Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2022) | Viewed by 23636

Special Issue Editor

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Interests: insulin resistance; diabetes; obesity; metabolic syndrome; multiple sclerosis; cardiovascular disease; cholesterol; cardiovascular epidemiology; diabetes mellitus type 2; cardiovascular genetics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally and present an increasing strain on healthcare systems. CVDs are multifactorial and often require several treatment options, including drastic lifestyle changes. Emerging research has focused on the use of novel biomarkers, such as miRNAs, to pre-empt the development of CVDs. The incidence of diabetes has increased significantly over the past 20 years and is expected to continue this upward trajectory. Cases of diabetes have been recorded in younger populations and in countries previously reporting low incidences of the disease. Prevention and treatment options are imperative to curb the rapidly increasing incidence of CVDs, especially in previously low-risk populations.

For this Special Issue, we are inviting submissions investigating novel avenues for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and complications associated with these diseases, such as kidney and liver disease. Furthermore, we are interested in the discovery of novel biomarkers and potential treatment options involving personalised or alternative medicine. We invite submissions across the field of cardiovascular disease and metabolic research, as well as reviews or commentaries.

Prof. Dr. Tandi Matsha
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • MODY
  • atherosclerosis
  • ischemia
  • cardiovascular disease therapy
  • biomarkers
  • miRNAs
  • blood pressure
  • HbA1c
  • metabolic syndrome
  • alternative medicine
  • traditional medicine

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1591 KiB  
Article
Utility of Obesity Indicators for Predicting Hypertension among Older Persons in Limpopo Province, South Africa
by Perpetua Modjadji, Mulalo Caroline Salane, Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena, Tshimangadzo Selina Mudau and Peter Modupi Mphekgwana
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12094697 - 07 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1787
Abstract
In view of the epidemic proportions of obesity in South Africa and its relationship to cardiometabolic diseases, such as hypertension, a cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the utility of obesity indicators for predicting hypertension among older persons (≥60 years, n = [...] Read more.
In view of the epidemic proportions of obesity in South Africa and its relationship to cardiometabolic diseases, such as hypertension, a cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the utility of obesity indicators for predicting hypertension among older persons (≥60 years, n = 350) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The WHO STEPwise approach was used to collect data on demographic and lifestyle factors. Anthropometrics and blood pressure were measured according to the standard procedures. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to investigate and compare the ability of obesity indicators to predict overall hypertension and either increased systolic (SBP) or increased diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to assess a certain indicator’s potential to predict overall hypertension and either increased SBP or increased DBP. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship of hypertension with obesity indicators. The mean age of the participants was 69 years (±SD = 7), and hypertension (46%), general obesity (36%) and abdominal obesity (57%) were prevalent among older persons. The obesity indicator body mass index (BMI) (AUC = 0.603 (0.52; 0.69)) was the best predictor of hypertension in older men. Waist circumference (WC) (AUC = 0.640 (0.56; 0.72)) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (AUC = 0.605 (0.52; 0.69)) were better predictors of hypertension than BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in older women. After adjustment for risk factors, only WC (AOR = 1.22 (1.16; 1.79)) was significantly associated with hypertension in older women, proposing WC as a screening tool for the prediction of hypertension in South African older women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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14 pages, 1330 KiB  
Article
The Association between the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Young Rural Adults in South Africa
by Mohlago Ablonia Seloka, Moloko Matshipi, Peter Modupi Mphekgwana and Kotsedi Daniel Monyeki
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 3015; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12063015 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1531
Abstract
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. However, lifestyle habits including high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to its onset. The current study was aimed at investigating the association between SSBs consumption and MetS components [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. However, lifestyle habits including high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to its onset. The current study was aimed at investigating the association between SSBs consumption and MetS components among young adults aged 22 to 30 years. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where a total of 596 young adults (307 females and 287 males) participated. Blood pressure, biochemical assessment, and anthropometric measurements were taken following protocols. A validated 24 h recall questionnaire and food manuals were used to collect SSBs data. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SSBs consumption and MetS components. Results: In males, high SSBs consumption increased the risk of high fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p < 0.05). In females, high and low SSBs consumption decreased the risk of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), whereas only high SSBs consumption was associated with decreased risk of high triglycerides (TG) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, high TG, reduced HDL-C and high FBG was significantly associated with high consumption of SSBs. Longitudinal studies are recommended to further investigate the extent to which SSBs influences components of MetS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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15 pages, 1026 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components among Taxi Drivers in the City of Tshwane, South Africa
by Eaglet Moditsa Mabetwa, Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena, Peter Modupi Mphekgwana and Perpetua Modjadji
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1767; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031767 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2800
Abstract
The occupation of taxi driving predisposes drivers to health risks, including obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Although individual components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are documented, data is scarce on concurrent metabolic disturbances among commercial drivers. The prevalence of MetS and its components were [...] Read more.
The occupation of taxi driving predisposes drivers to health risks, including obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Although individual components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are documented, data is scarce on concurrent metabolic disturbances among commercial drivers. The prevalence of MetS and its components were determined in a cross-sectional study among taxi drivers (n = 362) in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometry, blood pressure, and glucose were measured. MetS was defined based on BMI strata, hypertension, and glucose levels. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The mean age of taxi drivers was 42 ± 10.9 years. Overall prevalence of MetS was 17.1%, with higher prevalence observed among older taxi drivers (24.2%) and those with longer experience in the industry (22.9%). Individual components of MetS were obesity (36%), hypertension (36%) and diabetes (46%), while smoking (30%), alcohol use (59%), and physical inactivity (71%) were observed. MetS was associated with duration in the taxi industry, and family history of diabetes among taxi drivers. The presence of MetS and its components among taxi drivers calls for early identification of cardiometabolic risks in the taxi industry and efforts towards achieving a healthier workforce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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12 pages, 302 KiB  
Article
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Hypertension and Diabetes among Truck Drivers in a Logistics Company, South Africa
by Perpetua Modjadji, Morongwa Bokaba, Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena, Tshimangadzo Selina Mudau, Kotsedi Daniel Monyeki and Peter Modupi Mphekgwana
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1685; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031685 - 07 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3362
Abstract
Despite the occupational nature of truckers predisposing them to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, data is scarce on their prevalence of obesity and its association with developing hypertension (HBP) and diabetes in South Africa. Extracted from the original cross-sectional study of a sample [...] Read more.
Despite the occupational nature of truckers predisposing them to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, data is scarce on their prevalence of obesity and its association with developing hypertension (HBP) and diabetes in South Africa. Extracted from the original cross-sectional study of a sample of 312 employees in a logistics company, a census of 96 male truckers was used to determine the prevalence of obesity and its association with HBP and diabetes. WHO STEPwise approach was used to collect data, including systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and anthropometry measurements. HBP is defined as SBP/DBP ≥ 140/90 mmHg, overweight/obesity as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, abdominal obesity by waist circumference as WC ≥ 90cm, waist-to-hip-ratio as WHR ≥ 0.90, and waist-to-height ratio as WHtR ≥ 0.5. Data were analysed using SPSS 22. The mean age of truckers was 46 years, 29% were smokers, and 57% alcohol users, while 26% were physically inactive. The prevalence of overweight (44%) and obesity (30%) were observed, while abdominal obesity was high; WC (59%), WHR (65%), and WHtR (80%). HBP (57%) was prevalent and diabetes was 14%. The odds of developing HBP were high for obese truckers by WC [AOR = 4.68; CI = 1.92–11.34)] and by WHtR [AOR = 5.49 CI = 1.74–17.27), while diabetes was associated with WHR (AOR = 1.19; CI = 1.19–31.21). This study showed an associative link between obesity, HBP, and diabetes among the truckers, which is informative for a relevant prevention programme tailored to their needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
15 pages, 3900 KiB  
Article
Cardioprotective Mechanisms of Interrupted Anesthetic Preconditioning with Sevoflurane in the Setting of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats
by Mihaela Roxana Popescu, Bogdan Pavel, Gheorghita Isvoranu, Laura Cristina Ceafalan, Anca Maria Panaitescu, Ruxandra Irina Sava, Adelina Vlad and Leon Zagrean
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1476; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031476 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2069
Abstract
Background: Anesthetic preconditioning (AP) is known to mimic ischemic preconditioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an interrupted sevoflurane administration protocol on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 60) were ventilated for 30 [...] Read more.
Background: Anesthetic preconditioning (AP) is known to mimic ischemic preconditioning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an interrupted sevoflurane administration protocol on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: Male Wistar rats (n = 60) were ventilated for 30 min with room air (control group, CG) or with a mixture of air and sevoflurane (1 minimum alveolar concentration—MAC) in 5-min cycles, alternating with 5-min wash-out periods (preconditioned groups). Cytokines implicated in the AP response were measured. An (I/R) lesion was produced immediately after the sham intervention (CG) and preconditioning protocol (early AP group, EAPG) or 24 h after the intervention (late AP group, LAPG). The area of fibrosis, the degree of apoptosis and the number of c-kit+ cells was estimated for each group. Results: Cytokine levels were increased post AP. The area of fibrosis decreased in both EAPG and LAPG compared to the CG (p < 0.0001). When compared to the CG, the degree of apoptosis was reduced in both LAPG (p = 0.006) and EAPG (p = 0.007) and the number of c-kit+ cells was the greatest for the LAPG (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Sevoflurane preconditioning, using an interrupted anesthesia protocol, is efficient in myocardial protection and could be beneficial to reduce perioperative or periprocedural ischemia in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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14 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
Novel Whole Blood MicroRNAs Predicting Chronic Kidney Disease in South Africans with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus
by Dipuo D. Motshwari, Cindy George, Don M. Matshazi, Cecil J. Weale, Saarah F. G. Davids, Rajiv T. Erasmus, Andre P. Kengne and Tandi E. Matsha
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7674; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167674 - 20 Aug 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1651
Abstract
The asymptomatic nature of and lack of effective early-stage diagnostic tools in CKD, predisposes individuals to the risk of end-stage CKD and related complications. Whole blood microRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential for CKD risk screening. We evaluated the expression profile of six novel [...] Read more.
The asymptomatic nature of and lack of effective early-stage diagnostic tools in CKD, predisposes individuals to the risk of end-stage CKD and related complications. Whole blood microRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential for CKD risk screening. We evaluated the expression profile of six novel whole blood miRNAs as well as their ability to predict prevalent CKD in individuals with hypertension and/or diabetes. We included 911 individuals with hypertension and/or diabetes, of which 18.8% had prevalent CKD. The miRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Five of the six miRNAs, namely hsa-miR-novel-chr1_36178, hsa-miR-novel-chr2_55842, hsa-miR-novel-chr7_76196, hsa-miR-novel-chr5_67265, and hsa-miR-novel-chr13_13519, were significantly increased in people with CKD (all p < 0.028). Only the increased expression of hsa-miR-novel-chr2_55842 and hsa-miR-novel-chr7_76196 were independently associated with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (both p ≤ 0.038), while all the analyzed miRNAs were positively associated with prevalent CKD (all p ≤ 0.038). All the blood miRNAs were acceptable predictors of CKD (C-statistic > 0.7 for all), with similar predictive capacity (p = 0.202). However, hsa-miR-novel-chr13_13519 added to CKD prediction beyond conventional factors (p = 0.040). Novel whole blood miRNAs showed an acceptable discriminative power to predict prevalent CKD; thereby suggesting the potential use of these miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-novel-chr13_13519, in clinical practice as a screening tool for CKD in high-risk individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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Review

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19 pages, 334 KiB  
Review
Impact of Nutraceuticals on Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Micro- and Macrovasculopathies
by Philanathi Mabena, Thandi M. D. Fasemore and Pilani Nkomozepi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 64; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app14010064 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1249
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the most serious non-communicable diseases, has long-term negative effects on the healthcare system due to its microvascular and macrovascular manifestations, which can be fatal if left untreated. Nutraceuticals, on the other hand, are alternative therapy choices of orally [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the most serious non-communicable diseases, has long-term negative effects on the healthcare system due to its microvascular and macrovascular manifestations, which can be fatal if left untreated. Nutraceuticals, on the other hand, are alternative therapy choices of orally consumed natural food ingredients applicable in the management of several diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Through their antioxidant capabilities and bioactive components, nutraceuticals have been clinically demonstrated to be effective in preventing a number of ailments, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems. Flavonoids, which are categorized as phytochemicals, are present in several of these nutraceuticals. Cocoa, one of the flavanols engaged in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, provides an additional non-pharmaceutical intervention in the management of diabetes mellitus, which, in part, is because of its high antioxidant capacity. Additionally, flavonoids improve insulin resistance and sensitivity, dyslipidemia, endothelial function, and blood pressure, as well as lower oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. As a result, they may be able to stop the progression of long-term vascular consequences of diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Therefore, the effects of nutraceuticals (as an alternative treatment) on diabetic-related micro- and macrovascular problems are the main focus of this review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
11 pages, 305 KiB  
Review
Diagnosis and Treatment of MODY: An Updated Mini Review
by Abegail Tshivhase, Tandi Matsha and Shanel Raghubeer
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9436; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11209436 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 8069
Abstract
Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is the most common form of monogenic diabetes resulting from a single gene mutation. It is characterized by mild hyperglycemia, autosomal dominant inheritance, early onset of diabetes (<25 years), insulin resistance, and preservation of endogenous insulin secretion. [...] Read more.
Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is the most common form of monogenic diabetes resulting from a single gene mutation. It is characterized by mild hyperglycemia, autosomal dominant inheritance, early onset of diabetes (<25 years), insulin resistance, and preservation of endogenous insulin secretion. Currently, 14 MODY subtypes have been identified, with differences in incidence, clinical features, diabetes severity and related complications, and treatment response. This type of diabetes is mostly misdiagnosed as either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus because it is difficult to differentiate between these forms of diabetes due to clinical similarities, the high cost of genetic testing, and lack of awareness. As a result, thousands of patients are not receiving appropriate treatment. Accurate diagnosis would allow for more effective therapeutic management and treatment strategies that are distinct from those used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This review serves to explore MODY subtypes, diagnosis, and treatment, and increase awareness of MODY incidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatments of Cardiovascular Diseases)
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