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CPC levels are significantly higher in patients after an AMI compared with those with stable CAD and reflect bone marrow PC content. Among patients with ACS, a lower number of hematopoietic-enriched CPCs are associated with a higher mortality.

Android fat is a surrogate measure of visceral obesity in the truncal region. Both visceral adiposity and oxidative stress (OS) are linked to cardiometabolic risk factors and clinical cardiovascular disease. However, whether body fat distribution (android vs gynoid) is associated with OS remains unknown. We hypothesized that increased android fat will be associated with greater OS. Body fat distribution and markers of OS, including plasma levels of reduced (cysteine and glutathione) and oxidized (cystine and glutathione disulfide) aminothiols, were estimated in 711 volunteers (67% female, 23% black, mean age 48 ± 11) enrolled in the Emory Georgia Tech Predictive Health study. At 1 year, 498 subjects had repeat testing. At baseline, anthropometric and fat distribution indexes, including body mass index, waist circumference, weight/hip ratio, and android and gynoid fat mass correlated with lower plasma concentrations of glutathione and higher cystine levels indicative of higher OS. At 1 year, the change in android but not gynoid fat mass or body mass index negatively correlated with the change in the plasma glutathione level after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Increased body fat, specifically android fat mass, is an independent determinant of systemic OS, and its change is associated with a simultaneous change in OS, measured as plasma glutathione. In conclusion, our findings suggest that excess android or visceral fat contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease through modulating OS.

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The epidemic of obesity has contributed to a growing burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide. MetS is defined as central obesity along with associated factors such as hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. MetS and DM are associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Healthy behavioural modification is the cornerstone for reducing the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden in this population. Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs reduce mortality and hospitalizations in patients with MetS and DM. Despite this benefit, patients with MetS and DM are less likely to attend and complete CR because of numerous barriers. Implementation of innovative CR delivery models might improve utilization of CR and cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk population.

Background The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the cardiovascular system remains controversial, especially in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. We used a swine model of chronic myocardial ischemia to investigate whether hypercholesterolemia alters the cardiovascular effects of the non-selective NSAID naproxen. Methods Yorkshire swine were fed normal chow (NAP, n=7) or high-fat diet (HF-NAP, n=8). Chronic myocardial ischemia was created in all animals by left circumflex ameroid constrictor placement. All swine were started on oral naproxen (440 mg/day) at the time of ameroid placement. After 7 weeks, myocardial perfusion and microvessel reactivity in the ischemic territory were assessed. Tissue levels of prostanoid metabolites 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-d-TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1-α (6-k- PGF1α) were measured. Tissue was analyzed for capillary density and protein expression. Results Myocardial perfusion was significantly decreased in the HF-NAP group both at rest and during ventricular pacing. Microvessel relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside and adenosine 5’-diphosphate were similar between groups. Tissue 11-d-TXB2 levels were similar between groups, but tissue 6-k-PGF1α was significantly decreased in the HF-NAP group (p=0.001). Expression of thromboxane synthase was significantly higher in the HF-NAP group (p=0.02), while prostacyclin synthase expression was significantly decreased in the HF-NAP group (p=0.04). Capillary density was higher in the HF-NAP group (p=0.005). Pro-angiogenic VEGF (p=0.0002) and Akt (p=0.01) were downregulated in the HF-NAP group. Conclusions A high-fat diet impairs tissue perfusion in ischemic myocardium of naproxen-treated swine by shifting the prostanoid balance to favor production of thromboxane over prostacyclin. Thus dietary modification may improve myocardial blood flow and alter the safety profile in chronically ischemic cardiac patients taking naproxen.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent condition that causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States and worldwide. Conventional therapies include lifestyle modification, oral pharmacological agents, and subcutaneous insulin. Emerging data suggest that natural approaches to the treatment of DM may help supplement current therapies for further glycemic control. Herein, we review the evidence of several natural modalities for DM treatment. We describe the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications, provide an overview of current pharmacologic treatments, and finally, discuss natural approaches to diabetes management. Specifically, we will describe on the utility of diet, physical activity, and common natural products in the treatment of DM and focus on recent, high-quality studies. Adverse effects and potential interactions of each therapy will be highlighted where applicable.