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Mean Blood Pressure (mean + blood_pressure)
Selected AbstractsInfluences of Gender and Age on Relationships Between Alcohol Drinking and Atherosclerotic Risk FactorsALCOHOLISM, Issue 2010Ichiro Wakabayashi Background:, Alcohol drinking affects atherosclerotic progression mainly through blood pressure and lipid metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to clarify whether effects of alcohol drinking on atherosclerotic risk factors differ by gender and age. Methods:, The database of periodic health check-ups for local district workers was used. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to mean ethanol consumption per day (nondrinkers; light drinkers, less than 30 g per day; moderate-to-heavy drinkers, 30 g or more per day). The mean levels of each atherosclerosis-related variable in the 3 groups were compared. Results:, The mean level of body mass index (BMI) was slightly but significantly lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the thirties, forties, and fifties age groups in men and in the twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties age groups in women, while this tendency was not found in the sixties age groups of men and women. In men, mean blood pressure was higher in moderate-to-heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers in all age groups and was higher in light drinkers than in nondrinkers only in the age groups after 40 years. Mean blood pressure of women was higher in the moderate-to-heavy drinker group than in the nondrinker group and this difference became higher with advance of age. In women, mean blood pressure was not affected by light drinking in any of the age groups except for the fifties age group. In men, serum total cholesterol was higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the twenties age group but was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers at thirties or older. Serum total cholesterol in women was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the age groups from twenties to forties but tended to be higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the sixties age group. Serum HDL cholesterol increased with advance of age from thirties to sixties in men, while it decreased with advance of age from twenties to sixties in women. Serum HDL cholesterol was higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers in all age groups of men and women, and atherogenic index, calculated by using serum total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentrations, was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers in all age groups of men and women. Conclusion:, Both in men and women, blood pressure and HDL cholesterol were strongly affected by alcohol drinking: the elevating effect of alcohol drinking on blood pressure was more prominent in the elderly than in the young, while the elevating effect of alcohol drinking on serum HDL cholesterol was not influenced by age. Relationships of drinking with total cholesterol and BMI vary by age and gender. [source] Electroencephalographic arousals during sleep do not alter the pressor response to Cheyne,Stokes respiration in subjects with chronic heart failureJOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007GRANT N. WILLSON Summary This study examined the influence of electroencephalographic (EEG) arousal on the magnitude and morphology of the pressor response to Cheyne,Stokes respiration (CSR) in subjects with congestive heart failure (CHF). Thirteen subjects with stable CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction, 26 ± 7%) and CSR (apnea,hypopnea index 52 ± 15 h,1) underwent overnight polysomnography with beat-to-beat measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure (BP). CSR events were divided into those with or without an EEG arousal defined according to the criteria of the American Sleep Disorders Association. The pressor response was quantified in terms of the delta BP change (difference between the minimum BP during apnea and maximum BP during hyperpnea). Changes in the morphology of the pressor response were assessed by subdividing individual respiratory events into six periods (three during apnea: A1, A2, A3; and three during hyperpnea: H1, H2, H3). Considerable fluctuations in BP and heart rate (HR) were observed across the CSR cycle (delta mean BP 20.2 ± 6.5 mmHg). The presence of an EEG arousal did not alter the amplitude of fluctuations in BP. Mean blood pressure (MBP) increased 21.0 ± 7.5 mmHg with arousal versus 19.3 ± 5.8 mmHg without arousal (NS). A repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant interaction between the presence of arousal and the proportional change in mean BP across the six periods, indicating that an EEG arousal had no effect on the morphology of MBP change during CSR [F(5,60) = 1.44, P = 0.22]. This study showed that EEG-defined arousal does not amplify the pressor response to CSR in CHF. [source] PHYSIOLOGIC ABNORMALITIES AS BIOLOGIC MARKERS IN SEVERE, INTRACTABLE PAINPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2002Article first published online: 4 JUL 200 Forest Tennant, MD, Dr PH; Laura Herman RN BSN FNP Veract Intractable Pain Centers, 338 S. Glendora Ave., West Covina, CA 91790 It is recognized that biologic markers of severe, intractable pain (SIP) can help distinguish degrees of pain and assist in monitoring treatment effectiveness. Fifty (50.0%) adult ambulatory SIP patients, at the time of referral described their pain as constant, excruciating, produced a bed or house-bound state, and was uncontrolled by non-opioid medications and low dosages of the weak opioids, hydrocodone or codeine. Patients were treated with a long-acting opioid preparation consisting of methadone, oxycodone, morphine, or transdermal fentanyl in addition to a short-acting opioid for breakthrough pain. These patients were screened before treatment and after three months of opioid treatment by: (1) blood pressure; (2) pulse rate; (3) morning cortisol and pregnenolone serum concentrations; and (4) erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The percentage of patients with physiologic abnormalities before and after three months of treatment were as follows: (1) hypertension above 140/90 mm/Hg; 28 (56.0%) vrs 14 (28.0%); (2) tachycardia above 84/minute; 21 (42.0%) vrs 9 (18.0%); (3) elevated serum cortisol concentration; 12 (24.0%) vrs 2 (4.0%); (4) low serum cortisol serum concentration; 7 (14.0% vrs 1 (2.0%); (5) low pregnenolone serum concentration; 18 (36.0%) vrs 3 (6.0%); and (6) elevated ESR; 10 (20.0%) vrs 3 (6.0%) (p<.05). Mean blood pressure, pulse rate, ESR, and serum concentrations of cortisol and pregnenolone in patients who demonstrated a physiologic abnormality all positively and significantly (p<.05) altered these markers toward normal. This study indicates that some physiologic abnormalities, particularly those related to pituitary-adrenal over-stimulation with excess output of catecholamines and glucocorticoids, may serve as biologic markers which can help to identify SIP and monitor treatment effectiveness. [source] An economic evaluation of atenolol vs. captopril in patients with Type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 54)DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001A. Gray Abstract Aims To compare the net cost of a tight blood pressure control policy with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) or , blocker (atenolol) in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Design A cost-effectiveness analysis based on outcomes and resources used in a randomized controlled trial and assumptions regarding the use of these therapies in a general practice setting. Setting Twenty United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Hospital-based clinics in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Subjects Hypertensive patients (n= 758) with Type 2 diabetes (mean age 56 years, mean blood pressure 159/94 mmHg), 400 of whom were allocated to the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril and 358 to the , blocker atenolol. Main outcome measures Life expectancy and mean cost per patient. Results There was no statistically significant difference in life expectancy between groups. The cost per patient over the trial period was £6485 in the captopril group, compared with £5550 in the atenolol group, an average cost difference of £935 (95% confidence interval £188, £1682). This 14% reduction arose partly because of lower drug prices, and also because of significantly fewer and shorter hospitalizations in the atenolol group, and despite higher antidiabetic drug costs in the atenolol group. Conclusions Treatment of hypertensive patients with Type 2 diabetes using atenolol or captopril was equally effective. However, total costs were significantly lower in the atenolol group. Diabet. Med. 18, 438,444 (2001) [source] Prevalence and determinants of diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance in a Canarian Caucasian population , comparison of the 1997 ADA and the 1985 WHO criteria.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 3 2001The Guía Study. Summary Aims To estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in a Canarian population according to the 1997 ADA and the 1985 WHO criteria; and to study the cardiovascular risk factors associated with these categories. Methods A total of 691 subjects over 30 years old were chosen in a random sampling of the population (stratified by age and sex). An oral glucose tolerance test was performed (excluding known diabetic patients) and lipids were determined in the fasting state. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed, and history of smoking habits and medications was recorded. Results The prevalence of diabetes was 15.9% (1997 ADA) and 18.7% (1985 WHO); the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance was 8.8 and 17.1%, respectively. The age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes (Segi's standard world population) for the population aged 30,64 years was 12.4% (1985 WHO). The risk factors significantly associated with diabetes (1997 ADA and 1985 WHO) were age, body mass index; waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and mean blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low HDL-cholesterol. Age, body mass index and systolic blood pressure were associated with impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance; triglycerides were also associated with impaired fasting glucose. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance in Guía is one of the highest among studied Caucasian populations. The new 1997 ADA criteria estimate a lower prevalence of diabetes. Impaired fasting glucose also had a lower prevalence than impaired glucose intolerance and the overlap of these categories was modest. [source] Effect of Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra) on Coronary Flow in Normal SubjectsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2008Fuminobu Ishikura M.D. Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) on coronary function in normal subjects. Methods: The study assessed mean blood pressure, left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) flow, and echocardiographic variables before and 30 and 60 minutes after taking 50 mg of sildenafil citrate. The mean velocity of LAD flow was assessed with Doppler flow imaging. The study subjects were 6 healthy male volunteers (mean age 37 years). Results: The mean velocity of LAD flow increased 60 minutes after taking sildenafil citrate, but there were no other changes. Two volunteers felt mild flashing and one had mild headache during the study. Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate caused vasodilatation in a normal coronary artery without systemic pressure drops. These results suggest that the agent itself did not have negative effects on the heart in normal subjects. [source] Acute Cardiac Effects of Nicotine in Healthy Young AdultsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2002Catherine D. Jolma M.D. Background: Nicotine is known to have many physiologic effects. The influence of nicotine delivered in chewing gum upon cardiac hemodynamics and conduction has not been well-characterized. Methods: We studied the effects of nicotine in nonsmoking adults (6 male, 5 female; ages 23,36 years) using a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study. Subjects chewed nicotine gum (4 mg) or placebo. After 20 minutes (approximate time to peak nicotine levels), echocardiograms and signal-averaged electrocardiograms (SAECG) were obtained. After 40 minutes, subjects were again given nicotine gum or placebo in cross-over fashion. Standard echocardiographic measurements were made from two-dimensional images. We then calculated end-systolic wall stress (ESWS), shortening fraction (SF), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), velocity for circumferential fiber shortening corrected for heart rate (Vcfc), stroke volume, and cardiac output. P wave and QRS duration were measured from SAECG. Results: Significant differences (P < 0.05) from control or placebo were found for ESWS, mean blood pressure, cardiac output, SVR, heart rate, and P wave duration. No significant changes were seen in left ventricular ejection time (LVET), LV dimensions, SF, contractility (Vcfc), or QRS duration. Conclusions: These results suggest that nicotine chewing gum increases afterload and cardiac output. Cardiac contractility does not change acutely in response to nicotine gum. Heart rate and P wave duration are increased by chewing nicotine gum. [source] Arterial stiffness in relation to subclinical atherosclerosisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 1 2009A. Wykretowicz ABSTRACT Background, Increased arterial stiffness or arteriosclerosis, represents a physiological part of ageing. Atherosclerosis is a process that does not affect the arterial bed uniformly but has a variable local distribution and is frequently superimposed on stiffened vessels. We therefore addressed the question of whether any correlation exists between the general characteristics of arterial stiffness or wave reflection and subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in a sample of healthy subjects. Methods, A total of 116 healthy subjects (mean age 55 years, 43 female) were evaluated. Arterial stiffness and wave reflection was assessed with the use of digital volume pulse analysis (DVP) and pulse wave analysis (PWA). Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measurement of IMT. Results, Stiffness Index (SIDVP), the measure of general arterial stiffness correlated significantly with IMT (r = 0·37, P < 0·01). IMT correlated significantly with age (r = 0·5, P < 0·0001), waist to hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0·39, P < 0·0001) and mean blood pressure (BPmean) (r = 0·4, P < 0·0001). IMT did not correlate with measures of wave reflection. SIDVP correlated significantly with age (r = 0·32, P < 0·005), WHR (r = 0·36, P < 0·0001), BPmean (r = 0·36, P < 0·0001) and measurements of wave reflection. However analysis of a model which included variables that significantly influenced SIDVP and IMT, such as age, WHR and mean BP showed that arterial stiffness is not independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Conclusions, The indices of subclinical atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness and wave reflection, indicate different aspects of vascular status in otherwise healthy subjects [source] Enhanced external counterpulsation improves skin oxygenation and perfusionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 6 2004M. J. Hilz Abstract Background, Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) augments diastolic and reduces systolic blood pressures. Enhanced external counterpulsation has been shown to improve blood flow in various organ systems. Beneficial effects on skin perfusion might allow EECP to be used in patients with skin malperfusion problems. This study was performed to assess acute effects of EECP on superficial skin blood flow, transdermal oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures. Materials and methods, We monitored heart rate, blood pressure, transdermal blood flow as well as oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures in 23 young, healthy persons (28 ± 4 years) and 15 older patients (64 ± 7 years) with coronary artery disease before, during and 3 min after 5 min EECP. Friedman test was used to compare the results of 90-s epochs before, during and after EECP. Significance was set at P < 0·05. Results, Enhanced external counterpulsation increased heart rate and mean blood pressure. During EECP, transdermal oxygen pressure and concentration of moving blood cells increased while transdermal carbon dioxide pressure and velocity of moving blood cells decreased significantly in both groups. After EECP, transdermal carbon dioxide pressure was still reduced while the other parameters returned to baseline values. Conclusions, Improved skin oxygenation and carbon dioxide clearance during EECP seem to result from the increased concentration and reduced flow velocity, i.e. prolonged contact time, of erythrocytes. The increased concentration of moving blood cells and the decreased velocity of moving blood cells at both tested skin sites indicate peripheral vasodilatation. [source] Endothelial Function in Patients With Migraine During the Interictal PeriodHEADACHE, Issue 1 2007Federico A. Silva MD Objectives.,The aim of this study is to evaluate endothelial function in migraineur subjects during the asymptomatic period. Background.,Migraine has been proposed as a risk factor for cerebrovascular events. The underlying mechanisms that relate these 2 pathologies are unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed as the final causative molecule of migraine. Increased NO metabolites concentrations have been reported in migraineur subjects during acute migraine attacks, but there is no evidence indicating alterations in endothelial NO release during the symptom free period in theses subjects. Design and Methods.,Fifty migraineur subjects and 25 healthy subjects matched by gender and age were included. Every subject underwent a complete examination that included medical history, physical examination, resting electrocardiogram, forearm flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), blood determinations of fasting nitrates and nitrites (NO2,+ NO3,), glucose, lipid profile, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and blood cell count. Results.,No differences in FMD or NO2,+ NO3, were detected among groups. The only difference between migraineurs and control subjects was a higher mean blood pressure 92.1 (8.8) mmHg versus 86.7 (8.2) mmHg P= .01. Conclusion.,The endothelial function is not altered during the interictal period in migraineur subjects. [source] Blood Pressure Components in Clinical HypertensionJOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 9 2006Michel E. Safar MD This review offers a critical evaluation of the remarkable progress in antihypertensive therapy since its inception. Despite the introduction of newer, more sophisticated drugs, treatment results have remained stable. Problems impeding further improvement include limited patient compliance, clinical inertia, incomplete adherence to guidelines, and dependence on brachial artery cuff pressures for diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment response. Brachial artery systolic and pulse pressures do not reliably represent aortic or carotid artery pressures, which are better risk predictors for the heart and brain. Mean pressure, which is the same throughout the arterial tree, is directly measurable by cuff oscillometry, and might become the best single risk predictor. Available drugs have limited ability to decrease the aortic stiffness that is responsible for the elevated systolic blood pressure of aging. Therefore, to improve risk assessment and therapeutic benefit, we might include mean blood pressure and pulse pressure into blood pressure measurements, pursue efforts to measure central blood pressure, and search for new drugs to reduce arterial stiffness. [source] Hepatitis C virus risk: a hepatitis C virus related syndromeJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2000C. Mazzaro Abstract. Mazzaro C, Panarello G, Tesio F, Santini G, Crovatto M, Mazzi G, Zorat F, Tulissi P, Pussini E, Baracetti S, Campanacci L, Pozzato G (Pordenone General Hospital, Pordenone; University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Trieste, Italy). Hepatitis C virus risk: a hepatitis C virus-related syndrome. J Intern Med 2000 247: 535,545. Background. The association between mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recently described in many reports. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis of hepatitis C virus-positive patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia with or without kidney involvement. Patients. At total of 119 hepatitis C virus-positive patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia were divided in two groups. Group A: mixed cryoglobulinemia without kidney involvement (103 cases); group B: mixed cryoglobulinemia with glomerulonephritis (GN) (16 cases). A further 37 patients affected by mesangio-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) were evaluated as controls (group C). Methods. Anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies were determined by commercial kits and hepatitis C virus-RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 5, untranslated region (5,UTR) of the virus. The hepatitis C virus genotype was determined according to Okamoto. Liver biopsy was performed in 62 patients, bone marrow biopsy in 65 patients, and kidney biopsy in all patients with proteinuria. Results. In group A, 46 patients (45%) were affected by chronic liver disease (CLD), 21 (20%) by low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 16 (15%) by both diseases. All patients of group B were affected by type I membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis, 3 (19%) by chronic liver disease, 6 (37%) by low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 7 (44%) by both diseases. Several genotypes of hepatitis C virus were found, but Type 1b was prevalent. In group C, no patient showed chronic liver disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Younger age, higher mean blood pressure, lower C4 serum level, and poorer survival significantly distinguished group B from group A. Survival rates at 5 years were: 87.4% for group A, 89.5% for group C, and 50.0% for group B. None of the patients of group B developed kidney failure requiring dialysis, whilst infections were the leading cause of death. Conclusions. In hepatitis C virus-positive patients, the presence of mixed cryoglobulinemia associated with kidney involvement seems to indicate a new syndrome characterized by immune system impairment, lack of progression to kidney failure, and poor survival (hepatitis C virus-Risk syndrome). [source] Effect of hypoxia on the auditory system of goat fetuses during extrauterine incubationJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2003Nobuko Nishioka Abstract Aim:, To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the auditory system in fetuses, we attempted to analyze the auditory brainstem response, the middle latency response, and changes of several physiological parameters of goat fetuses during extrauterine incubation. Methods:, We conducted extrauterine incubation of five goat fetuses at around 127 days of gestation (term = 148 days). Their physiological parameters, such as fetal heart rate, mean blood pressure, flow rate of carotid artery, as well as the auditory brainstem response and middle latency response, were recorded prior to and during hypoxia, and the two sets of data were compared with each other. Results:, In all five cases, the fetal heart rate decreased from 178 ± 12.2 b.p.m. to 144 ± 15.2 b.p.m. during hypoxia, while mean blood pressure and flow rate of carotid artery increased from 37.3 ± 3.7 mmHg to 43.2 ± 5.1 mmHg, and from 38.5 ± 5.5 mL/min to 47.0 ± 5.1 mL/min, respectively. The latency of the auditory brainstem response's wave V and of the middle latency response's Pa wave elongated from 5.24 ± 0.24 ms to 5.69 ± 0.20 ms, and from 19.2 ± 1.6 ms to 20.9 ± 1.4 ms, respectively. Conclusions:, Although fetal compensatory reactions, such as increases in mean blood pressure and flow rate of carotid artery during hypoxia were recognized, elongation of latency, and decrement of amplitude were observed in the auditory brainstem response and middle latency response. These results suggest that hypoxia itself influences the auditory system of the fetus. [source] Pharmacodynamics of S-2150, a Simultaneous Calcium-blocking and ,1 -Inhibiting Antihypertensive Drug, in RatsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2000TORU ISHIBASHI The in-vivo pharmacodynamics of S-2150, a newly developed dual-blocking type antihypertensive drug, was evaluated following intravenous infusion to rats. Previous in-vitro studies showed that the drug has two distinct mechanisms of antihypertensive effect,calcium-channel blocking activity and ,1 -adrenoceptor antagonism,which could be explained by a combination of two different pharmacodynamic models. The present in-vivo study showed that S-2150 also displays a complex pharmacodynamic profile (as measured by the decrease in mean blood pressure), which could be described by a combination of two sigmoid Emax models independently connected with the central compartment and the effect compartment. These results suggested that the dual-blocking mechanism of S-2150, which has been observed in in-vitro experiments, was also evaluated by the pharmacodynamic analysis of in-vivo experimental data. [source] Influences of Gender and Age on Relationships Between Alcohol Drinking and Atherosclerotic Risk FactorsALCOHOLISM, Issue 2010Ichiro Wakabayashi Background:, Alcohol drinking affects atherosclerotic progression mainly through blood pressure and lipid metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to clarify whether effects of alcohol drinking on atherosclerotic risk factors differ by gender and age. Methods:, The database of periodic health check-ups for local district workers was used. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to mean ethanol consumption per day (nondrinkers; light drinkers, less than 30 g per day; moderate-to-heavy drinkers, 30 g or more per day). The mean levels of each atherosclerosis-related variable in the 3 groups were compared. Results:, The mean level of body mass index (BMI) was slightly but significantly lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the thirties, forties, and fifties age groups in men and in the twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties age groups in women, while this tendency was not found in the sixties age groups of men and women. In men, mean blood pressure was higher in moderate-to-heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers in all age groups and was higher in light drinkers than in nondrinkers only in the age groups after 40 years. Mean blood pressure of women was higher in the moderate-to-heavy drinker group than in the nondrinker group and this difference became higher with advance of age. In women, mean blood pressure was not affected by light drinking in any of the age groups except for the fifties age group. In men, serum total cholesterol was higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the twenties age group but was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers at thirties or older. Serum total cholesterol in women was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the age groups from twenties to forties but tended to be higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers in the sixties age group. Serum HDL cholesterol increased with advance of age from thirties to sixties in men, while it decreased with advance of age from twenties to sixties in women. Serum HDL cholesterol was higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers in all age groups of men and women, and atherogenic index, calculated by using serum total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol concentrations, was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers in all age groups of men and women. Conclusion:, Both in men and women, blood pressure and HDL cholesterol were strongly affected by alcohol drinking: the elevating effect of alcohol drinking on blood pressure was more prominent in the elderly than in the young, while the elevating effect of alcohol drinking on serum HDL cholesterol was not influenced by age. Relationships of drinking with total cholesterol and BMI vary by age and gender. [source] Sirtinol attenuates hepatic injury and pro-inflammatory cytokine production following trauma-hemorrhage in male Sprague,Dawley ratsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2008F.-C. LIU Background: Although studies have demonstrated that sirtinol administration following adverse circulatory conditions is known to be protective, the mechanism by which sirtinol produces the salutary effects remains unknown. We hypothesized that sirtinol administration in male rats following trauma-hemorrhage decreases cytokine production and protects against hepatic injury. Methods: Male Sprague,Dawley rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure 40 mmHg for 90 min, then resuscitation). A single dose of sirtinol (1 mg/kg of body weight) or vehicle was administered intravenously during resuscitation. Twenty-four hours thereafter, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (a marker of neutrophil sequestration), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-3, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in the liver and plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were measured (n=6 Sprague,Dawley rats/group). Results: Trauma-hemorrhage increased hepatic MPO activity, CINC-1, CINC-3, ICAM-1, and IL-6 levels and plasma ALT concentrations. These parameters were significantly improved in the sirtinol-treated rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. Conclusion: The salutary effects of sirtinol administration on attenuation of hepatic injury following trauma-hemorrhage are, at least in part, related to reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators. [source] Food supplementation with an olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract reduces blood pressure in borderline hypertensive monozygotic twinsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 9 2008Tania Perrinjaquet-Moccetti Abstract Hypertension is a harmful disease factor that develops unnoticed over time. The treatment of hypertension is aimed at an early diagnosis followed by adequate lifestyle changes rather than pharmacological treatment. The olive leaf extract EFLA®943, having antihypertensive actions in rats, was tested as a food supplement in an open study including 40 borderline hypertensive monozygotic twins. Twins of each pair were assigned to different groups receiving 500 or 1000 mg/day EFLA®943 for 8 weeks, or advice on a favourable lifestyle. Body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, glucose and lipids were measured fortnightly. Blood pressure changed significantly within pairs, depending on the dose, with mean systolic differences of ,6 mmHg (500 mg vs control) and ,13 mmHg (1000 vs 500 mg), and diastolic differences of ,5 mmHg. After 8 weeks, mean blood pressure remained unchanged from baseline in controls (systolic/diastolic: 133 ± 5/77 ± 6 vs 135 ± 11/80 ± 7 mmHg) and the low-dose group (136 ± 7/77 ± 7 vs 133 ± 10/76 ± 7), but had significantly decreased for the high dose group (137 ± 10/80 ± 10 vs 126 ± 9/76 ± 6). Cholesterol levels decreased for all treatments with significant dose-dependent within-pair differences for LDL-cholesterol. None of the other parameters showed significant changes or consistent trends. Concluding, the study confirmed the antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering action of EFLA®943 in humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Latest news and product developmentsPRESCRIBER, Issue 19 2008Article first published online: 16 OCT 200 ARBs less effective than ACE inhibitors? The efficacy of angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) in preventing cardiovascular events in high-risk patients has been challenged by the findings of a large randomised trial (Lancet 2008 published online; doi 10.1016/ S0140-6736(08)61242-8). In the TRANSCEND trial, 5926 patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes with end-organ damage who could not tolerate ACE inhibitor therapy were randomised to placebo or telmisartan (Micardis) 80mg per day in addition to standard therapies. After 56 months, mean blood pressure was lower with telmisartan (by 4.0/2.2mmHg) but there were no significant differences between telmisartan and placebo in the risk of cardiovascular events , a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalisation for heart failure. Hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons were slightly but significantly reduced by telmisartan (33 vs 30 per cent). MHRA: fentanyl patch errors potentially fatal Errors in dosing, accidental exposure and enhanced absorption from heat exposure have resulted in life-threatening and fatal incidents with transdermal fentanyl, warns the MHRA in its latest Drug Safety Update (September 2008). There is also evidence that fentanyl patches are being prescribed for nonlicensed indications, including treatment of opioid-naive patients. Other topics in this issue include managing adverse reactions to HPV vaccine and an update on new cases of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy associated with natalizumab (Tysabri). Call for DURG research The Drug Utilisation Research Group is inviting abstracts for oral and poster presentations at its 20th annual meeting on 5 February 2009. The theme of the morning session is ,Whose prescribing budget is it anyway?'. Abstracts will be accepted on any drug utilisation research studies and will be published in the Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety. Information is available at www.durg.org.uk the deadline for submissions is 1 December. Early bromocriptine no benefit in Parkinson's Initiating treatment of Parkinson's disease with the dopamine agonist bromocriptine offers no long-term benefit compared with levodopa, the UK Parkinson's Disease Research Group trial has shown (Neurology 2008;71:474-80). After 14 years' follow-up of 166 patients, there were no differences in the prevalence of motor complications, dementia or mortality, but levodopa was associated with superior scores of disability and physical functioning. The authors say the belief that early dopamine agonist treatment is neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease should be abandoned. Ezetimibe with statin cancer risk ,not credible' Analysis of data pooled from two large trials provides ,no credible evidence' that ezetimibe (Ezetrol) is associated with an increased risk of cancer when added to statin therapy (N Engl J Med 2008 published online; doi 10.1056/NEJMsa0806603). A possible link with increased risk of cancer with ezetimibe plus simvastatin was suggested by the SEAS trial (N Engl J Med 2008 published online; doi 10.1056/NEJMoa 0804602). This hypothesis was tested in two trials involving more than 20 500 patients over 1.0-2.7 years. There was no excess of cancer overall or at particular sites; cancer deaths were more numerically but not significantly higher with ezetimibe and there was no evidence of increased risk with duration of treatment. Telmisartan provides no advantage after stroke Adding telmisartan (Micardis) to standard treatment after ischaemic stroke does not reduce morbidity, US investigators report (N Engl J Med 2008 published online; doi 10.1056/NEJMoa 0804593). A total of 20 332 patients with recent ischaemic stroke were randomised to placebo or telmisartan 80mg per day in addition to antiplatelet therapy and antihypertensive agents. After 2.5 years, blood pressure was 3.8/2.0mmHg lower in patients taking telmisartan but there were no significant differences from placebo in the risks of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular events or new-onset diabetes. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] Body Mass Index But Not Pulse Pressure Is Associated with Lesser Penile,Vaginal Intercourse Frequency in Healthy Young MenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010Stuart Brody PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., A growing literature links aspects of sexual and cardiovascular function. Recent research revealed that pulse pressure (systolic minus diastolic) was associated with poorer erectile function (and hypogonadism) in male patients with erectile dysfunction. It is unclear to what degree pulse pressure (and body mass index) would be associated with aspects of sexual function in a younger, healthy sample (controlling for possible confounders). Aims., To examine the associations of frequency of specific sexual behaviors with both resting pulse pressure and body mass index. Methods., Sixty-five healthy young men (mean age 25.2 ± 4.6 years) had their resting blood pressure, weight, and height recorded, and reported the frequency of their various sexual activities. Main Outcome Measures., Correlations of pulse pressure with different sexual behaviors (univariate and adjusted for possible confounding variables including age, mean blood pressure, body mass index, social desirability responding score, and cohabitation status). Results., For these healthy young men, on univariate and adjusted analyses, pulse pressure was not significantly associated with frequencies of penile,vaginal intercourse, other partnered sexual activity, or masturbation. In contrast, body mass index was associated with lesser frequency of penile,vaginal intercourse but not other sexual behaviors. Conclusions., The association of pulse pressure with sexual function previously observed in older men was not observed in this younger healthy sample. Other measures of arterial stiffness might be indicated in a healthy young population. Even within the normal range and adjusted for possible confounders, increasing body mass index (a rough proxy for body fat) is associated with reduced frequency of specifically penile,vaginal intercourse, which might be a result of some combination of characterological and hormonal factors. Brody S. Body mass index but not pulse pressure is associated with lesser penile,vaginal intercourse frequency in healthy young men. J Sex Med 2010;7:1853,1857. [source] Changes in optic nerve head blood flow induced by the combined therapy of latanoprost and beta blockersACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 7 2009Tetsuya Sugiyama Abstract. Purpose, To assess the effects of combined therapy with latanoprost and beta blockers on optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. Methods, Intraocular pressure (IOP), ONH blood flow (laser speckle flowgraphy) and blood pressure were measured in 15 eyes of 15 NTG patients (41,76 years old) before treatment or after a 1-month washout period. Similar measurements were performed at 2 months after the commencement of treatment with latanoprost and at 3 months after the start of combined therapy of latanoprost with 0.5% timolol or 2% carteolol in a crossover study using the envelope method. Measurement was carried out 2,3 hr after the morning application of eyedrops. Results, Latanoprost decreased IOP with no significant change in ONH blood flow. Concomitant use of timolol or carteolol further decreased IOP with no significant difference between these two drugs. Only the combined therapy of latanoprost with carteolol significantly (p < 0.01) increased ONH blood flow by approximately 10%, compared to initial levels. There was no significant change in mean blood pressure, ocular perfusion pressure or pulse rate as a result of these therapies. Conclusion:, Topical latanoprost,carteolol combined therapy increased ONH blood flow in NTG patients, unlike latanoprost,timolol therapy. Because ocular perfusion pressure was unchanged, direct vasodilative effects were suspected as the mechanism. [source] Relationship between intraocular pressure and systemic health parameters in a Korean populationCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Jong Soo Lee MD Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and age and obesity, adjusted for systemic health parameters such as sex and mean blood pressure, in a Korean population. Methods: A total of 13 212 healthy participants underwent automated multiphasic tests, including tonometry, automated perimetry, fundus photography, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Six age groups were used, divided by decades ranging from 20,29 years to 70+ years. The association between IOP and systemic health parameters was examined using cross-sectional analysis. Results: The median age of participants was 47.6 years (range 20,84 years), and 6684 (50.6%) of participants were men. The mean IOP of participants was 15.5 mmHg. The mean IOP, blood pressure and BMI values were significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence of ocular hypertension, defined as IOP >21 mmHg without signs of glaucomatous visual field loss or optic disc damage, was 6.1% in men and 2.5% in women. Intraocular pressure was associated with mean blood pressure, sex, age and BMI by multiple regression analysis (P < 0.05). The relationship between IOP and age adjusted for sex, mean blood pressure and BMI had a significantly negative tendency for both sexes (P < 0.05). Body mass index had a significantly positive relation with IOP after controlling for age, sex and mean blood pressure in men (P < 0.05), but not in women. Conclusions: In this Korean population, after multiple adjustment, IOP was found to decrease with age and to increase with BMI in men. [source] Arterial remodelling in Fabry diseaseACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2002P Boutouyrie Aim: The enzymatic defect in Fabry disease results in the slow systemic deposition of uncleaved glycosphingolipids in the lysosomes of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, leading to ischaemic strokes, cardiomyopathy and renal failure. Whereas it is known that Fabry disease affects small blood vessels, little is known about its effects on peripheral large arteries. We therefore set out to compare parameters of arterial wall structure and function in a cohort of patients with Fabry disease and an age-matched control group. Methods: Large artery phenotype was non-invasively investigated in 21 hemizygous patients with Fabry disease and 24 age-matched male controls. Common carotid and radial artery diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT) and distensibility were determined with high-definition echotracking systems and aplanation tonometry. Results: Patients with Fabry disease had a significant twofold increase in radial artery IMT and distensibility, independent of body surface area, age and mean blood pressure. In both groups, older age at the time of examination was significantly associated with larger radial artery IMT. The relationship between age and radial IMT was 2.3-fold higher in patients with Fabry disease than in controls (p > 0.01). Carotid IMT was mildly but significantly increased in patients with Fabry disease (+18%), whereas distensibility was unchanged. Conclusion: This study presents evidence of a major increase in arterial wall thickness and distensibility, measurable at the site of a medium-sized artery, in a cohort of patients with classic Fabry disease. [source] Effects of sevoflurane on collagen production and growth factor expression in rats with an excision woundACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2010H.-J. LEE Background: Sevoflurane is a widely used inhalation anesthetic, but there are no studies on its effect on the wound-healing process. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of exposure time to sevoflurane on wound healing. Method: Male Sprague,Dawley rats were used. Two circular full-thickness skin defects 8 mm in diameter were made on the dorsum of the rats. The animals were divided into six groups according to exposed gas type and time: S1 (sevoflurane, 1 h), S4 (sevoflurane, 4 h), S8 (sevoflurane, 8 h), O1 (oxygen, 1 h), O4 (oxygen, 4 h), and O8 (oxygen, 8 h). The surface area of the wounds was measured 0, 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. Separately, the mean blood pressures (MBP) and arterial oxygen pressures (PaO2) were monitored during the sevoflurane exposure. Collagen type I production and transforming growth factor-,1 (TGF-,1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression on the wound surface were analyzed. Routine histological analysis was also performed. Result: Exposure duration to sevoflurane had no influence on MBP and PaO2. The reduction in wound size and collagen type I production was delayed in S8. The expression of TGF-,1 and bFGF on the wound surface in S8 was significantly attenuated in S8. The histology of the S8 demonstrated a delayed healing status. Conclusions: Prolonged exposure to sevoflurane might alter the inflammatory phase of the wound-healing process by attenuation of growth factor expression such as TGF-,1 and bFGF and subsequently by reduced collagen production. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||