Trimethylamine N-Oxide, a Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolite, Is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Background. The role of alterations in gut microbiota composition (termed dysbiosis) has been implicated in the pathobiology of depressive symptoms; however, evidence remains limited. This cross-sectional pilot study is aimed at exploring whether depressive symptom scores changed during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat rectal cancer, and if gut microbial taxa abundances and predicted functional pathways correlate with depressive symptoms at the end of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Methods. 40 newly diagnosed rectal cancer patients (ages 28-81; 23 males) were assessed for depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and provided stool samples for 16S rRNA sequencing. Gut microbiome data were analyzed using QIIME2, and correlations and regression analyses were performed in R. Results. Participants had significantly higher depressive symptoms at the end as compared to before CRT. The relative abundances of Gemella, Bacillales Family XI, Actinomyces, Streptococcus, Lactococcus, Weissella, and Leuconostocaceae were positively correlated (Spearman’s rho = 0.42 to 0.32), while Coprobacter, Intestinibacter, Intestimonas, Lachnospiraceae, Phascolarctobacterium, Ruminiclostridium, Ruminococcaceae (UCG-005 and uncultured), Tyzzerella, and Parasutterella (Spearman’s rho = − 0.43 to − 0.31 ) were negatively correlated with HAM-D scores. Of the 14 predicted MetaCyc pathways that correlated with depressive symptom scores at the end of CRT, 11 (79%) were associated with biosynthetic pathways. Conclusions. Significant bacterial taxa and predicted functional pathways correlated with depressive symptoms at the end of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for rectal cancer which warrants further examination and replication of our findings.

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Waist Circumference as a Preventive Tool of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia and Obesity-Associated Cardiovascular Risk in Young Adults Males: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics10121033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1033

Author(s):

Alberto Hernández-Reyes ◽

Ángela Vidal ◽

Alicia Moreno-Ortega ◽

Fernando Cámara-Martos ◽

Rafael Moreno-Rojas

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Atherogenic Dyslipidemia ◽

High Density Lipoproteins ◽

Central Adiposity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Young Males ◽

Number Of Patients

Although the correlation coefficient between body mass index (BMI) and poor lipid profile has been reported, representing a cardiovascular risk, the need to find new early detection markers is real. Waist circumference and markers of atherogenic dyslipidemia are not usually measured in medical review appointments. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between central adiposity and cardiovascular risk. This was a cross-sectional pilot study of 57 young males (age: 35.9 ± 10.85, BMI: 32.4 ± 6.08) recruited from community settings and allocated to non-obese or obese attending to their waist circumference. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were measured from plasma samples. Patients with at least 100 cm of waist circumference had significantly increased TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and triglycerides and lower levels of HDL-C. The three atherogenic ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TG/HDL-C were all optimal in non-obese patients. LDL-C/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were significantly higher and over the limit when assessing for atherogenic dyslipidemia. The number of patients at risk for cardiovascular events increases 2.5 folds in obese compared to non-obese. Measurement of waist circumference could be adopted as a simpler valid alternative to BMI for health promotion, to alert those at risk of atherogenic dyslipidemia.

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Effects of tobacco smoke and electronic cigarette vapor exposure on the oral and gut microbiota in humans: a pilot study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.4693 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. e4693 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Christopher J. Stewart ◽

Thomas A. Auchtung ◽

Nadim J. Ajami ◽

Kenia Velasquez ◽

Daniel P. Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Tobacco Smoking ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Buccal Swabs ◽

Significant Difference

BackgroundThe use of electronic cigarettes (ECs) has increased drastically over the past five years, primarily as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, the adverse effects of acute and long-term use of ECs on the microbiota have not been explored. In this pilot study, we sought to determine if ECs or tobacco smoking alter the oral and gut microbiota in comparison to non-smoking controls.MethodsWe examined a human cohort consisting of 30 individuals: 10 EC users, 10 tobacco smokers, and 10 controls. We collected cross-sectional fecal, buccal swabs, and saliva samples from each participant. All samples underwent V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsTobacco smoking had a significant effect on the bacterial profiles in all sample types when compared to controls, and in feces and buccal swabs when compared to EC users. The most significant associations were found in the gut, with an increased relative abundance ofPrevotella(P= 0.006) and decreasedBacteroides(P= 0.036) in tobacco smokers. The Shannon diversity was also significantly reduced (P= 0.009) in fecal samples collected from tobacco smokers compared to controls. No significant difference was found in the alpha diversity, beta-diversity or taxonomic relative abundances between EC users and controls.DiscussionFrom a microbial ecology perspective, the current pilot data demonstrate that the use of ECs may represent a safer alternative compared to tobacco smoking. However, validation in larger cohorts and greater understanding of the short and long-term impact of EC use on microbiota composition and function is warranted.

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P841 Evaluation of gut microbiota composition in NAFLD with UC pancolitis in clinical remission: a pilot study

Journal of Crohn s and Colitis ◽

10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjz203.969 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S650-S651

Author(s):

S Cocciolillo ◽

G De Palma ◽

T Chen ◽

M P Ghali ◽

M Deschenes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Disease ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Clinical Remission ◽

Transient Elastography ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Microbiota Composition ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Gut Microbiota Composition

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of liver disease in Western countries and is a frequently reported comorbidity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A complex interaction among polygenic predisposition, IBD-specific risk factors, microbiome, multiple environmental and patients’ factors could explain the development of NAFLD in IBD. Gut dysbiosis is increasingly recognised as an important player in NAFLD, as well as in IBD pathogenesis. So far, no study has examined the gut microbiota composition in IBD patients with NAFLD. We aimed to characterise faecal microbiota according to NAFLD status in a pilot cohort of ulcerative colitis (UC) pancolitis in clinical remission. Methods This was a cross-sectional pilot study using transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) to diagnose NAFLD in UC pancolitis patients in clinical remission, defined as partial Mayo score ≤1. NAFLD was diagnosed non-invasively as CAP ≥248 dB/m. Exclusion criteria included: use of corticosteroids in the last year and antibiotics or probiotics/prebiotics in the last 2 months prior to inclusion; significant alcohol intake (AUDIT-C <5); hepatitis B or C infection. Stool samples were collected within 12 h from TE with CAP evaluation. Gut microbiota composition was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing with Illumina technique. Statistical analysis by NAFLD status was performed using Fisher’s exact or Mann–Whitney’s test as appropriate. Results A total of 11 UC pancolitis patients in clinical remission were included (mean age 53 years, 36.4% male, time since IBD diagnosis 16 years). NAFLD was diagnosed in 7 cases (63.6%, mean CAP 291 dB/m). Patients with pancolitis and NAFLD had higher BMI (mean 31 vs. 22 kg/m2, p = 0.006) as well as waist circumference (mean 100 vs. 81 cm, p = 0.006) compared with those without NAFLD, but no other differences in demographic, clinical or pharmacological parameters were found between pancolitis with or without NAFLD. Patients with pancolitis and NAFLD clustered separately from those without NAFLD, when computing Bray Curtis dissimilarities (tested with Adonis, p = 0.006). In addition, patients with pancolitis and NAFLD presented with decreased bacterial richness (p = 0.017) but not diversity. This was accompanied by a significant increase of Bacteroides spp. relative abundance in faecal samples of patients with pancolitis and NAFLD (q = 0.017). Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates, for the first time, that, in UC pancolitis patients, NAFLD associates with altered gut microbiota composition. Further studies are needed to understand the exact role of gut microbiota in UC pancolitis with NAFLD and to evaluate the use of microbiota-directed approaches for the treatment of NAFLD in these patients.

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Association of Trimethylamine, Trimethylamine N-oxide, and Dimethylamine with Cardiovascular Risk in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9020336 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 336 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Chien-Ning Hsu ◽

Guo-Ping Chang-Chien ◽

Sufan Lin ◽

Chih-Yao Hou ◽

Pei-Chen Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Early Stage ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ckd Stage ◽

Pediatric Ckd

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Gut microbiota-dependent metabolites trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and dimethylamine (DMA) have been linked to CKD and CVD. We examined whether these methylamines are correlated with cardiovascular risk in CKD children. A total of 115 children and adolescents with CKD stage G1–G4 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Children with CKD stage G2–G4 had higher plasma levels of DMA, TMA, and TMAO, but lower urinary levels of DMA and TMAO than those with CKD stage G1. Up to 53% of CKD children and adolescents had blood pressure (BP) abnormalities on 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Plasma TMA and DMA levels inversely associated with high BP load as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Additionally, CKD children with an abnormal ABPM profile had decreased abundance of phylum Cyanobacteria, genera Subdoligranulum, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, and Akkermansia. TMA and DMA are superior to TMAO when related to high BP load and other CV risk factors in children and adolescents with early-stage CKD. Our findings highlight that gut microbiota-dependent methylamines are related to BP abnormalities and CV risk in pediatric CKD. Further studies should determine whether these microbial markers can identify children at risk for CKD progression.

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The Relation Between Body Fat Distribution and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

The Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry ◽

10.4088/pcc.v07n0307 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 07 (03) ◽

pp. 115-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Martha M. Lato ◽

M. Beatriz Currier ◽

Oscar Villaverde ◽

Mercedes Gonzalez-Blanco

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽

Body Fat ◽

Fat Distribution ◽

Body Fat Distribution ◽

Cross Sectional

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Retrospective Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Rifaximin Dosing for the Prevention of Recurrent Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.727291251.793535963 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Sharon DeMorrow

Keyword(s):

Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Cross Sectional

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Health Concerns of Older Adults: Observations from a Survey and Public Education Programme in Bhubaneswar, India

10.35262/jiag.v15i1.10-16 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 10-16

Author(s):

Shreyan Kar ◽

Tushar Kanti Das ◽

Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽

Brajaballav Kar ◽

Anupama Senapati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Mood State ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Cardiovascular Risks ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Concerns

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.

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Correlation of Glycemic Control Parameters in Non-Diabetic Persons with Cardiovascular Risk Scores - Results from a Cross- Sectional Study

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.17.1.5399 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 108-110

Author(s):

Gina Botnariu ◽

Norina Forna ◽

Alina Popa ◽

Raluca Popescu ◽

Alina Onofriescu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Glycemic Control ◽

Tolerance Test ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Risk Scores ◽

Oral Glucose ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Of Edinburgh ◽

Fasting Glycaemia ◽

The University

To assess the correlation between main parameters of glycemic control and cardiovascular risk scores in non-diabetic persons. Risk scores were calculated by using the University of Edinburgh Risk Calculator. Risk scores are used to estimate the probability of cardiovascular disease in individuals who have not already developed major atherosclerotic disease. We correlated the results of these scores with the parameters that describes the glycaemic profile: preprandial glicaemia, HbA1c and 1 hour and 2 h post-prandial glycaemia, determined during Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).Both fasting glycaemia and HbA1c significantly correlated with cardiovascular risk scores calculated for a period of 10 years. The recorded post-prandial glycaemic values at 1h and 2h after glucose loading didn�t significantly correlate with calculated scores, in the study group. The observed correlations underline the importance of glycaemia in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

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