[Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme genotype on endothelial function in healthy subjects].

Objective: Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis. Angiotensin II and nitric oxide have important roles in maintaining the vascular tone. The existence of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms has been known, and deletion (D) of the allele has been associated with coronary artery disease.

Early sign of atherosclerosis in slow coronary flow and relationship with angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D polymorphism.

Increase in carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) is an early sign of atherosclerosis. Slow coronary flow (SCF) is characterized by delay of opacification of coronary arteries in coronary angiography in the absence of any evident obstructive lesion, but its etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Genes that regulate the renin angiotensin system also play a role in developing cardiovascular system disorders.

Effect of homocysteine-induced oxidative stress on endothelial function in coronary slow-flow.

Background And Objective: Coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon is characterized by delayed opacification of vessels in a normal coronary angiogram, but its etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level can severely disturb vascular endothelial function and may play a role in the pathogenesis of CSF. In our study, endothelial function in patients with CSF and their relationship with Hcy and oxidative stress parameters are investigated.

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea on aortic elastic parameters: relationship to left ventricular mass and function.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome has a critical association with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Aortic elastic parameters are important markers for left ventricular (LV) function and are deteriorated in cardiovascular disease.

Methods And Results: Aortic elastic parameters and LV functions and mass were investigated in 40 patients with OSA (apnea - hypopnea index (AHI) >or=5) (mean age 51.

Aortic stiffness, flow-mediated dilatation and carotid intima-media thickness in obstructive sleep apnea: non-invasive indicators of atherosclerosis.

Background And Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a critical association with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and aortic stiffness are early signs of atherosclerosis. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed in OSA patients using these parameters.

Carotid intima-media thickness in coronary slow flow: relationship with plasma homocysteine levels.

Background And Objective: Coronary slow-flow phenomenon is characterized by delayed opacification of coronary vessels in a normal coronary angiogram. Although clinical and pathological features have been previously described, the underlying pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. Thus, it still remains to be determined whether either microvascular or epicardial diffuse atherosclerotic disease is related to slow flow.

Cigarette smoking induced oxidative stress may impair endothelial function and coronary blood flow in angiographically normal coronary arteries.

Background: Smoking contributes to the progression of atherosclerotic heart disease by causing endothelial dysfunction. In the present study the effect of smoking on endothelial functions and coronary flow was investigated, as well as the relationship of these factors with oxidative stress parameters, in subjects with normal coronary arteries.

Materials And Results: The study group comprised 87 patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries (36 smokers, 51 nonsmokers).

Improved endothelium dependent vasodilation in endurance athletes and its relation with ACE I/D polymorphism.

Background: Aerobic exercise enhances endothelium-dependent vasodilation in healthy individuals. It is thought that exercise increases nitric oxide (NO) production and decreases NO inactivation, leading to an increase in NO bioavailability. Angiotensin II and NO have important roles in maintaining vascular tone.