Transient insulin resistance in normal subjects: acute hyperglycemia inhibits endothelial-dependent vasodilatation in normal subjects.

Postprandial hyperglycemia is a powerful and independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of vascular damage in the context of acute hyperglycemia is probably multifactorial, yet the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of particular importance. In normal subjects, acute hyperglycemia induces temporary endothelial dysfunction, reflected in an increase in arterial blood pressure.

Correlations of sialic acid with markers of inflammation, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Serum total sialic acid (S-TSA) is associated with atherosclerotic process in general population. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible correlations of S-TSA with markers of inflammation and atherosclerosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: We involved 53 asymptomatic, nondiabetic HD patients and 28 healthy controls.

Vitamin D, the renin-angiotensin system, and insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is characterized by the systemic impairment of insulin action and is usually the result of aging, obesity, chronic inflammation, or another factor that may contribute to the inhibition of the insulin signaling pathway. Insulin resistance is accompanied by defects in lipid metabolism and blood coagulation, hypertension, obesity, and vascular inflammation in a syndrome called syndrome X or metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is involved in the development of atherosclerosis with consequent cardiovascular complications including acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular disease.

Correlation between myocardial enzyme serum levels and markers of inflammation with severity of coronary artery disease and Gensini score: a hospital-based, prospective study in Greek patients.

Background: Our objective was to associate serum levels of myocardial enzymes and inflammatory biomarkers with severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Patients And Methods: 123 patients participated in our study, including 65 cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI), 27 cases of newly diagnosed CAD--without MI--and 31 controls. In all subjects, myocardial serum enzyme levels (creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase) and inflammatory indices (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, white blood cells, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) were measured.