Search Results (9,106)

Background/Objectives: The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a crucial step in atherogenesis. Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural compound with established anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties as shown in animal and cell culture studies. We examined whether BCP can impede LDL oxidation in an in vitro model. Methods: The anti-oxidative effect of BCP was evaluated in different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 µg/mL) with regard to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) during LDL oxidation, which was initiated by the addition of copper chloride (CuCl₂) in a concentration of 10 µmol/L. Lipid hydroperoxides (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), dienes, cell viability, and reactions of BCP with ROS according to Gibbs free energies were applied to determine the oxidation state of LDL. Results: Our findings indicated that BCP is highly efficient in inhibiting LDL oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in this in vitro model. The lipid hydroperoxide content in oxLDL was significantly lower in the presence of 100 µg/mL BCP compared to oxLDL without BCP (p < 0.0001). This corresponds to the MDA levels, which were significantly lower in the presence of 100 µg/mL BCP compared to oxLDL without BCP (p = 0.0393). Furthermore, a dose-dependent inhibition of diene formation in the LDL particle was observed in the presence of ascending BCP concentrations which corresponds to a decrease in the cytotoxicity of oxLDL in EA.hy926 cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of BCP. Moreover, BCP’s anti-oxidant effectiveness exceeds that of the widely recognized anti-oxidant spermidine at equivalent concentrations. Our quantum chemical calculations showed that the reactions between BCP and hydroxyl radicals, hydroperoxyl radicals, or hydrogen peroxide are exergonic. We therefore conclude that BCP impedes the oxidation of LDL by its capability to scavenge (at least) these three reactive oxygen species. Conclusions: Our results indicate that BCP impedes the oxidation of LDL in vitro and therefore presumably has the potential to serve as an appropriate therapeutic agent to prevent atherogenesis and related (cardio)vascular diseases by balancing vascular oxidative stress. For this purpose, more prospective clinical studies in humans are required to assess the potential atheroprotective and health-promoting effects of BCP. Full article

Telemedicine is increasingly transforming pediatric cardiology by expanding access to specialized care, supporting early diagnosis, and improving longitudinal monitoring of children with cardiovascular disease. This narrative review summarizes current applications of digital health in pediatric cardiology, with emphasis on congenital heart disease, pediatric hypertension, and arrhythmia management. Tele-echocardiography represents one of the most established telehealth tools, enabling remote interpretation of fetal, neonatal, and pediatric echocardiographic images and improving referral appropriateness, particularly in peripheral or resource-limited settings. In infants with complex congenital heart disease, especially those with single-ventricle physiology during the interstage period, home monitoring programs using mobile applications, pulse oximeters, digital scales, and structured caregiver reporting may facilitate early recognition of clinical deterioration and reduce avoidable transfers. In non-congenital cardiovascular disease, home blood pressure monitoring can improve diagnostic accuracy by reducing white-coat effects and supporting repeated measurements in real-life settings. Smartphone-enabled electrocardiographic devices and wearable technologies may enhance detection of intermittent arrhythmias and strengthen outpatient management. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including data fragmentation, limited pediatric validation of consumer devices, interoperability issues, privacy concerns, and socioeconomic disparities in technology access. Properly integrated telemedicine may promote more timely, equitable, and patient-centered pediatric cardiovascular care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major global public health concern associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Iron metabolism has been implicated, but the storage (ferritin) and functional (soluble transferrin receptor, sTfR) axes are rarely assessed within a single model. We aimed to determine whether both axes are independently associated with glycaemia and MetS and to evaluate their diagnostic value. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 297 adults (72.8% women) from Turkestan, Kazakhstan. Hierarchical regression models with sequential adjustment were applied for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), dietary inflammatory index (DII), HFE H63D genotype, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Path analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were also performed. Results: Ferritin and sTfR were independently associated with fasting glucose (β = 0.27 and 0.73, respectively) and metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.52 and 4.53, respectively). When analyzed separately, neither biomarker reached statistical significance for MetS (ferritin: OR = 1.20, p = 0.140; sTfR: OR = 1.93, p = 0.072). Ferritin demonstrated no discriminatory ability in men (AUC = 0.500, 95% CI 0.370–0.630) and modest discrimination in women (AUC = 0.652, 95% CI 0.571–0.732). GGT accounted for approximately 28% of the ferritin–glucose association in a path-analytic model. Ferritin, GGT, and HbA1c levels increased progressively even among individuals with 0–2 MetS components. Conclusions: Both the storage and functional axes of iron metabolism provide independent information on glycaemic status, but their associations become apparent only when assessed simultaneously. Ferritin alone is not suitable as a diagnostic marker for metabolic syndrome. Full article

Polyphenols are a complex class of plant secondary metabolites that exert numerous beneficial effects on human health. The content of individual polyphenolic compounds varies considerably among plant species. Over the past few decades, polyphenols have attracted increasing interest because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They have also demonstrated beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, as well as different types of neoplasms. Because polyphenols have been shown to regulate plasma lipid levels and exhibit neuroprotective potential, they have gained attention as possible therapeutic and prophylactic agents for stroke, a neurological condition with a strong cardiovascular component. Quercetin is one of the most extensively studied plant-derived compounds in this context. A growing body of preclinical evidence suggests that it may contribute to stroke prevention and significantly support post-stroke recovery. This review compiles findings from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials and presents the current state of knowledge regarding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms through which quercetin protects against cerebral ischemia. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides leaves, a traditional edible and medicinal resource, are a rich source of bioactive polyphenols. In this study, male Wistar rats served as the normal control, while spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomized into model, positive control (nifedipine, 6.0 mg/kg/d), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups receiving 1.25, 2.50, and 3.75 mL/kg/d of the polyphenol extract (n = 8/group) via intragastric gavage for 4 weeks. The extract supplementation significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure to approximately 166.33 mmHg and 113.93 mmHg, respectively, thereby improving vascular function (p < 0.05), accompanied by alleviation of lipid metabolism disorders and oxidative stress. In addition, it mitigated intestinal injury and enhanced gut barrier integrity. Notably, it reshaped the gut microbiota by enriching beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful taxa, which is associated with increased production of short-chain fatty acids. Integrated metabolomics analysis further demonstrated that it modulated multiple metabolic pathways, particularly arachidonic acid and tryptophan metabolism, which are closely linked to vascular homeostasis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Collectively, these findings indicate that the antihypertensive effects of the polyphenol extract are potentially linked to the regulation of the gut microbiota–metabolite axis, highlighting its promising application as a functional food ingredient for cardiovascular health. Full article

Cardiomyopathies are a major category of cardiovascular disease, significantly contributing to global morbidity and mortality. Their pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, with multiple gene families playing critical roles in disease progression. Among these, the Solute Carrier 12A (SLC12A) family encodes membrane cation-coupled chloride cotransporters (CCCs), which are essential for ion transport and cellular homeostasis. By regulating intracellular chloride and potassium concentrations, SLC12A/CCC transporters may directly influence myocardial electrophysiology, repolarization dynamics, and susceptibility to cardiomyopathies. Dysfunction of potassium-handling cotransporters can disrupt action potential propagation, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, while chloride transport abnormalities exacerbate ischemic injury by impairing cell volume regulation and metabolic responses to hypoxia. This review examines the expression and protein levels of SLC12A/CCCs in cardiac tissue, providing crucial insights into their functional significance for maintaining cardiac ion homeostasis. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of these transporters could inform therapeutic interventions to restore ion balance and mitigate myocardial dysfunction in affected patients, thereby improving cardiac health. Full article

Cardiovascular disease remains Europe’s leading cause of death and disability despite mature evidence for prevention, acute and chronic treatment, rehabilitation, and secondary prevention. This structured critical narrative review evaluates whether the European Safe Hearts Plan can convert this evidence into coordinated, measurable, and accountable cardiovascular pathways. We appraise the plan’s ten flagship actions by evidence maturity and implementation readiness; distinguish shared system functions from disease-specific delivery for acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation; compare selected European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology recommendations; and propose a core indicator set and staged Cyprus pilot. Guideline-supported interventions should be standardised and audited, whereas screening technologies, digital health, artificial intelligence, and novel phenotyping require governed implementation and prospective assessment of patient outcomes, costs, equity, and unintended consequences. Cyprus is presented as a bounded implementation setting rather than a directly generalisable European model. The plan should be judged through a limited set of clinical, implementation, and equity indicators, including premature cardiovascular mortality, risk factor control, guideline-directed therapy, rehabilitation participation, registry completeness, reach, and fidelity. Full article

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy present a major global health challenge. Green nanotechnology offers a strategy to enhance the stability and efficacy of bioactive natural products. This study evaluated gold nanoparticles green-synthesized with Pfaffia glomerata extract (AuNPs-PG) against gestational hypertension and fetal complications in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: P. glomerata root extract was characterized by UHPLC-MS/MS. AuNPs-PG were green-synthesized with 2 mmol/L HAuCl₄ (1:5 v/v) at 40 °C and characterized by UV-Vis and DLS. Pregnant Wistar-Kyoto and SHRs were divided into naive, negative control (NC), amlodipine (5 mg/kg), and AuNPs-PG groups (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg) treated daily on gestational days 1–18 to evaluate maternal cardiovascular, renal, biochemical, and reproductive outcomes. Results: UHPLC-MS/MS identified 38 compounds. AuNPs-PG showed a plasmon band at 520–550 nm and 88.1 nm hydrodynamic diameter. In SHRs, 0.3 mg/kg AuNPs-PG reduced systolic blood pressure by 18.5% and mean arterial pressure by 15.4%, while mitigating vascular dysfunction by lowering phenylephrine vasoconstriction by 52.7% and boosting acetylcholine vasodilation by 239.3%. Treatment shortened QTc interval by 26.4%, normalized T-wave inversion, and restored renal excretion, increasing urinary volume by 75.0% and sodium by 94.2%. Furthermore, AuNPs-PG elevated placental growth factor by 180.9%, lowered malondialdehyde by 63.5%, and preserved placental histology. Consequently, mean fetal weight increased by 21.6%, implantation index by 50.5%, and offspring-to-mother ratio by 129.6%. Conclusions: AuNPs-PG (0.3 mg/kg) effectively mitigate maternal and fetal complications in gestational hypertension. Gold nanoparticles serve as nanocarriers, whereas surface-adsorbed phytochemicals drive the biological effects. Full article

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) processing by-products are underutilized resources rich in high-quality proteins that can be valorized into bioactive ingredients. In this study, proteins from yellowfin tuna tail bones were hydrolyzed using either an endogenous protease extract recovered from tuna viscera or commercial trypsin. The endogenous extract was characterized and exhibited optimal proteolytic activity at pH 8 and 40 °C. Comparative bioactivity assessment showed that trypsin-derived hydrolysates exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity, with ABTS and DPPH values of 11.8 ± 0.04 and 13.3 ± 0.40 mg Trolox/g, respectively, compared with 10.1 ± 0.12 and 7.3 ± 0.21 mg Trolox/g for hydrolysates produced with endogenous enzymes. Trypsin hydrolysates also showed stronger dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.83 ± 0.37 mg/mL) than endogenous-enzyme hydrolysates (IC₅₀ = 1.60 ± 0.47 mg/mL). Remarkably, hydrolysates generated with the endogenous enzymatic consortium exhibited exceptionally potent angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.008 ± 0.004 mg/mL), outperforming trypsin hydrolysates (IC₅₀ = 0.01 ± 0.007 mg/mL). Neither hydrolysate showed evidence of acute toxicity in the Artemia salina model at the tested concentrations, supporting their favorable performance in this preliminary toxicity screening assay. Considering that nearly two-thirds of total fish biomass is discarded during processing, this integrated bioprocess demonstrates a sustainable strategy for the simultaneous valorization of skeletal and visceral waste streams. By employing endogenous enzymes as biocatalysts, this approach reduces dependence on commercial proteases, mitigates environmental burdens, and supports the development of a circular marine bioeconomy through the production of highly potent, peptide-rich functional ingredients with promising cardiovascular health applications. Further toxicological evaluation is required to confirm their safety for food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic dysbiotic inflammatory disease increasingly recognized as a contributor to systemic inflammatory burden and cardiovascular risk. Consensus and mechanistic literature support an association between periodontitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, while recent interventional evidence suggests that intensive periodontal treatment can improve endothelial function, reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and favorably influence the progression of carotid intima-media thickness. Among candidate mediators, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is especially compelling because it participates in local periodontal inflammation, hepatic acute-phase activation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the biology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. CXCL10 has emerged as a relevant adjunctive chemokine because it is detectable in saliva, serum, gingival crevicular fluid, and inflamed periodontal tissues. In addition, it has also been implicated in atherosclerosis and adverse cardiac remodeling. Proteogenomic evidence suggests that CXCL10 may act as a potential downstream mediator of IL-6-associated signaling in atherosclerosis. Haptoglobin 2-2 (Hp2-2), while not itself a primary cytokine driver, may function as a host-susceptibility modifier, as the Hp2-2 phenotype has been associated with impaired hemoglobin scavenging, HDL dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative vulnerability, and higher cardiovascular risk, particularly in dysglycemic states. This review proposes an IL-6-centered model linking chronic periodontal inflammation to cardiovascular risk, with CXCL10 positioned as an inflammatory recruitment amplifier and Hp2-2 as a genotype-defined modifier of vascular susceptibility. The translational implications of this framework for precision oral–systemic risk assessment, integration of salivary and blood-based biomarkers, and future biomarker-guided intervention studies are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Firefighters may be at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease due to occupational stressors, including shift work, overnight emergency responses, and sleep disruption. This cross-sectional pilot study conducted within a single career fire department examined the associations among sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and resting cardiovascular strain in full-time firefighters. Methods: Thirty-five full-time firefighters (38.3 ± 13.1 years, one female) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and resting blood pressure assessments. A subset of 20 male firefighters completed additional arterial health assessments, including subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), resting heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Pearson partial correlations, adjusted for age and BMI, were used to examine relationships between sleep measures and cardiovascular outcomes. Results: No significant associations were observed between PSQI or ESS scores and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, SEVR, HR, MAP, or PWV after adjustment for multiple comparisons (all q > 0.05). Conclusions: Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were not significantly associated with resting cardiovascular strain measures in this sample of firefighters. Although subjective sleep disturbances are recognized as occupational concerns in the fire service, no statistically significant relationships were detected between sleep questionnaire scores and the cardiovascular outcomes examined in this exploratory pilot study. Larger studies incorporating objective sleep assessments and additional occupational and lifestyle factors are warranted. Full article

Coffee is deeply embedded in Saudi culture and is among the most consumed beverages worldwide. However, contamination by toxic heavy metals may represent an underrecognized public health concern, particularly in regions already burdened by diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in 21 commercial coffee samples representing seven product categories marketed in Saudi Arabia. Samples were prepared using EPA Method 3050B acid digestion and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risks were assessed through estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) using USEPA exposure parameters and Saudi-specific coffee consumption data. All metals were detected in every sample. Mean concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) were 1.638 for Pb, 0.560 for Cd, 0.622 for Cr, 0.536 for Ni, and 0.034 for As. Cadmium exceeded the European Union maximum limit for roasted coffee in all samples, while elevated Pb levels were observed in dark roast and Yemeni coffees. Although the overall non-carcinogenic risk remained below the accepted threshold (HI = 0.438), the combined ILCR for As, Cd, and Pb was 5.84 × 10⁻⁵. Inclusion of a conservative screening-level chromium contribution, calculated by assuming that all measured total Cr was present as Cr(VI), increased the upper-bound total ILCR to 9.38 × 10⁻⁵. This value remained within, but approached the upper boundary of, the risk-management range applied in this study. These findings highlight the need for strengthened monitoring and regulatory control of coffee products in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have emerged as widespread environmental contaminants, with increasing evidence suggesting that chronic exposure may adversely affect human health. Experimental and emerging human studies indicate that MNPs can interact with multiple biological systems and trigger a range of mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular injury, barrier disruption, and immune and inflammatory responses. These effects may involve direct interactions with tissues and cells as well as indirect pathways, including alterations in gut microbial and intestinal homeostasis. In turn, persistent inflammatory and metabolic disturbances may contribute to tissue dysfunction and the development or progression of chronic diseases. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the biological effects of MNP exposure, focusing on the mechanisms linking environmental exposure to chronic inflammation and disease. We discuss their potential involvement in cardiovascular, liver, kidney, respiratory, and neurological diseases, while highlighting the emerging role of the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier as potential modulators of these effects. Given the limitations of current human evidence and the heterogeneity of experimental models, we also discuss major knowledge gaps and the need for further mechanistic and epidemiological studies to clarify the clinical relevance of chronic MNPs exposure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) face substantial medical and psychiatric risk during hospitalization. We examined predictors of length of stay (LOS), cardiovascular recovery, refeeding safety, and psychiatric comorbidity in a consecutive pediatric cohort at a national tertiary center. Methods: Retrospective cohort of 68 consecutively admitted adolescents (91.2% female; mean age 14.2 ± 1.8 years, range 8–17; 85.3% restricting type) admitted between January 2017 and May 2025. A structured nutritional rehabilitation protocol (1000–1200 kcal/day, escalating by 200 kcal/day every 48 h to 2500–3000 kcal/day) was implemented with daily serum electrolyte monitoring. Statistical analyses included paired tests, Spearman correlations, multivariable regression of log-transformed LOS, and partial correlations controlling for the admission BMI z-score. Results: Nutritional and cardiovascular parameters improved from admission to discharge. Mean supine heart rate (HR) increased by 28.4 bpm (95% CI 25.0–31.8; p < 0.001), and bradycardia prevalence (HR < 50 bpm) improved from 39.7% to 1.5%. Lower admission BMI z-score was associated with longer LOS; each 1-unit higher BMI z-score was associated with an 18.9% shorter LOS in adjusted log-LOS regression (p = 0.003). Exploratory analyses of HR recovery suggested that the magnitude of HR improvement was more closely associated with baseline BMI z-score and baseline supine HR than with caloric escalation. Systematic electrolyte monitoring documented no hypophosphatemia requiring intervention and no refeeding syndrome. Documented mental health comorbidities or clinically significant symptom clusters were present in 82.4% of patients. Conclusions: In this adolescent anorexia nervosa cohort, structured inpatient nutritional rehabilitation was associated with substantial cardiovascular and nutritional improvement. Baseline nutritional status was associated with hospital course and cardiovascular response, while LOS should be interpreted as a composite outcome influenced by nutritional severity, discharge criteria, mental health needs, and family readiness. The absence of refeeding complications is reassuring and suggests that the protocol was metabolically safe under systematic electrolyte monitoring in this specialized tertiary setting. Full article

Background/Objectives: Elderly patients (≥65 years) with atopic dermatitis (AD) often carry multimorbidity and face elevated risks with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Phase III trials included few older adults, and real-world data beyond 12 months remain scarce. We evaluated 36-month efficacy, safety, and drug persistence of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily in 62 Chinese elderly patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (March 2022-July 2026). All patients received upadacitinib 15 mg once daily. Assessments included Week 4 pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) response, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 75/90, and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1 at Weeks 12 and 24. Drug persistence was estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method (36-month cutoff), and predictors were identified by Cox regression. Results: Median age was 70.0 years, 75.8% were male, and baseline EASI was 34.5, with substantial comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] 5.0; psychotropic use 46.8%). Week 4 itch response was 70.8%. EASI 75 reached 75.0% (IGA 0/1 44.4%) at Week 12, rising to 88.0% (64.0%) at Week 24. Persistence declined from 88.7% at Month 3 to 66.1% at Month 6, the steepest drop, reaching 38.7% at Month 36. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 54.8% and serious adverse events (SAEs) in 8.1%, with herpesvirus infection (21.0%) being the most common event, and there were no adverse event (AE)-related discontinuations, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), or venous thromboembolism (VTE). In multivariate analysis, Week 4 itch response predicted longer persistence (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.203, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.091-0.452, p < 0.001), while psychotropic medication use predicted shorter persistence (HR = 2.814, 95% CI: 1.237-6.403, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Upadacitinib showed robust efficacy and acceptable safety over 36 months in elderly AD patients. Persistence dropped most sharply between Months 3 and 6. Week 4 itch response and psychotropic medication use independently predicted persistence. A structured Month 3 visit integrating itch reassessment, mental health screening, and dose optimization may improve long-term outcomes. Full article