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Vilalta Doñate E, García Fernández F, Martínez Meléndez S, Castillo Castillo C, Salas Medina P, Almodóvar Fernández I. Nutritional habits in patients with peripheral arterial disease: Adherence to the mediterranean diet. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ARTERIOSCLEROSIS 2025; 37:100726. [PMID: 39013682 DOI: 10.1016/j.arteri.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Dietmed) exerts protective effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) there are fewer studies that analyze these data. OBJECTIVE To determine adherence to Dietmed and dietary habits in patients with PAD, according to a history of CVD (coronary and/or cerebral ischaemic pathology) and according to the ankle-brachial index (ABI ≥ or <0,5). MATERIAL AND METHODS Cross-sectional analytical study carried out in a tertiary hospital. The sample was collected consecutively. Sociodemographic and clinical history, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and a 14-point Dietmed adherence dietary questionnaire were included. The analysis of categorical variables was carried out using the Pearson's Chi-Square test, the T-Student's statistic test for independent samples was used for parametric variables and the U. Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric variables. RESULTS Of the 97 patients, 87,6% had low adherence to Dietmed, with no differences according to the severity of PAD. However, when we analysed the data according to whether or not they had a history of CVD, we observed a high adherence to some items included in Dietmed, specifically, in the CVD group, the consumption of lean meat (95,5% vs 64%; P=.004). In addition, we observed a significant difference in the consumption in the group without a history of CVD (32% vs 9,1%; P=.033). CONCLUSION In our population, patients with PAD, regardless of the stage of the disease and whether they had associated coronary or cerebral ischaemic pathology, had low adherence to Dietmed. Therefore, it is important to implement nutritional education programmes in patients with PAD in all stages, as well as in those patients who have already suffered a vascular event, so that they maintain adherence to healthy dietary habits in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vilalta Doñate
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Vascular, Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital General Universitario de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, España.
| | - Francisca García Fernández
- Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera y Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital General Universitario de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, España
| | - Salvador Martínez Meléndez
- Universitat Jaume I y Angiología y Cirugía Vascular, Hospital General Universitario de Castellón, Castellón de la Plana, España
| | | | - Pablo Salas Medina
- Unidad Predepartamental de Enfermería, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, España
| | - Isabel Almodóvar Fernández
- Unidad Predepartamental de Enfermería, Universitat Jaume I, Research Manager Villareal CF, Grupo de Investigación QSH, Castellón de la Plana, España
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Sagris M, Ktenopoulos N, Soulaidopoulos S, Dimitriadis K, Papanikolaou A, Tzoumas A, Terentes-Printzios D, Lichtenberg M, Korosoglou G, Toutouzas K, Honton B, Tousoulis D, Tsioufis K. Intravascular lithotripsy in peripheral lesions with severe calcification and its use in TAVI procedure - a meta-analysis. VASA 2024; 53:263-274. [PMID: 38934125 DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Heavily calcified peripheral artery lesions increase the risk of vascular complications, constituting a severe challenge for the operator during catheter-based cardiovascular interventions. Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology disrupts subendothelial calcification by using localized pulsative sonic pressure waves and represents a promising technique for plaque modification in patients with severe calcification in peripheral arteries. Purpose: Our aim was to systematically review and summarize available data regarding the safety and efficacy of IVL in preparing severely calcified peripheral arteries and its use in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Patients and methods: This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases from their inception to February 23, 2023, for studies assessing the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing IVL in the peripheral vasculature. The diameter of the vessel lumen before and after IVL was estimated. The occurrence of peri-procedural complications was assessed using a random-effects model. Results: 20 studies with a total of 1,223 patients with heavily calcified peripheral lesions were analysed. The mean age of the cohort was 70.6 ± 17.4 years. Successful IVL delivery achieved in 100% (95% CI: 100%-100%, I2 = 0%), with an increase in the luminal diameter (SMD: 4.66, 95% CI: 3.41-5.92, I2 = 90.8%) and reduction in diameter stenosis (SMD: -4.15, 95% CI: -4.75 to -3.55, I2 = 92.8%), and a concomitant low rate of complications. The procedure was free from dissection in 97% (95% CI: 91%-100%, I2 = 81.4%) while dissections of any type (A, B, C, or D) were observed in 6% (95% CI: 2%-10%, I2 = 85.3%) of the patients. Several rare cases of abrupt closure, no-reflow phenomenon, perforation, thrombus formation, and distal embolization were recorded. Finally, the subgroup analysis of patients who underwent a TAVI with IVL assistance presented successful implantation in 100% (95% CI: 100%-100%, I2 = 0%) of the cases, with only 4% (95% CI: 0%-12%, I2 = 68.96%) presenting dissections of any sort. Conclusions: IVL seems to be an effective and safe technique for modifying severely calcified lesions in peripheral arteries and it is a promising modality in TAVI settings. Future prospective studies are needed to validate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Ktenopoulos
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Soulaidopoulos
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Dimitriadis
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Papanikolaou
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Tzoumas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dimitrios Terentes-Printzios
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Grigorios Korosoglou
- Department of Cardiology, Vascular Medicine and Pneumology, GRN Hospital, Weinheim, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Benjamin Honton
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Cardiology Department, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Komai M, Takeno D, Fujii C, Nakano J, Ohsaki Y, Shirakawa H. Nailfold Capillaroscopy: A Comprehensive Review on Its Usefulness in Both Clinical Diagnosis and Improving Unhealthy Dietary Lifestyles. Nutrients 2024; 16:1914. [PMID: 38931269 PMCID: PMC11206784 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the 1970s, the utility of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) in diagnosing rheumatological disorders such as systemic sclerosis has been well established. Further studies have also shown that NFC can detect non-rheumatic diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, dermatitis, and Alzheimer disease. In the past decade, nailfold capillary morphological changes have also been reported as symptoms of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet, smoking, sleep deprivation, and even psychological stress, all of which contribute to slow blood flow. Therefore, studying the relationships between the morphology of nailfold capillaries and lifestyle habits has a high potential to indicate unhealthy states or even pre-disease conditions. Simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive methods such as NFC are important and useful for routine medical examinations. The present study began with a systematic literature search of the PubMed database followed by a summary of studies reporting the assessment of morphological changes detected by NFC, and a comprehensive review of NFC's utility in clinical diagnosis and improving unhealthy dietary lifestyles. It culminates in a summary of dietary and lifestyle health promotion strategy, assessed based on NFC and other related measurements that indicate healthy microvascular blood flow and endothelial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michio Komai
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (Y.O.); (H.S.)
| | - Dan Takeno
- At Co., Ltd., Osaka 541-0042, Japan; (D.T.); (C.F.); (J.N.)
| | - Chiharu Fujii
- At Co., Ltd., Osaka 541-0042, Japan; (D.T.); (C.F.); (J.N.)
| | - Joe Nakano
- At Co., Ltd., Osaka 541-0042, Japan; (D.T.); (C.F.); (J.N.)
| | - Yusuke Ohsaki
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (Y.O.); (H.S.)
| | - Hitoshi Shirakawa
- Laboratory of Nutrition, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8572, Japan; (Y.O.); (H.S.)
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Sagris M, Antonopoulos AS, Angelopoulos A, Papanikolaou P, Simantiris S, Vamvakaris C, Koumpoura A, Farmaki M, Antoniades C, Tsioufis C, Tousoulis D. High-sensitivity Troponin (hs-Tn) for Cardiovascular Risk Prognostication: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1941-1953. [PMID: 36924099 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230315152045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic low-grade inflammation is involved in coronary atherosclerosis progression whereas recent research efforts suggest that preventative methods should be tailored to the "residual inflammatory risk". As such, modalities for the early identification of the risk have to be investigated. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. Any study that presented the prognostic value of high sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) of vascular inflammation in stable patients without known cardiac heart disease was considered to be potentially eligible. The Medline (PubMed) database was searched up to April 22, 2021. The main endpoint was the difference in c-index (Δ[c-index]) with the use of hs-cTn for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We calculated I2 to test heterogeneity. RESULTS In total, 44 studies and 112,288 stable patients without known coronary heart disease were included in this meta-analysis. The mean follow-up duration of the whole cohort was 6.8 ± 1.1 years. 77,004 (68.5%) of the patients presented at low cardiovascular risk while 35,284 (31.5%) in high. The overall pooled estimate of Δ[c-index] for MACE was 1.4% (95%CI: 0.7-2.1, I2=0%) and for cardiovascular death 1.3% (95%CI: 0.3-2.3, I2=0%). Finally, the overall pooled estimate of Δ[c-index] for all-cause mortality was 3% (95%CI: 1.9-3.9, I2=86%), while high heterogeneity was observed between the studies. CONCLUSION The predictive usefulness of changes in hs-cTn measures in stable individuals with either high or low cardiovascular risk, demonstrates that assessing vascular inflammation in addition to clinical risk factors enhances risk prediction for cardiovascular events and allcause mortality. Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings and assist clinical decision-making regarding the most optimal prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios S Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- RDM Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andreas Angelopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Papanikolaou
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Simantiris
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Vamvakaris
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alkmini Koumpoura
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Farmaki
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Constantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Cecchini AL, Biscetti F, Manzato M, Lo Sasso L, Rando MM, Nicolazzi MA, Rossini E, Eraso LH, Dimuzio PJ, Massetti M, Gasbarrini A, Flex A. Current Medical Therapy and Revascularization in Peripheral Artery Disease of the Lower Limbs: Impacts on Subclinical Chronic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16099. [PMID: 38003290 PMCID: PMC10671371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) are characterized by atherosclerosis and inflammation as their underlying mechanisms. This paper aims to conduct a literature review on pharmacotherapy for PAD, specifically focusing on how different drug classes target pro-inflammatory pathways. The goal is to enhance the choice of therapeutic plans by considering their impact on the chronic subclinical inflammation that is associated with PAD development and progression. We conducted a comprehensive review of currently published original articles, narratives, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The aim was to explore the relationship between PAD and inflammation and evaluate the influence of current pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions on the underlying chronic subclinical inflammation. Our findings indicate that the existing treatments have added anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially delay or prevent PAD progression and improve outcomes, independent of their effects on traditional risk factors. Although inflammation-targeted therapy in PAD shows promising potential, its benefits have not been definitively proven yet. However, it is crucial not to overlook the pleiotropic properties of the currently available treatments, as they may provide valuable insights for therapeutic strategies. Further studies focusing on the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of these treatments could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the residual risk in PAD and pave the way for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leonardo Cecchini
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Biscetti
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Manzato
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lo Sasso
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Rando
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Nicolazzi
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Rossini
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luis H. Eraso
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Paul J. Dimuzio
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Massimo Massetti
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Flex
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Nana P, Spanos K, Kouvelos G, Georgakopoulou VE, Lempesis IG, Trakas N, Sklapani P, Paterakis K, Fotakopoulos G, Brotis AG. Carotid artery stenting and endarterectomy surgery techniques: A 30‑year time‑lapse. MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2023; 3:61. [PMID: 38204583 PMCID: PMC10777268 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2023.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting (CAS), are the most important axes in carotid artery interventional management. A bibliometric analysis permits an easier access to the current literature trends and information to design future studies. The aim of the present study was to identify the knowledge routes on CAS and examine the research front on the topic. The search was interpreted in Scopus, from 1994 to 2023, and included only original articles and reviews. The BibTex format was used to download all citation and bibliographic data. The present analysis was conducted in two parts, a descriptive one and a network extraction process. Between 1994 and 2023, 34,503 references and 7,758 authors were recorded. The annual growth rate was 21.64%. The CAVATAS trial was the most cited article. As regards word trends, since 2017, trans-carotid stenting, risk factors and plaque characteristics are highlighted. CAS remains an area of high interest with a publication growth rate of >20% per year. As numerous questions remain to be answered, the need to determine the role of CAS may drive further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petroula Nana
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Larissa University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Spanos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Larissa University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Kouvelos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Larissa University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Pathophysiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Sklapani
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Paterakis
- Department of Neurosurgery, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Alexandros G. Brotis
- Department of Neurosurgery, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
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Arvanitakis K, Papadakos SP, Lekakis V, Koufakis T, Lempesis IG, Papantoniou E, Kalopitas G, Georgakopoulou VE, Stergiou IE, Theocharis S, Germanidis G. Meeting at the Crossroad between Obesity and Hepatic Carcinogenesis: Unique Pathophysiological Pathways Raise Expectations for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14704. [PMID: 37834153 PMCID: PMC10572430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating global prevalence of obesity and its intricate association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pose a substantial challenge to public health. Obesity, acknowledged as a pervasive epidemic, is linked to an array of chronic diseases, including HCC, catalyzing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its molecular underpinnings. Notably, HCC has emerged as a leading malignancy with rising incidence and mortality. The transition from viral etiologies to the prominence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-related HCC underscores the urgent need to explore the intricate molecular pathways linking obesity and hepatic carcinogenesis. This review delves into the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of obesity-driven HCC while also navigating using the current therapeutic strategies and future prospects for combating obesity-related HCC. We underscore the pivotal role of obesity as a risk factor and propose an integrated approach encompassing lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and the exploration of emerging targeted therapies. As the obesity-HCC nexus continues to challenge healthcare systems globally, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms and innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative to alleviate the rising burden of this dual menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Eleni Papantoniou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Lempesis IG, Varrias D, Sagris M, Attaran RR, Altin ES, Bakoyiannis C, Palaiodimos L, Dalamaga M, Kokkinidis DG. Obesity and Peripheral Artery Disease: Current Evidence and Controversies. Curr Obes Rep 2023; 12:264-279. [PMID: 37243875 PMCID: PMC10220347 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00510-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Obesity is a significant public health problem and a major risk factor for the development and progression of atherosclerosis and its cardiovascular manifestations. Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 3%-10% of the Western population and, if left untreated, can lead to devastating outcomes with both an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Interestingly, the association between obesity and PAD remains debatable. Whereas it is well known that PAD and obesity frequently overlap in the same patients, many studies have demonstrated a negative association between obesity and PAD and a protective effect of obesity on disease development and progression, a phenomenon described as the "obesity paradox." Possible mechanisms for this paradox may include genetic background, as assessed by mendelian randomization studies, adipose tissue dysfunction, and body fat distribution rather than adiposity, while other factors, such as sex, ethnicity, sarcopenia in the elderly population, or aggressive treatment of co-existing metabolic conditions in individuals with obesity compared to those with normal weight, could have some impact as well. RECENT RINDINGS Few reviews and meta-analyses examining systematically the relationship between obesity and PAD exist. The impact of PAD development due to the presence of obesity remains largely controversial. However, the most current evidence, backed by a recent meta-analysis, suggests a potential protective role of a higher body mass index on PAD-related complications and mortality. In this review, we discuss the association between obesity and PAD development, progression, and management, and the potential pathophysiologic mechanisms linking the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G Lempesis
- Department of Biologic Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Varrias
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marios Sagris
- General Hospital of Nikaia, Piraeus, 184 54, Athens, Greece
| | - Robert R Attaran
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, 06519, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elissa S Altin
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, 06519, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christos Bakoyiannis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Palaiodimos
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biologic Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, 06519, New Haven, CT, USA
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Lempesis IG, Georgakopoulou VE. Physiopathological mechanisms related to inflammation in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. World J Exp Med 2023; 13:7-16. [PMID: 37396883 PMCID: PMC10308320 DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v13.i3.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus pose global health problems that are ever-increasing. A chronic low-grade inflammatory status and the presence of various pro-inflammatory markers either in circulation or within dysfunctional metabolic tissues are well established. The presence of these factors can, to some extent, predict disease development and progression. A central role is played by the presence of dysfunctional adipose tissue, liver dysfunction, and skeletal muscle dysfunction, which collectively contribute to the increased circulatory levels of proinflammatory factors. Weight loss and classical metabolic interventions achieve a decrease in many of these factors' circulating levels, implying that a better understanding of the processes or even the modulation of inflammation may alleviate these diseases. This review suggests that inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of these conditions and that measuring inflammatory markers may be useful for assessing disease risk and development of future treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G Lempesis
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
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10
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Lempesis IG, Georgakopoulou VE. Implications of obesity and adiposopathy on respiratory infections; focus on emerging challenges. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2925-2933. [PMID: 37215426 PMCID: PMC10198078 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i13.2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, which impacts physiological, metabolic, and immune functions. Several respiratory infections, including bacterial pneumonia, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019, appear to be linked to unfavorable results in individuals with obesity. These may be attributed to the direct mechanical/physiological effects of excess body fat on the lungs’ function. Notably, adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with a low-grade chronic inflammatory status and hyperleptinemia, among other characteristics. These have all been linked to immune system dysfunction and weakened immune responses to these infections. A better understanding and clinical awareness of these risk factors are necessary for better disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G Lempesis
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
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11
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Sagris M, Theofilis P, Papanikolaou A, Antonopoulos AS, Tsioufis C, Tousoulis D. Direct Oral Anticoagulants use in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease, Acute Coronary Syndrome or Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2787-2794. [PMID: 38038010 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128259508231118141831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The investigation for the optimal anticoagulation strategy for patients with stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention constitutes a great challenge for physicians and is a field of extensive research. Although aspirin is commonly recommended as a protective measure for all patients with coronary artery disease and dual antiplatelet therapy for those undergoing procedures, such as percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events remains significant. In this context, the shortcomings associated with the use of vitamin K antagonists have led to the assessment of direct oral anticoagulants as promising alternatives. This review will explore and provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing data regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome, as well as their effectiveness in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- 1st Cardiology Department, "Hippokration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Cardiology Department, "Hippokration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Papanikolaou
- 1st Cardiology Department, "Hippokration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios S Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Department, "Hippokration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Department, "Hippokration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, "Hippokration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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12
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Cecchini AL, Biscetti F, Rando MM, Nardella E, Pecorini G, Eraso LH, Dimuzio PJ, Gasbarrini A, Massetti M, Flex A. Dietary Risk Factors and Eating Behaviors in Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10814. [PMID: 36142725 PMCID: PMC9504787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary risk factors play a fundamental role in the prevention and progression of atherosclerosis and PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease). The impact of nutrition, however, defined as the process of taking in food and using it for growth, metabolism and repair, remains undefined with regard to PAD. This article describes the interplay between nutrition and the development/progression of PAD. We reviewed 688 articles, including key articles, narrative and systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical studies. We analyzed the interaction between nutrition and PAD predictors, and subsequently created four descriptive tables to summarize the relationship between PAD, dietary risk factors and outcomes. We comprehensively reviewed the role of well-studied diets (Mediterranean, vegetarian/vegan, low-carbohydrate ketogenic and intermittent fasting diet) and prevalent eating behaviors (emotional and binge eating, night eating and sleeping disorders, anorexia, bulimia, skipping meals, home cooking and fast/ultra-processed food consumption) on the traditional risk factors of PAD. Moreover, we analyzed the interplay between PAD and nutritional status, nutrients, dietary patterns and eating habits. Dietary patterns and eating disorders affect the development and progression of PAD, as well as its disabling complications including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). Nutrition and dietary risk factor modification are important targets to reduce the risk of PAD as well as the subsequent development of MACE and MALE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leonardo Cecchini
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Biscetti
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Rando
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Nardella
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pecorini
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luis H. Eraso
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Paul J. Dimuzio
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Massetti
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Flex
- Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
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13
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Sagris M, Antonopoulos AS, Theofilis P, Oikonomou E, Siasos G, Tsalamandris S, Antoniades C, Brilakis ES, Kaski JC, Tousoulis D. Risk factors profile of young and older patients with myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:2281-2292. [PMID: 34358302 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) among young adults (<45 years) represents a considerable proportion of the total heart attack incidents. The underlying pathophysiologic characteristics, atherosclerotic plaque features, and risk factors profile differ between young and older patients with MI. This review article discusses the main differences between the younger and elderly MI patients as well as the different pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of MI in the younger. Young patients with MI often have eccentric atherosclerotic plaques with inflammatory features but fewer lesions, and are more likely to be smokers, obese, and have poor lifestyle, such as inactivity and alcohol intake. Compared to older MI patients, younger are more likely to be men, have familial-combined hyperlipidaemia and increased levels of lipoprotein-a. In addition, MI in younger patients may be related to use of cannabis, cocaine use, and androgenic anabolic steroids. Genomic differences especially in the pathways of coagulation and lipid metabolism have also been identified between young and older patients with MI. Better understanding of the risk factors and the anatomic and pathophysiologic processes in young adults can improve MI prevention and treatment strategies in this patient group. Awareness could help identify young subjects at increased risk and guide primary prevention strategies. Additional studies focusing on gene pathways related to lipid metabolism, inflammation, and coagulation are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - Alexios S Antonopoulos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sotirios Tsalamandris
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - Charalambos Antoniades
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Oxford Centre of Research Excellence, British Heart Foundation, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Emmanouil S Brilakis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Coronary Artery Disease, Minneapolis Heart Institute and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA
| | - Juan C Kaski
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 1st Cardiology Clinic, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 115 27, Greece
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14
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Sagris M, Katsaros I, Giannopoulos S, Rosenberg RD, Altin SE, Rallidis L, Mena-Hurtado C, Armstrong EJ, Kokkinidis DG. Statins and statin intensity in peripheral artery disease. VASA 2022; 51:198-211. [PMID: 35673949 DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 202 million people worldwide. Several studies have shown that patients with PAD are often undertreated, and that statin utilization is suboptimal. European and American guidelines highlight statins as the first-line lipid-lowering therapy to treat patients with PAD. Our objective with this meta-analysis was to further explore the impact of statins on lower extremities PAD endpoints and examine whether statin dose (high vs. low intensity) impacts outcomes. Patients and methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. Any study that presented a comparison of use of statins vs. no statins for PAD patients or studies comparing high vs. low intensity statins were considered to be potentially eligible. We excluded studies with only critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients. The Medline (PubMed) database was searched up to January 31, 2021. A random effects meta-analysis was performed. Results: In total, 39 studies and 275,670 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In total, 136,025 (49.34%) patients were on statins vs. 139,645 (50.66%) who were not on statins. Statin use was associated with a reduction in all cause-mortality by 42% (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49-0.67, p<0.01) and cardiovascular death by 43% (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.74, p<0.01). Statin use was associated with an increase in amputation-free survival by 56% (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30-0.58, p<0.01). The risk of amputation and loss of patency were reduced by 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41-0.89, p<0.01) and 46% (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.74, p<0.01), respectively. Statin use was also associated with a reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.51-0.80, p<0.01) and myocardial infarction rates by 41% (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-0.86, p<0.01). Among patients treated with statins, the high-intensity treatment group was associated with a reduction in all cause-mortality by 36% (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54-0.74, p<0.01) compared to patients treated with low intensity statins. Conclusions: Statin treatment among patients with PAD was associated with a statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACE, risk for amputation, or loss of patency. Higher statin dose seems to be associated with improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Nikaia, Piraeus, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stefanos Giannopoulos
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Russell D Rosenberg
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA.,Vascular Medicine Outcomes Program, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - S Elissa Altin
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Loukianos Rallidis
- Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Carlos Mena-Hurtado
- Vascular Medicine Outcomes Program, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ehrin J Armstrong
- Adventist Heart & Vascular Institute, Adventist Health St. Helena, CA, USA
| | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Sagris M, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Oikonomou E, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Genetic Predisposition and Inflammatory Inhibitors in COVID-19: Where Do We Stand? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020242. [PMID: 35203452 PMCID: PMC8868779 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) have led to a global pandemic associated with high fatality rates. COVID-19 primarily manifests in the respiratory system as an acute respiratory distress syndrome following viral entry through the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) that is present in pulmonary epithelial cells. Central in COVID-19 is the burst of cytokines, known as a “cytokine storm”, and the subsequent widespread endothelial activation, leading to cardiovascular complications such as myocarditis, arrhythmias, and adverse vascular events, among others. Genetic alterations may play an additive, detrimental role in the clinical course of patients with COVID-19, since gene alterations concerning ACE2, major histocompatibility complex class I, and toll-like receptors may predispose patients to a worse clinical outcome. Since the role of inflammation is quintessential in COVID-19, pharmacologic inhibition of various signaling pathways such as the interleukin-1 and -6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma, Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor may ameliorate the prognosis following timely administration. Finally, frequently used, non-specific anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, statins, colchicine, and macrolides represent additional therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21-3208-8099; Fax: +30-21-3208-8676
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, University of Athens Medical School, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
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16
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Sagris M, Tzoumas A, Kokkinidis DG, Korosoglou G, Lichtenberg M, Tzavellas G. Invasive and Pharmacological Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Scoping Review. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:778-786. [PMID: 35440298 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220418084339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The annual occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 300,000-600,000 cases in the United States and 700,000 in Europe. VTE includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of upper or lower extremities, superior and inferior vena cava thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism (PE) as well. The primary treatment of DVT includes oral anticoagulation to prevent the progression of the thrombus and decrease the risk of pulmonary embolism. Depending on the symptoms, more invasive treatments can be applied to target the iliofemoral thrombus and its removal. However, less emphasis is given to acute symptomatology, early recovery of function, quality of life improvement, and the individualized likelihood of developing post-thrombotic syndrome. While invasive therapy has been used to enhance the acute management of iliofemoral DVT, our knowledge about the overall outcomes associated with the invasive treatment of VTE is still limited. In this review, we illustrate the available data on pharmacological and endovascular management of iliofemoral VTE, including therapies such as catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), mechanical thrombectomy (PMT), and pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- Department of Medicine, General Hospital of Nikaia, Piraeus, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Tzoumas
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Georgios Tzavellas
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Weinheim, Germany
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17
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Sagris M, Vardas EP, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Oikonomou E, Tousoulis D. Atrial Fibrillation: Pathogenesis, Predisposing Factors, and Genetics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010006. [PMID: 35008432 PMCID: PMC8744894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia managed in clinical practice, and it is linked to an increased risk of death, stroke, and peripheral embolism. The Global Burden of Disease shows that the estimated prevalence of AF is up to 33.5 million patients. So far, successful therapeutic techniques have been implemented, with a high health-care cost burden. As a result, identifying modifiable risk factors for AF and suitable preventive measures may play a significant role in enhancing community health and lowering health-care system expenditures. Several mechanisms, including electrical and structural remodeling of atrial tissue, have been proposed to contribute to the development of AF. This review article discusses the predisposing factors in AF including the different pathogenic mechanisms, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary habits, as well as the potential genetic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-213-2088099; Fax: +30-213-2088676
| | - Emmanouil P. Vardas
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.P.V.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (D.T.)
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18
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Sagris M, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Oikonomou E, Paschaliori C, Galiatsatos N, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Inflammation in Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413471. [PMID: 34948272 PMCID: PMC8703507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation is involved in coronary atherosclerosis, presenting multiple clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to stable angina, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Coronary microvasculature consists of vessels with a diameter less than 500 μm, whose potential structural and functional abnormalities can lead to inappropriate dilatation and an inability to meet the required myocardium oxygen demands. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of coronary microvascular dysfunction and the capability of non-invasive screening methods to detect the phenomenon. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as statins and immunomodulators, including anakinra, tocilizumab, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, have been assessed recently and may constitute additional or alternative treatment approaches to reduce cardiovascular events in atherosclerotic heart disease characterized by coronary microvascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+30-213-2088099; Fax: +30-213-2088676
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
- Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Paschaliori
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Nikolaos Galiatsatos
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Kostas Tsioufis
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- Cardiology Clinic, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (E.O.); (C.P.); (N.G.); (K.T.); (D.T.)
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19
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Diavati S, Sagris M, Terentes-Printzios D, Vlachopoulos C. Anticoagulation Treatment in Venous Thromboembolism: Options and Optimal Duration. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:296-305. [PMID: 34766887 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666211111150705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), clinically presenting as deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), constitutes a major global healthcare concern with severe complications, long-term morbidity and mortality. Although several clinical, genetic and acquired risk factors for VTE have been identified, the molecular pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease progression remain poorly understood. Anticoagulation has been the cornerstone of therapy for decades, but there still are uncertainties regarding primary and secondary VTE prevention, as well as optimal therapy duration. In this review we discuss the role of factor Xa in coagulation cascade and the different choices of anticoagulation therapy based on patients' predisposing risk factors and risk of event recurrence. Further, we compare newer agents to traditional anticoagulation treatment, based on most recent studies and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavrianna Diavati
- Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laikon General Hospital, Athens. Greece
| | | | | | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens. Greece
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20
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Peppas S, Sagris M, Bikakis I, Giannopoulos S, Tzoumas A, Kokkinidis DG, Ahmed Z, Korosoglou G, Malgor EA, Malgor RD. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 80:1-11. [PMID: 34644644 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND-OBJECTIVE PAD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality affecting over 200 million people worldwide. Current guidelines recommend at least a single antiplatelet or anticoagulant agent in symptomatic PAD and lifelong antithrombotic treatment after a revascularization procedure. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality affecting over 200 million people worldwide. METHODS The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated using the random effects model. RESULTS Overall, ten studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In four studies, 14,257 patients with PAD were enrolled and they were assigned to receive either aspirin (ASA)+/- clopidogrel (N=5,894) or DOAC+/- anti-platelet (e.g., ASA, clopidogrel) (N=8,363). Non DOAC users were found to have higher reintervention rates (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.24; p=0.025) compared to DOAC users. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups, in terms of major bleeding (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.50-1.23; p=0.285), all-cause mortality (RR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.83-1.16; p=0.818) and cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.73-1.333; p=0.946) mortality. In addition, two real-world studies comparing DOAC with warfarin showed decreased rates of major cardiovascular events in the DOAC group. CONCLUSIONS DOAC use alone or combined with an anti-platelet agent could be associated with lower re-intervention rates, without increasing the risk for adverse bleeding events. However, this study failed to detect any difference in terms of all-cause mortality, MACEs and MALEs between DOAC users and DOAC naïve patients. Future studies are needed to better determine the efficacy and safety of DOACs in patients with PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Peppas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Athens Naval Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Iosif Bikakis
- 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece; Society of Junior Doctors, Athens, Greece
| | - Stefanos Giannopoulos
- Division of Cardiology, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zain Ahmed
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Emily A Malgor
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Rafael D Malgor
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO.
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21
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Feeding Rhythm-Induced Hypothalamic Agouti-Related Protein Elevation via Glucocorticoids Leads to Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Muscle. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910831. [PMID: 34639172 PMCID: PMC8509554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian phase shifts in peripheral clocks induced by changes in feeding rhythm often result in insulin resistance. However, whether the hypothalamic control system for energy metabolism is involved in the feeding rhythm-related development of insulin resistance is unknown. Here, we show the physiological significance and mechanism of the involvement of the agouti-related protein (AgRP) in evening feeding-associated alterations in insulin sensitivity. Evening feeding during the active dark period increased hypothalamic AgRP expression and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in mice. Inhibiting AgRP expression by administering an antisense oligo or a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mitigated these effects. AgRP-producing neuron-specific glucocorticoid receptor-knockout (AgRP-GR-KO) mice had normal skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity even under evening feeding schedules. Hepatic vagotomy enhanced AgRP expression in the hypothalamus even during ad-lib feeding in wild-type mice but not in AgRP-GR-KO mice. The findings of this study indicate that feeding in the late active period may affect hypothalamic AgRP expression via glucocorticoids and induce skeletal muscle insulin resistance.
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22
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Sagris M, Theofilis P, Antonopoulos AS, Tsioufis C, Oikonomou E, Antoniades C, Crea F, Kaski JC, Tousoulis D. Inflammatory Mechanisms in COVID-19 and Atherosclerosis: Current Pharmaceutical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6607. [PMID: 34205487 PMCID: PMC8234423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with excess mortality worldwide. The cardiovascular system is the second most common target of SARS-CoV-2, which leads to severe complications, including acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism, as well as other major thrombotic events because of direct endothelial injury and an excessive systemic inflammatory response. This review focuses on the similarities and the differences of inflammatory pathways involved in COVID-19 and atherosclerosis. Anti-inflammatory agents and immunomodulators have recently been assessed, which may constitute rational treatments for the reduction of cardiovascular events in both COVID-19 and atherosclerotic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Sagris
- 1st Cardiology Department, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (C.T.); (E.O.)
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Cardiology Department, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (C.T.); (E.O.)
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Department, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (C.T.); (E.O.)
| | - Costas Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Department, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (C.T.); (E.O.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 1st Cardiology Department, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (C.T.); (E.O.)
| | - Charalambos Antoniades
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Oxford Centre of Research Excellence, British Heart Foundation, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute of Health Research, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Filippo Crea
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Juan Carlos Kaski
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK;
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (P.T.); (A.S.A.); (C.T.); (E.O.)
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