Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0038454 (stroke)
147,016 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A number of epidemiological studies have shown an association between beta-carotene and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, whereas only a few studies are available concerning the association of lycopene with the risk of coronary events, and no studies have been undertaken concerning lycopene and stroke. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that low serum levels of lycopene are associated with increased risk of acute coronary events and stroke in middle-aged men previously free of CHD and stroke. The subjects were 725 men aged 46-64 years examined in 1991-3 in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. Forty-one men had either a fatal or a non-fatal acute coronary event or a stroke by December 1997. In a Cox' proportional hazard's model adjusting for examination years, age, systolic blood pressure and three nutritional factors (serum folate, beta-carotene and plasma vitamin C), men in the lowest quarter of serum lycopene levels (< or =0.07 micromol/l) had a 3.3-fold (95 % CI 1.7, 6.4, risk of acute coronary events or stroke compared with the others. Our study suggests that a low serum level of lycopene is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular events in middle-aged men previously free of CHD and stroke.
...
PMID:Low serum lycopene concentration is associated with an excess incidence of acute coronary events and stroke: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. 1143 Jul 80

There can no longer be any doubt that viable Chlamydia pneumoniae organisms are present in atherosclerotic lesions. Indeed, the endovascular presence of C. pneumoniae in coronary artery disease (CAD) is common. The fact that this lesion, which is the major cause of stroke, coronary heart disease ( CHD), peripheral vascular disease and aortic aneurysm, can no longer be regarded as sterile has prompted a good deal of study and speculation. Atherosclerotic lesions have been studied in detail, but until recently histological descriptions of the lesion have not included C. pneumoniae organisms. Reviews and analysis of the literature confirm the association between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerotic lesions and CHD. The possibility that C. pneumoniae plays a causal or contributory role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions has been debated. It is of major importance as there is already evidence that antibiotic therapy may be of clinical benefit in patients with CHD. Large clinical trials using antichlamydial agents have been embarked upon which may provide further evidence of a causal role for C. pneumoniae. The underlying mechanism of how C. pneumoniae contributes to lesions and the effect of antibiotic therapy on lesions remain unknown. The association between C. pneumoniae and atherosclerosis is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the lesion itself and the presence of C. pneumoniae. Potential areas of study that may contribute to this rapidly expanding area of research is explored.
...
PMID:Association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerotic lesions. 1144 92

Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) are now the commonest sequelae of hypertension and all clinical manifestations of CAD occur in excess in persons with elevated blood pressure. Risk increases in relation to the extent of blood pressure elevation whether this is in the systolic or diastolic component, at any age and in either sex. Even isolated systolic hypertension increases cardiovascular risk. Elevated pressures are often accompanied by lipid abnormalities, hyperglycemia, elevated fibrinogen, obesity, and ECG abnormalities, all of which augment the risk. These risk factors associated with hypertension influence the coronary risk potential more than the nature of the blood pressure elevation. Although blood pressure makes an independent contribution to CAD, the risk at any level of pressure is markedly influenced by the cardiovascular risk profile. In mild to moderate hypertension in particular, the risk of CHD is concentrated in those who have impaired glucose tolerance, increased total/HDL ratio, ECG abnormalities, and smoke cigarettes. One or more of these associated risk factors also predisposes to other cardiovascular sequelae of hypertension, including stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiac failure. The presence of organ involvement indicated by proteinuria, evidence of impaired ventricular function, or left ventricular hypertrophy greatly escalates the risk and usually indicates a compromised coronary circulation. Most myocardial infarctions and sudden deaths occur prior to the appearance of such evidence. Hypertensive risk assessment requires consideration of the multivariate risk profile because of the interdependence of the risk factors. The nature and urgency of treatment is better determined from such a risk profile than from the blood pressure parameters alone. Optimal preventive management of hypertension requires more than normalization of the blood pressure if coronary sequelae are to be avoided.
...
PMID:Influence of multiple risk factors on the hazard of hypertension. 1152 37

Diuretics and beta-blockers are presently recommended as first-line therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension. JNC VII will probably consider ACE inhibitors worthy of this recommendation. In those at high risk for CHD or CHF, the initial use of an alpha-blocker or calcium antagonist will be recommended with caution. In those with systolic hypertension, who remain at increased risk of stroke, the initial use of CCB therapy continues to be supported by trial-based evidence. A diuretic, based on outcome-based trials, should be included in most regimens to lower the risk of ischemic stroke. Since most patients will require two or more drugs to control their blood pressure, the initial agent chosen will assume less importance for the practicing physician.
...
PMID:Hypertension 2001: pearls for the clinician. 1178 Jun 73

Atherosclerotic plaques were likened histologically to healing inflammatory lesions by Russell Ross, who proposed a "response to injury" hypothesis for their formation. More recently, intraplaque inflammation has been postulated to play a role in thinning of the fibrous cap, plaque rupture, and superadded thrombosis. Potential causes for vascular injury include mechanical stress, smoke exposure, hypercholesterolemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, and chronic infection (direct, or indirect). Blood levels of inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein [CRP]; serum amyloid A [SAA]; fibrinogen; plasma viscosity; erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]; leukocyte count, low serum albumin) have been associated with vascular risk factors and with prevalent and incident atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) (coronary heart disease, [CHD]; stroke; and peripheral arterial disease). More recently, cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and soluble adhesion molecules (e.g., intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) have been associated with both risk factors and disease; and offer potential therapeutic targets for nonspecific "anti-inflammatory" treatment of arterial disease. Infections associated with arterial disease include specific infections (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori) and nonspecific infections (periodontal infections, respiratory tract infections). Recent meta-analyses have shown that associations of serum markers of C. pneumoniae and H. pylori with arterial disease, risk factors, or potential intermediary mechanisms for disease are weaker than was first suggested by early reports. Likewise, further studies and meta-analyses are required to evaluate the epidemiologic relationships of CVD to periodontal infection and disease and to chronic pulmonary infections and disease. The weaker the associations between chronic infections and CVD, the larger is the size of randomized controlled trials required to establish (or exclude) a preventive effect of infection treatment. While control of chronic infection in the mouth, stomach or lungs is appropriate for its local effects, proving its efficacy in prevention of CVD presents a continuing challenge to medical science.
...
PMID:The relationship between infection, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease: an overview. 1188 52

The bulk of the experimental data suggest beneficial effects of estrogen (both premenopausal use of OCs and postmenopausal use of ERT-HRT). An intriguing finding from the monkey studies is that social subordination, which induces estrogen deficiency in female monkeys, accelerates atherosclerosis premenopausally and predicts extent of postmenopausal atherosclerosis. This effect can be inhibited by exogenous estrogen, premenopausally. The results suggest that more effort on detecting and regulating premenopausal ovarian dysfunction may be justified. A complication in understanding estrogen action may be the result of varying extents of arterial damage. For example, primary prevention studies in both postmenopausal animals and women have provided strong evidence of atheroprotection with a variety of estrogens. In contrast, the results of secondary prevention studies [10,12] have in general suggested little cardioprotection with either ERT or HRT. Studies in rabbits suggest the antiatherogenic effect of estrogen may not be present when the endothelium is damaged [64]. The state of the endothelium may be critical for some estrogen actions. For those effects of estrogen that require the ER, be it ERalpha or ERbeta, the presence of the receptor may vary with age, disease state, or type of hormone therapy. If continuous combined HRT therapy decreases ER in the artery as it does in the uterus, this may eliminate those estrogen actions requiring the ER, but not others. Older women who have not been exposed to estrogens for many years may be more sensitive to some estrogen effects, and may need lower doses of ERT-HRT. Recent reports suggest that lower doses of estrogens maintain beneficial effects on lipoproteins and coagulation factors [95], while also requiring lower doses of progestogens to protect the uterus [96]. These beneficial findings are very promising in light of the improvements in CHD risk and decreased stroke risk reported with low-dose estrogens [5]. It ill be interesting to see if CRP is increased with lower doses of estrogens and whether these changes are associated with increased early risk of CHD. Perhaps older women with CHD are also more obese, may have diabetes, and may be more susceptible to inflammatory and thrombotic effects of higher doses of estrogens. There are many questions left unanswered. It is hoped that some of the answers may come from the WHI, which is a large prospective trial assessing ERT and HRT. The age range is also relatively large and may be able to determine if older women respond differently than younger women. Some initial data from the WHI have been made available suggesting a small increased risk in the first 2 years and a trend for decreasing risk in the last months of the first 2 years [34]. Just recently, the CEE + MPA arm of the study was stopped early by the data and-safety monitoring board as the overall health risks exceeded benefits with increases in both breast cancer and CVD [97]. The remainder of the study groups including an estrogen-only arm, are expected to continue until 2005.
...
PMID:Reproductive hormones and cardiovascular disease mechanism of action and clinical implications. 1235 69

This study investigated the frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes, concentrations of total cholesterol (T-C), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipoprotein Lp (a), Established Risk Factor (ERF) ratio (total cholesterol/HDL-C), apolipoproteins A-I, A-II, apoBand apoE in 134 menopausal women aged 49.62 +/- 4.83 on oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (2 mg 17 beta estradiol plus 1 mg norethisterone acetate/day), during (mean +/- SD) 15.77 +/- 9.94 months. ACE genotypes of 134 menopausal women showed DD genotype in 48 (36%), ID genotype in 59 (44%), and II genotype in 27 (20%) women, with the mean body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) of 26.34 +/- 4.02, systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) of 145.71 +/- 23.32, diastolic blood pressure of 95.28 +/- 12.88, pulse rate of 77.76 +/- 13.81, positive family history of myocardial infarction (MI) (23%) and stroke (22%); 26% were smokers and 6% consumed alcohol regularly. The mean levels of TC (mmol/l) were 5.72 +/- 1.25, TG (mmol/L) 1.63 +/- 0.82, HDL-C (mmol/L) 1.15 +/- 0.29, LDL-C (mmol/L) 3.98 +/- 1.31, lipoprotein Lp(a) (g/L) 0.16 +/- 0.24, ERF ratio 5.35 +/- 1.90, apolipoproteins (g/L): A-I 1.83 +/- 0.39, A-II 0.57 +/- 0.12, apoB 0.92 +/- 0.31, and apoE 0.08 +/- 0.04. The highest mean levels of T-C 5.89 +/- 1.40, TG 1.67 +/- 0.96, LDL-C 4.15 +/- 1.60, lipoprotein Lp(a) 0.19 +/- 0.25) apoB 0.95 +/- 0.32 and ERF ratio 5.46 +/- 2.24 were found in ID genotype, while in DD genotype HDL-C 1.11 +/- 0.28 and apo A-I 1.78 +/- 0.34 were lowest. In II genotype, the levels of apo A-II 0.56 +/- 0.11 were lowest and of apoE 0.09 +/- 0.05 highest. According to DD, ID and II genotypes and lipid, lipoprotein Lp(a), ERF ratio and apolipoprotein concentrations, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. ERF ratio in DD genotype showed a positive correlation with TG (r = 0.59) and LDL-C (r = 0.57), a slight positive correlation with apoB (r = 0.40), and a strong negative correlation with HDL-C (r = -0.73). ERF in ID genotype showed a strong negative correlation with HDL-C (r = -0.73), strong positive correlation with TG (r = 0.70), and T-C (r = 0.58), and slight positive correlation with LDL-C (r = 0.36) and alcohol abuse (r = 0.34). In II genotype, ERF ratio showed a strong positive correlation with LDL-C (r = 0.73), T-C (r = 0.70) and apoE (r = 0.58), slight positive correlation with apoB (r = 0.46) and TG (r = 0.36), and negative correlation with HDL-C (r = -0.54). Matrix correlation of DD genotypes showed the highest positive correlation between T-C and LDL-C (r = 0.91) and apoE (r = 0.45), and negative correlation between HDL-C and ERF ratio (r = 77), and LDL-C and ERF ratio (r = 0.55). In ID genotype, T-C showed a strong positive correlation between LDL-C (r = 0.75) and ERF ratio (r = 0.63), TG and ERF ratio (r = 0.73), and negative with HDL-C (r = 0.53). In genotype II, T-C showed a strong positive correlation between LDL-C (r = 0.96), ERF ratio (r = 0.71), apoB (r = 0.66) and apoE (r = 0.46). LDL-C correlated positively with ERF ratio (r = 0.72), apoB (r = 0.61) and apoE (r = 0.48). These findings indicated the frequency of ACE genotypes to differ within the group of menopausal women. Analysis of ACE genotypes showed ID genotype to be most common among menopausal women. This result indicated their intermediate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). It has been well established that an increased risk of MI is associated with high frequency of DD genotype, and a low risk with high frequencies of II genotype. In addition to ACE polymorphism analysis, assessment of lipid, apolipoprotein, and lipoprotein Lp(a) concentrations, and of ERF ratio provides further important parameters for better understanding of the risk factors for CDH in women. In the present study, assessment of the genetic, metabolic and environmental markers pointed to an intermediate risk of CHD in menopausal women on HRT, although the mechanism underlying the disease is not clear and well understood yet.
...
PMID:Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism, lipids, and apolipoproteins in menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy. 1239 19

This review describes what is known about effects of marijuana and cannabinoids in relation to human physiological and disease outcomes. The acute physiological effects of marijuana include a substantial dose-dependent increase in heart rate, generally associated with a mild increase in blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension may occur acutely as a result of decreased vascular resistance. Smoking marijuana decreases exercise test duration in maximal exercise tests, increases the heart rate at submaximal levels of exercise. Tolerance develops to the acute effects of marijuana smoking and delta9-tetrahydrocannibol (THC) over several days to a few weeks. The cardiovascular responses that occur in response to THC are mediated by the autonomic nervous system, with recent findings also demonstrating that the human cannabinoid receptor system plays a role in regulating the cardiovascular response. Although several mechanisms exist by which marijuana use might contribute to the development of chronic cardiovascular conditions or acutely trigger cardiovascular events, there are few data regarding marijuana/THC use and cardiovascular disease outcomes. A large cohort study showed no association of marijuana use with cardiovascular disease hospitalization or mortality. However, acute effects of marijuana use include a decrease of the time until the onset of chest pain in patients with angina pectoris; one study has shown that marijuana may trigger the onset of myocardial infarction. Patients who have coronary heart disease or are at high risk for the development of CHD should be cautioned about the potential hazards of marijuana use as a precipitant for clinical events. Research directions might include more studies of cardiovascular disease outcomes and relationships of marijuana with cardiovascular risk factors, studies of metabolic and physiologic effects of chronic marijuana use that may affect cardiovascular disease risk, increased understanding of the role of the cannabinoid receptor system in cardiovascular regulation, and studies to determine if there is a therapeutic role for cannabinoids in blood pressure control or for neuroprotection after stroke.
...
PMID:Cardiovascular consequences of marijuana use. 1241 38

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for use of hormone replacement therapy for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women and updates the 1996 USPSTF recommendations on this topic. The complete information on which this statement is based, including evidence tables and references, is available through the USPSTF Web site (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov) and through the National Guideline Clearinghouse (http://www.guideline.gov) The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and the following outcomes: cardiovascular disease, including CHD and stroke; osteoporosis and fractures; thromboembolism; dementia and cognitive function; breast, colon, ovarian, and endometrial cancer; and cholecystitis. The USPSTF also reviewed evidence of the effects of hormone replacement therapy on phytoestrogens and osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The use of hormone replacement therapy for relieving active symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, urogenital symptoms, and mood and sleep disturbances, among others, is outside the scope of these USPSTF recommendations, and literature on this topic was not reviewed. Sources for estimates of benefits and harms cited in this Recommendation statement are described in the summary of the evidence available from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
...
PMID:Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy for primary prevention of chronic conditions: recommendations and rationale. 1243 33

The search for the causes of CHD has been guided by a 'destructive' model, which proposes that influences acting in adult life, such as smoking, obesity or high saturated fat intakes, lead to an acceleration of age-related destructive processes, including a rise in blood pressure and the formation of atheroma. One explanation for the failure of the model to account for, or indeed to prevent rising epidemics of CHD, is that individuals are heterogeneous in their responses to such influences. This heterogeneity in response is linked to different paths of early growth. The recent discovery that individuals who develop CHD grew differently from other individuals during fetal life and in childhood has led to a new 'developmental' model for the disease. Reduced fetal growth followed by poor growth in infancy leads to an increased risk of development of CHD, and its associated conditions, stroke, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. These effects are compounded by accelerated weight gain, which may represent 'compensatory growth' in childhood.
...
PMID:Coronary heart disease: a disorder of growth. 1269 Nov 83


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>