a proportional correlation between IMT and thyroid dysfunction. Levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement led to significant decrease of IMT after 1 year in most studies.
CONCLUSION
Most studies have concluded that thyroid dysfunction is associated with arterial wall remodeling and, thus, with increased cardiovascular risk. However, the exact mechanistic background of pathological structural changes in the arterial wall is still unsettled. Large randomized controlled studies are required to definitively address the extent to which T4 replacement therapy might benefit patients with subclinical thyroid disorders.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Risk Factors; Thyroxine
PubMed: 33144416
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12147 -
European Heart Journal Jul 2023Due to growing environmental focus, plant-based diets are increasing steadily in popularity. Uncovering the effect on well-established risk factors for cardiovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Due to growing environmental focus, plant-based diets are increasing steadily in popularity. Uncovering the effect on well-established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death worldwide, is thus highly relevant. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Studies published between 1980 and October 2022 were searched for using PubMed, Embase, and references of previous reviews. Included studies were randomized controlled trials that quantified the effect of vegetarian or vegan diets vs. an omnivorous diet on blood lipids and lipoprotein levels in adults over 18 years. Estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Thirty trials were included in the study. Compared with the omnivorous group, the plant-based diets reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels with mean differences of -0.34 mmol/L (95% confidence interval, -0.44, -0.23; P = 1 × 10-9), -0.30 mmol/L (-0.40, -0.19; P = 4 × 10-8), and -12.92 mg/dL (-22.63, -3.20; P = 0.01), respectively. The effect sizes were similar across age, continent, duration of study, health status, intervention diet, intervention program, and study design. No significant difference was observed for triglyceride levels.
CONCLUSION
Vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with reduced concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-effects that were consistent across various study and participant characteristics. Plant-based diets have the potential to lessen the atherosclerotic burden from atherogenic lipoproteins and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Diet, Vegan; Diet, Vegetarian; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lipids; Vegetarians; Cholesterol, LDL; Lipoproteins; Cardiovascular Diseases; Atherosclerosis; Apolipoproteins
PubMed: 37226630
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad211 -
Cardiovascular & Hematological... 2017Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition causing very high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by accumulation of plaques within arteries.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition causing very high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by accumulation of plaques within arteries. Nanomedicine is an emerging field of medicine utilizing nanotechnology for advanced imaging and therapy. Nanomedicine has led to significant developments in the field of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Many nanoformulations have been developed with anti-atherosclerotic effects. Nanomedicine tools have been used in the imaging of atherosclerosis. Various nanocarriers have been employed for successful localization in atherosclerotic lesions. The biggest challenge for such delivery vehicles has been localization to atherosclerosis lesions. Several strategies have been employed to overcome these defects. Strategies have also been developed for stabilization of atherosclerotic lesions.
CONCLUSION
Nanotechnology is also an important tool for the development of novel biomarkers. At the same time there are also potential limitations. Toxicity, lack of translation from preclinical phase to clinical development, and the inability to address the chronic phase of atherosclerosis are the most important among them. Future toxicity studies shall enlighten us further on this exciting research area.
Topics: Animals; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; Tomography, Emission-Computed
PubMed: 28925905
DOI: 10.2174/1871529X17666170918142653 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Cardiovascular diseases, the notorious killer, are mainly caused by atherosclerosis (AS) characterized by lipids, cholesterol, and iron overload in plaques. Macrophages...
Cardiovascular diseases, the notorious killer, are mainly caused by atherosclerosis (AS) characterized by lipids, cholesterol, and iron overload in plaques. Macrophages are effector cells and accumulate to the damaged and inflamed sites of arteries to internalize native and chemically modified lipoproteins to transform them into cholesterol-loaded foam cells. Foam cell formation is determined by the capacity of phagocytosis, migration, scavenging, and the features of phenotypes. Macrophages are diverse, and the subsets and functions are controlled by their surrounding microenvironment. Generally, macrophages are divided into classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2). Recently, intraplaque macrophage phenotypes are recognized by the stimulation of CXCL4 (M4), oxidized phospholipids (Mox), hemoglobin/haptoglobin complexes [HA-mac/M(Hb)], and heme (Mhem). The pro-atherogenic or anti-atherosclerotic phenotypes of macrophages decide the progression of AS. Besides, apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, autophagy and pyrotopsis determine plaque formation and cardiovascular vulnerability, which may be associated with macrophage polarization phenotypes. In this review, we first summarize the three most popular hypotheses for AS and find the common key factors for further discussion. Secondly, we discuss the factors affecting macrophage polarization and five types of macrophage death in AS progression, especially ferroptosis. A comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of plaque formation is conducive to disentangling the candidate targets of macrophage-targeting therapies for clinical intervention at various stages of AS.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Foam Cells; Humans; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Plaque, Atherosclerotic
PubMed: 35432323
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843712 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Feb 2016To evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in Behcet disease (BD), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies where atherosclerosis was determined by... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in Behcet disease (BD), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies where atherosclerosis was determined by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and endothelial-mediated dilatation (EMD) and by measurement of intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries.
METHODS
Systematic search of EMBASE and PubMed databases from January 2000 to January 2014 according to PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria on FMD/EMD, 11 on IMT and 4 on both. BD had lower FMD than controls (SMD = -0.89, 95% CI: -0.660 to -1.11, p < 0.001), which was confirmed by subgroup analyses on active and inactive patients (SMD = -1.17, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.89 and SMD = -0.72, 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.46, p = 0.0001 for both). EMD was lower in BD but with a large estimate (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.03, p = 0.06, I(2) = 82.2%). IMT was greater in BD and the large estimate (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.63-1.28, p < 0.0001, I(2) = 87.6%) persisted after subgroup analysis on active and inactive patients (I(2) = 88.4% and 86.7%, respectively). Pooling IMT studies by a Newcastle Ottawa Scale of 5 and 6/7 yielded lower estimates (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32-0.75, p < 0.0001, I(2) = 58.7% and SMD = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.35-2.09 p < 0.05, I(2) = 48.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
FMD is impaired in BD even in inactive state and IMT is greater despite a degree of statistical heterogeneity that reflects the clinical heterogeneity of BD. Future prospective studies should account for risk stratification of atherosclerosis in BD.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Behcet Syndrome; Carotid Arteries; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Endothelium, Vascular; Humans; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 26239908
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.06.018 -
Brain and Behavior Apr 2020To evaluate the relationship between atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the difference of carotid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the relationship between atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the difference of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the prevalence of atherosclerosis between AD patients and non-AD controls.
METHODS
The studies on the association between atherosclerosis and AD were manually searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) spanned to September 2018 according to PRISMA (the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included in the final analysis, seven studies with data on the mean CIMT (610 cases and 417 controls) and ten studies reporting on the prevalence of atherosclerosis (1,698 cases and 6,452 controls). Compared with controls, AD group showed a significantly higher CIMT (overall standard mean difference = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.48-1.40; p < .0001) and an increased prevalence of atherosclerosis (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.26-1.68; p < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Atherosclerosis is significantly associated with AD. CIMT might be a useful marker to predict the risk of AD and assess the vascular burden. The finding is also important for possible prevention and treatment of AD in the future.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; China; Comorbidity; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32162494
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1601 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2023Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall, leading to the development of plaques that can eventually... (Review)
Review
Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological condition marked by the accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall, leading to the development of plaques that can eventually rupture and cause thrombotic events. In recent years, hydrogen sulfide (HS) has emerged as a key mediator of cardiovascular homeostasis, with potential therapeutic applications in atherosclerosis. This systematic review highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between HS, oxygen homeostasis, and atherosclerosis and suggests that targeting HS signaling pathways may offer new avenues for treating and preventing this condition. Oxygen homeostasis is a critical aspect of cardiovascular health, and disruption of this balance can contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that HS plays an important role in maintaining oxygen homeostasis by regulating the function of oxygen-sensing enzymes and transcription factors in vascular cells. HS has been shown to modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, which plays a key role in regulating vascular tone and oxygen delivery to tissues. The comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of HS in atherosclerosis can pave the way for future research and the development of new therapeutic strategies for this debilitating condition. PROSPERO ID: 417150.
Topics: Humans; Hydrogen Sulfide; Atherosclerosis; Molecular Biology; Arteries; Homeostasis; Oxygen; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 37176083
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098376 -
International Journal of Occupational... Oct 2014Stress is a common hazard in the work environment and is associated with multiple adverse health effects. The association between work-related stress (WRS) and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stress is a common hazard in the work environment and is associated with multiple adverse health effects. The association between work-related stress (WRS) and cardiovascular disease has been established in a number of epidemiological studies.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement of the English literature involving WRS and carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT).
RESULTS
Four cohorts and six cross-sectional studies of occupational stress and CIMT were identified. All cohorts and five of the cross-sectional studies reported a significant positive association, while one reported an inverse association of WRS and CIMT.
DISCUSSION
The weight of the evidence that we were able to identify suggests that occupational stress results in an increased risk of atherosclerosis, assessed via CIMT. Studies that include longitudinal measures of stress and intermediate cardiac endpoints, with adequate accounting for confounders, are needed. Interventional studies should also be conducted to determine whether CIMT progression can be prevented with workplace stress reduction.
Topics: Atherosclerosis; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 25072637
DOI: 10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000076 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology Dec 2022Apolipoprotein C1 (apoC1) is a small size apolipoprotein whose exact role is not totally clarified but which seems to modulate significantly the metabolism of... (Review)
Review
Apolipoprotein C1 (apoC1) is a small size apolipoprotein whose exact role is not totally clarified but which seems to modulate significantly the metabolism of lipoproteins. ApoC1 is involved in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by inhibiting the binding of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) to VLDL-receptor (VLDL-R), to low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and to LDL receptor related protein (LRP), by reducing the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and by stimulating VLDL production, all these effects leading to increase plasma triglycerides. ApoC1 takes also part in the metabolism of high density lipoproteins (HDL) by inhibiting Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein (CETP). The functionality of apoC1 on CETP activity is impaired in diabetes that might account, at least in part, for the increased plasma CETP activity observed in patients with diabetes. Its different effects on lipoprotein metabolism with a possible role in the modulation of inflammation makes the net impact of apoC1 on cardiometabolic risk difficult to figure out and apoC1 might be considered as pro-atherogenic or anti-atherogenic depending on the overall metabolic context. Making the link between total plasma apoC1 levels and the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases is difficult due to the high exchangeability of this small protein whose biological effects might depend essentially on its association with VLDL or HDL. The role of apoC1 in humans is not entirely elucidated and further studies are needed to determine its precise role in lipid metabolism and its possible pleiotropic effects on inflammation and vascular wall biology. In this review, we will present data on apoC1 structure and distribution among lipoproteins, on the effects of apoC1 on VLDL metabolism and HDL metabolism and we will discuss the possible links between apoC1, atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Topics: Humans; Apolipoprotein C-I; Atherosclerosis; Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins; Diabetes Mellitus; Inflammation; Lipoproteins, HDL; Lipoproteins, VLDL; Triglycerides
PubMed: 36471375
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-022-01703-5