Highlighted Articles
By Sarah Leigh (Editorial Assistant) and Steve Humphries (Editor–in-Chief)
In their research article Koivistoinen et al assess the relative value of pulse wave velocity (PWV) in relation to non-invasive measures of early atherosclerosis (brachial flow-mediated dilation [FMD], carotid intima-media thickness [IMT]) and local arterial stiffness (carotid artery distensibility). They conclude that PWV reflects a different aspect of vascular damage to FMD or IMT in young adults, whereas in older adults PWV and IMT may both to some extent, reflect similar subclinical vascular damage. These findings are put into context in an invited commentary by Rubba & Agewall, who observe that as these non-invasive methods of vascular diagnosis have now been standardized and give consistent results, it is appropriate for them to be used in a clinical setting.
Wong et al set out to examine the relationship between hepatic inflammation and atherogenesis using APOE*3-Leiden mice fed on a Western diet, with and without hepatocyte-specific activation of IκB kinase-β expression. Their results show that selective activation of the nuclear factor-κB in hepatocytes promotes atherosclerosis which is partly explained by an increased sensitivity to pro-inflammatory triggers and a transient increase in plasma cholesterol levels. In their invited commentary Pedersen & Nielsen commend this detailed study, although they conclude that there is still a “smoking gun” when it comes to revealing the precise mechanism underlying the contributes of liver inflammation to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease as a whole.
The potential interaction between ApoE genotype and environmental factors in determining coronary heart disease (CHD) risk has been assessed by Gustavsson et al. From their combined case control study they observe a significant protective effect of the ApoE ε2 allele in smokers and physically inactive individuals and an increased risk in these groups in the presence of the ApoE ε4 allele. Such associations were not seen in the absence of these environmental risk factors. Philippa Talmud discusses these findings in her invited commentary and remarks that this study may explain why ApoE has not been associated with CHD in GWAS reports, as gene:environment interactions have not been considered in these studies. She hopes that Gustavsson et al’s report may stimulate the re-analysis of existing data to examine APOE:environment interactions on CHD risk.
Review Articles
In their review article Bieghs et al present a detailed examination of the literature in an attempt to elucidate the possible shared etiology between atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). They conclude that although not addressed directly by any study, evidence is accumulating for the role of shared metabolic and inflammatory factors in macrophage activation, thereby supporting the view that atherosclerosis and NASH are two aspects of the same disease.
Saba et al present a review of the latest imaging techniques available for the analysis of carotid arteries. They show how detailed images of plaque and arterial wall morphology can be made and how it is possible to obtain detailed three-dimensional rendering of anatomic structures which will allow treatment planning. Furthermore, they outline how the various techniques will enable assessment of carotid artery pathology.
The role of phosphate in cardiovascular disease is examined in the review article by Ellam & Chico. They suggest that in light of the potential adverse effects of elevated phosphate levels on cardiovascular risk, phosphate binders may become the new statins.
Papers in this issue include:
Vascular Biology, Hemostasis & Oxidative Stress
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Local Delivery of IL-2 Reduces Atherosclerosis via Expansion of Regulatory T Cells.
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Characteristics of TAV- & BAV-Associated Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms -Smooth Muscle Cell Biology, Expression Profiling, & Histological Analyses.
Metabolism: Lipids, Lipoproteins, Carbohydrates, Homocysteine & Cholesterol
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Hepatocyte-specific IKK expression aggravates atherosclerosis development in APOE*3-Leiden mice.
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Resveratrol increases expression & activity of LDLR in hepatocytes by proteolytic activation of the SREBPs.
Imaging and Measurement of Vessel Health
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Arterial PWV in Relation to Carotid IMT, Brachial FMD & Carotid Artery Distensibility: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study & the Health 2000 Survey.
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Low Ankle-Brachial Index predicts early risk of recurrent stroke in patients with acute cerebral ischemia.
Genetics
Intervention
Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Nutrition
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Interaction of Apo E genotype with smoking & physical inactivity on CHD risk in men & women.
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Increased plasma levels of NGAL, a marker of neutrophil activation in patients with AAA.