EVALUATING THE RELATIONSHIP OF BLOOD PRESSURE, PLASMA ANGIOTENSIN PEPTIDES AND ALDOSTERONE WITH COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) plays an important role in the development of hypertension. On the other hand, hypertension is a well-known and independent risk factor for cognitive impairment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of blood pressure control, plasma angiotensin peptides and aldosterone with cognitive functions. Forty-one patients who were under treatment with the same antihypertensive medications for at least three months were included in the study. Plasma angiotensin II, angiotensin 1-7, angiotensin IV, and aldosterone concentrations were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) was used to evaluate cognitive functions. When the participants were grouped according to their SMMSE scores (cut-off value: 26 points), we determined significant differences between systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels, diastolic blood pressure levels, plasma angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 concentrations of the groups. When the participants were stratified according to their SBP levels (cut-off value: 140 mm Hg), we found significant differences in SMMSE scores and plasma angiotensin IV concentrations of the groups. A negative correlation between SBP and SMMSE scores and strong linear correlations among angiotensin peptides levels were determined. The relationship found between SBP and SMMSE in the present study was compatible with the literature. Our 33 patients were using at least one angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Regarding AT1 receptor blockage, the significant association between higher SMMSE scores and increased angiotensin peptides may support a finding that ARBs prevent dementia and improve cognitive function. Further larger studies are needed to confirm and prove the relation of RAAS biochemical parameters with cognitive function

Adropin: A New Marker for Predicting Late Saphenous Vein Graft Disease after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Purpose: Saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD), defined as an occlusion of 50% or more of the SVG excluding distal anastomotic occlusion, is an important predictor of morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Late graft occlusion is a serious complication that often limits the use of the saphenous vein as a coronary bypass graft. Late graft occlusion is particularly common in old, degenerated venous grafts with advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Adropin has been implicated in the homeostatic control of metabolism. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum adropin levels are associated with late SVGD following CABG. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with SVGD involving at least one graft (occluded group; 14 females, 24 males) and 42 patients with a patent saphenous vein graft (patent group; 15 females, 27 males) were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were taken from all of the participants to measure plasma adropin levels using an enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay kit. Results: The mean adropin level was significantly lower in the occluded group than in the patent group (3.2 ± 0.71 vs. 4.9 ± 1.51 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the adropin level was the independent predictor of late saphenous vein graft occlusion. Conclusions: Adropin levels are lower in patients with late saphenous vein graft occlusion and these reduced adropin levels, together with other factors, may lead to saphenous vein graft occlusion. Larger and prospective studies are needed to determine if adropin plays a role in the pathogenesis of SVGD