The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent vasodilation between women in either menstrual or placebo pill phases of their respective hormonal exposure [either naturally cycling (NC) or using oral contraceptive pills (OCP)] and men. A planned subgroup analysis was then completed to assess endothelial function and NO-dependent vasodilation between NC women, women using OCP, and men. Endothelium-dependent and NO-dependent vasodilation were assessed in the cutaneous microvasculature using laser-Doppler flowmetry, a rapid local heating protocol (39°C, 0.1°C/s), and pharmacological perfusion through intradermal microdialysis fibers. Data are mean ± standard deviation. Men displayed greater endothelium-dependent vasodilation (plateau, men: 71 ± 16 vs. women 52 ± 20 %CVCmax, p< 0.01), but lower NO-dependent vasodilation (men: 52 ± 11 vs. women 63 ± 17 %NO, p = 0.05), compared with all women. Subgroup analysis revealed NC women had lower endothelium-dependent vasodilation (plateau, NC women: 48 ± 21 %CVCmax, p = 0.01), but similar NO-dependent vasodilation (NC women: 52 ± 14 %NO, p > 0.99), compared with men. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation did not differ between women using OCP and men (p = 0.12) or NC women (p = 0.64), but NO-dependent vasodilation was significantly greater in women using OCP (74 ± 11 %NO) than both NC women and men (p < 0.01 for both). This study highlights the importance of directly quantifying NO-dependent vasodilation in cutaneous microvascular studies. This study also provides important implications for experimental design and data interpretation.
New Findings What is the main observation in this case?The main observation of this case report is substantial improvement in cutaneous microvascular endothelial function after cessation of long‐term use of a fourth‐generation oral contraceptive pill. This improvement appears independent of relative changes in the contribution of nitric oxide. What insights does it reveal?Our findings suggest that cessation of long‐term, fourth‐generation oral contraceptive pill use improves endothelial function within 20 months of cessation. Abstract The purpose of this case report was to evaluate in vivo endothelial function and nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent vasodilatation before and after the cessation of long‐term (11–12 years) fourth‐generation oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use in one young, healthy and premenopausal woman. This retrospective analysis includes data from six experimental visits: three visits during months 133–144 of fourth‐generation OCP use and three visits 19–22 months after OCP cessation. Endothelium‐dependent and NO‐dependent vasodilatation were assessed in the cutaneous microvasculature using laser‐Doppler flowmetry, a rapid local heating protocol (39°C, 0.1°C/s) and pharmacological perfusion through intradermal microdialysis fibres. The participant had consistent medical history and lifestyle behaviours throughout both hormonal exposures. Data are presented as the mean (SD). Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation was 42 (10)% of site‐specific maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (CVCmax) during OCP use and 63 (10)%CVCmax after OCP cessation (49% increase). Nitric oxide‐dependent vasodilatation was 70 (5)% contribution of NO during OCP use and 60 (15)%NO after OCP cessation (15% reduction). Baseline blood flow was greater after OCP cessation, but maximal blood flow was reduced. Data from this case report support a substantial increase in cutaneous microvascular endothelial function assessed via local heating after cessation of long‐term use of a fourth‐generation OCP, which does not appear to be attributable to increased NO bioavailability. Overall, these data suggest an improvement in endothelial and microvascular function after the cessation of long‐term use of a fourth‐generation OCP.
Background and Objectives: Research has not yet investigated how the association between alcohol and alcohol-related consequences differs across cisgender heterosexual women (CHW), cisgender heterosexual men (CHM), and sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students. Methods: Participants were N = 754 college students (34.5% CHW [n = 260]; 34.5% CHM [n = 260]; 31.0% SGM [n = 234]) between the ages 18 and 25 who completed a survey on sexual orientation, gender identity, alcohol use (i.e., average drinks per week), and alcohol-related consequences.Results: Among individuals who reported alcohol use, CHM reported significantly more drinks per week compared to CHW and SGM. The logistic model of a zeroinflated negative binomial regression indicated that excess zeros in the alcoholrelated consequences were more likely among (1) nondrinkers and (2) SGM compared to CHM. The count portion of the model indicated that, among drinkers, there was a positive association between drinks per week and alcohol-related consequences. Estimated alcohol-related consequences per drink were 1.90% higher among CHW than CHM and 2.76% higher among SGM than CHM. Exploratory analyses did not find significant differences in outcomes between cisgender female and male sexual minority students.Discussion and Conclusion: Findings suggest that although CHW and SGM students consume less alcohol than CHM, these students experience more alcohol-related consequences per drink.Scientific Significance: This study advances the field's knowledge of alcohol use patterns and consequences among SGM college students. There is a need for alcohol education programming that is tailored to the unique experiences, identities, and minority stressors of SGM college students.
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