Highlighted Articles
By Sarah Leigh (Editorial Assistant) and Steve Humphries (Editor–in-Chief)
In a large prospective population-based epidemiological study, Volpato et al have demonstrated that levels of plasma tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are inversely related to cardiovascular mortality risk in older patients. In their invited commentary Ebert & Fasshauer outline how Volopato et al’s study reinforce the observations of previous reports of a relationship between TRAIL levels and cardiovascular disease, and go on to suggest further areas of research, which will result in the elucidation of the pathophysiological role of TRAIL.
Using the “SardiNIA Study”
Scuteri et al set out to establish the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and proinflammatory cytokines on arterial aging. They found that MS and proinflammatory cytokines can contribute to arterial stiffness and thickening independently, but there is an additive effect when both factors are present together. In their commentary
Rizza & Federici commend these findings, especially as they are independent of several other confounding factors. Furthermore, Rizza & Federici stress the importance of life style interventions to reduce risk factors in subjects with both subclinical inflammation and initial metabolic alterations.
The role of electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL(-)) in cardiovascular disease is outlined in a review by Mello et al. This article examines the origin of LDL(-), its’ action on inflammatory and immune responses, the presence of LDL(-) in health and disease, the influence of lifestyle factors on LDL(-) levels and the problems arising from the lack of a “gold standard” method to measure LDL(-). Mello et al. propose that the significance of LDL(−) as a potential metabolic stress biomarker should be assessed in prospective, randomized, and crossover trials.
Papers in this issue include:
Vascular Biology, Hemostasis & Oxidative Stress
Metabolism: Lipids, Lipoproteins, Carbohydrates, Homocysteine & Cholesterol
-
Native HDLs inhibit platelet activation via scavenger receptor BI: role of negatively charged phospholipids.
-
Differential expression of oxidized/native Lp(a) & plasminogen in human carotid & cerebral artery plaques.
Imaging and Measurement of Vessel Health
-
Embolic Complications after Carotid Artery Stenting or Carotid Endarterectomy are Associated with Tissue Characteristics of Carotid Plaques Evaluated by MRI.
-
Carotid IM & adventitial thickening: comparison of new & established ultrasound and MRI techniques.
Genetics
-
Genetic predisposition influences plasma lipids of participants on habitual diet, but not the response to reductions in dietary intake of saturated fatty acids.
-
Associations of the ABCA1 R219K polymorphism with HDL-C level & CAD risk: a meta-analysis.
Intervention
-
Long-term treatment with low-dose metoprolol CR/XL is associated with increased plaque echogenicity: The BCAPS Study.
-
Subtherapeutic, low-dose fluvastatin improves functional & morphological arterial wall properties in apparently healthy, middle-aged males.
Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Nutrition