Hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women: the role of folate supplementation

2007 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Villa ◽  
Rosanna Suriano ◽  
Barbara Costantini ◽  
Francesca Macrì ◽  
Luigi Ricciardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Folate Supplementation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Artery Flow

AbstractIn the postmenopausal period, cardiovascular diseases are a frequent chronic condition leading to high risk of myocardial infarction and death. Recently hyperhomocysteinemia and even mildly elevated plasma concentrations of homocysteine have been recognized as independent risk factors for vascular damage predisposing to arteriosclerosis. Elevated plasma levels of homocysteine induce vascular endothelial damage and are frequently associated with low folate levels.In this review we evaluate literature data on some aspects related to menopause and homocysteine metabolism. In particular, we show the effect of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine concentrations and on homocysteine-related thiols, such as cysteine and cysteine-glycine, as well as the relationship with glucose, insulin, and lipidic metabolism in postmenopausal women. We also analyze the influence of folate supplementation on endothelial function, by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (endothelium-dependent) and nitroglycerine-induced dilatation (endothelium-independent) before and after a methionine load.Folate administration in postmenopausal women is able to reduce high plasma homocysteine levels and to modify impaired endothelial function induced by hyperhomocysteinemia.Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:130–5.

β-Thromboglobulin and Platelet Survival in Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease and Prosthetic Cardiac Vaives and their Treatment with Sulphinpyrazone

1979 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Ludlam ◽  
N. Allen ◽  
R.B. Blandford ◽  
R. Dowdle ◽  
N. Bentley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Rheumatic Heart Disease ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Sensitive Measure ◽  
Platelet Survival ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Rheumatic Heart

The plasma β-thromboglobulin (βtg) concentration has been measured in 202 patients with rheumatic heort disease and prosthetic cardiac volves who were already receiving warforin. In B4 of these patients the plasma βtg concentration was greater than 50ng/ml on at least one occasion . In 9 of these individuals who had persistently elevated plasma βtg concentrations the 51Cr-platelet mean lifespan (PMLS) and plasma and platelet βtg levels were measured before and after treatment with sulphinpyrazone 800mg/day. The results demonstrated that prior to treatment, patients with raised plasma βtg concentrotions hod short PMLS. Treatment with sulphinpyrazone resulted in lengthening of PMLS but there was no change in the plasma or platelet ~tg concentration. It is concluded that in these patients a high plasma βtg level is associated with 0 reduced PMLS and that although sulphinpyrazane increases the PMLS it foils to reduce the plasma βtg concentration. The results suggest that the PMLS is 0 more sensitive measure of the therapeutic effect of sulphinpyrazone than the plasma βtg concentration.

scholarly journals Elevated Plasma Stromal-Cell-Derived Factor-1 Protein Levels Correlate with Severity in Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping-Kun Tsai ◽  
Ming-Ju Hsieh ◽  
Hsiang-Ling Wang ◽  
Ming-Chih Chou ◽  
Shun-Fa Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Stromal Cell ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Biological Marker ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Stromal Cell Derived Factor

Background.The aim of this study was to investigate differential changes in plasma levels of stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) before and after antibiotic treatment in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and observe the association between the severity of CAP and the plasma SDF-1 level.Methods.We gathered blood specimens from 61 adult CAP patients before and after antibiotic treatment and from 60 healthy controls to measure the plasma concentrations of SDF-1 by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results.The plasma SDF-1 concentration was elevated significantly in patients with CAP before receiving treatment compared with the controls and decreased significantly after the patients received treatment. Leukocyte (WBC) and neutrophil counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased significantly after antibiotic treatment. Moreover, differences in the plasma concentration of SDF-1 were significantly correlated with PSI, CURB-65, and APACHE II scores (r=0.389,P=0.002, andn=61;r=0.449,P<0.001, andn=61; andr=0.363,P=0.004, andn=61, resp.).Conclusions.An elevated plasma SDF-1 concentration can be used as a biological marker for the early diagnosis of CAP and for the early detection of its severity.

scholarly journals Downregulated GTCPH I/BH4 Pathway and Decreased Function of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Their Relationship with Endothelial Dysfunction in Overweight Postmenopausal Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Luo ◽  
Zhenhua Huang ◽  
Jinli Liao ◽  
Zhihao Liu ◽  
Xiaopeng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Endothelial Damage ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Function ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have endogenous endothelium-reparative potential, but obesity impairs EPCs. Overweight premenopausal women have a normal number of circulating EPCs with functional activity, but whether EPCs in overweight postmenopausal women can repair obesity-related endothelial damage requires further investigation. For this purpose, we examined the function and number of circulating EPCs, evaluated vascular endothelial function, and explored the underlying mechanism. Compared with normal weight or overweight age-matched men, postmenopausal women (overweight or normal weight) had a diminished number of circulating EPCs and impaired vascular endothelial function, as detected by flow-mediated dilatation. Moreover, GTCPH I expression and the nitric oxide level in overweight postmenopausal women and men were significantly decreased. Together, our findings demonstrate that the number or function of circulating EPCs and endothelial function, which is partially regulated by the GTCPH I/BH4 signaling pathway, is not preserved in overweight postmenopausal women. The GTCPH I/BH4 pathway in circulating EPCs may be a potential therapeutic target for endothelial injury in overweight postmenopausal women.

scholarly journals Soya isoflavone-enriched cereal bars affect markers of endothelial function in postmenopausal women

2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 1120-1126 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hallund ◽  
S. Bügel ◽  
T. Tholstrup ◽  
M. Ferrari ◽  
D. Talbot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Arterial Compliance ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Structural Similarity ◽  
Placebo Treatment ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cereal Bars

Soya isoflavones are thought to be cardioprotective due to their structural similarity to oestrogen. In order to investigate the effect of soya isoflavones on markers of endothelial function we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study with thirty healthy postmenopausal women. The women consumed cereal bars, with or without soya isoflavones (50mg/d), for 8 weeks, separated by an 8-week washout period. Systemic arterial complince (SAC), isobaric arterial compliance (IAC), flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated endothelium-independent vasodilation (NMD) were measured at the beginning of the study and after each intervention period. Blood pressure (BP) and plasma concentrations of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured at the beginning and end of each intervention period.NMD was 13·4 (sem 2·0) % at baseline and 15·5 (sem 1·1) % after isoflavone treatment compared with 12·4 (sem 1·0) % after placebo treatment (P=0·03). NOx increased from 27·7 (sem 2·7) to 31·1 (sem 3·2) μm after isoflavones treatment compared with 25·4 (sem 1·5) to 20·4 (sem 1·1) μm after placebo treatment (P=0·003) and a significant increase in the NOx:ET-1 ratio (P=0·005) was observed after the isoflavone treatment compared with placebo. A significant difference in SAC after the isoflavone and placebo treatment was observed (P=0·04). No significant difference was found in FMD, IAC, BP and ET-1. In conclusion, 8 weeks' consumption of cereals bars enriched with 50mg soya isoflavones/d increased plasma NOx concentrations and improved endothelium-independent vasodilation in healthy postmenopausal women.

scholarly journals The role of pro-opiomelanocortin in the ACTH–cortisol dissociation of sepsis

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arno Téblick ◽  
Sarah Vander Perre ◽  
Lies Pauwels ◽  
Sarah Derde ◽  
Tim Van Oudenhove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Feedback Inhibition ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Mouse Study

Abstract Background Sepsis is typically hallmarked by high plasma (free) cortisol and suppressed cortisol breakdown, while plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is not increased, referred to as ‘ACTH–cortisol dissociation.’ We hypothesized that sepsis acutely activates the hypothalamus to generate, via corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (AVP), ACTH-induced hypercortisolemia. Thereafter, via increased availability of free cortisol, of which breakdown is reduced, feedback inhibition at the pituitary level interferes with normal processing of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) into ACTH, explaining the ACTH–cortisol dissociation. We further hypothesized that, in this constellation, POMC leaches into the circulation and can contribute to adrenocortical steroidogenesis. Methods In two human studies of acute (ICU admission to day 7, N = 71) and prolonged (from ICU day 7 until recovery; N = 65) sepsis-induced critical illness, POMC plasma concentrations were quantified in relation to plasma ACTH and cortisol. In a mouse study of acute (1 day), subacute (3 and 5 days) and prolonged (7 days) fluid-resuscitated, antibiotic-treated sepsis (N = 123), we further documented alterations in hypothalamic CRH and AVP, plasma and pituitary POMC and its glucocorticoid-receptor-regulated processing into ACTH, as well as adrenal cortex integrity and steroidogenesis markers. Results The two human studies revealed several-fold elevated plasma concentrations of the ACTH precursor POMC from the acute to the prolonged phase of sepsis and upon recovery (all p < 0.0001), coinciding with the known ACTH–cortisol dissociation. Elevated plasma POMC and ACTH–corticosterone dissociation were confirmed in the mouse model. In mice, sepsis acutely increased hypothalamic mRNA of CRH (p = 0.04) and AVP (p = 0.03) which subsequently normalized. From 3 days onward, pituitary expression of CRH receptor and AVP receptor was increased. From acute throughout prolonged sepsis, pituitary POMC mRNA was always elevated (all p < 0.05). In contrast, markers of POMC processing into ACTH and of ACTH secretion, negatively regulated by glucocorticoid receptor ligand binding, were suppressed at all time points (all p ≤ 0.05). Distorted adrenocortical structure (p < 0.05) and lipid depletion (p < 0.05) were present, while most markers of adrenocortical steroidogenic activity were increased at all time points (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Together, these findings suggest that increased circulating POMC, through CRH/AVP-driven POMC expression and impaired processing into ACTH, could represent a new piece in the puzzling ACTH–cortisol dissociation.

scholarly journals Elevated plasma fibronectin levels associated with venous thromboembolism

2008 ◽  
Vol 100 (08) ◽  
pp. 224-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie M. Pecheniuk ◽  
Darlene J. Elias ◽  
Hiroshi Deguchi ◽  
Patricia M. Averell ◽  
John H. Griffin
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Factor V Leiden ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Factor V ◽  
Plasma Fibronectin ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Difference

SummaryElevated plasma fibronectin levels occur in various clinical states including arterial disease. Increasing evidence suggests that atherothrombosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE) share common risk factors. To assess the hypothesis that high plasma fibronectin levels are associated with VTE, we compared plasma fibronectin levels in the Scripps Venous Thrombosis Registry for 113VTE cases vs. age and sex matched controls. VTE cases had significantly higher mean fibronectin concentration compared to controls (127% vs. 103%, p<0.0001); the difference was greater for idiopathic VTE cases compared to secondary VTE cases (133% vs. 120%, respectively). Using a cut-off of >90% of the control values, the odds ratio (OR) for association of VTE for fibronectin plasma levels above the 90th percentile were 9.37 (95% CI 2.73–32.2; p<0.001) and this OR remained significant after adjustment for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), factor V Leiden and prothrombin nt20210A (OR 7.60,95% CI 2.14–27.0; p=0.002). In particular, the OR was statistically significant for idiopathic VTE before and after these statistical adjustments. For the total male cohort, the OR was significant before and after statistical adjustments and was not significant for the total female cohort. In summary, our results suggest that elevated plasma fibronectin levels are associated with VTE especially in males, and extend the potential association between biomarkers and risk factors for arterial atherothrombosis and VTE.

PROLACTIN AND THE PITUITARY-GONADAL AXIS IN MALE URAEMIC PATIENTS ON REGULAR DIALYSIS

1976 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hagen ◽  
K. Ølgaard ◽  
A. S. McNeilly ◽  
R. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Hormone Binding ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Male Patients

ABSTRACT In 21 consecutive adult male patients with chronic renal failure on regular haemo- or peritoneal dialysis, the plasma levels of prolactin (hPr), growth hormone (HGH), thyrotrophin (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Elevated levels of hPr were found in 16 of the patients and could not only be explained by the medicamentation. All the patients studied showed an inverse ratio of LH to FSH with higher levels of FSH than LH and 15 of the 21 patients had elevated plasma concentrations of FSH, while only 4 had elevated LH. No significant difference in any of the hormone levels could be demonstrated before and after dialysis, and no significant correlation between the hormone levels and the time of dialysis, the type of dialysis or the age of the patient was found. However, 8 of the 21 patients showed higher levels of HGH before than after dialysis. Impotency was found in 11 of the patients, but was not related to abnormal levels of hPr, LH, FSH, T or SHBG.

Effects of Short‐term Folic Acid Supplementation on Brachial Artery Endothelial Function in Habitually Trained and Untrained Postmenopausal Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Jennifer Craig ◽  
Elizabeth C. Akam ◽  
Stephen J. Bailey ◽  
Nick J. Cox ◽  
Richard A. Ferguson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Brachial Artery ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Acid Supplementation

scholarly journals Folic acid treatment reduces elevated plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in hyperhomocysteinaemic subjects

2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten B. Holven ◽  
Tor S. Haugstad ◽  
Torbjørn Holm ◽  
Pål Aukrust ◽  
Leiv Ose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Endogenous Inhibitor ◽  
Elevated Plasma ◽  
Acid Therapy ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Healthy Control

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase, has been suggested to be a novel risk factor for endothelial dysfunction. It has previously been reported that hyperhomocysteinaemia may be associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reduced plasma level of NO-derived endproducts (NOx). In the present study, plasma levels of arginine and ADMA were measured in twenty-one healthy control subjects, and in twenty-one hyperhomocysteinaemic subjects before and after 6 weeks and 12 months of folic acid supplementation, and compared with previously measured plasma NOx values in the hyperhomocysteinaemic subjects. Compared with control subjects, hyperhomocysteinaemic subjects had higher plasma levels of arginine and ADMA. More importantly, folic acid therapy significantly reduced plasma levels of arginine and ADMA. Furthermore, plasma levels of arginine and ADMA were positively correlated with plasma homocysteine levels and negatively correlated with plasma folate, as well as negatively correlated with plasma NOx. Our results suggest that ADMA may be a mediator of the atherogenic effects of homocysteine.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document