Department of Medicine
Division of Nephrology
Helsinki University Central Hospital
Helsinki, Finland
and
Folkhälsan Research Center
Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
Arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk factors
Mats Rönnback
Academic dissertation
To be presented with the permission of the Medical Faculty of the University of Helsinki,
for public examination in Biomedicum Helsinki, on December 21, 2007, at 12 noon.
Helsinki 2007
Supervisor
Per-Henrik Groop, MD, DMSc
Docent
Folkhälsan Research Center
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
Reviewers
Kai Metsärinne, MD, DMSc
Docent
Department of Medicine
University of Turku
Turku, Finland
and
Ilkka Pörsti, MD, DMSc
Professor
Department of Medicine
University of Tampere
Tampere, Finland
Opponent
Markku Laakso, MD, DMSc
Professor
Department of Medicine
University of Kuopio
Kuopio, Finland
ISBN 978-952-92-3137-9 (paperback)
ISBN 978-952-10-4434-2 (pdf)
Yliopistopaino
Helsinki 2007
To Ansku, Alvin, and Ebbe
Contents
CONTENTS........................................................................................................................ 4
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................ 6
LIST OF ORIGINAL PUBLICATIONS............................................................................ 8
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................ 9
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 10
2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .............................................................................. 12
2.1. Arterial stiffness..................................................................................................... 12
2.1.1. Definitions of arterial stiffness........................................................................ 12
2.1.2. The role of extracellular matrix ...................................................................... 14
2.1.3. Endothelial function........................................................................................ 15
2.1.4. Intima media thickness ................................................................................... 17
2.1.5. Methods for assessment of arterial stiffness ................................................... 18
2.1.5.1. History...................................................................................................... 18
2.1.5.2. Pulse pressure.......................................................................................... 19
2.1.5.3. Pulse wave velocity .................................................................................. 21
2.1.5.4. Pulse wave analysis ................................................................................. 22
2.1.5.5. Diastolic pulse contour analysis.............................................................. 24
2.1.5.6. Ultrasonography ...................................................................................... 24
2.1.5.7. Magnetic resonance imaging................................................................... 25
2.1.5.8. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index.......................................................... 25
2.1.6. Factors that affect arterial stiffness ................................................................. 26
2.1.6.1. Age ........................................................................................................... 26
2.1.6.2. Hypertension ............................................................................................ 26
2.1.6.3. Physical activity and muscle fibre distribution........................................ 27
2.1.6.4. Smoking.................................................................................................... 28
2.1.6.5. Other factors ............................................................................................ 29
2.1.7. Treatment of arterial stiffness ......................................................................... 30
2.1.7.1. Pharmacological therapy......................................................................... 30
2.1.7.1.1. Vasodilator agents............................................................................. 30
2.1.7.1.2. Drugs affecting vessel wall structure................................................ 31
2.1.7.1.3. Other drugs........................................................................................ 31
2.1.7.2. Lifestyle modification............................................................................... 32
2.1.7.2.1. Sodium intake ................................................................................... 32
2.1.7.2.2. Weight loss........................................................................................ 33
2.1.7.2.3. Dietary modification ......................................................................... 33
2.2. Preeclampsia .......................................................................................................... 34
2.3. Type 1 diabetes ...................................................................................................... 35
2.4. Type 2 diabetes ...................................................................................................... 36
2.5. Milk-derived biologically active peptides ............................................................. 37
3. AIMS OF THE PRESENT STUDY ............................................................................. 39
4. SUBJECTS AND STUDY DESIGN............................................................................ 40
4.1. Ethical aspects........................................................................................................ 40
4.2. Healthy men (I) ...................................................................................................... 40
4.3. Women with current or previous preeclampsia (II)............................................... 40
4.4. Patients with type 1 diabetes (III) .......................................................................... 41
4.5. Control subjects (III).............................................................................................. 41
4.6. Patients with type 2 diabetes (IV).......................................................................... 42
4.7. Subjects with mild hypertension (V) ..................................................................... 42
5. METHODS ................................................................................................................... 44
5.1. Definitions.............................................................................................................. 44
5.1.1. Hypertension ................................................................................................... 44
5.1.2. Preeclampsia ................................................................................................... 44
5.1.3. Diabetes........................................................................................................... 45
5.2. Blood pressure measurement ................................................................................. 45
5.3. Pulse wave velocity (I)........................................................................................... 46
5.4. Pulse wave analysis (I, II, and V) .......................................................................... 46
5.5. Endothelial function testing (I and V) ................................................................... 47
5.6. Assessment of physical activity (I) ........................................................................ 48
5.7. Verification of mortality data (IV)......................................................................... 49
5.8. Assays .................................................................................................................... 49
5.9. Statistical methods ................................................................................................. 50
6. RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 52
6.1. Study I.................................................................................................................... 52
6.2. Study II................................................................................................................... 56
6.3. Study III ................................................................................................................. 58
6.4. Study IV ................................................................................................................. 66
6.5. Study V .................................................................................................................. 74
7. DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................... 79
7.1. Methods.................................................................................................................. 79
7.2. Study I.................................................................................................................... 81
7.3. Study II................................................................................................................... 84
7.4. Study III ................................................................................................................. 86
7.5. Study IV ................................................................................................................. 89
7.6. Study V .................................................................................................................. 92
8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................... 95
9. IMPLICATIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE.................................................................... 97
10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...................................................................................... 100
11. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 103
Abstract
Background: As the human body ages, the arteries gradually lose their elasticity and
become stiffer. Although inevitable, this process is influenced by hereditary and
environmental factors. Interestingly, many classic cardiovascular risk factors affect the
arterial stiffness. During the last decade, accelerated arterial stiffening has been
recognized as an important cardiovascular risk factor associated with increased mortality
as well as with several chronic disorders.
Objectives: This thesis examines the role of arterial stiffness in relation to variations in a
physiological feature in healthy individuals. In addition, the effect on arterial stiffness of
an acute transitory disease and the effect of a chronic disease are studied. Furthermore,
the thesis analyzes the prognostic value of a marker of arterial stiffness in individuals
with chronic disease. Finally, a potential method of reducing arterial stiffness is
evaluated.
Material and study design: The first study examines pulse wave reflection and pulse
wave velocity in relation to muscle fibre distribution in healthy middle-aged men. In the
second study, pulse wave reflection in women with current or previous preeclampsia is
compared to a healthy control group. The effect of aging on the different blood pressure
indices in patients with type 1 diabetes is examined in the third study, whereas the fourth
paper studies the relation between these blood pressure indices and mortality in type 2
diabetes. The fifth study evaluates how intake of a fermented milk product containing
bioactive peptides affects pulse wave reflection in individuals with mild hypertension.
Results and conclusions: Muscle fibre type distribution is not an independent determinant
of arterial stiffness in middle-aged males. Pulse wave reflection is increased in pregnant
women with preeclampsia, but not in previously preeclamptic non-pregnant women.
Patients with type 1 diabetes have a higher and more rapidly increasing pulse pressure,
which suggests accelerated arterial stiffening. In elderly type 2 diabetic patients, very
high and very low levels of pulse pressure are associated with higher mortality. Intake of
milk-derived bioactive peptides reduces pulse wave reflection in hypertensive males but
not in hypertensive females.
List of original publications
This thesis is based on the following publications:
I
Rönnback M, Hernelahti M, Hämäläinen E, Groop P-H, Tikkanen H. Effect of
physical activity and muscle fibre type on endothelial function and arterial
stiffness. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports (published
online: November 2006).
II
Rönnback M, Lampinen K, Groop P-H, Kaaja R. Pulse wave reflection in
currently and previously preeclamptic women. Hypertension in Pregnancy
24:171-180, 2005.
III
Rönnback M, Fagerudd J, Forsblom C, Pettersson-Fernholm K, Reunanen A,
Groop P-H. Altered age-related blood pressure pattern in type 1 diabetes.
Circulation 110:1076-1082, 2004.
IV
Rönnback M, Isomaa B, Fagerudd J, Forsblom C, Tuomi T, Groop P-H, Groop L.
Complex relationship between blood pressure and mortality in type 2 diabetic
patients: A follow-up of the Botnia Study. Hypertension 47:168-173, 2006.
V
Jauhiainen T, Rönnback M, Vapaatalo H, Kautiainen H, Groop P-H, Korpela R.
The effect of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk on arterial stiffness and
endothelial function in hypertensive subjects (submitted).
The publications are referred to in the text by their roman numerals.
8
Abbreviations
AASI
ambulatory arterial stiffness index
ACE
angiotensin converting enzyme
AER
albumin excretion rate
AGE
advanced glycation end product
AIx
augmentation index
ANOVA
analysis of variance
BPM
beats / minute
BMI
body mass index
CI
confidence interval
ECG
electrocardiogram
HbA1c
glycosylated haemoglobin A1c
HDL
high density lipoprotein
IMT
intima-media thickness
LDL
low density lipoprotein
MET
metabolic equivalent
NO
nitric oxide
OGTT
oral glucose tolerance test
SEM
standard error of the mean
SD
standard deviation
Tr
time to return of the reflected pulse wave
WHO
world health organization
9
1. Introduction
The buffering capacity of the large arteries of the human body is essential for maintaining
a steady blood flow. During systole, the arterial walls expand and absorb energy, which is
released during diastole. With increasing age, the large arteries of the human body
gradually lose their elasticity and become stiffer. The systolic blood pressure
consequently tends to rise linearly with age, whereas the diastolic blood pressure
generally starts to decline after approximately 60 years of age. This process results in a
widening of the pulse pressure, which therefore can be regarded as a surrogate measure of
arterial stiffness.1
The process of arterial stiffening has important clinical consequences. Arterial stiffening
adds to the cardiac afterload by increasing aortic systolic blood pressure and reduces
coronary perfusion by lowering the diastolic blood pressure. Arterial stiffness thereby
increases the susceptibility to myocardial ischemia and increases the pressure-induced
damage on coronary and cerebral arteries.
In recent years, pulse pressure and other measures of arterial stiffness have been
recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.2, 3 Additionally, many
established cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking have
been found to increase arterial stiffness.4, 5, 6
The beneficial effect of physical activity on cardiovascular health is well-established.
Striated muscle fibre-type distribution differs between elite athletes of various types of
sports and is mostly determined by genetic factors.7 A high proportion of slow-twitch
10
striated muscle fibres has been associated with a favourable cardiovascular risk profile
including a reduced risk of hypertension.8 Nevertheless, it is unclear whether muscle fibre
distribution has an effect on arterial stiffness.
Preeclampsia is regarded as a state of endothelial dysfunction, which has been associated
with arterial stiffness.9 Moreover, a history of preeclampsia is an established risk factor
for cardiovascular disease later in life.10 The role of arterial stiffness has not yet been
studied in this context.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease.11, 12 The risk is particularly elevated in patients with diabetic nephropathy, but is
also higher in patients without diabetic kidney disease. It has also been established that
both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase arterial stiffness.13,
5
However, the effect of
diabetes on arterial stiffness and on the role of arterial stiffening in the pathogenesis of
cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes are still are still unclear.
Milk casein derived biologically active tripeptides have been shown to have
antihypertensive effects in clinical trials.14 In vitro studies show that these peptides have a
beneficial effect on arterial tone.15 Studies on humans in vivo are still required to verify
the benefits of bioactive tripeptides in a clinical setting.
The present studies were undertaken in order to study the relationship between arterial
stiffness and cardiovascular risk factors in order to assess the role of arterial stiffness in
the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
11
2. Review of the literature
2.1. Arterial stiffness
2.1.1. Definitions of arterial stiffness
Arterial stiffness is a term employed to define the arteries’ capacity to expand and
contract during the cardiac cycle. Other terms such as arterial compliance, distensibility
and elasticity, are all different aspects of arterial stiffness.16 Although these terms are
interrelated, they are not synonymous (Table 1).17 Compliance is defined as the change in
volume for a given pressure change. In the arterial system compliance relates to the
change in artery diameter caused by left ventricular ejection. Distensibility is used to
define compliance relative to the initial volume or diameter of an artery. A loss of arterial
elasticity results in reduced arterial compliance and distensibility. When pressure
increases, a point is eventually reached with less distensibility occurring at higher
pressures as a consequence of the elastic properties of the arterial media.18 At low
pressures elastin fibres take up pressure, whereas at higher pressures the tension is
absorbed by the more rigid collagen fibres and compliance consequently decreases.
Differences in arterial compliance should therefore generally be corrected for blood
pressure.
12
Table 1. Measures of arterial stiffness. Modified from Med Sci Monit, 2003; 9(5):
RA101-109 Woodman RJ et al – Arterial stiffness in diabetes
Term
Definition
Method
Compliance
Arterial segment
volume/diameter change
with pressure change
Compliance relative to
initial volume/diameter
Difference between systolic
and diastolic blood pressure
The speed of the pulse wave
over an arterial segment
Augmentation of aortic
pulse wave by wave
reflection expressed as a
ratio of aortic pulse pressure
Change in volume
throughout exponential
diastolic pressure decay
Change in volume per
oscillatory pressure change
throughout exponential
diastolic pressure decay
1 minus the regression slope
of diastolic blood pressure
and systolic blood pressure
readings
Ultrasonography
Distensibility
Pulse pressure
Pulse wave velocity (PWV)
Augmentation index (AIx)
Capacitive (large) artery
compliance (C1)
Oscillatory (small) artery
compliance (C2)
Ambulatory Arterial
Stiffness Index (AASI)
13
Ultrasonography
Blood pressure
measurement
ECG-gated tonometry,
ultrasound, or doppler
Carotid or radial tonometry
Diastolic pulse contour
analysis by radial tonometry
Diastolic pulse contour
analysis by radial tonometry
Ambulatory blood pressure
measurement
2.1.2. The role of extracellular matrix
The physical properties of the arterial walls largely depend on the two extracellular
proteins elastin and collagen.19 The proportion of elastin and collagen in the arterial wall
is regulated by a slow dynamic process of formation and degradation. Elastin and
collagen degradation is regulated by catabolic matrix metalloproteases. Disturbances of
this balance typically lead to higher collagen content and a diminished proportion of
elastin, which reduces arterial elasticity.20 Collagen production is also stimulated by
elevated blood pressure.21 At the histological level arterial ageing manifests as a two- to
three-fold increase of intima-media thickness during the normal life span.22,
23
Histological examination of stiffened arteries shows damaged endothelium, increased
collagen content, broken elastin molecules, hypertrophied vascular smooth muscle layer,
inflammatory activity, and increased matrix metalloproteinases.24, 25
The tensile strength of the arterial wall is mainly made up of cross-linked collagen
molecules.26 Due to its slow turnover rate, collagen is particularly susceptible to
nonenzymatic glycation and cross-linking. This leads to a more unorganized and
dysfunctional collagen fibre structure with inferior elasticity.
Elastin molecules that have a key function in providing arterial wall elasticity are also
stabilized by cross-linking. Activated metalloproteases generate broken and frayed elastin
molecules and disruption of the cross-links predisposes to protein mineralization and an
increase in arterial stiffness. 27, 28, 29, 30
14
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) also contribute to arterial stiffening by forming
irreversible cross-links between slow-turnover proteins such as collagen and elastin.31, 32,
33, 34
The non-enzymatic protein glycation process forms cross-linked molecules that are
structurally more rigid and less susceptible to degradation.35 AGEs also impair
endothelial function by quenching nitric oxide (NO) and by increasing the generation of
oxidants.36 Furthermore, by binding to specific receptors, AGEs initiate inflammatory
responses that can increase vascular stiffness via activation of metalloproteinases, a
phenomenon that contributes to endothelial dysfunction and promotes atherosclerosis.37,
38, 39
2.1.3. Endothelial function
Arterial stiffness is not only determined by the structure of extracellular matrix.
Endothelial cell function and vascular smooth muscle cell tone do also have a strong
influence on arterial stiffness. Arterial tone is affected by a number of factors like shear
mechanical stress as well as paracrine mediators such as angiotensin II, endothelin, and
NO.40, 41
The endothelium is made up of a single layer of cells that line all the blood vessels in the
body, including conduit arteries, resistance arteries, arterioles and capillaries.42 The
endothelial cells provide a critical barrier between the blood and the tissues. For a long
time, the endothelium was considered a passive membrane that prevented the diffusion of
macromolecules. It is now known that the endothelium is an important autocrine,
paracrine and endocrine organ.
15
The function of each vessel and the role of its respective endothelium vary according to
its location in the body. In the larger arteries, a healthy endothelium provides a surface
that limits the activation of clotting and inflammation, blocks the transfer of atherogenic
lipid particles into the arterial wall, and prevents adhesion of platelets and monocytes. In
the resistance arteries, endothelial cells contribute to the regulation of blood flow and
blood pressure. In the precapillary arterioles, the endothelium plays a role in the transport
of nutrients and hormones, including glucose, fat, and insulin.43
The endothelial cells produce a wide range of substances such as NO, prostacyclin,
endothelin, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukins, tissue plasminogen activator,
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and von Willebrand factor. Synthesis of NO
occurs through enzymatic oxidation of L-arginine.
Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by loss of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation
and can be considered an early phase in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
Decreased production, increased degradation or decreased sensitivity to NO are involved
in endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, the term ‘decreased NO bioavailability’ is often
used to describe the pathophysiological processes that involve NO in endothelial
dysfunction.44
Reduced bioavailability of NO impairs vascular smooth muscle relaxation and thus
causes functional stiffening of the arteries. Several studies have established an effect of
endothelial dysfunction on arterial stiffening.9, 45, 46, 47, 48 Interestingly, a recent study has
shown evidence that arterial stiffness itself may disturb endothelial function and NO
release and thereby accelerate the stiffening process.49
16
2.1.4. Intima media thickness
Increased intima-media thickness (IMT) from ultrasound measurements of the carotid
artery is considered as a surrogate marker of generalized atherosclerosis,50 and has in
several studies been shown to predict the cardiovascular events such as stroke and
myocardial infarction.23,
51, 52
The pathophysiological concept behind carotid IMT as a
marker of target organ damage is that intimal thickening at the carotid artery may be an
early stage of atherosclerotic disease.53
IMT of the carotid artery can be measured by B-mode ultrasound in a fairly
uncomplicated manner. The assessment of IMT has emerged as one of the most popular
methods of determining early atherosclerotic changes and the progression of
atherosclerosis.
A close relationship of IMT with a number of cardiovascular risk factors has been found.
Cholesterol, body mass index and smoking are significantly related to the annual
progression of carotid IMT.54,
55
Also hypertension appears to have a great effect on
IMT.56
A number of cross-sectional studies have shown that IMT is increased in diabetic subjects
in comparison with non-diabetic subjects.57 Diabetic subjects without a diagnosis of CVD
have similar IMT compared to non-diabetic subjects with CVD. Furthermore, the
progression of IMT is approximately 25% greater in diabetic subjects, even after
adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, there are findings
that imply that poor glycaemic control may accelerate the increase in IMT.58
Interestingly, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study
17
showed that intensive insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes slows progression of IMT
suggesting that improved glycaemic control is responsible for the accererated thickening
of the intima media in diabetic subjects.59
It is however unclear to what extent IMT correlates with measures of arterial stiffness. In
type 2 diabetic patients central pressure augmentation correlates with IMT independently
of other risk factors.60 A study on patients in dialysis showed no correlation between IMT
and PWV which suggests that aortic stiffness and carotid atherosclerosis may partially
differ in their pathologic background.61 Similar results were found in a study on young
adults, in which no independent association between IMT and PWV could be observed.62
2.1.5. Methods for assessment of arterial stiffness
2.1.5.1. History
For a long time it has been known that the characteristics of the arterial pulse change with
age and assessment of the arterial pulse has traditionally been considered an important
part of the clinical examination of a patient.63
In the 19th century the sphygmograph, which registered the arterial waveform, was
invented.64, 65, 66 As the ability to interpret the shape of the pulse wave developed, it was
discovered that the shape of the waveform was significantly influenced by age and
disease.67 Nevertheless, when Riva-Rocci developed the mercury sphygmomanometer in
the late 19th century,68 sphygmomanometry that focused on the absolute systolic and
diastolic blood pressure gained clinical popularity on the expense of sphygmography. For
18
approximately a century arterial stiffening was considered to merely reflect ageing and
the clinical significance of the shape of the arterial waveform has not been generally
appreciated until quite recently.
2.1.5.2. Pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and is the
consequence of cardiac contraction and is strongly influenced by the properties of the
arterial tree.69 As the pulse pressure is mainly determined by cardiac output, aortic and
large artery stiffness, and pulse wave reflection, it constitutes a surrogate marker for
arterial stiffness.70
Whereas the systolic blood pressure tends to increase linearly with age in the western
population, the diastolic blood pressure generally rises during adulthood and peaks at
approximately 60 years of age and thereafter starts to decline due to arterial stiffening.71,
72, 73
This naturally results in a rapidly increasing pulse pressure.
Pulse pressure is the most easily available measure of arterial stiffness since it can be
assessed with a standard sphygmomanometer. Unfortunately, assessment of arterial
stiffness by pulse pressure can be quite inaccurate. The brachial blood pressure is
strongly determined by the phenomenon of pulse wave amplification from the aorta to the
peripheral arteries. Due to pulse wave amplification, the peripheral systolic blood
pressure and consequently also the pulse pressure can differ markedly between central
end peripheral arteries.74,
75
Pulse wave amplification decreases with age and is most
19
prominent in the young.76 Thus the usefulness of brachial pulse pressure as a marker of
arterial stiffness is poor in the young but increases substantially with age.
In this context, it can be emphasized that it is in fact the central, not the peripheral blood
pressure that contributes most to the development of the early stages of cardiovascular
disease, e.g. coronary and carotid atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy.77
Pulse pressure has been shown to be a powerful predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and
mortality in a number of studies. The Framingham study demonstrated that in the elderly
population pulse pressure is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease than systolic or
diastolic pressure alone.2 This finding has been confirmed several times.78,
79, 80, 81, 82
Additionally, pulse pressure has been found to predict all-cause and cardiovascular
mortality particularly in the elderly but also in the general population.83, 84, 85, 86 A metaanalysis by Gasowski showed that in hypertensive patients pulse pressure, but not the
mean arterial blood pressure, is associated with an increased risk of fatal coronary heart
events.87 Conflicting results were provided by the Chicago Heart Association and Health
Department Study, which failed to find a relation between pulse pressure and subsequent
mortality.88, 89 Another large study performed on African-Americans also challenged this
view.90
There is however satisfactory consensus that, in the young and middle-aged, diastolic
pressure still is the best blood pressure index to predict coronary heart disease as was
originally shown by the Framingham study.91
20
2.1.5.3. Pulse wave velocity
The speed at which the pressure wave generated by cardiac contraction travels from the
aorta to the peripheral arteries is mainly determined by the artery wall stiffness and lumen
diameter. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be calculated by measuring the time for the
pulse to pass between two points with known distance. The measurement usually
involves taking separate recordings from two sites and relating them to the R wave of a
simultaneously recorded ECG. A variety of methods can be applied to register the pulse
wave such as doppler ultrasound, or applanation tonometry. Since the aorta is the major
component of arterial stiffness, the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, which is a
measure of aortic stiffness, is the most commonly used in the evaluation of regional
stiffness. Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity is mainly a measure of velocity and thus of
stiffness in the brachial artery and is also quite commonly used when conduit artery
stiffness is examined.
Assessment of pulse wave velocity is relatively simple and the method has been widely
applied and has been found to be both robust and reproducible. Studies show that pulse
wave velocity is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and mortality in both
hypertensive patients and in patients with end-stage renal disease.92, 93, 94, 95 Furthermore,
aortic pulse wave velocity is a powerful independent predictor of mortality in diabetic and
elderly population samples.96, 97, 98
21
2.1.5.4. Pulse wave analysis
As the left cardiac ventricle contracts it creates a forward pressure wave that travels to the
periphery throughout the arterial tree. When the forward wave reaches the branching
points of arteries, regions of increased arterial stiffness, and high-resistance arterioles a
backward wave occurs as a consequence of wave reflection.99, 100 The reflected waves are
superimposed on the wave that travels forward resulting in an arterial waveform that
varies throughout the arterial tree.
Arterial stiffening increases the amplitude and the velocity of the reflected waves. In
elastic vessels, the reflected wave tends to arrive back to the aorta during diastole and
thereby augments diastolic pressure and improves coronary perfusion. As arterial
stiffness and hence pulse wave velocity increases, the reflected wave returns to the aorta
at an earlier phase of the cardiac cycle thereby augmenting the systolic pressure instead
of the diastolic pressure. Consequently, arterial stiffening reduces coronary perfusion and
increases cardiac oxygen consumption by augmenting cardiac afterload.
Since the arterial waveform varies throughout the arterial tree, the extent of wave
reflection is assessed more accurately by analyzing the central pressure waveform than
the peripheral waveforms. Although the reflected waves originate predominantly at the
major branches of the aorta, stiffness of the smaller arteries and arterioles has a
considerable influence on the central pressure waveform. Central pulse pressure
augmentation may therefore provide a better marker of systemic arterial stiffness than
single large artery measures, such as pulse wave velocity or aortic ultrasound.
22
Pulse wave analysis (PWA) is a non-invasive method to measure arterial stiffness.101
Applanation tonometry that uses a Millar transducer is employed to record pressures at
the radial or the carotid artery, and a validated generalized transfer function based upon a
comparison with intra-arterial pressures in patients undergoing surgery is then applied to
generate the corresponding central waveform.102,
103
The augmentation index (AIx),
which is a measure of systemic arterial stiffness can then be calculated as the difference
between the first and second systolic peaks expressed as a percentage of the central pulse
pressure. Satisfactory waveform recordings from the radial artery are typically obtained
within a few minutes by a trained examiner.
The AIx has been associated with the presence and extent of coronary artery disease.104
Increased arterial wave reflection is also a risk factor for cardiovascular events in patients
with established coronary artery disease.105, 106 In renal failure patients, high AIx has been
established as an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.107
However, the use of pulse wave analysis to assess arterial stiffness is associated with
some problems. Since the pulse wave reflection returns to the aorta at an earlier phase of
the cardiac cycle when the heart rate is high, there is an inverse association between heart
rate and AIx that needs to be adjusted for.75 The AIx is only in part determined by arterial
stiffness as increases in peripheral wave reflectance may also be caused by increased
peripheral vascular resistance and by the distending effect of an elevated blood
pressure.101 Furthermore, it seems that the generalized transfer function may be
inappropriate for the derivation of central waveforms in patients with diabetes thereby
making the AIx an unreliable measure of arterial stiffness these in patients.108, 109
23
2.1.5.5. Diastolic pulse contour analysis
The compliance of both large and small arteries can be examined by assessment of the
diastolic portion of the pressure pulse contour utilizing a modified Windkessel model.110,
111, 112
Two components of arterial compliance are obtained: large (capacitive) artery
compliance, C1, and small (oscillatory) artery compliance, C2. Similarly to pulse wave
analysis, the waveform of the radial artery can be determined non-invasively by using
tonometry. In a 7 year prospective trial, C2, but not C1, was a predictor of cardiovascular
events.113 Nevertheless, the validity of diastolic pulse contour analysis has been subject to
some criticism that casts doubts over the reliability of this methodology to accurately
measure arterial stiffness.114, 115
2.1.5.6. Ultrasonography
Arterial distensibility and compliance can be measured by ultrasound examination of
large arteries (brachial, femoral and carotid arteries and the abdominal aorta). Images of
the arterial walls are recorded and the maximum and minimum arterial diameter is
registered. Compliance and distensibility can then be calculated using a formula
including blood pressure.116,
117
Ultrasound has the advantage of being non-invasive, but
the equipment is expensive and the learning procedure to master this technique requires
plenty of time and effort. Another problem is its high user-dependency and there have
been some concerns about the reproducibility of the results obtained with this
technique.118
24
2.1.5.7. Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to measure arterial stiffness by relating the
change in arterial diameter to the distending pressure.119 Most studies using this technique
have been performed on the aorta. Although magnetic resonance imaging is non-invasive
and quite accurate, it remains expensive, and its use will probably be limited to wellequipped research settings. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging has been used to
assess pulse wave velocity.120 This technique allows path length to be assessed
accurately, but is as expected not only expensive, but also time-consuming and is
therefore not in common use at the present time.
2.1.5.8. Ambulatory arterial stiffness index
Recently, a novel method to determine arterial stiffness based on 24-hour ambulatory
blood pressure measurement has been proposed. The ambulatory arterial stiffness index
(AASI) is calculated from the individual blood pressure readings as 1 minus the slope of
diastolic on systolic pressure during 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. The AASI appears
to be closely correlated with pulse wave velocity and with the AIx.121 The prospective
study by Dolan et al showed that in 11 291 hypertensive patients, AASI correlated with
cardiovascular mortality.122 In adjusted analyses, AASI was a better predictor of fatal
strokes, than of cardiac events. Due to its novelty the method is yet to be evaluated in
other studies.
25
2.1.6. Factors that affect arterial stiffness
2.1.6.1. Age
Stiffening of large arteries seems to be an inevitable consequence of the normal aging
process and age is consequently the most important determinant of arterial stiffness.123, 124
The positive association between age and arterial stiffness has been confirmed in a large
number of studies using various techniques.24, 125,
126, 127, 128, 129
However, whereas the
large central arteries stiffen progressively with age, the elastic properties of the smaller
muscular arteries change little with age.130, 131
2.1.6.2. Hypertension
Although large artery stiffening is a strongly age-related process, it is also markedly
accelerated by the presence of hypertension.4, 132 Benetos et al found that the age-induced
pulse wave velocity progression was more than 3-times greater in poorly controlled
hypertensive patients compared with well-controlled hypertensive patients.133 A study on
24-h blood pressure showed that impaired night time blood pressure decline is associated
with increased arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave analysis.134 Another study
showed that a determinant of hypertension, low birth weight is related to increased
arterial stiffness.135 Interestingly, recent results demonstrating that aortic stiffness is an
independent predictor of progression to hypertension in normotensive subjects suggest
that lower arterial elasticity is related to the development of hypertension.136, 137
26
2.1.6.3. Physical activity and muscle fibre distribution
The beneficial effect of physical activity on cardiovascular health is undisputable. The
protection from cardiovascular disease offered by physical activity appears to be
mediated by modification of cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, lipid
profile, and body weight in a favourable manner.138, 139
Muscle fibre-type distribution differs between elite athletes of various types of sports and
is mostly determined by genetic factors.7 A high proportion of type I (slow-twitch) fibres
is generally found in endurance sports athletes, while speed and power sports athletes
have a preponderance of type II (fast-twitch) fibres.140,
141, 142
Endurance athletes have a
substantially lower risk of developing atherosclerotic disease compared with power sport
athletes and the general population.143,
144
Former endurance athletes and subjects with a
high proportion of type I fibres also have a reduced risk of developing hypertension.8, 145
Hypertensive subjects show a lower proportion of type I fibres than do normotensive
subjects and blood pressure in fact correlates negatively with the proportion of type I
fibres in cross-sectional studies.146,
147
Furthermore, a high proportion of type I muscle
fibres in skeletal muscle has been associated with a favourable cardiovascular risk profile
characterised by a low prevalence of obesity, high HDL cholesterol, and low serum
insulin.148, 149 It is unclear whether these relationships are a consequence of the inclination
to physical activity that is caused by a high proportion of type I muscle fibres or whether
the effects of muscle fibre-type distribution on cardiovascular risk are mediated by other
mechanisms.150
27
Age-induced stiffening of the large arteries is less pronounced in those who engage in
regular endurance exercise.151 Arterial compliance can also be reduced by exercise
training.152,
153, 154
It is unclear whether low-to-moderate exercise has an impact on the
arterial elastic properties.155,
156
In contrast to aerobic training, resistance training
increases arterial stiffness and pulse pressure.157
2.1.6.4. Smoking
Smoking is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. An acute stiffening
effect of cigarette smoking has been demonstrated in non-smokers as well as in smokers.
158, 159, 160
Passive smoking has also been associated with acutely increased aortic
stiffening.161 Consistent with these results, accelerated arterial stiffening has been
reported in long-term smoking,6,
162
although there are also conflicting results.163 The
effects of long-term active and passive smoking on arterial stiffening appear to be
independent of blood pressure levels.164 No intervention study that directly determines
whether smoking cessation reduces the stiffness of large elastic arteries has yet been
published. Nevertheless, since smoking cessation reduces pulse pressure in hypertensive
patients, it is reasonable to expect that smoking cessation would improve large arterial
stiffness.165
28
2.1.6.5. Other factors
The metabolic syndrome is closely related to hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Therefore
it is not surprising that the metabolic syndrome is also associated with an increased
acceleration of the pulse wave velocity with age.166,
167
In young individuals,
ultrasonically estimated carotid distensibility was associated with the metabolic
syndrome.168 Another feature of the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidaemia has also been
associated with higher central pulse pressure and higher AIx.169
Aortic and brachial pulse wave velocity, pulse wave reflection, and pulse pressure, relate
to the levels of inflammation in healthy individuals, suggesting that inflammation may be
involved in arterial stiffening.170,
171
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker of
systemic inflammation, is independently related to pulse wave velocity, a marker of aortic
stiffness, and AIx, a manifestation of wave reflection, in essential hypertension.172
Increased arterial stiffness is a typical feature of subjects with renal insufficiency, from
mild to moderate reduction of creatinine clearance to end-stage renal failure.173,
174
In a
study conducted in a large cohort of untreated subjects with normal or elevated blood
pressure, Mourad et al. found a negative association between creatinine clearance
calculated by the Cockroft–Gault formula and the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity.175
In a patients with type 2 diabetes and treated hypertension, with a normal to elevated
urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, creatinine clearance and carotid–femoral pulse wave
velocity correlate inversely, independently of age.176
29
Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with lower pulse wave velocity even
after adjusting for blood pressure and other variables and there seems to be a J-shaped
relationship between alcohol intake and pulse wave velocity.177, 178
2.1.7. Treatment of arterial stiffness
2.1.7.1. Pharmacological therapy
2.1.7.1.1. Vasodilator agents
The dynamic component of arterial stiffness can easily be reduced by vasodilating agents
that relax smooth muscle cells in muscular arteries and arterioles. Several indirect
measures of arterial stiffness are improved by vasodilator therapy, such as pulse wave
velocity, pulse wave reflection, and blood pressure.179,
180, 181, 182, 183
Vasodilator drugs
such as ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and
nitrates cause an acute reduction in the AIx and pulse wave by actively dilating muscular
conduit and resistance arteries and reducing peripheral resistance.184,
185, 186
Additionally
they have passive stiffness-reducing effects on elastic arteries as a consequence of lower
distending pressure. Through their effect on pulse wave reflection, vasodilator drugs
lower central systolic and pulse pressure to a larger extent than they reduce brachial
systolic and pulse pressures.187,
188
This mechanism could explain the observed brachial
blood pressure-independent benefits of vasodilator drugs in clinical trials such as the
HOPE trial and the LIFE study.189, 190
30
2.1.7.1.2. Drugs affecting vessel wall structure
Whilst most antihypertensive agents reduce the dynamic vasoconstrictive component of
arterial stiffness, newer therapeutic molecules modify the structure of the arterial walls.
Presently, several substances that improve arterial stiffness are being studied. The
mechanisms of these new potential drugs are inhibition of the formation of AGEs
(aminoguanidine, pyridoxamine, and OPB-9195), non-enzymatic cleaving of existing
arterial wall AGE cross-links (alagebrium), and blocking of AGE receptors. In clinical
trials aminoguanidine has improved arterial stiffness and reduced AER in patients with
diabetic nephropathy, but there are unsolved safety issues concerning this drug.191,
192
Pyridoxamine and OPB-9195 remain in preclinical testing. In a randomized, placebocontrolled trial in elderly patients with increased arterial stiffness, administration of an
AGE cross-link breaker, (3-phenylacyl-4,5-dimethylthiazolium chloride, or alagebrium)
caused a significant reduction in pulse pressure and pulse wave velocity compared with
placebo.193 Soluble AGE receptor molecules acting as false AGE ligands also seem to
decrease vascular inflammation and arterial stiffness.194 These agents are currently
undergoing preclinical testing.
2.1.7.1.3. Other drugs
Statin therapy detectably reduces the stiffness of both the aorta and conduit arteries after
several weeks of therapy.195,
196
The effect can in part be attributed to reduction of LDL
31
cholesterol, but statins also improve arterial stiffness in the absence of dyslipidaemia.
This lipid-independent mechanism may be related to the activation of NO synthesis.
Stiffening of the arteries related to insulin resistance and diabetes can be modified by
pharmacological ligands of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors. In patients
with type 2 diabetes, pioglitazone treatment reduced aortic pulse wave velocity after three
months of treatment.197
2.1.7.2. Lifestyle modification
2.1.7.2.1. Sodium intake
Of all dietary factors, sodium intake probably has the most potent effect on arterial
stiffness. Cross-sectional findings indicate that subjects who follow a low-sodium diet
have more compliant arteries than age- and blood pressure-matched control subjects with
higher sodium intake.198,
199
Moderate dietary sodium restriction improved carotid AIx
and ultrasonographically measured arterial compliance in postmenopausal women
independently of changes in body weight, mean blood pressure, plasma volume, and heart
rate indicating a direct effect of sodium restriction on arterial stiffness.200,
201
Thus, high
salt intake accelerates arterial aging, and both short-term and long-term sodium
restriction decreases arterial stiffness independently from the effect on mean blood
pressure.
32
2.1.7.2.2. Weight loss
A number of intervention studies have investigated the short-term effects of weight loss
on arterial stiffness and have shown that a reduction in body weight is associated with
reductions in large artery stiffness.202,
203, 204, 205
But the effect of weight reduction on
arterial stiffness may be merely an epiphenomenon of concomitant decreases in blood
pressure.206 However, a recent intervention study showed that moderate weight loss
reduces aortic pulse wave velocity in patients with type 2 diabetes independently of blood
pressure.207
2.1.7.2.3. Dietary modification
Several dietary supplements seem to have an effect on arterial stiffness independently of
their effect on the body weight. Supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found
in fish oil improves systemic arterial compliance in dyslipidaemic subjects, most likely
by lowering triglycerides and LDL concentrations.208,
209
In an intervention study on
healthy volunteers, administration of isoflavones that bind to human estrogen receptors
reduced pulse wave velocity after six weeks.210 Three weeks of folic acid
supplementation increased systemic arterial compliance in a placebo-controlled study.211
The antioxidant vitamin C, ascorbic acid has been reported to reduce pulse wave
reflection acutely and after four weeks of oral administration.212,
213
Similarly, vitamin E
intake induced a substantial decrease in systemic arterial stiffness in middle-aged
subjects.214
These results could however be a consequence of reduced peripheral
33
resistance induced by antioxidantive vitamins. Contrary to these results a recent study
involving both short-term and long-term administration of ascorbic acid did not show any
effect on carotid arterial stiffness.215
2.2. Preeclampsia
Approximately 4% of pregnancies are complicated by preeclampsia, making the disease
accountable for a substantial part of maternal and perinatal mortality. Many of the
underlying mechanisms of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia are still unclear, but one
hypothesis suggests that insufficient invasion of the uterine spiral arteries by placental
cytotrophoblasts causes placental ischemia that leads to the release of yet unknown
vasoactive factors. These substances damage the maternal endothelium causing
impairment of endothelial function and the clinical symptoms hypertension and
proteinuria.216, 217
Several biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction have been shown to be elevated
in preeclampsia218 and in vitro tests performed on arteries from preeclamptic women have
revealed increased vessel wall thickness and impaired endothelial NO synthesis.219
However, due to the practical and ethical difficulties of performing invasive testing of
endothelial function in pregnant women, endothelial dysfunction has had to be studied
using indirect methods.
Impaired endothelial function has also been observed in non-pregnant women with a
history of preeclampsia.220 This implies that the endothelial dysfunction of the affected
34
women is not confined to pregnancy and that subclinical alterations in vascular function
may still exist several years after a preeclamptic pregnancy. Since endothelial
dysfunction is a central element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, it is not surprising
that women with a history of preeclampsia have an increased risk of coronary heart
disease.10, 221, 222
2.3. Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing
pancreatic beta-cells. This process gradually results in a total loss of insulin secretion.
The disease generally manifests at an early age and is characterized by hyperglycaemia,
ketoacidosis, polyuria, weight loss, and dehydration. Until the discovery of insulin and
development of insulin therapy by Banting and Best in the 1920’s the disease was
invariably lethal. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10% of all patients with diabetes.
Finland has the highest incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in the world. It is
approximated that more than 30000 patients with type 1 diabetes currently reside in
Finland.223
Patients with type 1 diabetes present an excess of atherosclerosis resulting in increased
cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The risk is particularly elevated in patients with
diabetic nephropathy, but is also higher in patients without diabetic kidney disease.12 It
has been established that patients with type 1 diabetes have stiffer arteries than agematched non-diabetic control subjects, and that the process of arterial stiffening is
35
initiated before any signs of micro- or macrovascular disease can be detected.224,
227
225, 226,
Furthermore, the arterial stiffening process seems to be accelerated in type 1 diabetes
and the arterial stiffness consequently correlates with the duration of diabetes
independently of age.228, 229
2.4. Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a combination of insulin resistance and relatively
insufficient insulin secretion.230,
231, 232
The diagnosis is usually made in adult age. The
majority patients with type 2 diabetes exhibit the metabolic syndrome, which in addition
to insulin resistance includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. It
seems that interaction between complex genetic and environmental factors like obesity
and physical inactivity play a central role in the intricate pathogenesis of the disease.233,
234
Patients with type 2 diabetes have a 2-4 fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular
disease.11,
235
The hypertension that frequently accompanies type 2 diabetes further
increases the cardiovascular risk.236,
237
Several large studies have established the
beneficial effect of effective blood pressure lowering therapy on cardiovascular mortality
in patients with type 2 diabetes.238, 239
Premature arterial stiffening is typical for type 2 diabetes5 and increased pulse pressure
has been found to predict cardiovascular mortality and progression of renal failure in type
2 diabetes.240,
241
In 2005 Cockcroft et al showed that pulse pressure was superior to
36
systolic or diastolic blood pressure in predicting coronary heart disease in patients with
type 2 diabetes.242
Type 2 diabetes is associated with a greater age-related stiffening of the aorta in women
compared with men.243 Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired insulin sensitivity have
been associated with increased arterial stiffness measured by common carotid arterial
distensibility.244,
245, 246
Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that insulin resistance is
independently associated with pulse wave velocity in non-diabetic subjects.247, 248, 249
2.5. Milk-derived biologically active peptides
The milk-derived tripeptides isoleucine-prolyl-prolyl and valine-prolyl-prolyl (Evolus®)
have been shown to dose-dependently lower blood pressure after oral administration in
spontaneously hypertensive rats.250 Continuous feeding of these peptides to
spontaneously hypertensive rats has also attenuated the development of hypertension.251,
252
The mechanisms behind the antihypertensive effects are still unknown, but it seems that it
is partially based on inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.253,
254
Additionally, in vitro studies show improved endothelial release of NO in spontaneously
hypertensive rats after administration of isoleucine-proline-proline and valine-prolineproline.11, 255
37
Some studies on humans have demonstrated a blood pressure lowering effect of the
peptides in mildly hypertensive subjects.14,
256
In these studies biologically active
peptides were generated during milk fermentation by enzymes produced by Lactobacillus
helveticus.
38
3. Aims of the present study
The present studies that focused on arterial stiffness were performed in order to answer
the following questions:
I.
Are physical activity and muscle fibre-type distribution determinants of
endothelial function and arterial stiffness?
II.
Is systemic arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave reflection increased in
pregnant preeclamptic and previously preeclamptic normotensive nonpregnant women?
III.
Can an altered age-related blood pressure pattern, suggestive of accelerated
arterial aging be detected in patients with type 1 diabetes?
IV.
Is pulse pressure superior to systolic and diastolic blood pressure in predicting
all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes?
V.
Can arterial stiffness and endothelial function be improved by intake of
bioactive milk-derived peptides?
39
4. Subjects and study design
4.1. Ethical aspects
All studies were approved by the ethics committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki
and Uusimaa. All subjects gave informed consent prior to participation.
4.2. Healthy men (I)
Fifty-four apparently healthy men who underwent a muscle biopsy for determination of
muscle fibre distribution in 1984 were re-studied in 2003.149 Aortic pulse wave velocity
and pulse wave reflection were assessed by applanation tonometry. Endothelial function
was evaluated by examining the effects of salbutamol and nitroglycerin on pulse wave
reflection. Physical activity was assessed using the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Study
12-month physical activity questionnaire, which was self-administered by the subjects
with a subsequent interview.
4.3. Women with current or previous preeclampsia (II)
In this cross-sectional case-control study pulse wave reflection was assessed by
applanation tonometry at the radial artery. Twenty-six currently pregnant women with
preeclampsia, 26 currently pregnant control subjects, 22 normotensive non-pregnant
previously preeclamptic women, and 22 non-pregnant control subjects were studied.
40
4.4. Patients with type 1 diabetes (III)
This study was part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study (FinnDiane), a multicentre, nationwide study of diabetic late complications. A total of 3025 patients with a
diagnosis of type 1 diabetes with an age at onset < 36 years and insulin therapy initiated
within one year had, in a consecutive manner, been recruited at 59 hospitals and health
care centres by October 31, 2002. All patients underwent a thorough physical
examination during 1998-2002. Their medical history regarding diabetes, diabetic
complications, cardiovascular disease, and data on the latest HbA1c measurement were
acquired from medical records. The analyses were limited to the 2988 patients aged 1864 years.
4.5. Control subjects (III)
The control group was obtained from a national population-based health survey, Health
2000. This survey consists of a randomly drawn nationally representative sample of
persons aged 30 years or over, who attended a comprehensive health examination in the
local health centre or comparable premises during the time period 2000-2001.257 All 5486
subjects younger than 75 years without self-reported diabetes were included in the
analyses.
41
4.6. Patients with type 2 diabetes (IV)
The Botnia Study was initiated in 1990 with the aim to identify risk factors for type 2
diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes from five primary health care centres in Finland
were invited to participate together with their family members.258 Diagnosis of diabetes
was based upon existing WHO criteria.259 The current study represents 1294 consecutive
patients with type 2 diabetes that were examined between 1990 and 1997. Subjects with
a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (n=1173) and previously non-diagnosed family members
whose results from an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) met the most recent WHO
diabetes criteria (n=121) were included.260 Patients with glutamic acid decarboxylase
antibodies or maturity-onset diabetes of the young were excluded.261, 262
Data on the subjects’ vital status was obtained from the national population registry on
May 31st 2004. In order to classify the cause of mortality, death certificates of the
deceased subjects were obtained from the central death-certificate registry. Additionally,
medical records were acquired if the cause of death was unclear. Cardiovascular mortality
was classified using the 9th revision of the International Classification of Disease (codes
399-459) before 1997 and the 10th revision (codes I 10-99) thereafter.
4.7. Subjects with mild hypertension (V)
Eighty-nine subjects participated in this double blind randomized placebo-controlled
study. Subjects with systolic blood pressure in office blood pressure measurement
between 140 and 155 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure between 85 and 99 mm Hg
42
were included. Exclusion criteria were smoking, blood pressure-lowering medication,
secondary hypertension, unstable coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, malignant
diseases, alcohol abuse, milk allergy, and pregnancy. A total of 396 research subjects
responded to recruitment advertisements in newspapers in the Helsinki area. Of 216
subjects that entered the run-in period 122 did not fulfil the inclusion criteria and were
excluded. One subject from the intervention group and four subjects from the control
group withdrew from the study during the intervention periods. The final analysis
included 89 subjects.
After a 4-week run-in period the subjects were randomly allocated to an active group that
received bioactive tripeptides or to a control group that received a similar placebo product
without bioactive tripeptides. During the first 12 weeks of intervention the subjects were
given a two daily 100 ml doses of a fermented milk product containing bioactive
tripeptides in a low concentration (Isoleucine-Prolyl-Prolyl 1.2 mg/100 g and ValineProlyl-Prolyl 1.3 mg/100 g) or placebo. For the following 12 weeks the active treatment
group received two daily 200 ml doses of a similar product containing a high
concentration of bioactive tripeptides Isoleucine-Prolyl-Prolyl 5.8 mg/100 g and ValineProlyl-Prolyl 6.6 mg/100 g). Subjects were asked to fill out a report form concerning their
daily use of the test products and any adverse events. Pulse wave analysis and endothelial
function testing was performed at the beginning and at the end of each intervention
period. The entire study was performed in a double-blinded fashion.
43
5. Methods
5.1. Definitions
5.1.1. Hypertension
Essential hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure •140 mmHg or a diastolic
blood pressure •90 mmHg or antihypertensive medication in control subjects and in
diabetic patients with a normal albumin excretion rate (III). Isolated systolic hypertension
was defined as a systolic blood pressure •140 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure <90
mmHg, irrespective of antihypertensive medication.
Subjects with a systolic blood pressure in the office blood pressure measurements
between 140 and 155 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure between 85 and 99 mm Hg
were classified as having mild hypertension (V).
5.1.2. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia was defined as the onset of proteinuria (•300 mg/24h, or 2+ with dipstick)
and elevated blood pressure (•140/90 mmHg or an increase •30/15 mmHg from the first
trimester of pregnancy) during the last trimester of pregnancy (II).
44
5.1.3. Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes was defined as a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes with an age at onset below
36 years, insulin therapy initiated within one year, and C-peptide negativity (III). In
previously diagnosed patients in study IV, type 2 diabetes was defined according to
existing WHO criteria at the time of diagnosis.259 In subjects with previously
undiagnosed diabetes, a diagnosis of diabetes was based upon the results in an oral
glucose tolerance test according to the most recent WHO criteria.260
5.2. Blood pressure measurement
In Study III and IV blood pressure was measured by trained nurses using mercury
sphygmomanometers. Systolic blood pressure was recorded at phase I and diastolic blood
pressure at phase V of Korotkoff sounds. Two blood pressure recordings were obtained
from the right arm of a sitting patient after at least 5 minutes of rest. The mean of the two
recordings was used in the studies. In Study II, blood pressure was measured with an
aneroid sphygmomanometer using a similar protocol. In Study I and V, blood pressure
was recorded in the dominant arm using a validated oscillometric technique (Omron M4,
Omron Matsusaka Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan). Recordings were taken in a supine position
after at least 5 minutes of rest.
45
5.3. Pulse wave velocity (I)
Carotid-femoral (aortic) pulse wave velocity was measured using the SphygmoCor
(AtCor Medical Pty. Ltd., Sydney, Australia) device by sequentially recording ECGgated carotid and femoral artery waveforms with a high-fidelity micromanometer (SPC301; Millar Instruments, Texas, U.S.A.) for 30 seconds. The timing of these waveforms
was compared with that of the R wave on the simultaneously recorded ECG. Pulse wave
velocity was determined by calculation of the difference in carotid to femoral path length
divided by the difference in R wave to waveform foot times. The difference in carotid to
femoral path length was estimated from the distance from the sternal notch to the femoral
and carotid pulse respectively measured in a direct line.
5.4. Pulse wave analysis (I, II, and V)
After at least 5 minutes of rest, brachial blood pressure was recorded from the dominant
arm using an aneroid sphygmomanometer or a validated oscillometric manometer (M4-I,
Omron Corporation, Japan). Pulse wave reflection was assessed with the SphygmoCor
pulse wave analysis System (AtCor Medical Pty. Ltd., Sydney, Australia). Radial artery
waveforms were recorded non-invasively at the wrist of the dominant arm with an
applanation tonometer (SPT-301B, Millar Instruments, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.). The
waveforms were collected into a personal computer and the SphygmoCor software was
used to generate the corresponding aortic waveforms using a validated transfer
function.263,
264
The aortic AIx was calculated as the augmentation of the aortic systolic
46
pressure by the reflected pulse wave expressed as a percentage of the aortic pulse
pressure. Because AIx is influenced by heart rate, it was adjusted to a heart rate of 75
bpm by the software.75 Central and mean arterial blood pressure was calculated from the
digitized brachial blood pressure curve. The time to return of the reflected wave (Tr) was
calculated as the time from the beginning of the derived aortic systolic pressure
waveform to the inflection point. Tr can be used as a substitute for pulse wave velocity (a
higher pulse wave velocity will result in a shorter Tr).265 All measurements were
subjected to quality control by the software and only high-quality recordings, defined as a
quality index 80% were included in the analyses.
5.5. Endothelial function testing (I and V)
Vascular endothelial function was studied using the pulse wave analysis method
developed by Wilkinson et al.266 This method examines the effects of the ß2-adrenergic
receptor agonist salbutamol and nitroglycerin on the AIx. Salbutamol activates the Larginine pathway in endothelial cells and causes endothelial release of NO. Nitroglycerin
is a donor of NO when it is degraded in the blood stream. NO causes vasodilation by
relaxing vascular smooth muscle cells. The reduction of AIx induced by inhalation of
salbutamol thus reflects the endothelial NO production capacity, while the reaction to
nitroglycerin is a measure of vasodilatory capacity in response to supraphysiologic NO
stimulus.
47
After the baseline recordings of the AIx, a 500 ȝg tablet of nitroglycerin (Nitro, Orion,
Finland) was administered sublingually. AIx was measured after 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20
minutes. Thirty to sixty minutes later two 200 ȝg inhalations of salbutamol (Ventoline
Evohaler, GlaxoSmithKline) were given with a spacer device (Volumatic). AIx was
measured 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes later. The response to nitroglycerin and salbutamol
was defined as the maximum change from baseline after drug administration. An
endothelial function index (EFI) was calculated as the absolute change induced by
salbutamol divided by the absolute change induced by nitroglycerin expressed as a
percentage.
5.6. Assessment of physical activity (I)
In Study I, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was assessed by the Kuopio Ischemic
Heart Disease Study 12-month physical activity questionnaire, which was selfadministered by the subjects with a subsequent interview to ensure completeness.267 The
questionnaire included a list of activities for which the subjects reported the mean
intensity and duration and the frequency for each month. Specific MET values of
different intensities of each type of activity have been assessed.268 The volume of
exercise activities was expressed in metabolic equivalents multiplied by hours per week
(METh/wk), a relative measure of energy expenditure, where 1 MET corresponds to
energy expenditure at rest. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire has been
confirmed by several studies.269, 270
48
5.7. Verification of mortality data (IV)
Data on the subjects’ vital status was obtained from the national population registry. In
order to classify the cause of mortality, death certificates of the deceased subjects were
obtained from the central death-certificate registry. Additionally, medical records were
acquired if the cause of death was unclear. Cardiovascular mortality was classified using
the 9th revision of the International Classification of Disease (codes 399-459) before 1997
and the 10th revision (codes I 10-99) thereafter.
5.8. Assays
Biochemical analyses of blood samples were included in Study I, II, IV, and V. Total
cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured enzymatically, and LDL
was calculated according to the Friedewald formula (Study I, IV, and V). Urine albumin
concentration was measured by an immunoturbidometric method (study III and IV).
HbA1c measurements were acquired from medical records (Study III and IV). Fasting
plasma glucose was measured by a hexokinase method, (Study IV). Glutamic acid
decarboxylase antibodies were determined by a modified radiobinding assay (Study IV).
C-reactive protein was determined using an immunoturbidometric method (Study V).
49
5.9. Statistical methods
In general, all analyses were performed with SPSS version 11.0 or 12.0.1 (SPSS Inc,
Chicago, IL, U.S.A.). Results are expressed as the mean ± SEM or ± SD for normally
distributed variables, and as the median (range or interquartile range) for non-normally
distributed variables. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Normally distributed variables were analyzed with ANOVA or Student’s t-test and nonnormally distributed variables with Mann-Whitney U-test. Simple linear regression
(Pearson) was used to examine univariate correlations. More complex correlations were
analyzed by means of multiple regression analysis using stepwise backward elimination.
In study III, the difference in blood pressure levels between diabetes patients and control
subjects was analyzed in matching age groups. When analyzing males and females
together, a statistical model giving both sexes equal weight in each age group was used.
In study IV, relevant clinical variables were entered into a forward stepwise Cox
regression model in order to determine mortality risk factors. AER was not included in
the model due to missing data on a large number of patients. Variables that contributed
significantly were added to the model in order of significance, except gender, which was
forced into the model. Hazard ratios were calculated by merging the results of separate
analyses for medicated and non-medicated patients in order to reduce confounding effects
caused by antihypertensive medication.
The analyses in Study V were performed according to the intention to treat principle
Statistical comparison of outcome measurements was performed using paired t-test. The
50
changes in measurements between groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance
with the baseline value as the covariable.
51
6. Results
6.1. Study I
Table 2 describes the characteristics of the studied subjects in Study I. Administration of
nitroglycerin reduced the AIx by 24±5 percentage units and administration of salbutamol
reduced the AIx by 17±6 percentage units. Figure 1 illustrates the relationships between
type I% and the measures of arterial stiffness and endothelial function.
We performed univariate linear regression analyses, in which aortic pulse wave velocity
correlated positively with BMI (R=0.43, P=0.001), alcohol consumption (R=0.33,
P=0.018), and diastolic blood pressure (R=0.42, P=0.002). In corresponding analyses AIx
correlated positively with plasma triglycerides (R=0.31, P=0.022), smoking status
(R=0.40, P=0.002, never smoker = 1, previous smoker = 2, current smoker = 3), and
mean arterial pressure (R=0.35, P=0.009), and inversely with type I% (R=0.29, P=0.033).
The endothelial function index correlated inversely with total plasma cholesterol
(R=0.36, P=0.008), LDL cholesterol (R=0.37, P=0.005), and leisure-time physical
activity (R=0.33, P=0.015).
52
Table 2. Characteristics of the subjects (Study I). N=54.
Variable
Age, years
58 (52-78)
Type I muscle fibers, %
58 ± 15
Exercise, MET-hours/week
31 (0-100)
Exercise in 1984, MET-hours/week
Smoking, current/previous/never
Alcohol consumption, g/day
AHT, yes/no
Systolic blood pressure, mmHg
Diastolic blood pressure, mmHg
Mean arterial blood pressure, mmHg
30 (0-106)
8/23/23
14 (0-83)
18/36
140 ± 16
85 (67-98)
106 (84-124)
Pulse pressure, mmHg
55 (40-100)
Total cholesterol, mmol/l
5.7 ± 1.1
LDL cholesterol, mmol/l
BMI, kg/m2
3.5 ± 0.9
26.4 ± 4.1
HDL, cholesterol, mmol/l
1.5 ± 0.4
Triglycerides, mmol/l
1.3 (0.7-5.5)
Aortic PWV, m/s
7.9 (5.4-13.7)
AIx, %
21 ± 6
AIx reduction by nitroglycerin, %-units
24 ± 5
AIx reduction by salbutamol, %-units
17 ± 6
Endothelial function index, %
73 ± 25
Normally distributed data is presented as mean±SD, non-normally distributed data as median (range). AHT
indicates antihypertensive therapy; PWV, pulse wave velocity; AIx, augmentation index.
53
Figure 1. (Study I) Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), basal augmentation index (AIx),
and endothelial function index (EFI) in subjects with a type I% below (diagonal stripes)
and above (black) the median value of 58.5%. Columns represent median (PWV) and
mean (AIx, EFI) values. Error bars indicate SD for normally distributed variables.
Stepwise backward multiple regression analyses with aortic pulse wave velocity, AIx,
and endothelial function index as dependent variables were performed. Age, BMI,
leisure-time physical activity, type I%, smoking, alcohol consumption, diastolic blood
pressure, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were entered into the
models. Table 3 shows the final models. Pulse wave velocity was positively associated
with age, BMI, and systolic blood pressure. A higher AIx was associated with smoking,
high LDL cholesterol, and
high diastolic blood pressure. Inverse correlations were
54
Table 3. Multiple regression analyses with measurements of arterial stiffness and endothelial function as
dependent variables (Study II)
R2 = 0.51
ȕ
P
0.26
0.017
BMI, kg/m
0.37
0.001
Alcohol consumption, g/day
0.21
0.06
Systolic BP, mmHg
0.33
0.004
ȕ
P
Aortic PWV, m/s
Age, years
2
R2 = 0.33
AIx, %
2
BMI, kg/m
-0.19
0.19
Smoking*
0.52
<0.001
LDL cholesterol, mmol/l
0.29
0.02
Diastolic blood pressure, mmHg
0.31
0.03
ȕ
P
Age, years
-0.25
0.04
LTPA, METh/week
-0.36
0.005
Alcohol consumption, g/day
-0.17
0.17
EFI, %
R2 = 0.37
LDL cholesterol, mmol/l
-0.30
0.017
Triglycerides, mmol/l
-0.27
0.027
Final models after backward elimination. Age, BMI, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), type I%,
smoking, alcohol consumption, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure were
entered as determinants of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and endothelial
function index (EFI). *Never smoked = 1, previous smoker = 2, current smoker = 3.
55
observed between endothelial function index and age, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and
leisure-time physical activity.
Pulse wave velocity, AIx, or endothelial function index did not differ between subjects
with and without antihypertensive medication.
6.2. Study II
The clinical characteristics of the studied subjects in study II are presented in Table 4.
Women with preeclampsia had a higher body weight compared with pregnant control
subjects. The weight prior to 10 weeks of gestation did not differ between the two
currently pregnant groups. With regard to current age, age at delivery, and height, the
non-pregnant groups were similar. A higher body weight was observed in previously
preeclamptic women in comparison with the non-pregnant control subjects.
Hemodynamic characteristics of the subjects studied in Study II are presented in Table 5.
With the exception of brachial pulse pressure, all blood pressure indices were
significantly higher in subjects with preeclampsia, whereas heart rate was significantly
lower in comparison with the pregnant control subjects (76 ± 1 vs. 84 ± 2 bpm, P <
0.001). Compared with the pregnant control subjects, AIx was higher in the currently
preeclamptic group (23 ± 2 vs. 4 ± 1%, P < 0.001). When the AIx was adjusted to a heart
rate of 75 bpm, the difference diminished slightly, but remained significant (23 ± 1% vs.
8 ± 1 %, P < 0.001). No significant differences in any of the hemodynamic characteristics
56
Table 4. Clinical characteristics of subjects (Study II)
Current Preeclampsia
Pregnant Control
(n = 26)
(n = 26)
Variable
Age (years)
P-value
32 ± 1
31 ± 1
Gestational age at examination (days)
252 ± 4
256 ± 1
0.21
0.48
Height (cm)
168 ± 1
166 ± 1
0.16
Present weight (kg)
80
(68-119)
72
(60-105)
<0.01
Weight < 10 weeks of pregnancy (kg)
63
(50-95)
60
(50-85)
0.13
Maximal proteinuria in pregnancy (g/24h)
4.2
(0.3-9.9)
Gestational age at delivery (days)
263
(221-290)
(216-297)
0.11
276
-
Previous Preeclampsia
Non-pregnant Control
Variable
(n = 22)
(n = 22)
Age (years)
36 ± 1
37 ± 1
0.93
Age at delivery (years)
31 ± 1
30 ± 1
0.28
165 ± 1
164 ± 1
Height (cm)
Weight (kg)
72
(45-103)
Maximal proteinuria in pregnancy (g/24h)
8.5
(0.8-33)
Gestational age at delivery (days)
230 ± 5
64
P-value
0.69
(47-96)
0.03
-
-
282 ± 2
<0.01
Normally distributed variables are presented as mean ± SEM. Non-normally distributed variables are presented
as as median (range).
Table 5. Hemodynamic characteristics (Study II)
Variable
Current
Pregnant
Previous
Preeclampsia
Control
Preeclampsia
Control
(n = 26)
(n = 26)
(n = 22)
(n = 22)
Brachial SBP (mmHg)
145 ± 3*
119 ± 2
Brachial DBP (mmHg)
91 ± 2*
69 ± 2
77 ± 2
72 ± 3
50
54 ± 2
52 ± 2
Brachial PP (mmHg)
54
(38 - 80)
(36 - 69)
125
(108 - 162)
Non-pregnant
120
Brachial MAP (mmHg)
111 ± 2*
85 ± 2
Aortic SBP (mmHg)
133 ± 2*
101 ± 2
Aortic DBP (mmHg)
92 ± 2*
71 ± 2
78 ± 3
74 ± 3
29
39
36
(28 - 65)*
97 ± 3
(104 - 168)
114
(92 - 148)
91 ± 3
105
(90 - 158)
Aortic PP (mmHg)
39
Heart rate (bpm)
76 ± 1*
84 ± 2
66 ± 2
68 ± 2
AIx (%)
23 ± 2*
4± 1
8± 2
8± 2
23 - 45)
(26 - 55)
(29 - 88)
Normally distributed variables are presented as mean ± SEM. Non-normally distributed variables are
presented as as median (range). * P < 0.001 vs. corresponding control group. No P-values occurred in
the range 0.001-0.05. SBP indicates systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; PP, pulse
pressure; MAP, mean arterial pressure; bpm, beats per minute; AIx, augmentation index.
57
could be observed between the previously preeclamptic group and the non-pregnant
control subjects.
In currently pregnant subjects, the non-adjusted AIx correlated positively with mean
arterial blood pressure (r = 0.71, P < 0.001) and inversely with heart rate (r = -0.62, P <
0.001). We did not observe any correlation with age, gestational age, height, or early
pregnancy weight. In the preeclamptic group the amount of proteinuria did not correlate
with the AIx. A multiple linear regression analysis with the AIx as the dependent variable
was performed. Current preeclampsia was independently associated with increased AIx in
a model that also included heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure (Table 6).
A corresponding multiple regression model including non-pregnant subjects was
performed. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and age contributed to the AIx
independently of each other (Table 6). A history of preeclampsia was not associated with
pulse wave reflection in these subjects.
6.3. Study III
Patients with type 1 diabetes were on average younger, had a lower body-mass index
(BMI), and had more cardiovascular disease than control subjects (Table 7). Smoking
was equally common in both groups, whereas the use of antihypertensive medication was
more frequent in the diabetic group.
Patients with diabetes had a higher systolic blood pressure than control subjects in most
age categories (Figure 2-4). In comparison with control subjects, diabetic males under 35
58
Table 6. Multiple regression with non-adjusted AIx as dependent variable (Study II)
Pregnant Subjects
B
SE of B
P-value
Preeclampsia
14.3
2.92
< 0.001
Brachial MAP (mmHg)
0.05
0.09
0.59
Heart rate (bpm)
-0.39
0.09
< 0.001
Non-pregnant Subjects
B
SE of B
P-value
Previous preeclampsia
-0.65
1.77
0.72
Brachial MAP (mmHg)
0.37
0.06
< 0.001
Heart rate (bpm)
-0.26
0.10
0.01
Age (years)
0.76
0.20
0.001
R2 = 0.76
R2 = 0.57
Variables with significant bivariate correlation with the dependent variable were entered into the models. B
indicates the non-standardized regression coefficient; MAP, mean arterial pressure.
years and diabetic females under 40 years had a higher diastolic blood pressure, while the
diastolic pressure was lower in males and females with diabetes in the age groups over 45
years (Figure 2-4). In diabetic patients, the highest diastolic pressure was observed in the
age group 40-44 years (82±1 mmHg). In the control group, the highest diastolic blood
pressure was observed in the age group 55-59 years (85±0 mmHg) (Figure 2-4).
Diabetic patients showed a higher pulse pressure was in all age categories (Figure 2-4).
Comparable pulse pressure readings were observed at 15-20 years younger age in
diabetic than in control subjects. Pulse pressure in diabetic patients stratified by AER is
demonstrated in Figure 5. Patients with macroalbuminuria had the highest pulse pressure,
followed by microalbuminuric and normoalbuminuric diabetes patients. Furthermore, it
can be noted that control subjects had significantly lower pulse pressure than
normoalbuminuric diabetes patients in all age categories. In a stratification of the diabetic
patients by age at onset of diabetes, pulse pressure differed between diabetic subgroups in
59
Table 7. Clinical characteristics (Study III)
Variable
Diabetic subjects
Controls
P-value
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
2988
2164
5486
4755
-
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
51.7
52.0
46.6
47.2
<0.001
<0.001
25.1±0.1
25.3±0.1
26.8±0.1
26.6±0.1
<0.001
<0.001
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
24.7
23.7
23.5
25.6
0.23
0.05
Antihypertensive medication, %
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
40.1
49.6
14.3
11.1
<0.001
<0.001
Cardiovascular disease, %
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
7.2
9.7
6.1
3.5
0.02
<0.001
Duration of diabetes, years
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
22.4±0.2
26.2±0.2
-
-
-
-
Number of subjects
Males, %
Body-mass index, kg/m2
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
Current smokers, %
HbA1c, %
Entire group
Age 30-64 years
8.5±0.0
8.4±0.0
Values are means ±SEM.
60
61
62
63
64
all age groups between 25 and 59 years (Figure 6). No significant pulse pressure
differences were observed between age- and sex-specific tertiles of HbA1cwithin the
diabetic group. We noted that there were no differences in pulse pressure between
smokers and non-smokers.
Clinically significant were entered into a backward multiple linear regression analysis
with pulse pressure as the dependent variable. In the final model, male gender, age,
duration of diabetes, and AER, were independently associated with pulse pressure in
patients with diabetes (Table 8).
Essential hypertension was significantly but marginally more frequent in diabetic patients
with a normal AER compared to control subjects (Figure 7). Isolated systolic
hypertension was approximately three times more common in normoalbuminuric diabetic
subjects of all ages (Figure 8).
Table 8. Multiple linear regression analysis of diabetic subjects with pulse pressure as dependent
variable (Study III)
B
P-value
Male sex
1.55±0.53
0.001
Age, years
0.45±0.04
<0.001
Duration of diabetes, years
0.24±0.04
<0.001
AER, mg/24h*
3.28±0.34
<0.001
R2 = 0.274. Coefficient values are ±SEM. *After logarithmic transformation.
65
66
6.4. Study IV
The characteristics of the type 2 diabetic cohort at baseline are described in Table 911. During a median follow-up time of 9.5 years (range 6.5-14.4 years) 192 (35% of
deaths) patients died of coronary heart disease, 68 (12%) of cerebrovascular disease,
72 (13%) of other cardiovascular disease, 102 (18%) of neoplasms, 100 (18%) of
other disease, and 12 (2%) of accidents or suicide. Six (1%) of the total 552 deaths
could not be classified. Patients, who were still alive at follow-up were younger, had a
shorter duration of diabetes, had lower pulse pressure and lower AER. Furthermore,
survivors had higher diastolic blood pressure and body-mass index than the patients
that died. Additionally, patients who died of cardiovascular disease had higher
systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, and triglycerides, but lower HDL
cholesterol compared with the survivors.
The Cox regression analyses showed that the unadjusted relationship with all-cause
and cardiovascular mortality was negative for diastolic blood pressure, but positive
for pulse pressure (Table 12 and 13). After adjusting for other risk factors, systolic
blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure correlated negatively with both all-cause
and cardiovascular mortality. No association between pulse pressure and mortality
was observed in the adjusted analyses.
A corresponding Cox regression analysis including only patients with available AER
measurements was performed (N = 666). When AER was added to the model, the
hazard ratio for all blood pressure indices declined by 0.01-0.03.
67
Table 9. Baseline anamnestic characteristics according to outcome (Study IV)
Baseline characteristics
Entire group
Survivors
Cardiovascular
death
Other death
N=
1294
742
332
220
Sex, % males
46
45
46
46
Age, years
69.1 (61.1-75.7)
64.0 (56.7-71.4)
75.7 (70.5-80.9)*
74.8 (69.4-80.2)*
Duration of diabetes, years
6.3 (2.4-11.6)
4.6 (1.4-9.8)
8.2 (4.4-13.9)*
7.7 (3.1-13.2)*
Diabetes treatment, diet/oral
agents/insulin/combination %
39/28/11/22
41/31/11/18
38/25/12/27†
37/24/10/29†
Antihypertensive medication, % 51
46
62*
52
Stroke, %
8
4
16*
7†
Coronary heart disease, %
29
21
48*
28†
Total CVD, %
32
23
55*
30†
Current smokers, %
8
10
6
7
Normally distributed values are presented as mean±SD, non-normally distributed values as median (interquartile
range). CVD indicates cardiovascular disease. *P<0.01 vs survivors. †P<0.05 vs survivors.
Table 10. Clinical baseline characteristics according to outcome (Study IV)
Baseline characteristics
Entire group
Survivors
Cardiovascular
death
Other death
N=
1294
742
332
220
Systolic BP, mmHg
149±21
148±20
151±21†
150±20
Diastolic BP, mmHg
83±11
85±11
80±11*
82±10*
Pulse pressure, mmHg
66±18
63±18
71±19*
69±18*
Mean arterial BP, mmHg
105±10
106±12
104±12
104±12
Body-mass index, kg/m2
28.3±4.7
28.8±4.7
27.5±4.5*
27.5±4.6*
Waist-hip ratio
0.93±0.08
0.93±0.08
0.93±0.09
0.93±0.07
Normally distributed values are presented as mean±SD, non-normally distributed values as median (interquartile
range). BP indicates blood pressure. *P<0.01 vs survivors. †P<0.05 vs survivors.
68
Table 11. Baseline biochemical characteristics according to outcome (Study IV)
Baseline characteristics
Entire group
Survivors
Cardiovascular
death
Other death
N=
1294
742
332
220
Fasting plasma glucose, mmol/l 8.4 (7.1-11.0)
8.1 (7.0-10.7)
9.1 (7.2-11.6)*
8.3 (6.9-10.7)
HbA1c, %
7.5±1.5
7.4±1.6
7.7±1.4
7.4±1.5
AER, ȝg/min
5.5 (2.8-11.7)
4.7 (2.5-9.3)
6.8 (3.7-22.2)*
7.1 (3.1-13.7) *
Total cholesterol, mmol/l
5.85±1.20
5.84±1.13
5.96±1.26
5.72±1.30
LDL cholesterol, mmol/l
3.80±1.05
3.75±1.01
3.89±1.05
3.70±1.15
HDL cholesterol, mmol/l
1.18±0.31
1.19±0.30
1.12±0.29*
1.23±0.35
Triglycerides, mmol/l
1.70 (1.25-2.38)
1.55 (1.26-2.27)
1.83 (1.32-2.54)*
1.58 (1.15-2.45)
Normally distributed values are presented as mean±SD, non-normally distributed values as median (interquartile
range). AER indicates albumin excretion rate. *P<0.01 vs survivors.
Table 12. Cox regression models for all-cause mortality after adjustment for other risk factors (Study IV)
Variable added
Hazard ratio*
Pressure per 10 mmHg
SBP
DBP
PP
1.00 (0.96-1.05)
0.70 (0.64-0.76)
1.12 (1.07-1.18)
Age, years
1.11 (1.09-1.12)
0.92 (0.88-0.97)
0.86 (0.78-0.94)
0.95 (0.91-1.00)
Gender, male
1.51 (1.24-1.83)
0.92 (0.88-0.97)
0.82 (0.75-0.90)
0.96 (0.92-1.01)
Current smoking
2.40 (1.62-3.52)
0.92 (0.88-0.96)
0.82 (0.75-0.90)
0.96 (0.91-1.01)
Diabetes duration, years
1.02 (1.01-1.04)
0.92 (0.88-0.97)
0.83 (0.76-0.91)
0.96 (0.91-1.01)
Previous CVD
1.39 (1.15-1.69)
0.93 (0.89-0.97)
0.85 (0.77-0.93)
0.96 (0.91-1.01)
Hazard ratios refer to a pressure increase of 10 mmHg. Analyses were performed with antihypertensive
medication as strata variable. Values in parenthesis are 95% confidence intervals. SBP indicates systolic
blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; PP, pulse pressure; CVD, cardiovascular disease. *Hazard
ratio in final model not including blood pressure indices.
69
Table 13. Cox regression models for cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for other risk factors (Study IV)
Variable added
Hazard ratio*
Pressure per 10 mmHg
SBP
DBP
PP
1.00 (0.96-1.05)
0.65 (0.58-0.72)
1.14 (1.07-1.20)
Age, years
1.12 (1.10-1.14)
0.92 (0.87-0.98)
0.80 (0.71-0.90)
0.96 (0.91-1.03)
Gender, male
1.49 (1.13-1.97)
0.92 (0.88-0.97)
0.77 (0.68-0.86)
0.98 (0.91-1.04)
Previous CVD
1.82 (1.38-2.40)
0.93 (0.88-0.99)
0.81 (0.72-0.91)
0.97 (0.91-1.04)
Diabetes duration, years
1.03 (1.01-1.04)
0.93 (0.87-0.98)
0.82 (0.73-0.93)
0.96 (0.90-1.03)
Current smoking
2.19 (1.25-3.81)
0.93 (0.88-0.99)
0.81 (0.72-0.91)
0.97 (0.91-1.04)
HDL cholesterol, mmol/l
0.55 (0.33-0.89)
0.92 (0.87-0.98)
0.82 (0.73-0.92)
0.96 (0.90-1.03)
Hazard ratios refer to a pressure increase of 10 mmHg. Analyses were performed with antihypertensive
medication as strata variable. Values in parenthesis are 95% confidence intervals. SBP indicates systolic
blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; PP, pulse pressure; CVD, cardiovascular disease. *Hazard
ratio in final model not including blood pressure indices.
Figure 9-11 show cardiovascular mortality in relation to the age- and gender-adjusted
blood pressure indices. The relationships between all-cause mortality and blood
pressure were similar to those shown in these figures.
A negative association between systolic blood pressure and mortality was observed in
patients with a positive history of cardiovascular disease and systolic blood pressure
levels < 140 mmHg were associated with increased mortality in this group. In patients
older than the median age of 69.1 years systolic blood pressure correlated with
mortality in a U-shaped fashion, whereas no such relationship in patients below
median age was observed. Patients with and without antihypertensive medication
showed an inverse association between systolic blood pressure and mortality.
70
Figure 9. (Study IV) Cardiovascular mortality in relation to age- and gender-adjusted systolic
blood pressure (SBP). Left : Previous cardiovascular disease (hollow squares, dotted line), no
previous cardiovascular disease (filled circles, solid line). Center: Age > median (69.1 years)
(hollow squares, dotted line), age < median (filled circles, solid line).Right: Antihypertensive
medication (hollow squares, dotted line), no antihypertensive medication (filled circles, solid line).
Vertical bars indicate 95% confidence intervals.
Figure 10. (Study IV) Cardiovascular mortality in relation to age- and gender-adjusted diastolic
blood pressure (DBP). Left : Previous cardiovascular disease (hollow squares, dotted line), no
previous cardiovascular disease (filled circles, solid line). Center: Age > median (69.1 years)
(hollow squares, dotted line), age < median (filled circles, solid line).Right: Antihypertensive
medication (hollow squares, dotted line), no antihypertensive medication (filled circles, solid line).
Vertical bars indicate 95% confidence intervals.
71
Figure 11. (Study IV) Cardiovascular mortality in relation to age- and gender-adjusted pulse
pressure (PP). Left : Previous cardiovascular disease (hollow squares, dotted line), no previous
cardiovascular disease (filled circles, solid line). Center: Age > median (69.1 years) (hollow
squares, dotted line), age < median (filled circles, solid line). Right: Antihypertensive medication
(hollow squares, dotted line), no antihypertensive medication (filled circles, solid line). Vertical
bars indicate 95% confidence intervals.
Cardiovascular mortality correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure in
patients with previous cardiovascular disease. In patients with antihypertensive
medication, diastolic blood pressure correlated with mortality in an inverse manner.
The association between pulse pressure and mortality was U-shaped in both patients
with and without previous cardiovascular disease with the highest risk found in the
lowest and highest pulse pressure category. In patients older than the median age of
69.1 years pulse pressure correlated with mortality in a U-shaped fashion, whereas the
relationship tended to be positive in patients below the median age.
All-cause mortality stratified by systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure
levels is shown in Figure 12. Mortality increases towards the upper right corner,
where the combination of a high systolic blood pressure and a low diastolic blood
72
pressure results in a high pulse pressure. A similar peak in mortality can be observed
in the lower left corner, where a low systolic blood pressure and a high diastolic
blood pressure result in a low pulse pressure.
A corresponding analysis for
cardiovascular mortality displayed a very similar pattern.
73
6.5. Study V
Table 14 shows the characteristics of the study subjects at baseline. Data on blood
pressure, arterial stiffness and endothelial function and the change in these parameters to
24 weeks are presented in Table 15. At follow-up, AIx had declined in the peptide group
in comparison to the placebo group (Figure 13). The differences in change between the
groups were clearly more pronounced in males. In peptide group males, AIx decreased
significantly compared to placebo group males, -2.30% (95%CI -4.31 to -0.28) vs. 1.74%
(95%CI 0.44 to 3.04), P=0.004. On the other hand, no divergence in the change of AIx
were seen in females, -0.39% (95%CI -2.34 to 1.56) vs. 0.35% (95%CI -1.77 to 2.48),
P=0.90 (Figure 13).
Table 14. Baseline demographic and clinical data at baseline (Study V)
Males, n (%)
Age, years
Placebo
(N=44)
Peptide
(N=44)
27 (61)
27 (60)
49±5
49±5
Body mass index, kg/cm2
28.5±3.9
27.6±3.6
Waist-hip ratio
0.94±0.08
0.90±0.10
155±14
151±15
Systolic blood pressure, mmHg
Diastolic blood pressure, mmHg
94±9
95±12
114±10
117±10
1.4 (0.8-2.6)
1.2 (0.6-3.1)
Total cholesterol, mmol/l
5.9±0.9
5.9±1.0
HDL-cholesterol, mmol/l
1.5±0.4
1.6±0.5
1.2 (0.9-1.8)
1.4 (0.9-2.0)
Mean arterial pressure, mmHg
CRP, pg/ml
Triglycerides,mmol/l
Normally distributed values are presented as mean±SD and non-normally distributed values as median
(interquartile range).
74
75
151±15
95±12
Systolic blood
pressure, mmHg
Diastolic blood
pressure, mmHg
94±9
155±14
0.32±0.16
143±9
24.3±8.4
-1.7 (-3.6 to 0.08)
-2.6 (-5.7 to 0.6)
0.04 (-0.04 to 0.12)
-1.9 (-3.7 to -0.2)
1.20 (0.09 to 2.32 )
Mean (95% CI)
Placebo
-3.7 (-6.1 to -1.3)
-4.6 (-8.4 to -0.8)
0.02 (-0.06 to 0.08)
0.5 (-1.1 to 2.1)
-1.53 (-2.95 to -0.12)
Peptide
Mean (95% CI)
Change to 6 months
0.14
0.58
0.85
0.13
0.013
P-value
confidence interval.
AIx indicate augmentation index; Tr, time to return of pulse wave; EFI, endothelial function index; SD, standard deviation; CI,
Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with body mass index and baseline measure as covariates. P-values refer to differences in change.
0.31±0.16
147±8
Tr, ms
EFI
20.0±8.4
Mean±SD
Mean±SD
AIx,%
Peptide
Placebo
Baseline
Table 15. Hemodynamic characteristics at baseline and change to 6 months
76
Peptide
Placebo
Group
Peptide
-15
-15
-15
Group
-10
-5
-10
0
5
10
15
-10
Placebo
Male
-5
0
5
10
15
-5
0
5
10
All
' AIx
Peptide
Group
Placebo
Female
Figure 13. (Study V) Augmentation index (AIx) change to 6 months. Bars represent 95% confidence intervals.
' AIx
15
' AIx
The Tr did not change in the peptide group. In the placebo group a decrease in Tr was
observed. However, the difference between the groups was insignificant. In males, the
groups differed significantly regarding Tr change, 1.7 ms (95%CI: -0.44 to 3.9) vs. -2.1
ms (95%CI -4.1 to -0.1), P=0.022. The corresponding results for females were not
significant -1.4 ms (95%CI -3.7 to 0.9) vs. -1.6 ms (95%CI -5.2 to 1.9), P=0.58.
No differences between the groups regarding endothelial function index or change in
endothelial function index could be observed. The baseline AIx and the responses to
nitroglycerin and salbutamol are shown in Figure 14.
At follow-up after 24 weeks, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure had declined in
both groups. The difference in change between the groups was insignificant. In peptide
group, the decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significant compared to
the baseline level, systolic blood pressure -4.6 mmHg (95%CI -8.4 to -0.8), P=0.018,
diastolic blood pressure -3.7 mmHg (95%CI -6.1 to -1.3), P=0.004. In the placebo group,
no significant changes compared to the baseline level were observed. Notably, no
significant changes in any of the hemodynamic parameters were observed after 12 weeks
of low-dose treatment.
77
78
Figure 14. (Study V) Augmentation index (AIx) during endothelial function testing at baseline, at 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks. AIx I
indicates baseline reading, GTN, reading after administration of nitroglycerin; AIx II, second baseline reading after 60 minutes, SAL,
reading after administration of salbutamol.
7. Discussion
7.1. Methods
Arterial stiffness was assessed by three different methods. Pulse pressure, which is
considered a surrogate measure of arterial stiffness, was the index of interest in the
studies performed on patients with diabetes (Study III and IV). While pulse pressure has
the advantage of being easily measured, it has some limitations. Particularly in younger
subjects, pulse pressure is an unreliable measure of arterial stiffness on the individual
level due to the phenomenon of pulse wave amplification. This circumstance does not
however constitute a major problem in these studies. Study III examined the age-induced
pressure changes in a cohort of type 1 diabetic patients and thus compared pulse pressure
patterns between large groups. Such a study design is not likely to be seriously
confounded by pulse wave amplification. Study IV, in turn, was performed on rather old
type 2 diabetic patients with a median age of 69 years. In this age group pulse pressure
reflects arterial stiffness quite accurately. The fact that Study III and IV used blood
pressure recordings from a single occasion will most likely result in an overestimation of
hypertension when compared with measurements on several occasions.271 In Study III,
this circumstance is nevertheless unlikely to generate any considerable differences
between the groups as both groups were examined in the same manner.
Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was employed as one of the arterial stiffness indices
in Study I. This method is considered very robust and reliable. Nevertheless, the method
is limited by the fact that it measures the elastic properties of a single arterial segment
and not the entire arterial system.
79
Pulse wave analysis by radial artery tonometry provides a simple, technically easy, quick,
and reproducible non-invasive means of determining systemic arterial stiffness. In Study
I, II, and V, the commercially available SphygmoCor system was used to assess arterial
stiffness by calculation of the AIx. The SpghygmoCor device uses a generalized arterial
transfer function to reconstruct central aortic from radial pressure waveforms. The radial
artery has been considered the best site for non-invasive assessment of pulse wave
reflection because optimal applanation may be easier to achieve at this site than at other
sites. The transfer function has previously been validated in a number of studies.272,
274, 275
273,
Since a high blood pressure increases the AIx by distending the arterial walls, the
ambient blood pressure had to be considered in the interpretation of the pulse wave
analysis results in all three studies. In Study I, the observed correlation between muscle
fibre type and AIx turned out to be a consequence of the association between blood
pressure and muscle fibre type, which thus was not independently associated with AIx.
The method for assessment of endothelial function by pulse wave velocity used in Study I
and V was developed by Wilkinson et al in 2002.266 This method examines the effects of
the ß2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol and nitroglycerin on AIx. The reduction of the AIx
induced by inhalation of salbutamol reflects activation of the L-arginine/NO pathway in
endothelial cells, while the reaction to nitroglycerin is a measure of vasodilatory capacity.
It has previously been demonstrated that the vasodilator effect of salbutamol is to a large
extent mediated by the L-arginine/NO pathway.276 Importantly, the salbutamol-induced
AIx response has also been found to correlate with the change in forearm blood flow after
intra-arterial acetylcholine infusion, which is considered the gold standard of endothelial
function measurement. The validity of the method is strengthened by the fact that the
80
endothelial function index of Study I correlated strongly with established determinants of
endothelial function, such as age, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
7.2. Study I
Arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are important risk factors for cardiovascular
disease. Notably, physically active individuals have a reduced risk of atherosclerotic
disease. A high proportion of type I (slow-twitch) muscle fibres in skeletal muscle is
associated with a favourable cardiovascular risk profile. In Study I, we tested physical
activity and muscle fibre-type distribution as determinants of endothelial function and
arterial stiffness in middle-aged men. The results show that muscle fibre-type distribution
does not have a major effect on arterial stiffness or endothelial function. In contrast, an
association between physical activity and impaired endothelial function was observed.
Although the AIx correlated inversely with the type I% in a univariate analysis, the result
of the multiple regression analysis suggests that this was merely an effect of the lower
blood pressure associated with a high type I%. In other words, high blood pressure
increases the functional stiffness of the large arteries and thus aortic pulse wave reflection
by distending the arterial walls.101
Previous studies have shown that the age-induced stiffening of the large arteries is less
pronounced in subjects who engage in regular endurance exercise.151 Furthermore, it has
been shown that arterial compliance can be reduced by exercise training.153 It is unclear
whether low-to-moderate exercise has an impact on the arterial elastic properties. In
81
contrast to aerobic training, resistance training seems to increase arterial stiffness and
pulse pressure.157 The lack of correlation between leisure-time physical activity and pulse
wave velocity or pulse wave reflection observed in Study I suggests that physical activity
is unlikely to be a major determinant of arterial stiffness in middle-aged men.
Notably there was an inverse relationship between exercise and endothelial function.
Stimulation of endothelial NO release by salbutamol reduced the AIx less in physically
active subjects, whereas no such correlation was observed in the response to the NO
donor nitroglycerin.
Heavy exercise increases free radical formation and oxidative stress is known to decrease
the bioavailability of NO. The study by Bergholm et al that demonstrated a harmful effect
of intense aerobic training on endothelial function in forearm vessels also reported
reduced concentrations of circulating antioxidants after 3 months of intense exercise
training.277 Oxidative stress could thus be one of the factors behind this finding. Another
possible explanation for the negative association between leisure-time physical activity
and endothelial function could be that a large part of the physically active subjects
performed exercise during the days prior to examination, which could impair the
endothelial function.
The vascular bed that was studied in Study I differs from that of the previous crosssectional studies showing enhanced endothelial function in athletes. These previous
studies measured alterations in local blood flow in the arteries of the upper limb,278, 279
whereas changes in pulse wave reflection reflect endothelial function in the entire arterial
tree. It is possible that exercise affects the vascular beds in a dissimilar manner.
82
Some limitations of Study I should be noted. Muscle fibre type distribution was
determined almost 20 years before the assessment of vascular properties, which could
affect the results. On the other hand, the prevailing perception is that muscle fibre
distribution is genetically determined and is thus relatively constant.7, 280 It is not possible
to draw any definite conclusions on the specific effects of exercise based on Study I.
Since the study design was cross-sectional, the associations observed in Study I could
results from unknown confounding factors. Intervention studies are needed to clarify how
exercise affects arterial stiffness and endothelial function.
One third of the studied subjects were on antihypertensive medication. In order to
minimize any confounding effects, all antihypertensive medication was withheld for at
least 24 hours. No significant differences in arterial stiffness or endothelial function were
observed between treated and non-treated subjects. Thus, any major confounding effect
due to blood pressure medication seems unlikely.
The results of Study I indicate that muscle fibre type distribution is unlikely to have a
major effect on arterial stiffness and endothelial function. Therefore, other mechanisms
linking a high proportion of slow muscle fibres to low cardiovascular risk should be
sought.
83
7.3. Study II
Disturbed maternal endothelial function is believed to be central in the pathogenesis of
preeclampsia and has been observed to persist for several years following the
preeclamptic pregnancy. Endothelial dysfunction has been reported to cause increased
pulse wave reflection, a measure of systemic arterial stiffness. Study II tested the
hypothesis that preeclampsia and a history of preeclampsia are associated with increased
pulse wave reflection. The results of Study II demonstrate that pulse wave reflection and
thus systemic arterial stiffness are increased in preeclampsia compared with normal
pregnancy. Pulse wave reflection in previously preeclamptic normotensive non-pregnant
women did not differ from that of the non-pregnant control subjects. Accordingly, Study
II shows that the increased arterial stiffness induced by preeclampsia is transitory and not
permanent.
General vasodilatation and decreased arterial stiffness are features of normal
uncomplicated pregnancies.281 Enhanced NO release by the endothelium is considered a
central mechanism in the pregnancy-induced hemodynamic changes.282 Preeclampsia, on
the other hand, is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and diminished endothelial
release of NO.283 Moreover, reduced arterial compliance during the first trimester of
pregnancy in previously preeclamptic women has been observed.284 Considering the
previously reported association between arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction,9
impaired endothelial NO release seems to be a potential cause of the increased pulse
wave reflection in preeclamptic women.
84
Prior studies have observed endothelial dysfunction in previously preeclamptic
women.220 Women with a history of preeclampsia could thus be expected to present
increased pulse wave reflection. The results of Study II do not support this hypothesis.
However, the study excluded women on antihypertensive medication and therefore did
not include the subjects most likely to have impaired endothelial function and increased
arterial stiffness. It is also possible that the arterial stiffening effect of endothelial
dysfunction does not manifest at the relatively young age at which the subjects were
studied. Furthermore, pulse wave reflection is affected by many additional factors that
may obscure the effect of endothelial dysfunction.
Since the functional stiffness of the arteries is affected by the stretching effect of blood
pressure, pulse wave reflection generally correlates positively with blood pressure.101 In
Study II, mean arterial pressure correlated with the AIx in both pregnant and nonpregnant subjects. In the multiple regression analysis of the pregnant subjects,
preeclampsia came out as a strong independent determinant of AIx, whereas the
association between blood pressure and pulse wave reflection was overshadowed by the
massive effect of preeclampsia. Thus, the increased pulse wave reflection observed in
preeclampsia must be considered independent of the distending effect of higher blood
pressure.
No conclusions on the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the elevated systemic
arterial stiffness in preeclampsia can be drawn based on the study. It can be speculated
that any major changes of the elastic properties of the arterial walls are unlikely to
develop during the short duration of preclampsia. The reduced arterial compliance would
85
instead be a result of increased vascular tone caused by endothelial dysfunction.
Alternative pathophysiological mechanisms behind the vascular dysfunction in
preeclampsia have been presented in other studies.285 The possibility, that preeclampsia
increases pulse wave reflection by a NO-independent mechanism, can therefore not be
excluded. Study II nevertheless shows that regardless of the underlying mechanism,
preeclampsia impairs arterial compliance.
The results of Study II support the view that the hemodynamic consequences of
preeclampsia are not limited to hypertension. Preeclampsia should be regarded as a state
of generalized vascular dysfunction including elevated systemic arterial stiffness.
7.4. Study III
Pulse pressure increases with age as a result of arterial stiffening and is a powerful
predictor of cardiovascular disease. Type 1 diabetes is associated with excessive
cardiovascular mortality and increased arterial stiffness. Study III examined whether the
age-related blood pressure changes in type 1 diabetic patients differ from those of the
non-diabetic background population. Study III is the first report showing that the ageinduced blood pressure changes of patients with type 1 diabetes are shifted to a younger
age. Patients with type 1 diabetes generally have a higher systolic blood pressure and a
diastolic blood pressure that starts to decline at a younger age than in the non-diabetic
population. As a consequence of this, patients with diabetes have a higher and more
rapidly increasing pulse pressure. It seems that this premature rise in pulse pressure is
86
strongly related to the duration of diabetes and to the development of diabetic kidney
disease. However, it also characterizes type 1 diabetic patients without signs of kidney
disease. The findings are indicative of accelerated arterial stiffening and may explain the
higher cardiovascular risk associated with type 1 diabetes.
Aging appears to affect blood pressure in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects in a parallel
manner. But the changes are shifted to a younger age by 15-20 years in type 1 diabetes.
This shift denotes accelerated stiffening. Study III is purely observational and does not
explore the mechanisms behind the findings. According to an established hypothesis,
deposition of advanced glycation end-products and cross-linking of collagen molecules in
the arterial walls may contribute to the increased arterial stiffness in patients with
diabetes.286,
287
Another mechanism that could be involved is endothelial dysfunction,
which has been associated with both diabetes and arterial stiffness.288
The observation that patients with a young onset of diabetes showed an earlier increase in
pulse pressure than patients with a later onset indicates that the duration has a
considerable impact on arterial stiffness. The similar finding in the analysis including
only normoalbuminuric patients and the results of the multiple regression analysis
showed that the duration of diabetes was associated with elevated pulse pressure
independently of age and diabetic kidney disease. Thus, although the recent glycaemic
control measured by HbA1c was not associated with pulse pressure, the cumulative
exposure to hyperglycaemia seems to play an important role in the process of arterial
stiffening.
87
In contrast to the situation in type 2 diabetes, blood pressure derangements associated
with type 1 diabetes have generally been considered to be the result of diabetic kidney
disease. This belief is largely based on the influential work by Nørgaard et al, which
reported a prevalence of essential hypertension in type 1 diabetic patients without
diabetic kidney disease that was similar to that of the general population.289 Study III
challenges this view by demonstrating that type 1 diabetes is, even in the absence of
diabetic kidney disease, associated with a detrimental blood pressure pattern. The
observations provided by the study are in accordance with the greatly elevated risk of
cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetic patients with overt diabetic kidney disease. The
premature rise in pulse pressure could also explain the increased risk of cardiovascular
disease in type 1 diabetic patients without diabetic kidney disease. This is supported by
two recent studies that have identified pulse pressure as a powerful independent risk
factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes.290, 291
The finding that not only pulse pressure, but also essential hypertension is more common
in type 1 diabetic patients is in conflict with the prevailing perception that the prevalence
of essential hypertension of type 1 diabetic patients is similar to that of the non-diabetic
population. Previous studies have generally defined hypertension by considerably higher
blood pressure values than those presently used. As the higher prevalence of essential
hypertension in our diabetic patients was largely due to a higher prevalence of isolated
systolic hypertension, one can speculate that this discrepancy with previous results is
caused by the fact that a large proportion of the patients with moderate isolated systolic
hypertension would not have been identified by the more restrictive criteria used
88
previously. Any comparison with earlier studies will however be complicated by the
more aggressive blood pressure treatment practiced today.
A potential confounder is the higher rate of antihypertensive medication in the diabetic
group. However, as most of the commonly used antihypertensive agents reduce pulse
pressure, this circumstance will in fact cause an underestimation of the difference.292 This
will to a lesser degree affect the results of normoalbuminuric patients with diabetes,
whose rate of antihypertensive medication was only slightly higher that of the control
subjects, but may be a considerable confounder in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Since the pulse pressure of untreated diabetic patients was higher than that of untreated
control subjects in all age groups, we can safely exclude the possibility that the difference
between the groups is caused by blood pressure lowering medication.
Study III is the first study to show that, even in the absence of any signs of diabetic
kidney disease, patients with type 1 diabetes have a higher pulse pressure that increases
earlier and more rapidly compared to the non-diabetic background population. This
finding is indicative of accelerated arterial stiffening and it may also explain the increased
risk of cardiovascular disease associated with type 1 diabetes.
7.5. Study IV
The presence of hypertension aggravates the high cardiovascular risk in patients with
type 2 diabetes. Pulse pressure is a marker of arterial stiffness and constitutes a risk factor
for cardiovascular mortality. Study IV examined the relationship between different blood
89
pressure indices and mortality in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes. The study
demonstrated that a U-shaped association between pulse pressure and mortality exists in
elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, low blood pressure is associated with
poor survival in patients with type 2 diabetes, who have a history of previous
cardiovascular disease.
The study did not assess the cardiac function or vascular properties of the patients. Thus,
one can only speculate about the mechanisms underlying the finding that patients with
high or low pulse pressure had a strikingly elevated mortality compared to patients with
intermediate pulse pressure.
Pulse pressure and arterial stiffness constitute risk factors for cardiovascular disease and
mortality in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.240,
293
In view of the increased
arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes, the high mortality in the highest pulse pressure
categories are likely to be linked to increased arterial stiffness.294 As well as indicating
vascular aging, arterial stiffness increases cardiac afterload by augmenting central
systolic blood pressure and reduces coronary perfusion by decreasing diastolic blood
pressure, thus sensitizing the heart to ischemia.
Study IV demonstrated that low blood pressure constitutes a risk factor for cardiovascular
and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. The finding is somewhat
controversial considering the large amount of evidence of the deleterious effects of
hypertension and the well-established benefit of treating hypertension in type 2
diabetes.238 On the other hand, most major trials have examined middle-aged
hypertensive patients without cardiovascular disease.239 Study IV examined a cohort
90
recruited with type 2 diabetes as the only criteria, and is therefore likely to represent a
more typical type 2 diabetic population.
The poor prognosis associated with a low blood pressure in patients with previous
cardiovascular disease is most probably related to cardiac output failure. Recent reports
show a greatly increased prevalence of heart failure in type 2 diabetes.295, 296 Low blood
pressure has previously been associated with heart failure in patients with type 2
diabetes.297 In these patients, low blood pressure is likely to be an indicator of poor
cardiovascular health rather than the cause of it. Subclinical heart failure could also
explain the high mortality associated with low pulse pressure in patients without
previously known cardiovascular disease.
Study IV provides the first evidence that low blood pressure is a risk factor for mortality
in patients with type 2 diabetes. Previously, similar associations have been observed in
elderly non-diabetic populations.298,
299
Since the negative associations between blood
pressure and mortality were confined to patients with older age or previous
cardiovascular disease, the results of Study IV supports the view that the positive
association between blood pressure and survival is limited to the elderly population. The
observations clearly underline the need to further clarify the impact of blood pressure
treatment in the elderly diabetic population.
The fact that a substantial proportion of the studied subjects were taking antihypertensive
medication at the time of the baseline visit would certainly have influenced the results.
High risk patients with previous cardiovascular disease and diabetic complications are
more likely to use medication. An artificially low blood pressure in high risk patients
91
could therefore seriously confound the results. On the other hand, any effects of blood
pressure on the circulatory system would be mediated by the actual blood pressure rather
than a theoretical naive blood pressure. Given that the main findings of the study can be
observed when analyzing medicated and non-medicated patients separately, a major
confounding effect caused by antihypertensive medication seems unlikely.
Study IV shows that both low and high pulse pressure are risk factors for mortality in
elderly type 2 diabetic patients. Low systolic and low diastolic blood pressure are
predictive of elevated all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients
with previous cardiovascular disease. In contrast, no blood pressure index contributed
significantly to mortality in young type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease.
The results of Study IV suggest that there is a need to re-evaluate the role of blood
pressure as a risk marker in certain high risk subgroups of type 2 diabetic patients.
7.6. Study V
The results of this paper indicate that fermented milk containing bioactive peptides
reduces arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave reflection in mildly hypertensive males.
Endothelial function defined as the hemodynamic response to ȕ2-adrenergic stimulation
remained unchanged, which suggests that enhanced endothelial NO release involved in
the reduction in pulse wave reflection and blood pressure.
Given that the intervention in Study V lasted for merely 24 weeks, it is doubtful that a
substantial change in the structural properties of the arterial walls would have occurred
92
during this rather short time. It is more likely that diminished vascular tone in arteries and
arterioles causes an increased arterial compliance as a result of reduced tension in the
arterial walls.
It must also be remembered that the functional arterial stiffness is influenced by the
distending effect of blood pressure on the arterial walls.101 The reduction in AIx can
probably to some extent be explained by lowered distending pressure on the arterial
walls, since the blood pressure decreased in the peptide group.
Milk protein-derived peptides have been shown to reduce arterial tone. Previous studies
have demonstrated a vasodilating effect of isoleucyl-prolyl-proline and valyl-prolylproline in spontaneously hypertensive rats in vitro.15 The mechanisms behind this effect
are still unknown, but it seems that it is partially based on inhibition of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system.253, 254 Since ACE-inhibitors have been shown to reduce
arterial stiffness, this hypothesis consistent with the findings of Study V.300
The hemodynamic response to stimulation of endothelial NO release was not affected by
administration of bioactive tripeptides. However, since basal NO release by the
endothelium is an important determinant of pulse wave reflection, it is possible that
bioactive tripeptides enhance basal endothelial NO release although the maximal capacity
of NO release does not change.
The favorable effect on arterial stiffness could also be partly mediated through the
mineral composition of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk. Calcium, potassium,
93
and magnesium have all been shown to enhance vasorelaxation and vascular function in
experimental trials.301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306
The results of Study V indicate that intake of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk
containing high doses of isoleucine-prolyl-proline and valyl-prolyl-proline tripeptides
reduce arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave analysis in mildly hypertensive males.
94
8. Summary and conclusions
I. Muscle fibre type distribution is not an independent determinant of arterial stiffness
or endothelial function. Impaired endothelial function was observed in physically
active men underlining the need for further research.
II. Pulse wave reflection reflecting systemic arterial stiffness are increased in pregnant
women with preeclampsia, but not in normotensive non-pregnant women with a
history of preeclampsia. The results support the concept of generalized vascular
dysfunction in preeclampsia.
III. As a result of a higher systolic blood pressure and an earlier decrease in diastolic
blood pressure, patients with type 1 diabetes have a higher and more rapidly
increasing pulse pressure. The finding indicates accelerated arterial aging and may
explain the higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 1 diabetes.
IV. In elderly type 2 diabetic patients pulse pressure correlates with mortality in a Ushaped fashion. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure correlated negatively with
mortality after adjustment for other risk factors. In patients with previous
cardiovascular disease, low systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure are
predictive of elevated mortality. The role of blood pressure as a risk marker in
elderly type 2 diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease is complex and needs to
be studied further.
V. Intake of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk, which contains the tripeptides
isoleucine-prolyl-prolyl and valine-prolyl-prolyl, reduces arterial stiffness measured
95
by pulse wave reflection in hypertensive males. On the other hand, the NO release
capacity of the arterial endothelium is not improved by intake of this milk product.
96
9. Implications and significance
Methods, study design, and patient material differ quite substantially between the five
substudies of this thesis. The common denominator of the five manuscripts has been
arterial stiffness, which has been examined from several angles. The first paper studies
arterial stiffness in relation to a physiological variation in healthy subjects, whereas the
second paper looks at arterial stiffness in patients with an acute illness. The research on
diabetes has focused on the long-term effects on arterial stiffness of a chronic disease and
on the importance of arterial stiffening on the outcome in the context of that chronic
disease. Finally, the last study evaluated whether arterial stiffness can be improved by a
simple dietary modification.
It is an established truth that people who exercise have less cardiovascular disease than
their sedentary counterparts. The physiological mechanisms that are responsible for this
association are yet to be clarified. It has been speculated that a high proportion of muscle
fibres would account for a part of this association. Study I shows a lack of association
between muscle fibre distribution and arterial stiffness and endothelial function, which
are well-known characteristics of poor vascular health. Future researchers will thus know
to look elsewhere for links between muscle fibre distribution and cardiovascular health.
Women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy have an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease later in life. Many of the factors that increase the susceptibility of
preeclampsia are also established cardiovascular risk factors. In this sense, one can
consider pregnancy as a window to women’s future health. The results of study II added
arterial stiffening as a new aspect to this view. We now know that the arterial stiffness is
97
elevated during acute preeclampsia, whereas no signs of increased arterial stiffness can be
detected a few years after a preeclamptic pregnancy. We can only speculate that in
another twenty or thirty years, the arteries of the previously preeclamptic women will
once again display increased stiffness.
In addition to confirming previous reports that showed increased arterial stiffness in
patients with type 1 diabetes, study III had important clinical implications. Previously, it
was thought that the prevalence of essential hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetes
was similar to that of the general population. The new findings of this study clearly show
that even in the absence of diabetic kidney disease, patients with type 1 diabetes, have a
higher prevalence of hypertension. Notably, the rate of essential isolated systolic
hypertension was 3-fold in the diabetic population. This study sends a clear message to
physicians who treat patients with type 1 diabetes. Look for systolic hypertension!
Although hypertension has been known to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular
disease and mortality for a considerable time, pulse pressure has quite recently been
recognized as a risk factor. It has also been argued that pulse pressure is an even more
powerful predictor than traditional blood pressure indices. Study IV shows that in a
typical population with type 2 diabetes, the associations between blood pressure and
mortality are quite complex and that one cannot generally say that either systolic,
diastolic, or pulse pressure is superior to the other indices. The results emphasize that the
clinician should always take age and concomitant disease into consideration when the
risk associated with any blood pressure level is estimated in patients with type 2 diabetes.
98
Medical science has in the recent years recognized many factors that are associated with
increased arterial stiffness. Unfortunately, factors that improve arterial elasticity have
been quite scarce. In that sense, the findings of study V are very encouraging. Not only
does the study provide new means of reducing functional arterial stiffness, but the
method to do so is non-pharmacological and does not seems to cause any unwanted sideeffects. Further studies will undoubtfully be required in order to examine whether intake
of milk-derived bioactive tripeptides could have an effect on cardiovascular morbidity
and mortality.
99
10. Acknowledgements
This work was carried out during the years 2002 and 2007 at the Folkhälsan Research
Center at the University of Helsinki. I am deeply grateful for excellent facilities I have
been provided with.
I owe my most sincere gratitude to my supervisor Per-Henrik Groop. He has had a
wonderful way of inspiring my research work. It has been a privilege to be taught and
guided by such a supportive and patient supervisor. Although a busy man, Per-Henrik has
always found the time to discuss my work, and discussions that were meant to last for
five minutes have on repeated occasions lasted for hours.
I was particularly fortunate to have had Ilkka Pörsti and Kaj Metsärinne as reviewers of
this thesis. The valuable advice and intelligent comments during the review of the
manuscript is highly appreciated. Their comments and suggestions truly improved this
thesis.
My introduction to medical science was done by Johan Fagerudd. I sincerely appreciate
the brilliant guidance and encouragement I have received. Many times have I had the
opportunity to appreciate Johan’s unique ability to find a solution to even the most
complex problems.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Carol Forsblom for all his help. He
supported me and gave me valuable advice on science and statistics whenever I needed it.
100
During many of my years at Biomedicum, I had the great luck of sitting next to Kim
Pettersson-Fernholm, who never failed to entertain me with opera music and funny emails. I also owe Kim a great thank for his effort with gathering the FinnDiane material.
I owe my genuine thankfulness to all of my following co-authors.
To Miika Hernelahti for fantastic companionship in the muscle fibre study.
To Esa Hämäläinen and Heikki Tikkanen for providing me with excellent patient
material.
To Katja Lampinen for being such a reliable and ambitious co-operator at the Women’s
hospital.
To Risto Kaaja for all the good advice and enthusiasm he has shown me.
To Antti Reunanen for kindly providing me with a fantastic control group.
To Bo Isomaa, Tiinamaija Tuomi, and Leif Groop for giving me the opportunity to work
with the superb Botnia material.
To Tiina Jauhiainen for her enormous effort in organizing the peptide study.
To Riitta Korpela, Heikki Vapaatalo, and Hannu Kautiainen for your help and insights.
Without supreme technical assistance by Maija Kopo, Minna Riitamaa, Eija Kortelainen,
Sinikka Lindh, Anna Sandelin, Maikki Parkkonen, and Minna Hietala the work on this
thesis would not have been possible.
101
I warmly thank all the members of the FinnDiane group for being there: Lena Thorn,
Milla Rosengård-Bärlund, Johan Waden, Markku Saraheimo, Daniel Gordin, Outi
Heikkilä, Ville Mäkinen, Maija Wessman, Sara Fröjdö, Lisa Sjölind, and all the rest of
you.
Furthermore, I am happy to have such great business companions. Work has never been
as fun as with you.
This work was financially supported by Finska Läkaresällskapet, Wilhelm och Else
Stockmanns Stiftelse, Nylands Nation, Waldemar von Frenckells stiftelse, the Ministry of
Education, Samfundet Folkhälsan, K. Albin Johanssons stiftelse, Stiftelsen Dorothea,
Olivia, Karl Walter och Jarl Walter Perklens minne, Stiftelsen för Hjärtforskning, and
Aarne Koskelon säätiö all of which are gratefully acknowledged.
I am truly grateful to my parents Ulrika and Bengt Rönnback. You cannot ask for a better
a great start in life than I had.
I also want to express my gratitude to my brother Jan Rönnback for every now and then
reminding me that that there are other things than work in life.
I am also fortunate to have great parents-in-law Eira and Martti Koskenranta. Your care
of my children is highly appreciated
Finally, I wish to dedicate this thesis to my beloved family Ansku, Alvin, and Ebbe. You
mean everything to me.
102
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