Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Helen Erlandsson, Abdul Rashid Qureshi, Jonaz Ripsweden, Ida Haugen Lofman, Magnus Soderberg, Lars Wennberg, Torbjorn Lundgren, Annette Bruchfeld, Torkel B. Brismar, Peter Stenvinkel
Summary: This study investigated the impact of medial calcification on cardiovascular events (CVE) and mortality in patients starting on kidney failure replacement therapy. Moderate to severe medial calcification in the arteria epigastrica was associated with higher mortality and increased risk of CVE. The medial calcification score could be a reliable method to identify patients with high and low risk of CVE and mortality following kidney transplantation.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tim C. van den Beukel, Frank J. Wolters, Uwe Siebert, Wilko Spiering, M. Arfan Ikram, Meike W. Vernooij, Pim A. de Jong, Daniel Bos
Summary: This study found that intracranial arteriosclerosis is associated with an increased risk of dementia, and this association is partly mediated by an increase in cerebral small vessel disease.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lieke M. Kuiper, M. Kamran Ikram, Maryam Kavousi, Meike W. Vernooij, M. Arfan Ikram, Daniel Bos
Summary: The C-factor serves as a comprehensive measurement of systemic arterial calcification burden, showing significant associations with cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, and overall mortality. When adjusted together, the C-factor maintains its association with mortality while site-specific associations diminish.
BMC CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kunihiko Aizawa, Phillip E. Gates, David M. Mawson, Salim Elyas, Francesco Casanova, Kim M. Gooding, Damilola D. Adingupu, W. David Strain, Angela C. Shore
Summary: This study found that different methods of measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV) can affect the results and the association with cardiovascular risk factors, but not the association with subclinical biomarkers of vascular health.
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pierre Boutouyrie, Phil Chowienczyk, Jay D. Humphrey, Gary F. Mitchell
Summary: Arterial stiffness is a key marker of risk in hypertension, and can be measured at material or structural levels. Studies have shown that structural stiffness predicts outcomes, with elastic arteries being most sensitive to blood pressure and age. Stiffness is considered an index of vascular aging and affects brain, kidneys, and heart function. Reduction of stiffness through antihypertensive treatments and preventive drugs may have additional benefits beyond lowering blood pressure. Newer anti-inflammatory drugs also have effects on stiffness independent of blood pressure.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jovana Nikolajevic, Miso Sabovic
Summary: Calcium deposits in the vessel wall, in the form of hydroxyapatite, can accumulate in the intimal layer or the medial layer, resulting in atherosclerotic plaque or medial arterial calcification (MAC). MAC is an active process with complex pathophysiology, associated with age, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Metabolic factors such as hyperphosphatemia and hyperglycemia, as well as inflammatory and coagulation factors, play a role in the development and progression of MAC. Understanding the mechanisms involved in MAC is crucial for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Angel Millan, Peter Lanzer, Victor Sorribas
Summary: Medial vascular calcification is a degenerative process involving calcium deposition in the arteries, prevalent in chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and aging. This process is largely governed by thermodynamic laws, with early calcifications mainly composed of amorphous calcium phosphate that transforms into hydroxyapatite crystals over time. Risk factors for medial vascular calcification can be modulated by the presence of certain biomolecules, highlighting the importance of understanding the physical-chemical processes in the media for treatment considerations.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jason Cunha, Melissa V. Chan, Bongani B. Nkambule, Florian Thibord, Amber Lachapelle, Robin E. Pashek, Ramachandran S. Vasan, Jian Rong, Emelia J. Benjamin, Naomi M. Hamburg, Ming-Huei Chen, Gary F. Mitchell, Andrew D. Johnson
Summary: Arterial tonometry and vascular calcification measures are valuable in assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study examined the relationship between arterial tonometry, platelet function, arterial calcium, and aortic diameter. The results suggest that higher arterial calcium may be associated with increased platelet reactivity, while larger aortic diameter may be linked to lower platelet reactivity. These findings indicate the potential interplay between subclinical atherosclerosis, platelet activation, and vascular structure.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alessandro Bressan, Maristella Donato, Paola Canzano, Marina Camera, Paolo Poggio, Mariangela Garofalo, Giovanni Panighel, Massimiliano Ruscica, Andrea Baragetti, Valentina Bollati, Elisabetta Faggin, Marcello Rattazzi, Alberico L. Catapano, Nicola Ferri, Maria Giovanna Lupo, Maria Francesca Greco, Sara De Martin
Summary: This study investigated the influence of kidney function on PCSK9 levels and its role in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) calcification. The results showed a negative association between glomerular filtration rate and plasma PCSK9 levels. Overexpression of PCSK9 in cells led to increased calcification and release of extracellular vesicles enriched in calcium and alkaline phosphatase. The findings suggest a direct role of PCSK9 in vascular calcification associated with renal impairment.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Peter Lanzer, M. Fadil Hannan, D. Jan Lanzer, Jan Janzen, Paolo Raggi, Dominic Furniss, Mirjam Schuchardt, Rajesh Thakker, Pak-Wing Fok, Julio Saez-Rodriguez, Angel Millan, Yu Sato, Roberto Ferraresi, Renu Virmani, Cynthia St. Hilaire
Summary: Medial arterial calcification (MAC) is a chronic systemic vascular disorder distinct from atherosclerosis, often associated with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and aging. It is characterized by disseminated and progressive calcium phosphate precipitation within the medial layer, a prolonged clinically silent course, and compromised hemodynamics related to chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Despite limited understanding of its pathogenesis, genetic and omics-based research may hold promise in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of MAC and guiding therapy.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Ali Z. Syed, Yuanming Xu, Leela Subhashini Alluri, Buthainah Jadallah, Rui Amaral Mendes, Andres Pinto
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of MMA in patients with kidney disease.
Review
Hematology
Steve Raoul Noumegni, Clement Hoffmann, Cecile Tromeur, Romain Didier, Luc Bressollette, Karine Lacut, Francis Couturaud
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified risk factors of arterial events in patients with VTE, including male gender, diabetes, hypertension, previous atherothrombotic event, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and unprovoked VTE. These risk factors contribute to arterial ischemic events in VTE population.
THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Alexander D. DiBartolomeo, Sydney E. Browder, Sebouh Bazikian, Diwash Thapa, Sooyeon Kim, Avital Yohann, David G. Armstrong, Katharine L. McGinigle
Summary: The study aimed to validate the pedal MAC scoring system in predicting major limb amputation risk in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. The results showed that patients with MAC score of 5 had a significantly higher risk of major limb amputation compared to those with MAC score of 0-1 and 2-4.
JOURNAL OF VASCULAR SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Samuel S. Gidding, Laura A. Colangelo, Chike C. Nwabuo, Cora E. Lewis, David R. Jacobs, Pamela J. Schreiner, Joao A. C. Lima, Norrina B. Allen
Summary: The PDAY risk score based on post-mortem measurements was found to be highly predictive of future ASCVD events in young adults. The presence of coronary artery calcium improved risk prediction only if the score was 0. Cumulative risk exposure and PDAY score at age 18-30 were also significant factors for predicting ASCVD.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Anna G. Hoek, Sabine R. Zwakenberg, Petra J. M. Elders, Pim A. de Jong, Wilko Spiering, Jonas W. Bartstra, Teddo Doesburg, Amber A. van der Heijden, Yvonne T. van der Schouw, Joline W. J. Beulens
Summary: An elevated ABI is not sufficient to serve as a true diagnostic proxy for MAC. Studies solely based on ABI to draw conclusions on the association between MAC and cardiovascular disease are likely to underestimate the found effects.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Elisa Dal Canto, Sharon Remmelzwaal, Adriana Johanne van Ballegooijen, M. Louis Handoko, Stephane Heymans, Vanessa van Empel, Walter J. Paulus, Giel Nijpels, Petra Elders, Joline W. J. Beulens
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of echocardiographic markers for HFpEF and LVDD, finding that a multivariable model showed the highest diagnostic performance, left atrial strain had reasonable performance, and adding exercise E/e ' improved the sensitivity of HFpEF diagnostic algorithms. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to further evaluate the potential diagnostic role of novel tools in current diagnostic algorithms.
HEART FAILURE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pomme I. H. G. Simons, Merel E. B. Cornelissen, Olivier Valkenburg, N. Charlotte Onland-Moret, Yvonne T. van der Schouw, Coen D. A. Stehouwer, Stephen Burgess, Martijn C. G. J. Brouwers
Summary: Genetically predicted risk of PCOS is not associated with the risk of CAD, while genetically predicted BMI is significantly associated with both PCOS and CAD risk.
CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Inge A. T. van de Luitgaarden, Sabine van Oort, Emma J. Bouman, Linda J. Schoonmade, Ilse C. Schrieks, Diederick E. Grobbee, Yvonne T. van der Schouw, Susanna C. Larsson, Stephen Burgess, Adriana J. van Ballegooijen, N. Charlotte Onland-Moret, Joline W. J. Beulens
Summary: This systematic review examined the causal effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiometabolic health through Mendelian randomization studies, indicating null associations for cardiovascular disease and diabetes but a detrimental association with all-cause mortality. The variability in methodological quality across included studies currently impedes drawing definitive conclusions on this topic, with further advancements in Mendelian randomization methodology expected to enhance future research in this area.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Isabel A. L. Slurink, Nicolette R. den Braver, Femke Rutters, Nina Kupper, Tom Smeets, Petra J. M. Elders, Joline W. J. Beulens, Sabita S. Soedamah-Muthu
Summary: The highest intake of high fat fermented dairy, cheese and high fat cheese were associated with a lower risk of prediabetes, whereas other dairy types were not associated. Cheese seems to be inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk, despite high levels of saturated fatty acids and sodium.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Emma A. Vermeulen, Hanne B. T. de Jong, Alexander G. A. Blomjous, Coby Eelderink, Tiny Hoekstra, Petra J. M. Elders, Martin H. de Borst, Marc G. Vervloet, Adriana J. van Ballegooijen, Joline W. Beulens
Summary: This study did not find associations between dietary magnesium intake and multiple markers of vascular structure and function, in either cross-sectional or longitudinal analyses. Participants with the highest magnesium intake did not show significant differences in various vascular outcomes compared to those with the lowest intake.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joline W. J. Beulens, Marc Vervloet
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Josine M. Stuber, Jeroen Lakerveld, Loes W. Kievitsbosch, Joreintje D. Mackenbach, Joline W. J. Beulens
Summary: The effectiveness of nudging healthy food choices in an online supermarket was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Information nudges were found to significantly increase healthy product purchases for shoppers in deprived areas, while showing adverse effects for those in non-deprived areas. Further research is needed to explore the real-life effects of online healthy food nudging and its equitability within populations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
I. A. T. van de Luitgaarden, A. E. Bardach, N. Espinola, I. C. Schrieks, D. E. Grobbee, J. W. J. Beulens
Summary: Alcohol consumption in Argentina is among the highest in the world, making it a risk factor for cancer. Moderate alcohol consumption contributes the most to cancer-related deaths and DALYs. Implementing population-wide strategies to reduce harmful alcohol use can effectively decrease the burden of cancer.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Corine de Jong, Najiba Chargi, Gerarda J. M. Herder, Simone W. A. van Haarlem, Femke van der Meer, Anne S. R. van Lindert, Alexandra Ten Heuvel, Jan Brouwer, Pim A. de Jong, Lot A. Devriese, Alwin D. R. Huitema, Toine C. G. Egberts, Remco de Bree, Vera H. M. Deneer
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between skeletal muscle measurements and chemotherapy-induced toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The results showed that patients with low skeletal muscle mass were at a higher risk of severe hematological toxicity and dose-limiting toxicity, while those with high skeletal muscle density had a lower risk of dose-limiting toxicity.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Michiel T. H. M. Henkens, Anne-Mar van Ommen, Sharon Remmelzwaal, Gideon B. Valstar, Ping Wang, Job A. J. Verdonschot, Mark R. Hazebroek, Leonard Hofstra, Vanessa P. M. Empel, Joline W. J. Beulens, Hester M. Ruijter, Stephane R. B. Heymans
Summary: This study aims to identify distinct phenogroups and their associated blood proteome profiles in patients with HF-like symptoms using the HFA-PEFF score. Four different phenogroups were identified and several biomarkers associated with inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling were found.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jody C. Hoenink, Wilma Waterlander, Joline W. J. Beulens, Joreintje D. Mackenbach
Summary: This study examined whether material and psychosocial resources can explain the socioeconomic differences in diet quality. The findings suggest that individual-level factors, such as cooking skills, only explain a small proportion of the socioeconomic differences in diet quality, indicating the importance of considering other psychosocial and material resources as well as structural factors outside the individual, such as financial, work and living circumstances.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Tim Kobes, Arthur A. R. Sweet, IJsbrand T. Klip, Roderick M. Houwert, Wouter B. Veldhuis, Luke P. H. Leenen, Pim A. de Jong, Mark C. P. M. van Baal
Summary: This study found that coronary artery calcification visible on routine CT imaging is independently associated with in-hospital complications and adverse discharge conditions in level-1 trauma patients. This helps identify and assess the risk of complications in trauma patients early on.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Tim Kobes, Arthur A. R. Sweet, Sophie B. H. Verstegen, R. Marijn Houwert, Wouter B. Veldhuis, Luke P. H. Leenen, Pim A. de Jong, Mark C. P. M. van Baal
Summary: This study assessed the association between bone mineral density of the first lumbar vertebra and in-hospital complications and outcomes in trauma patients. The study found that a decrease in bone mineral density was significantly associated with increased risk of complications, pneumonia, delirium, and ICU admission.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Netanja Harlianto, Jan Westerink, Marjolein E. Hol, Rianne Wittenberg, Wouter Foppen, Pieternella H. van der Veen, Bram van Ginneken, Jorrit-Jan Verlaan, Pim A. de Jong, Firdaus A. A. Mohamed Hoesein
Summary: There is an association between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC), suggesting increased burden of vascular calcification in patients with DISH.
RHEUMATOLOGY ADVANCES IN PRACTICE
(2022)