| 1. |
- Akhter, Tansim, 1967-, et al.
(author)
-
Dimethylarginines correlate to common carotid artery wall layer dimensions and cardiovascular risk factors in pregnant women with/without preeclampsia : A group comparative study
- 2021
-
In: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. - : Elsevier. - 0301-2115 .- 1872-7654. ; 258, s. 288-293
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Asymmetric- and symmetric dimethylarginines (ADMA, SDMA) are elevated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome and is an independent risk factor for subsequent CVD. Aims were to investigate whether ADMA, SDMA levels and L-arginine/ADMA and I.arginine/SDMA ratios during pregnancy and their changes from pregnancy to postpartum are associated to arterial wall layer dimensions and cardiovascular risk factors in women with and without preeclampsia. Study design: Dimethylarginines were analyzed by LC-MS, and the common-carotid-artery (CCA) intima and media thicknesses were estimated using 22-MHz non-invasive ultrasonography in women with preeclampsia (cases = 48) and normal pregnancies (controls = 58) in similar gestational age, with reassessment one-year postpartum. A thick intima, thin media and high intima/media ratio (I/M) indicates a less healthy arterial wall. Results: The median age of cases and controls was 30 years. During pregnancy, women with preeclampsia had higher plasma ADMA, SDMA and lower t-arginine/ADMA and L-arginine/SDMA (all p <0.01) than women with normal pregnancies. Further, ADMA, SDMA, L-arginine/ADMA and L-arginine/SDMA correlated to intima thickness (r(s) = 0.33/0.33/-0.33/-0.35 and p <0.01), UM (r(s) = 0.26/0.28/-0.22/-0.26 and p <0.05) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (rs = 0.43/0.42/-0.39/-0.40 and p <0.0001). Changes in ADMA, SDMA and t-arginine/SDMA from pregnancy to postpartum correlated to changes in intima thickness (r(s) = 0.22/0.32/-0.21 and p < 0.05/<0.01/<0.05), I/M (r(s) = 0.22/0.31/0.08 and p < 0.05/<0.01/=0.43) and MAP (r(s) = 0.31/0.53/-0.25 and p < 0.01/<0.001/<0.05). No correlations were found for conventional CCA intima-media-thickness. Conclusions: Dimethylarginines were associated to signs of adverse effects on arterial wall layer dimensions and cardiovascular risk factors in women with and without preeclampsia, during pregnancy and to their changes from pregnancy up to one-year postpartum. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
|
|
| 2. |
- Bohman, Hannes, 1965-, et al.
(author)
-
Preclinical atherosclerosis in adolescents with psychotic or bipolar disorders investigated with carotid high-frequency ultrasound.
- 2020
-
In: Brain and Behavior. - : Wiley. - 2162-3279 .- 2162-3279. ; 10:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Early-onset psychosis (EOP) and bipolar disorder (EOBP) (at <18 years of age), are associated with an increased future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death. Yet it is unknown whether the arteries show visible signs of atherosclerosis in EOP and EOBP. This study investigated whether having EOP or EOBP was associated with detectable signs of preclinical atherosclerosis.METHOD: By using 22 MHz high-frequency ultrasound, different layers of the arterial wall of the left common carotid artery (LCCA) were assessed in 77 individuals with EOP (n = 25), EOBP (n = 22), and in age-matched healthy controls (n = 30). Conventional CVD confounders were included in the analyses.RESULTS: Adolescents with EOP and EOBP, compared to controls, had a significantly thicker LCCA intima thickness (0.132 vs. 0.095 mm, p < .001) and intima/media ratio (0.24 vs. 0.17 p < .001). There was a nonsignificant intima difference between EOP and EOBP. Conventional CVD risk factors did not explain the association between EOP/EOBP and intima thickness. In the group of EOP/EOBP, there was a significant correlation between the dose of current antipsychotic medication and intima thickness; however, the correlation was attenuated to a nonsignificant level when adjusted for global function.CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with EOP or EOBP had an increased LCCA intima thickness, interpreted as a sign of preclinical atherosclerosis. Global function of the disorders was the strongest determinant of intima thickness. The findings, if replicated, might have implications for long-term treatment of EOP and EOBP in order to reduce a future risk of CVD.
|
|
| 3. |
- Ljunggren, Mirjam, et al.
(author)
-
Rapid eye movement sleep apnea and carotid intima thickness in men and women : a SHE-MUSTACHE cohort study
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Sleep Research. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0962-1105 .- 1365-2869. ; 31:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rapid eye movement (REM) obstructive sleep apnea might be particularly harmful to the cardiovascular system. We aimed to investigate the association between sleep apnea during REM sleep and signs of atherosclerotic disease in the form of carotid intima thickness in a community-based sample of men and women and possible sex differences in this association. The association between sleep apnea during REM sleep and intima thickness was analysed cross-sectionally in women from the community-based "Sleep and Health in Women" (SHE) study (n = 253) and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched men from the "Men in Uppsala; a Study of sleep, Apnea and Cardiometabolic Health" (MUSTACHE) study (n = 338). Confounders adjusted for were age, BMI, gender, alcohol, and smoking. All participants underwent a full-night polysomnography, high-resolution ultrasonography of the common carotid artery, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and answered questionnaires. There was an association between sleep apnea during REM sleep and thicker carotid intima that remained after adjustment for confounding (adjusted β = 0.008, p = 0.032). The intima was increased by 9.9% in the group with severe sleep apnea during REM sleep, and this association between severe sleep apnea during REM sleep and increased intima thickness remained after adjustment for confounders (adjusted β = 0.043, p = 0.021). More women than men had severe sleep apnea during REM sleep; moreover, in sex-stratified analyses, the association between sleep apnea during REM sleep and intima thickness was found in women but not in men. We conclude that severe REM sleep apnea is independently associated with signs of atherosclerosis. When stratified by sex, the association is seen in women but not in men.
|
|
| 4. |
- Naessén, Tord, et al.
(author)
-
Obesity in adolescents associated with vascular aging - a study using ultra-high-resolution ultrasound
- 2022
-
In: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Upsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 127
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Obesity in adolescents is increasing worldwide and associated with an elevated cardiovascular risk later in life. In a group-comparative study, we investigated the association between adiposity in adolescents and signs of vascular aging and inflammation.Methods: Thirty-nine adolescents (10-18 years old), 19 with obesity and 20 with normal weight, were enrolled. The intima thickness and intima/media thickness ratio (I/M) were assessed using high-resolution ultrasound in the common carotid artery (center frequency 22 MHz) and the distal radial artery (RA; 50 MHz). Increased intima and high I/M are signs of vascular aging. Body characteristics, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasma lipids, and glycemic parameters were measured.Results: Adolescents with obesity, compared to normal-weight peers, had elevated plasma lipid, insulin c-peptide, and hs-CRP levels, the latter increasing exponentially with increasing adiposity. Obese adolescents had a thicker RA intima layer [0.005 mm; 95% confidence intervals (0.000, 0.009); P = 0.0431 and a higher RA I/M [0.10; (0.040, 0.147); P < 0.00071 Group differences for the RAI/M remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, fasting plasma insulin, and body mass index, both separately and together (P = 0.032). The RAI/M was correlated with hs-CRP, and both were correlated with the analyzed cardiovascular risk factors. Receiver operating curve c-values for RA I/M (0.86) and hs-CRP (0.90) strongly indicated correct placement in the obese or non-obese group.Conclusions: Adolescents with obesity had significantly more extensive vascular aging in the muscular RA, than normal-weight peers. The findings support an inflammatory link between obesity and vascular aging in adolescents.
|
|
| 5. |
- Naessen, Tord, et al.
(author)
-
Peripheral Vascular Ageing in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension as Assessed by Common Carotid Artery Intima Thickness and Intima/Media Thickness Ratio : An Investigation Using Non-Invasive High-Resolution Ultrasound
- 2023
-
In: Heart, Lung and Circulation. - : Elsevier. - 1443-9506 .- 1444-2892. ; 32:3, s. 338-347
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; World Heath Organization [WHO] Group 1) is associated with increased pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance, with pulmonary vascular remodelling. The vascular anatomy of the systemic arteries has been less well studied.MethodNineteen (19) patients with PAH, confirmed by right heart catheterisation (RHC), 14 patients with left ventricular heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (LVrEF), and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled. Common carotid artery (CCA) intima thickness, intima/media (I/M) thickness ratio, and intima-media thickness (IMT) were assessed using non-invasive ultrasound (22 MHz centre frequency).ResultsThe CCA intima thickness was correlated with several RHC variables (all p<0.05). The intima was 56% thicker (+0.05 mm; 95% CI 0.03, 0.06; p<0.0001) and the I/M thickness ratio was 128% greater (+0.21; 95% CI 0.13, 0.28; p<0.0001) in patients with PAH than healthy subjects. These values were also significantly higher than in patients with LVrEF. In ROC curve analysis, the c-values for CCA intima thickness (0.92) and I/M ratio (0.87), but not for IMT, correctly indicated which individuals belonged to the PAH or healthy control groups. The CCA IMT showed no corresponding significant group differences or associations and was of no use according to receiver operating curve analysis.ConclusionsPatients with PAH displayed signs of peripheral vascular remodelling, challenging the common opinion that vascular changes in PAH are restricted to the lung vasculature. Correlations with cardiopulmonary variables from RHC support peripheral vascular coupling and the association with vascular ageing. Results from this pilot study warrant further confirmation.
|
|
| 6. |
- Penell, Johanna Christina, et al.
(author)
-
Concentrations of nine endogenous steroid hormones in 70-year-old men and women
- 2021
-
In: Endocrine Connections. - : Bioscientifica. - 2049-3614. ; 10:5, s. 511-520
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ObjectivesCirculating concentrations of endogenous steroids have systemic implications on health in elderly. However, population-based age- and ethnicity-specific data are scarce. The aim was to report sex-specific plasma concentrations of endogenous sex and adrenal steroids in elderly Swedish Caucasians, to examine the impact of BMI and to present concentrations in apparently healthy subjects.MethodsA population-based observational study of 70-year olds, including 684 community-dwelling men and women enrolled in the PIVUS study, Sweden. Median plasma concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, estrone and estradiol.ResultsPlasma concentrations were significantly higher in men (n = 452) than in women (n = 232) for estradiol: median 61.3 pmol/L (95% CI, 11.4, 142.7) vs 18.4 (4.0, 127.3), for estrone: 92.8 (33.3, 206) vs 71.6 (17.8, 209) pmol/L, and for testosterone 13.8 (5.7, 28.0) vs 0.7 (0.2, 2.0) nmol/L. Higher concentrations of estrone and estradiol were observed in obese than non-obese women. Compared to non-obese men, obese men had lower concentrations of testosterone and its precursors: 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and DHEA. The subgroup of apparently healthy individuals had median values > 20% lower for estrone and estradiol in women but slightly higher for testosterone in both sexes.ConclusionsConcentrations of estradiol, estrone and testosterone were higher in 70-year-old men than in women. BMI associated positively to estradiol and estrone in women and negatively to testosterone in men. Apparently healthy women had lower median concentrations of estradiol and estrone and men had higher median testosterone compared to all individuals.
|
|
| 7. |
- Wide, Leif, et al.
(author)
-
Low- and Fully N-Glycosylated Gonadotropins Circulating in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- 2021
-
In: Journal of the Endocrine Society. - : ENDOCRINE SOC. - 2472-1972. ; 5:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: A preponderance of basic luteinizing hormone (LH) molecules having elevated bioactivity was detected in the circulation of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Subsequent studies have shown that LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) both circulate as glycoforms differing in number of glycans: low-N-glycosylated glycoforms, LHdi and FSHtri, with high in vitro bioactivity, and fully glycosylated glycoforms, LHtri and FSHtetra, with high in vivo bioactivity.Objective: This work aims to characterize the glycosylation patterns on circulating gonadotropin glycoforms in women with PCOS.Methods: Serum samples, collected from 8 women with PCOS were included. The concentration, sulfonation, and sialylation of each glycoform were determined and compared with values of serum samples from healthy women: 22 women at follicular phase, 16 at midcycle, and 15 after menopause.Results: All the women with PCOS had higher LHdi serum levels compared with those in the follicular-phase group. Median LHdi and median LHtri levels were significantly elevated in PCOS women. The percentage of LHdi was increased from 37 to 49 and that of FSHtri was decreased from 41 to 33. The LHdi, LHtri, and FSHtetra glycoforms were more sialylated and both LH glycoforms less sulfonated in women with PCOS.Conclusion: All women with PCOS had increased serum levels of LHdi, compared with those in the follicular phase. The percentage of LHdi was increased and that of FSHtri decreased in women with PCOS. The increased LHdi leads to maintenance of the abnormal early follicular development of the polycystic ovary, and the decreased FSHtri contributes to the arrested follicle growth.
|
|
