The Role of Calorie Restriction in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
This article reviews recent progress regarding the role of CR in CVD prevention via reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors and promoting atherosclerotic stability.Recent FindingsCalorie restriction may be an approach to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. CR promotes eNOS activity and SIRT1 expression which in turn improves vasodilation resulting in greater regulation of blood pressure and blood flow. Modest CR in nonobese young and middle-aged adults results in improved cardiometabolic risk profile.SummaryThe evidence for CR in CVD prevention has accumulated in the recent years. Most evidence, however, is from r...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
SR-B1 ’s Next Top Model: Structural Perspectives on the Functions of the HDL Receptor
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe binding of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to its primary receptor, scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), is critical for lowering plasma cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. This review provides novel insights into how the structural elements of SR-B1 drive efficient function with an emphasis on bidirectional cholesterol transport.Recent FindingsWe have generated a new homology model of full-length human SR-B1 based on the recent resolution of the partial structures of other class B scavenger receptors. Interrogating this model against previously published observati...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Diet, Food Insecurity, and CVD Risk in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSexual and gender minority (SGM) adults experience significant cardiovascular health disparities, yet little is known about diet and food insecurity in this population. This review summarizes recent literature on diet and food insecurity in SGM adults and their contribution to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in this population.Recent FindingsExisting evidence on diet and food insecurity disparities among SGM adults is inconclusive and research examining their link with CVD risk in SGM adults is limited. The majority of existing studies lack standardized and validated assessments of diet and food ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Managing of Dyslipidaemia Characterized by Accumulation of Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe accumulation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) in plasma in patients with familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS) or severe hypertriglyceridemia is associated with an increased risk of potentially life-threatening pancreatitis. Elevated TRL levels have also been suggested to contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This review provides the latest progress that has been made in this field of research.Recent FindingsApolipoprotein C-III and angiopoietin-like protein 3 play key roles in the metabolism of TRLs. Targeting their production in the liver or their presence i...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - February 2, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
A Nutrigenetic Update on CETP Gene –Diet Interactions on Lipid-Related Outcomes
The objective of this review was to identify and discuss nutrigenetic studies assessing the interactions betweenCETP SNPs and dietary factors on blood lipids.Recent FindingsRelevant articles were obtained through a literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar through to July 2021. An article was included if it examined an interaction betweenCETP SNPs and dietary factors on blood lipids. From 49 eligible nutrigenetic studies, 27 studies reported significant interactions between 8CETP SNPs and 17 dietary factors on blood lipids in 18 ethnicities. The discrepancies in the study findings could be attributed to genetic hetero...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 31, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Imaging Approaches to the Diagnosis of Vascular Diseases
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVascular imaging is a complex field including numerous modalities and imaging markers. This review is focused on important and recent findings in atherosclerotic carotid artery plaque imaging with an emphasis on developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).Recent FindingsRecent evidence shows that carotid plaque characteristics and not only established measures of carotid plaque burden and stenosis are associated independently with cardiovascular outcomes. On carotid MRI, the presence of a lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) has been associated with incident cardiova...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 26, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Wall Shear Stress Alteration: a Local Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWall shear stress describes the mechanical influence of blood flow on the arterial wall. In this review, we discuss the role of the wall shear stress in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications.Recent FindingsAreas with chronically low, oscillating wall shear stress are most prone to plaque development and include outer bifurcation walls and inner walls of arches. In some diseases, patients have lower wall shear stress even in straight arterial segments; also, these findings were associated with atherosclerosis. High wall shear stress develops in the distal part (shoulder) of a sten...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 26, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Highlights of Cardiovascular Disease Studies Presented at the 2021 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review highlights major studies across a broad array of topics presented at the virtual 2021 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions.Recent Findings.Assessed studies examine a remotely delivered hypertension and lipid program in 10,000 patients across a diverse healthcare network; a cluster-randomized trial of a village doctor-led intervention for hypertension control; empagliflozin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EMPEROR-Preserved); efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in hospitalized heart failure patients (EMPULSE); icosapent ethyl versus placebo in outpatien...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Effect of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Postprandial Lipaemia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the currently available data on the effect of Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on postprandial lipaemia.Recent FindingsOut of the available studies that examined the respective lipid parameter, exenatide reduced postprandial triacyglycerol (TAG) in 4/6, apolipoprotein B-48 in 3/3, non-esterified fatty acids in 2/2, and apolipoprotein C-III and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) in 1/1 studies. Liraglutide reduced postprandial TAG in 2/2, apolipoprotein B-48 in 3/3 and apolipoprotein C-III, chylomicron-TAG and VLDL1-TAG in 1/1 studies. Lixisenatide reduc...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Lipids: a Potential Molecular Pathway Towards Diastolic Dysfunction in Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewObesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with onset in youth are emerging public health concerns. Youth with obesity and T2D are at risk for the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) due to diabetes-related cardiomyopathy with evidence of precursor stages, namely diastolic dysfunction, present in youth. We review the literature regarding diastolic dysfunction in youth with obesity and T2D; discuss the potential mechanisms including the role of lipids, contractile proteins and their post-translational modifications, and conclude with studies to guide future treatments.Re...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 24, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Dairy Foods: Is Its Cardiovascular Risk Profile Changing?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe majority of international guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention recommend moderate intake of low fat or fat-free products, and limiting full fat dairy food because of its high saturated fatty acid content. Recent equivocal observational studies and greater understanding of the complex nature of dairy foods has led to reappraisal for some types of dairy foods.Recent FindingsCurrent guidelines from major cardiovascular societies have differed; interpretation of major observational studies has been inconsistent. Apart from the adverse effect of butter, consumption of more complex ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - January 19, 2022 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Watermelon and l-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000 –2020
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWatermelon (Citrullus lanatus) distinctively containsl-citrulline andl-arginine, precursors of nitric oxide (NO), along with polyphenols and carotenoids suggesting a role in cardio-metabolic health. The goal of this paper is to review the preclinical and clinical trial evidence published from 2000 to 2020 to assess watermelon intake andl-citrulline, as a signature compound of watermelon, on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes, and to identify future directions important for establishing dietary guidance and therapeutic recommendations actionable by health care professionals, patients, and the gen...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - December 11, 2021 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Statins and Inflammation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic inflammation has been recognized as one of the most important pathophysiological mechanisms ’ initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Statins belong to most successful therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of atherothrombotic vascular disease. Their non-lipid related effects including suppression of inflammation have been repeatedly proven in both experimental and cli nical settings.Recent FindingsRecently, the importance of inflammation in the process of atherosclerosis has been confirmed by interventions targeting inflammation selectively. Clinical trial with selecti...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - December 1, 2021 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Focus on PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 Inhibitors
AbstractPurpose of ReviewFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder characterized by high plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) since birth and a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease. The genetic defect is carried in only one allele in heterozygous FH (HeFH) or in both in the most severe homozygous FH (HoFH). Current guidelines recommend to reduce substantially LDL-C levels in these high-risk patients, with the need to use association therapy combining agents with different mechanisms of action. As most cases of FH are attributable to mutations in the gene encoding the low-de...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - October 26, 2021 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Moving the Needle on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure with Influenza Vaccination
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe interplay between viral respiratory infections and cardiovascular disease has been most comprehensively researched using seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses as case studies. Here, we summarize the latest international observational research and clinical trials that examined the association between influenza, influenza vaccines, and cardiovascular disease, while contextualizing their findings within those of landmark studies.Recent FindingsMost recent observational literature found that one in eight adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection experienced an acute cardio...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - October 21, 2021 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
