A Medicinal and Edible Plant Crocus sativus L.and Its Therapeutic Effects on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

This paper introduces the biological characteristics,medicinal value,chemical component,and pharmacological effects of Crocus sativus L.,and explores its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and coronary heart disease.

Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China 2023:An Updated Summary

Since 1990,China has made considerable progress in resolving the problem of“treatment difficulty”of cardiovascular diseases(CVD).The prevalent unhealthy lifestyle among Chinese residents has exposed a massive proportion of the population to CVD risk factors,and this situation is further worsened due to the accelerated aging population in China.CVD remains one of the greatest threats to the health of Chinese residents.In terms of the proportions of disease mortality among urban and rural residents in China,CVD has persistently ranked first.In 2021,CVD accounted for 48.98%and 47.35%of deaths in rural and urban areas,respectively.Two out of every five deaths can be attributed to CVD.To implement a national policy“focusing on the primary health institute and emphasizing prevention”and truly achieve a shift of CVD prevention and treatment from hospitals to communities,the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases has organized experts from relevant fields across China to compile the“Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China”annually since 2005.The 2024 report is established based on representative,published,and high-quality big-data research results from cross-sectional and cohort population epidemiological surveys,randomized controlled clinical trials,large sample registry studies,and typical community prevention and treatment cases,along with data from some projects undertaken by the National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases.These firsthand data not only enrich the content of the current report but also provide a more timely and comprehensive reflection of the status of CVD prevention and treatment in China.

Relationship of Ambient Humidity with Cardiovascular Diseases:A Prospective Study of 24,510 Adults in a General Population

Objective This study aimed to explore the association between humidity exposure and the risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD),utilizing follow-up data and relative humidity(RH)metric assessments.Methods We extracted the baseline data from the China Hypertension Survey(CHS)of 24,510 enrolled participants aged≥35 years without a history of CVD between 2012 and 2015 and followed them up from 2018 to 2019.The National Meteorological Information Center(NMIC)of the China Meteorological Administration(CMA)provided the quality-controlled relative humidity(RH)datasets.Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)for CVD in relation to RH.Results During the follow-up period(2018-2019),973 patients with CVD were identified.The HR of CVD risk was 1.17(95%CI:1.04-1.31)per 10%increase in summer mean RH.Compared with participants in the 3rd quintile group,those in the 1st and 5th quintiles of RH had a higher risk of CVD.For summer mean RH,the HRs(95%CIs)for the 1st and 5th quintiles were 1.34(1.04-1.71)and 1.44(1.14-1.83),respectively.The relationship(“U”shape)between summer mean RH and the risk of CVD was nonlinear.Stratified analyses indicated that the risk of CVD was substantially influenced by the summer mean RH in female,older individuals,and those in southern China.Conclusion Unsuitable(too high or low)humidity environments affect the risk of CVD.Our study highlights those future policies for adapting to climate change should consider the humidity-CVD relationship.

Age-specific differences in the association between prediabetes and cardiovascular diseases in China:A national cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,the global burden of which is rising.It is still unclear the extent to which prediabetes contributes to the risk of CVD in various age brackets among adults.To develop a focused screening plan and treatment for Chinese adults with prediabetes,it is crucial to identify variations in the connection between prediabetes and the risk of CVD based on age.AIM To examine the clinical features of prediabetes and identify risk factors for CVD in different age groups in China.METHODS The cross-sectional study involved a total of 46239 participants from June 2007 through May 2008.A thorough evaluation was conducted.Individuals with prediabetes were categorized into two groups based on age.Chinese atherosclerotic CVD risk prediction model was employed to evaluate the risk of developing CVD over 10 years.Random forest was established in both age groups.SHapley Additive exPlanation method prioritized the importance of features from the perspective of assessment contribution.RESULTS In total,6948 people were diagnosed with prediabetes in this study.In prediabetes,prevalences of CVD were 5(0.29%)in the younger group and 148(2.85%)in the older group.Overall,11.11%of the younger group and 29.59% of the older group were intermediate/high-risk of CVD for prediabetes without CVD based on the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China equation in ten years.In the younger age group,the 10-year risk of CVD was found to be more closely linked to family history of CVD rather than lifestyle,whereas in the older age group,resident status was more closely linked.CONCLUSION The susceptibility to CVD is age-specific in newly diagnosed prediabetes.It is necessary to develop targeted approaches for the prevention and management of CVD in adults across various age brackets.

Effects of loneliness and isolation on cardiovascular diseases:a two sample Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND Loneliness and isolation are associated with multiple cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),but there is a lack of research on whether they were causally linked.We conducted a Mendelian Randomization(MR)study to explore causal relationships between loneliness and isolation and multiple CVDs.METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with loneliness and isolation were identified from a genome-wide association study(GWAS)of 455,364 individuals of European ancestry in the IEU GWAS database.Summary data for 15 CVDs were also obtained from the IEU GWAS database.We used three MR methods including inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger,and weighted median estimation to assess the causal effect of exposure on outcomes.Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept test were used to evaluate the heterogeneity and pleiotropy.RESULTS MR analysis showed that loneliness and isolation were significantly associated with essential hypertension(OR=1.07,95%CI:1.03-1.12),atherosclerotic heart disease(OR=1.04;95%CI:1.02-1.06),myocardial infarction(OR=1.02;95%CI:1-1.04)and angina(OR=1.04;95%CI=1.02-1.06).No heterogeneity and pleiotropy effects were found in this study.CONCLUSIONS Causal relationship of loneliness and isolation with CVDs were found in this study.

The Importance of Setting Treatment Goals for Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: Guidelines are issued by most major organizations that focus on a specific disease entity. Guidelines should be a significant help to the practicing physician who may not be up-to-date with the recent medical literature. Unfortunately, when conflicting guidelines for a specific disease are published, confusion results. Purpose: This article provides a suggested guideline outcome measure that would benefit the physician and patient. Methods: A review of 19 different guidelines for cardiovascular disease treatment is one example of the lack of specific outcomes that currently exist. The basic problem with most guidelines is that they do not state the expected end result (i.e., the benefit to the patient) if that guideline is followed. When guidelines use cardiovascular disease risk factors to dictate therapy, the end benefit is never stated so that the patient can make an appropriate choice of which (if any) guideline to follow. Results: A good example is guidelines published by the American Heart Association for reducing cardiovascular disease. These guidelines are risk factor based and only indicate that cardiovascular disease would be reduced if followed. No specific percentage in the reduction of the incidence of disease is given. In contrast, when elimination of the disease is the stated goal of the guideline, the end result is clear. To date, this goal has been stated by only one organization devoted to eliminating cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Guidelines need to be written to provide the physician and the patient with a specific end point that is expected when the guideline is followed. Patient acceptance and compliance will be much improved if the patient knows the risk/benefit of following the guideline’s recommendations.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Heart Diseases within the Urban and Rural Communities of the Town of Bougouni and Its Surroundings (Southern Mali): A Comparative Study

In Mali, few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases according to place of residence. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular diseases according to residents in town of Bougouni and its rural area (southern Mali). Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study from February 2019 to March 2024. All patients who visited the “CENTRE MEDICAL DE BOUGOUNI” clinic with known or suspected heart disease during the study period were included. Data were collected from medical records. Incomplete or unusable records were excluded. Data were processed using SPS version 22 software. Results: we included 452 patients with an average age of 50 ± 19 years. High blood pression has been found in 42.70% of cases, with higher prevalence in urban areas (47.01%) than in rural areas (41.50%). Diabetes and smoking were found respectively 5.31% and 8.19% in our population. The prevalence of diabetes was higher in urban areas (5.97%) than rural area (5.35%). smoking prevalence was higher in rural areas (8.49%) than urban areas (6.72%). Alcoholism was found in 2.21% of cases with a little difference between rural area (2.24%) and urban area (2.20%). 31.63% of our patients had no cardiovascular factor. Dyspnea was the reason of consultation in 5.75% of cases and atypical precordialgia in 13.72%. Headaches and dizziness in 8.63% of cases and 21.90% of patients presented other non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was found in 23.45% of cases with higher prevalence in rural areas (28.30%) than urban areas (13.43%). Ischaemic heart disease accounted for 9.29% of cases with a higher prevalence in rural areas (10.38%) than in urban areas (6.71%). PPCMs accounted for 5.98% of cases, with a slight increase in urban areas (6.66%) compared with rural areas (5.68%). Rheumatic valvulopathy accounted for 2.21% of cases;2.84% in rural areas and 0.74% in urban areas. Other valvular diseases accounted for 3.76% of cases;4.73% in rural areas and 1.48% in urban areas. Right heart diseases accounted for 3.98% of cases and stroke for 1.77%. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and heart diseases is high in the rural and urban population of the town of Bougouni and its surroundings (Mali). Excepted smoking, the prevalence of other CV risk factors is higher in urban areas, whereas the prevalence of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease is higher in rural areas. These data could serve as a basis for developing tailored preventive strategies, depending on the place of residence.

Protective effects of oleic acid and polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular diseases

The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent and improve cardiovascular disease.Extra virgin olive oil(EVOO)is the typical sources of fat in the Mediterranean diet which have been shown to have noteworthy nutritional value and positive impact on human health.It is worth noting that EVOO owes its superior nutritional value to its bioactive composition.The main component of EVOO is monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFAs)in the form of oleic acid.Oleic acid accounts for up to 70%-80%of EVOO.Secondly,EVOO contains approximately more than 30 phenolic compounds,of which HT is essential for the protection against cardiovascular diseases.In this review,we focused on the potential mechanisms of oleic acid and polyphenols combat cardiovascular diseases risk in terms of oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,endothelial function and cholesterol.This review might provide a reference for the studies on cardiovascular protective effects of EVOO.

Soluble ST2:A Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiovascular Disease

The increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease(CVD)is a significant global health concern,affecting millions of individuals each year.Accurate diagnosis of acute CVD poses a formidable challenge,as misdiagnosis can significantly decrease patient survival rates.Traditional biomarkers have played a vital role in the diagnosis and prognosis of CVDs,but they can be influenced by various factors,such as age,sex,and renal function.Soluble ST2(sST2)is a novel biomarker that is closely associated with different CVDs.Its low reference change value makes it suitable for continuous measurement,unaffected by age,kidney function,and other confounding factors,facilitating risk stratification of CVDs.Furthermore,the combination of sST2 with other biomarkers can enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sST2,focusing on its diagnostic and prognostic value as a myocardial marker for different types of CVDs and discussing the current limitations of sST2.

Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Cascades in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels,primarily including coronary heart disease,stroke,and other diseases.It is the world’s leading cause of death,and its incidence is increasing yearly.Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Wnt signaling comprises a series of highly conservative cascading events controlling fundamental biological processes.Wnt signaling pathways include the canonical Wnt pathway(or Wnt/β-catenin pathway),the non canonical planar cell-polarity pathway,and the non-canonical calcium-dependent pathways.Abnormal Wnt signaling promotes cell proliferation and differentiation,cardiac malformations,various malignancies,so drugs targeting Wnt signaling play a great therapeutic potential.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke by regulating cell proliferation,migration,apoptosis,blood-brain barrier permeability,inflammation,oxidative stress,and immune response.Based on the latest research progress,this review summarizes the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cardiovascular diseases,in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases in European ethnic minorities: Beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factors

This editorial is intended to be a reflection on cardiovascular disease(CVD)burden in European ethnic minorities.In some European countries,ethnic minority realities,due to their recent appearance,are still to be studied in depth.The experience of several European countries,where the migration processes started earlier,even more than a century ago,can help by being an example.Many studies have shown that major differences in CVD burden exist not only between countries,but also within the same country when considering different social strata and ethnic groups.The CV risk factors underlying heart disease have been well established.Important epidemiological studies have helped us understand that the underlying causes of heart disease as well as the behaviors that can help prevent them are the same.We are now well aware that CVD should be treated by considering a holistic approach.This is why the social determinants(SDs)of health that may worsen the disease burden or that,vice versa,may improve the treatment,and even more significantly,the prognosis of a patient’s illness should be taken into consideration.For ethnic minority patients,this holistic,hermeneutic approach is of importance.Several SDs of health that influence CVDs have been identified but their relevance for the health of ethnic minorities has not yet been clearly defined.In some European countries,most ethnic minorities are largely also religious minorities.Only a few studies have evaluated the role of religion,which is an important SD that affects the probability of having CV risk factors and diseases.Adolescents,particularly those belonging to the second generation,seem to be the weak link.If we believe that these young people are really citizens of their country of birth,then a way of recognizing their belonging to the community starts from a will to better understand their condition,in order to assist them while they grow physically and mentally.Thinking about safeguarding the health of this population should be more than a health task,rather a goal of social justice.

Clonal hematopoiesis:a shared risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and tumors

Clonal hematopoiesis(CH)is a clonally expanded population of hematopoietic stem cells carrying somatic mutations that differentiate through multilineage hematopoiesis to form terminally differentiated mature hematopoietic cells carrying markers of the clonal mutation.Genes integral to critical cellular processes such as epigenetic regulation,DNA damage response,and inflammation frequently carry these mutations.Clonal hematopoiesis becomes increasingly prevalent with age and is associated with an increased risk of hematological tumors and some nonhematological conditions.Recent insights have revealed that the mutations driving CH are not only implicated in hematologic neoplasms but also possess the potential to influence cardiovascular pathogenesis.Here,we reviewed up-to-date findings about the roles of CH in cardiovascular diseases and tumors and explored the clinical significance of CH,as well as look forward to future related studies,so as to provide valuable references for future research and clinical practice.

Study on the Action Mechanism of Abelmoschus manihot in Treating Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

[Objectives]The targets and mechanism of Abelmoschus manihot in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were predicted based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.[Methods]UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was applied to rapidly analyze chemical components of A.manihot.Active components and potential targets of A.manihot were retrieved from TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction database.Cardio-cerebrovascular disease targets were screened using GeneCards database,and Venny 2.1.0 was employed to obtain common targets of A.manihot in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.A PPI network was constructed using String platform.The network topology of Cytoscape.3.10.2 software was used to compute and screen key targets,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was carried out in Metascape database to construct a"herb-component-target-pathway-disease"network using Cytoscape.3.10.2 software.Molecular docking was used to predict the binding properties of active ingredients and targets.[Results]The results of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS showed that 56 compounds were identified from A.manihot.The results of network pharmacological analysis showed that 54 active ingredients were screened,and 167 common targets of the A.manihot and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were identified,among which the key targets were ALB(albumin),IL6(interleukin-6),TNF(tumor necrosis factor),AKT1(serine/threonine protein kinase 1)and GAPDH(glyceraldehyde triphosphate dehydrogenase).KEGG enrichment analysis showed that key signaling pathways include pathways in cancer,lipid and atherosclerosis,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Rap1 signaling pathway,proteoglycans in cancer,HIF-1 signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway and other signaling pathways.Molecular docking results showed thatα-linolenic acid,naringenin,morin,kaempferol,myricetin,quercetin,ethyl caffeate,ellagic acid and atractyloside A might be the key components of A.manihot in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.[Conclusions]The results suggest that through the combination of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology and molecular docking methods,it was initially clarified that A.manihot can treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases through multiple components,multiple targets and multiple pathways.

Analysis of the Necessity of Stellate Ganglion Block after Anesthesia to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Accidents in Coronary Heart Disease

Objective:To adjust the sympathetic nervous system through preoperative ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block and to explore and analyze the situation and necessity of postanesthesia stellate ganglion block to reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents in coronary heart disease.Methods:80 patients with cardiovascular risk factors in Songshan Hospital of Chifeng were selected,and the time span would cover from October 2022 to June 2024,with 80 cases of elective surgery and combined coronary heart disease.They will be randomly divided into blocked groups and conventional groups,40 cases each.Conventional block was performed after anesthesia in patients in the conventional group,and planetary ganglion block was performed after anesthesia in patients in the blocked group.The cardiovascular responses of patients in the two groups were observed,and the number of intraoperative cardiovascular active drugs and the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events were recorded in patients in the two groups.Results:Analysis of the mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)values of the two groups of patients at the time points before anesthesia(T0),the moment of tracheal intubation(T1),the moment of surgical skin cutting(T2),the end of the operation(T3),and the 6h postoperative period(T4)showed that the MAP and HR of the blocked group were lower than those of the conventional group at the time points of T1 to T4,and the differences in MAP and HR values of the two groups in different time points compared with the T0 time point were statistically significant(P<0.05)and the differences in cardiovascular response(P<0.05)were statistically significant(P<0.05).significance(P<0.05).The number of intraoperative cardiovascular active drugs used in the blocked group was shorter than that in the conventional group,and the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was lower than that in the conventional group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:By implementing preoperative ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block in patients with cardiovascular risk factors,the frequency and degree of coronary heart disease symptoms will be reduced,thus reducing the risk of patients,which is worth promoting.

Negation of the negation on beta-blockers in patients with cardiovascular diseases and noncardiac surgery

The best protocol of perioperative beta-blockers remains uncertain.Previous studies have demonstrated that tight heart rate control by beta-blockers reduced perioperative myocardial ischemia and improved clinical outcomes.However,the recent studies have failed to provide evidence to support perioperative beta blockers,with potential increased mortality as showed in the POISE trial.In this paper,perioperative use of beta-blockers will be discussed,especially about the evolution of their perioperative therapeutic application and current status.

Excess cardiovascular mortality in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:A cause for concern!

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has emerged as the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide in recent years.With time,our understanding of NAFLD has evolved from an isolated liver condition to a systemic disease with significant manifestations beyond the liver.Amongst them,cardiovascular diseases(CVDs)are the most important and clinically relevant.Recent research supports a strong independent link between NALFD and CVD beyond the shared risk factors and pathophysiology.Female sex hormones are well known to not only protect against CVD in pre-menopausal females,but also contribute to improved adipose tissue function and preventing its systemic deposition.Recent research highlights the increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular-cerebral events(MACCE)amongst male with NAFLD compared to females.Further,racial variation was observed in MACCE outcomes in NAFLD,with excess mortality in the Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders compared to the other races.

Sex and racial disparities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related cardiovascular events: National inpatient sample analysis (2019)

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)increases cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk irrespective of other risk factors.However,large-scale cardiovascular sex and race differences are poorly understood.AIM To investigate the relationship between NAFLD and major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE)in subgroups using a nationally representative United States inpatient sample.METHODS We examined National Inpatient Sample(2019)to identify adult hospitalizations with NAFLD by age,sex,and race using ICD-10-CM codes.Clinical and demographic characteristics,comorbidities,and MACCE-related mortality,acute myocardial infarction(AMI),cardiac arrest,and stroke were compared in NAFLD cohorts by sex and race.Multivariable regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics,hospitalization features,and comorbidities.RESULTS We examined 409130 hospitalizations[median 55(IQR 43-66)years]with NFALD.NAFLD was more common in females(1.2%),Hispanics(2%),and Native Americans(1.9%)than whites.Females often reported non-elective admissions,Medicare enrolment,the median age of 55(IQR 42-67),and poor income.Females had higher obesity and uncomplicated diabetes but lower hypertension,hyperlipidemia,and complicated diabetes than males.Hispanics had a median age of 48(IQR 37-60),were Medicaid enrollees,and had non-elective admissions.Hispanics had greater diabetes and obesity rates than whites but lower hypertension and hyperlipidemia.MACCE,all-cause mortality,AMI,cardiac arrest,and stroke were all greater in elderly individuals(P<0.001).MACCE,AMI,and cardiac arrest were more common in men(P<0.001).Native Americans(aOR 1.64)and Asian Pacific Islanders(aOR 1.18)had higher all-cause death risks than whites.CONCLUSION Increasing age and male sex link NAFLD with adverse MACCE outcomes;Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders face higher mortality,highlighting a need for tailored interventions and care.

The association of diet quality and physical activity with cardiovascular disease and mortality in 85,545 older Australians:A longitudinal study

Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and sarcopenia:A double whammy

The prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)has increased substantially in recent years because of the global obesity pandemic.MAFLD,now recognized as the number one cause of chronic liver disease in the world,not only increases liver-related morbidity and mortality among sufferers but also worsens the complications associated with other comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease,type 2 diabetes mellitus,obstructive sleep apnoea,lipid disorders and sarcopenia.Understanding the interplay between MAFLD and these comorbidities is important to design optimal therapeutic strategies.Sarcopenia can be either part of the disease process that results in MAFLD(e.g.,obesity or adiposity)or a consequence of MAFLD,especially in the advanced stages such as fibrosis and cirrhosis.Sarcopenia can also worsen MAFLD by reducing exercise capacity and by the production of various muscle-related chemical factors.Therefore,it is crucial to thoroughly understand how we deal with these diseases,especially when they coexist.We explore the pathobiological interlinks between MAFLD and sarcopenia in this comprehensive clinical update review article and propose evidence-based therapeutic strategies to enhance patient care.

China cardiovascular diseases report 2018: an updated summary

1 Introduction Rapid socioeconomic progress has greatly affected the lifestyle in China.Consequently,owing to lifestyle changes,urbanization,and accelerated population aging,the risk of cardiovascular diseases(CVD)has increased.The incidence of CVD has been increasing continuously and this upward trend is projected to continue in the next decade.The growing burden of CVD has become a major public health issue.