Higher Levels of Cytokines in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Background: Inflammation is a key element in the initiation and progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Understanding the impact of inflammatory molecules, as cytokines in PAD could help us to improve the prognosis of these patients. The main goal of this study was to compare the serum level of cytokines between patients with claudication to those with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Inflammatory Cells in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease or Chronic Venous Disease: A Prospective, Observational, and Histological Study.

The main goal of this study was to assess whether the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) correlates with increased inflammatory cell infiltration. An observational, single-centre, and prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2022. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measures were registered.

Reversion of the Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Background: Peripheral artery disease is characterized by an intense inflammatory process that can be associated with a higher mortality rate, particularly in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). This study aims to compare the evolution of inflammatory markers between patients with claudication with those with CLTI at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Methods And Results: An observational, single-center, and prospective study was conducted.

Inflammation Is a Histological Characteristic of Skeletal Muscle in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

Background: The loss of skeletal muscle is a prognostic factor in several diseases including in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). Patients with CLTI also have a lower skeletal mass and area when compared to those with claudication. However, there are no currently available data regarding the histological characteristics of core muscles in patients with CLTI.

Exploring the Diversity of Visceral, Subcutaneous and Perivascular Adipose Tissue in a Vascular Surgery Population.

The prevalence of obesity has doubled, with a concomitant increase in cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of visceral, subcutaneous and peri-aortic adipose tissue determined with computed tomography (CT) scans and to correlate them with cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measures and medication. An observational and prospective study was conducted, and 177 subjects were included.

Inflammation and Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

Background: Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities. Atherosclerosis, inflammation, and sarcopenia are independently associated and potentiate each other. Inflammation is deeply involved in the formation and progression of atherosclerosis and is also involved in the pathophysiology of sarcopenia.

Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease?-Opportunistic Review.

Obesity is a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis. However, the influence of adipose tissue in carotid atherosclerosis is not completely understood. No systematic review/meta-analysis was previously performed to understand if obesity is a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis.

Association of Skeletal Muscle and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Lower Extremity Arterial Disease.

Background: Sarcopenia is defined as low muscle mass, with low muscle strength or low physical performance. The skeletal muscle mass (or density) and strength are inversely associated with cardiovascular risk factors. We aim to determine the relationship between skeletal muscle characteristics (strength, mass, area), and cardiovascular risk factors in a population with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD).

Sarcopenia as a Prognostic Factor in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Descriptive Review.

Background: Determine the influence of sarcopenia on the prognosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed with the keywords and medical subject heading (MesH): "muscle, skeletal", "sarcopenia", "prognosis", "duration of stay", "death", "mortality", "patient readmission", "length of stay", "peripheral arterial disease", "intermittent claudication" and "critical limb ischemia". Papers published from January 2010 to October 2020 in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese were eligible for inclusion.

Pulse wave velocity distribution in a cohort study: from arterial stiffness to early vascular aging.

Background: By contrast with other southern European people, north Portuguese population registers an especially high prevalence of hypertension and stroke incidence. We designed a cohort study to identify individuals presenting accelerated and premature arterial aging in the Portuguese population.

Method: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in randomly sampled population dwellers aged 18-96 years from northern Portugal, and used as a marker of early vascular aging (EVA).

The rationale/design of the Guimarães/Vizela study: a multimodal population-based cohort study to determine global cardiovascular risk and disease.

Background: Cardiovascular disease and dementia are growing medical and social problems in aging societies. Appropriate knowledge of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline risk factors (RFs) are critical for global CVR health preventive intervention. Many epidemiological studies use case definition based on data collected/measured in a single visit, a fact that can overestimate prevalence rates and distant from clinical practice demanding criteria.