Melatonin and Human Cardiovascular Disease

The possible therapeutic role of melatonin in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disorder (CAD) is increasingly being recognized. In humans, exogenous melatonin has been shown to decrease nocturnal hypertension, improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduce the pulsatility index in the internal carotid artery, decrease platelet aggregation, and reduce serum catecholamine levels. Low circulating levels of melatonin are reported in individuals with CAD, arterial hypertension, and congestive heart failure. This review assesses current literature on the cardiovascular effects of melatonin in humans. It can be concluded that melatonin deserves to be considered in clinical trials evaluating novel therapeutic interventions for cardiovascular disorders.Fil: Pandi Perumal, Seithikurippu R.. King Saud University; Arabia SauditaFil: BaHammam, Ahmed S.. King Saud University; Arabia SauditaFil: Ojike, Nwakile I.. King Saud University; Arabia SauditaFil: Akinseye, Oluwaseun A.. University of New York; Estados UnidosFil: Kendzerska, Tetyana. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center; CanadáFil: Buttoo, Kenneth. Sleep Disorders Center; CanadáFil: Dhandapany, Perundurai S.. Oregon Health And Science University; Estados UnidosFil: Brown, Gregory M.. University of Toronto; CanadáFil: Cardinali, Daniel Pedro. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina ; Argentin

Psychological Distress and Hypertension: Results from the National Health Interview Survey for 2004-2013

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Psychological conditions are increasingly linked with cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to examine the association between psychological distress and hypertension. METHODS: We used data from the National Health Interview Survey for 2004-2013. Hypertension was self-reported and the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess psychological distress (a score ≥13 indicated distress). We used a logistic regression model to test the assumption that hypertension was associated with psychological distress. RESULTS: Among the study participants completing the survey (n = 288,784), 51% were female; the overall mean age (±SEM) was 35.3 ± 0.02 years and the mean body mass index was 27.5 ± 0.01. In the entire sample, the prevalence of psychological distress was 3.2%. The adjusted odds of reporting hypertension in psychologically distressed individuals was 1.53 (95% CI = 1.31-1.80, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that psychological distress is associated with higher odds of hypertension after adjusting for other risk factors for high blood pressure. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms by which stress increases hypertension risk

Hepatitis B Vaccination Rate in Patients with Diabetes: Assessment of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparity

Introduction: Less hygienic use of blood glucose monitoring equipment such as blood glucose meters, lancets, finger stick devices or other diabetes-care equipment such as syringes or insulin pens by self-administration often exposes the diabetic patient to Hepatitis B infection. This study evaluateshepatitis B vaccination among individuals with diabetes. Methods: The study used data from the 2000-2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Vaccination rates among adult individuals with diabetes of various ethnic backgrounds was accessed and compared using chis-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to compare factors affecting hepatitis B vaccination among individuals with diabetes.Results: The crude rate of diabetes in this population was 5.4%. The rate of vaccination among individuals with diabetes differed across racial groups (Asians 31.8% vs. blacks 30.7%; and whites 26.5%; p&lt;0.01). After multivariate regression, the leading factors affecting hepatitis B vaccination included Age (40-60 years) (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.47-0.57, p&lt;0.01), lack of college education (OR=0.71,95% CI=0.64-0.79, p&lt;0.01), foreign birth (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.72-0.95, p&lt;0.01) , and Hispanic ethnicity (OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.78-1.00, P&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Social and economic factors- education, insurance status, age, poverty level, and place of birth affect rates of vaccination among individuals with diabetes.Pubmed link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28638894 </p