https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 Alterations of placental vascular function in asthmatic pregnancies https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:1310 0.05). Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a potent vasodilator that acts via the nitric oxide pathway, caused a dose-dependent vasodilatory response in all placentae in vitro. However, CRH-induced dilation was significantly reduced in moderate and severe asthmatics (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Vasoconstrictor responses to potassium chloride and prostaglandin F2alpha were reduced in placentae from moderate and severe asthmatic women (ANOVA, p < 0.05). These studies demonstrate significant differences in placental vascular function in pregnancies complicated by asthma, which may relate directly to the asthma or be a consequence of the associated glucocorticoid treatment. These changes in vascular function in asthmatic pregnancies may contribute to the low-birthweight outcome observed in this condition.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 08:32:42 AEDT ]]> Brain volume: an important determinant of functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39002 3 ) was associated with age (β −0.3 [per 14.4 years]), male sex (β 1.0), and prior stroke (β −0.2). In the multivariable outcome model, brain volume was an independent predictor of modified Rankin Scale score (β −0.233), with reduced odds of worse long-term functional outcomes (odds ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.7-0.9) in those with larger brain volumes. Conclusion: Larger brain volume quantified on clinical magnetic resonance imaging of patients with AIS at the time of stroke purports a protective mechanism. The role of brain volume as a prognostic, protective biomarker has the potential to forge new areas of research and advance current knowledge of the mechanisms of poststroke recovery.]]> Mon 29 Jan 2024 17:46:50 AEDT ]]> Anthocyanins attenuate vascular and inflammatory responses to a high fat high energy meal challenge in overweight older adults: A cross-over, randomized, double-blind clinical trial https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:42832 2 SD 3.9) participated in a crossover, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial (registered under Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier no. ACTRN12620000437965). Participants consumed a HFHE meal with a 250 mL dose of either intervention (anthocyanins-rich Queen Garnet Plum) or control (apricot) juice. Blood samples and blood pressure measures were collected at baseline, 2 h and 4 h following the HFHE meal. Vascular and microvascular function were evaluated at baseline and 2 h after the HFHE meal. Results: Participants had a higher 2 h postprandial flow-mediated dilatation (+1.14%) and a higher microvascular post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (+0.10 perfusion units per mmHg) when allocated to the anthocyanin compared to the control arm (P = 0.019 and P = 0.049, respectively). C-reactive protein was lower 4 h postprandially in the anthocyanins (1.80 mg/L, IQR 0.90) vs control arm (2.30 mg/L, IQR 1.95) (P = 0.026), accompanied by a trend for lower concentrations of interleukin-6 (P = 0.075). No significant postprandial differences were observed between treatments for blood pressure, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, serum derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, or maximum microvascular perfusion following iontophoresis of acetylcholine. Conclusion: Fruit-based anthocyanins attenuated the potential postprandial detrimental effects of a HFHE challenge on parameters of vascular and microvascular function, and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight older adults. Anthocyanins may reduce cardiovascular risk associated with endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory responses to a typical high fat 'Western' meal. Further studies are required to better elucidate the clinical implications of postprandial biomarkers of CVD.]]> Mon 05 Sep 2022 12:31:21 AEST ]]>